WeekendinFEATURE
WeekendinFEATURE
Vaucluse en Provence,
France
The Glacier Express
Being one of the highly-notable travel systems in the world, the Glacier Express is no stranger to many worldwide. For those who have
not heard of its name, you will soon realise that embarking on this
journey will be a trip of your lifetime.
Beginning at Zermatt, you will cruise through regions featuring panoramic views of the geographical landscapes that have been left untouched
and stand proudly alongside the railway. There are two routes that the
train embarks on – from Zermatt to Davos or the former to St. Moritz in
either direction. Either option will take you on a jaw-dropping view of the
Swiss terrain.
Surrounded by the Alps, Zermatt is the perfect illustration of Switzerland.
This is where the renowned health resort is situated at and has been frequented by mountaineers from all over the world. To be at Zermatt is an
opportunity not to be missed and you might want to consider taking a
tour of this village before setting off.
As the train departs from the snow-capped Alpine mountains, you will
soon be brought into another dimension adorned with sights of lush
beauty and elegance. Thunderous mountain streams, age-old fortresses
and verdant meadows are just some of the splendid sights that await you.
As the train ventures deeper into the Swiss landscape, you will catch a
glimpse of rugged cliffs, clusters of villages and even alluring vineyards.
20 miles out of Zermatt will you arrive at Brig, a village enclosed with
century-old building that are devoid of in many of the cities today. Soon,
the train approaches the Rhône, one of the major rivers in the European
region that leads to the Southeastern region of France and into the Mediterranean Sea. Drawing away from Rhône will see you glide through the
region of Goms, where quaint village houses dot the verdant landscape.
Weekendin 62
You will eventually arrive at the Furka Basis Tunnel, a structure which has
been significant in allowing the Glacier Express to operate during the winter months.
The ride is not complete without reaching the climax – travelling across
Oberalp Pass at a peak of 6,670 feet. While on board, you can opt for a
3-course menu in the dining car or the dish of the day at your seat. All the
trains are rigged with a Railbar serving an assortment of snacks, sweets
and drinks. As the train pulls in to Disentis, what awaits out the window is a
feast for the eyes as the railway starts to curl along the edge of the canyon.
Once you have come to the end of this approximately 8-hour journey, you
would have passed 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, at a peak altitude of 6,670
feet. For those who fancy an alternative dose of excitement on Valentine’s
Day, the Glacier Express is an opportunity not to be missed. Packed with
a lineup of spectacular views of flawless beauty, this 8-hour ride would
become an unwavering memory to be etched on your mind forever.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Singaporeans: No (For stay up to 90 days)
British/ Australian/ Other Passports: No (For stay up to 90 days)
FLIGHT ROUTE
Singapore International Airport (SIN) - London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Bern Airport (BRN)
FLIGHT PROVIDERS
British Airways: Flight to London from Singapore
Sky Work Airlines: Flight to Bern from London
The region of Provence is renowned for its astonishing sights of nature as well as captivating views of age-old infrastructure that have
withstood the test of time. The region paints a picture of natural
splendour, rendering it one of the must-go places on earth. If you
are looking for an immersive holiday with your better half this Valentine’s Day, Provence should well be on your list of destinations to
travel.
Today, the hilltops are still dotted with archaic villages; plains hold residence to vineyards and crop fields whereas the locals reside around the
château. Labeled as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, a visit to
the village of Ansouis is worth a mention on your itinerary. Weave through
the narrow passages that take you past buildings that date back to the
15th century. When in Ansouis, do drop by the Wine and Vineyard Museum at Château Turcan (Musée de la vigne et du vin au Château Turcan).
One of the most iconic scenes in this region is their deep sea of purple lavenders at full bloom during the months from June to August in Luberon.
Many have come from all around the world just to marvel at this beguiling
phenomenon that will almost certainly enrapture your hearts. It is on this
tract of land where you will discover the wondrous properties that this
species of flower brings. This will be the opportune moment to take home
a piece of their soap, honey, cosmetics and nectarous sorbets, all of which
are based on one key ingredient – lavender. Quell your inquisitive mind
at the Gerbaud Discovery Farm where you will be enlightened on the region’s heritage, ethnology as well as the properties of aromatic plants that
are cultivated on the property.
Bring things up a notch by engaging in an adrenaline-pumping trip up
on the hot air balloon. Capture the moment on camera with your ideal
partner while hovering over the Luberon range with a birds eye view of
some of the most beautiful villages in France. For a more comprehensive
coverage of the terrain, flights beyond the French borders are available as
well! Round up the day by retreating into the uninterrupted refuge of one
of the finest boutique hotels in the region.
Vaucluse is also famed for its fine selection of wines that are produced
from their locally harvested vineyards. Instead of sipping a glass of wine
over a hearty meal, take this opportunity to make your own wine instead
at Violes. With the guide of the oenologist, you will learn to grasp the basics of blending using the grape varieties that sprout in the Rhone Valley.
FLIGHT ROUTE
Singapore International Airport (SIN) - Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
(CDG) - Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Feast on their local fare by patronising any of their restaurants. At Vaucluse,
only the freshest of local harvests are used, ensuring that each meal would
be a mouth-watering experience. The recipes are uncomplicated, yet it
seemingly diffuses with a myriad of flavours in your mouth.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Singaporeans: No (For stay up to 90 days)
British/ Australian/ Other Passports: No (For stay up to 90 days)
FLIGHT PROVIDERS
Singapore Airlines: Flight to Paris from Singapore
Air France: Flight to Marseille from Pariswant to consider taking a tour of
this village
63 Weekendin