Liguria
Travel from Tallinn to LigurIyu with Persona tour (Riga).
Again, there was no summer and the gaze was directed to the saviors - travel agencies. There is either nothing interesting in Estonia, or the company is bad. So again Riga. There are offers, but “they don’t look for good from good” and, therefore, again to Persona tour! They have a 12 day bus tour to Liguria from September 10th to 21st. Sign up and wait. We waited, we pay for the tour, insurance and excursions. In total it turned out 1140 euros. I am looking for a discount on a proven route to Riga and back! I found, combined two companies, for everything about everything 26 euros back and forth for two.
Departure at 22.30 on the Vilnius bus, and at 2.50 we are in Riga at the bus station, we go to the station building to wait for the remaining time. Last year it was tested in action and it was confirmed this year: upon presentation of a ticket, they are allowed into the waiting room for free (without it, 1 euro per person). In the hall you can sit, take a nap, drink coffee from vending machines (from 50 to 80 cents), visit a paid toilet (30 cents), look at drawings (there was an exhibition of the work of a little girl).
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: docking with transport from Estonia is normal, the waiting time at the station is easily transferred, in case of delay and overlays, you can inform the group leader and the problem will be solved.
Day one.
At 5.35 we set off towards the Origo shopping center. At the appointed time, the bus came and we took our places according to the previously agreed. The bus is full, 46 seats. About the bus and drivers at the end of the story. Comfort is standard, corresponding to a budget trip (there is a toilet that is undesirable to use, there is hot water (though only five liters and only at stops), instant coffee and drinks, tea bags). The air conditioner works well. We left on time! The group is all Russian, so there were no language overlaps.
Latvia and Lithuania were planned with stops for the toilet. A sightseeing tour of the passing places was present. Stop for lunch at the Abro bar (in the Augustow area). We were the first to order, the order was received quickly. They understand Russian, you can pay in cash (euro and zloty) and by card. Prices are very affordable (two soups and two second plus beer - 12.49 euros). Didn't like any of the recommended dishes. Bean soup (Fasolka po brelonsku) turned out to be fatty and spicy, some Hungarian dish (Placek po weglersku) consists of two pancakes and meat sauce between them. Left full, but not very satisfied. There was an overlay here. After us, a Polish group came to the bar and they took their order. Having served most of our group, they began to serve the Polish group. And our remaining few people were served after the Polish group, that is, they sat and waited for their order. Incident - was entered into the "memory" by the head of the group with subsequent conclusions!
In the evening (22.30) we arrived at a transit hotel on the border with the Czech Republic (Gambit Hotel (Hotel Gambit ul. Bucewicza 18, Cieszyn 43-400, Polska)) in Cieszyn. Hotel two stars, rooms DBL, TWIN. TV (including in Russian) is present, clean, WiFi is available and available. The shower and toilet room is very tiny.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations:
In the evening there is no time to go to the store and buy something for dinner (and we did not stop anywhere along the way). The store is far away and it’s already late, so the party is also eliminated. You could buy at the bar (or pick up half-eaten food) by asking for a "box". At the reception, you can ask for boiling water and get your food supplies.
Day two.
In the morning breakfast at 6.30. Standard set: scrambled eggs, ham, jams, cheese, butter, muesli. The drinks are insipid. Departure at 7.40 am - ahead of the Czech Republic.
We passed the Czech Republic quickly, at the exit, to Mikulov, we stopped to visit the store (Lidl)! We bought groceries for dinner.
A planned stop in Austria and a tour of Vienna. Of course, the tour was a sightseeing tour and was conducted by a local guide who owned the topic, told a lot and interestingly! The allotted time was only enough to admire the beauties and fall in love with this city - you will have to get acquainted in more detail next time!
There was little free time, but I wanted to do everything. But, this does not happen and we were satisfied with a snack at the Rosenberg fast food company and, alas, were not very satisfied!
After that, our path lies to Italy. On the way there was a nuisance, a tire puncture, and it took time, so we arrived at the hotel very late, after two in the morning.
Hotel: Meditur Hotel Udine nord (Via Alpe Adria 10, Udine http://www. hoteludinenord. it/). The hotel is fairly new, the rooms are clean and pleasant. Shower, hairdryer, toilet, bidet, air conditioning, TV, in some rooms an electric kettle (only, for some reason, there is only one chair). Wi-Fi is available, but only in the lobby, near the reception (do not forget to select the correct network). There is nothing around the hotel, it is located next to the highway (a typical transit hotel), and there was no time at all!
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: breakfast in a Polish hotel is quite acceptable and standard. It is advisable to buy groceries in the Czech Republic not only because there will be no time later, but also because it is simply cheaper there. The Lidl store is the most optimal in terms of the availability of goods (there are three stores in a row in Mikulov, Lidl, closest to the parking lot).
An excursion in Vienna is worth taking for all those who are not familiar with the city - it is simply impossible to cover everything on your own. The famous Viennese strudel and coffee are not too cheap (more than 8 euros). A snack in Rosenberg (two coffees, strudel, soup) cost 16.80 euros, a salad, beer and schnitzel exceeded 30! The toilet, it seems to be paid, is 50 cents, but the issued check can be used and these 50 cents will reduce your purchase. So first toilet, and then eat! By the way, the road in Austria has the same system with toilets.
So, once again, it's better to just have a snack with supplies or store bought and spend time on a walk.
The famous Viennese sweets are cheaper to buy in a shop near the Albertina Museum, where, by the way, you will be served in Russian too!
Day three.
Morning, a little late, breakfast at the hotel! Modestly, very modestly, a couple of sandwiches, a glass of something like coffee or tea. A typical picture for transit hotels in Italy and, as they say, France. Once again, with kind words, I remembered the stocks made in the Czech store!
Due to a tire puncture, we had to change both the route and the time of our stay in it, i. e. we had to call in a car repair shop and “fill in the gap”. During the renovation, we walked around a small town (Concordia), or rather paid more attention to the store and made purchases for the evening.
Second scheduled stop and excursion. Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) and the town of Sirmione (Sirmione). Pleasant guide, warm weather, almost the first acquaintance with Italy. A typical resort town.
We didn't stay very long and had little free time. So no bathing and even snacking did not work. Yes, everything is on track. Come off on ice cream - delicious!
In the evening we arrived at the place of "deployment", at the campsite (Camping dei Fiori, Viale Riviera, 15/17 - 17027 Pietra Ligure (Sv) http ://www. campingdeifiori. it/) where they settled. We were waited, met, helped to settle.
Probably, it is necessary to describe the campsite here. Most likely this is a place for youth or budget living. This, of course, is far from being a tent, but it does not even reach a hotel, even two stars. I will not describe the part that is intended for tourists in cars with houses. Separate houses for 4-5 people were prepared for us. In each house there are two small rooms that allow you to put a bed (DUBL) or two beds (TWIN) and leave a very small passage. In the TWIN room there is also a folding bed above the beds. Toilet with a washbasin (you touch the walls with your elbows). Separate shower, at a minimum. Shared kitchen room (with a kitchen sofa). Gas stove, refrigerator, dishes. Provided at a minimum but quite enough! Coffee cups, wine glasses, a geyser coffee maker are some of the amenities. Air conditioning, heater, hair dryer, TV. Quite a small veranda with a table and chairs on it. Bed linen is available, towels (waffle, but large enough) are. Electricity, hot and cold water, sewerage, Wi Fi! Pleasant, helpful staff.
There is a small shop on the campsite where you can buy pastries. Swimming pool, meeting room.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: in our perception, breakfast at the hotel is small, so it's better to play it safe.
Excursion around Sirmione, probably ordinary and passing! A typical untwisted resort, many tourists. Of course, I did not regret that I was there, but I lacked a lot - neither the feeling of the lake, nor the atmosphere of relaxation, nor the beauty of the historical place. Perhaps if we had a little more time to walk around more, it would be different!
Camping turned out to be quite acceptable - I expected a lot of inconvenience. Of course, it’s a bit crowded and there’s nowhere to relax – only a place to sleep!
Fourth day.
It rained all night long. Suspicions crept in that we would not go anywhere. They cast aside suspicions, cooked breakfast and, having wrapped themselves from head to toe, wandered to the bus. Today excursion to San Remo (only 76 km from us).
San Remo greeted us more cordially, in any case, there was no rain, which, of course, changed the situation and mood! City tour with a guide. After the excursion, free time and, due to bad weather, we decided not to conduct a second excursion, going back to the campsite.
Despite the rain, we decided to get to know the beach. The wave on the sea did not allow everyone to take a dip.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: this time we managed to get a better feel for Italy and the acquaintance, one might say, took place. The volume of the tour is quite enough. Grocery stores did not shock with prices, but seafood is still expensive. Of course, it is necessary to purchase products, because. and dinner and breakfast is a must. You can have a bite to eat in San Remo, be sure to try the focaccia (we were recommended by the guide and pointed out the place - we were delighted), they are different and all are delicious, but not in all places!
Day five.
Today France!
We left at 8.00 a. m. The total length of the route is 162 km.
The route has already become familiar. Departure from Pietra, check-in to Imperia (grab a guide). Further, our path lay in the town of artists Saint-Paul-de-Vence (Saint-Paul-de-Vence). A picturesque town, everything is beautiful and cozy. But, alas, we had to cut off only tops, i. e. superficial acquaintance. But someone can wander there for hours and enjoy - there are many small shops and galleries, you can buy both reproductions and originals... Of course, this place is “sharpened” for tourists!
Nice next. Sightseeing tour, and part of the bus window.
Free time. We had a bite, walked a little, looked at the beach and swam.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: The town of artists is nice, but there is too little of it! It is difficult to add something about Nice - everything that is recommended to see, we saw, there is no more time!
Sixth day.
Two more excursions today. The length is 114 km. We left at 7.30.
First we visited a perfume factory in Eze. Sightseeing tour of the factory, after which the purchase of product samples. A small tour of the town.
Then on the bus and a trip to Monaco. Sightseeing tour, tour of the palace, walk through the fashionable quarter, casino. In the cathedral, which we also visited, an exhibition of the Russian artist Georgy Shishkin was opened (the cycle “Russian Dreams”). Entrance to the casino is 10 euros.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: You can visit the perfume factory if you have never been before. Definitely the smell is off the charts. Of course, you won’t see any special frills - a general acquaintance! Then they will tell you how profitable it is to buy directly at the factory, what discounts you can get here, and then the process of “sucking in” these products will begin. I would not recommend succumbing to persuasion, so you can buy something for a souvenir. Smells unfamiliar and purchases are obtained only for purchases! But everyone made purchases leaving amounts that you never leave when going to a perfume store with us!
Monaco is definitely not to be missed. Monaco met inscriptions in Russian (including in cafes). I am not talking about a sightseeing tour, it is provided for its sake, including, and agreed to this trip. In the cathedral, the queue is like in a mausoleum, in the sense of not length, but you walk through the cathedral in this queue. It's worth going in. There is a separate payment for the palace and they give out a radio guide and everyone can walk on their own. The tour is not long and I was very pleased that I visited and stared! I didn’t go to the casino to play, but we found those who wanted to in our group - if there is such a “vein”, then you need to check in there.
Seventh Day
A day without excursions, or rather a day without organized excursions.
We walked closer to get acquainted with the town that sheltered us. There is something to see, besides there is no tourist crush. We saw the sights, looked into the shops, made a promenade along the embankment. Of course, we looked at the beach and not only wet our feet in the sea. We had lunch at the campsite, then also an evening walk around the town.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: it would probably be more useful to leave the day of rest for the last day of your stay, then we could already buy more tightly what we will take home. On the other hand, i. e. another opinion is that it is more appropriate to arrange a day of rest in the middle of a trip. The day flew by quickly and probably not so eventful, but I remember it.
Day Eight.
Trip to Cinque Terre. We took a bus to La Spezia (La Spezia), it is 177 km. Then transfer to the train. Description of the route on the site. We bought a ticket and went to get acquainted... with mores, and with customs, and with technology. We visited several villages (Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare) and finished the route in Levanto, where the bus was waiting for us. There were small sightseeing tours in all places. Everywhere a lot of people. In the last village there was free time, but we just spent it on “eating and sitting”!
The trip is very overloaded both physically and emotionally. This is what this area is famous for (idle doing nothing) we did not manage to feel!
We arrived home late in the evening.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: too strenuous excursion. This is the abundance of people who want to see it, this is the limited amount of time in each village (in order to catch the next train), this is also a difficult criminogenic situation. There are no special sights, all villages have much in common.
Day Nine.
Today, France again and the botanical garden, missed due to bad weather. 157 km.
First, we stopped at the botanical garden (Giardini botanici Hanbury), and part of the group did not go on this excursion, but went to the clothing market. The autumn, rather unkempt garden did not leave a vivid impression. Moreover, we just wandered around the garden along the indicated route, independently studying the representatives of the flora. There was not much time, so there was no pleasure, but positive impressions remained!
After the tour, we reunited and went to Cannes! In Cannes, a sightseeing tour and free time which was enough to quickly swim and wander around the city a little while having a bite to eat.
The announced opportunity to visit the islets is illusory, so no one even looked at this opportunity.
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: You can visit the garden at any time of the year and get your impressions. In the spring, probably, the riot of colors is impressive. Garden by the sea and the view is just amazing. But it is hardly a particularly attractive place for an excursion.
Cannes worked according to the generally accepted scheme, the city, the beach, the sea and the public liked it!
Day Ten.
At 7.30 with things plunged into the bus and headed back. On the way we stopped in Genoa. Sightseeing tour followed by free time for final purchases.
In the evening we reached the same hotel in Udine where we stayed on the way to Italy. Strange, there is only one chair in the room for two and no glasses. In our room there was no door in the shower - the barbarians visited.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: quite rich and interesting tour, but the "final" mood did not allow to taste all the delights. Worries about snacks and farewell purchases also interfered. The well-advertised shop in the port turned out to be very expensive and we regretted that we had hoped for it, having listened to the recommendations of the guide.
Day Eleven.
Classic breakfast and on the bus. Crossed the Dolomites - very beautiful. We drove into Austria and, this time, looked into Graz. We had a sightseeing tour there, which we enjoyed very much. In addition, we got to the holiday. There were people in national costumes in the city, all the people had fun!
Then we drove to Mikulov and stopped for the night in Katowice (Campanile Katowice hotel, http://www. campanile-katowice. pl/ en). The hotel is quite new, so there are no complaints - everything corresponds to the level of the hotel.
Impressions, sensations, recommendations: The Alps are beautiful. We were very lucky with the holiday in Graz. I was ready to just walk around and just stare at people!
Last day.
Breakfast and the way home. Stop for lunch in Lomza. Riga at midnight. At 2.30 bus to Tallinn at six in the morning we are at home!
Impressions, feelings, recommendations: we dined quite tolerably (an ordinary cafe) and inexpensively.
From the comments, I would like to highlight the unsuccessful choice of a transport company. The bus was not technically prepared for such a long and difficult trip. It's a miracle that what happened had such a minimal impact on our security. The lack of a spare tire, problems with gear shifting is a glaring omission. In addition, the drivers themselves are not up to the task. The driver must be familiar with the route, must be attentive. It is outrageous when the guide tells and shows the sights and says to look in one direction or another and the driver follows these recommendations, i. e. looks to the left, then to the right. It is unacceptable to distract the guide from his work paid for by us with questions about where to go, where to park, where to refuel. The driver should not be seen or heard, but our drivers constantly intervened in the conversation. I was also surprised by their presence on excursions, it would seem that this time is allotted for them to guard the bus, rest, eat, preventive work...
Leaving Riga, they were "civilized" dressed people. What happened then to them and they became like truck drivers remains a mystery and is puzzling.
The question of who should provide the "musical accompaniment" is not entirely clear, but that meager and limited repertoire was listened to several times.
I also upset the video repertoire. Still, I would like to think that everyone has a different interest and perception and, of course, one can sacrifice one's interests for the sake of the interests of others for some time. But there should be a measure for everything, and watching the series for many hours just puts you in a stupor.
Fortunately, Piotr showed professionalism and didn't let part of the group want to visit the market instead of a tour.
TOTAL:
The company did not disappoint - for a fairly small fee, they organized an exciting trip for us.
The head of the group (Pyotr Kudinov) was, "part-time" the head of the company. All issues that arose were resolved, everything was organized and executed. He himself was correct, gave a lot of interesting information.
A huge plus for the management for the affordability of excursions and the professionalism of the guides!
The tour program itself was full. But here everyone decides for himself what he is interested in: either excursions or just lie down on the beach. Perhaps, as a compromise, it would be possible to organize excursions and leave the afternoon for rest. But then, of course, they would have seen half as much.
Camping, I repeat, is not the best choice, besides, it is somewhat far from the sea. But the price of the tour also determines the level, so everyone should be able to see the problem. Yes, not very comfortable and convenient, but still acceptable enough! Moreover, the camping team is very welcoming and hospitable!
From all of the above, it is impossible to rate the trip as excellent, if you rate it on a 10 point scale, then this is only 8! But this is a solid eight, the trip was a success, there are many impressions.
Once again, thanks to Petr Kudinov and his company! I recommend the company and the tour!
