Six weeks in Europe – Germany, Italy, Greece and more

[biba]

Flying out of Sydney to Frankfurt to stay with friends then travel by train to northern Italy, across to Thessaloniki and back to Frankfurt. Then side trips to Luxembourg and Paris. Plus a few day trips around Frankfurt.

Flights: CX to FRA via HKG in J then back in Y using QFF points. Flights in Europe with Aegean.

Thought I’d have a crack at a TR .....

 

[biba]

The journey begins!
Sydney to Hong Kong. Early start for CX 100 departing 0730. Customs due to strike at 0700 so departing passengers queuing to get through early. Quick breakfast in Qantas First - the usual eggs benedict and bubbles.

 

[RB]

Looking forward to reading this. Are you going to Meteora when at Thessaloniki?

 

[LadyC]

Sounds fabulous! Look forward to reading more

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Flying out of Sydney to Frankfurt to stay with friends then travel by train to northern Italy, across to Thessaloniki and back to Frankfurt. Then side trips to Luxembourg and Paris. Plus a few day trips around Frankfurt.

Flights: CX to FRA via HKG in J then back in Y using QFF points. Flights in Europe with Aegean.

Thought I’d have a crack at a TR .....

Look forward to reading this

 

[RooFlyer]

Sounds like a good one.

Seems to be a lot of TRs to/involving Germany recently.

 

[amaroo]

Nice. Keeping an eye open for Nth Italy updates.

 

[biba]

CX100 to Hong Kong. Departed on time at 0730. CX has a great business product on the A330. The amenities are a bit disappointing compared with the Agnes B product they had before. I have heard they will bring out a new amenities product in 2016. CX has one of the best business seats but still prefer QR 787 (haven’t tried the QF business suites).

 

[biba]

Breakfast served just after departure then lunch about 5 hours out. In addition to the limited wine list there was a fruity Beaujolais on offer which went down well.

 

[JohnM]

BP scanned.

 

[Major]

Looks like a very interesting trip

 

[OATEK]

CX100 to Hong Kong. Departed on time at 0730. CX has a great business product on the A330. The amenities are a bit disappointing compared with the Agnes B product they had before. I have heard they will bring out a new amenities product in 2016. CX has one of the best business seats but still prefer QR 787 (haven’t tried the QF business suites).

Was that CX110? Agree with your assessment, I really enjoy their A330 J product, and am very much looking forward to their 777 when I next fly out on CX100. Looking forward to the rest of this trip report.

 

[biba]

My mistake. CX110 is the flight number SYD-HKG

 

[biba]

Long layover in HKG waiting for connecting flight. Few hours in the CX Pier First Class lounge. Spectacular new lounge – so spacious with separate à la carte dining room. Nice showers but no cabanas as in the Wing. They have spent so much money on the new lounge but not on the internet connection which still crawls.

 

[biba]

Hong Kong to Frankfurt on CX 189.The B777 departed on time. Had seat 11K which is the first row of business. This is the mini cabin with only two rows located right behind 1[SUP]st[/SUP] class - would recommend this cabin . Late supper then sleep. Excellent service from the Cathay crew. Arrived FRA 30 minutes late due to strong head winds.

 

[biba]

Day trip to Michelstadt. Frankfurt is the capital of the state of Hesse. German railways offers a Hessen-Pass which is a day ticket that allows travel anywhere in the state. The cost is €33 for up to 5 people which is great value. The only drawback is that it can only be used after 9am Monday to Friday (but all day on weekends) and cannot be used on Intercity IC trains, only the regional trains.

Michelstadt is just over an hour south of Frankfurt. The journey starts through the outskirts of Frankfurt and some industrial areas on the way to Darmstadt. After leaving Darmstadt the train passes through rolling green hills and scenic villages before arriving in Michelstadt.

Arriving at the small station, the historic town centre is an easy 800m stroll. The town is famous for its historic half-timbered buildings which are everywhere. Today was sunny which made a pleasant walk. Despite the good weather there were very few tourists around. I can imagine this would be a very popular tourist spot in the summer.

In the centre of town is the 15[SUP]th[/SUP] century town hall (Rathuis). The ground floor is open with heavy wooden beams opening out the central square. If you are photographer you will love this town in such a charming setting.

Took a break for lunch at the Michelstädter Rathausbräu a small restaurant tucked away on a side street off the main square. It has its own micro brewery and a good selection of food, including Osterich (would you believe). Had a glass of their Pils which is rated highly.

After lunch a stroll back to the station and the train back to Frankfurt on the comfortable and modern regional train.

 

[Alanslegal]

I love the stemless wine glass

Breakfast served just after departure then lunch about 5 hours out. In addition to the limited wine list there was a fruity Beaujolais on offer which went down well.
View attachment 56393

 

[biba]

Frankfurt to Lake Como. Up early to catch the intercity express train from Frankfurt. First part of the trip is to Zurich on the German ICE train. Time to grab some breakfast before the hopping on board.

The train is surprisingly empty. Fast and smooth ride arriving on time in Zurich. 30 minutes between trains before departing on the Swiss SBB train to Milan.

Spectacular scenery on the trip from Zurich, around the lakes and through the valleys with soaring mountains on each side and plenty of tunnels including the Gotthard tunnel which runs for 15 km under the Alps.

 

[shadrach]

Enjoying this immensely! Great scenery. Thanks biba.

Looking forward to the rest.

 

[biba]

Yes we are enjoying the trip so far. It is good time to visit Europe - end of summer and most of the crowds have gone home but the weather is still good (so far!)

Enjoying this immensely! Great scenery. Thanks biba.

Looking forward to the rest.