Trafalgar’s Top 5 European Summer Destinations

Trafalgar shares their top 5 European Summer destinations through Insider Trips to Eastern Europe, Spain and Italy

According to Trafalgar, the fastest-growing destinations in Europe for Singaporeans include The Czech Republic (Prague), Hungary (Budapest), Austria, Spain, and Italy.

Nicholas Lim, President of Trafalgar Asia shared that Singaporeans are starting to move beyond the “typical” motivation of going shopping. Instead, he opines about the Singaporean traveller beginning to show a desire to understand a destination better.

Based on their observations, Trafalgar has put together some highlights, tips and packages for travellers to visit these European destinations.

Prague, the Historic Capital of Bohemia

• According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is 1000 years old and the largest ancient castle in the world.
• During the summer solstice every year, the last rays of sunlight set right upon the spot where St Vitus is buried in St Vitus Cathedral.
• The best beer in the world is arguably produced in the city. 43 gallons of its Pilsner style draft is consumed every year.
• Find natural remedies for skin care or general health at the old style apothecaries within the old streets of the city.
• Take pictures of a local passion – puppets! It is not uncommon to find a puppet store in every corner of the city.  

Vienna, the capital of classical music

• There are daily performances of masterpiece orchestras by noted Austrians such as Mozart, Strauss and Beethoven.
• The Schönbrunnpalace, once the summer home of Queen Maria Teresa of Austria, contains the oldest zoo in the world.
• It is the only capital city to product its own wines. Visit a ‘Heuriger’ (wine tavern) and sample its white varietals ranging from Riesling, Weissburgunder, Grüner Veltliner to Sauvignon Blanc.
• Vienna is also known as the coffee capital of the world. There are many coffee houses in the city, and is centre to the culture of the Viennese people.
• It is also the birthplace of psychotherapy, so visit Museums dedicated to great minds like Sigmund Freud or Frankl.

Budapest, a tale of three cities

• Foodies looking to stock up food and spices must visit The Great Market Hall. Sample some local treats such as Hungarian salami, black pudding and a local pastry call ‘langos’
• Every year the Sziget festival – the largest music festival in the world – attracts at least 400,000 people
• It has the most thermal springs below the city than any other capital in the world, which has resulted in dozens of medicinal baths popping up all over the city
• The Parliament House by the Danube is the 3rd largest in the world
• It is known as the Paris of the East. Take a stroll on Andrássy Avenue and discover French style architecture on every corner

Holiday tip: Travellers booking a Prague, Vienna and Budapest package – departing on 17 July 2015 – can get a discounted price of US$1886 (original price US$2095) per person twin share.

Spain, the country of passion

• Seville is known as both the city of bullfighting and also the city of flamenco.
• Granada’s fascinating Moorish history goes back to the 13th century. Pay a visit to the stunning Alhambra palace that was once the home to Yusuf 1, Sultan of Granada.
• Paella is the the specialty dish of Valencia. Consider tasting a variety of the regional special or perhaps take a cooking class!
• Admire the eclectic works of Gaudi, such as the Sagrada Familia, Plaza Catalunya and Park Guell. Decipher his post-modernist methods with your fellow travellers.
• Walk through the La Boqueria market of Barcelona and sample local delights like Iberico ham and Spanish wine.

Holiday tip: Book the Spanish Experience at US$1148 (original price US$1295) per person twin share to depart on 4 July, 25 July or 29 August 2015.

Italy, the land of history, art and rustic fare

• Indulge in its cuisine! Italy is home to some of the most delicious food and finest ingredients in the world, such as white truffle and porcini mushrooms. Try a plate of homemade pasta with toppings of fresh pecorino cheese, shaved truffle and a good drizzling of olive oil.
• Discover not just the ruins of Pompeii caused by Mount Vesuvius, but also the abundance of erotic art on its walls.
• Get lost in the tiny streets around St Mark Square’s square in Venice with your special someone, and make a coffee stop at Caffe Florian, the oldest café in the world.
• Visit many of its magnificent lakes in the north, including Lake Maggiore. As a Trafalgar exclusive, guests will enjoy a “Be My Guest” dinner on a little island in the middle of the lake with a local family.
• The medieval city of Siena is renowned for both its 14th century brick buildings and also the ‘incorruptible’ remains of Saint Catherine.
• The Active Age spoke with Giacomo Giamboi previously about how to prepare for an Italian trip.

Holiday tip: Enjoy the Best of Italy at US$3278 (original price US$3725) per person twin share to depart on 1, 6 or 22 September 2015.

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