Back after 8 amazing weeks!!

[Kirsty]

Hello!

I just wanted to pass along a quick thank you for all the posts which helped out in planning my dream vacation. I just got back about 4 days ago and I miss travelling already. It was a fantastic experience though, where I visited Greece, Italy, Switzerland (I loved Gimmelwald!), Germany, Belgium, England and Scotland. And now I can help answer questions for others! Thanks again and happy travels!

Kirsty

[Libby]

Where did you go? What did you do?

I'm visiting the UK next May. Any helpfull hints for a newbie? ;D

[Kirsty]

Ah...yes, where did I go!

I started off in London where I spent 5 days exploring every museum I could possibly find! Then headed off to Athens where I joined a Cosmos bus tour of Greece. It was an enjoyable tour that took us around most of the famous ancient sites including Sparta, Olympia, and Delphi and a quick day tour to see a few of the islands (Poros, Hydra and Aegina). From there I flew to Rome, then on to Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice.

After Italy (and my daily gelato) I ended up in Switzerland where I spent a few days in Interlaken and a few days in Gimmelwald. If you ever get a chance, you must experience Swiss National Day (Aug. 1) in Gimmelwald! We had good food, lots of new friends, fireworks and our own lantern parade through the village...it was without a doubt the highlight of my trip!

After dragging myself out of the alps I spent some time along the Rhine in a village called Bacharach. The hostel was fantastic...a 12th century castle overlooking the Rhine! And then it was on to Berlin.

That was really the end of my "backpacking" tour as I spent the next few weeks with family in Scotland. Four of us hopped on a ferry to Belgium and spent 2 wonderful days in Bruges (best chocloate ever!).

And that was my summer! If your looking for places to visit in the UK, Edinburgh and London are the must see places. I also love the highlands in Scotland...its fun to go "Nessy Hunting" around Loch Ness and the scenery is spectacular! There are loads of beautiful places to see in Scotland though...the Isle of Skye, Sterling is a favourite, and I love Pitlochery (great fish and chip shop!).

Hope that helps a bit!
Kirsty