Mrs. O goes around Europe to start 2013
First things, first.. happy New Year! I am now back from my mad Christmas-New Year trip with took me to the south of the UK, Portugal, back to England, followed by an incredible road trip to New Orleans in Louisiana and Houston, in Texas. It was tiring, but absolutely worth it! Needless to say, I ate a *little* bit too much, so caution is required over the next month or so. And where I am going will not help!
My travel plans for 2013 are very promising, and hopefully I will be doing my alter ego’s name some justice. But I am not going around the world.. I am going to be exploring Europe and quite a bit!
January
An apartment with a view
As Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea”. And I totally agree. I haven’t been back to the French capital for almost 2 years, and I think it is the perfect location to kick off 2013 in style. This time around, I will not be staying at a hotel. Where am I staying? I was invited by Avenue Story to sample one of their incredible luxury apartments in the city of light.
I have never stayed at an apartment before and was very keen to experiment and report back. All apartments in their books (in Paris and London) look incredible and I believe it can be a very cost effective alternative to a 5-star hotel. You can read about my lux weekend in Paris here.
Verbier still has some time to get ready for us!
After a week’s rest, it is time to give Switzerland some loving. Invited by the Swiss Tourist Board (who has heard about my love for chocolates, lux and snow) and the exclusive ski resort of Verbier Vallee des Bagnes, I am going to be reunited with my 2 favourite American friends in the world – the wonderful Leah and Lola.
This is going to be an emotional reunion and we have warned Switzerland! The 3 of us were together last year in California (USA), and Girona (Spain), so we are really looking forward to a fab girly long weekend. And with wonderful food, chocolates (a special type of food), accommodation, safety and incredibly punctual transportation, we think Switzerland is the perfect location for us. You can read about our trip to Verbier, right here.
Geneva and its wonderful Lake
After a bit of skiing (Lola is particularly looking forward to the après-skiing, and I don’t blame her), we are heading to Geneva for a bit of chocolate, food and shopping! We will be staying at a luxury apartment, courtesy of Swiss Luxury Apartments.
Seriously think I am going to like this hotel!
In Zurich, to which we will be travelling by train (I am seriously excited about this journey), we will be hosted by the wonderful Baur au Lac, one of Europe’s grand dame hotels.
February
Piazza del Duomo as seen from the rooftop
The shortest month of the year, is promising to be packed with more Euro excitement! I was delighted to be invited by the organisers of the Milan International Tourism Exchange, BIT Milano, as their blogger ambassador. That means, of course, an exciting weekend in Milan, which is a city I love, and had a quick glimpse of late last year.
The Four Seasons, Milan
Milan has welcomed a series of fabulous new hotels in recent years, and I am very keen to try something new. The Four Seasons will be my home away from home in this exciting city.
The Pulitzer is one of my favourite hotels in the world
Later in the month, I will be returning to Amsterdam, a place I have not been to in almost 8 years. Have great memories from our last trip and looking forward to catching up with friends who live here. We will be staying at the Pulitzer, and a classic and where we stayed last time we visited, and also the Sofitel, which I am very keen to discover.
Sofitel The Grand, Amsterdam
March
Roasted Chestnuts in Chiado, Lisbon, just outside Hermés – why not?
March is also looking exciting! I will start the month in Lisbon, to celebrate my mother’s birthday. I will also try to get there before then, if possible. I would like to get to Lisbon once a month, but sadly, not always possible. I need a little Lisbon love in my life – and see my family and friends. This time, I will be staying at the Sofitel – it is funny as I used to work next door to it when I lived in Lisbon.
The Sofitel in Lisbon
I will be going to Berlin, which will be my third time in Germany – a country which decidedly deserves some more love from Mrs. O. I went to Frankfurt on business trips previously (and quite liked it!), and am very excited about visiting Berlin.
Can’t wait to get to Berlin
I am going to attend ITB travel exhibition, which will mean a fair bit of walking, but planning to enjoy the weekend in this incredible place. The Westin Berlin and the Sofitel Berlin will be my homes in this city, and I am looking forward to spending some time here.
Lastly, time for the last skiing trip of the season – which in late March, means it would be sunny! As usual, we will head with our friends to Val Thorens, in the French Alps, for a bit of skiing, eating and resting.
View from the top – Le Caron – Val Thorens (by Jim Newton)
I think this is a great way to start the year – don’t you think? A bit of old, new and firm favourites – lots to discover around the Old Continent. Obviously, I am plotting other great trips for the rest of the year – it will be time for a bit of sun too! Interestingly enough, none of these destinations were on my list to Santa. Amazing how things and travel plans change!
So, any recommendations for Paris, Zurich, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam or Berlin? Would love to hear about your favourite places in town.
And here is to an amazing 2013!
Happy Travels
xo
Mrs O
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Great to see you charging hard as you kick off 2013! Looking forward to reading more as you explore Europe…check out my blog when you get a chance! Stay safe!
Barrett Caldwell recently posted..Traveler Dilemma: Shifting the Barriers of Language…
Thank you!
As a local in Amsterdam I can recommend you many many places! This city is beautiful! It is better to go in spring or summer though but read my blog post to find some nice places where you should definitely go to eat, drink or anything else: http://ninasafiri.com/2013/01/25/on-off-the-beaten-track-in-amsterdam/
I envy you for your travels through Europe, enjoy them and have a travelicious 2013 =)
Ninasafiri recently posted..The final countdown
Thank you Nina! I will certainly have a look at the blog
Sounds fabulous – what a start to the year. Looking forward to your Amsterdam posts as I’m headed there for the first time this year. Have wanted to stay at the Pulitzer for years but will have to make do with a glass of bubbles in the bar
Suzanne (Travelbunny) recently posted..The Perfect Turkish Breakfast
Going around Europe is ALWAYS a good idea. Have fun!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: On the trail in Boulder, Colorado
Thank you!
Sounds like a great start to the year Mrs. O! I will be at ITB also so perhaps these two wine lovers can finally meet!
Jennifer recently posted..Five Spectacular Iceland Sunrises
Oh excellent!!
Sounds like you have a lovely year ahead of you! I’ll be raiding your blog for Paris tips when I go in December! I can’t wait to read about your adventures in 2013. Safe travels!
Natalie @ In Natalie’s Shoes recently posted..DIY Personalized Mug.. Maybe
Thanks Natalie! Paris should be coming up very soon!
Great round of trips in Europe! Have fun!
Oh, I will!
It’s really hard to read this and not get jealous.. love that you’re going to Europe tho!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..15 Things We Love About Japan
I think it is too easy to forget what is in our doorstep!
What a great start to the year. I second Miret’s suggestion in Milan of 10 Corso Como- a fabulous shop…especially for shoes!! And in Paris, try and have dinner at Spring, Septime or Verjus after popping into the Hermes shop! (decor is amazing) It will be fun just being there!
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..Istanbul’s Aya Sofia Museum
As Miret will be in Milan on the same dates, she’s kindly offered to take me around
so sweet!
Oh, these plans sound absolutely wonderful! Can’t wait to follow you along.
The World Wanderer recently posted..Finding the Joy in Winter.
Thank you, Erin!
Another year is off to a great start Mrs. O. I’m a big fan of the phrase “grand dame hotels.” Look forward to hearing about them!
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Gone Shrimpin’ Aboard The Lady Jane
That picture of Verbier is amazing!
Can’t wait to see it myself!
It all looks amazing and maybe a little exhausting! I can’t believe how many invited trips you have! Do they cover transport too?
I LOVE Berlin and may move there for a stint this year. I’m also looking at Budapest as an option.
Forest Parks recently posted..Possibly My Most Useful Travel Item? What’s Yours?
Absolutely
I am very intrigued by Berlin – never been and very curious!! Thanks for stopping by!!
Green with envy over here! At least I get to see you again in Switzerland. If your bag is feeling a bit heavier than usual when you leave Switzerland it might be because I’m in it.
Leah Travels recently posted..Umbria, Italy: Cook, Eat, Drink, and Repeat
Excellent, I can take an extra piece of luggage anyway
Can’t wait to see you!
Love the roasted chestnuts outside Hermes! Great choices…and oh Seville would be FABULOUS! Have a great trip my dear
Lots of trips, very excited! Let’s see when we can squeeze Seville in – maybe Q2!
Looks like there is lots to look forward to in the first quarter of 2013! My tip for your travels – Milan winter sales end in Mid Feb, would be rude not to add another pair of shoes to your collection!
Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.. of course sales times are different still! In England and in the USA it is over so quickly. Excellent. Maybe Paris, too?
Happy New Year Mrs. O and great to see you are ringing in 2013 in style, but I would not expect anything different. I agree that Paris is a very good idea as is meeting with Leah and Lola.
Traveling Ted (@travelingted) recently posted..The whole world will pass you by at the Guyana Oasis
So looking forward to it, Ted! Happy New Year to you too!
Looking forward to hearing your opinion on apartments rather than hotels. We always try to rent an apt instead of hotel rooms. Much more affordable and you just feel more at home.
Have fun!
A Cook Not Mad (Nat) recently posted..You Ate 1098 Meals in 2012
Will do – but it depends on the apartment, of course! And duration of the stay!
ahhh this is all so exciting! check out hotel pulitzer in amsterdam. the hubs & i stayed there (a starwood hotel) and i fell in love. right near the 9 streets, they re-designed old canal houses to transform into a hotel–it’s perfection. xo!
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
I stayed there last time
loved it!!
haha of course you did. fellow spg-lover.
the lazy travelers recently posted..celebrate, good times, mmhmm.
ha ha!
Parisian cafes and Swiss chocolates? How could you ever possibly go wrong? Have so much fun xx
Bethany ~ twoOregonians recently posted..It’s The People.
Thank you!
I will!
When are you coming to Cologne? Apartments in Paris are certainly better value than hotels, and it’s always nicer to live like a local even if it’s only for a few days!
Im thinking these apartments will be super uber fab! Let’s see!
I don’t even know which I’m envious of – what a great kick off to the year! Living in flat, hot Seville, I’d probably say the skiing…haven’t been for four years, and this from someone who’s family owns property in Colorado for this very reason!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas recently posted..Seville Snapshot: The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos
Oh the skiing! I can imagine – but Seville is in my plan for 2013 – a place I haven’t visited for almost 20 years and very keen to go back! Watch this space
In a nutshell… JEALOUS!
Marian Krueger recently posted..Guest Post: Five Reasons to Visit Chicago
That is not the idea!!
I bet you have some fab plans up your sleeve!
your planning looks quite exciting ! Would have been great to see you around. Unfortunately I’ll be also on press trip in Marseille
Going to London in 2 weeks, maybe we could catch each other for drink !
Adeline Voyages etc… recently posted..The Gathering Ireland 2013 : un nouvel an festif à Dublin
Would love to, let me know when you are over!
I am going to start calling you ladies the “Three Amigas” since you are traveling so much together. I guess three can get in more trouble than two! Make sure you look for Lionel Ritchie on the slopes!!! Safe Travels to all of you ladies!!!
Ha ha, he wouldnt be my first choice to be honest. Hoping for James Blunt as he lives there!
Sounds like a great start to the year! It doesn’t look like I’ll manage to fit in my annual dose of snow and vin chaud on the slopes this year so shall have to live it through you!
Lucy recently posted..Exploring Petra: The mountainous Monastery
Hi Lucy, thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. I shall make special note of the vin chaud and report back
action packed schedule Mrs. O! soooo excited to be seeing you in a few weeks
it’s going to be a great year…we can plan our other joint escapes in Switzerland to fill up the other quarters!
lola recently posted..luxe for less – swanky stays that are budget!
Oh yes!!
We expect you in Greece… Hope soon…Pelion is a great destination you will love it!
Thank you
Verbier, Geneva & Zürich – what a Swiss journey – I’m sure you’re going to love it. If you need any Ski tips or Zürich tips feel free to ask
. Also all the other places on your schedule sound awesome (my favourite one is Berlin). All the best for 2013-travels!
Anita recently posted..Reiseausblick – 2013
I will ask for sure! Really looking forward to it
Sounds wonderful and I’m particularly keen to read all about your Swiss adventures. I’m not sure I’ll make it to Switzerland this year, but it is somewhere I’d really like to visit at some point soon. Happy travels!
Thank you, Clare! I shall report back!
What a wonderful idea to explore Europe again and add a bit of the new and a bit of the old and familiar
. Love your reports!!
Thank you, Mira! Very excited!
Sounds like you’ll be starting 2013 in exactly the same way I ended 2012! Loved Geneva & Zurich (coffee shops, patisseries & hot chocs!) Have plenty of tips on my site, will send links. Happy 2013! I’m headed to Burma in a month!!!
Please do! Haven’t been for years and would love some ideas. Burma? Seriously? Wow!
A great start to the year! Head to the Nine Streets in Amsterdam for boutique shopping, and take in the views of Berlin from the TV Tower
I will do as I am told! Thanks, Graham!
Great itinerary, sounds as though you will be having a lot of European fun in the coming months. Enjoy – I look forward to reading all about it!
Thank you Coleen
I will have a great time!! 
Lovely!
Great choice of hotel for Zurich! They also have a very nice restaurant and bar for evening drinks (Rive Gauche).
As for Milan: check out 10 Corso Como, my favorite spot on this planet
So excited
really looking forward to it! Thanks for the tips, duly noted!