A Focused European Tour - Part 1

With the current exchange rate of the Euro at about P68.50, a trip to the Old World can be daunting, even to business travelers who must do the route for financial considerations. More so to ordinary tourists who just want a taste of Europe before the continent will eventually change its population mix, what with migration going on at a frenzied pace. Many European cities have become multi-ethnic over the past couple of decades, without governments really realizing their morphing demographics. For those who have not yet set foot in Europe, now is the best time to visit, while the Continent still is as it was through the centuries.

Of course, primary consideration is the cost. Airlines are offering very affordable flights to Europe. One such airline that takes you there from Cebu is Qatar Airlines. They offer the lowest rates that I know of. (Be warned: the wait in Doha airport can be quite long.) Two others are Cathay Pacific and Silkair/Singapore Airlines, also flying from Cebu, but more expensive. Stopovers in Hong Kong/Singapore may be shorter, depending on your destination.

When in Europe, you cannot afford to miss some lovely and important cities. Then again, consider your preferences. If you were the religious type, a trip to Italy would mean taking the Rome-Assisi-Siena-Florence route. Then, Venice may be considered as a treat, after the pilgrimage itinerary. If you are a culture buff, then you take the upper Rome-Florence-Bologna-Milan route, or the lower Rome-Naples route that passes through the ash-buried ruins of towns that Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption caused centuries ago.

When in France, where else will you start but in Paris? And what else to check out but the vineyards/wineries and the cuisine. From Paris, one can go to Reims – initially made famous by St. Joan of Arc and remains popular as the champagne country. This was the coronation place of all French monarchs, done at the awesome Cathedral de Notre Dame. It was also here that Dom Perignon chanced upon the method of champagne production in the 17th century at Hautviller Abbey, where it still overlooks acres of postcard-pretty vineyards. You can visit Dom Perignon’s tomb at a small chapel nearby. Then go on a champagne tour. After which, you must go next to Epernay — at the heart of champagne country — where Moet et Chandon maintains its cellars. Do a Moet et Chandon tour, with a free sampling of their pricey nose-ticklers at the end. They ship your order right up to your doorstep. No need to worry about added luggage.

For the red/white wine lovers, from Paris, take the Paris-Alencon (only for its lace-making)-Angers-Cognac-Bordeaux-Beaune(in Burgundy)-Banyuls-sur-Mer (in the Languedoc-Roussillon region). These are far-between places to travel through, so you must make choices as to which cities to do in your itinerary. But the wine tasting tour among the best wineries in the world is worth the effort. Rent a car, if you can drive, or take the train.

As for French cuisine, what else can one say of the culture that has established culinary excellence? Nonetheless, southern cuisine still lords it overall, especially among seafood lovers. Start in Aix-en-Provence as the Provencal tradition dates back 2,100 years ago! Freshness of the ingredients is demanded for every recipe as simplicity is the key to Provencal cuisine. From the majestic peaks of Monte Sainte-Victoire, move down to the bustling port city of Marseilles, France’s second largest city. Here is the chance to taste a French staple: la bouillabaisse. Actually, it is a poor fisherman’s fare of the day’s catch, whatever fish varieties, mixed with crustaceans, the market’s available fresh vegetables, thrown in a stew that is flavored with wine and saffron. There are several interpretations in this port city…you can take your pick!

Next time, let’s do Germany, Spain and the British Isles. Travel safely now!