The Explorer

The Expat Guide to Liechtenstein

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

A tiny principality nestled between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein offers a whole lot more to travellers than its small size would have you think. Read on for a full guide to Liechtenstein!

Vaduz Vineyards, Liechtenstein, via Wikimedia Commons

Probably one of the most rare passport stamps around, travelling to Liechtenstein gives you serious bragging rights. But with year-round alpine attractions including sports and Alpine trails, Liechtenstein is no novelty travel destination!

Many of the walks on offer in Liechtenstein are suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities, making the stunning views accessible to everyone. Come wintertime, some of the best ski slopes around are to be found in Malbun. You’ll also find a mini-golf course here (for summertime use only of course) and you’ll find it hard to beat the stunning Swiss Alps as your backdrop. Liechtenstein is also known for its wine – as you’ll see from the gorgeous shot above.

Vaduz, the capital, is easily navigable on foot, with most attractions within easy walking distance. But there are also busses for those wanting to watch the world go by!

Interesting facts:

- Liechtenstein is the only country to lie entirely within the Alps.
- Liechtenstein is a principality… so that means it has a prince! Hans-Adam II to be exact. He lives in Vaduz Castle, above the capital Vaduz. And he’s a wealthy chap, with an estimated personal fortune of over $5 billion.
- Liechtenstein’s citizens enjoy one of the world’s highest standards of living.
- Liechtenstein has more registered companies that it does citizens.
- The country has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, with a police force totalling just 125 employees.
- Liechtenstein is one of the few countries in the world without a military.
- In March 2007, a 170-person Swiss infantry unit accidentally crossed 1.5 km into Liechtenstein territory, causing what you might call an ‘accidental invasion.’ No-one appeared to notice, but the Swiss Army informed Liechtenstein anyway and offered official apologies.

See Liechtenstein in all its Alpine glory on the Ultimate Europe tour.

Jungfrau – a view from the top of Europe

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

Switzerland is country with no shortage of beautiful sights and scenery, but making the trip up to Jungfrau on a tour of Europe is an experience not to be missed! Read about a recent trip up the mountain and prepare for dazzling views!

A hillside view. We were in for a treat up at Jungfrau!

I’d spent just a few hours in Switzerland and had already strolled up the hillside close to our accommodation. So I was really looking forward to heading up to Jungfrau. And boy did Switzerland beat my expectations. Going up at the tail-end of the ski season meant that there was still a fair amount of snow on the ground as we climbed ever higher, with the odd skier taking advantage of the last few days of the season.

A mountainside town on the way up to Jungfrau

Switzerland has a reputation for being ‘chocolate-box pretty’, and I did feel like I was living a classic fairy tale. Appreciation of natural beauty is clearly one of the most important aspects of the Swiss lifestyle, and everything seems to serve this purpose. Thoughtful design compliments the natural surroundings, from the immaculately kept homesteads to the sleek uniforms of the train conductors and charming little train carriages. The Swiss are clearly in love with their country, a proud people with a real sense of how lucky they are to live in such an unspoilt environment.

As we made our way up to Jungfrau, we couldn’t help but be pressed up against the windows, nabbing shots of the countryside as it went past. Pretty soon we realised that there was no shortage of incredible views, and I felt that by trying to capture it all on camera we may be missing the point somehow. I was pleased to sit quietly and simply drink it all in.

Jungfraujoch is a saddle between the two imposing peaks of Mönch and the Jungfrau, featuring the highest railway station in Europe at an elevation of 3454 meters. It features spectacular views from the various look-out points, and also has year-round snow thanks to its elevation. Accessed by a 7 kilometre-long railway tunnel, it’s really quite something to emerge from the station into the visitor centre, with truly stunning views all around.

We went outdoors pretty much right away, and were greeted with this incredible view:

The view from the Top of Europe

After spending some time in the snow, we wandered around the indoor section, explored the museum which tells the story of how the tunnel and railway were constructed, slipped and slid our way through the ice cave, and then took the elevator up to The Sphinx, a peak just to the east of the col featuring a small viewing platform and scientific observatory. With outside temperatures of -16 degrees it wasn’t the sort of place to hang around too long, but the views were breath-taking!

The view from the Sphinx

One does start to feel quite out-of-breath before long up there, and even climbing the stairs can leave one feeling a little light-headed! Don’t forget to take snacks to keep the blood sugar up; I found my stomach grumbling before too long! We all felt rather drowsy on the way down, lounging in the train as the picture-perfect scenery rolled past us. The perfect way to reflect on some mind-boggling mountain views.

All in all it was an incredible experience, a chance to see some of Switzerland’s finest scenery. Highly recommended!

Take a trip up to Jungfrau, Switzerland on your tour of Europe.

Posted in Extraordinary Experiences | Tagged Europe Coach Tours, Switzerland | Leave a comment

Video of the Week: Civilization – The Rise of Europe

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

As the cradle of modern Western civilisation, Europe is a continent where the footprints of the ancients and the mark of modernity are often unified. Roman ruins, medieval remnants and modern constructions coexist, constantly influencing each other and slowly giving way to whatever will come next. Get a glimpse of some of Europe’s most incredible cities and sights today in our Video of the Week!

Civilization: The Rise of Europe from Dominic on Vimeo.

With a huge range of cultures contained within a single continent, any tour of Europe promises to delight travellers from all backgrounds. From the ubiquitous ruins of Ancient Romans – which can be found in almost every European country – to the cutting edge of modern design, art, culture and cuisine, Europe is a fascinating continent to explore.

What’s your favourite European city? Which one is top your travel wish list? Tell us in the comments below!

Posted in Video of the Week | Tagged Coach Tours, culture, Europe Coach Tours | Leave a comment

Foods of the World: Pizza

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

One of the most popular foods on the planet, pizza has its origins in Italy. But what goes into making a ‘real’ pizza? What makes a pizza perfect? Read on to find out about this famous food and learn a thing or two ahead of your tour of Europe…

A traditional Neapolitan pizza. Via Wikimedia Commons

Accredited to the Italians, the pizza has made its way all around the world, with as many variations on recipes as there are places to eat it! But although it’s fair to give Italians the credit, the idea of putting tasty toppings on bread isn’t a new one, and using flatbreads with a variety of tasty toppings was nothing new to the ancient Greeks.

The term ‘pizza’ (meaning pie) was supposedly coined near Rome and Naples in around 1000 AD. By the 18^th century, pizza was a cost-effective way of feeding the peasantry – and a tasty one too. Strangely enough, people had only begun to realise that tomatoes (which had been brought over from the New World) were edible, and by the end of the 18^th Century, tourists and Neapolitans were adding tomatoes to flatbreads and baking it – creating pizza as we know it today.

Wood-burning pizza oven, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1889, Queen Margherita and King Umberto I toured their kingdom, and the queen noticed what the peasants were eating. She tried it and loved it, and ordered her chef to make a variety of pizzas for her. He designed a pizza topped with basil, tomatoes and mozzarella – all the colours of the Italian flag – and named it after her; giving us the Margherita pizza we know today. (See above.)

After the Second World War, Allied soldiers returned from Europe, and their demand for pizza made it hugely popular, even outside of Italian neighbourhoods, giving rise to the countless pizzerias and pizza chains we know today.

But with all the varieties of pizza out there, what would you be looking for in Italy if you wanted authentic Neapolitan pizza? Believe it or not, there are specific recipes and standards set by ‘The True Neapolitan Pizza Association’; which recognises only the Marinara (topped with tomato, garlic, oregano, extra virgin olive oil and possibly basil) and the Margherita as authentic pizzas. The Italian Ministry of Agricultural Politics recently passed a law governing how the pizzas must be made if they are to have either of these names:

- Must be round and no more than 13 and three-quarter inches in diameter

- Center must be less than one-tenth of an inch tall

- Crust must be three-quarters of an inch thick or less

- Dough must be kneaded entirely by hand.

- Only traditional, specific types of salt, flour, tomatoes and yeast to be used.

With standards like that, one can only imagine what they would say to a ham and pineapple pizza, or worse – a stuffed-crust pizza!

A deli in Florence, Italy. Fresh produce in Italy is hard to beat!

Having said that, I have to admit to enjoying a few mushrooms on my pizza – or even olives, the occasional anchovy and possibly even a slice or two of salami! I guess it all comes down to taste and preference, and there’s nothing wrong with a variation on the theme. But at least you know what an ‘authentic pizza’ will look like when you visit Italy on your tour of Europe.

Bon Appetito!

Source: HowStuffWorks.com

Posted in Foods of the World | Tagged Europe Coach Tours, Food and Travel, Italy | Leave a comment

Video of the Week: ROME

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

Today we take a dreamy look at the fascinating city of Rome. Get a glimpse of the ancient world and the charm of the modern world on this week’s Video of the Week!

ROME. from Jeremy Janin on Vimeo.

Perhaps the most famous of all the ancient world’s cities, Rome is a completely mesmerising place to visit. Buildings and monuments inhabited by the ancient Romans still stand alongside modern roads, shops and railways and any photo of Rome inevitably combines the ancient world with the modern.

This is the ideal stopover for history buffs, shoppers and food fanatics alike, with something to satisfy pretty much everyone. Thankfully our tastes today are more refined than they were all those years ago, but there’s certainly no shortage of interesting things to see, do and taste on your tour of Rome.

Posted in Video of the Week | Tagged culture, Europe Coach Tours, history, Italy, Rome & the Vatican City | Leave a comment

I’ve booked my tour – now what? Part 2.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

Continuing our series about what happens once you book a tour with Expat Explore, here are a few more tips that will help you make the most of your journey.

4. How much spending money do I need to take on tour with me?

This really depends on you and how long you’ll be on tour for, but we would usually advise 25-40 Euros per day, depending of course on how partial you are to buying souvenirs, drinks, snacks and going shopping. Our tour leaders will also give you some info on what things cost in each destination so that you can budget easily. Be prepared to find great little souvenirs, sample interesting foods and to have one or two extra drinks here and there.

Paris by Night

5. Do you have alternative start points for your tours?

We certainly do! It isn’t always easy for our travellers to get visas for both the UK and Europe, so for certain tours we do offer the option of starting or finishing certain tours in Paris or Amsterdam. Check the relevant tour itinerary for more information on alternative start points.

6. What should I pack?

Good question! Largely this will depend on the time of year.

Summer – European summers can be hot, with high temperatures ranging from the upper-20s right up into the mid-40s in places like southern Italy. Europe is a vast continent though, so be prepared for weather of all kinds. Up in Jungrau, Switzerland, you’ll always need warm clothes, but you’ll be back in shorts and t-shirts in the lower altitudes.

Winter – Winters are harsh in Europe, with snow and ice dominating much of the continent, getting slowly more temperate as you head south (with the exception of the Alps of course).

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking around quite a lot during sightseeing. Bring an alarm clock and a spare towel too – not all the hotels provide one. Also, remember extra memory cards for your camera, travel adaptors, passport, visa… and your sense of adventure!

For more information on all our tours, visit our website: expatexplore.com

Posted in Traveller's Tips | Tagged Europe Coach Tours, Group Tours | Leave a comment

Foods of the World: Perfect Roast Chicken

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

Although it’s definitely not the only place in the world you’ll find a roast chicken, roasts in general are a quintessentially British meal type. Typically enjoyed on a lazy Sunday afternoon, a roast is a hearty meal to be shared with friends and family; and perfect to try on any tour of Great Britain. You’ll find it in pubs and restaurants everywhere, and it’s sure to be a recipe you’ll want to replicate once you get back home! Everyone’s got their favourite way of cooking it – but here’s our recipe for the perfect roast chicken.

Roast Chicken, By Michael J. Bennett via Wikimedia Commons

Ingredients:

1 large chicken – free range & organic.
2 onions
2 carrots
2 sticks of celery
2-3 garlic cloves, peeled & crushed
1 knob of butter at room temperature
1 lemon
A small mixed bunch of thyme, rosemary and sage.
Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper

Method:

Take the chicken out of the fridge around half an hour before you start cooking. Preheat the oven to 220 C / 425 F. Chop the vegetables into chunks and pop them in the middle of the roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil.

Roughly chop the bunch of herbs and mix with the garlic and butter, and a teaspoon of sea salt and crushed black pepper. Mash it all together and using your hands, massage the chicken all over with the mixture. Make sure you get under the skin too! Prick the lemon all over and place it in the cavity. You can also add any left-over herbs in here if you like.

Put the chicken in the roasting tray on top of the vegetables and place it in the pre-heated oven for 10 minutes. Turn the heat down to 190 C / 375 F and roast for about an hour and 20 minutes or so, basting occasionally. If you’re doing potatoes and more vegetables, put them in for the last 45 minutes. If the vegetables start looking dry, add a splash of water to the tray to stop them burning.

Here’s a trick for the potatoes – par-boil them, drain them and then toss in a generous bit of goose fat, along with a pinch of sea salt. Then put them in the oven – the goose fat will make sure they get good and crispy.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a board, cover with foil and leave it to rest for 15 minutes. It’s gravy time!

Once that’s done, carve your chicken and serve with the vegetables and piping hot gravy. Done!

What’s your favourite British recipe? Got any secrets you’d like to share? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Posted in Foods of the World | Tagged culture, Food and Travel, Great Britain, Group Tours | Leave a comment

Video of the Week – Summer in Barcelona

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

One of Europe’s many highlights, Barcelona has a huge amount to offer visitors. Whether you’re walking along La Rambla, sampling tapas in one of the city’s many bars, hiking Montjuic, or exploring Gaudi’s architectural gems, it’s the ultimate urban getaway for sunseekers this summer. Take a look at our Video of the Week and start looking forward to summertime!

SUMMER BARCELONA from Pau García Laita on Vimeo.

Barcelona’s coastal location makes it the ideal place to soak up the sun this Summer. And there are more cafes and tapas bars than you’ll know what to do with – just remember that they do things differently in Spain – you’ll find that things close up in the afternoon and only open up much later in the evening!

Enjoy the views from Montjuic, enjoy expressive architecture and stunning views in Gaudi’s Park Güell, take a stroll through the harbour or just laze the day away people-watching on the beach. Visit Barcelona on our Europe Explorer tour!

Posted in Video of the Week | Tagged Barcelona, culture, Europe Coach Tours, Spain | Leave a comment

Top 5 European Summer Destinations

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Matthew Christensen

After a long cruel winter, Europe is finally emerging into what is promising to be a gorgeous summer season. All its cities will have exciting things to offer travellers, but here are 5 places that we think will offer something special to sun-chasers. Read on!

Croatia

The walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, one of the stops on our sailing trip to Croatia.

A sailing trip to Croatia really is the ultimate holiday if you’re into sunshine, sea, sailing and working on that tan – and who wouldn’t be? With incredible scenery, crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and the fascinating history of medieval cities, Croatia makes for the perfect summer destination. The generals and government officials of ancient Roman times apparently used many regions of Croatia as a place to retreat and live the good life after years of conquest and battle. Lay your arms down and have a retreat of your own on a Croatia sailing trip.

Corfu

Corfu, Greece

Just off the west coast of Greece, the island of Corfu’s mild Mediterranean climate is the ideal place to soak up the sun and relax on your European coach tour. Compared to other Greek islands, Corfu is a lot greener, the lush vegetation benefitting from the wet winters and hot dry summers. Dominated by olive trees, this is the ideal Mediterranean relaxation destination. Obviously two of the main activities you’ll be taking part in are swimming and lazing on the beach, but try quad-biking if you’re up for a little bit of an adventure.

Paris

Summertime in Paris

Paris is one of those cities that will keep you busy all year round. But in summer – as in most European cities – the locals take full advantage of the city’s many attractions. The cafes open out onto the sidewalk, the parks become places to meet and socialise, and the city celebrates the warm weather with open-air concerts and other events that will have you revelling in the fascinating culture of this enchanting city. Visit Paris on a European coach tour.

Barcelona

Located on the coast of sunny Spain, Barcelona is blessed with incredible architecture, a delicious tradition of Catalan cuisine, buzzing nightlife and a strong sense of culture and history. Whether you’re strolling Las Ramblas, exploring the boutiques, bars and restaurants of Barcelona’s alleyways, ambling through the cities parks, marvelling at Gaudi’s incredible architecture or spending time on the beach, Barcelona will not fail to disappoint. Visit Barcelona on a coach tour of Europe.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

A trip to Amsterdam at any time of year is a treat, with charming architecture, cafes, bars and museums to keep you busy indoors. But in summer, the city’s open spaces become the ideal place to soak up the atmosphere and do a bit of people-watching. Stroll along the canals, enjoy the parks, or make like a local and take a two-wheeled adventure around the city on one of the many bicycles available for hire. The Queen’s Day on 30^th April is also a great time to get out in the Spring sunshine and enjoy more of a party atmosphere. See Amsterdam on a coach tour of Europe.

Which are your favourite places to visit in Europe during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted in Extraordinary Experiences | Tagged Amsterdam, Corfu, culture, Europe Coach Tours, France, Greece, Paris, Spain | Leave a comment