Kamalika and Arijit – France, Italy and Switzerland

Kamalika, an Assistant Professor at a reputed Engineering College tied the knot with Arijit an IT Professional. The couple who live in Kolkata went to France, Italy and Switzerland for their honeymoon.

Best Memories from France

Kamalika and Arijit explored Paris, ÃÆ’â‚°tretat and Normandy region within five days. Kamalika says, “The metros are very well connected and it was fun travelling with a handy metro map. The most unforgettable tour was to Eiffel tower along the cruise on River Seine. Post sunset we had this lovely romantic dinner on top of the Eiffel Tower. The city of Paris is full of monuments, museums, churches and shopping places, whereas, the Normandy region of northern France has a picturesque backdrop of beautiful cliffs, beaches and churches.” Kamalika and Arijit visited Montmartre, Louvre Museum, Arc De Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise, Invalides, Opera house, Saint Chappelle, Concengerie, Notre Dame, Concorde, Pompiduon Center, La Defense, Versailles Place and Garden on the first day, Disney Land on the second and ÃÆ’â‚°tretaton the next. They stayed at the Hilton Paris La Defense. “We took a train from St Lazare to Le Havre and then a bus from Le Havre to Etretat Marie. ÃÆ’â‚°tretat is best known for its cliffs, beach and sea food”, says Kamalika.

Gorgeous Switzerland

The couple says, “Switzerland is one of those places that you have to visit again and again, if you want a full experience. Every city in Switzerland has its own unique feel. We went to Geveva, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montruex, Bern, Lugano, Zermatt, Lausanne. We got hold of a well-known travel agent, who managed to get the best deals on hotel reservations and all the sightseeing and later he customized everything for our needs.” They spent 20 days in all the different cities throughout the green landscapes, the Alps and lakes, rivers, falls of Switzerland. “Trains are simply superb in Switzerland, especially Golden pass rails (Travel route: Geveva-Lucerne-Interlaken-Montruex-Geneva). Do choose the panoramic view train and don’t blink even for a second as the scenery is absolutely gorgeous during the entire trip”, they state. Adds Kamalika: “Apart from experiencing the scenic beauty of the Swiss mountains, glaciers and lakes, one must enjoy the food and drink and relax in the tranquil atmosphere.”

Their recommendations on must-visit places in Switzerland

Lake Luzern, Mount Pilatus, Chapel Bridge, Glacier Garden, Mt.Titlis, Jungfraujoch at the ‘top of Europe’,Grindelwald and Chateau de Chillon. One can try the delicacies at few Indian restaurants, especially the one on Jungfraujoch.

Kamalika and Arijit stayed at Art Deco hotel Montana in Lucerne, Hotel Metropole in Interlaken, Hotel Eurotel Riviera in Montreux, Hotel Schweizerhof in Bern, Villa Principe Leopoldo Hotel & SPA in Lugano, Hotel Firefly in Zermatt and Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne.

Remarkable Italy 

They explored Venice, Rome, Florence, Milan, Pisa and Napels. “Our personal favorites were Venice, Florence, St. Mark’s Square, theGondola ride atGrand Canal, the Cathedral, the Duomo and the Gates of Paradise. We loved our day to the Tuscan countryside, the lovely villages, the vineyards and a fabulous meal at a winery. The cooking classes were a big hit too. Rome, Milan and Pisa at night were spectacular”. They stayed at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice Hotel in Venice, Portrait Suites in Rome, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze in Florence, Chateau Monfort in Milan and Naples.”We loved the history, art and architecture, food and wine of Italy, but the graciousness of the Italian people will live long in our memories.”

Advice to other Honeymooners:

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• Plan your trip well in advance. We took a customized honeymoon package tour. Never travel in a group as it is very difficult to meet their schedules.
• Maximum bookings can be done over the internet including accommodation, sightseeing tickets and train/ tram and bus passes.
• Always book into a hotel near the station– it is easier to get there as generally pick up and drop services to and from the hotel may not be available at a suitable time.
• Carry a cell phone with global roaming; it’s really useful to contact people back home.
• Change the currency in your own country as the commissions charged in these countries are high.
• Avoid carrying a lot of luggage.