in PDF

Issue No. 3 | Nov - Dec 2011
Escape
Explore
Excite
by
Find out the charms
behind the cities of love
Contents
2 Love in Europe
Living the dream and falling head over
heels in love with the most romantic cities
8 Greece
Discover the ancient beauty
10 Amsterdam
Unleash your freedom
12 Switzerland
The allure of one of the richest countries in
the world
14 Germany
Where history, art & culinary meet
16 Pack Smart
Be a pro at packing light with these useful
tips!
17 Top 10 Romantic
Attractions
We shortlisted ten places that make you
want to fall in love
24 Our Recommendations
Embrace Europe with packages from
Trafalgar, Insight Vacations & Contiki
26 Hotel Deals
Fabulous accommodations just for you!
Photos credit to Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board (ATCB), www.MySwitzerland.com, German National Tourist Board (GNTB)
Editor’s Note
Seated outside a quaint café along Avenue des
Champs-Élysées, I slowly sipped my strongly-brewed
Caffè Latte and enjoyed watching people stroll past. It
felt as if time had come to a beautiful standstill.
Europe, the continent of romance, has so much to offer
to its visitors. From its fairy-tale castles to the cultural
medieval buildings and the beautiful Alps, the charms
of Europe will never fail to mesmerise me, and you.
As the year-end festive season approaches, this
edition of E3 will be your amazing window to Europe.
Check out our pick of the top ten most romantic spots
in Europe. This edition also features an article written
by one of our beloved fans who describes her real-life
experiences of her Europe travel.
Cover Photo:
Louvre Museum, Paris
Picture copyright by New Shan
E3 is the Online Travel Magazine of
New Shan Travel Service Pte Ltd.
Copyright © 2011
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part
without permission is prohibited.
“Merci”, I thanked the helpful waiter who had just
refilled my cup. It is time again to immerse myself in
my favourite story book amidst a world of love and
romance. I will leave you to be allured by the content
of this edition.
Au revoir.
A fellow avid traveler,
Joe
1
Love in Europe
When you think of Europe, you picture the various notable cities,
from the most romantic city of Paris to the breathtaking Swiss
Alps, beautiful Florence and the Eternal City of Rome. The places
to visit are endless, each filled with its own cultural beauty and
diversity.
Photos and content contributed by Ida Chia
2
Love lockets on the Pont des Arts Bridge
Beautiful view from the Pont des Arts Bridge
Cycling in Paris is a must-try!
Panoramic view from Notre Dame Cathedral
E
urope has always been a dream destination for me and
I had the opportunity to live the dream when I travelled
across the globe to meet my boyfriend, who was then
studying in UK.
Summer in Europe was lovely and great, and with the sun
setting at 9pm every night, the opportunity presented us
with an abundance of chances to explore every possible
corner during the long daylight hours.
Paris, France - Shopping is usually a must for ladies and
what better place to shop than the Galeries Lafayette and
the chic boutiques of the Champs-Élysées, where you can
explore beautiful statues and monuments. A visit to this
romantic city would not be complete without a visit to the
iconic Eiffel Tower.
It was the first Sunday of the month and the Louvre
Museum was opened to the public for free. The queue was
so long that we decided to forgo the idea and instead we
took a slow stroll along the Pont des Arts Bridge towards
the glorious Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Notre Dame Cathedral
Love @ Eiffel
The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting in cafes to
people-watch and cycling around Paris - a great way to feel
the pulse of Paris and to get up close to some of its finest
monuments. It was so romantic and refreshing at the same
time. We cycled past Eiffel Tower; the Seine River where
there was a man-made beach to Napoléon's Tomb, Musée
d'Orsay, Tuileries Gardens (the former royal garden) to the
Alexander III Bridge.
We spent our last night in Paris taking a romantic stroll,
hand in hand, around the Eiffel tower and watching a cabaret live musical show to take in all that Paris had to offer.
Lucerne, Switzerland - An amazing place to visit. Every
spot is a picture-perfect opportunity, from Lake Lucerne to
the surrounding mountains. The view will simply take your
breath away.
We started the day with a morning walk to explore the
quaint town of Lucerne and the market around Chapel
Bridge. Seeing the locals go about their daily marketing,
Cows around the steep slopes of Mt. Rigi
3
Motherland of Rosti & Sausage. Other must-try
food includes the Cheese Fondue
Chapel Bridge with beautiful swans
Flowers with the Swiss flag on Mt. Rigi
from getting fresh seafood from the local fish
market and buying fresh and beautiful flowers, to picking the best cheese and locallyproduced vegetables, was indeed a great way
to immerse yourself in the beautiful environment and enjoy the slow pace of the life of the
locals.
After the walk, we took a boat ride across the
pristine waters of Lake Lucerne and hopped
onto the tram up to Mt. Rigi.
Pisa, Italy - The Leaning Tower is one of the
most remarkable architectural structures from
the medieval Europe period that is still standing today. The tower is one of the four buildings that make up the cathedral complex
called Campo dei Miracoli (‘Field of Miracles’)
or Piazza dei Miracoli (‘Square of Miracles’).
Florence, Italy - The city, which was declared
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, is a
major centre rich in historical roots and the
arts. We started the day walking around and
admiring unique beautiful buildings and the
many amazing churches. We passed by the
magnificent Duomo (‘Florence Cathedral’)
and crossed the beautiful Ponte Vecchio
bridge, admiring past legacies of legends
such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
This is a city that is home to around one-third
4
Signature pose at Pisa
Michelangelo statue
Alluring home-cooked al dente pasta
Beautiful family-run winery
Vicinity of Piazza della Signoria in Florence
Irresistible yummy gelatos
Enjoying the art of drinking wine
of the world's great art treasures. The rest of the afternoon
was spent shopping for Italian leather goods for which
Florence is very famous for, and enjoying yummy gelatos in
the perfect summer weather.
In the evening, we set off for the Tuscan Hills countryside for
a wine tour.
Tuscany is home to some of the oldest wine-producing
regions in the world. We explored the winery, listened to
the owner telling us about the process of wine-making, and
enjoyed a fabulous day learning the art of drinking wine.
We enjoyed an al fresco dinner of home-cooked delights
coupled with remarkable Italian wine.
We ended the evening by enjoying a breathtaking sunset
view from the Piazzale Michelangelo on a hilltop with magnificent panoramic views of Florence.
Rome, Italy - We were very excited to finally reach Rome as
it is home to the famous Vatican and 2,000 years of history,
not to mention a stunning array of sights and historical
sites. It is a city where the ancient and modern intertwine,
and undoubtedly one of the world's great destinations!
Must-see sights include the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain,
towering Victor Emmanuel II Monument and Pantheon, to
name a few.
At the Trevi Fountain, there is a legend that one must toss a
coin over your right shoulder. The first toss signifies good
luck and health. Second toss is to bring you back to Rome
and the third toss is for marriage within the year. Guess how
many coins we tossed into the Trevi Fountain?
Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the
Roman Empire and was completed in AD 80. Known as the
Flavian Amphitheater originally, it was the largest building
of its era. The structure has fallen into ruins, but even today
it remains a beautiful sight.
The next stop was the Vatican City, which is considered a
different country altogether. It houses many paintings and art
pieces that date back to thousands of years and are still in
good condition. The Vatican Museums are the world’s second
largest museum and one of the highlights is the Sistine
Chapel in the Vatican. The ceiling in the chapel was free-hand
painted by Michelangelo and other famous painters. No
superlative could describe my admiration of the fine artwork.
5
The Colosseum, a must-visit for fans of the
movie, Gladiator
At the Trevi Fountain
Inside the Colosseum
Pantheon, which houses Roman’s ancient Gods
The famous Pieta by Michelangelo
Exterior of Vatican Museums
Breathtaking sunset view overlooking beautiful Florence
6
Beautiful paintings
Venice, Italy - A city consisting of an array of small islands,
interconnected by countless beautiful bridges. Venice is the
one and only unique place on earth where you navigate
your way around by using a network of canals.
We walked through quaint alleyways across piazzas and
admired the colourful houses along the canals and at the
same time, mesmerized by the gondolas, bridges and
canals.
Gondola rides in Venice is a must-try. We sailed through the
Grand Canal and soaked in the romance of Venice. Seeing
the city from a gondola, which is being maneuvered about
in these small canals by a handsome Venetian man with
only a gondola stick was a beautiful experience.
We visited a local lace school and admired the delicate
masterpieces created by the locals, and we learnt about the
time and effort put into the handmade sewn laces. We
finished our walk in St Mark's Square with its magnificent
basilica and the rest of the evening was spent getting lost in
the endless alleys of beautiful Venice.
Tyrol, Austria - This destination did not pop up immediately
to us when we first reviewed the places to go in Europe. But
surprisingly, after a visit to Austria, this place ranked as one
of my personal top destinations to visit in Europe.
Being a Singaporean, I craved for the quiet and scenic ideals
of a holiday and Austria proved to be a perfect choice with
its quiet, stunning Alpine scenery.
We opted for paragliding and after seeing how the gliders
came down one after another, I got really scared and skeptical about going ahead with the idea. Luckily, my boyfriend
managed to calm my nerves and although my legs were all
‘jelly’ just before takeoff, once I was up in the air, the experience was really unbelievable. The view from up above is
guaranteed to take your breath away and the experience
will be totally worth it.
To sum up our amazing Europe holidays in a few pages
would be doing injustice to the fun we had experienced.
You have to travel to Europe to discover the various gems of
individual countries. Try the different cuisines, meet friendly
locals, and see and feel a different world of its own. Visit
Europe, for an experience of a lifetime. E3
*The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of the writer and do not represent the views of New Shan Travel.
Romantic gondola ride at sunset
Tyrol’s magnificent landscapes
Preparing for our paragliding experience!
An unbelievable experience! It was really so fun and you would really feel
like a bird with astonishing views
7
Parthenon
A place that offers the historical Greek civilization,
myriad experiences and beautiful landscapes. Walk
through this magical country from archaeological sites
to clusters of islands and beaches. Now, explore this
gem of treasure – Greece.
Be captivated by this little island, MYKONOS, an island
part of the Cyclades. It attracts cosmopolitan tourists
with its beautiful beaches, whitewashed cube house,
windmills and PARAPORTIANI church. Paraportiani
church, which literally means “Our Lady of the Side
Gate”, consists of 5 different churches. This unique
combination of 5 different churches with different
architectural styles makes it one of the many tourist
attractions.
Moving out of the magical island, explore the largest
city of Greece - ATHENS. There are numerous majestic
structures that mark the Ancient Greek civilization. Get
8
Temple of Zeus
ready for your archaeological site-visits and open up the
fascinating history of Athens.
The TEMPLE OF ZEUS is an ancient temple in Olympia.
This is named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
World with its significant construction that was
completed before 456BC. Situated in a prominent
location, the temple has an excellent view of the
Acropolis. It was originally 96 metres long, 40 meters wide
and inside the temple sat a gigantic status of Zeus but
due to the earthquakes in AD 551 and 552, it does not
exist anymore. Today, only 15 columns stand upright
instead of the temple’s original 104 marble pillars.
Standing atop the Acropolis of Athens is the most
renowned temple PARTHENON. It is considered to be
one of the finest monuments reflecting the Doric style.
The unique and innovative structure and sculptures
presented the high peak of Greek art. Hence, it is
Windmills of Mykonos
Pom-Pom Parade at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
represented as one of the world’s greatest
cultural monuments as well as the symbol
of Athenian democracy that had attracted
many tourists for a visit.
SYNTAGMA SQUARE, the heart of Athens
in political and geographical terms. The
square is accessible to many of the main
attractions in Athens and many of the city’s
popular streets begin at the square too. In
the Parliament forecourt, there is a monument, the TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN
SOLDIER. Presidential guards, named
Evzones, guard the tomb and they will
perform an hourly Pom-Pom Parade, a
shift-changing ceremony. E3
Paraportiani
Syntagma Square
9
Zaanse Schans
Nati
Unleash your freedom,
Amsterdam
Experience a day, back to the 17th century
Golden Age, of the Dutch’s lifestyle in ZAANSE
SCHANS, a town in North Holland. Immerse in
this scenic town with the authentic houses,
pewter factory, cheese and dairy farm, clog
workshop and those remarkable windmills.
DAM SQUARE, located in the heart of
Amsterdam. The name is derived from a dam
that was constructed in the 13th century around
the river Amstel as a flood precaution. Today,
the Dam has become a bustling square, jostling
with locals and tourists.
Traditional houses in Zaanse Schans
Along one side of the street is the home for
artists where street performances and events go
as far as the eye can see. Take your time to
enjoy the various performances up on offer as
you stroll down the street.
At Dam Square, also visit other attractions such
as MADAME TUSSAUDS, the world-renowned
wax museum, NIEUWE KERK (New Church), for
important exhibitions and DE BIJENKORF, a
well-known departmental store for shopping
and across Dam Square, where the NATIONAL
10
Dam Square
MONUMENT stands to commemorate Dutch
soldiers who were killed in World War II.
ROYAL PALACE, the 17th century royal palace
that used to be the home of the Dutch Royal
Family, is now used to hold official receptions.
ional Monument
RIJKSMUSEUM, the largest museum which
possesses about 7 million works of art. The
collections consist of Dutch art, religious works
and masterworks of the Golden Era. Some of
the famous paintings not to be missed are St.
Elizabeth’s Day Flood, The Night Watch, The
Jewish Bride, etc. Other than Rijksmuseum, also
visit VAN GOGH MUSEUM that exhibits mainly
works by the famous Dutch painter, Vincent Van
Gogh. His famous collections include Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, A Pair of Shoes and many
more. Besides Van Gogh’s collection, it also
houses other works by contemporary artists.
De Bijenkorf
Rijksmuseum
Interior of Van Gogh Museum
RED LIGHT DISTRICT is named after the red fluorescent lights
occupying the oldest quarter of Amsterdam. This sleazy street is
getting so popular that it has become a tourist attraction and
even women visit it without hesitation. Amsterdam is a city
where prostitution is legal and great tolerance is shown towards
this profession. Along the street, prostitutes stand behind
windows of rooms, which are known as “Window brothels”, to
attract men on the street. Besides brothels, there are also many
sex shops, peep shows and a sex museum. When patronizing
Red Light District, keep in mind that there is strictly no phototaking of the women in the window brothels and not to mess
around with the drug-dealers. Beware of pickpockets and keep
an eye on your personal belongings.
Red Light District is not only about prostitution, there are also
many other shops and fabulous restaurants.
Red Light District
Photos credit to Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board (ATCB)
Spend some time admiring this city. From the architecture of the
old buildings to the long narrow streets and even to the canal,
Amsterdam is all charm from every angle. E3
11
Chapel Bridge
Rotair cable car
Switzerland has some of the most impressive sceneries
in Europe. A politically stable country, it is well-known
for its pristine lakes and mountains, and charming
cities with a blend of the past and contemporary times.
Enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes and urban
views while indulging in Swiss chocolate with your
loved ones.
Engelberg
Mount Titlis
Steamer cruise on Lake Lucerne
St. Pierre Cathedral
Old town of Geneva
12
The Allure of
LUCERNE exudes an old charm with its cobbled streets
and medieval-styled surroundings, coupled with the
romantic Chapel Bridge. It is the world’s oldest
covered wooden bridge which dates back to year 1332.
It leads to the actual landmark of Lucerne, the
octagonal Water Tower. A must-visit while in Lucerne
is Engelberg, a village that houses Mount Titlis. Go on
a ride on the Rotair cable car that offers one of the
most panoramic views of mountain peaks and glaciers.
During the last 600m of the ascent the gondola lift
revolves once by 360 degrees, giving visitors an
unrestricted, spectacular 360-degree view of the alpine
landscape. After enjoying the scenery high up, you can
board a steamer cruise on the shimmering Lake
Lucerne. Dubbed ‘the heart of Switzerland’, it is dotted
with scenic hillsides, meadows, woods and mountains.
GENEVA is a worldwide center for diplomacy and
international cooperation, but do not be quick to label
the city as merely a corporate hub. It is a charming
cosmopolitan city that has much more to offer. Visit
the picturesque old town of Geneva (La Vieille Ville),
characterized by its cobblestone, narrow streets, and
sidewalk cafes. One of the world’s most famous
cathedrals can be found here. St. Pierre Cathedral is a
beautiful 12th century structure that is perched on a
hilltop with a fabulous panorama overlooking the city
Chateau de Chillon
Zytglogge clock in the background
Switzerland
and the lake. Another famous historical monument is
Chateau de Chillon. Located on the shore of Lake
Geneva with the Alps as the romantic backdrop, the
1,000 year old castle is one of the most iconic and
photogenic castles in Switzerland. Tour the castle while
sipping Clos de Chillon, a wine brewed within the
castle.
BERN, capital of Switzerland, is known for its charming
architecture and picturesque layout. It is a city of
superlatives; most beautiful flower city of Europe,
birthplace of Einstein’s relativity theory and cradle of
Toblerone chocolate. The historic district is connected
with the newer ones by bridges. Listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1983, the Old Town of Bern is
an excellent example of incorporating the modern world
into a medieval city. One of the most significant
landmarks is Zytglogge. The astronomical clock was
built in 1530. It served as the city’s main clock and thus
had an authoritative function in Bern. Standard units of
length are displayed for the public in the arch of the gate.
Another symbol of Bern is Bear. Legend has it that it
was the first animal caught by city founder Berchtold V.
von Zähringen during a hunting expedition in the area.
BearPark is a place not to be missed. It is a special
experience for visitors of all ages, with paths designed
through the park at such proximity that you can watch
the bears play, bathe and climb right in front of you.
Complete your Bern trip strolling through
Rosengarten, a large park with splendid view of the
Old Town and Aare Loop. It is home to 220 different
types of roses and also other types of flowers. A picnic
in the park surrounded by the rich beauty of flowers perfect way to spend the afternoon! E3
Photos credit to www.MySwitzerland.com, Genève Tourisme
Bern, flower city of Europe
City view of Bern
BearPark
View from St. Pierre Cathedral
Old town of Bern
13
Germany
Suffering
from
withdrawal
syndrome
of
Oktoberfest?
Explore the country of origin
where it all started and discover
the intriguing arts and history
hidden within the country. Learn
more about the art and culture of
the country that is famous for
classical music; visit the renowned
UNESCO World Heritage sites
and discover the true meaning of
German gemütlichkeit (the idea
of coziness which translates to
Germans’ way of life enjoyment)
with good food and wine!
ART & CULTURE:
where history, art and culinary meet
used for events and festivals like
dinner banquets, balls and theatre
performances. In summer, the Heidelberg Castle Festival is held in the
courtyard with open-air musicals,
operas and classic concerts such as
the
Berlin Museum Island
The island is home to precious
famous
“Castle
Serenades”
performed by the Heidelberg City
Orchestra. Immerse in the captivating
music within the beautiful castle walls!
artifacts with 6,000 years of history.
The five museums represent the
evolution of approaches to museum
design during the 20th century. The
unique ensemble of museum build-
ings earned the island the honor of
being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be awed by the museum’s
collections, which trace the develop-
ment of civilizations throughout the
ages, while admiring the architectural
UNESCO WORLD
HERITAGE:
quality of the buildings.
Germanic National
Museum, Nuremberg
If you think that museums are boring,
think
again.
Germanic
National
Wurzburg Residence
Palace
Museum is one of Europe’s largest and
greatest museums. This is one museum
that is entertaining and it inspires
This magnificent Baroque palace, one of
imagination, discovery and learning.
the largest and most beautiful in
Enjoy a fascinating voyage through
history, arts and culture.
Germany, was the former residence of
Germanic
the prince bishops of Wurzburg. A walk
National Museum offers free admission
through the palace gardens offers a
on every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm.
chance to enjoy art and nature at its best.
Heidelberg Castle Festival
The epitome of German Romanticism,
Heidelberg
Castle’s
majestic
ruins
reflect the power and magnificence of
the
14
Wittelsbach
dynasty,
former
residents of the castle. The King’s Hall is
Oktoberfest
Christian belief in ancient and modern
European times.
Town Hall and Roland
on the Marketplace
of Bremen
The origin of beer gardens started in
Munich, and has since gained popularity elsewhere in the world. It is a beer
festival that starts from late September
to first week of October and is an
important part of Bavarian culture. This
festival is the perfect opportunity to
chill out over beer and delicacies with
great company! You will also be able to
witness a colorful parade of traditional
costumes, musical bands and dancers.
GEMÜTLICHKEIT:
The Town Hall and statue of Roland are
outstanding representatives of civic
and sovereignty, as these developed in
the Holy Roman Empire in Europe. The
old town hall was built with a gothic
style in the early 15th century. The
Bremen Roland statue is a symbol of
rights and freedom.
Baden-Wurttemberg
This is the region of Germany with the
most star-rated restaurants and that
enjoys long hours of daylight, ideal to
satisfy your taste buds! Sip a pinot gris
(white wine grape) in the Kaiserstuhl
hills, order a freshly-caught whitefish
in an inn by Lake Constance, or savor
delectable food in the valleys of the
Black Forest. If you are a foodie, you
won’t
regret
Germany!
Cologne Cathedral
Construction of this gothic masterpiece begun in 1248 and was finally
completed in 1880. It has the largest
visiting
southwest
German wines
Sunny slopes surround delightful wine
villages in Germany. Wineries are small
in scale and operate mostly by hand
instead of machines. This is evident in
the premium quality of the wines and
also adds to the idyllic charm of the
countryside. A recommended winery is
Rheinhessen, the largest of 13 German
wine regions. The romantic Rhine
Valley also hosts fascinating winery
tours. Appreciate the high quality wines
in the vast vineyards.
exterior surface of any church in the
world and is flanked by two huge
towers, each 157m high. The cathedral
houses a wealth of important art
treasures and is a powerful testimony
of the strength and persistence of
Photos credit to German National Tourist Board (GNTB)
15
Pack
Smart!
With so many awesome places to
visit in Europe, you will find yourself
constantly on the move. What better
way to prepare yourself and enjoy the
trip thoroughly than to pack light? Not
to mention the hassle of repacking
your overweight luggage at the
airport’s check-in counter. These
reasons would make you think twice
about throwing that extra pair of shoes
(just to match a dress, which may be
unnecessary too) into your overflowing
baggage!
to B. Before you can start exploring the
amazing places you have heard so
much about, half of your energy is
already drained. Besides, with a lightweight baggage, you can enjoy greater
flexibility when taking public transportation, and at the same time save costs
and environment, compared to hailing
a cab!
ones or the must-buy local delicacies.
It’s wise and logical to leave some
space to accommodate these extra
loots, no?
your trip will ensure that you won’t
over pack more clothes than you need.
to be stolen, less to pack and unpack in
Mix and match your clothing to avoid
hotels, doesn’t your vacation sound
having 5 pairs of jeans for your 5D4N
relaxing already? Here are some tips
itinerary. Additional tip: fold and roll
on how to pack light.
your clothes to make more room for
others.
KNOW THE WEATHER: Check the
climate of your destination to avoid
TRAVEL-SIZED NECESSITIES: Get a
bringing unnecessary clothing (read:
set of toiletries in travel size or if you
overcoat in summer). Winter wear carry
are easy with any brand, most hotels
the most weight, but you can save
do provide them. But if you are
space by vacuum-packing them; put
particular about using your own
them in plastic bags and suck the air
favorite brand, just transfer them into
out with a vacuum cleaner to make
small containers. This applies for skinthem tight and thin.
care products. It’s easier to purchase a
OUTFIT OF THE DAY: Planning what set of travel-sized skincare than to haul
to wear from day one to the last day of a heavy luggage filled with bulky
beauty products. You will be surprised
by how much weight and space you
can save.
SECURITY: Less baggage means you
have fewer belongings to keep track of
and less likely to lose them to theft or
damage them. You can stop worrying
whether you have missed out anything
ROOM FOR MORE: It doesn’t matter
and start enjoying your vacation.
whether shopping is in your list of
FLEXIBILITY: Imagine trying to lug a things-to-do, your load will likely
handful of heavy luggage from point A increase with souvenirs for your loved
With less to lose, less to wait for, less
16
TIME-SAVING: The pain of waiting for
your luggage to appear on the
conveyor belt and panicking when one
doesn’t appear - a scenario that most
of us have gone through before. Or the
time spent unpacking and packing
your excessive belongings in hotels.
Why not save precious time and enjoy
your vacation more?
PACK OUTSIDE YOUR BAG: Make a
checklist, gather all the items and lay
them out. If you pack directly into your
luggage, you will be tempted to throw
in extra items. Once you have made
the final edit and removed the extras,
you will find yourself with a lightweight
yet sufficient baggage!
Remember this when packing your
suitcase for your next vacation: Trip
enjoyment is inversely proportionate
to the amount of redundant stuff you
bring with you!
Eiffel Tower, Paris
You can’t possibly visit Paris
without
seeing
the
Eiffel
Tower. Standing at a height of
more than 300m, the tallest
structure in Paris exudes a
dream-like magnetism that
draws tourists from all over
the world.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Louvre Museum, Paris

Seine River, Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Venice

Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Santorini, Greece

Florence Cathedral, Florence

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
17
Louvre Museum, Paris
The world’s largest museum, a central landmark of Paris, exhibits a wide range of
artworks such as paintings, antiques, sculptures and even royal treasures. Immerse in the
intriguing tales behind each artwork and be
lost in a world of history and love stories.
18
Seine River, Paris
Take a stroll alongside Seine River
through the streets of Paris. Or
spend a romantic moment on a boat,
cruising down the enchanting river.
Notre Dame
Cathedral, Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral is one
of the finest French Gothic
architectures with its beautiful
stained glass and sculptures.
19
Venice
The romantic charm befalls this city of dreams. Be
enthralled by the beautiful sceneries,
architectures and artworks of this city, which is
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a
gondola ride along the canals to enjoy what
Venice has to offer.
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence
A popular spot among the locals and tourists with a magnificent
panoramic view of Florence, Italy. Situated on a hillside, it offers
a breathtaking view of Florence’s skyline.
20
Trevi Fountain, Rome
“Throw a coin into the fountain and you will
return to Rome one day” – a legend behind this
largest and most renowned Baroque fountain.
21
Santorini, Greece
One of the world's best islands. Enjoy a most romantic
sunset moment with a panoramic view of hotels and
whitewashed cube-shaped houses nestled on cliffs above the
shimmering Aegean Sea.
22
Florence Cathedral,
Florence
Located in Piazza del Duomo,
the
cathedral
complex,
together with Baptistery and
Giotto’s Campanile, is part of
the UNESCO World Heritage
site.
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered
wooden bridge with the Water Tower.
Be mesmerized by the dazzling
scenery especially at dusk.
Photo credit to www.MySwitzerland.com
23
Our Recommendations
8D European Dream
Itinerary
TRAFALGAR
Rome > Venice > Milan > St Gotthard > Lucerne > Basel > Paris
Day 1: Arrive Rome
Day 2: Rome sightseeing & free time
Day 3: Rome - Venice
Day 4: Venice sightseeing - Milan
Day 5: Milan - St Gotthard - Lucerne
Day 6: Lucerne - Basel - Paris
Day 7: Paris sightseeing & free time
Day 8: Paris - London
2011 Departures:
Every Friday from Nov 4 up to and including Dec 30
2012 Departures:
Jan 13, 27
Feb 10, 24
Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 29
from
US$1,798
Contact us at:
6546 7333
*Quote ‘E3EU1’ for 12% discount off land tours. Valid till end of Nov.
*Prices quoted exclude all applicable taxes. T&Cs apply.
12D European Whirl
Itinerary
Day 1: London - Amsterdam
Day 2: Amsterdam - Rhine Cruise - Mannheim
Day 3: Mannheim - Heidelberg - Munich - Innsbruck
Day 4: Innsbruck - Brenner Pass - Venice
Day 5: Venice - Rome
Day 6: Rome sightseeing & free time
Day 7: Rome - Florence
Day 8: Florence - Gotthard Drive - Lucerne
Day 9: Lucerne orientation & free time
Day 10: Lucerne - Basel - Paris
Day 11: Paris sightseeing & free time
Day 12: Paris - London
TRAFALGAR
Amsterdam > Rhine Cruise > Mannheim > Heidelberg > Munich >
Innsbruck > Brenner Pass > Venice > Rome > Florence >
Gotthard Drive > Lucerne > Basel > Paris
2011 Departures:
Every Tue from Nov 1 up to and including Dec 6, 11, 21, 27
2012 Departures:
Jan 3, 17, 31
Feb 14, 28
Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with
extended leg room and onboard restroom
• First class hotels with all service charges, taxes
and porterage
• Insight Traveller document wallet, Welcome
on Tour book and information pack
• Airport arrival and departure transfers at
scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 9
Quality Dining:
• Highlight dinner in Innsbruck at a Tyrolean
restaurant
• 8 buffet breakfast, 3 three-course table d’hote
dinner, or buffet
• 1 festive celebration dinner for departures on
tour for Christmas & New Year’s Eve
24
US$2,550
Contact us at:
6546 7333
*Quote ‘E3EU1’ for 12% discount off land tours. Valid till end of Nov.
*Prices quoted exclude all applicable taxes. T&Cs apply.
9D Winter Wonderland with Christmas Markets
First Class Services:
from
INSIGHT VACATIONS
Frankfurt > Rothenburg > Munich > Salzburg > Innsbruck >
Liechtenstein > Lucerne > Heidelberg
2011 Departures:
Every Mon, Wed & Sat from Nov 26 up to and
including Dec 21, 27 except for Dec 17
2012 Departures:
Every alternate Saturday
from Jan 14 to Mar 24
from
US$1,950
*Quote ‘E3EU1’ for 12% discount off land tours. Valid till end of Nov.
*Prices quoted exclude all applicable taxes. T&Cs apply.
Contact us at:
6546 7333
7D Vienna, Prague & Budapest with Christmas Markets INSIGHT VACATIONS
First Class Services:
• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with
extended leg room and onboard restroom
• First class hotels with all service charges, taxes
and porterage
• Insight Traveller document wallet, Welcome
on Tour book and information pack
• Airport arrival and departure transfers at
scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 7
Quality Dining:
• Highlight dinner in Vienna at a local restaurant
• 6 buffet breakfast, 2 three-course table d’hote
dinner, or buffet
• 1 festive celebration dinner for departure on
tour for New Year’s Eve
Vienna > Cesky Krumlov > Prague > Bratislava > Budapest
2011 Departures:
Every Sunday from Nov 6 up to and including Dec 18, 27 except Nov 20
2012 Departures:
Jan 3, 15
Feb 5, 15
Mar 4, 11, 18, 25
from
Contact us at:
6546 7333
*Quote ‘E3EU1’ for 12% discount off land tours. Valid till end of Nov.
*Prices quoted exclude all applicable taxes. T&Cs apply.
12D European Discovery
Highlights:
• Locally-guided bike tour of Munich’s famous
landmarks
• Private boat through the canals & islands of
Venice
• Special access Rome sightseeing tour
• Enjoy complimentary delicious gelato in Rome
• Discover the Statue of David, the Ponte
Vecchio, Medici Palace & much more on our
locally-guided walking tour
• Exclusive ‘Paris by Night’ sightseeing tour
• Check out Paris from top of Eiffel Tower
CONTIKI
Belgium > Netherlands > Germany > Austria > Italy > Vatican
City > Switzerland > France
Tour Package includes:
• 11 nights’ accommodation • 17 meals: 11 continental breakfast & 6 three-course
dinner • An experienced & professional team of tour manager & driver • Modern,
air-conditioned coach with powerpoints for charging • Sightseeing tours of all
major cities plus orientations in all other destinations • Hotel tips, local taxes &
services charges • Ferry crossings • Visit to 6 World Heritage sites
Departures:
Winter 2011/2012
from
• Special access Rome sightseeing tour
• Discover the Statue of David, the Ponte
Vecchio & Medici Palace on our locally-guided
walking tour
• A guided tour of a 16th Century Tuscan Castle
& enjoy local Chianti & antipasti
• Cruise along the stunning, colorful coastal
towns of the Cinque Terra
• Day trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri
• The true Sorrento experience – a glass of
Prosecco overlooking the Bay of Naples
• Learn to make pizza Italian-style from the locals
• Regional specialties in local trattorias
US$1,669
Contact us at:
*Quote ‘E3EU2’ for 10% discount off land tours.
Valid till end of Nov.
*Prices quoted exclude all applicable taxes.
T&Cs apply.
6546 7333
12D Simply Italy
Highlights:
US$1,450
CONTIKI
Rome > Sorrento > Capri Excursion > Florence > La Spezia >
Milan > Venice
Tour Package includes:
• 11 nights’ accommodation • 15 meals: 11 continental breakfast & 4
three-course dinner • An experienced & professional team of tour manager &
driver • Modern, air-conditioned coach • Sightseeing tours of all major cities
plus orientations in all other destinations • Hotel tips, local taxes & services
charges • Visit to 8 World Heritage sites
Departures:
Winter 2011/2012
*Quote ‘E3EU2’ for 10% discount off land tours.
Valid till end of Nov.
*Prices quoted exclude all applicable taxes.
T&Cs apply.
from
US$1,575
Contact us at:
6546 7333
25
Hotel Deals
Vienna, Austria
MORE
Venice, Italy
Senator Hotel from S$137
Bisanzio Hotel from S$156
A modern hotel located in a district famous for its parks and
gardens. This city hotel is ideal for tourists looking for culture
and recreation. Its trendy design is enhanced by its
state-of-the-art amenities.
The hotel has a prime location near to St Mark’s Square and
other major historical sites. It is a restored palace of the 16th
century and still retains its Venetian décor. There are an
abundance of restaurants and bars in the vicinity.
Rome, Italy
Milan, Italy
MORE
MORE
Milani Hotel from S$134
Cristallo Hotel from S$115
The hotel is located just 2 minutes walking distance from
Termini station and Piazza Indipendenza. Rooms are furnished
in traditional Italian style.
Located very close to railway station and bus terminal, the
hotel also provides easy access to all parts of the city and
various tourist attractions.
Paris, France
London, United Kingdom
MORE
MORE
Yllen Eiffel Hotel from S$175
Bedford Hotel from S$160
A charming, seven-storey hotel built in a typical Parisian style.
The hotel has a good location and offers charm and great
hospitality.
The hotel is located on a busy street in the Bloomsbury area,
just five minutes’ walk from Russell Square and Holborn
underground stations and ten minutes from Oxford Street.
The British Museum is also just around the corner.
Prague, Czech Republic
Zurich, Switzerland
MORE
MORE
Chopin Hotel from S$85
Montana Hotel from S$273
Centrally located, it is minutes away from shops, bars and all
the sights that Prague has to offer. It is an excellent choice for
both business travelers and tourists. Each of the rooms is
decorated in bright, modern fashion.
The hotel is located 10 mintues from the city centre and old
town, and just around the corner from the main station. This
is the ideal hotel for business, entertainment and shopping.
Athens, Greece
Amsterdam, Netherlands
MORE
MORE
Hermes Hotel from S$88
Beethoven Hotel from S$180
Ideally located in the Plaka Old Town district of Athens and
within walking distance to Syntagma Square, the famous
Ermou shopping street, Monastiraki Square, the Temple of
Zeus and the Acropolis.
Located in one of the most sophisticated shopping streets of
Amsterdam, the hotel is only minutes’ walk from the World
Trade Centre and the Rai Congress Centre with ample public
transport to central station, the museum Plein and other
touristic attractions of Amsterdam.
*Prices quoted are average per room per night. Find more hotels at www.newshan.com/hotel
26
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New Shan Travel Service Pte Ltd – Head Office: 20 Maxwell Rd, #01-02 Maxwell House, S( 069113) | 6481 1181 (Tours)
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Copyright © 2011 E3 Online Travel Magazine by New Shan Travel Service Pte.Ltd.