6 Nations Rugby--Great Travel Ideas!

6 Nations Rugby—Great Travel Ideas

By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

In a travel year like no other I can ever remember, Anne & I watched the end of the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament last Saturday on TV.  England won but the real story is how different this year’s games were played and when they finished.  As with everything else this crazy year, the competition started in February and was scheduled to end in March, but it was suspended until last week (31 October 2020) for the final 3 matches.  There were no fans at the venues.  It was strange but there was a lot of quality rugby being played by these national teams.

So, why am I writing about rugby on a travel blog?  To me, it just points out how a pandemic has changed the world of travel and how much we miss visiting the 6 Nations that complete each year in my favorite rugby competition.

My game plan for this adventure is first to tell you a little about my rugby career, a little bit about the Six Nations Tournament and then how our travel has been associated with these 6 countries by telling you a favorite memory or two of our travels to each place.

It should be an interesting journey!  Ready?  Let’s go together!

My Rugby Career

I started playing rugby in 1972 as a member of the Ft. Riley-Kansas State Rugby Club, where I played for about 3 years and developed a passion for the game and the sport.  Next was the Ft. Benning Rugby Club for 9 months or so, where I won the Coaches Award as the Outstanding Player in the Spring Season of 1976.  My next team was the Monterrey Rugby Club for 9 months. 

Ft. Benning Rugby Club

In Panama, I was Captain of the Atlantic Syndrome Rugby Club (where I won the Most Valuable Back Award) and later the Captain of Panama’s Pacific side and Captain of the Isthmus select 7-a-side team that competed in Mexico City.  Then off to the Fort Bragg team for about 6 months or so.  I also played for the Seattle Rugby Club while in grad school for a little over a year.

2 of my rugby awards

Upon arriving at West Point to teach physical education. I was fortunate enough to be selected as an assistant coach for the rugby team from 1982-1984.  One of the highlights had to be escorting the team to play in England against the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst Rugby Team. What a thrill to visit the home of rugby and have our lads play at Twickenham Stadium, one of the venues of the Six Nations Championships!

West Point Rugby Club at Sandhurst 1983

I was also a member of the Old Gray Rugby Club.

My last team was a return to the Monterrey Rugby club and later as a member of a Monterrey Select team where we won the Inter-Service National Military Championship in May of 1985 at Fort Sill, OK.

In about 350 or so games, I think I have scored about 67 tries (like touchdowns in football), 16 Drop Kicks and 108 conversions (like a PAT in football) but I never really kept records.

The Six Nations Rugby Competition

The 6 teams in the tournament are England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.  Each team plays the other teams once, with home field advantage that alternates every other year.  The competition began in 1883 as the Home Nations Championships with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  In 1910, France was added and it became known as the Five Nations Championship and I began following the tournament during my playing career.  In 2000, Italy was added and the championship was renamed the Six Nations Championship.

It is the most important international rugby championship that is played in the Northern Hemisphere and features the key originators of rugby union play.

While the world cup championship is more important than the six nations, the six nations is for many fans the most interesting and meaningful rugby tournament—it is easy to follow since there are limited teams and rugby pride is rampant in the England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales countries—it is very much like our football super bowl.

It is my favorite rugby tournament—I just love the passion, the quality of play and the pride in supporting one’s national team!  We were in Dublin at Kehoes Pub just before the Ireland and Scotland match one year and the atmosphere was electric—we had a ball!

So, with that in mind, let’s visit the six nation’s countries and learn about our favorite memories of each country.

England

It is easy to argue that England has changed the world more than any other country in the world’s history in the last 300 years.  As the saying goes, the sun never set on the British Empire—at one time they ruled over 50 countries.  England’s strength was and still is its sea power.

A place so steeped in history and fascinating places to visit, I’m going with a tranquil visit to the Cotswolds, a place that evokes calm and relaxation.  I will say London was a close second, but somehow I think we managed to see a side of the more rural England and still visit some awesome nearby sights such as the country palace (Blenheim Palace), a great college town (Oxford) and a jaunt into Shakespeare’s hometown of Strafford-on-Avon.

The Cotswolds area in Gloucestershire is about 25 miles wide and 90 miles long.  It is in the English countryside that is like stepping into a real life fairy tale area of rolling hills, sheep and quaint villages. 

Our favorite village is Chipping Campden.  It was a sheep market town that once was the most important source of wool in England. It was said that Cotswold wool was the best wool in the world and made many merchants here rich.

France

France is a diverse country that combines man-made beauty and natural beauty.  From art, to great food, to philosophy, the French have been leaders for the rest of the world.  One way to describe this country is “L’art de Vivre”—the art of living.

I could easily spend 6 months traveling around France, but I decided to pick Paris, as it is one of Anne’s favorite, there is such a wide array of things to do and see, it is near enough for great day trips but it is the small café’s and bistros I love the best.

Yes, the art of living—enjoy these pictures!

Seine River

Danton’s—great Bistro in Paris

Ireland

Ireland is the 3rd largest island in Europe.  It was ruled by the English until 1949, when 26 counties formed the Republic of Ireland and 6 counties became Northern Ireland.  It became a member of the EU in 1973.

I’ve picked two favorites here—Dublin and a country estate—Mt. Falcon.

In Dublin, perhaps one of our best experiences was in Kehoes in Dublin prior to the Ireland vs. Scotland rugby match in 2011.  This is a Traditional Irish Heritage Bar, established in 1803.  The place was packed, both sides had excited fans and the Guinness flowed.  Kilts on the Scots mixed in with Green Irish team jerseys and the banter was non-stop, pointing out the merits of one side versus the other side deficiencies.

Kehoes

Other great sights in Dublin are the wonderful painted doors, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Book of Kells.

Dublin painted door

The other memorable place was a stay in the country manor of Mount Falcon in County Mayo.  This former estate of the Knox family is now a luxury 4 star resort.

Mt Falcon

Italy

This unique country with so many famous sights has 20 regions that have their own distinct character.  This peninsula country is about 850 miles long and 150 miles wide.  It has over 5,000 miles of coastline.  It is a land of food and wine and the “sweet life” but still is the world’s 7th largest industrial power.

There are so many good choices, this was perhaps the most challenging country to narrow it down, but I decided to go with Rome.  There is so much history of the ancient sights, the Vatican, the shopping but my favorites are visiting the vibrant squares that are markets during the day and al fresco restaurants at night.

Campo de Fiori Flower Market—turns into liviey night spot

Roman Forum

One of our great adventures in Rome was a food tour led by Hande Leimer, owner of Vino Roma.  We visited a Rome Market where all the produce comes directly from the growers.  We visited the market, some food shops and cafes, and ended with a geleteria!

Hande our tour guide

If you truly want to understand a different country, you have to participate in their daily lives.

Scotland

Scotland has two regions—the Lowlands, an urbanized area, and the Highlands, a nature lover’s area of mountainous type terrain, with over 280 hills and mountains over 3000 feet or more that is dotted with deep lakes called lochs.

Edinburgh is the winner here, as it has so much to see and do.  Anne has some real Scottish heritage and I have been allowed to come along and learn about clans and the Scottish way of life.  On the Royal Mile, you can visit 2 castles, see key sights and even buy a kilt, as we did.

Edinburgh Castle

Great Hall. Edinburgh Castle

If you only have a day or two, the choice has to be Edinburgh, but I’d stay longer and see some of the highlands also!

Cawdor Castle

Wales

Wales is only 170 miles long and 60 miles wide.  It has 750 miles of scenic coast.  It has its own unique language that has survived to present day, although almost all speak both English and Welsh.  It also has a passion for rugby that makes it the number one sport in the country.

I can’t do just one here, since one was among the most memorable trips we ever took.

 Our most memorable trip has to be Anne’s 60th Birthday, when we stayed at a vineyard about twenty miles outside Cardiff.  We attended a cooking school with perhaps at that time the most famous chef in Wales, Angela Grey.  She taught us how to make some classic French dishes in her cooking school at Llanerch Vineyards.  We made Coq au Vin Blanc (Chicken in White Wine Sauce), Lyonnaise Potatoes and Crêpes

The second has to be our stay in Conwy, Wales—a small walled city with a great castle (you knew somehow I had to get another castle into this blog) and a chance to really get down with the locals in their pubs.

My Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this unique rugby tour of the 6 Nations through our eyes!

We hope this inspires you to dream about European travel—and then take action when travel restrictions are lifted!  We will be ready to help!

When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip.  You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience.  And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process.  We think we have all these qualities.

Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you!  We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel.  Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com.  We want to help you:  Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations!  Your journey begins here!

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 49 years.  He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).  This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years.  He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees.   His other Certifications:

• AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist

• Viking River Cruise Specialist

• Scenic River Cruise Specialist

• Emerald Waterways Specialist

• Avalon Waterways Specialist

• Brit Agent

Reasons to Visit Some of the Least Vistited Countries in Europe

Reasons to Visit Some of the Least Visited Countries in Europe

By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

Trying to define exactly what Europe is a matter of debate.  Some include 44 countries; others 51—the additional countries are partly in Europe and in Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus and Turkey).  The reason for this is geographers have used two key land features, the Ural Mountains and the Ural River to divide Europe and Asia.  Since the landmass is not totally separated by a sea or an ocean, the division is really due to the distinct historical, cultural and political identity of Europe that is quite different from Asia and not by any true geographical physical boundaries.

If I were deciding upon what is Europe, I would count only the European part of Turkey, exclude the former Russian countries of Moldova, Belarus and Ukraine and most of Russia except St. Petersburg.  I also would include Cyprus.  While the Schrader Europe (41 countries) has no bearing on any geography division, Schrader Europe really is about the quality of tourist sites or experiences that appeal to enough travelers to make a visit worthwhile, in my humble opinion.

But this is not a geography lesson; this is a blog about why you should consider visiting some of the least visited countries in Europe.

As a concession to the correct definition of Europe, we do have PowerPoints on all 44 countries in Europe on our website.  They are organized by the 4 regions of Europe and include a special section on Little Treasures that provides information on some of the smaller European countries. We also have city guides for 6 of the 8 countries covered in this blog—Reykjavik, Vaduz, Luxembourg, Monaco, San Marino and Belgrade. It is easy to order them from our website.

So, let’s visit 8 of the 10 least visited countries of Europe.  Although Moldova (#1 least visited) and Belarus (#4 least visited) are in the top 10 of the least visited, there are not many reasons for the average person to visit and I am not writing about them in this blog.

A word about the data—it is from the World Tourism Council, some is outdated, and with the travel world on hold currently with COVID-19, is just for comparisons purposes only.  I include the country’s rank (#1 being less visited), but choose not to include the number of visitors, as I cannot verify the data widely available is all from the same year, or has any meaning as all as numbers are sure to plummet in 2020.  However, it seems the trends and rankings are quite valid—the 8 countries I have listed are the least visited countries in Europe for at least the last 5 years or more.  I decided to list them alphabetically instead of ranking 1-10.

Ready?  Let’s go!

Bosnia & Herzegovina (#7)

A small country of the former Yugoslavia, most folks know this country from the 1984 Winter Olympics and the devastating civil war that followed (1992-1995).  Bosnia, as it is commonly called, has a very small coastline, especially compared to its immediate neighbor Croatia.  We have not really visited here except for a 10 minute stop while on tour in Croatia.

Sarajevo was featured on TV during the Olympics before the brutal civil war and was a beautiful city.  The war damaged some of the city, but it has since recovered.  A great place to visit is in the old town, Sarajevo Bašcaršija, which features towering mosques, bustling bazaars with traditional handicrafts like copper plates and gold-gilded tea sets.  Also try the outdoor cafes for sipping strong Bosnian coffee.

Another good place to visit is Mostar, which many call the most picturesque city in Bosnia.  It has perhaps the most famous site in the country—the Stari Most bridge which arches across the Neretva River right in the center of the old town.  Destroyed during the civil war, it has been reconstructed with great care. 

The last good place to visit is just outside the city of Blagaj. There you can see the Velagić House and a monastery complex, both of these structures are dramatically built into the side of a cliff.

Iceland (#8)

This island nation has the northernmost capital city in the world.  It is full of wonderful natural sights.  I briefly visited while in the Army, but had little chance to enjoy the country as it was an official visit with military work that precluded any tourist destinations. 

Most of the best sights in Iceland are the natural wonders.  These include: the Blue Lagoon (a famous geothermal hot springs lake); the Golden Circle (The Golden Circle is the popular tourist route that includes Gullfoss waterfall, Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park); and the Northern Lights (best seen September to April, but often not visible due to clouds, rain or snow—it might take some luck and patience on your part to see the aurora borealis).

Reykjavík, the colorful capital city, is known for its nightlife.  A little remote, but can be access by flights or for the really brave, an ocean cruise (I guess I don’t qualify as a Viking raider!).

Liechtenstein (#2)

This is one of the world’s smallest countries—it is only 62 square miles!  I have driven through the entire country and visited its capital Vaduz in 1989.  Vaduz has about 5,000 inhabitants.  Most of the country is Alpine mountains or Alpine valleys.  The language of Liechtenstein is German and they use Swiss Francs for currency.  The capital is Vaduz and there are some interesting things to do including hiking up the castle of the Prince and visiting the stamp museum and Prince’s Art Gallery.

If you have ever seen the movie, The Mouse that Roared with Peter Sellers, for me, Liechtenstein was the model for the small country, that to avoid bankruptcy, declared war on the United States.  The plan was to attack with a small force and surrender, so to have the US bail them out as it had done to other European countries under the Marshall Plan.  However, in this farce, the small force captured a Q Bomb and now was the most powerful country in the world.  It just seemed to me to fit, as I sat drinking a beer in an outdoor café, gazing up at the castle—I guess I’m a true romantic—small does not have to mean uninteresting!

Luxembourg (#10)

Luxembourg is a holdover of the Holy Roman Empire feudal system. This place is a gem, with interesting sights packed into a tiny country.  The walled city, Luxembourg City, is a fortress city with steep cliffs surrounding the old city complex.  Anne and I visited in 1989 and liked our brief overnight stay.

The old town is charming and the steep city walls make for great views in Luxembourg City and the surrounding rest of the town.  Other sites in the town are the Grand Ducal Palace, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the underground tunnels.  Expensive but a great place—it is one of the richest countries in the world. 

The Walled City of Luxembourg

Old Town Luxembourg

Outside the city, there is an awesome castle complex at Bourscheid Castle.  There is an American Cemetery about 5 miles outside town and is the final resting place of Lt. General Patton and many other soldiers—quite a moving place to visit.  World War II history buffs will also like a visit to the Ardennes region, with its Battle of the Bulge Museum. 

American Cemetery in Luxembourg—Lt. General Patton is buried here

North Macedonia (#6)

The ancestral home of Alexander the Great, this tiny country does not have very many visitors but has endured a battle over the name of the country that has hurt tourism.  Recently, the country in 2018 resolved a 27 year dispute over the correct name for this former part of Yugoslavia, after Macedonia declared independence in 1991.  The problem here is that Greece has a part of their country also called Macedonia and both claimed the name.  It finally has been resolved by renaming the new country—the correct name is now The Republic of North Macedonia.

Of all the countries of this blog, tourism has a way to go, in my opinion, as this country has not been able to join the EU (European Union) and the political disputes have hurt the tourism sector. 

In the capital, Skopje, the old bazaar and Kale fortress deserve a visit.  Perhaps the best place to visit in the Republic of North Macedonia is Ohrid.  Ohrid is known for its churches.  Two of the most famous are the church of Kaneo, and the monastery of Plaoshnik.  They are stunning buildings on Lake Ohrid.  Ohrid is known as Jerusalem of the Balkans, for the fact that it once had 365 churches, and was a very important area in the growth of Christianity.

Monaco (#5)

A remnant of the Holy Roman Empire, Monaco is an old principality—it is only about 2 square miles.  It has the highest population density of any country in the world.  This country is known for being a tax haven and is home to one of the most famous casinos in the world—Monte Carlo Casino.  It has one of the best formula one races in the world—the Monaco Grand Prix.  In Monaco, they speak French and use the Euro for currency.

I visited in 1971 and the first place I went was the casino—it was not lost on me that James Bond gambled here!  The changing of the guard at the palace and the wonderful aquarium of Jacques Cousteau are also worth a visit.  Just wander here—it is a playground of the rich and famous!

San Marino (#3)

This is an independent country completely surrounded by Italy (we in the geography world call this an enclave).  It is only 24 square miles.  It is the smallest and oldest republic in the world.  The town of San Marino does not allow automobiles.  Attractions include the 3 forts on the 3 peaks of Monte Titano, a Basilica, and shopping in the village’s narrow streets.  San Marino postage stamps are highly sought after by collectors.  The language used here is Italian and they use the Euro. 

San Marino Castle

Freedom Square, San Marino

You have to love a place that has cross bow competitions, and parades at noon of villagers dress up in medieval costumes.  We really enjoyed our visit and want to return.  A little hard to get to but what a gem!

Cross Bow Competition, San Marino

Noon Parade, San Marino

Serbia (#9)

It might seem strange for a relatively large country to be on this list, but it does not draw many visitors compared with other European countries.  There are some very impressive fortresses and several large houses of worship.  A good place to start is Belgrade, the capital city.  Kalemegdan Fortress, on the banks of the Danube, is huge and an interesting site to visit.  Also, the large Orthodox Saint Sava Church is an impressive structure.

Kalemegdan Fortress, on the Danube near Belgrade, Serbia

Weapons Display, in Kalemgdan Fortress

Belgrade, Serbia

St. Sava Orthodox Church, Belgrade, Serbia

The Iron Gates on the Danube and Novi Sad deserve your time.  We visited on an AmaWaterways lower Danube cruise and it was a great way to be introduced this interesting country.

Novi Sad, Serbia

Petrovaradin Fortress near Novi Sad on the Danube River

Iron Gates on the Danube River

Church on the Banks of the Danube in the Iron Gates

My Final Thoughts

Wow—what unique places these 8 countries are for me!  As we grapple with how travel will be after we resume our explorations, perhaps these lesser known places with draw more interest away from some of the sometimes crowded tourist top places to visit in Europe.  I certainly hope so!

Please let us know if you have visited any of these 8 countries and as always, your pictures are welcome!

We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise experts, and Europe destination experts.  We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe.  We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you.  We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.  As you can see, our full service agency can get you to almost anywhere you desire to travel and provide you a great experience and vacation.

When you are spending your hard earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip.  You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience.

Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you!  We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel.  Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com.  We want to help you:  Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations!  Your journey begins here!

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 48+ years.  He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).  This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years.  He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees.  His other Certifications:

• AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist

• Viking River Cruise Specialist

• Scenic River Cruise Specialist

• Emerald Waterways Specialist

• Avalon Waterways Specialist

• Brit Agent