Venice, La Serenissima

Venezia, May 2010 - We had arrived in Mestre yesterday on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour through England, France and Italy. And this morning we would get our first view of the legendary city of Venice, La Serenissima.

Under a rainbow of umbrellas, we crossed the street to the Mestre rail station to board a train that would take us into Venice. As the train crossed the causeway that connects Venice with the mainland, the waters of the lagoon mirrored the dark, stormy skies, blurring the horizon and creating a a desolate grey seascape.

As we exited Santa Lucia Station, we were met at the bottom of the stairs by the Grand Canal.

Ferrovia Vaporetto Station on the Grand Canal

Ventimiglia to Venice

Nice, May 2010 - We were in Nice on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour through England, France and Italy. But the time had come for us to depart the French Riviera and resume our journey onward to Venice.

French Riviera Coastline

Exploring Nice

Nice, May 2010 - We were travelling on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour through England, France and Italy, having arrived on the French Riviera the night before. I had made great plans for our free day in Nice, but I was starting to feel a little worn out by the touring pace we had kept in London and Paris for the past week. And Nice was a charming city that begged for some wandering and aimless exploring.

Nice Craft Market

Riviera Fireworks

Paris, May 2010 - We had just spent three days in Paris on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour through England, France and Italy. Our trip to the French Riviera began at the Gare de Lyon, where we boarded the TGV Mediterranee high speed train to Nice. The six-hour journey took us through rolling hills dotted with charming farmhouses and grazing cattle.

The French Countryside

Paris - Left Bank

Paris, 2010 - We were in Paris on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour, with a free day ahead of us. The previous day we had spent exploring the Right Bank and today we would focus on the Left Bank, la Rive Gauche.

We started our morning on Ile de la Cité, the birthplace of this great city. Our first stop was the Gothic chapel Sainte-Chapelle to view the stained glass windows of the upper chapel. Our Museum Pass covered our admission here, and also allowed us to bypass the long line for tickets. Some of the windows were under renovation and covered by scaffolding, but the remaining windows in their rich reds and blues were an inspiring sight.

Upper Chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

Paris - Right Bank

Paris, May 2010 - We arrived in Paris yesterday on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour through England, France and Italy. And I was excited to find pains au chocolat on the breakfast buffet this morning to accompany my cafe au lait. We needed to fortify ourselves for the sunny but blustery day ahead of us that would start with a brief sightseeing tour, followed by a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Les Invalides, Paris

How to Barbecue Mediterranean Style

Barbecue season has returned, and with it the first long weekend of the summer. But are you getting bored with the same old burgers and potato salad? You can excite both your palate and your imagination this summer by transforming your backyard barbecues into a Mediterranean adventure. It's easy to bring the rich cultures of the Mediterranean region home with healthy recipes starring elements of Greek, Italian, Provencal or Spanish cuisine. Add to the ambience with traditional music and rustic decor, and you can create a memorable outdoor dining experience for family and friends.

Chianti Vineyard

Bonjour Paris

London, 2010 - We were on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour through England, France and Italy, and after spending several days in London we were about to embark on the first leg of our journey by rail.

Eurostar Train, St. Pancras Station, London

Royal London

London, May 2010 (Bank Holiday) - We had been in London for three days. But this was our first day of touring on Trafalgar's Contrasts of Europe train tour, starting with a morning of London sightseeing.

A local guide showed us sights such as Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, London

Tea at the Ritz

London, May 2010 - It was arrival day for Trafalgar Tours' Contrasts of Europe train tour through England, France and Italy. We had already spent two days in London for some extra sightseeing, and later we would be meeting the other members of our tour group.

Morning brought more rain (it was springtime in London, after all) so our concierge waved down a cab for our journey to the Ritz Hotel for Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court.

The Ritz Hotel, London