Paul du Toit and his partner, Kirsten Muller, embarked on an exciting 17-day Eurotrip recently, visiting six countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and France.
Among all the cities they explored, Rome and the Vatican City were the awe-inspiring highlights of their excursion, the Komani couple said.
“The historical significance, well-preserved landmarks, and diverse attractions made for an unforgettable experience.”
While their trip exposed them to an assortment of delightful and distinctive cuisines, the standout dishes were the traditional pasta dishes of Italy and a delectable apple strudel from Germany, which left them with lasting memories.
“Our trip began on an amusing note; we were so excited that we arrived at the airport a day early. We had to return the next day to meet the rest of our group, but it gave us a good laugh and added to the adventure,” Du Toit said.
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence stunned Du Toit and Muller, while undertaking a walking tour of the region, but their most mesmerising view was from the highest point in Europe, the Jungfraujoch in Switzerland. “This is the highest point in Europe at 3,463m.
“The experience of travelling from the 40°C heat at the base of the mountain to the snow covered peaks at the top, via a cable car and train ride through a tunnel up the mountain, was unforgettable,” he said.
Throughout their journey, the most remarkable cultural differences Du Toit and Muller encountered were the various breakfast traditions of each country. Due to primarily visiting tourist attractions, fully immersing themselves in the local culture was a challenge.
“We were struck by how something as simple as breakfast could vary so greatly between countries,” Du Toit said.
Amsterdam stood out to Du Toit as the most economical destination. Amsterdam offered an array of tourist-friendly attractions, including the unforgettable Ice Bar, where the temperature dropped to a chilling -15°C.
He revealed that they had chosen a group trip organised by a travel company, covering multiple countries on their travel wish list. This preplanned itinerary, guided by a knowledgeable tour leader, provided a balance of structured group activities and personal time for exploration, minimising the need for extensive planning.
Despite limited time spent in Austria, the country’s stunning natural beauty managed to surpass both Du Toit’s and Muller’s expectations.
BY: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA
