Pont du Gard Details as per John Julius Norwich. The World Atlas of Architecture. p154.

This bridge, over the river Gard, is 275 metres (900 feet) long and 49 metres (160 feet) high. It was part of an aqueduct nearly 50 kilometres (30 miles) long which supplied Nimes with water. On its first level it carries a road and at the top of the third level, a water conduit, which is 1.8 metres (6 feet) high and 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide and has a gradient of 0.4 per cent. The three levels were built in dressed stone without mortar. The projecting blocks supported the scaffolding during construction.”

John Julius Norwich. The World Atlas of Architecture. p154.

There are numerous locations along the river where you can start your trip, but the area between Bingen and Koblenz is a very nice part of the river with lots of castles to view.

There are a few different options as to organizing your trip but it is best to take into consideration the following:

1. As the upstream trip takes longer than the downstream trip, one option is to take the train from Koblenz to Bingen and return on the boat.
2. However, the cost for the train one way between Koblenz and Bingen is EUR 10.90 (however if you do take the train you can present a valid train ticket and you’ll receive a 20% discount on the KD boat fare).
3. Keep in mind if you do take the train, the station in Koblenz is across town from the ferry terminal, whereas in Bingen the train station (2nd train stop in Bingen as there are two - ask the conductor for the one closer to the ferry) is right beside the ferry.
4. Another option is to start your trip in Bingen and take the ferry up to St. Goar disembark (or nearby) and catch a return ferry back to Bingen.

Whatever option you choose, the scenery is fantastic with a significant number of castles and picturesque towns along the way. Also of interest is the numerous barges plying their way along the Rhine, as this river not only serves as a tourist attraction but is a working river used to transport various cargos.

If you have an interest in history, then visiting WW1 battle field sites, memorials, and cemeteries is a very rewarding, moving, and humbling experience. There are many to visit in and around Flanders, Arras France, and the Somme region to name a few. The following are significant to Canadians and those of the British Commonwealth.

1. Ypres (spelled Ieper) - this is a lively town in west Belgium. There is a large British memorial near the centre square. There is also a war museum. Many war cemeteries surround the town. The CWCG website can provide information on these cemeteries and how to find where war dead are buried. Some are off the beaten track. They are free to enter and highly maintained. Don’t forget to sign the guest book located in a small cupboard usually in the front gates.

2. Passendale - located close to Ieper, this area was significant for Canadians as many thousands lost their lives trying to capture the ridge, and area. If you go to the centre square in town, you will see a sign for the Canadian Memorial. The memorial is quite simple, yet the view of the battle fields surrounding can give you a small glimpse at where so many were causalities of this muddy, bloody battle.

3. For Canadians the Vimy Ridge battle site and memorial is perhaps the most celebrated and visited. The Vimy Ridge battle was one of the most highly planned and rehearsed offensive of the First World War. Known as Canada’s coming of age, it was the first time all four Canadian Battalions fought together as one force. Capturing this ridge help to turn the tide during the war against the Germans.

The site is north of Arras France, on a map look for the town of Vimy. There are signs pointing to the memorial. Many say to book ahead for a tour (of the underground passageways). This is the safest way to make sure you get a tour - if you don’t get around to booking, go anyways, the likelihood is you’ll get in as the Canadian government staff make every attempt to accomodate visitors. If you don’t go on a tour, you can still visit the trenches and the memorial site, all are free.

The tours of the underground passageways are fascinating. Even though they are underground and can be a little frightening for claustrophobics, much has been done to make them safe and you feel comfortable. Trenches are still present; some have been reinforced for tourists to climb into. Scarring from artillery fire marks the landscape.

The memorial itself is past the welcome centre. It’s a powerful and fine tribute to those who served our country in the time of battle.

Lake Como has much to offer - there are boat and hydroplane tours of the lake. If you stay in this general area, hotels are cheaper in Italy than in Switzerland for the most part. La Locanda Del Notaio is a fine hotel situated on a mountain plateau between Lake Lugano and Lake Como, just over into the Italian boarder. This hotel is an excellent choice for those wishing to relax in elegant rooms set in a lovely surrounding.

Coming from Milan, car navigators will tell you to go through Switzerland to get to the hotel. If you do not plan to stay in Switzerland don’t take this route or you will have to play the 40 Swiss Francs car pass which is a required purchase prior to entry. The road to the hotel is quite a steep, beautiful mountain road. If you follow on the same road (the hotel is on) down the mountain you will come to beautiful Lake Como. There is a quaint little town called Argegno you can stop and eat at - pizza on the lake at the Lido Bar-Pizzeria!! Great prices on the pizza which is delicious while the scenery itself is pricless!

Heading north through Switzerland from Lake Lugano to Lake Lucerne is one of the most spectacular drives. But be warned, during the busy tourist summer months, the backup behind the San Gottard tunnel can be quite long and frustrating. A suggestion would be not to go on a weekend. The tunnel is long (17km). The tunnel is metered so only a few cars get through at a time. There are many safety features to make you feel quite comfortable.

The mountain scenery north of the Saint Gottard tunnel is outstanding. If you can, take an exit off the highway, pull over and drink in the magnificent landscape. Once you get to the Lucerne area, the mountains aren’t quite as impressive. You can go up the Pilatus Mountain in the Lucerne area by cog rail or cable car. However, the price is quite steep (64 SF per person) to go to the top - better to save your money and make the trip to the Interlaken region for a more spectacular trip up to Jungfrau or Schilthorn.

1. Aquarium - Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium. This aquarium was founded in 1910 by Prince Albert 1. The building itself is very impressive architecturally. There are a number of floors of interesting exhibits reviewing the history of ocean exploration and displays of the samples collected over many years. The highlight however, is the aquarium which is in the basement which is spectacular. This will appeal to everyone from children to adults and is highly recommended. Not everything in Monaco is geared towards families with children, but this attraction definitely is.

2. Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Surrounding the palace are breathtaking views of the coastline. Tours are available. There are also very beautiful gardens surrounding the palace which are free to walk through and are definitely a worthwhile diversion.

3. Evenings in Monaco. Parking after 7 pm is free, and it’s an enjoyable activity to wander around the area surrounding the casino or the harbour. There are lots of beautiful boats and cars to investigate.

4. Drive a Ferrari on the F1 track. For approximately 85 Euro you can pilot a Ferrari around the F1 track. Judging by the crowds around this area it is a very popular activity for all of the budding race car drivers.

4. Restaurants in Monaco.

a) Restaurant Musee Monaco - highly recommended although the service is a little slow due to a high volume of traffic and insufficient staff. The restaurant is on top of the Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium and provides an excellent view and nice breezes under the umbrellas.

b) Le Nautic - not recommended. The restaurant is located in the main harbour close to the water and the road. The food is less than spectacular (burnt) and while the servers are very friendly the female manager is rude. Unfortunately the restaurant is also located beside the road so there is the constant noise of cars racing past.

c) Le Botticelli - recommended. The restaurant is located right on the F1 track and provides excellent views of the harbour. Staff is friendly and the food is great.