Venice
Amazing Italy
Friday, January 25th, 2013
It has been 6 years since I was in Italy and seeing the wondrous sights of Venice, Florence and Rome still amazes me and brings a smile to my face.
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Zurich, Venice, Florence and Rome
Wednesday, August 29th, 2012
My trip to Italy by rail began with a flight. This was not just any flight however, as I was departing from London City Airport, a joyful experience and a far cry from the lost bags and extended queues associated with other airports. City airport is a short hop away from central London on the DLR, whilst getting through security to your departure date is not likely to take longer than half an hour. As I was travelling with British Airways, I even had the luxury of checking in my bag free of charge!
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A special wedding anniversary – Orient Express to Venice
Friday, April 20th, 2012
We arrived at London Victoria Station amongst the commuter throng in plenty of time to check in our bags at the Orient Express desk next to Platform 2. The waiting room is very small so as we were early, we opted for the Starbucks next door.
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Metropole Venice
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
Entering the Metropole is like stepping out of one world and into the next. Juxtaposed with the busy outdoors, you are made to feel like you are entering a calm and peaceful place. To your left is the oriental bar featuring food by their 2 michelin starred chef. To your right is a large lounge area with comfortable chairs and a relaxing atmosphere. Out the back is a lovely private garden area which for winter was still partially in use thanks to a large marquee heated for outdoor comfort.
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The 9.32 to Venice
Saturday, January 29th, 2011
After my two recent attempts to fly to Venice were thwarted by volcanoes and strikes I decided to try my favourite mode of transport and bought train tickets from London to Venice.
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Orient Express: London to Venice
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
Enjoy a delicious brunch with dessert and Bellini on board the British Pullman train as you make your way to Folkestone…
Wow. I have travelled on a fair few trains in my time but never one that looked like a stately home from the inside. Nor have I boarded with such a well turned out group of commuters.
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Italy via the Alps – Heather visits Venice, Florence and Rome
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Inspired by the great British weather I decide to undertake a Railbookers rite of passage – to Italy via the Swiss Alps. I made my way on the London DLR to London City Airport, fantastic for its tiny size and smaller queues, and set off for Zurich airport. The grey clouds and rainy weather melted away as we head over France and into Switzerland, touching down in Zurich airport where the sun most definitely had his hat on. After a 15 minute journey from the airport I was in the centre of Zurich.
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Hotel of the Week – Palazzo Giovanelli Venice
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
The hotel’s Manager Nico Fort is a very happy man. After 2 years of rebuilding he can finally open the doors on his wonderful 4* palace hotel on the Grand Canal. The Palazzo is an architectural gem even by Venice’s high standards. For years I have floated past its crumbling frontage on vaporetti chugging between the station and the Rialto bridge and I have always wondered how these buildings can be left to rot. Clearly someone with more money than me had the same thought.
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