Alpine Magic- Back June 6-June 14 !!!

[Tozzie]

I got home a little while ago from the Alpine Magic Trip. All I can say is what an amazing trip it was . I met some great people who will be friends for life and had an awesome time. I had such a great trip that I am looking for the new itineraries in August, I am going on a trip next year. I had major issues with the flight going to Milan, first plane had a mechanical issue and never left the gate, second plane well we left the gate and started take off and the pilot aborted the take off as he had hydrolic system failure the third plane , which I honestly thought they wouldn't have turned out to be a charm and we finally took off 5 hours late so the first day I didn't get to do much and was very tired and stressed but after that it was a very smooth trip. I give major kudos to American Airlines and how they handled the whole issue with the planes, they even gave me extra miles for the inconvience they were awesome as well.

I will be posting a trip report in a few days I need to get myself back to reality and download all my pictures, I think I took about 500 of them. RSM I will send you a PM with some helpful info.

[Bobo912]

I got home a little while ago from the Alpine Magic Trip. All I can say is what an amazing trip it was . I met some great people who will be friends for life and had an awesome time. I had such a great trip that I am looking for the new itineraries in August, I am going on a trip next year. I had major issues with the flight going to Milan, first plane had a mechanical issue and never left the gate, second plane well we left the gate and started take off and the pilot aborted the take off as he had hydrolic system failure the third plane , which I honestly thought they wouldn't have turned out to be a charm and we finally took off 5 hours late so the first day I didn't get to do much and was very tired and stressed but after that it was a very smooth trip. I give major kudos to American Airlines and how they handled the whole issue with the planes, they even gave me extra miles for the inconvience they were awesome as well.

I will be posting a trip report in a few days I need to get myself back to reality and download all my pictures, I think I took about 500 of them. RSM I will send you a PM with some helpful info.

Welcome back, Tozzie! Glad the trip made up for the plane troubles. Can't wait to read your trip report!

[Diskidatheart]

Welcome home Tozzie. Sure glad the third plane was able to get off the ground. I can't wait to read all about your trip. I finally talked my DW into going on this trip next year. I really hope ABD includes it next year as I'll be really disappointed if they don't.

[sayhello]

Welcome Back, Tozzie! I'm really looking forward to your report! This does look like quite the itinerary!

Sorry the flight out sucked, but glad the trip made up for it! :goodvibes

Sayhello

[Bobo912]

Well, I know the trip report is coming, but in the meantime Tozzie, can you tell us what was your favorite part of the trip? And did you go paragliding?

[DallasMom]

We just got last night from the same trip with Tozzie - what a fabulous time we had. I highly recommend the Alpine Magic trip. Our favorite part? The time spent in Zermatt - a beautiful little town that was absolutely gorgeous. No paragliding for any of us on the trip and the clouds covered the Matterhorn but no matter - it was terrific. Marc and Marco (with Maddie in training) were our guides and they did a top notch job. Marc and Maddie are taking the rest of the Alpine Magic itineraries this summer as Marco will focus on Italian trips.

[airbear]

welcome home! So glad you enjoyed your trip. We leave in 3 weeks. Can't wait:cool1:

[Diskidatheart]

Welcome back DallasMom. This trip sounds so amazing, I can't wait to read all about it. One question that I have to anyone that has been on this trip is whether there is a lot of down time or does the itinerary keep you pretty busy all day?

[Tozzie]

Welcome back DallasMom. This trip sounds so amazing, I can't wait to read all about it. One question that I have to anyone that has been on this trip is whether there is a lot of down time or does the itinerary keep you pretty busy all day?

I am still thinking about the trip, it was wonderful. As for down time with the exception of the day you spend in Lake Como, you have a couple of hours free each afternoon. I have to agree that Zermatt was a wonderful little town as was Stresa, I am actually trying to figure out what I liked the most as each location had a different feel. I do recommend this trip for anyone, in Switzerland the views and scenery are just amazing.

[laurenmiadad]

I got home a little while ago from the Alpine Magic Trip. All I can say is what an amazing trip it was . I met some great people who will be friends for life and had an awesome time. I had such a great trip that I am looking for the new itineraries in August, I am going on a trip next year. I had major issues with the flight going to Milan, first plane had a mechanical issue and never left the gate, second plane well we left the gate and started take off and the pilot aborted the take off as he had hydrolic system failure the third plane , which I honestly thought they wouldn't have turned out to be a charm and we finally took off 5 hours late so the first day I didn't get to do much and was very tired and stressed but after that it was a very smooth trip. I give major kudos to American Airlines and how they handled the whole issue with the planes, they even gave me extra miles for the inconvience they were awesome as well.

I will be posting a trip report in a few days I need to get myself back to reality and download all my pictures, I think I took about 500 of them. RSM I will send you a PM with some helpful info.

Tozzie

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time. We are going on the same trip starting on 8/5/10 and are very excited.

I am struggling with our packing list and was looking for some advice on style of clothing, footware choices and availability of laundry services at our three hotels. Prior to this trip we will be in Venice for 3 days and after the trip we are heading to France for a week so trying to not pack a steamer trunk for each of us!

Do the hotels have wi-fi that is reasonable and/or are there internet cafe's near our hotels?

ATM machines to access I assume are everywhere?

Thanks in advance, can't wait to see your trip posted.

rich

[Diskidatheart]

Tozzie

Prior to this trip we will be in Venice for 3 days and after the trip we are heading to France for a week so trying to not pack a steamer trunk for each of us!


rich

I am hoping to do this trip in 2011 and had thought about doing Venice beforehand also since we loved it so much on our Viva Italia trip. How are you planning to get from Venice to Milan? by train? Is ABD still doing your transfers to Stresa?

[HappyGrumpy]

Welcome Home Tozzie! Now maybe you can take some of the pressure off of SayHello to pump out her TR!!:rotfl:

Cant wait for pics and details!

[laurenmiadad]

I am hoping to do this trip in 2011 and had thought about doing Venice beforehand also since we loved it so much on our Viva Italia trip. How are you planning to get from Venice to Milan? by train? Is ABD still doing your transfers to Stresa?

We are taking a train from venice to milan, then hopefully a cab from the train station to the airport to meet ABD team to start the trip!!

ri

[Tozzie]

Tozzie

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time. We are going on the same trip starting on 8/5/10 and are very excited.

I am struggling with our packing list and was looking for some advice on style of clothing, footware choices and availability of laundry services at our three hotels. Prior to this trip we will be in Venice for 3 days and after the trip we are heading to France for a week so trying to not pack a steamer trunk for each of us!

Do the hotels have wi-fi that is reasonable and/or are there internet cafe's near our hotels?

ATM machines to access I assume are everywhere?

Thanks in advance, can't wait to see your trip posted.

rich


I brought capri's/crop pants and tee type tops which were fine, I brought a good pair of sneakers which were fine for daily activities, I also had a pair of flip flops and a pair of flat white shoes. Everyone dressed a little nicer for the farewell dinner. One word of advice bring an umbrella, we had about 4 days where it rained and while ABD does provide ponchos, I wished I had my umbrella.

The hotels all had internet service but it wasn't wifi, the Regina Palace had wifi in the lobby and bar. The service was costly at the Regina Palace and the Schweiterhof hotel I don't remember at the Alpen Resort

The three hotels had laundry service but not self service, I know someone had 3 shirts done at the Alpen resort and it was 34 Francs I don't know what the other hotels charged.

Banks and ATM's are plentiful, in Stressa there is a bank down the block from the hotel, the same is true of lucerne. I know I saw atms in Zermatt as well.

It really was a fabulous trip and I am now anxiously waiting for the new itineraries for 2011 to come out. I will start to put my trip report up this weekend.

[DallasMom]

ATMs were very plentiful and an easy way to get money. We didn't use laundry service anywhere but I know another family went to a self-service laundry in Stresa. The guides found it for them. It was a lot cheaper than going through the hotels.

A windbreaker and an umbrella were both very helpful. Otherwise, casual clothes work well with comfortable walking shoes. Having a couple of a tad nicer outfits for evening - particular the farewell dinner would be good (no ties or anything more like a collared shirt and slacks for the men and a casual dress/skirt or slacks and a blouse for women). Be sure and pack swimsuits - the first two hotels have pools. The hotel in Stresa has particularly nice indoor and outdoor pools.

[laurenmiadad]

I brought capri's/crop pants and tee type tops which were fine, I brought a good pair of sneakers which were fine for daily activities, I also had a pair of flip flops and a pair of flat white shoes. Everyone dressed a little nicer for the farewell dinner. One word of advice bring an umbrella, we had about 4 days where it rained and while ABD does provide ponchos, I wished I had my umbrella.

The hotels all had internet service but it wasn't wifi, the Regina Palace had wifi in the lobby and bar. The service was costly at the Regina Palace and the Schweiterhof hotel I don't remember at the Alpen Resort

The three hotels had laundry service but not self service, I know someone had 3 shirts done at the Alpen resort and it was 34 Francs I don't know what the other hotels charged.

Banks and ATM's are plentiful, in Stressa there is a bank down the block from the hotel, the same is true of lucerne. I know I saw atms in Zermatt as well.

It really was a fabulous trip and I am now anxiously waiting for the new itineraries for 2011 to come out. I will start to put my trip report up this weekend.
Tozzie,
Thanks so much for the info.

It sounds as if casual but nice clothing is acceptable (shorts, nicer noncollared shirts for guys and walking shorts/capri's with nicer tee's for ladies) along with sneakers/sandals

We'll look for wifi on our own in the towns and if cant find any oh well everyone will live

Umbrella will now be added to the list, thanks

I'm sure I'll pester you later with more questions, thanks

ri

[laurenmiadad]

ATMs were very plentiful and an easy way to get money. We didn't use laundry service anywhere but I know another family went to a self-service laundry in Stresa. The guides found it for them. It was a lot cheaper than going through the hotels.

A windbreaker and an umbrella were both very helpful. Otherwise, casual clothes work well with comfortable walking shoes. Having a couple of a tad nicer outfits for evening - particular the farewell dinner would be good (no ties or anything more like a collared shirt and slacks for the men and a casual dress/skirt or slacks and a blouse for women). Be sure and pack swimsuits - the first two hotels have pools. The hotel in Stresa has particularly nice indoor and outdoor pools.
Dallas Mom
Thanks for the tips.
I imagined the pools were very nice and will be sure to have enough suits packed. Dress code sounds practical/comfortable but nice which should be something we can pull off with our packing.

I'll be on the lookout for the atm's seems as if shouldn't be an issue

thanks again

ri

[wdwsos]

Tozzie,

I got your email in Paris but I don't know if you got my reply! I'm so glad you had a great time! I just got back last night from Knights and Lights (fabulous!)!

I'm looking forward to your photos! I have a few of mine up, but it'll be a while before the TR is even started! I came home to over 500 emails and I thought I took care of most of them from my Blackberry while I was away!

http://picasaweb.google.com/DottiSaroufim/2010LondonParis?authkey=Gv1sRgCK71-feD-emALA#

It's always fun this time of year when everyone is returning from their trips!

Dotti

[redzinner]

Tozzie,

I got your email in Paris but I don't know if you got my reply! I'm so glad you had a great time! I just got back last night from Knights and Lights (fabulous!)!

I'm looking forward to your photos! I have a few of mine up, but it'll be a while before the TR is even started! I came home to over 500 emails and I thought I took care of most of them from my Blackberry while I was away!

http://picasaweb.google.com/DottiSaroufim/2010LondonParis?authkey=Gv1sRgCK71-feD-emALA#

It's always fun this time of year when everyone is returning from their trips!

Dotti

off topic from the original thread but Dotti, isn't Francesc a wonder! Great guide and entertained us the whole of our Ireland trip in 2009!

[DisFan10]

We are starting Day 3 of our Alpine Magic trip and it's amazing so far. "RSM" is part of our group. I am able to use my Netbook to go online in our room at the Regina Palace, but the signal strength is low.

It's a beautiful sunny day and we are headed to Lake Como for the private cooking class and then a boat cruise around the lake. Okay, gotta go!

[Diskidatheart]

We are starting Day 3 of our Alpine Magic trip and it's amazing so far. "RSM" is part of our group. I am able to use my Netbook to go online in our room at the Regina Palace, but the signal strength is low.

It's a beautiful sunny day and we are headed to Lake Como for the private cooking class and then a boat cruise around the lake. Okay, gotta go!

Glad you are having a great time. Can't wait to hear all about it. Is your trip full and do you have the same guides as Tozzie?

[DisFan10]

Glad you are having a great time. Can't wait to hear all about it. Is your trip full and do you have the same guides as Tozzie?

We have 29 Adventurers (8 of whom are kids) and our guides are Marc (from Spain) and Maddie (from California).

The cooking class was a lot of fun and the cruise around Lake Como was just spectacular. Our local guide told us that George Clooney was in town, but I think that's what she everyone. LOL

[sayhello]

Sounds wonderful, DisFan10! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Did you ask the guide to take you by George's place???

Sayhello

[laurenmiadad]

We have 29 Adventurers (8 of whom are kids) and our guides are Marc (from Spain) and Maddie (from California).

The cooking class was a lot of fun and the cruise around Lake Como was just spectacular. Our local guide told us that George Clooney was in town, but I think that's what she everyone. LOL


Awesome to hear that the trip is off to a great start. The cooking class and cruise day was one of many reasons our kids are soo excited about this trip. Keep us updated, have fun!!

ri

[wdwsos]

off topic from the original thread but Dotti, isn't Francesc a wonder! Great guide and entertained us the whole of our Ireland trip in 2009!

He was fabulous! I don't think I ever laughed so much on an AbD tour! Adam was a wonderful co-guide; they played really well off of each other. And both went the extra mile time and again to make the trip magical for everyone.

Any tour company can provide the nice hotels, the great meals and the "back door" entry to the sites, but AbD guides really do make these trips shine.

By the way, DisFan10 was on the trip with me! :wave2: They're doing back-to-back AbD trips!

Dotti

[DisFan10]

Sounds wonderful, DisFan10! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Did you ask the guide to take you by George's place???

Sayhello

Yes, we cruised past George's villa, but we did not see him. :rolleyes1

[DisFan10]

Awesome to hear that the trip is off to a great start. The cooking class and cruise day was one of many reasons our kids are soo excited about this trip. Keep us updated, have fun!!

ri

Thanks! I won't divulge all the details, but you guys will have a lot of fun at the cooking class. The lunch afterwards is very enjoyable as well.

The class is held in a converted villa and there are two restrooms upstairs. If you can, try to use the one that faces the lake. The view through the enormous window is amazing. LOL

[DisFan10]

He was fabulous! I don't think I ever laughed so much on an AbD tour! Adam was a wonderful co-guide; they played really well off of each other. And both went the extra mile time and again to make the trip magical for everyone.

Any tour company can provide the nice hotels, the great meals and the "back door" entry to the sites, but AbD guides really do make these trips shine.

By the way, DisFan10 was on the trip with me! :wave2: They're doing back-to-back AbD trips!

Dotti

Hi Dotti! :wave2:

We've been sharing stories about our London/Paris trip with Marc and Maddie. They didn't know what "Bubbles and Squeak" was. LOL We sure had a great time with you!

[laurenmiadad]

Thanks! I won't divulge all the details, but you guys will have a lot of fun at the cooking class. The lunch afterwards is very enjoyable as well.

The class is held in a converted villa and there are two restrooms upstairs. If you can, try to use the one that faces the lake. The view through the enormous window is amazing. LOL


Great tip! Sounds spectacular: lake view, cooking class, italian food/wine, cant wait

ri

[Bobo912]

Anybody heard from Tozzie? She hasn't posted lately. I thought we would have heard more about her trip or seen some photos by now. Hope she's okay.

[sayhello]

Anybody heard from Tozzie? She hasn't posted lately. I thought we would have heard more about her trip or seen some photos by now. Hope she's okay.Ooo, you're right. It has been a while! I hope she didn't get the dreaded stomach virus like I did, or something! I hope she posts soon & that she's alright!

Sayhello

[Tozzie]

Ooo, you're right. It has been a while! I hope she didn't get the dreaded stomach virus like I did, or something! I hope she posts soon & that she's alright!

Sayhello

I am here, I had some internet issues and health issues and I was in the hospital for a couple of days. I apologize but it is going to be awhile longer before I can post about the trip.

[Bobo912]

Tozzie, I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been well. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

[sayhello]

I am here, I had some internet issues and health issues and I was in the hospital for a couple of days. I apologize but it is going to be awhile longer before I can post about the trip.:eek: Oh, no!!! I hope it wasn't anything *too* serious!!!! I was mostly worried about you, not the report! That is seriously secondary (or thirdary, or less!) Take care, take your time, feel better. Believe me, I *totally* empathize!

Sayhello

[Diskidatheart]

Sorry to hear you haven't been well Tozzie. Get well soon!