page 1 Europe, Ski Zermatt, visit Italy and Greece, Jan/Feb-06 File = Eur-06
The summers in Queensland are so hot, that it has become our custom to try and escape the
mid-summer heat in January & February by heading for cooler climes. In Jan/Feb-04, we spent 2
weeks touring both Islands of New Zealand, and Jan/Feb-05, we did a great drive to and around
Tasmania in the Nissan 350 Z, our "demerits points toy". ( accumulating 5 points in the process ! )
For Jan/Feb-06, we decided to go skiing in Zermatt again. The surprising fact is that it is just as
cheap to go skiing in Switzerland for 1 week as to go to Thredbo, Australia. This is because of the
extremely short ski season in Australia, 6-8 weeks compared to 15-20 weeks in Europe and USA.
The Swiss prices for good accommodation, up-hill transport and ski hire are about 50% of Oz prices.
Skiing for anything over 1 week becomes a "bargain" overseas, with better snow and slopes !
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Zermatt village, no cars. View from our Hotel window On Gornergrat slopes, Zermatt
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The flight to Europe is so long, we decided to spend another 2 weeks while over there, visiting some
of the "incredible" historic cities and places in Italy & Greece, including :-
Venice, Florence, Sorrento,(incl'g the Amalfi coast), Pompeii, Rome and Athens.
After skiing, we travelled to and around Italy by their superb train network, but decided to fly from
Rome to Athens, rather than go by boat, as it was mid-winter in the Mediterranean.
After one of our most awe inspiring experiences in our lifetime, looking at ancient Athens and the
Parthenon/Acropolis, we flew to Frankfurt then back to Brisbane. I have to admit that even for very
frequent overseas travellers, the sight of ancient Italy and Greece was overwhelming & humbling !
Skiing in Zermatt. Zermatt is one of our most favourite villages in Europe, sitting beneath the
magnificent Matterhorn, in the Swiss alps. No cars are allowed into the village, transport being by
horse drawn carts or electric mini vans or busses. The village is very compact, although there is
a shuttle bus service to the various up-hill transports for skiers, eg :- The cog railway to Gornergrat,
the Sunnega express to Rotthorn and the Gondola/Cable cars to Kleine Matterhorn.
Views from ski slopes
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Kleine Matterhorn Cable car ! Starting to snow, woweee !! Lunch break for the "oldies"
Hard to breathe at 4,000 m alt. Notice the huge crowds. Again, notice the crowds !
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page 2 Venice, the city of Canals The train trip from Zermatt to Venice was an experience
by itself, via the North Italian alps and Milan. On arrival at Venice rail station, John started looking
for a taxi ?? After a while, we caught a Ferry to San Marco, where we had booked a hotel.
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Gondolas in Venice San Marco Sq. Venice Rialto bridge, Venice
We were impressed by the ferry traffic in Venice. All day tickets were available and you can jump
on and off at will. The restaurants were somewhat expensive for tourists.
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Just another view, Venice Down from Rialto bridge San Marco square, Venice
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Next stop was Florence (Firenze), city of Michelangelo and more.
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A square in Florence This is NOT statue of David ! Inside another grandiose
No photos of David allowed !! Italian building, just awesome.
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Sorrento, Isle of Capri and Amalfi Coast, south of Rome, West coast of ITALY.
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Approaching Sorrento from Sorrento from harbour Isle of Capri harbour, 1/2 hour
Naples, by Taxi. Grand old hotels by ferry from Sorrento
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page 3 Sorrento, Isle of Capri & Amalfi Coast, cont'd
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