Explore Europe

Surrounded by France, Belgium and Germany, Luxembourg is it’s one of the worlds smallest countries yet its packed with medieval charm. The capital, Luxembourg City, has a fairy-tale quality thanks to its beautiful old town perched on top of sheer cliffs with incredible views across deep gorges where the rivers pass through the Ardenne forest. 

Luxembourg is so close to the KMC that you really have to get out there and explore this extraordinary city for yourself.

The hotel where John stayed (booked via booking.com): https://booki.ng/2NaEEhp

The Luxembourg Tourist site: https://www.visitluxembourg.com/en

The Grand Ducal Palace: https://www.visitluxembourg.com/en/place/castle/palace-of-the-grand-dukes

Kids activities: https://www.visitluxembourg.com/en/what-to-do/family-kids

The restaurant where John had dinner: brasserieguillaume.lu/

The American Cemetery in Luxembourg: https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/luxembourg-american-cemetery#.W03tHi-B3BI

00:01 - Welcome

1:01 - Where are we exploring today?

2:48 - How long is best when visiting Luxembourg?

3:36 - How did John travel from Germany to Luxembourg?

4:01 - What about finding accommodation?

4:24 - John imparts great knowledge about Luxembourg

5:27 - Is it an expensive city?

6:28 - So, how do you get around Luxembourg?

6:59 - What about John’s hop-on and hop-off bus?

7:15 - What can you do whilst visiting the city?

10:54 - It’s food time…..where and what did John eat whilst he was there?

13:26 - Do they speak English?

13:52 - …..more information about the fare in Luxembourg

14:28 - Are there family-friendly activities in the city?

14:59 - What currency/payments accepted in Luxembourg?

15:18 - Do you require a passport/visa to travel?

15:55 - John lets you in on some absolute must-see places to visit.

16:43 - The reasons you should visit Luxembourg this year.

18:14 - Michelle’s sustainable Travel Tip - The curse of the Plastic Bag

Thank you for listening Explorers!

Are you planning a trip to Luxembourg? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

Please leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Here are the show notes from our Explore Europe Strasbourg episode brought to you by Used Car Guys. 

Strasbourg is such a picturesque place which manages to somehow balance the medieval architecture of winding cobble stone alleys and crooked half-timbered houses with the modern progressive EU Quarter and France’s second-largest student population.

It is perhaps this unique style that seems to show case the very best of France and Germany.

The hotel where John stayed:  https://www.regent-contades.com/en/

John’s favourite booking engine for hotels: https://www.booking.com

Great article on what to do in Strasbourg for a weekend: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/strasbourg-city-guide-france-what-to-do-alsace-european-parliament-best-hotels-restaurants-a7943161.html

Strasbourg Tourist Website: http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/en/

Strasbourg Cathedral: https://www.strasbourg.info/cathedral/

Le Petit Train - the tourist train around Strasbourg: https://petit-train-strasbourg.fr/?lang=en

All about Le Petit France: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petite_France,_Strasbourg

All about the Grand Island: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Île_(Strasbourg)

Visiting the European Parliament: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/en/strasbourg/hemicycle-parlamentarium-visits

The lovely restaurant where John had green eggs (ha ha): http://cheznousstrasbourg.com/

All about Flammkueche or Tarte Flambe as it’s known in France: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarte_flambée

All about Le Tour de France: https://www.letour.fr/en/

Strasbourg Christmas Markets: https://noel.strasbourg.eu/en/les-marches-de-noel

The initiative that Michelle mentions during her sustainable travel tip. Take 3 for the Sea: https://www.take3.org

00:01 - Welcome to Explore Europe

01:09 - Where are we exploring today?

01:29 - But, Strasbourg is in Germany, isn’t it?

02:14 - How do you travel to Strasbourg? Can you park easily?

02:58 - John tells us how he found his accommodation and when you should NOT go to Strasbourg (is that even possible? …well, John gives you the lowdown).

04:10 - The Strasbourg Cathedral - From the history, to visiting the sight and how to getting there

05:32 - The Astronomical Clock - great to visit with kids

06:48 - John tells us the best way to visit the city - Le Petit Train  

08:15 - Learn all about the ‘Instagrammable’ Le Petit France

09:18 - The Grand Island - Unesco World Heritage Site

9:58 - Do you have to speak French to visit?

10:27 - John adds more details about the Le Petit Train and what you’ll see on your adventure

10:55 - Here you’ll learn about the 17th Century bridge with the best views of the City

11:20 - And then a 13th Century Bridge where you can see how the town is split.

11:42 - Here we go, it’s food time (can I get an amen?!) The question is……..Can Michelle get her favourite dish in Strasbourg?

14:38 - Should you pre-book your restaurant choices or can you walk-in? Also, the eating habits of European Culture

15:38 - What currency do I need to take?

16:07 - When is the best time to visit?

16:20 - John is excited to divulge all matters relating to the French cycle race - Le Tour De France

17:36 - The Christmas Markets of Strasbourg

18:22 - Strasbourg - Is it really a great all-rounder city?

19:28 - Michelle’s Travel Tip - Take Three for The Sea

Thanks so much for listening explorers!

If you do visit Strasbourg, please do let us know by leaving a comment or tweet using the hashtag #ExploreEurope. We’d love to know what you think!  

Leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Here are the show notes from our Explore Europe Strasbourg episode. 

Strasbourg is such a picturesque place which manages to somehow balance the medieval architecture of winding cobble stone alleys and crooked half-timbered houses with the modern progressive EU Quarter and France’s second-largest student population.

It is perhaps this unique style that seems to show case the very best of France and Germany.

The hotel where John stayed:  https://www.regent-contades.com/en/

John’s favourite booking engine for hotels: https://www.booking.com

Great article on what to do in Strasbourg for a weekend: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/strasbourg-city-guide-france-what-to-do-alsace-european-parliament-best-hotels-restaurants-a7943161.html

Strasbourg Tourist Website: http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/en/

Strasbourg Cathedral: https://www.strasbourg.info/cathedral/

Le Petit Train - the tourist train around Strasbourg: https://petit-train-strasbourg.fr/?lang=en

All about Le Petit France: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petite_France,_Strasbourg

All about the Grand Island: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Île_(Strasbourg)

Visiting the European Parliament: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/en/strasbourg/hemicycle-parlamentarium-visits

The lovely restaurant where John had green eggs (ha ha): http://cheznousstrasbourg.com/

All about Flammkueche or Tarte Flambe as it’s known in France: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarte_flambée

All about Le Tour de France: https://www.letour.fr/en/

Strasbourg Christmas Markets: https://noel.strasbourg.eu/en/les-marches-de-noel

The initiative that Michelle mentions during her sustainable travel tip. Take 3 for the Sea: https://www.take3.org

00:01 - Welcome to Explore Europe

01:09 - Where are we exploring today?

01:29 - But, Strasbourg is in Germany, isn’t it?

02:14 - How do you travel to Strasbourg? Can you park easily?

02:58 - John tells us how he found his accommodation and when you should NOT go to Strasbourg (is that even possible? …well, John gives you the lowdown).

04:10 - The Strasbourg Cathedral - From the history, to visiting the sight and how to getting there

05:32 - The Astronomical Clock - great to visit with kids

06:48 - John tells us the best way to visit the city - Le Petit Train  

08:15 - Learn all about the ‘Instagrammable’ Le Petit France

09:18 - The Grand Island - Unesco World Heritage Site<

Here are the show notes from our Explore Europe Cambridge episode brought to you by Used Car Guys! 

The University City of Cambridge comprises 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, museums and other institutions. Founded in 1209 and granted a Royal Charter by King Henry III in 1231, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's fourth-oldest surviving university.

You will see stunning examples of architecture just by walking through the cobbled streets of the city centre and Kings Parade, but the best way to see many of the central Colleges is to take a punt tour along the ‘Backs’ of the colleges that are situated along the River Cam. 

This is a really special episode for me and John to share because we go back to our home share some of our favourite places. There really is so much packed into this episode, we tried to fit so much in!

Getting to Cambridge

Trains from Stansted to Cambridge: https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/stansted-airport-to-cambridge-station

Buses from Stansted to Cambridge: http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/Landing/route.aspx?to=Cambridge&from=Stansted

Trains from London Kings Cross to Cambridge (also from Liverpool Street, which takes about 30 mins longer: https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-kings-cross-to-cambridge-station

Staying in Cambridge

The Tamburlaine Hotel (pretty fancy - near train station): https://www.thetamburlaine.co.uk

The University Arms Hotel (pretty fancy -very central): https://universityarms.com

Prospero Homes Apartments: http://www.prosperohomes.co.uk

Duke House (gorgeous guest house - very central): http://dukehousecambridge.co.uk

University Students Rooms (very limited but very cool!):  https://www.speedybooker.com/en-GB/group/default.aspx?g=cambridge&brand=wl&partnerid=79&page=%2fen-GB%2fgroup%2fdefault.aspx

Things to Do & See in Cambridge

Cambridge Tourist Website: https://www.visitcambridge.org/

University of Cambridge Visitor Guide: https://www.cam.ac.uk/files/visitor_guide.pdf

Hop on hop off bus: https://city-sightseeing.com/en/87/cambridge

Visitors Guide to Colleges, Museums & Events at the University of Cambridge (note the Zoology Museum is now completely renovated and opened and highly recommended!): https://fusion2018.eng.cam.ac.uk/univisitorguide

Cambridge American Cemetery: https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/cambridge-american-cemetery#.WxobAi-B1Bw

Cambridge University Museums & Collections: https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk

The Botanic Garden: http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Home.aspx

The Round Church (one of the four medieval round churches still in use in England): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Sepulchre,_Cambridge

Let’s Go Punting (friendly punt company - book in advance): https://www.letsgopunting.co.uk

Great St. Mary’s Church (walk up to the top for great views): http://www.gsm.cam.ac.uk

The Cambridge Union Debating Society: https://www.cus.org

Ely Cathedral: https://www.elycathedral.org/visit

Pubs & Bars

1815 Bar at The Cambridge Union: https://www.1815-bar.co.uk

The Eagle Pub on Benet Street: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eagle,_Cambridge

Kings College: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/visit/index.html

Kings College Chapel Evensong: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services

The Red Lion Pub in Granchester: http://www.redliongrantchester.co.uk

The Rupert Brooke Pub in Granchester: https://www.therupertbrooke.com

The Green Man Pub in Granchester: http://www.thegreenmangrantchester.co.uk

The Cambridge Gin Distillery: http://www.cambridgedistillery.co.uk

Six Roof Top Bar at The Varsity Hotel: https://www.sixcambridge.co.uk

Novi Roof Top Bar in Regent Street: http://novicambridge.co.uk

Restaurants & Food

Restaurant 22 (it’s on Chesterton Road, not Chesterton Lane as we say in the podcast): http://www.restaurant22.co.uk

Midsummer House: http://www.midsummerhouse.co.uk

Steak & Honour: http://www.steakandhonour.co.uk

The Smoke Works (Michelle might have called it The Smoke House in the podcast): http://www.smokeworks.co.uk

Cambridge Food Park (lists all of the street food vans in Cambridge): http://www.foodparkcam.com

Cambridge Market: https://www.visitcambridge.org/shopping/cambridge-market-p528371

00:01 - Welcome to the podcast

Thanks so much for listening explorers!

If you do visit Cambridge, please do let us know by leaving a comment or tweet using the hashtag #ExploreEurope. We’d love to know what you think about our home.  

Leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Here are the show notes from our Explore Europe Cambridge episode. 

The University City of Cambridge comprises 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, museums and other institutions. Founded in 1209 and granted a Royal Charter by King Henry III in 1231, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world's fourth-oldest surviving university.

You will see stunning examples of architecture just by walking through the cobbled streets of the city centre and Kings Parade, but the best way to see many of the central Colleges is to take a punt tour along the ‘Backs’ of the colleges that are situated along the River Cam. 

This is a really special episode for me and John to share because we go back to our home share some of our favourite places. There really is so much packed into this episode, we tried to fit so much in!

00:01 - Welcome to the podcast
1:11 - Where are we going to be exploring today?
2:45 - How do you get to Cambridge?
5:40 - Accomodation - Where should you stay whilst visiting?
6:29 - Michelle explains how you can have your very own Cambridge University experience at the student Halls of residence. (And, possibly pretend that you’re in the Harry Potter movies whilst you’re at it).
7:25 - But, England’s expensive, right? John lifts the lid on the REAL cost of visiting Cambridge
8:10 - More information about accomodation… how about staying with Michelle and John’s cousin for a real authentic hosting experience?
8:55 - What should you see whilst you’re there?
9:17 - John gets going with his famous podacst nooks and crannies of the area.
10:01 - It’s transport time. Information about the park and ride and the hop on and hop off bus (John’s fav : )
10:31 - Michelle shares her experience of visiting The American Cemetry and why you shouldn’t miss it too.
11:59 - Michelle debunks the myths about the college system in the U.K. Let’s see if you can keep up - I think John is struggling.
14:21 - What’s the deal with Cambridge University? John and Michelle discuss what’s great about it and how it got started and the rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
15:19 - Michelle explains the best way to see the colleges of Cambrige
15:40 - John’s must see’s of Cambridge
15:51 - John tells us what Punting is and why you should totally do it whilst in Cambridge!
17:37 - What will you see whilst punting?
18:28 - Michelle and John prepare you for the weather and when the best time to visit ?
19:27 - Even Song - a free event at the free college
20:22 - John talks about the infamous King’s college choir and theri Christmas concerts
20:41 - World famous Fitzwilliam Museum
21:04 - The Botanic Garden
21:26 - The Round Church, Bridge Street and The union Society
22:32 - A podcast insider tip for The Union Society. Listen closely as Michelle knows the bar manager of the place ; )
23:18 - Alumni of Cambridge University
23:58 - Footlights | The Union Society | ADC Theatre
25:52 - English Pubs and English Pub Grub talk
27:45 - Visit The Eagle - the most famous pub in Cambridge. But, why is it so famous?
29:30 - Gonville & Cauis Clock
30:04 - Granchester Meadows
31:38 - How about visiting The Cambridge Gin Distillery?
32:46 - Parker’s Piece - What is is known for? John tells all
33:45 - Here we go…..Food Glorious Food. The best places to eat in Cambridge - from fine dining to street food fares, John and Michelle have you covered.
38:21 - The Rooftop Bars of Cambridge
39:45 - How about visas and passport restrictions?
40:16 - Scared of flying? John tells you how to get to England via Train.
42:19 - Do England

In this Episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys we take a trip to the Black Forest. Titisee-Neustadt is a great little town to start your Black Forest adventures because he has something for everyone. There is so much we could have talked about in this episode but didn’t have time for so I’m just going to encourage you to visit and find out for yourself!

• This is the guest house where Michelle stays: http://www.gasthaus-rehwinkel.de

0:44 - John and Michelle reveal where we will be exploring today.

6:30 - Hinterzarten 12km Walking Trail/Loop with the old saw mill, Ravenna Schlucht canyon, Hof Gut Sternen Glass Blowing Factory,

Thanks so much for listening!

Are you planning a trip to the Black Forest? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

Please leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Titisee-Neustadt is a great little town to start your Black Forest adventures because he has something for everyone. There is so much we could have talked about in this episode but didn’t have time for so I’m just going to encourage you to visit and find out for yourself!

• This is the guest house where Michelle stays: http://www.gasthaus-rehwinkel.de

Sustainable Travel Tip: Order ice cream in edible cones and reduce trash!

Are you planning a trip to the Black Forest? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

Please leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

In this episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys, we discover Budapest! Budapest is often called the Pearl of the Danube or the Paris of the East. It sits at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe and manages to combine old world charm, through its magnificent architecture and grand coffee houses with modern lifestyle, offering trendy cafés, bars and high restaurants and all for a really affordable price.

• John flew with WOW airlines but it seems like they don’t fly to Budapest, he of course meant Wizzair instead: https://wizzair.com/

00:01 - Welcome to the Podcast

Are you planning a trip to Budapest? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

Please leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Budapest is often called the Pearl of the Danube or the Paris of the East. It sits at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe  manages to combine old world charm, through its magnificent architecture and grand coffee houses with modern lifestyle, offering trendy cafés, bars and high restaurants and all for a really affordable price.

• John flew with WOW airlines but it seems like they don’t fly to Budapest anymore. So try Wizzair instead: https://wizzair.com/

Sustainable Travel Tip: Take your own reusable coffee cup with you! 

Are you planning a trip to Budapest? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

Please leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

On this episode of Explore Europe brought to use by Used Car Guys we visit the beautiful and historic city of Heidelberg and discover it's charming streets, bridges, buildings and the castle. You can explore all the main attractions in one day so it's certainly worth putting into your diary. 

Did you know that Heidelberg was host to the U.S. Military since the 7th Army moved it's HQ there in the 60s right up until USAREUR handed back the keys to all of the installations in 2015? 

• For finding ‘Happy Weekend’ train tickets: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/regional/weekend-ticket-for-germany.shtml

Are you planning a trip to Heidelberg? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

00:01 - Where are we exploring today?

1:11 - Where is Heidelberg, and how do you get there?

1:39 - Traffic and parking

2:07 - Cheap Train Ticket Deals to Heidelberg

2:48 - What is the best public transport for exploring?

3:09  - The Hauptstrasse | - The longest shopping street in Germany!!!

4:13 - Things to see - The Church Of The Holy Spirit |  The Market  

4:48 - The Karl Theodor Bridge

6:33 - The Christmas Markets at Heidelberg

7:21 - The Philosophers Weg - a trail not for the faint of heart

8:53 - So, what’s the food like in Heidelberg? John and Michelle give you their top recommendations.

12:29 - The History of Heidelberg

14:18 - The Main attraction of Heidelberg is the beautiful castle. Or as it’s called in Germany - The Schloss

14:56 - After all that culture, why not visit the world’s largest wine barrel? John tells us more.

15:27 - How do you get to the top of the castle?  

17:15 - Is Heidelberg child-friendly?

18:03 - John’s tips for travelling with little explorers

18:59 - Michelle’s final travel tips to make your visit to Heidelberg exciting and memorable.

20:52 - Michelle’s sustainable travel tip, something to make us all more mindful travellers and reduce our impact on the planet as we explore more of it.

Please leave a comment/subscribe/tell a friend