GUEST ARTICLE: For music lovers, Montreux is famous for it’s chilled beats during the annual Jazz Festival. For the rest of us, the enduring beauty of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) is what provides this small Swiss Riviera resort town with it’s enduring magnetism.

The approach from the Swiss-Italian border on the high-speed Cisalpino train (Swiss Federal Railways and Trenitalia now jointly operate the route) from Milano Centrale, Italy to Montreux, Switzerland offers passengers a spectacular slice of Swiss alpine lake scenery and an insight into the Italian and Swiss psyche.

The Trenitalia crew and stations epitomise the essence of Italy – colourful, carefree and a little rough around the edges. The man who pulls the food cart rings a bike bell and announces with gusto – “acqua, panini, bibite” (water, sandwiches, drinks). The remote Trenitalia stations often have a rustic charm about them. Weeds poke out of the tracks and the signs and platforms look a little grungy.

As the Cisalpino pulls into Switzerland and the SBB crew come aboard, the service has a more precise and efficient feel about it. Swiss stations are spotless and gleem with modernity. It’s amazing how a few kilometres either side of a border can make such a difference.

About 20 minutes walk from Montreux railway station is the Montreux-Territet YHA, located on the foot of Lake Geneva. The walk to the youth hostel is punctuated by a seemingly endless expanse of lakefront views and flashy sports cars.

Starting at about 30 Swiss Francs (CHF) per night for a shared dormitory, the Montreux-Territet YHA provides a tasty, hearty Swiss style breakfast including a variety of local cheeses and breads and close proximity to all sights. But, who needs a wealth of attractions when you’re right on the shores of Lake Geneva overlooking the Swiss Alps?

Chateau de Chillon (12 CHF per adult), wedged between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Alps is understandably Switzerland’s most popular historic monument. Visitors will come to appreciate how the Castle’s rocky island location offers more than just brilliant views over the Swiss Riviera.

For many years the castle served a strategic purpose, controlling the passage between northern and southern Europe. Despite being centuries old, the castle remains in exquisite shape, featuring well preserved and easily navigable spaces including a dungeon, dining room, crypt, watch towers and works of art supported with information panels.

The Territet – Glion funicular (incline cable railway), forms part of the Swiss Goldenpass and is the oldest funicular in Switzerland. Riding the funicular is a fantastic way to catch high-level sweeping views over Lake Geneva without expending an ounce of energy and will only set you back a few Swiss Francs.

The funicular mountain railway station is located just outside the Montreux town centre and is easily accessible on foot. If you want to burn off some calories after taking in the view, trek down the hillside passing through the old town on the way back to Montreux.

If you’re an Olympic history buff, consider taking a short train ride along the scenic shores of Lake Geneva to nearby Lausanne, home to the international Olympic movement. For those interested in visiting the home of Nestle milk chocolate, consider visiting Vevey, also just a short train ride away.

If you’ve got time to explore Switzerland, consider paying a little more for a Goldenpass Panoramic Line rail ticket rather than buying a regular Swiss Federal Railways ticket. Goldenpass operates on a limited network that links the most scenic parts of Switzerland together. If you have a valid Eurail pass, you only have to pay a nominal seat reservation fee to use the Goldenpass service.

Goldenpass trains are unique because you can actually wind down your window and witness the Swiss panorama unfold before you, whilst also taking photographs without having to worry about your head or arms being lopped off by a power pole.

Goldenpass provides a Montreux to Lucerne service that’s well worth checking out.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: With or without a map, find yourself getting lost over and over again amongst the winding passages and canals of Venice (Venezia).

Disembarking the train at Venezia Santa Lucia stazione from Roma Termini stazione will leave you amazed.

There are no cars, traffic snarls or traffic lights. There’s some water pollution, but no air pollution. There’s no noise from horns or engines. All you’ll hear is the gentle whir of boats and the buzz of tourists. All services – emergency, food, water, couriers and transport are provided by water and come at a price. Welcome to Venice.

Shops sell tourist favourites – decorated theatre masks and Murano glass jewelry. Restaurants on the main strips advertise menus targeting undiscerning tourists with prices, cover charges and quality to match.

American, Canadian and Australian tourists mill about everywhere. As with other hot spots, some tourists convince themselves that they can ‘do Venice’ in a day because it’s a tiny island.

But, like the many millions of visitors that came before them, they get lost in the never-ending web of passages and canals, rolling their luggage or carrying their packs around town.

You’ll notice that some visitors just give up looking for their accommodation after constantly hitting dead ends facing brick walls and canals and go sight seeing – bags and all.

L’Imbarcadero hostel is a 10 minute walk from Venezia Santa Lucia station. It offers excellent value and the Grand Canal on your doorstep. Dormitory rates are subject to seasonal fluctuations, but can start from about 26 euros. LAN internet, slim lockers, linen, breakfast, kitchen facilities are included.

Before you book your accommodation, it’s wise to check its exact location on Google maps. Many places advertise themselves as being in Venice, but don’t mention they’re in Venezia Mestre, off the main island of Venezia.

Venezia Mestre offers lower prices and has its own train stazione which means you’re only minutes away from the main island of Venezia. Other visitors get stung and catch an expensive vapporetto (waterbus) to and from their accomodation.

Vapporetto tickets must be validated before boarding and are available from ‘Hello Venezia’ ticket desks and authorised resellers. A one-way ticket is steep at 6.50 euros. If you plan to island hop around Venice, a 24-hour travel card offers better value at 18 euros.

As you walk over the many bridges and passages of Venice, you’ll spot tourists floating past in gondolas and gondoliers tempting you on board for a ’special price’. Don’t become the latest victim of the gondola scams.

Negotiate the deal before you’re taken for a ride and charged extra to listen to live music and for riding the ‘classic’ route. Gondola rides are a tourist trap and you can expect to pay accordingly: 2 euros per minute or on average, about 80 euros for 40 minutes.

But, if you want to experience one of the world’s most famous boulevards and save a packet, then hop on a bus… that is, a vapporetto, a bus Venice-style.

Board a vapporetto from the stop across from Venezia Santa Lucia stazione and you’ll experience what makes the Grand Canal so unique. You’ll pass under the Ponte Rialto whilst taking in the buildings, palazzo (palaces) from the 12th to 14th centuries and houses standing defiantly with front doors just a metre or two above water level.

The ride down the Grand Canal lasts about 40 minutes as the vapporetto pauses to thud into every terminal down the canal. Get off at Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square), the last stop before Lido Island, an average tourist beach.

Piazza San Marco is the quintessential first stop on most visitors’ itinerary. As you stroll around this expansive, beautiful and expensive patch of the world, take a moment to admire the ornate decorations on Basilica San Marco (St Mark’s Cathedral) and the buzz from the crowds posing amongst pigeons circling the square.

Admission into Basilica San Marco is free. To beat the queues, deposit your backpack in the baggage room around the corner and the attendant will hand you a token which you wave as you walk through the entrance.

Photography is ‘strictly forbidden’ as are so many other activities marked on signs around Italy. Of course, some visitors had to spoil the experience by not-so-discreetly taking photos with flash and shooting videos like they were special.

The interior of the cathedral is jaw dropping. The dome and ceilings glitter and drip with gold frescos. Multicoloured marble walls, floors and designs are tiled everywhere else.

If you continue walking past Palazzo Ducale and towards the waterfront, you’ll see what makes Venice a city of spectacular contradictions. Even with the constant threat of rising tides and flooding, Piazza San Marco is in immaculate shape and packs in the crowds year-round.

Walk along the waterfront at sunset towards the Castello district and you’ll witness a spectacular scene of gondolas and splashing waves amongst a brunt orange sky.

The downside is that the path towards the Castello district is littered with tacky souvenir stands and hawkers trying to flog dodgy handbags produced using child labour (warning signs are posted by the local authorities to alert passers by). But, if you press on, the hawkers vanish and you can watch the sun go down over Venice.

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is situated by the Grand Canal and overlooks Piazza San Marco. It’s worth visiting to check out the views alone. Most other cathedrals in Venice charge an admission fee.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: Looking for a quiet escape from the crowds in Italy? You’ll linger longer in Ferrara than Bologna.

Ferrara is a UNESCO world heritage listed town lined with wide cobbled streets and surrounded by ancient walls. You can mix it with the bicycle loving locals and experience life at a much slower pace than you would in more frenzied places on the tourist map such as nearby Bologna.

Ferrara is connected to Tren Italia’s national railway network and is easy to get to from as far away as Rome, usually requiring an interchange onto a regional train from Bologna Centrale. Once you’re in Ferrara everything worth exploring is within easy walking distance.

Walking along the parameter of Ferrara is something unique as it is surrounded by kilometres of well-preserved red brick walls that served as a defensive fortress during the medieval and renaissance era.

Palazzo dei Diamanti is a beautiful historical monument and a stunning piece of Renaissance Italian architecture. It’s white pyramidal diamond shaped exterior design makes it hard to miss on a cobbled street nearby Estense Castle.

Castello Estense, the home of the former ruling family of Ferrara is the main tourist drawcard. It is very well maintained and is one of the few castles in Europe surrounded by water.

Entry is reasonable at 7 euros per adult. Check out the dark dungeons that lie beneath the castle as well as some magnificent frescos and paintings.

Once you’re done, why not try some fabulous hand made gelato from Bar Gelataria Venezuela opposite the Castle.

Visiting the markets by the Duomo in the main town square, Piazza Trento e Trieste is a good place to pick up a few knick-knacks, but don’t forget to taste the delicacies typical to Ferrara – pampapato and cappellacci pasta.

Pampapato is a large dome shaped cake enriched with cocoa, orange peel, candied fruit and almonds and is sold at a number of pasticcerias (pastry shops).

Cappellacci is a beautiful silky hat-shaped pumpkin filled ravioli served in a sage and burnt butter sauce. Pizzeria Ristorante Estebar (located on 13 via Scienze) serves a simple but flavoursome cappellacci dish which is definately worth trying.

With dorms starting at 15 euros per night, Students Hostel Estense is a fantastic budget option, 15 minutes from Ferrara train stazione and 5 minutes from the Castle.

Dorms are clean and include in room lockers, WiFi and linen. An average breakfast is provided consisting of melba toasts, watered down juice, reconstituted milk from the coffee machine, jams and cereal. Thankfully, a nice supermarket is located just down the street where you can stock up on a few items and prepare them in the basic hostel kitchen downstairs.

Bologna is only a short train ride from Ferrara. Bologna is known far and wide as being a culinary hotspot, home to tortellini and Bolognese, but it also offers a bustling medieval centre kept alive by a large student population.

Piazza Maggiore is the central town square and is an architectural marvel, surrounded by palazzos, Basilica di San Petronio, the town hall and medieval allies, one of which is dedicated to green grocers.

However, walking down the portico sidewalks and small lanes, I found downtown Bologna to be more ‘touristy’ than Ferrara. It was devoid of charm, with too many western retailers and too few bicycle-loving locals. Apart from a wide array of churches, I could not find any reason to linger for long.

The tourist office in Piazza Maggiore suggested I visit the university district for some cheap eats, but the allies were largely deserted, had a seedy vibe and were heavily graffitied. A word of advice: don’t visit on a Monday afternoon. Museums are closed and the churches are on their ’siesta’ break.

After searching far and wide for a small, local ristorante or trattoria to tuck into some fresh tortelloni (tortellini for vegetarians), I left Bologna disappointed. I was served an average tortelloni with an above average price and cover charge to boot.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: With historical ruins and historical monuments around every corner, you’ll need more than a day to explore Rome (Roma).

The way in which old mixes with new makes Rome such a unique city. Walk one-way and you’ll be surrounded by well preserved monolithic ancient ruins. Step the other way and a relentless stream of car and motorcycle chaos will whiz past you.

Roma Termini station is a major rail hub in Italy and is in a rundown area; so don’t linger about longer than necessary, especially after dark.

Take the metro or the bus and head off to your accomodation, but beware of pickpockets at all times. As with anywhere, unless you want to become an easy target, don’t look overly paranoid by strapping your backpack onto your chest with every zipper padlocked to the hilt.

If you want to hit the big three – the Roman Forum (Foro Romano), the Palatine (Palatino), and the Colosseum (Colloseo) buy a combination ticket valid over 2 days (12 euros per adult) from the Palatine and you’ll save time and money.

Another way to jump the queue is to join a short tour of the Palatine and the Colosseum (8 euros per adult). This is handy if you don’t have a guidebook or knowledge of Roman history as the guides will point out some quirky facts and retell classic tales.

Ancient ruins ranging from temples, arches, basilicas and columns are strewn around the Palatino. They look even more amazing set against the backdrop of the Colosseum from the Palatino panoramic lookout point.

Despite being ravaged by flames and floods, The Colosseum stands today symbolising the eternity of Rome. The Colosseum’s interior will amaze you. The underground area where caged animals were hoisted from for the entertainment of tens of thousands of spectators is now a labyrinth of mossy, grassy vaults and corridors.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a haven for tourists tossing coins and posing for endless snaps, day and night.

Follow the foot traffic that funnels through the area and you’ll pass the columns of Piazza di Pietra, an obelisk in Piazza di Monte Citorio, the magnificent domed Pantheon, the stadium shaped Piazza Navona, and Largo di Torre Argentina where Caesar met his end.

The Vatican Museum in Vatican City (15 euros per adult) is overwhelming. You’ll see more pieces of ornate marble housed in and around the museum than you’ll ever see in your life – a reflection of the Vatican’s ruthless ability to zealously ‘acquire’ just about anything.

If you really want to take in all the history, it’s advisable to sign up for a Vatican Museum tour, or refer to a guidebook.

Photos (without flash) can be taken in most places except the Sistine Chapel, of course that doesn’t stop some trigger-happy photographers.

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is free, and flash photography is allowed everywhere except the Vatican Grottos. The interior is richly decorated with colourful marble and elaborate sculptures.

The dome of St Peter’s is a feature of the Rome skyline. For less than 10 euros you can climb the steps to the top of the dome and get a high level view of Rome.

A metro station is situated nearby the Basilica, but the walk from downtown Rome along the River Tiber to Vatican City is enjoyable too.

If you time your visit to Rome well, you might be lucky enough to get your hands on a free ticket to be part of the audience for the Wednesday morning papal address.

Located on the other side of the River Tiber, the Trestevere district is a nice place to find a local trattoria or ristorante away from the city squeeze. For many visitors, Trestevere’s quiet cobbled alleys and colourful houses are what they imagined Rome to be.

Campo De’ Fiori is a quieter square near the River Tiber, featuring fruit and vegetable markets on the weekend.

The Spanish Steps, located by Piazza di Spagna is alive with tourists and poseurs sitting on the sparkling white steps watching the constant stream of traffic go by. Venture further down the street and you’ll find a shopping strip best left to the cashed-up crowd.

If you want to catch a nice sunset, head down to the water feature at Piazza del Quirinale, nearby Trevi Fountain.

Hotel Lodi (recently renamed Hotello di Roma) is a well priced hotel/hostel located in a quiet suburban street, within 30 minutes walking distance from Roma Termini station. Note that the walking directions listed online can be a little confusing for a first timer in Rome.

From what I gathered, the hotel offers a few private rooms upstairs and two eight-bed dorms downstairs. Lockers, free wifi, linen and a breakfast croissant (‘cornetto’ in Italian) served with coffee or juice were all included.

Service was outstanding from the minute I walked in. I especially appreciated how the front desk staff marked up a large map for me to make sure I made the most of my five days in Rome.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: The Leaning Tower of Pisa tops the must see list for most visitors to Italy, but is it worth staying the night if you’re on a tight time frame?

Mention you’re visiting Italy and most people will mention pizza or Pisa in their first breath. Both are equally worthy things to enjoy, but while pizza is available in varying levels of authenticity across the country, there’s only one Leaning Tower of Pisa and one official Leaning Tower of Pisa website amongst all the others. Check out the opening hours as they’re subject to change.

Pisa is located in the region of Tuscany, a short train ride away from Florence (Firenze).

Torre di Pisa (the Leaning Tower of Pisa as written on local signs) is a relatively straightforward 30-minute walk from the main railway station, Pisa Centrale.

On the way to the tower, you’ll cross some charming pedestrianised retail shopping strips. As you get closer to the world famous icon, you might be amazed to see it poking out the end of an ordinary neighbourhood street!

Touts selling ‘genuine’ Rolex watches and souvenirs flank one side of the tower. Market stalls swarming with coach tour groups buying ‘I heart Pisa’ t-shirts and other tacky paraphernalia line the other side.

After admiring the tower and taking the obligatory self-photo or the “look at me casually pushing/kicking the tower” snap you may find your appetite for Pisa has been satisfied.

For others, a tower is there to be climbed.

Small groups of visitors are allowed to ascend the 294 steps (at a height of about 50 metres), at 15 euros per adult (17 euros for online bookings). It’s a high price to pay for an ordinary view and an extraordinary queue.

Pisa isn’t exactly known for its tall buildings and large monuments, but all proceeds do go towards the preservation and protection of this UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Once you’ve taken in the tower, it only costs a few euros to visit the often-overlooked neighbouring monuments in around Piazza dei Miracoli, the Duomo (cathedral) and the Baptistery.

At this point, you’ll probably head back into town and do a bit of exploring or shopping. But for many, once they’ve seen the tower and a few shops and the architecture around town, that’ll be their tour of Pisa.

So instead of booking a night in Pisa, consider visiting nearby Florence for a few nights, or plan a day trip in Lucca or Siena, you won’t regret it. Not only is there a lot more to see and experience by way of Renaissance art, world-class architecture and stunning piazzas, but you’ll also be making the most of your limited time in Italy.

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution

GUEST ARTICLE: Florence or Firenze as it’s known to the locals is a must visit destination for lovers of Renaissance art. Almost every corner teems with beautiful architecture, cathedrals, museums, history and… truckloads of tourists.

After leaving its main railway station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, you’ll find Florence is extremely easy to explore on foot.

During peak season, you’ll notice visitors led by vocal guides or Lonely Planet/Rick Steves guidebooks ferrying around from morning to night ticking off the main attractions.

In amongst the rabble of Americans, Canadians and Australians floating around every corner, it’s a challenge in itself to hear a local accent.

I found Florence to be a magnet for tourists on an “Amazing Race” express tour of Europe. It attracts the type of visitor who proudly ‘does’ a city in 24 hours flat then hops on a night train, bus or plane to tick off Rome, Venice, Zurich, Munich, Prague, Paris and Madrid.

But to do Florence (and yourself) any justice you’ll need at least a couple of days. If you rush in and out of the most populated city in Tuscany you’ll probably leave disappointed.

The Galleria dell’ Accademia is generally abuzz with visitors looking for their fix of Michelangelo’s epic work, David.

You can compare the original piece with the inferior copies you’ll probably come across at Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo.

Depending on when you visit, you might find it hard to appreciate the monumental work in amongst the snap happy masses (no flash photography allowed). It is advisable to pre-purchase your ticket to avoid the epic queues.

The gallery houses a small-boutique collection with a number of Michelangelo’s works. I have heard that some visitors leave after about 30 minutes, meaning that for many, there isn’t that much to see apart from David.

Also, at 6.50 euro per adult, the gallery is quite expensive in comparison with other more larger and famous museums around Europe.

The Uffizi Gallery is just as famous for its epic collection of renaissance works as it is for its queues.

Beat the queues by pre-purchasing a ticket, albeit for a higher price. If you’re not a fan of renaissance art, spend your time and money elsewhere as you probably won’t get much out of it.

Refreshingly, entry into the Duomo – The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is free. The dome is a masterpiece, constructed as a single piece largely without any supporting structures.

The façade of the Duomo is an eye-catching combination of beautiful green, pink, and white marble panels.

The best gelato in town is arguably sold at Gelateria Santa Trinita near the famous Ponte Vecchio (bridge) .

Try the popular Buontalenti al mascarpone flavour, named after the man credited with inventing gelato, Bernardo Buontalenti.

You know Gelateria Santa Trinita gelato is authentic because they have their own laboratory where the gelato is hand made fresh daily, unlike many other vendors that serve gelato from a factory.

To find quality gelato, look out for vendors with the sign proclaiming: ‘gelato artigianale’, ‘produzione propria’ or ‘nostra produzione’.

Piazzale Michelangelo is the most popular vantage point for catching a panoramic view over Florence.

To get there, you’ll have to climb several hundred steep steps from Piazza Poggi, but the views are postcard perfect.

You won’t be alone gazing at the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio, especially if you’re sitting on the steps around sunset.

Ostello Archi Rossi is without a doubt the best value quality hostel in Florence. Located 5 minutes from the main railway station and central to all the major sights, you couldn’t ask for more. Mixed dormitories start at about 20 euro per night.

The following services are included: in room Wi-Fi and internet computer, in-room shower/toilet facilities, bed linen, lockers, two walking tours, breakfast and dinner. Check their website for the availability of free dinner.

The hostel even offers an extensive menu ranging from pizzas, pastas, and omelettes cooked to order.

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets, ì Tozzo di pane osteria offers a rustic vibe and a quiet garden courtyard. Authentic Tuscan and Italian inspired dishes are served without the nasty tourist price. A cover charge of 1.50 applies.

For starters, bruschetta topped with rich and flavoursome tomatoes and herbs was 4 euro, followed by a superb, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth potato gnocchi with a walnut and creamy cheese sauce for only 8 euro.

Washed down with a nice house wine, what more could you ask for after a day of full-on sightseeing?

This article has been written by Pranav Bhatt. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Sydney University. He has an interest in world travel, cricket, politics, technology and the media.

If you’ve travelled somewhere off the beaten track, can write well and have good quality photos I encourage you to contact me and I’ll consider publishing your travel diary here including generous attribution and links back to your website as thanks for your contribution