Punakha Dzong Professional Travel Advisor Michelle Adler recently spent a week in the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Most famous for the monastery of Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest, Bhutan is a wonderful country for nature lovers, walkers and trekkers and for those seeking a spiritual experience. Read on for Michelle's experience, top tips and hotel recommendations. Thimphu Thimphu Drubchen Festival Descending into Paro Airport felt like I was about to touch the mountains. As we approached, the pilot reassured us with a warm announcement: “It’s OK to be close to the mountains – just enjoy the scenery”. And what a magnificent sight it was! The deep valleys dotted with villages and soaring peaks left me in awe. After arriving at Paro Airport, we took a 1.5 hour drive to the capital, Thimphu, which is also the only capital city without any traffic lights. Thimphu is surrounded by forested mountains, temples, monasteries and prayer flags and is approx. 2,700m above sea level. We attended the colourful Thimphu Drubchen Festival, which showcases the sacred masked dances dedicated to the protecting deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo. The dances are believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits and invoke blessings. An unexpected highlight was dining at the same restaurant where the King of Bhutan was enjoying his dinner! We stayed at the Six Senses Thimphu – getting here was an adventure in itself! It was a challenging 45-minute drive along a rugged, unpaved road. On arrival, a beautifully crafted wooden door greeted us. When it opened, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking sight of the majestic mountains reflected in tranquil ponds. This spectacular entrance really set the tone for our stay in this serene escape. Michelle at Six Senses Thimphu The hotel has 25 villas, each with a beautiful large open space, bright airy rooms and a lovely balcony. The hotel restaurant Namkha has views of the Himalayan peaks, serves both traditional Bhutanese dishes and international specialties with the chefs using fresh vegetables from their organic garden. The wellness and spa area include an indoor pool, prayer and meditation pavilion and wellness experiences that ‘focus on bringing the body into balance, boosting the immune system and helping to open the mind and expand consciousness to aid spiritual healing’. There are also archery practice fields! Top tip: I recommend staying in Thimphu for 3 nights. Paro Michelle at Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) We drove back to Paro and participated in an evening ceremony where 108 butter lamps were lit to eradicate darkness and ignorance. The next morning, we undertook a hike up to Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest trek, a challenging but unforgettable adventure. We drove 20 minutes from central Paro to the main car park. Tigers Nest can only be accessed by hiking, with the round trip taking 4 to 7 hours with an additional hour to explore the monastery itself. There is an option to take a horse up to the café which is located roughly halfway to the main lookout. Despite not riding a horse for years, I took this option! Once you reach the café, it’s a challenging 1.5 – 2 hour walk to the main viewpoint. This is at altitude and on an uneven path so I don’t recommend tackling it in the rain. The views are incredible! My top tips for this trek: I suggest to start early in the morning, bring hiking poles (which your hotel might provide), wear supportive hiking shoes or boots and dress in layers to adapt to the changing temperatures. We stayed at Amankora, Arriving to the hotel is quite different – we were dropped off to take a 5 minute walk through a thick pine forest, fully immersing ourselves in nature before reaching the hotel entrance. The hotel has 24 suites that beautifully blend rustic charm with contemporary design. There are LOTS of stairs. The main common area offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains. A key highlight of staying here was making my own prayer flags with a monk and receiving blessings for my onward journey. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: BUCKET LIST HIKES FOR EVERY EXPERIENCE LEVEL Punakha 108 Chorten Temple Punakha is a four-hour drive from Thimphu and takes the Dochula Mountain Pass. What a majestic journey this was! We were treated to dramatic views of the incredible Himalayan ranges and went past the striking 108 Chorten Temple. Punakha is a picturesque town, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history and cultural significance. It also served as Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and remains an important administrative and religious centre. The climate is quite mild which means it would be a pleasant destination year-round but I recommend coming here in spring or autumn. The key highlights of Punakha include: Punakha Dzong: This majestic fortress is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It's renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant colours, often considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. Cultural Heritage: Punakha is home to several important temples and monasteries, including Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the Divine Madman, and Kinhung Lhakhang, showcasing Bhutanese spirituality and art. Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush valleys, rice fields, and towering mountains, Punakha offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and rafting. Michelle at the Six Senses Punakha We stayed at the Six Senses Punakha, which is set amidst vibrant rice fields. It felt quite tropical despite my weather app forecasting snow! The accommodation is just lovely, combining rustic charm with modern comforts. There’s an outdoor pool with great views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Punakha. Paro We drove back to Paro and stayed at the Six Senses Paro which is perched within 12th-century stone ruins, surrounded by a thick forest and offers breathtaking views. The suites are bright and airy, featuring large windows and natural timber that seamlessly connect the indoors with the stunning outdoor landscape. Dining here was a real highlight. There is an emphasis on amazing organic cuisine with plenty of vegetarian options available. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: MY ANTARCTICA ADVENTURE Summary: Bhutan is truly a gem, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and serene way of life. The pace is refreshingly tranquil and offers a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. The people of Bhutan are known as some of the happiest in the world and their traditions and lifestyle are remarkable. It’s one of the cleanest and most organised countries I’ve ever visited. Rich in culture and tradition with its archery competitions, prayer flags adorning the hills and ancient temples and stupas, it feels like a place frozen in time. Practical information: Planning a trip to Bhutan: Bhutan can only be visited with a tour operator. It’s not a country you can visit independently. All tourists over the age of 12 entering Bhutan are required to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee which is in addition to your accommodation. The fee is for maintaining the country’s cultural and environmental integrity. A visa is required and the tour operator will organise this for you. . Your FBI Travel Advisor can recommend the best tour operator and itinerary for you How to get there: Only two airlines fly into Bhutan – Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. We recommend flying to Bangkok, Singapore, Kolkata or Delhi to connect with a flight to Bhutan. Dress code: Casual dress is acceptable. If visiting temples, monasteries or festivals, wear clothing that covers your knees and arms. Shoes need to be removed before entering temples and monasteries. Layering is recommended due to the changes in temperature. Altitude & health: Speak to your GP about how to handle the altitude and for any required travel vaccinations. Best time to travel: Bhutan is a year-round destination. Peak season and the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These are popular festival seasons in Bhutan and also ideal for trekking and sightseeing. If you are going to Bhutan to trek, we recommend avoiding the summer/monsoon season (June to August) as some routes can be closed due to dangerous and slippery trails. Michelle travelled courtesy of Secrets of India, Taj Hotels, Six Senses and Aman.

Trastevere, Rome Home to cobblestone streets, ivy-draped buildings and intimate piazzas – the kind of place where locals still hang their laundry out the windows over kids playing football – the Trastevere neighbourhood feels like a snapshot of Rome before the touring crowds descended on the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.   Maria Pasquale Located in the city’s southwest on an elbow of the Tiber River, Trastevere ticks all the boxes for a perfect stay in Rome: walkable laneways nearly devoid of cars, plenty of dining options, and easy access to the rest of the city. The neighbourhood is a short taxi away from major Roman attractions, including the Vatican City, with trams and buses readily available along Viale di Trastevere.   But perhaps the best thing about Trastevere is it’s lived-in, bohemian quality – a peek into an authentic slice of Roman living that stands apart from Central Rome or more upscale neighbourhoods like Prati.   That’s the reason why Maria Pasquale, an award winning Italian Australian food journalist and author of The Eternal City: Recipes and Stories from Rome , chose to settle here after moving to Italy to follow her roots.   “Trastevere feels gritty and beautiful at the same time,” says Maria. “The neighbourhood retains a strong sense of local identity, blending its medieval roots with a vibrant modern nightlife, attracting students, artists and travellers alike.”   “The locals here have heart and are proud Trasteverini. So proud in fact that they host an annual festival in July called   La Festa de’ Noantri   (Roman dialect for the festival of ‘us others’), which means keeping separate from the other Romans!”   Rome’s Jewish Ghetto   Trastevere is also where visitors will find the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the world’s oldest ghettos, built in 1555 to segregate Jews from the rest of the city. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt, especially following the Jewish Holocaust of World War 2, the area is still home to kosher restaurants, pastry shops, synagogues and boutiques.   Walking food and history tours are especially popular in the Jewish Ghetto, and our team at FBI Travel can organise a private group tour if you’re interested. While exploring the narrow streets, look out for the gold cobblestones underfoot that serve as poignant reminders of the Jewish families who disappeared during the Holocaust.   The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere Elsewhere around Trastevere   Maria recommends visiting Orto Botanico, the neighbourhood’s lush botanical gardens that serve as a tranquil escape from the bustling piazzas. Nestled on the slopes of the Janiculum Hill, it’s an ideal place to take a picnic sourced from Trastevere’s pizzerias and pastry shops, and wander among exotic plants, fountains and hidden paths.   Overlooking one of Trastevere’s most lively piazzas is Santa Maria in Trastevere, a minor Basilica that is often overlooked but shouldn’t be.   “[Santa Maria’s] spectacular glittering mosaics, dating back to the 12th century, are breathtaking,” says Maria. “It’s one of the oldest churches in Rome, embodying the neighbourhood’s deep connection to history and spirituality.”   Maria’s favourite places to eat   In Central Rome, restaurants and trattorias near major tourist attractions tend to hike their prices while offering questionable quality meals, but in Trastevere you’ll find authentic Roman dining at good prices.   Having scoured the city to research three books about Roman cuisine, these are Maria’s top places to eat in Trastevere:   Osteria der Belli: Tucked around the corner from   Santa Maria Church is this family-run restaurant that spills out into the small piazza where street performers entertain diners. “Leo and the team here serve up local fare and Sardinian specialities too,” says Maria.   Eggs Roma: Red checkered tables have disappeared, replaced with cool blues and warm panel flooring at this light and bright café along Via Natale del Grande. Eggs offers a more modern take on the Roman trattoria, with a menu that flirts with local and seasonal ingredients.   I Supplì: Technically more of a street snack, Roman supplì (fried rice balls) are iconic and an essential eat for any visitor. Established in 1979, I Suppli has a tried and true roster of local favourites but also branches out with interesting creations depending on what is in season. It’s “a taste of Rome’s culinary heritage in handheld form,” says Maria.   La Norceria di Iacozzilli: Along Via Natale del Grande is this deli, one of the longest serving in the area, and the place where you’ll find locals chatting away with the owner while measuring out large wedges of parmesan.   Pasticceria Valzani : This historic pastry shop has been a fixture in Trastevere since 1925. Known for its rich torrone  (nougat) and chocolate creations, it’s a delightful spot to indulge in a sweet treat with a nod to tradition.   Make It Happen   Our Professional Travel Advisors can help you book a dream holiday to Rome and beyond, including a stay near the Trastevere neighbourhood. We recommend:   Fly: Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad all offer flights to Rome. Get in touch  with our team to enquire about airfares.   Villa Agrippina Gran Melia Stay: Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá , located in the heart of the Eternal City, is just 10 minutes by car or a 20 minute walk from Trastevere. It's also only a five-minute walk from St. Peter's Square and Basilica. This charming five-star hotel is surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, has a wonderful 1920s style pool, stunning views of Rome and a relaxing atmosphere.   Do: Putting a twist on a well-loved classic, the Colosseum Underground Tour explore the tunnels and chambers where gladiators and wild animals were kept before battles. If you're short on time, you can also explore the Trastevere area with an expert local guide and deluxe private vehicle on Abercrombie and Kent's half day tour of Trastevere or take an Authentic Roman Food Walking Tour of Trastevere with Project Expedition.   Want to explore Rome’s storied streets? Get in touch with one of our Professional Travel Advisors and we’ll arrange your flights, hotel, activities and more with a tailored itinerary. NOTE: In 2025, the Catholic Church will be celebrating the Great Jubilee or ‘Holy Year’. Large events are scheduled throughout the year and hotels in large cities, with hotels selling out in advance. If you’re planning to visit Rome in 2025, get in touch with our team today to avoid missing out.

Image courtesy of München Tourismus, Joerg Lutz Our Fares and Ticketing Operations Manager, Sam, recently travelled to Munich courtesy of Lufthansa and Jewels of Romantic Europe. With a very impressive, award-winning airport, Munich is traditionally seen as a transit zone to other destinations within Europe. However, there is far more to Munich and nearby Salzburg and it’s well worth breaking your journey for a few days in this vibrant area. Find out what Sam discovered: Immersive Walking Tours: Sampling the cheese. Image: Sam Skinner We started our exploration of Munich with two walking tours with a local guide. Our guide was incredibly informative with many interesting stories which made the experience all the more enjoyable. The first tour was a tasting tour in the Viktualienmarkt, which is in the Old Town and close to our hotel. The Viktualienmarkt has been around since 1807 and is currently most well-known for its delicious delicacies both from the local area but also wider Europe. We had a great time tasting everything from French cheese to bratwurst with mustards, fresh juice and wine. After we finished in the Viktualienmarkt, we commenced a Local Love tour through the arts district. While the tour doesn’t include any theatres or galleries, we got a real sense of Munich’s ‘live and let live’ philosophy and the vibrant music and arts scene. The Old Town is a low-rise city so it maintains a real ‘old’ feel. Our second tour concluded at a traditional Bavarian beer hall which was a real highlight. The food was fantastic – I enjoyed an ox steak with mustard and potatoes and of course, local beer! German beer is stored in wooden kegs and is really simple and delicious – they only use spring water, hops and yeast with no preservatives or sugar. The Beer Hall is filled with lots of traditional German symbols, the staff wear traditional dress, musicians play folk music and there’s even yodeling! It was a great way to finish our day exploring – although I don’t recommend doing two back-to-back walking tours, particularly after a long flight! Seehaus at Englischen Garten: Surfing in the gardens! Image: München Tourismus, Werner Boehm After a quick stop back at the hotel, we headed off for dinner at the Seehaus, set on the edge of a picturesque lake in the Englischen Garten. The restaurant and setting were just spectacular – it was silver service, there were musicians and a grand piano and while the food wasn’t traditionally German, it was delicious. They also have a beer garden, which would be a fantastic place to watch the world go by over a delicious beverage or two! The Englischen Garten is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. There is plenty to do here – from walking, jogging or cycling the 78kms of paths, taking a pedal boat out on the lake or try surfing at the Eisbach wave! You can also visit the Japanese Tea House and take in the unique views at the Greek style Monopteros ornamental temple. If you’re there in December, you can also pick up some lovely gifts at the Christkindlmarkt – and also ice skate on the lake or go cross-country skiing!    Berchtesgaden Salt Mine: The next day, we set off for Salzburg, which is roughly 1.5 hours drive away from Munich. On the way, we stopped at the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine which has been in operation since 1517. I’m happily surprised to say that this was the highlight of my trip – I thought it would be a quite dry tour but it was extremely interesting. Our guide was again, fantastic. The mine is still operational but the tour takes place in the older areas that are not being mined. Boating across the salt lake. Image: Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden, Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG We took a train into the mine with the guide explaining the history of the area including about the royal family of Austria. There was a nod to German engineering – our guide explained that the mine previously used brass pumps that were in operation for 110 years without breaking and only changed over to electric ones because they were cheaper to run! Once we arrived in the mining area, we discovered that the miners used to slide down wooden slides to get to the next level down. Naturally, we had to give that a go – it was very steep and fast! But there are stairs if you prefer. The boat ride across the mine’s lake came with a light show which was a great experience. The mines are well-lit and quite cavernous so I didn’t feel claustrophobic at all. It is a lot of walking though and while there is a lift, it’s only to take you back up to the top, you can’t go down into the mines via a lift. And of course, there’s a gift shop on the way out! Mozart Dinner Concert - Salzburg: Enjoying the opera. Image: Sam Skinner We were taken to a pretty unique experience for dinner – going back to Mozart’s time! The themed dinner is held in the Baroque Hall of the Benedictine monastery St Peter, complete with candlelight. Here we experienced a 3-part concert which is held in between each course. Each part is dedicated to a Mozart opera including The Magic Flute , Don Giovanni , The Marriage of Figaro  and A Little Night Music . The performers – and all the staff – are dressed in authentic costumes of the era. It’s the oldest restaurant in Europe, with its first mention dating back to 803. Dinner is inspired by historical recipes from Mozart’s time. While there wasn’t any actual capon, we enjoyed soup, chicken and vegetables and for dessert, a Salzburger Nockerl which was like a cross between a souffle and a meringue with berries. The event is pretty formal – I wore a suit. I enjoyed the evening and I’d say it’s a must do for Mozart fans or for those that love the history of the Mozart era. If you are just after a nice dinner in Salzburg though, I would choose somewhere else. The Footsteps of Sound of Music bicycle tour: A view of Salzburg. Image: Sam Skinner Of course, a visit to Salzburg would be incomplete without some reference to The Sound of Music ! We joined a bicycle tour, hosted by some young music students. There were two options – a Sound of Music  tour or one about the history of Salzburg. I chose the historical tour. Salzburg is a very hilly town so you need to be reasonably fit to take part in the bicycle tour. The tour heads up to the Monastery and we all had to get off our bikes and walk them up as it was very steep. There are times when we rode through traffic and it’s on cobblestones so you need to be quite confident on a bike. We then enjoyed a beer in the garden where The Sound of Music  children sang and danced to Do Re Mi . Herreninsel Island: After lunch, we took a ferry to Herreninsel Island to see the Royal Palace of Herrinchiemsee. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria and created as a homage to Versailles, which Ludwig greatly admired. The palace was a costly project, he actually went broke building it and unfortunately, he died before the palace could be completed. Approaching the Royal Palace of Herrinchiemsee. Image: Sam Skinner The palace is spectacular and while you can explore on your own, I’d recommend taking a guided tour – the guides are very informative and have many interesting stories. Further, you can only visit the state rooms as part of a guided tour. Even unfinished, the palace is extremely opulent and has secret doors, a dining table that descends into the floor to be filled with food before ascending again and a huge hall of mirrors where performances and musical recitals are held. The formal gardens are amazing and filled with fountains – they are also based on Versailles. The walk from the ferry to the palace is quite long but there are shuttles available. There are also horse drawn carriages available in the summer. We were lucky with the weather and had a lovely sunny day which really showed the palace and grounds in their best light. Salettl Am Nockherberg: We headed back to Munich and enjoyed our final dinner at Salettl. There are several bars and restaurants in this complex and we went to the traditional BBQ venue. The complex is very traditional with folk music and dancing. Each bar has their own beer barrels and at the start of the beer season, the mayor of the town hammers  in the first tap – the town’s luck for the year is based on the number of taps required so the mayor needs a strong arm! It’s a down to earth place to be, it isn’t fine dining. The food was delicious and I recommend giving it a go. Ingolstadt Village: Our final stop on the way to the airport was some luxury and designer factory outlet shopping at Ingolstadt Village. There are more than 110 boutiques to visit, all in the setting of a traditional Bavarian village. They also offer concierge services, hands-free shopping and personal shopping and there are restaurants and cafes available when you need a break. I picked up some great bargains for my family.   I really enjoyed my time in Munich and Salzburg and didn’t realise there was so much to see and do. I’d love to go back and explore further. It’s definitely worth breaking your journey to spend a few days here. The details: Flights: Lufthansa don’t fly into Australia so we flew with their codeshare partner Singapore Airlines from Melbourne to Singapore and then onto Munich with Lufthansa. The service aboard Lufthansa was amazing and I felt it was above average. We were on one of the older aircraft but were told by the Lufthansa representative that the Singapore to Munich route is soon to receive the new A350 Allegris. The A350 will have a first-class cabin, seven different types of seats within Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy with the option to purchase a Legroom seat or a Free Neighbour Seat. If you’re flying business class to Europe, Lufthansa are definitely worth looking at as they have fantastic fares. They also have an extensive network within Europe so travellers can fly to more obscure places that other carriers don’t fly to. I’d also recommend looking at Lufthansa if you’re considering a round the world flight. Where we stayed: LOUIS Hotel in Munich: This boutique hotel had lots of character with incredible staff. The hotel is right on the edge of the old markets so it’s in a great location for exploring. Sheraton Grand in Salzburg: Like many other hotels, the Sheraton Grand is in the old part of the town and next to the Mirabell Gardens. It’s a very modern hotel with great staff and all the facilities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel. Rosewood in Munich: This is a newly opened hotel located in the Old Town and captures the essence of Bavarian culture with its Baroque architecture. It was spectacular with very friendly staff. They also have a great jazz bar which is open to the public, spa treatments, Alpine-inspired cuisine and an indoor pool. Read more about Rosewood here .   To find out more about flying with Lufthansa or experiencing all that Munich and Salzburg have to offer, please contact us. Sam travelled as a guest of Lufthansa and Jewels of Romantic Europe.