🇮🇹 Italian Escapes: Hotel Adventures in Tuscany and Rome

ABBEY:

Certaldo Hotel

We were supposed to be hosted in a winery for our first few nights in Italy. However the location is having its renovation and they moved our accommodation at Certaldo Hotel.

We were picked up from the train station to the hotel. We got a large room and bath. Their toiletries are fragrant and relaxing. Our package includes breakfast during our stay and I can say that I indulged in bacon, scrambled eggs, pastries and sausages. I also tried their grapefruit juice. That’s a new for me. And not forgetting my cup of cappuccino. 

They also served us dinner with pork pie, steak and bolognese pasta. The pasta is notable as it is not only al dente but it is make fresh and with cocoa. Wow!

I would commend their staff specially with their communication from booking, accommodation, hotel transfers and food. It was a great experience for us.

Mercure Roma Corso Trieste 

Our stay here is free. Thanks for my award. Haha. It is a 5-minute walk to the train station which is easier for us to go to must-visit places in Rome. As part of their sustainability program, you can fetch drinking water at reception with your own bottle. We also had pizza from their restaurant. Our room is spacious and clean. There’s a slight hiccup though as we were charged for our stay. But it didn’t take long to be refunded and only city tax was paid.

 Italian Escapes Hotel Adventures in Rome - Mercure Roma Corso Trieste

 Italian Escapes Hotel Adventures in Tuscany - Hotel Certaldo

WILL: Planning a vacation involves a flurry of questions: Where should we stay? Which hotel fits our budget and travel style? Where can we make reservations? These are the puzzle pieces that create the perfect holiday.

Our journey to Italy was centered around a dream: staying in a vineyard. We had everything set, with reservations at Tenuta Torciano for three nights. However, our excitement hit a snag when we learned that the vineyard was undergoing renovations. Talk about timing! To maintain our tranquility, we agreed to stay at Hotel Certaldo, although it was quite a distance from the vineyard.

What about the hotel? It's a charming, boutique-style establishment. The spacious rooms boasted beds so large, they could accommodate a small army. The staff were incredibly friendly, always ensuring we had a restful night's sleep. It felt like we were being serenaded into a 12-hour slumber every night!

Breakfast offered a consistent spread, but our favorite indulgence was the morning cheese selection. And dinners? Simply divine! From succulent steaks to homemade cocoa pasta, the culinary experience exceeded our expectations.

Beyond the confines of our hotel room, we explored Certaldo Alto, a hilltop town brimming with museums and ancient charm. It was a picturesque glimpse into the essence of Tuscany, elevated to another level of beauty.

In Rome, proximity to tourist attractions was a priority. However, limited options led us to Mercure Roma Corso Trieste, which was farther than desired. The 8-kilometer trek to the Spanish Steps took us an hour and a half.

But what about the room? No complaints there. Our two-night stay was characterized by cleanliness and comfort. The room exuded a relaxed atmosphere, with wooden floors and chic, dark green accents. The bed linens were smooth as silk, and the well-lit bathroom left no corner for dirt to hide.

The warmth of the staff made our stay even more enjoyable, as they graciously answered our questions and offered guidance on navigating the city. 

Without hesitation, we recommend both hotels for an unforgettable Italian getaway.

***

Hotel Certaldo -- Starting from Euro112.00

(W) https://www.hotelcertaldo.it/

Mercure Roma Corso Trieste -- Starting from Euro243.00

(W) https://all.accor.com

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Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

🇨🇭Switzerland Travel Adventures: Your Must-Experience Activities

ABBEY: To dos in Switzerland 

 —Sledding

All the while I thought this will be a joy ride. Turns out it is thrilling going to dangerous. 

Exercise prudence and carefulness as you go the down steep slopes. It was fun at the same time scary. Even though it is a beginner route, it is not at all straight nor flat but with curves as well cliffs. 

 —Paragliding

This is where my wife ended up when she negotiated for Sky Diving. Nothing much to be afraid of, right? I was wrong. The pickup from the station to their office and the 20-minute ride to the mountain is ok. But when the instructor started to lay the parachute and seeing the slope where we would run and take flight, that is a different story. Fear crept in on me; can’t help it. I mustered my courage and when my instructor told me to run, I ran like hell. Hahaha. Next thing I know I’m flying. It was nice to see Interlaken from the sky. I’m proud I was able to tell my tandem paraglider to do the roller coaster ride. It is a good experience although it made me dizzy. Advisable to wear sunglass; it helps your eyes from drying and protect them from the bright sun. By the way, don’t scream too loud, the neighbors below don’t like it. 

 —Cheese Fondue

Never leave Switzerland without trying cheese fondue. An order is always charged for a minimum of two persons. Prepare to smell the strong cheesy aroma as it is serve and the cheese continues to melt. We got to try the fondue twice. Sad to say we’re not able to finish it on our first try at Jungfrao Hotel but we redeemed ourselves at Hotel Edelweiss at Murren. Maybe because the snow-capped mountain view is magnificent. We ate it with bread and nothing else. But other options include fruits and meats. And partner it with wine. 

 —Omega and Swatch Museum

I want to buy a timepiece and it’s a good timing as we will visit Omega and Swatch Museums at Biel/Bienne.

Omega really curated the exhibition is a sophisticated way with audio-visual presentation as well as themes like 007 movies and moon landing where the watches were used. 

They also was the sponsor for previous Olympic Games and you can able to test your speed against time.

The Swatch Museum is on the playful side with their colorful watches and sections. We got to see Wilma’s first Swatch (Pink Mermaid) and the As Time Goes By model where the numbers move instead of the hands. You can also order your customized watch. 

Unfortunately I’m not able to buy my timepiece on neither museums. Swatch models are not to my liking and Omega’s prices are over the top (maybe some other time). But I appreciate the works being done for them to be produced. 

 —CLOY Lake shoot 

Once our friends knew that we will visit Switzerland they asked if we will go to CLOY Lake Shoot Location. CLOY (Crash Landing On You) is a Korean Drama which became popular in the Philippines. We told our friends, no. As it turns out, it is only a couple of rides away from our hotel. So off we go. The scenery in the lake is serene, tranquil and cold. Except for the queue in the platform, it is picturesque.

Switzerland Travel Adventures: Your Must-Experience Activities

WILL: Think Switzerland is just mountains, lakes, and UNESCO sites? Think again! Switzerland is a hotspot for outdoor sports, whether it's winter or summer.

Last winter (2023), we dove into snow sports headfirst. Sledding was on our bucket list, and while it's touted as beginner-friendly, the adrenaline rush had us hanging on for dear life! Pro tip: Scope out the route before renting a sledge if you're a first-timer.

We anticipated paragliding over snow-covered Interlaken but were pleasantly surprised. The aerial view revealed stunning mountains, lush greenery, and the vibrant hues of two famous lakes. Being up there, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed with gratitude, especially for the bond shared with Abbey. Different altitudes offer different perspectives indeed!

As cheese enthusiasts, we couldn't pass up the chance for cheese fondue, especially at 1,650m above sea level. Talk about dining with a view!

While many Swiss museums require tickets or offer discounts with the Swiss Travel Pass, we're all about finding free activities. For a nostalgic journey into Swiss watch-making precision, the Omega and Swatch Museum is a must-visit. Prepare to be transported back to your first Swatch and maybe even leave craving an OMEGA timepiece!

Not into Korean dramas? Neither are we! But while paragliding, our pilot pointed out a lake where scenes from "Crash Landing on You" were filmed. It was too close to ignore, so we made a pit stop on our free day. Locals in Interlaken might even ask if you've visited "CLOY's lake"!

From chocolate factories to mountain peak hopping, Switzerland offers endless adventures beyond the usual tourist spots. Start planning your Swiss escapade now!

***

Sledding Fun on Mount Rigi

(W) https://www.rigi.ch/en/experience/winter-activites/sledding

Paragliding Interlaken Winter

(W) https://paragliding-interlaken.ch/activities/paragliding-big-blue-winter/

Restaurant Edelweiss in Mürren

(W) https://www.edelweiss-muerren.ch/en/restaurant/

Omega and Watch Museum 

(W) https://www.swatchgroup.com/en/companies-brands/landmarks/omega-museum

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

🇨🇭Exploring Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass: Is It Worth It?

Traveling from Singapore to neighboring countries here in Asia is a breeze, thanks to our robust currency. We are just hailing Grab or taxi our way to our next place to visit. BUT Europe means experiencing a significant currency conversion, especially in countries like Switzerland, where the Swiss Franc's value is considerably higher than our Singapore Dollar. Public transportation will significantly impact our budget, thus Switzerland tourists require more strategic planning.

So, when planning a trip to Switzerland, one question looms large: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

To answer this question, read our Switzerland itinerary and compare the costs of individual tickets versus the convenience of the Swiss Travel Pass. Note: We opted for 1st Class tickets to enjoy a more exclusive experience and avoid overcrowding, particularly in the Jungfrau region.

Swiss Travel Pass -  Worth It?
Read our Itinerary with the usual Public Transportation Costs Here

Calculate your next Switzerland Trip:

By meticulously planning our itinerary and estimating the costs of individual train and bus tickets, we realized the huge savings offered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Using the official SBB app, we calculated the fares for each leg of our journey, making informed decisions about our transportation needs.

Here are the freebies/discounts because we have the Swiss Travel Pass:

1.Glacier Garden — FREE

2.Callier Maison — FREE

3. Zermatt Bergbahnen — 50% Discount

In conclusion, the Swiss Travel Pass is undeniably worth it for travelers exploring Switzerland. By pre-planning your itinerary and considering your transportation requirements, you can maximize the benefits of the pass and enjoy seamless travel across Switzerland's picturesque landscapes.

Bonus Savings Tip: We purchased our Swiss Travel Pass through Klook and saved CHF617 compared to the regular price of CHF665, enjoying an additional CHF48 off. For similar savings, consider purchasing your pass through Klook.

***

Swiss Travel Pass

(W) https://www.sbb.ch/

Buy on Klook: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/invite/Y9UUR6?c=USD

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!