Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.0.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Home At First Home At First Email: info@homeatfirst.com · Tel: (800)523-5842 Home At First — high-quality, excellent-value, full-service, personalized, custom, independent, international travel planning. ## Pages ### [Home](https://homeatfirst.com/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy) ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### ## Featured Current Travel Bargains — [![Featured Current Travel Bargains for June/July/August, 2026: Paris, Ireland, Scandinavia, & London. Composite Image © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June-2026-FCTB-Banner-4-column-w.-titles-Paris-Ireland-Scandinavia-London-1600x600-72dpi-Composite-Image-©-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Featured Current Travel Bargains for June/July/August, 2026: Paris, Ireland, Scandinavia, & London. Composite Image © Home At First.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Bargains) ###### • **[PARIS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris):** ***Prime Time!*** **Save 36%!** ($1,467/prs!) off **1-week full-package travel: [“I LOVE PARIS WHEN IT DOESN’T SIZZLE!” ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Paris)**[**SEP–NOV 2026**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Paris). • [IRELAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland)**:** [***Fall in Love with Ireland!***](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Italy) **32% ($1,034/prs) off 1-week Full-Packages SEP–NOV 2026!** [**Choose Dublin or 1 of 3 Rural Regions!**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Ireland) • **[SCANDINAVIA](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#Scandinavia "SCANDINAVIA!")**: ***Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm!*** **Save 37.5%** **($1,495/prs) off 1-Week Full-Packages during** [**TRAVEL SEP-DEC 2026.**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Scandinavia) • [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "LONDON!")**:** ***The Best Time of Year to Visit Just Got 27% Better!*** **Save 27%** ($895/prs). 1-Week Full-Packages. [**TRAVEL OCT–NOV 2026.**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#London) ###### [see details](https://homeatfirst.com/#travelbargains) ###### ###### ## Realizing Your International Travel Dreams — Home At First makes travel dreams come true with high-quality, excellent-value, full-service, personalized, custom, independent, international travel planning. Next time you plan to travel from home, travel with HOME AT FIRST. ###### ##### Your journey begins in the immense sky. Over the vast ocean, you sleep high above the storm. ###### [Begin Your Dream Journey Here…](#SixSteps) ###### ### SIX STEPS TO MAKING YOUR Custom, INDEPENDENT, international Travel DREAMS COME TRUE — #### **1. DREAM** ![Custom, Independent, International Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Dream-Image-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-w.-tri-colour-sky-010412-0358-6.25x6.25-72dpi-Image-copyright-Home-At-First-1-300x300.jpg "Do you dream of Custom, Independent, International Travel?") **Do you dream of custom, independent, international travel?** • Maybe stories you have read or movies you have seen have inspired you. • Or, maybe tracing family roots is your ambition. • Or, maybe music, theater, or sports are your focused goals. Whatever your reasons to travel overseas, your travel dreams can come true. This is where the travel experts at **Home** **At** **First** come in. #### **2. DESIGN** ![Tell us your travel dreams. We will plan your custom, independent, international travel to make your dream trip a reality.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Design-Image-Golf-at-Taymouth-Castle-010909-6195-6.25x6.25in-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Tell us your travel dreams. We will plan your custom, independent, international travel to make your dream trip a reality.") **Tell us your custom, independent, international travel dreams.** We design a free trip proposal for you, with all the right flights, lodgings, & ground transport you need to turn your custom, independent, international travel dreams into realities. When you accept your personalized trip design, send us your deposit payment. Then we arrange all the elements to make your dream trip come to life. #### **3. DAYDREAM** ![Reading & Daydreaming about your custom, independent, international travel destination will prepare you for the real thing. ](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Daydream-Image-Bermuda-Elbow-Beach-120813-180-6.25x6.25in-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Reading & Daydreaming about your custom, independent, international travel destination will prepare you for the real thing. ") **Read & daydream about your trip!** Before your trip begins you receive a comprehensive guidebook keyed for your destinations. Thirty days prior to your departure you receive all necessary trip documents (tickets, vouchers, passes) plus detailed arrival information, including your overseas addresses, contact information for your lodgings and your hosts, and specific meeting plans for arrival day. #### **4. DEPART** ![Departure Day: Your custom, independent, international travel begins in the sky as you fly away from the familiar to a new land of adventure. ](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Depart-Image-Greenland-from-Icelandair-en-route-to-KEF-1-310517-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Departure Day: Your custom, independent, international travel begins in the sky as you fly away from the familiar to a new land of adventure. ") **Departure Day.** Check-in and Security and two hours of Waiting-to-Board (sorry). Then the big bird soars, and the wise flier snores. Too soon breakfast interrupts rudely, signifying the approaching landing. Terra Incognito appears out the cabin window. A new world appears as if out of your airplane slumber. Dreams begin to transform into first impressions, but not yet hardened enough to be considered realities. #### **5. DECOMPRESS** ![Decompressing when you arrive at your destination: stress falls away and magic begins: your custom, independent, international travel dreams are coming true.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Decompress-Image-Judi-by-St-Kats-Callbox-271108-5644-6.25x6.25in-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Decompressing when you arrive at your destination: stress falls away and magic begins: your custom, independent, international travel dreams are coming true.") **Arrival Day.** In some prearranged way — train, bus, taxi, rental car — you find your foggy way to your first night’s lodging. Bed’s invitation wrestles with your curiosity to explore, and bed mostly wins, at least for a couple of hours. You wake in a new place where you barely remember arriving. Time seems as fuzzy as your mind is groggy. You are hungry. Your first meal will help reestablish order. Relaxation begins, and Peace happens. #### **6. DISCOVER** ![Discover: a first stroll lets you explore your surroundings. Everything is new, including you. Your custom, independent, international travel takes you to the places you have dreamed of.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Discover-Image-Murren-Main-Street-with-Eiger-070916-2165-6.25x6.25in-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Discover: a first stroll lets you explore your surroundings. Everything is new, including you. Your custom, independent, international travel takes you to the places you have dreamed of.") **Your custom, independent, international travel dream begins.** A new morning — the first day of your new life. Take a walk. Eat a fresh pastry with a reassuring coffee or a change-up tea. Watch & listen closely. Hear strange language: even English words now sound foreign. Observe all around you. Dare to speak, to order, to shop. Can you find your way home? Home. Your new home. Comfortable. Roomy. **You’re Home At First.** FIND **YOUR CUSTOM, INDEPENDENT, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DREAM DESTINATION HERE:** ### Home At First Destinations ### Our World of Custom, Independent, International Travel #### Featuring Quality Hosted Lodgings in a large number of set destinations. #### • 1-Week Full Packages • Ground Arrangements Only • Lodging Only #### Jump ahead to see our [Current Travel Bargains](https://homeatfirst.com#travelbargains). [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to London!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Beefeater-w.-Janie-square-101016-2695-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to London!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) **SUPERBLY LOCATED [CENTRAL LONDON APARTMENTS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/):** • **Tower Bridge North** near historic Tower of London & Tower Hill tube. **• Tower Bridge South** in fashionable riverside Bermondsey. **• London Bridge North** near Monument tube station. **• London Bridge South** near London Bridge station. [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to England!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to England!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) **COTTAGES IN FOUR ENGLISH REGIONS** •[**The Cotswolds**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#Cotswolds) Heart of England •[**Cornwall & Devon**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#WestCountry) The West Country •[**The Lake District**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#LakeDistrict) Northwest England • [**The Yorkshire Dales**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#YorkshireDales) North Yorkshire **& by SPECIAL REQUEST:** • **Cambridg****e • Oxford • Cheshire & Shropshire • The Midlands** Central England [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Scotland!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Scotland!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) **LODGINGS IN THREE SCOTTISH REGIONS:** • **[The Central Highlands](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central)** Scotland’s Heartland • [**Edinburgh**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh) Scotland’s Historic Capital •[**Inverness & North**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) The Northern Highlands **& by** **SPECIAL** **REQUEST:** • **Glasgow** • **The** **Borders** • **Isle** **of** **Skye** • **Mull & Iona** • **Outer** **Hebrides** • **Orkney & Shetland** [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Wales!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Wales!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) **COTTAGES IN TWO** **NATIONAL PARK REGIONS OF WALES** • [**Mid-Wales**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Mid-Wales) Brecon Beacons Nat’l. Park • [**Northwest Wales**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#NW-Wales) Snowdonia Nat’l. Park **& by SPECIAL REQUEST:** **• Southwest Wales** *Pembrokeshire Coast National Park* [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Ireland & Northern Ireland!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-2-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1542657165377.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Ireland & Northern Ireland!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) **COTTAGES & APARTMENTS IN FIVE IRISH REGIONS:** • [**Central Ireland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#CentralIreland) Tipperary & Clare • [**Southwest Ireland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#SWIreland) Cork & Kerry • [**Northwest Ireland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#NWIreland) Donegal & Sligo • **[Northern Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#NOIreland)** Antrim & Londonderry • [**Dublin City Apts.**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Dublin) Dublin [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Paris!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Paris-Notre-Dame-square-020412-0461-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Paris!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) **LEFT & RIGHT BANK PARIS APARTMENT LOCATIONS:** [**Central Paris** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Apts) **Apartments** in safe, attractive, desirable neighborhoods near attractions, the Métro, restaurants, and services: *Arrondissements 1-8, 11, & 18.* **& by** **SPECIAL** **REQUEST:** • **Provence** • **Normandy** • **Alsace** [**ITALY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Italy!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Italy-Siena-View-of-Siena-from-Estate-Apt.-3-square-080817-4439-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Italy!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) **ROME, TUSCANY, & 5 SPECIAL REQUEST REGIONS:** • [**Central Rome Apts.**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) • [**Tuscany: Siena Estate**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) • [**Tuscany: Hill Country**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) **& by SPECIAL REQUEST:** **• [Amalfi Coast](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe)** **• [Cinque Terre](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe)** **• [Florence](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe)** **• [Venice](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe)** **• [Sicily](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe)** [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Switzerland!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Switzerland-Bernina-Alps-260808-5296-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Switzerland!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) **APTS. & CHALETS ACROSS THE SWISS ALPS:** • **[Bernese Oberland Alps](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland):** [Mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren) & [Kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg) • [**Italian** **Switzerland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino)**:** Locarno & its neighbors • [**The Valaisian Alps:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) The Matterhorn & Zermatt **& by SPECIAL REQUEST:** **• Eastern Switzerland:** *Pontresina, the Bernina Alps, & the Upper Engadine* [**PORTUGAL**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#Portugal "PORTUGAL")[![Portugal — Catch of the Day! Rodrigo Costa Duarte Photo © Cascais Tourism](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Home-Pg-Title-Destination-Images-Cascais-Fish-Monger-Portrait-354x354-72dpi-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-Photo-©-Cascais-Tourism-300x300.jpg "Portugal — Catch of the Day! Rodrigo Costa Duarte Photo © Cascais Tourism")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#Portugal) PORTUGAL **Fly/Drive** **or** **Fly/Rail** **Choose 1, 2, or 3 Regions:** • [Porto & the North](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#PortoRegion) Apartments in central Porto with choice of rental car or rail pass • [Lisbon & beachy Cascais](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#LisbonRegion) Apartments in historic Lisbon city or in seaside Cascais town. Choice of rental car or rail pass • [Algarve, the sunny south](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#AlgarveRegion) Apartments right for the beach, for golf, or touring by rental car. [**DENMARK** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Denmark!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Denmark!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) **LODGINGS IN THREE DANISH REGIONS:** • [**Zealand: Copenhagen & Roskilde**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#zealand) • [**Odense & Funen**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#funen) • [**Aarhus, Aalborg, & Jutland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#jutland) Classic lodging locations in Copenhagen & Roskilde. Special request locations throughout Denmark. [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Norway!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Norway-Hardanger-Fjord-ferry-blondes-square-010804-R1-020-8A_2-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Norway!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) **[OSLO](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#oslo), [BERGEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#bergen), & [THE FJORDS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland)** Plus [Stavanger](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stavanger), [Kristiansand](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#kristiansand), [Lillehammer](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lillehammer), [Ålesund](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#alesund), [Trondheim](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#trondheim), [Lofoten](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lofoten), & [Tromsø](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#tromso) Lodgings at 8 classic & 5 special request Norwegian locations including the World Heritage Site fjords. [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Sweden!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Sweden!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) **LODGINGS IN FIVE CLASSIC REGIONS:** • [**Stockholm**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stockholm) • [**Uppsala**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stockholm) • [**Gothenburg**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#gothenburg) • [**Lakeland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lakes) • [**West Coast**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#bohuslan) Boutique Hotels, Inns, & Apartments at 5 classic & 4 special request locations across Sweden. [**NEW ZEALAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/#NewZealand)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to New Zealand!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destination-NZ-Milford-Sound-square-180305-12-005-1-596x596-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to New Zealand!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/#NewZealand) **NORTH & SOUTH ISLANDS — A ROAD TRIP OF DISCOVERY:** Individually planned itineraries using boutique lodgings with outstanding hosting in: • **6 [North Island](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/north-island/#NorthIsland "North Island of New Zealand") regions** • **6 [South Island](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/south-island-of-new-zealand/#SouthIsland "South Island of New Zealand") regions** [**BERMUDA**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/#Bermuda)[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Bermuda!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Bermuda-Elbow-Beach-square-120813-180-338x338-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Bermuda!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/#Bermuda) **BETWEEN BRITAIN & THE CARIBBEAN:** Bermuda offers much more than its famed pink sand beaches. We offer cottages & inns across the island. **[ICELAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland)****[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Iceland!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to Iceland!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland)** ***AMAZING ROAD TRIP*** Small Hotels & Inns along Iceland’s *Ring Road*, starting from Reykjavik. See volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, & black sand beaches. Independent fly/drive itineraries combine with most European destinations. **[![Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to much of Europe!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Custom-Europe-Bernina-Brusio-near-Tirano-3-square-0907-3364-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First does custom, independent, international travel to much of Europe!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe)** **[CUSTOM EUROPEAN TRIP PLANNING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe)** **Do you have a unique travel goal for Europe? Home At First researches and custom-plans individual itineraries to your specific dream destinations, with all the lodgings, flights, and ground transportation needed to accomplish your goals.** **WE CUSTOM-PLAN DREAM TRIPS TO:** #### **• England • Scotland • Wales • Ireland • Isle of Man** #### **• Austria • France • Germany • Greece • Italy** #### **• Netherlands • Portugal • Spain • Switzerland • Iceland • Denmark • Finland • Norway • Sweden** **d** **A Letter from Home…** **Searching for Shangri-La —** **Where in the World Do You Wish to Travel in 2026?** Mürren, Switzerland, is my slice of Heaven. I found it long before I knew I was on the hunt. I’ve been traveling professionally since I was 32. Traveling professionally used to mean a rapid-fire itinerary, alternately working with guests or visiting one or two destinations each day, lots of meetings with suppliers, hotel stays, and frequent restaurant meals. Free time was when I slept, or when I hung around airports, or stared out the window of a train/bus/ferry. There was little time for activities like hiking or biking, or visiting museums or historical places like castles. My camera was always busy shooting accommodations and their immediate surroundings, regardless of the weather. Precious rare were the days when good weather corresponded with the chance to photograph thematically: Nature, People, Action, Sport, Drama, Transportation, Culture, Adventure, Animals, Peace, Risk, or the New/Unusual/Bizarre. [![Mürren — Swiss Shangri-La. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Switzerland-Muerren-late-summer-sunset-280825007-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Mürren — Our Swiss Shangri-La. Photo © Home At First.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/) A day-trip introduced me to Mürren – mostly to its extraordinary setting atop a remote terrace a vertical kilometer above the floor of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland’s Yosemite. I had been working in the Central Switzerland heartland, a couple of hours from the drama of the Bernese Alps. My wife and colleague, Judi, was also in Switzerland on assignment, west of me a few hours, working with guests in the exceptionally pretty Lake Thun and Kander Valley region. Somehow, we both got a Sunday free, a Sunday as beautiful as today, the last Sunday in August, 2025. We railed from our respective work regions, met in Interlaken, and headed up by train and funicular to alpine Grütschalp, then walked along the isolated, cliff-hugging BLM railway line 90 minutes to the village of Mürren. We walked Mürren’s main street, bought a drink at the grocery to go with our packed lunches, reversed our course and walked back to Grütschalp. We stopped at a bench with an especially stunning view of the Bernese Alps and the deep Lauterbrunnen Valley, and enjoyed our lunch, one another’s company, and our day off. We had been exhausted, but the 3 hours walked from Grütschalp to Mürren and back invigorated us and reminded us why we were working in travel. Neither of us told the other that one day we would come back here, and stay longer. Our travel dream had been born, but necessarily filed away for future pursuit. We had a family to raise, with graduations, weddings, and then grandchildren, too. More than 15 years into the new millennium our opportunity to return to Mürren occurred. We owned our travel company. We had become empty-nesters. We had put away a few dollars. We had first-hand knowledge of some of the world’s great destinations. Away from the office we were still traveling separately, only occasionally meeting when our paths crossed and gave us the chance for a few days together in Wales, Scotland, England, Italy, Scandinavia, Paris, and Italy. After many years, our paths again crossed in Switzerland, where a shared a short familiarization visit to Zermatt by the Matterhorn was an easy tie to the arrival of our first grandson in nearby Geneva. It was during this visit that a discussion of favorite Swiss memories brought up Mürren. When we compared notes, Mürren was at the top of both of our wish-to-return lists. It took another ten years before Judi and I could squeeze a week’s visit to Mürren into our busy schedules. It wasn’t enough time to settle in, and Mürren, unlike most every place we had ever been, made us want to settle in. We began planning visits to Mürren each summer. Now, after visiting several times, Mürren has become like a second home for us. We have neighbors there who call us by our first names. The ladies at the grocery store brighten when they see we’re back. Some restaurants greet us as regulars. I have hiked almost all the trails in all kinds of weather. Nature’s wonders come to me as I sit on our chalet apartment’s balcony. I keep a camera ready for new visions that appear nearly every day. Judi and I are not alone in our regard of Mürren. The village is small, with a limited number of visitor apartments. We have learned to request reservations for next year as soon as we can project our travel dates. This year, we made our reservations for our 2026 visit before we left for home. We’re hooked on Mürren and do not want to face the disappointment of not getting the time slot we want for the year to come. \* \* \* \* \* **Haven’t found your Mürren, your Shangri-La yet? Maybe 2026 will be your Year of Discovery. Still have lots of travel goals on your wish list? Maybe 2026 will be a Year of Accomplishment. Why not book early so you can get the right reservations for your needs? Why wait? Now is the perfect time to start your search. We can help.** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **Vacationing successfully &/or traveling well — and affordably — begins with a phone call (800-523-5842 US & Canada) or email () to** **Home At First**. — Ron Fahnestock, Editor #### Sign up for *Travel Bargain Alerts!* We’ll send you breaking news of special bargains for custom, independent, international travel to your favorite Home At First destinations — like the ones in the right-hand column. Notices come as we discover them — usually 1-3 times monthly — and typically offer savings of 17-30% off full-packages with flights, lodgings, and land transportation. [**Subscribe now**](http://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **FIND OUR BEST VALUES HERE:** [Current Travel Bargains](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Bargains) **4 OUTSTANDING DEALS** **FOR CUSTOM, INDEPENDENT, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL IN 2026!** • ***Biggest Savings Ever!*** [PARIS PRIME-TIME: SEP/NOV](https://homeatfirst.com/#Paris) • ***32% Off & No Crowds!*** [The Best of IRELAND SEP/NOV](https://homeatfirst.com/#Ireland) • ***27% off the Best Time of Year!!*** [LONDON: OCT/NOV](https://homeatfirst.com/#London) • ***Copenhagen/Oslo/Stockholm!*** [SCANDINAVIA SEP/DEC](https://homeatfirst.com/#Scandinavia) *OUR BEST PARIS SALE EVER!* [PARIS!](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) in AUTUMN PRIME TIME - ![La Parisienne. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thanks to manolofranco.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Paris-Portrait-of-La-Parisienne-w.-credit-title-2-1759630-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Manolo-Franco-from-Pixabay-Tthanks-to-manolofranco.jpg "La Parisienne. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thanks to manolofranco.") - ![Paris: French Tri-Color flag impression. Image by David from Pixabay. Thanks to DavidRockDesign!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Tri-Color-flag-impression-4176460-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-David-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-DavidRockDesign.jpg "Paris: French Tri-Color flag impression. Image by David from Pixabay. Thanks to DavidRockDesign!") - ![Paris: Can-Can dancer at the famed Paradis Latin cabaret in the 5th arrondissement - The Left Bank. Photo © Paradis Latin.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Cancan-dancer-at-the-Paradis-Latin-cabaret-in-the-5th-arrondissement-cancaneuses4b-detail-with-TITLE-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Paradis-Latin.jpg "Paris: Can-Can dancer at the famed Paradis Latin cabaret in the 5th arrondissement - The Left Bank. Photo © Paradis Latin.") - ![April in Paris: Eiffel Tower. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Eiffel-Tour-in-April-w.-title-0304120525-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "April in Paris: Eiffel Tower. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral — reconstruction completing soon. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Notre-Dame-Cathedral-w.-title-0204120458-2212189823-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral — reconstruction completing soon. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Musée de Orsay museum of art. 2nd only to the Louvre? Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Musee-de-Orsay-facade-w.-title-2212189823-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: Musée de Orsay museum of art. 2nd only to the Louvre? Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Sacré Coeur Basilica atop Montmartre. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Montmartre-Sacre-Coeur-basilica-w.-title-0304120516-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.JPG.jpg "Paris: Sacré Coeur Basilica atop Montmartre. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: French Postcards — still a thing. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-French-Postcards-blacktop-w.-title-2212189848-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: French Postcards — still a thing. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Eiffel Tower at night. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Eiffel-Tower-at-night-w.-title-0204120491-2212189823-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: Eiffel Tower at night. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: following the map on the Métro. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-following-the-map-on-the-Metro-w.-title-0304120505-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: following the map on the Métro. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: grocery & wine shop, Latin Quarter. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-corner-grocery-and-wine-shop-w.-Title-2212189895-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: grocery & wine shop, Latin Quarter. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Belle Époque staircase. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-belle-epoque-staircase-w.-title-2212189801-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.JPG.jpg "Paris: Belle Époque staircase. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: art nouveau Métro station entry. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-art-nouveau-Metro-station-entry-w.-title-0304120507-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: art nouveau Métro station entry. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Parisian street with the Eiffel Tower. Image by Iceberg90 from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-with-Eiffel-Tower-5332005-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Iceberg90-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Parisian street with the Eiffel Tower. Image by Iceberg90 from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Paris: street signs with walking directions. Image by digiecard from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-signs-7301995-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-digiecard-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris: street signs with walking directions. Image by digiecard from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Parisian street artist. Image by Rudy & Peter Skitterians from Pixabay. Thank You Skitterphoto!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-artist-2789908-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Rudy-and-Peter-Skitterians-from-Pixabay-Thank-You-Skitterphoto.jpg "Parisian street artist. Image by Rudy & Peter Skitterians from Pixabay. Thank You Skitterphoto!") - ![Paris: Winged Victory at the Louvre. Image by Margit Wallner from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-winged-victory-at-the-louvre-5389647-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Margit-Wallner-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris: Winged Victory at the Louvre. Image by Margit Wallner from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Paris: street musician. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-musician-accordian-player-in-tophat-1759634-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Manolo-Franco-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris: street musician. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Paris: Notre Dame and the River Seine. Image by edmondlafoto from Pixabay. Thanks to edmondlafoto!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Notre-Dame-and-the-Seine-5928704-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-edmondlafoto-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-edmondlafoto.jpg "Paris: Notre Dame and the River Seine. Image by edmondlafoto from Pixabay. Thanks to edmondlafoto!") - ![Paris: lovers with Eiffel Tower. Thanks to Meinawarahoon! Image by vivek from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-lovers-with-eiffel-tower-3415929-200x300-72dpi-Thanks-to-Meinawarahoon-Image-by-vivek-from-Pixabay.jpg "Paris: lovers with Eiffel Tower. Thanks to Meinawarahoon! Image by vivek from Pixabay.") - ![Paris: Gargoyle. Image by Nick Stafford from Pixabay. Thanks, Dr. Nick Stafford!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Gargoyle-5073034-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Nick-Stafford-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-Dr-Nick-Stafford.jpg "Paris: Gargoyle. Image by Nick Stafford from Pixabay. Thanks, Dr. Nick Stafford!") - ![Paris: Eiffel Tower viewed from an open-top tour bus. Image by Nuno Lopes from Pixabay. Thanks Nuno Lopes!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-eiffel-tower-view-from-open-top-tour-bus-974999-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Nuno-Lopes-from-Pixabay-Thanks-Nuno-Lopes.jpg "Paris: Eiffel Tower viewed from an open-top tour bus. Image by Nuno Lopes from Pixabay. Thanks Nuno Lopes!") - ![Paris: detail of Delacroix painting of Liberty Leading the People. Image by WikiImages sourced from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-detail-of-Delacroix-painting-of-Liberty-leading-the-People-63022-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-WikiImages-from-Pixabay.jpg "Paris: detail of Delacroix painting of Liberty Leading the People. Image by WikiImages sourced from Pixabay.") - ![Paris - café restaurant. Image by Dan Novac from Pixabay - Thanks, Don!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-cafe-restaurant-4011989-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Dan-Novac-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris - café restaurant. Image by Dan Novac from Pixabay - Thanks, Don!") - ![Paris: can-can dancer — still a thing! Paris Region Tourism Board Photo © Paradis Latin cabaret in the 5th arrondissement.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Dancer-cancaneuse-200x300-72dpi-w.-title-and-credit-Paris-Region-Tourism-Board-Photo-©-Paradis-Latin.jpg "Paris: can-can dancer — still a thing! Paris Region Tourism Board Photo © Paradis Latin cabaret in the 5th arrondissement.") TRAVEL 29SEP—25NOV 2026 7-Day Independent Full Package INCLUDED IN THE INDEPENDENT FULL PACKAGE: • 7 Nights Centrally-Located Paris Apartment • Round-Trip Transatlantic Flights to Paris • Parisian public transportation pass • Detailed Printed Guide geared for your trip PRICE DROP AGAIN! **BOOK BY AUGUST 18, 2026** • Friday Departures 29SEP26 –17NOV26 SAVE 36.1%! SAVE $1,467/prs! $2,594 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY [**PRIME TIME PARIS: FULL DETAILS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Paris) The BEST TIME to VISIT IRELAND during 2026 NOW COMES at an EXTRAORDINARY SAVINGS! $AVE 32.2% – $1,034/person! [IRELAND!](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland "IRELAND") **Ireland in Autumn Prime Time is the Ireland of the Movies!** 32 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN IRELAND: - ![Ireland - Saints be praised. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan, Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mr-Ireland-w.-credit-title-St-Patricks-Day-Parade-Killarney-Co-Kerry-TI7ZUE-200x300-72dpi-Photo-by-Valerie-OSullivan-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Ireland - Saints be praised. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan, Failte Ireland.") - ![Irish colleen. Isn't she a gleoiteoigín?](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ireland-Colleen-junior-w.-credit-title-daydream-7172340-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Liliya-Arslanova-from-Pixabay.jpg "Irish colleen. Isn't she a gleoiteoigín?") - ![Twist of Irish Dancer at Gibneys, Malahide, Co. Dublin. Photo © GretaDo/Memorybeans Photography](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ireland-Portrait-of-Twist-of-Irish-Irish-Dancer-at-Gibneys-Malahide-Co-Dublin-w-credit-and-title-dance-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-GretaDo-Memorybeans-Photography.jpg "Twist of Irish Dancer at Gibneys, Malahide, Co. Dublin. Photo © GretaDo/Memorybeans Photography") - ![Irish Cheesemaker. Fáilte Ireland Photo Courtesy Joe Keogh © Keogh Photography.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Irish-Cheesemaker-w.-title-credit-and-tag-200x300-72dpi-Failte-Ireland-Photo-Courtesy-Joe-Keogh-©-Keogh-Photography.jpg "Irish Cheesemaker. Fáilte Ireland Photo Courtesy Joe Keogh © Keogh Photography.") - ![Happy St Patrick's Day - Colleen with sheep. Tourism Ireland Photo by Arthur Ward](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ireland-Portrait-St-Patrick-Girl-w.-sheep-w.-title-and-credit-200x300-72dpi-Tourism-Ireland-Photo-by-Arthur-Ward.jpg "Happy St Patrick's Day - Colleen with sheep. Tourism Ireland Photo by Arthur Ward") - ![NW Ireland: Benbulben & Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy John Carter Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Benbulben-and-Classiebawn-Castle-Mullaghmore-Co-Sligo-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-John-Carter-Failte-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Benbulben & Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy John Carter Failte Ireland.") - ![SW Ireland: Waterville Golf Club. Photo © Stephen Power Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Waterville-Golf-Club-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Stephen-Power-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Waterville Golf Club. Photo © Stephen Power Tourism Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Marina Postir Designer and Artist- Ceramics, Paintings & Crafts in Dromineer. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Marina-Postir-Ceramics-Dromineer-Co-Tipperary-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-©-Failte-Ireland-and-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Marina Postir Designer and Artist- Ceramics, Paintings & Crafts in Dromineer. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.") - ![Dublin: Trinity College Library. Photo by Tony Pleavin © Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Trinity-College-Library-Dublin-200x300-72dpi-Photo-by-Tony-Pleavin-©-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Trinity College Library. Photo by Tony Pleavin © Tourism Ireland.") - ![SW Ireland: Jaunting car tour, Killarney National Park, Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly © Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jaunting-car-tour-Killarney-National-Park-Co-Kerry-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Hu-OReilly-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Jaunting car tour, Killarney National Park, Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly © Failte Ireland.") - ![Dublin: Visitors strolling in Dublin. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Tourists-in-Dublin-200x300-72dpi-Photo-by-Brian-Morrison-©-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Visitors strolling in Dublin. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.") - ![NW Ireland: Island View Riding Stables, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy Nomos Production Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Island-View-Riding-Stables-Co-Sligo-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Nomos-Production-Failte-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Island View Riding Stables, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy Nomos Production Failte Ireland.") - ![Dublin: Friends enjoying Dublin's Temple Bar neighborhood. Photo Courtesy Fionn Mc-Cann © Failte Ireland Dublin City South.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Temple-Bar-Pub-Temple-Bar-Dublin-City-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Fionn-Mc-Cann-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Friends enjoying Dublin's Temple Bar neighborhood. Photo Courtesy Fionn Mc-Cann © Failte Ireland Dublin City South.") - ![Central Ireland: Friends walking to Nenagh Castle tower, North Tipperary. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland © Clare County Council.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Nenagh-Castle-Co-Tipperary-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-Failte-Ireland-Tourism-Ireland-©-Clare-County-Council.jpg "Central Ireland: Friends walking to Nenagh Castle tower, North Tipperary. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland © Clare County Council.") - ![Dunguaire Castle, western Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Central-Ireland-Dunguaire-Castle-w.-title-beware-of-dragons-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Dunguaire Castle, western Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.") - ![SW Ireland: Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain, Co. Kerry. Photo Courtesy Gareth McCormack garethmccormack.com © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Summit-of-Carrauntoohil-Co-Kerry-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Gareth-McCormack-garethmccormack.com-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain, Co. Kerry. Photo Courtesy Gareth McCormack garethmccormack.com © Fáilte Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Oyster Tasting, Gleninagh Pier, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy BMB Films © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Oyster-Tasting-Gleninagh-Pier-Co-Clare-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-BMB-Films-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Oyster Tasting, Gleninagh Pier, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy BMB Films © Fáilte Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Enjoying a picnic overlooking Lough Derg. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Lough-Derg-Blueway-The-Lookout-Portroe-Co-Tipperary-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-©-Failte-Ireland-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Enjoying a picnic overlooking Lough Derg. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.") - ![Sunset on Lough Derg, Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Central-Ireland-Dromineer-Harbour-w.-title-sail-into-the-sunset-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Sunset on Lough Derg, Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Dublin: Temple Bar Passageway, Dublin City. Photo Big Style Media © Courtesy Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Temple-Bar-Archway-Dublin-City-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Big-Style-Media-©-Courtesy-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Temple Bar Passageway, Dublin City. Photo Big Style Media © Courtesy Failte Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Hurling on Fanore Beach, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Luke Kwiatkowski © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Hurling-Fanore-Beach-Co-Clare-Ireland-Play-Ball-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Luke-Kwiatkowski-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Hurling on Fanore Beach, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Luke Kwiatkowski © Fáilte Ireland.") - ![Dublin: Visiting the Guinness Storehouse. Tourism Ireland Photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Guinness-Storehouse-200x300-72dpi-Tourism-Ireland-Photo.jpg "Dublin: Visiting the Guinness Storehouse. Tourism Ireland Photo.") - ![Central Ireland: Galway Food Tour, Galway City. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Galway-Food-Tour-Galway-City-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Hu-OReilly-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Galway Food Tour, Galway City. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly Fáilte Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Rainy day at the Fleadh Ennis cultural festival. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Fleadh-Ennis-2016-200x300-72dpi-Photo-by-Brian-Morrison-©-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Rainy day at the Fleadh Ennis cultural festival. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.") - ![Dublin: Temple Bar leprechauns. Photo by James Bowden Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Temple-Bar-200x300-72dpi-Photo-by-James-Bowden-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Temple Bar leprechauns. Photo by James Bowden Tourism Ireland.") - ![NW Ireland: Ballyliffin golf course, Donegal. Photo © Chris Hill Photographic Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ballyliffin-Golf-Course-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Chris-Hill-Photographic-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Ballyliffin golf course, Donegal. Photo © Chris Hill Photographic Tourism.") - ![SW Ireland: Couple enjoying view at the Kerry Cliffs Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Couple-enjoying-view-at-the-Kerry-Cliffs-Co-Kerry-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-©-Failte-Ireland-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Couple enjoying view at the Kerry Cliffs Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Clonmacnoise, Monastic site, Co Offaly. Photo Courtesy Liam Murphy © Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Clonmacnoise-Monastic-site-Co-Offaly-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Liam-Murphy-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Clonmacnoise, Monastic site, Co Offaly. Photo Courtesy Liam Murphy © Failte Ireland.") - ![Central & NW Ireland: Claremorris Folk Festival, Co Mayo. Photo Courtesy Thomas Murphy (Teem Lens) © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Claremorris-Folk-Festival-Co-Mayo-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Thomas-Murphy-Teem-Lens-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central & NW Ireland: Claremorris Folk Festival, Co Mayo. Photo Courtesy Thomas Murphy (Teem Lens) © Fáilte Ireland.") - ![NW Ireland: Car Touring at Errigal, Co Donegal, Photo © Chris Hill Photographic - Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Car-Touring-at-Errigal-Co-Donegal-200x300-Photo-©-Chris-Hill-Photographic-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Car Touring at Errigal, Co Donegal, Photo © Chris Hill Photographic - Tourism Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Canoeing in Killaloe/Ballina, Co Tipperary & Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Fennell Photography © Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Canoeing-in-Killaloe-Co-Tipperary-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Fennell-Photography-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Canoeing in Killaloe/Ballina, Co Tipperary & Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Fennell Photography © Failte Ireland.") - ![Central & SW Ireland: Blackrock Castle, Cork. Photo Chris Hill Photographic for Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Blackrock-Castle-Cork-200x300-72dpi-Photo-Chris-Hill-Photographic-for-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central & SW Ireland: Blackrock Castle, Cork. Photo Chris Hill Photographic for Tourism Ireland.") **Come as a Couple. Bring the Family. Play through as a Foursome!** TRAVEL 25SEP – 21NOV26 **CHOOSE FROM 4 IRISH REGIONS:** **• [Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#CentralIreland)** (Clare & Tipperary) **• [Dublin](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Dublin)** (in the capital city center) **• [Northwest Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#NWIreland)** (Donegal & Sligo) **• [Southwest Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#SWIreland)** (Cork & Kerry) 7-Day Independent Full Package: Independent Fly/Drive Travel with Transatlantic Flights \+ Cottage/Apartment Lodgings \+ Car Rental or Dublin TransPass OUTSTANDING NEW SHOULDER SEASON BARGAIN! BOOK BY AUGUST 17, 2026 • Friday Departures 25SEP–13NOV IRELAND — WITHOUT CROWDS! $2,180 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY [**2026 IRELAND FALL SEASON DETAILS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Ireland) *THE BEST TIME OF YEAR JUST GOT 27% BETTER!* 7-Day Independent Travel Full Packages to: [London](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "London") - ![London at the Horseguards: Rear Guard. Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/London-—-Rear-Guard-Horseguard-w.-credit-title-220429-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-No-longer-here-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-No-longer-here.jpg "London at the Horseguards: Rear Guard. Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay.") - ![Recently Seen in London: England Man. Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/London-—-England-Man-w.-credit-title-678341-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Ben-Kerckx-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-Ben-Kerckx.jpg "Recently Seen in London: England Man. Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay.") - ![The Union Jack, flag of the United Kingdom. Photo credit Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UK-Union-Jack-w.-London-Title-200x300-1090955-Photo-credit-Pixabay.jpg "The Union Jack, flag of the United Kingdom. Photo credit Pixabay.") - ![At home in a Home At First London apartment - Portrait. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/London-Judi-Portrait-at-St-Kats-w.-Title-12176155-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1.jpg "London - Portrait. Photo © Home At First.") - ![London - the Shard from the Thames. Photo VisitBritain/Leyla Cobián.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/London-the-Shard-from-the-Thames-w.-Title-and-Credit-600106-200-200x300-72dpi-Photo-VisitBritain-Leyla-Cobian-1.jpg "London - the Shard from the Thames. Photo VisitBritain/Leyla Cobián.") - ![London - Westminster Abbey. Photo VisitBritain/Nicole Hines.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/London-Westminster-Abbey-w.-Title-and-Credit-600186-200x300-72dpi-Photo-VisitBritain-Nicole-Hines-1.jpg "London - Westminster Abbey. Photo VisitBritain/Nicole Hines.") - ![Tower Hill - monkeying around with Emperor Trajan - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Trajan-with-banana-sceptre-w.-credit-and-title-041218-8420-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower Hill - monkeying around with Emperor Trajan - Photo © Home At First") - ![Tower of London - White Tower, Black Sky - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tower-of-London-White-Tower-Black-Sky-w.-credit-and-title-071218-8507-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower of London - White Tower, Black Sky - Photo © Home At First") - ![Tower Bridge viewed from St Katherine's Dock Thames lock - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tower-Bridge-from-St-Kats-Thames-lock-w.-credit-and-title-011014-3620-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower Bridge viewed from St Katherine's Dock Thames lock - Photo © Home At First") - ![Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Barge Gloriana moored at St Katharines Docks - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Queens-Royal-Barge-Gloriana-moored-at-St-Katharines-Docks-w.-credit-and-title-181016-2749-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Barge Gloriana moored at St Katharines Docks - Photo © Home At First") - ![St Paul's Cathedral viewed from north end of the Millennial Footbridge - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/St-Pauls-from-north-end-Millennial-Bridge-w.-credit-and-title-281217-6746-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "St Paul's Cathedral viewed from north end of the Millennial Footbridge - Photo © Home At First") - ![South Bank street performer - live jester statue - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/South-Bank-street-performer-live-jester-statue-w.-credit-and-title-281006-1508-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "South Bank street performer - live jester statue - Photo © Home At First") - ![Shakespeare's Cockpit Pub near Blackfriars - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shakespeares-Cockpit-Pub-Blackfriars-w.-credit-and-title-101016-2743-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Shakespeare's Cockpit Pub near Blackfriars - Photo © Home At First") - ![Amputee Shakespeare in the open window - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shakespeare-in-the-open-window-w.-credit-and-title-191218-9619-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Amputee Shakespeare in the open window - Photo © Home At First") - ![Shad Thames - Vestige of Charles Dickens's London - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shad-Thames-Vestige-of-Dickens-London-w.-credit-and-title-071218-8559-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames - Vestige of Charles Dickens's London - Photo © Home At First") - ![Old School Phoning - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Old-School-Phoning-Young-girl-in-a-red-call-box-w.-credit-and-title-160411-8825-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Old School Phoning - Photo © Home At First") - ![New Bond Street Shopping Gallery - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/New-Bond-Street-Shopping-Gallery-w.-credit-and-title-191218-9632-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "New Bond Street Shopping Gallery - Photo © Home At First") - ![The City - Medieval St Helens Bishopgate Church with the Gherkin - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Medieval-St-Helens-Bishopgate-Church-with-the-Gherkin-w.-credt-and-title-160411-8841-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "The City - Medieval St Helens Bishopgate Church with the Gherkin - Photo © Home At First") - ![London's Finest at Tower Bridge - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Londons-Finest-twin-portrait-at-Tower-Bridge-w-credit-and-title-011014-3602-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "London's Finest at Tower Bridge - Photo © Home At First") - ![Horseguard Dervish - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Horseguard-Dervish-w.-credit-and-title-191218-9649-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Horseguard Dervish - Photo © Home At First") - ![Buckingham Palace - French school group at the Queen Victoria Memorial - Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/French-school-group-at-Victoria-Memorial-by-Buckingham-Palace-w.-credit-and-title-101013-2668-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Buckingham Palace - French school group at the Queen Victoria Memorial - Photo © Home At First.") - ![Tower of London - blushing visitor and the Beefeater - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Blushing-visitor-and-the-Beefeater-w.-credit-and-title-181016-2695-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower of London - blushing visitor and the Beefeater - Photo © Home At First") - ![Beatles Poster on display near Carnaby St - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Beatles-Poster-near-Carnaby-St-w.-credit-and-title-101016-2649-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Beatles Poster on display near Carnaby St - Photo © Home At First") - ![Anteros statue - Piccadilly Circus - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Anteros-statue-Piccadilly-Circus-w.-credit-and-title-171218-9575-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Anteros statue - Piccadilly Circus - Photo © Home At First") AUTUMN SPECIAL! • TRAVEL 06OCT thru 26NOV25 • Independent Travel with r/t Transatlantic Flights • 7 Nights Lodgings – Central London Apartments • Apartments located near historic Tower Bridge • 9-Zone Transport Pass — Tube/Bus/Train/Boat (No worries about inflationary petrol prices.) • Comes with a Detailed London Activities Guide • Private Car Airport Transfer Service Available • Departures DAILY 06OCT thru 18NOVEMBER YEAR’S BEST PRICE! $AVE 27% – $895/person! $2,399 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY BOOK BY AUGUST 21, 2026 [LONDON PRIME-TIME FALL SPECIAL](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#London) september • october • NOVEMBER COPENHAGEN • OSLO • STOCKHOLM DENMARK • NORWAY • SWEDEN SAMPLE LIFE IN A ‘MOST LIVEABLE’ CITY! Life’s Good in [Scandinavia!](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#Scandinavia) - ![Ms. Scandinavia 2026. Credits: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Scandinavia-Swedish-cyclist-detail-200x300-72dpi-Credits-Alexander-Hall-imagebank.sweden.se_.jpg "Ms. Scandinavia 2026. Credits: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se") - ![Miss Scandinavia.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Scandinavia-nordic-girl-w.-credit-title-903401-200x300-72dpi-Image-by-Petra-from-Pixabay.-Thanks-Pezibear.jpg "Miss Scandinavia. Image by Petra from Pixabay.") - ![Stockholm: historic Riddarholmen on its important harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stockholm-Riddarholmen-Harbor-w.-credit-title-2108086773-200x300-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Stockholm: historic Riddarholmen on its important harbor. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Norway: Oslo Harbor From Akershus Fortress. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Norway-Oslo-Harbor-From-Akershus-w.-girls-full-text-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-Firstdpi.jpg "Norway - Oslo Harbor From Akershus - full text - 200x300 72dpi - Photo © Home At First") - ![Copenhagen, Denmark: Kayak in Christianshavn. VisitDenmark Photo © Mathias Brandt.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Scandinavia-Denmark-Copenhagen-Kayak-in-Christianshavn-Copenhagen-Denmark-text-200x300-72dpi-VisitDenmark-Photo-copyright-Mathias-Brandt.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark: Kayak in Christianshavn. VisitDenmark Photo © Mathias Brandt.") - ![Norwegian Folk Museum, Oslo: museum hosts in traditional folk dress at the museum. Photo © Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, Morten Brun.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Norway-traditional-Norwegian-costume-VO09957-w.-Title-and-official-Credit-200x300-72dpi-detail-of-Photo-©-Norsk-Folkemuseum-in-Oslo-Morten-Brun.jpg "Norwegian Folk Museum, Oslo: museum hosts in traditional folk dress at the museum. Photo © Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, Morten Brun.") - ![Flag of Norway - detail. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Title-Norwegian-Flag-detail-200x300-72dpi-Image-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Flag of Norway - detail. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo's iconic Viking Boat — a preserved relic of Norway's Viking period 1,000 years ago. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oslo-Viking-Boat-Oslo-Norway-text-2606160371-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo's iconic Viking Boat. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — On duty at Akershus Castle. The fortress guards Oslo Harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oslo-Akershus-Castle-Title-and-Text-030804336-R1-012-4A_4-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — On duty at Akershus Castle. The fortress guards Oslo Harbor. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — One of several versions of Edvard Munch's "Madonna" is on display at the new Munch Museum by Oslo Harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oslo-Munch-Museum-Title-and-Text-2706160446-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — The new Munch Museum - Madonna. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo's Vigeland Park examines all of life's ages and emotions in dozens of granite statues turned to flesh. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oslo-Vigeland-Park-Title-and-Text-siblings-2606160423-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo's Vigeland Park examines all of life's ages and emotions in dozens of granite statues turned to flesh. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — The Kon Tiki Museum commemorates Thor Heyerdahl's daring attempts to cross the ocean in primitive wooden rafts and reed boats. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oslo-Kon-Tiki-Museum-Title-and-Text-2606160410-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — The Kon Tiki Museum commemorates Thor Heyerdahl's daring attempts to cross the ocean in primitive wooden rafts and reed boats. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — Statue of Norway's great arctic explorer Fridtjof Nansen helps tell his remarkable story at Oslo's Fram Museum. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oslo-Fram-Museum-Title-and-Text-2606160401-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — the Fram Museum recounts the great adventures of arctic explorer Fridtjof Nansen. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — Cruising the Oslo Fjord. Photo by Antonio © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Oslo-Fjord-Cruise-Title-and-Text-2606161010947-200x300-72dpi-Antonio-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — Cruising the Oslo Fjord. Photo by Antonio © Home At First.") - ![Window with geraniums on a traditional Norwegian house. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Title-Window-w.-geraniums-2506160317-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Window with geraniums on a traditional Norwegian house. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Prawns are a popular picnic food along coastal Norway. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Title-and-text-Picnic-Prawns-2506160349-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Prawns are a popular picnic food along coastal Norway. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Swedish Flag](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sweden-Flag-w.-text-2108085211-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Swedish Flag") - ![Stockholm, Sweden: Royal Palace Guard. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sweden-Stockholm-w.-Stockholm-title-Royal-Guard-130910-6793-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden: Royal Palace Guard. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Drottningholm Palace](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stockholm-Drottningholm-Palace-w.-credit-title-2108085266-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Drottningholm Palace") - ![Medieval buildings line a maize of alleys & squares in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's large old town. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stockholm-Gamla-Stan-w.-title-2108084991-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Medieval buildings line a maize of alleys & squares in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's large old town. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Stockholm: historic Riddarholmen on its important harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stockholm-Riddarholmen-Harbor-w.-credit-title-2108086773-200x300-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Stockholm: historic Riddarholmen on its important harbor. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Copenhagen: Coffee break along landmark Nyhavn harbor. VisitDenmark Photo © Freya McOmish Scandinavia Standard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Copenhagen-coffee-break-nyhavn-200x300-VisitDenmark-Photo-copyright-Freya-McOmish-Scandinavia-Standard.jpg "Copenhagen: Coffee break along landmark Nyhavn harbor. VisitDenmark Photo © Freya McOmish Scandinavia Standard.") - ![Scandinavia welcomes you. Detail of Photo © Bruno Ehrs visitdenmark.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Scandinavia-Special-Welcome-Image-Bornholm-Oestermarie-Fru-Petersens-cafe-200x300-72dpi-Detail-of-Photo-©-Bruno-Ehrs-visitdenmark.com_.jpg "Scandinavia welcomes you. Detail of Photo © Bruno Ehrs visitdenmark.com.") - ![Copenhagen Denmark: Pierrot at Tivoli Gardens. Photo © Cees van Roeden - visitdenmark.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Denmark-Copenhagen-Tivoli-Pierrot-w.-Copenhagen-Tivoli-and-credit-text-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Cees-van-Roeden-visitdenmark.com_.jpg "Copenhagen Denmark: Pierrot at Tivoli Gardens. Photo © Cees van Roeden - visitdenmark.com.") - ![Denmark: girl with electric bike pauses by half-timbered building while cycling. VisitDenmark Photo © Daniel Villadsen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Denmark-girl-with-bike-detail-with-credit-and-Title-200x300-72dpi-VisitDenmark-Photo-©-Daniel-Villadsen.jpg "Denmark: girl with electric bike pauses by half-timbered building while cycling. VisitDenmark Photo © Daniel Villadsen.") - ![Copenhagen Frederiksholms: kayaks on the canal. Photo © Thomas Rousing.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Frederiksholms-canal-kayaks-200x300-Photo-©-Thomas-Rousing.jpg "Copenhagen Frederiksholms: kayaks on the canal. Photo © Thomas Rousing.") - ![Copenhagen: enjoying life at the Torvehallerne. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Torvehallerne-couple-drinking-wine-200x300-Photo-©-Mikkel-Heriba.jpg "Copenhagen: enjoying life at the Torvehallerne. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.") - ![Night entrance at Copenhagen's beloved Tivoli: urban park, amusement park, show & theater venue. Photo ©Viggo Lundberg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Tivoli-entrance-200x300-Photo-©Viggo-Lundberg.jpg "Night entrance at Copenhagen's beloved Tivoli: urban park, amusement park, show & theater venue. Photo ©Viggo Lundberg.") - ![Copenhagen: Interior of the impressive Grundtvigs Church. Photo ©Sophia Bergholm.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-grundtvigs-kirke-copenhagen-denmark-2_-200x267-Photo-©Sophia-Bergholm-medium-178x267.jpg "Copenhagen: Interior of the impressive Grundtvigs Church. Photo ©Sophia Bergholm.") - ![Copenhagen: Christianshavn district — dinner at Undici. Photo © Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-christianshavn-undici-dinner-200x300-Photo-©-Malin-Poppy-Darcy-Morner.jpg "Copenhagen: Christianshavn district — dinner at Undici. Photo © Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner.") - ![Copenhagen: Atmospheric Central Hotel Café. Photo © Mie Heerwagen Hagerup@miesuniverse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-central-hotel-cafe-200x300-Photo-©-Mie-Heerwagen-Hagerup@miesuniverse.jpg "Copenhagen: Atmospheric Central Hotel Café. Photo © Mie Heerwagen Hagerup@miesuniverse.") - ![Copenhagen: Enjoying a beer at Caféliv. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Cafeliv_21462-200x300-Photo-©-Mikkel-Heriba.jpg "Copenhagen: Enjoying a beer at Caféliv. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.") - ![Copenhagen: Amalienborg Palace at dusk. Photo © Martin Heiberg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Amalienborg-at-dusk-200x300-Photo-©-Martin-Heiberg.jpg "Copenhagen: Amalienborg Palace at dusk. Photo © Martin Heiberg.") - ![Copenhagen: Royal Guardsmen at Amalienborg Palace. Photo © Kim Wyon](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Amalienborg-slot-Kobenhavn_22236-200x300-Photo-©-Kim-Wyon.jpg "Copenhagen: Royal Guardsmen at Amalienborg Palace. Photo © Kim Wyon") Travel between 29SEP–10DEC26 — 7-Day Independent Full Package — **Select 1 of 3 Scandinavian capital cities in Denmark, Norway, or Sweden. Discover why Copenhagen, Oslo, & Stockholm always rank atop “most liveable”, “safest”, & “happiest” city lists. Choose a Full-Package Week in one of THESE 3:** [COPENHAGEN, DENMARK](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#zealand) Royal Capital & Foodie-Favorite Cultural Center [OSLO, NORWAY](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#oslo) Norway’s Vibrant Royal Capital on the Oslo Fjord [STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stockholm) Sweden’s Trendy Royal Capital on 14 islands INCLUDED IN THE INDEPENDENT FULL PACKAGE: • 7 Total Nights Hotels/Inns in one of three Scandinavian capital cities: Copenhagen (Denmark); Oslo (Norway); Stockholm (Sweden). • Flights USA to/from Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm. • City TransPasses for Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm. (No car rental means zero worries about gas prices.) • A Detailed Printed Guide geared for your trip. NOW! EVEN LOWER PRICE! BOOK BY AUGUST 17, 2026 Departs Tuesdays 29SEP-02DEC SAVE 37.5%! SAVE $1,495/prs! $2,497 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY [**LIFE’S GOOD in SCANDINAVIA DETAILS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Scandinavia) #### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, & BOOK YOUR CUSTOM, INDEPENDENT, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL —** [how to buy your trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Home At First's Current Travel Bargains](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/) **Published:** December 26, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ##### ##### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # HOME AT FIRST’S CURRENT TRAVEL BARGAINS Current Travel Bargains to Home At First International Destinations — #### [**PARIS PRIME TIME SPECIAL** ](#ColumnOne) #### [FALL for IRE**LAND SPECIAL** ](#ColumnTwo) #### [**SCANDINAVIAn CAPital CITIEs** ](#ColumnThree) #### [LONDON: OCT–NOV jETAWAY ](#ColumnFour) - ![La Parisienne. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thanks to manolofranco.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Paris-Portrait-of-La-Parisienne-w.-credit-title-2-1759630-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Manolo-Franco-from-Pixabay-Tthanks-to-manolofranco.jpg "La Parisienne. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thanks to manolofranco.") - ![Paris: French Tri-Color flag impression. Image by David from Pixabay. Thanks to DavidRockDesign!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Tri-Color-flag-impression-w.-credit-4176460-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-David-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-DavidRockDesign.jpg "Paris: French Tri-Color flag impression. Image by David from Pixabay. Thanks to DavidRockDesign!") - ![Paris: Can-Can dancer at the famed Paradis Latin cabaret in the 5th arrondissement - The Left Bank. Photo © Paradis Latin.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Cancan-dancer-at-the-Paradis-Latin-cabaret-in-the-5th-arrondissement-cancaneuses4b-detail-with-TITLE-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Paradis-Latin.jpg "Paris: Can-Can dancer at the famed Paradis Latin cabaret in the 5th arrondissement - The Left Bank. Photo © Paradis Latin.") - ![April in Paris: Eiffel Tower. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Eiffel-Tour-in-April-w.-title-0304120525-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "April in Paris: Eiffel Tower. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: art nouveau Métro station entry. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-art-nouveau-Metro-station-entry-w.-title-0304120507-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: art nouveau Métro station entry. Photo © Home At First.") - ![The Cathedral of Notre Dame is back from the ashes! Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Paris-Notre-Dame-Cathedral-w.-credit-and-Paris-title-2312189968-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "The Cathedral of Notre Dame is back from the ashes! Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Belle Époque staircase. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-belle-epoque-staircase-w.-title-2212189801-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.JPG.jpg "Paris: Belle Époque staircase. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: grocery & wine shop, Latin Quarter. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-corner-grocery-and-wine-shop-w.-Title-2212189895-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: grocery & wine shop, Latin Quarter. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Eiffel Tower at night. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Eiffel-Tower-at-night-w.-title-0204120491-2212189823-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: Eiffel Tower at night. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: following the map on the Métro. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-following-the-map-on-the-Metro-w.-title-0304120505-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: following the map on the Métro. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: French Postcards — still a thing. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-French-Postcards-blacktop-w.-title-2212189848-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: French Postcards — still a thing. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Sacré Coeur Basilica atop Montmartre. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Montmartre-Sacre-Coeur-basilica-w.-title-0304120516-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.JPG.jpg "Paris: Sacré Coeur Basilica atop Montmartre. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Musée de Orsay museum of art. 2nd only to the Louvre? Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Musee-de-Orsay-facade-w.-title-2212189823-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: Musée de Orsay museum of art. 2nd only to the Louvre? Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral — reconstruction completing soon. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Notre-Dame-Cathedral-w.-title-0204120458-2212189823-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral — reconstruction completing soon. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Paris - café restaurant. Image by Dan Novac from Pixabay - Thanks, Don!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-cafe-restaurant-4011989-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Dan-Novac-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris - café restaurant. Image by Dan Novac from Pixabay - Thanks, Don!") - ![Paris: detail of Delacroix painting of Liberty Leading the People. Image by WikiImages sourced from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-detail-of-Delacroix-painting-of-Liberty-leading-the-People-63022-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-WikiImages-from-Pixabay.jpg "Paris: detail of Delacroix painting of Liberty Leading the People. Image by WikiImages sourced from Pixabay.") - ![Paris: Eiffel Tower viewed from an open-top tour bus. Image by Nuno Lopes from Pixabay. Thanks Nuno Lopes!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-eiffel-tower-view-from-open-top-tour-bus-974999-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Nuno-Lopes-from-Pixabay-Thanks-Nuno-Lopes.jpg "Paris: Eiffel Tower viewed from an open-top tour bus. Image by Nuno Lopes from Pixabay. Thanks Nuno Lopes!") - ![Paris: Gargoyle. Image by Nick Stafford from Pixabay. Thanks, Dr. Nick Stafford!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Gargoyle-5073034-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Nick-Stafford-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-Dr-Nick-Stafford.jpg "Paris: Gargoyle. Image by Nick Stafford from Pixabay. Thanks, Dr. Nick Stafford!") - ![Parisian street with the Eiffel Tower. Image by Iceberg90 from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-with-Eiffel-Tower-w.-credit-5332005-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Iceberg90-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Parisian street with the Eiffel Tower. Image by Iceberg90 from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Paris: street signs with walking directions. Image by digiecard from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-signs-w.-credit-7301995-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-digiecard-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris: street signs with walking directions. Image by digiecard from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Parisian street artist. Image by Rudy & Peter Skitterians from Pixabay. Thank You Skitterphoto!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-artist-w.-credit-2789908-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Rudy-and-Peter-Skitterians-from-Pixabay-Thank-You-Skitterphoto.jpg "Parisian street artist. Image by Rudy & Peter Skitterians from Pixabay. Thank You Skitterphoto!") - ![Paris: Winged Victory at the Louvre. Image by Margit Wallner from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-winged-victory-at-the-louvre-w.-credit-5389647-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Margit-Wallner-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris: Winged Victory at the Louvre. Image by Margit Wallner from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Paris: lovers with Eiffel Tower. Thanks to Meinawarahoon! Image by vivek from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-lovers-with-eiffel-tower-3415929-400x600-72dpi-Thanks-to-Meinawarahoon-Image-by-vivek-from-Pixabay.jpg "Paris: lovers with Eiffel Tower. Thanks to Meinawarahoon! Image by vivek from Pixabay.") - ![Paris: street musician. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thank You!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-street-musician-accordian-player-in-tophat-1759634-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Manolo-Franco-from-Pixabay-Thank-You.jpg "Paris: street musician. Image by Manolo Franco from Pixabay. Thank You!") - ![Paris: Notre Dame and the River Seine. Image by edmondlafoto from Pixabay. Thanks to edmondlafoto!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paris-Notre-Dame-and-the-Seine-5928704-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-edmondlafoto-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-edmondlafoto.jpg "Paris: Notre Dame and the River Seine. Image by edmondlafoto from Pixabay. Thanks to edmondlafoto!") - ![Paris: can-can dancer — still a thing! Paris Region Tourism Board Photo © Paradis Latin.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Paris-Dancer-cancaneuse-400x600-72dpi-w.-title-and-credit-Paris-Region-Tourism-Board-Photo-©-Paradis-Latin.jpg "Paris: can-can dancer — still a thing! Paris Region Tourism Board Photo © Paradis Latin.") Paris for 35.6% Off! Autumn Prime-Time [PARIS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) AUTUMN PRIME-TIME SUPER SALE! What’s so Prime-Time about Paris during Sept–Nov? • September/October weather is Paris’s semi-annual prime time for visitors. • Paris is at its best: between the sizzle of summer and the drizzle of winter. • Romance returns post-summer-crush. • Paris’s sidewalk cafés are lively, but generally not overcrowded. • Picnic season returns in Paris’s expansive parks — even on the lawns at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. TRAVEL BARGAIN! 7-Day Full-Package Paris Independent Travel with Flights, Lodgings, TransPass *BEST PRICE OF 2026!* BOOK THIS TRAVEL BARGAIN BY AUGUST 18, 2026 TRAVEL to PARIS FALL PRIME TIME! TRAVEL 29SEP — 25NOV 2026 $AVE 36.1% – $1467/person! $2,594 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Special low rate 36.1% below our published 2026 Main Season prices to [Paris](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris). NOTE: supplements may apply for 2-person occupancy in larger lodgings. **—————————————** THIS FULL-PACKAGE TRIP INCLUDES: • ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS from JFK or EWR to CDG (Paris, France). Flights from all USA & Canada airports available. Please inquire about fares from your home airport. • 7 NIGHTS APARTMENT LODGING in desirable central Paris arrondissements (districts) close to transport (the Paris Métro), and walkable to shops, restaurants & cafés, and attractions. • 5 DAYS of PARIS TRANSPASS with option for additional days. Usable on the extensive Paris Métro (subway system) and urban RER trains. • PRINTED PARIS GUIDEBOOK Sightseeing, Activities, Notable Restaurants & Cafés, History, Palaces, Landmark Churches, River Seine cruises, Parks, and Monuments. THE FINER DETAILS: **• FLY TRANSATLANTIC OVERNIGHT to** [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris)**, [FRANCE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris)**: Departures Fridays between September 29 and November 17, 2026 from New York City (JFK) or Newark (EWR), USA. (Departures & Connecting Flights are available from other USA & Canada airports — please inquire.) Arrive the following morning at your destination airport in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Transfer by RER train or optional car service (extra cost) to your reserved apartment in central Paris, in a desirable, convenient, upscale *arrondissement* (district) near the Métro and walkable to shops, restaurants & cafés, and attractions. Take occupancy at your Paris apartment in the afternoon. **• RETURN FLIGHT 8 DAYS LATER:** Daytime flight from Paris (CDG) back to New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), or to other USA/Canada airports after 7 full days & nights in Paris. **• LODGINGS:** 7 total Nights Paris Apartment Lodging. Apartments have English-speaking hosts who welcome you, show you the apartment’s workings, explain what’s nearby in your neighborhood, and remain on-call for questions during your stay. **• HOME AT FIRST**‘s Paris specialists will help you plan an individualized, independent Paris travel itinerary that meets your needs, tastes, interests, pace, and budget. Note that minimum occupancy numbers and some luxury upgrade supplements may apply to a few specific lodgings. **• GROUND TRANSPORT:** Paris guests have use of a **PARIS TRANSPASS for 5 days**. This TransPass is useful for traveling throughout Paris on trains of the Métro & the RER. Additional days of TransPass are an extra-cost option. **• ACTIVITY GUIDE:** Paris guests receive a guidebook filled with suggestions for exploring the city by public transport and walking. Topics covered include restaurants & cafés, shopping, churches & cathedrals, palaces, the River Seine, Paris parks, historic Paris, and much more. **• RETURNING HOME:** Take public transportation (RER trains) from downtown Paris to CDG Airport. Or, **HOME AT FIRST** can arrange for a car service (an extra-cost option) to pick you up at your Paris apartment and deliver you to the CDG Airport departure terminal for your flight home to North America. Flights back to North America from CDG Airport take place during daytime — no overnight returning flights from Paris to North America. **• THIS OFFER EXPIRES MIDNIGHT AUGUST 18, 2026:** To take advantage of this special Travel Bargain offer, you must [**book and pay for your trip**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying) prior to midnight August 18, 2026. These special prices are great travel values, but are **non-refundable**. We recommend you purchase **[travel insurance](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations)** to cover (at the least) potential losses due to your needing to cancel your trip or needing to interrupt your trip to return home early. **HOME AT FIRST** reserves the right to end this offer early for any reason. **• *GOOD NEWS* ABOUT TOURIST ENTRY FEES****:** France, along with all Schengen member countries (basically, Western Europe except the UK) have **postponed** plans to require visitors from North America to pre-register on-line and pay an entry fee until 2027, if at all. **Home At First** will advise if the Schengen countries decide to require visitors to register & pay an entry fee during the November portion of this Paris travel special. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees will be the travelers’ responsibility. **HOME AT FIRST** will be able to advise you about any requirements, once they have officially been announced. - ![Ireland - Saints be praised. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan, Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mr-Ireland-w.-credit-title-St-Patricks-Day-Parade-Killarney-Co-Kerry-TI7ZUE-400x600-72dpi-Photo-by-Valerie-OSullivan-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Ireland - Saints be praised. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan, Failte Ireland.") - ![Irish colleen. Isn't she a gleoiteoigín?](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ireland-Colleen-junior-w.-credit-title-daydream-7172340-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Liliya-Arslanova-from-Pixabay.jpg "Irish colleen. Isn't she a gleoiteoigín?") - ![Twist of Irish Dancer at Gibneys, Malahide, Co. Dublin. Photo © GretaDo/Memorybeans Photography](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ireland-Portrait-of-Twist-of-Irish-Irish-Dancer-at-Gibneys-Malahide-Co-Dublin-w-credit-and-title-dance-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-GretaDo-Memorybeans-Photography.jpg "Twist of Irish Dancer at Gibneys, Malahide, Co. Dublin. Photo © GretaDo/Memorybeans Photography") - ![Irish Cheesemaker. Fáilte Ireland Photo Courtesy Joe Keogh © Keogh Photography.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Irish-Cheesemaker-400x600-72dpi-w.-credit-title-and-tag-Failte-Ireland-Photo-Courtesy-Joe-Keogh-©-Keogh-Photography.jpg "Irish Cheesemaker. Fáilte Ireland Photo Courtesy Joe Keogh © Keogh Photography.") - ![Happy St Patrick's Day - Colleen with sheep. Tourism Ireland Photo by Arthur Ward](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ireland-Portrait-St-Patrick-Girl-w.-sheep-w.-title-and-credit-400x600-72dpi-Tourism-Ireland-Photo-by-Arthur-Ward.jpg "Happy St Patricks Day - Colleen with sheep. Tourism Ireland Photo by Arthur Ward") - ![NW Ireland: Benbulben & Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy John Carter Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Benbulben-and-Classiebawn-Castle-Mullaghmore-Co-Sligo-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-John-Carter-Failte-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Benbulben & Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy John Carter Failte Ireland.") - ![Central & SW Ireland: Blackrock Castle, Cork. Photo Chris Hill Photographic for Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Blackrock-Castle-Cork-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Chris-Hill-Photographic-for-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central & SW Ireland: Blackrock Castle, Cork. Photo Chris Hill Photographic for Tourism Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Canoeing in Killaloe/Ballina, Co Tipperary & Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Fennell Photography © Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Canoeing-in-Killaloe-Co-Tipperary-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Fennell-Photography-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Canoeing in Killaloe/Ballina, Co Tipperary & Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Fennell Photography © Failte Ireland.") - ![NW Ireland: Car Touring at Errigal, Co Donegal, Photo © Chris Hill Photographic - Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Car-Touring-at-Errigal-Co-Donegal-400x600-Photo-©-Chris-Hill-Photographic-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Car Touring at Errigal, Co Donegal, Photo © Chris Hill Photographic - Tourism Ireland.") - ![NW Ireland: Ballyliffin golf course, Donegal. Photo © Chris Hill Photographic Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ballyliffin-Golf-Course-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Chris-Hill-Photographic-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Ballyliffin golf course, Donegal. Photo © Chris Hill Photographic Tourism.") - ![Central & NW Ireland: Claremorris Folk Festival, Co Mayo. Photo Courtesy Thomas Murphy (Teem Lens) © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Claremorris-Folk-Festival-Co-Mayo-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Thomas-Murphy-Teem-Lens-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central & NW Ireland: Claremorris Folk Festival, Co Mayo. Photo Courtesy Thomas Murphy (Teem Lens) © Fáilte Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Clonmacnoise, Monastic site, Co Offaly. Photo Courtesy Liam Murphy © Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Clonmacnoise-Monastic-site-Co-Offaly-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Liam-Murphy-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Clonmacnoise, Monastic site, Co Offaly. Photo Courtesy Liam Murphy © Failte Ireland.") - ![SW Ireland: Couple enjoying view at the Kerry Cliffs Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Couple-enjoying-view-at-the-Kerry-Cliffs-Co-Kerry-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-©-Failte-Ireland-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Couple enjoying view at the Kerry Cliffs Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Rainy day at the Fleadh Ennis cultural festival. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Fleadh-Ennis-2016-400x600-72dpi-Photo-by-Brian-Morrison-©-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Rainy day at the Fleadh Ennis cultural festival. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Galway Food Tour, Galway City. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Galway-Food-Tour-Galway-City-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Hu-OReilly-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Galway Food Tour, Galway City. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly Fáilte Ireland.") - ![Dublin: Visiting the Guinness Storehouse. Tourism Ireland Photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Guinness-Storehouse-400x600-72dpi-Tourism-Ireland-Photo.jpg "Dublin: Visiting the Guinness Storehouse. Tourism Ireland Photo.") - ![Central Ireland: Hurling on Fanore Beach, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Luke Kwiatkowski © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Hurling-Fanore-Beach-Co-Clare-Ireland-Play-Ball-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Luke-Kwiatkowski-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Hurling on Fanore Beach, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy Luke Kwiatkowski © Fáilte Ireland.") - ![NW Ireland: Island View Riding Stables, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy Nomos Production Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Island-View-Riding-Stables-Co-Sligo-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Nomos-Production-Failte-Ireland.jpg "NW Ireland: Island View Riding Stables, Co Sligo. Photo Courtesy Nomos Production Failte Ireland.") - ![SW Ireland: Jaunting car tour, Killarney National Park, Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly © Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jaunting-car-tour-Killarney-National-Park-Co-Kerry-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Hu-OReilly-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Jaunting car tour, Killarney National Park, Co Kerry. Photo Courtesy Hu O'Reilly © Failte Ireland") - ![Central Ireland: Enjoying a picnic overlooking Lough Derg. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Lough-Derg-Blueway-The-Lookout-Portroe-Co-Tipperary-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-©-Failte-Ireland-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Enjoying a picnic overlooking Lough Derg. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland.") - ![Sunset on Lough Derg, Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Central-Ireland-Dromineer-Harbour-w.-title-sail-into-the-sunset-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Sunset on Lough Derg, Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Central Ireland: Marina Postir Designer and Artist- Ceramics, Paintings & Crafts in Dromineer. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Marina-Postir-Ceramics-Dromineer-Co-Tipperary-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-©-Failte-Ireland-and-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Marina Postir Designer and Artist- Ceramics, Paintings & Crafts in Dromineer. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison © Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.") - ![Central Ireland: Nenagh Castle tower, North Tipperary. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland © Clare County Council.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Nenagh-Castle-Co-Tipperary-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Brian-Morrison-Failte-Ireland-Tourism-Ireland-©-Clare-County-Council.jpg "Central Ireland: Nenagh Castle tower, North Tipperary. Photo Courtesy Brian Morrison Failte Ireland Tourism Ireland © Clare County Council.") - ![Dunguaire Castle, western Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Central-Ireland-Dunguaire-Castle-w.-title-beware-of-dragons-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Dunguaire Castle, western Central Ireland. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Central Ireland: Oyster Tasting, Gleninagh Pier, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy BMB Films © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Oyster-Tasting-Gleninagh-Pier-Co-Clare-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-BMB-Films-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Central Ireland: Oyster Tasting, Gleninagh Pier, Co Clare. Photo Courtesy BMB Films © Fáilte Ireland") - ![SW Ireland: Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain, Co. Kerry. Photo Courtesy Gareth McCormack garethmccormack.com © Fáilte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Summit-of-Carrauntoohil-Co-Kerry-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Gareth-McCormack-garethmccormack.com-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain, Co. Kerry. Photo Courtesy Gareth McCormack garethmccormack.com © Fáilte Ireland.") - ![Dublin: Temple Bar leprechauns. Photo by James Bowden Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Temple-Bar-400x600-72dpi-Photo-by-James-Bowden-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Temple Bar leprechauns. Photo by James Bowden Tourism Ireland") - ![Dublin: Temple Bar Passageway, Dublin City. Photo Big Style Media © Courtesy Failte Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Temple-Bar-Archway-Dublin-City-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Big-Style-Media-©-Courtesy-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Temple Bar Archway, Dublin City. Photo Big Style Media © Courtesy Failte Ireland") - ![Dublin: Friends enjoying Dublin's Temple Bar neighborhood. Photo Courtesy Fionn Mc-Cann © Failte Ireland Dublin City South.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Temple-Bar-Pub-Temple-Bar-Dublin-City-400x600-72dpi-Photo-Courtesy-Fionn-Mc-Cann-©-Failte-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Friends enjoying Dublin's Temple Bar neighborhood. Photo Courtesy Fionn Mc-Cann © Failte Ireland Dublin City South.") - ![Dublin: Visitors strolling in Dublin. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Tourists-in-Dublin-400x600-72dpi-Photo-by-Brian-Morrison-©-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Dublin: Visitors in Dublin. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland") - ![Dublin: Trinity College Library. Photo by Tony Pleavin © Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Trinity-College-Library-Dublin-400x600-72dpi-Photo-by-Tony-Pleavin-©-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "Trinity College Library. Photo by Tony Pleavin © Tourism Ireland") - ![SW Ireland: Waterville Golf Club. Photo © Stephen Power Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Waterville-Golf-Club-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Stephen-Power-Tourism-Ireland.jpg "SW Ireland: Waterville Golf Club. Photo © Stephen Power Tourism Ireland.") 32 Things to do in Ireland! **Fall** **for —** [Ireland!](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland "IRELAND") AUTUMN SUPER SALE! WHY IS AUTUMN THE IDEAL TIME FOR VISITING IRELAND? • Ireland stays OPEN late, & the Irish are fully WELCOMING. • Ireland is LUSH. • Ireland’s celebrates its land & sea wonders and cultural treasures with traditional harvest festivals. • Irish GOLF courses play soft all autumn! **—————————————** ## OUTSTANDING TRAVEL BARGAIN! 7-Day Full-Package: Independent Travel with Flights, Cottage or Apartment Lodgings, Car Rental or City TransPass IRELAND AT 1/3 OFF! BOOK THIS TRAVEL BARGAIN BY AUGUST 17, 2026 **AUTUMN 2026** • TRAVEL 25SEP – 21NOV, 2026 DEPART FRIDAYS 25SEP – 13NOV, 2026 **$AVE 32+% – $1034/person!** $2,180 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Special low rate 32.2% below our official 2026 Shoulder Season prices to Ireland. **—————————————** #### THIS FULL-PACKAGE TRIP INCLUDES: • ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS from NEW YORK (JFK/EWR) to DUBLIN (DUB), Ireland. Flights from all USA & Canada airports available. Please inquire about fares from your home airport. • 7 NIGHTS FULLY-FURNISHED, CENTRALLY-LOCATED COTTAGE or APARTMENT LODGINGS in: • [Dublin (Ireland’s Capital City)](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Dublin) • [Central Ireland ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#CentralIreland)(Counties Clare & Tipperary) • [SW Ireland (Counties Cork & Kerry)](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#SWIreland) • [NW Ireland (Counties Sligo & Donegal)](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#NWIreland) • GROUND TRANSPORTATION: • DUBLIN: 5-Day TransPass you buy on-site; OR: • 1-WEEK of CAR RENTAL for ALL OTHER LOCATIONS. (Pick-up and return at your arrival/departure airport. Includes unlimited miles, most taxes (some local taxes cannot be pre-paid), and basic insurance.) • IRELAND ACTIVITIES GUIDE Comprehensive guidebook keyed for your visit with suggestions for sightseeing & car touring, shopping, museums, restaurants, pubs, churches, castles, activities including golf & fishing, and much more. **—————————————** ##### CONSIDER A SECOND WEEK! For a more leisurely trip & more time to enjoy your time in Ireland. Stay in the same location or change to any other Home At First Republic of Ireland location. ADD 7 NIGHTS LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM: $1,206 **PRICE PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY FOR ADDING 1 WEEK OF LODGING & CAR RENTAL &/or a 5-DAY DUBLIN TRANSPASS. PRICE CAN VARY BY LODGING SELECTED & SEASONALITY. A HIGHER RATE APPLIES IF CHANGING LODGINGS OR REGIONS.** THE FINER DETAILS: **• TRIP PLANNING: HOME AT FIRST**‘s Ireland specialists help you plan an individualized, independent itinerary that meets your needs, tastes, interests, pace, & budget. **• FLY TRANSATLANTIC OVERNIGHT to DUBLIN, IRELAND.** Departures Fridays between September 25 and November 13, 2026, from New York City (JFK) or Newark NJ (EWR), USA. **(Departures & Connecting Flights are available from all other USA & Canada airports at extra fare — please inquire.)** Arrive the following morning at Dublin (DUB) airport in Ireland. **• ARRIVAL NEXT DAY: Getting to your RURAL Irish lodging.** After flying all night from North America to Dublin in Ireland, you pick-up your rental car at the airport and drive to your rural Irish destination where you will be met by your landlord/host at a specific time introduced to your lodging when you take occupancy. **• ARRIVAL NEXT DAY: Getting to your DUBLIN lodging.** After flying all night from North America to Dublin, you self-transfer via bus or taxi to your central Dublin apartment where your concierge will check you in to begin your week’s occupancy. **• 1-WEEK’S LODGING:** 7 total Nights Lodging in your pre-reserved Irish cottage or apartment. Note that minimum occupancy numbers and some luxury upgrade supplements may apply to a few specific lodgings. Your landlord, host, or their representative provides support during your visit if you have questions, or if problems or emergencies arise. **• GETTING AROUND IRELAND BY RENTAL CAR:** driving a rental car on the left side of the road can initially be challenging. However, after a few hours of acclimatization, exploring Ireland by car will become comfortable. **Home At First**‘s lodgings throughout rural Ireland are ideally located for regional exploration. **• GETTING AROUND DUBLIN** using a Dublin TransPass on transport network of buses and trams requires a little getting used-to, but after a short learning curve you will reach your destinations efficiently and securely whether by city bus or tram. You will also find that your apartment’s Central Dublin location makes getting to most prime attractions quite easy by walking. **NOTE:** this year you must purchase the Dublin TransPass in Ireland (no longer available in advance of your trip). **• ACTIVITY GUIDE:** Guests receive **Home At First**‘s exclusive “Ireland Activity Guide”, loaded with suggestions for getting the most out of your visit by public transport: sightseeing, touring, visiting historic sites, museums, bars, restaurants, shopping, churches & cathedrals, and activities such as golf, fishing, cycling, walking, shopping, and theatre-going. **• THIS OFFER EXPIRES MIDNIGHT AUGUST 17, 2026:** To take advantage of this special Travel Bargain offer, you must [**book & pay for your trip**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying) by midnight August 17, 2026. These special prices are great travel values, but are **non-refundable**. We recommend you purchase **[travel insurance](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations)** to cover (at the least) potential losses due to your needing to cancel your trip or interrupt your trip to return home early. **HOME AT FIRST** may end this offer early for any reason. **• *GOOD NEWS!* NO REPUBLIC OF IRELAND TOURIST ENTRY FEES IN 2026****:** **Ireland** does **not** require 2026 visitors from North America to pre-register or pay an entry fee. Although not expected in 2026, in the event of any change **HOME AT FIRST** will advise you about any requirements once announced. Northern Ireland, which as a member of the UK, requires a UK ETA Electronic Travel Authorization. See next paragraph. **• *HOWEVER…* NORTHEN IRELAND IS NOW SUBJECT TO THE UK TOURIST ENTRY PRE-REGISTRATION & FEE****:** Every short-stay visitor (6 months or less) to the United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Wales, & **Northern Ireland**) is required to file an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) pay an entry fee of £16 (about US$21) prior to departure for the UK. Completing the required form and paying the required fee are the travelers’ responsibility. Full details are found at [**UK ETA**](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta "UK ETA"). **HOME AT FIRST** can advise you about the process, and answer your questions. - ![Ms. Scandinavia 2026. Credits: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Scandinavia-Swedish-cyclist-detail-w.-title-and-credits-400x600-72dpi-Credits-Alexander-Hall-imagebank.sweden.se_.jpg "Ms. Scandinavia 2026. Credits: Alexander Hall/imagebank.sweden.se") - ![Miss Scandinavia.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Scandinavia-nordic-girl-w.-credit-title-903401-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Petra-from-Pixabay.-Thanks-Pezibear.jpg "Miss Scandinavia. Image by Petra from Pixabay.") - ![Oslo Harbor & City Hall from Akershus Castle rampart. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-with-identifier-Oslo-Harbor-from-Akershus-w-girls-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo Harbor & City Hall from Akershus Castle rampart. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Stockholm, Sweden: Riddarholmen & Riddarfjaerden. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sweden-Stockholm-Riddarholmen-Riddarfjaerden-Stockholm-Sweden-text-1309106780-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden: Riddarholmen & Riddarfjaerden. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Copenhagen, Denmark: Kayak in Christianshavn. VisitDenmark Photo © Mathias Brandt.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Scandinavia-Denmark-Copenhagen-Kayak-in-Christianshavn-Copenhagen-Denmark-text-400x600-72dpi-VisitDenmark-Photo-copyright-Mathias-Brandt.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark: Kayak in Christianshavn. VisitDenmark Photo © Mathias Brandt.") - ![Flag of Norway - detail. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Title-Norwegian-Flag-detail-2306160206-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Flag of Norway - detail. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Norwegian Folk Museum, Oslo: museum hosts in traditional folk dress at the museum. Photo © Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, Morten Brun.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Norway-traditional-Norwegian-costume-VO09957-w.-Title-and-official-Credit-400x600-72dpi-detail-of-a-Photo-©-Norsk-Folkemuseum-in-Oslo-Morten-Brun.jpg "Norwegian Folk Museum, Oslo: museum hosts in traditional folk dress at the museum. Photo © Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, Morten Brun.") - ![Oslo's iconic Gokstad Viking Boat — a preserved relic of Norway's Viking period 1,000 years ago. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-Viking-Boat-Museum-Oslo-Norway-text-2606160371-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo's iconic Gokstad Viking Boat. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — the Monument of Life at Vigeland Park. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-w.-ID-Vigeland-Park-Pillar-0804336-R1-028-12A_1-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — the Monument of Life at Vigeland Park. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — Cruising the Oslo Fjord. Photo by Antonio © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-w.-ID-Fjord-Cruise-2606161010947-400x600-72dpi-Antonio-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — Cruising the Oslo Fjord. Photo by Antonio © Home At First.") - ![Prawns are a popular picnic food along coastal Norway. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Title-w.-ID-Picnic-Prawns-2506160349-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Prawns are a popular picnic food along coastal Norway. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — One of several versions of Edvard Munch's "Madonna" is on display at the new Munch Museum by Oslo Harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-w.-identifier-Munch-Museum-Madonna-2706160446-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — The new Munch Museum - Madonna. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — Statue of Norway's great arctic explorer Fridtjof Nansen helps tell his remarkable story at Oslo's Fram Museum. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-w.-ID-Fram-Museum-Fridtjof-Nansen-2606160401-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — the Fram Museum recounts the great adventures of arctic explorer Fridtjof Nansen. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — On duty at Akershus Castle. The fortress guards Oslo Harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-w.-ID-Guard-at-Akershus-fortress-030804336-R1-012-4A_4-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — On duty at Akershus Castle. The fortress guards Oslo Harbor. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo — The Kon Tiki Museum commemorates Thor Heyerdahl's daring attempts to cross the ocean in primitive wooden rafts and reed boats. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-w.-ID-Kon-Tiki-Museum-Thor-Heyerdahl-vessel-2606160410-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo — The Kon Tiki Museum commemorates Thor Heyerdahl's daring attempts to cross the ocean in primitive wooden rafts and reed boats. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Oslo's Vigeland Park examines all of life's ages and emotions in dozens of granite statues turned to flesh. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Oslo-Title-w.-ID-Vigeland-Park-fighting-siblings-2606160423-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo's Vigeland Park examines all of life's ages and emotions in dozens of granite statues turned to flesh. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Window with geraniums on a traditional Norwegian house. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Norway-Title-w.-ID-Window-w.-geraniums-2506160317-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Window with geraniums on a traditional Norwegian house. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Swedish Flag](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sweden-Flag-w.-text-2108085211-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Swedish Flag") - ![Stockholm, Sweden: Royal Palace Guard. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sweden-Stockholm-w.-Stockholm-title-Royal-Guard-130910-6793-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden: Royal Palace Guard. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Stockholm - Riddarholmen Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stockholm-Riddarholmen-Harbor-w.-credit-title-2108086773-400x600-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm - Riddarholmen Harbor") - ![Stockholm - Gamla Stan](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stockholm-Gamla-Stan-w.-title-2108084991-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm - Gamla Stan") - ![Drottningholm Palace](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Stockholm-Drottningholm-Palace-w.-credit-title-2108085266-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Drottningholm Palace") - ![Copenhagen Denmark: Pierrot at Tivoli Gardens. Photo © Cees van Roeden - visitdenmark.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Denmark-Copenhagen-Tivoli-Pierrot-w.-Copenhagen-Tivoli-and-credit-text-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Cees-van-Roeden-visitdenmark.com_.jpg "Copenhagen Denmark: Pierrot at Tivoli Gardens. Photo © Cees van Roeden - visitdenmark.com.") - ![Copenhagen Frederiksholms: kayaks on the canal. Photo © Thomas Rousing.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Frederiksholms-canal-kayaks-400x600-Photo-©-Thomas-Rousing.jpg "Copenhagen Frederiksholms: kayaks on the canal. Photo © Thomas Rousing.") - ![Copenhagen: enjoying life at the Torvehallerne. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Torvehallerne-couple-drinking-wine-400x600-Photo-©-Mikkel-Heriba.jpg "Copenhagen: enjoying life at the Torvehallerne. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.") - ![Copenhagen: Entry gate to beloved, historic Tivoli amusement park. Photo ©Viggo Lundberg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Tivoli-entrance-400x600-Photo-©Viggo-Lundberg.jpg "Copenhagen: Entry gate to beloved, historic Tivoli amusement park. Photo ©Viggo Lundberg.") - ![Copenhagen: Interior of the impressive Grundtvigs Church. Photo ©Sophia Bergholm.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-grundtvigs-kirke-copenhagen-denmark-2_-400x600-Photo-©Sophia-Bergholm-medium-355x533.jpg "Copenhagen: Interior of the impressive Grundtvigs Church. Photo ©Sophia Bergholm.") - ![Copenhagen: Coffee break along landmark Nyhavn harbor. VisitDenmark Photo © Freya McOmish Scandinavia Standard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-coffee-break-nyhavn-400x600-VisitDenmark-Photo-©-Freya-McOmish-Scandinavia-Standard.jpg "Copenhagen: Coffee break along landmark Nyhavn harbor. VisitDenmark Photo © Freya McOmish Scandinavia Standard.") - ![Copenhagen: Christianshavn district — dinner at Undici. Photo © Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-christianshavn-undici-dinner-400x600-Photo-©-Malin-Poppy-Darcy-Morner.jpg "Copenhagen: Christianshavn district — dinner at Undici. Photo © Malin Poppy Darcy Mörner.") - ![Copenhagen: Atmospheric Central Hotel Café. Photo © Mie Heerwagen Hagerup@miesuniverse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-central-hotel-cafe-400x600-Photo-©-Mie-Heerwagen-Hagerup@miesuniverse.jpg "Copenhagen: Atmospheric Central Hotel Café. Photo © Mie Heerwagen Hagerup@miesuniverse.") - ![Copenhagen: Enjoying a beer at Caféliv. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Copenhagen-Cafeliv_21462-400x600-Photo-©-Mikkel-Heriba.jpg "Copenhagen: Enjoying a beer at Caféliv. Photo © Mikkel Heriba.") 3 Stylish Scandinavian Capitals! **September-December** **in one of three** [Scandinavia](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/ "SCANDINAVIA") [Capitals](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/ "SCANDINAVIA") LATE-SUMMER — FALL SPECIAL SALE! Choose any 1 of these 3 stylish Scandinavian Capital Cities • [COPENHAGEN DENMARK](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#zealand) • [O](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#oslo)SLO NORWAY • [S](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stockholm)TOCKHOLM SWEDEN LOTS TO SEE, DO, & ENJOY: • Shopping, royalty, harbor cruises • Galleries, museums, & concerts • World-class foodie destinations • History: Vikings, Middle Ages • Castles, Palaces, Cathedrals MAJOR TRAVEL BARGAIN! 7-Day Full-Package: Independent Travel with Flights, Hotel/Inn Lodgings w/ Breakfast, TransPasses *ANOTHER PRICE DROP!* BOOK THIS TRAVEL BARGAIN BY AUGUST 17, 2026 • TRAVEL 29SEP26 – 10DEC26 **$AVE UP TO 37.5% – $1,495/person!** $2,497 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY 1-Week, Full-Package Extraordinarily low rate 37.5% below our official, published 2026 Shoulder Season 2-person, 7-day price to Scandinavia. PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY **——————————————** WHAT DO WE EXPECT IN SCANDINAVIA? • CULTURE: Copenhagen, Oslo, & Stockholm are Scandinavia’s great capital cities in all ways economic, cultural and political. The governments and royal families are headquartered in the capital cities of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Each city’s commercial center celebrates the best of its national and regional products. Their museums collect and display their individual Scandinavian histories. Their shops display the best of Scandinavian style. Their theatres showcase the world’s finest drama, opera, classical and pop music. Anchoring it all are the beloved city parks devoted to each country’s passion for lifestyle, history, art, and nature: Tivoli, Copenhagen’s beloved amusement park; Vigeland, Oslo’s remarkable sculpture garden; and Skansen, Stockholm’s living open-air museum. • LIFESTYLE: Annually ranked at the top of quality of life, happiness, and safety lists, Scandinavia is known for its preference for low-pressure, informal, cozy lifestyles. *Hygge* is the relaxed attitude toward life practiced in Denmark. *Koselig* is the Norwegian equivalent. And the Swedish *fika* coffee break lets busy Stockholmers enjoy some stress-free social time each day. Joining in the enjoyment life’s simple pleasures will help you get a positive sense of Scandinavia’s well-being practices. • STYLE: Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are centers of clean (often minimalist) Scandinavian design & manufacturing, especially in furniture and interior furnishings. • FOOD: Scandinavia is a prime foody destination from street food to Michelin-starred world-class restaurants featuring Nordic cuisine. • TRANSPORT: Urban Scandinavians are renowned for bicycling. But the walking and public transportation are equally good in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. You do not need a car. You only need the local City Transit Pass that comes with your trip and provides reliable, frequent, safe city transport on each city’s excellent public transport network. **——————————————** THIS FULL-PACKAGE TRIP INCLUDES: • ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR), to/from Copenhagen (CPH) Denmark, Oslo (OSL) Norway, &/or Stockholm (ARN) Sweden. Flights from all USA & Canada airports available. Please inquire about fares from your home airport. • 7 NIGHTS HOTEL LODGINGS in the SCANDINAVIAN CAPITAL CITY of YOUR CHOICE: Lodgings are inns or quality small hotels centrally-located in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. Lodging includes daily smorgasbord breakfast. • GROUND TRANSPORTATION: is the use of City Transit Passes for the modern city transit system: metro, buses, trams, some boats, and some trains in Copenhagen, Oslo, and/or Stockholm. Note: the Copenhagen & Stockholm City Passes are valid for transfers on these cities’ respective airport metro service. The Oslo City Pass is not valid on Oslo’s airport express trains. • ON-SITE ACTIVITY GUIDEBOOKS. keyed for each of destination city. Guides include suggested activities, excursions, scenic sightseeing, boat cruises, shopping, restaurants, museums, castles, historic sites, royal palaces, and much more. ADDITIONAL DAYS: Add days in your destination city or cities for $499/person/day. *EXTRA!* ADDING MORE CITIES: Current reduced airfares from Copenhagen, Oslo, & Stockholm make it affordable to visit one or both other Scandinavian capital cities, or add stops elsewhere in Scandinavia (Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim, Tromsø, Gothenburg, Aalborg) and throughout Northern Europe (Amsterdam, Basel, Berlin, Geneva, Helsinki, Paris). Expand your Scandinavian experience by adding a minimum stop in any location of 3 days/nights. Stops include lodging, connecting flights, & appropriate ground transport. INTERESTED? PLEASE INQUIRE! **ADDITIONAL STOPS WILL BE PRICED PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY FOR ADDING MINIMUM OF 3 NIGHTS OF LODGING, PLUS CONNECTING FLIGHTS & GROUND TRANSPORT. PRICE VARIES BY LOCATION SELECTED AND SEASONALITY.** THE FINER DETAILS: **• DAY 1: FLY TRANSATLANTIC OVERNIGHT to SCANDINAVIA:** Departures Tuesdays between September 29 & December 2, 2026 from New York City (JFK), or Newark (EWR), USA. **(Departures & Connecting Flights are available from all other USA & Canada airports at extra fare — please inquire.)** Arrive the following morning at your destination airport: Copenhagen (CPH) Denmark, Oslo (OSL) Norway, or Stockholm (ARN) Sweden. **• DAY 2: SELF-TRANSFER TO YOUR LODGING IN COPENHAGEN, OSLO, or STOCKHOLM:** Arrive in Scandinavia. Follow our pre-printed directions to travel to your lodging in Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm. Check-in and take occupancy that afternoon. **• DAY 9: RETURN FLIGHT TO NORTH AMERICA:** Daytime flight from Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo (OSL), or Stockholm (ARN) back to New York (JFK), or Newark (EWR), or to other USA/Canada airports after 7 full days/nights in Scandinavia. **• 1-WEEK’S LODGING:** 7 total Nights Lodging in pre-reserved inns or quality small hotels in Copenhagen, Oslo, and/or Stockholm. Lodgings are centrally-located: near shopping, restaurants, cafés, and transit. Daily smorgasbord breakfast included. **• CITY TRANSPORT:** Guests are furnished City Passes for use in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm on the métro system, certain trains, trams, city buses, and even some harbor boats. **• ACTIVITY GUIDE:** Guests receive regional guides keyed for their use in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. Guides include dozens of pages of suggestions for exploring your destination by public transit, sightseeing, visiting historic sites, museums & galleries, shopping, restaurants & cafés, churches & cathedrals, royal palaces and castles. **• THIS OFFER EXPIRES MIDNIGHT AUGUST 17, 2026.** To take advantage of this special Travel Bargain offer, you must [**book and pay for your trip**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying) prior to the end of August 17, 2026. **These special prices are great travel values, but are non-refundable.** We recommend you purchase **[travel insurance](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations)** to cover (at the least) potential losses due to your needing to cancel your trip or needing to interrupt your trip to return home early. **HOME AT FIRST** reserves the right to end this offer early for any reason. **• *GOOD NEWS* ABOUT TOURIST ENTRY FEES****:** Denmark, Norway, & Sweden, along with all Schengen member countries (basically, Western Europe except the UK) have **postponed** plans to require visitors from North America to pre-register on-line and pay an entry fee until possibly 2027, if ever. **Home At First** will advise if the Schengen countries decide to act earlier. - ![London at the Horseguards: Rear Guard. Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/London-—-Rear-Guard-Horseguard-w.-credit-title-220429-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-No-longer-here-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-No-longer-here.jpg "London at the Horseguards: Rear Guard. Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay.") - ![Recently Seen in London: England Man. Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/London-—-England-Man-w.-credit-title-678341-400x600-72dpi-Image-by-Ben-Kerckx-from-Pixabay-Thanks-to-Ben-Kerckx.jpg "Recently Seen in London: England Man. Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay.") - ![The Union Jack, flag of the United Kingdom. Photo credit Pixabay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/UK-Union-Jack-w.-London-Title-400x600-1090955-Photo-credit-Pixabay.jpg "The Union Jack, flag of the United Kingdom. Photo credit Pixabay.") - ![At home in a Home At First London apartment - Portrait. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/London-Judi-Portrait-at-St-Kats-w.-Title-12176155-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "London - Portrait. Photo © Home At First.") - ![London - the Shard from the Thames. Photo VisitBritain/Leyla Cobián.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/London-the-Shard-from-the-Thames-w.-Title-and-credit-600106-200-400x600-72dpi-Photo-VisitBritain-Leyla-Cobian.jpg "London - the Shard from the Thames. Photo VisitBritain/Leyla Cobián.") - ![London - Westminster Abbey. Photo VisitBritain/Nicole Hines.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/London-Westminster-Abbey-w.-Title-and-Credit-600186-400x600-72dpi-Photo-VisitBritain-Nicole-Hines.jpg "London - Westminster Abbey. Photo VisitBritain/Nicole Hines.") - ![Anteros statue - Piccadilly Circus - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Anteros-statue-Piccadilly-Circus-w.-credit-and-title-171218-9575-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Anteros statue - Piccadilly Circus - Photo © Home At First") - ![Beatles Poster on display near Carnaby St - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Beatles-Poster-near-Carnaby-St-w.-credit-and-title-101016-2649-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Beatles Poster on display near Carnaby St - Photo © Home At First") - ![Tower of London - blushing visitor and the Beefeater - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Blushing-visitor-and-the-Beefeater-w.-credit-and-title-181016-2695-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower of London - blushing visitor and the Beefeater - Photo © Home At First") - ![Buckingham Palace - French school group at the Queen Victoria Memorial - Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/French-school-group-at-Victoria-Memorial-by-Buckingham-Palace-w.-credit-and-title-101013-2668-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Buckingham Palace - French school group at the Queen Victoria Memorial - Photo © Home At First.") - ![Horseguard Dervish - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Horseguard-Dervish-w.-credit-and-title-191218-9649-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Horseguard Dervish - Photo © Home At First") - ![London's Finest at Tower Bridge - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Londons-Finest-twin-portrait-at-Tower-Bridge-w-credit-and-title-011014-3602-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "London's Finest at Tower Bridge - Photo © Home At First") - ![The City - Medieval St Helens Bishopgate Church with the Gherkin - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Medieval-St-Helens-Bishopgate-Church-with-the-Gherkin-w.-credt-and-title-160411-8841-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "The City - Medieval St Helens Bishopgate Church with the Gherkin - Photo © Home At First") - ![New Bond Street Shopping Gallery - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/New-Bond-Street-Shopping-Gallery-w.-credit-and-title-191218-9632-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "New Bond Street Shopping Gallery - Photo © Home At First") - ![Old School Phoning - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Old-School-Phoning-Young-girl-in-a-red-call-box-w.-credit-and-title-160411-8825-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Old School Phoning - Photo © Home At First") - ![Shad Thames - Vestige of Charles Dickens's London - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shad-Thames-Vestige-of-Dickens-London-w.-credit-and-title-071218-8559-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames - Vestige of Charles Dickens's London - Photo © Home At First") - ![Amputee Shakespeare in the open window - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shakespeare-in-the-open-window-w.-credit-and-title-191218-9619-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Amputee Shakespeare in the open window - Photo © Home At First") - ![Shakespeare's Cockpit Pub near Blackfriars - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shakespeares-Cockpit-Pub-Blackfriars-w.-credit-and-title-101016-2743-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Shakespeare's Cockpit Pub near Blackfriars - Photo © Home At First") - ![South Bank street performer - live jester statue - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/South-Bank-street-performer-live-jester-statue-w.-credit-and-title-281006-1508-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "South Bank street performer - live jester statue - Photo © Home At First") - ![St Paul's Cathedral viewed from north end of the Millennial Footbridge - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/St-Pauls-from-north-end-Millennial-Bridge-w.-credit-and-title-281217-6746-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "St Paul's Cathedral viewed from north end of the Millennial Footbridge - Photo © Home At First") - ![Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Barge Gloriana moored at St Katharines Docks - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Queens-Royal-Barge-Gloriana-moored-at-St-Katharines-Docks-w.-credit-and-title-181016-2749-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Barge Gloriana moored at St Katharines Docks - Photo © Home At First") - ![Tower Bridge viewed from St Katherine's Dock Thames lock - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tower-Bridge-from-St-Kats-Thames-lock-w.-credit-and-title-011014-3620-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower Bridge viewed from St Katherine's Dock Thames lock - Photo © Home At First") - ![Tower of London - White Tower, Black Sky - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tower-of-London-White-Tower-Black-Sky-w.-credit-and-title-071218-8507-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower of London - White Tower, Black Sky - Photo © Home At First") - ![Tower Hill - monkeying around with Emperor Trajan - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Trajan-with-banana-sceptre-w.-credit-and-title-041218-8420-400x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower Hill - monkeying around with Emperor Trajan - Photo © Home At First") London — Always Surprising! **Autumn** **is Perfect in —** [London!](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "LONDON") OCT—NOV SPECIAL! WHY IS THIS PRIME VISITING TIME FOR LONDON? • The weather may be best of the year. • Strolling along the Thames and in the Royal Parks is peaceful & inviting. • The throngs of summer visitors have gone home, but all attractions remain open. • Shopping, Theatre, Restaurants, Pubs, & Museums are much more accessible and much less crowded. **—————————————** ### BRILLIANT TRAVEL BARGAIN! 7-Day Full-Package. Independent Travel with Apartment, Flights, and Greater London TransPass *NEW LOWER PRICE!* BOOK THIS TRAVEL BARGAIN BY AUGUST 21, 2026 TRAVEL to LONDON between 06OCT & 26NOV 2026 Daily Departures: 06OCT thru 18NOV 2026 **$AVE 27% — $895/person!** $2,399 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY 1-Week, Full-Package! Special low rate 27% below our official, published 2026 Main Season prices to London. NOTE: supplements may apply for 2-person occupancy in larger lodgings. **——————————————** #### THIS FULL-PACKAGE TRIP INCLUDES: • ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS from NEW YORK (JFK/EWR) to LONDON (LHR or LGW). Flights from all USA & Canada airports available. Please inquire about fares from your home airport. • 7 NIGHTS APARTMENT LODGINGS in Historic Central London near iconic Tower Bridge. • GROUND TRANSPORTATION: LONDON TRANSPORT PASSES for your use on the Underground, Red Buses, certain train lines (including the Docklands Light Railway, and the hyper-modern Elizabeth Line), even certain Thames River cruisers • LONDON/ENGLAND ACTIVITIES GUIDE Comprehensive guide keyed for your visit with suggestions for sightseeing & touring, shopping, museums, restaurants, pubs, churches, castles, Royal England, activities including walks, day-trips out of London, and much more. **——————————————** ##### CONSIDER A SECOND WEEK! For a more leisurely trip & more time to enjoy your travels. ADD 7 NIGHTS LODGING & TRANSPORT FROM: $1,717 **PRICE PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY FOR ADDING 1 WEEK OF LODGING & TRANSPORT. PRICE CAN VARY BY LODGING SELECTED & SEASONALITY. A HIGHER RATE APPLIES IF CHANGING LODGINGS OR REGIONS. LOWER RATES APPLY FOR MORE THAN 2-PERSON OCCUPANCY.** THE FINER DETAILS: **• TRIP PLANNING: HOME AT FIRST**‘s London specialists help you plan an individualized, independent itinerary that meets your needs, tastes, interests, pace, & budget. **• FLY TRANSATLANTIC OVERNIGHT to LONDON, UK. Daily** departures between October 6 & November 18, 2026, from New York City (JFK) or Newark NJ (EWR), USA. (Departures & Connecting Flights are available from all other USA & Canada airports — please inquire.) Arrive the following morning at your destination airport in London, UK. **• ARRIVAL NEXT DAY: Getting to your [LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) lodging.** After flying all night from North America to London, you self-transfer via Underground or the new Elizabeth Line (or both) to your London apartment where you will be met by your landlord/host at a specific time introduced to your lodging when you take occupancy. Alternatively, **be met at the airport by our dedicated car service** for a comfortable, personalized cross-London drive to your apartment. Your driver will show you and your luggage to your London apartment. (This service free for guests who upgrade to Business Class airfare. This service option comes for an additional fee to all others. Please inquire.) **• 1-WEEK’S LODGING:** 7 total Nights in your pre-reserved London apartment. Note that minimum occupancy numbers and some luxury upgrade supplements may apply to a few specific lodgings. Your landlord, host, or their representative provides support during your visit if you have questions, or if problems or emergencies arise. **• OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL LODGING:** Although this special package is priced for 7 nights of lodging, you may add a week in the apartment, or change locations to other regions of [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) or [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) where **HOME AT FIRST** has lodgings. We are British Isles specialists and can custom-make all the arrangements. Please inquire! **• GETTING AROUND [LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "LONDON")** using your London TransPass on London’s comprehensive transport network requires a little getting used-to. You will find the directions in our “London Activities Guide” quite useful in helping you get to your destinations efficiently and securely whether by Tube, bus, train, or river cruiser. **• ACTIVITY GUIDE:** Guests receive Home At First’s London “Activity Guides”, loaded with scores of pages of suggestions for exploring London by public transport: sightseeing, visiting historic sites, museums, pubs, restaurants, shopping, churches & cathedrals, and activities such as walking, shopping, and theatre-going. **• THIS OFFER EXPIRES MIDNIGHT AUGUST 21, 2026:** To take advantage of this special Travel Bargain offer, you must [**book and pay for your trip**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying) prior to the end of August 21, 2026. These special prices are great travel values, but are **non-refundable**. We recommend you purchase **[travel insurance](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations)** to cover (at the least) potential losses due to your needing to cancel your trip or needing to interrupt your trip to return home early. **HOME AT FIRST** reserves the right to end this offer early for any reason. **• *NEW!* UK TOURIST ENTRY PRE-REGISTRATION & FEE****:** Short-stay visitors (6 months or less) to the United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Wales, & Northern Ireland) are required to file an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) pay an entry fee of £20 (about US$27) per person prior to departure for the UK. Completing the required form and paying the required fee are the travelers’ responsibilities. Full details are found at [**UK ETA**](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta "UK ETA"). **HOME AT FIRST** can advise you about the process, and answer your questions. ### Avoid missing future Travel Bargains: sign up to get TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS [HERE](http://eepurl.com/IgEdv). --- ### [SCANDINAVIA](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/) **Published:** December 28, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### 2026 SALE! ![Flag of Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Denmark-Flag-16x12-72dpi.jpg) COPENHAGEN ![Flag of Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/NorwayFlag-16x12-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Norway") OSLO ![Flag of Sweden](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SwedenFlag-16x12-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Sweden") STOCKHOLM — LATE-SUMMER & FALL — SAVE 37.5%! SAVE $1,495/prs! [DETAILS HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Scandinavia). #### [— **d e n m a r k** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) #### [— **n o r w a y** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) #### [— **s w e d e n** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) #### [— **PRICES** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/scandinavia-pricing/#Prices) ###### SCANDINAVIA ## [DENMARK](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) | [NORWAY](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) | [SWEDEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) BERGEN, NORWAY: THE COLORFUL OLD WAREHOUSES OF THE BRYGGEN HARBORFRONT ARE A WORLD HERITAGE SITE WITH POPULAR SHOPS & RESTAURANTS. **Home At First**‘s lodgings in Bergen (hotels & vacation apartments) are from 3-10 walking minutes of this scene. ### **SCANDINAVIA:** **3 UNIQUE COUNTRIES SHARING A REGION, A CULTURE, AND A HISTORY** **—** # Independent Scandinavia Touring through Denmark, Norway, & Sweden ## via Car, Rail, Boat, & Plane with Quality Lodgings at Every Stop. **Once home to dreaded Vikings, modern Scandinavia is a playground for outdoorsmen, a laboratory for experiments in social-capitalism, and a cutting-edge center for the latest in style, design, and technology.** Scandinavia’s northern climate and rugged geography has always inspired and challenged its people. Today’s Scandinavia — a product of their hard work and vision — is an ultramodern society with strong ties to Nature and echoes of History. In Scandinavia, size matters when it comes to waterfalls, fjords, and North Sea oil platforms. Slum-free glass cities encircle wonderfully walkable medieval city centers. Stone Age drawings, modern painting & sculpture, Viking long ships, stories of Nazi resistance (and collaboration), and two sites of Nobel Prize presentations compete for our attention. Dragon boats, fast-flying catamarans, sea kayaks, and giant container ships share the same convoluted coastlines and placid bays. Tiny red cabins dotting remote rocky islands and rockier mountains are the dream houses of the largely urban population. Whitewater rapids, great lakes, and saltwater sounds — once obstructions — are now playgrounds. The fierce Vikings have evolved into sophisticated Scandinavians, happy to welcome you, eager to show you their remarkable landscape and share their compelling vision. **Independent Scandinavia touring lets visitors encounter the Viking past and imagine the high-tech future.** --- **Home At First’s Independent Scandinavia Touring Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/scandinavia-pricing/#Prices) Includes trans-atlantic flights, lodging in destinations of your choosing, & appropriate ground transport and/or connecting flights for your itinerary. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. Combinable with most Home At First European destinations. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Wk. or More in SCANDINAVIA Independent Scandinavia touring on your terms. Choose your destinations & how long you wish to stay at each stop. Use public transit in the cities; rental car or trains & boats in rural areas, & flights or trains between cities. **Lodging Types:** Nightly Hotels or Longer Apartment Stays Locations throughout Denmark, Norway, & Sweden. City lodgings close to transport, restaurants, shops, & services. Rural locations convenient bases for seeing attractions. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$$$ Scandinavia can be inexpensive to travel to, but costly to visit, especially restaurants, gas, parking, tolls, ferries, & attraction entries. Use the included “city cards” to save money in Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/scandinavia-pricing/#Prices) $$$$ *But, excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **[Combinable](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#combinability)** with most other Home At First destinations throughout Europe, the British Isles, and Iceland. **Language Spoken Most Everywhere:** English Expect some **English** from most everyone. English helps Scandinavians communicate with others, including other Scandinavians, as the Danish, Swedish, & Norwegian languages differ significantly. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 8+ hrs from East Coast; 11 hrs from West Coast Most North American flights arrive at Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH), or Oslo, Norway (OSL), or Stockholm, Sweden (ARN), Scandinavia’s 3 biggest airports. **Family Friendly?** ♥♥ Kids love the activities, the parks, and the food, but may not like a steady diet of museums, galleries, and historical sites, or an itinerary with long driving hours. Boat trips, ferry crossings, train rides all appeal to young travelers. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Scandinavian food is not just trendy. It is substantial, different, and delicious, with the accent on fresh, organic, and local. Seafood is an important part of the cuisine, but does not dominate. Try wild, unusual meats: bear, reindeer, moose. **Walkable, Gawk-able** In addition to super hiking in rural Denmark, Norway, & Sweden, most Scandinavian cities have small, historic cores with pedestrian zones. Our lodgings in Oslo, Bergen, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, & Uppsala are within short walks of attractions. **Activities** • Car Touring • City Strolling & Country hiking • Fjord cruising: Norway • Archipelago & lake cruising: Sweden • Exploring historic sites • Museums & galleries • Dining: hi-brow & low • Royal palaces & castles • Shopping! • Skiing, skating, mountainbiking. **The Best Times for Independent Scandinavia touring****:** May through September, & Christmas. Days are long during the peak visitor months of June & July. Long winter night come with the possibility of seeing the *Aurora Borealis*, especially in artic Norway & Sweden. --- ## Independent Scandinavia Touring ![Scandinavia Map. Modified from the original in Creative Commons. Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Scandinavia-Map-w.-Titles-2-1068x1500-72dpi-Modified-Map-from-the-original-in-Creative-Commons-Attribution-Share-Alike-4.0-International-license.jpg) ### EXPLORE SCANDINAVIA ### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S Independent Scandinavia touring PROGRAM HOME AT FIRST CUSTOM-BUILDS Independent Scandinavia touring PACKAGES THAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings:** throughout 3 Scandinavian countries: [DENMARK](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) **|** [SWEDEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) **|** [NORWAY](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) **|** **[Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) —** From its arctic north to its southern Skagerrak straits, Norway is a smorgasbord feast for the eyes. **Home At First** offers lodgings at quality small hotels — many of them with historic cultural importance — in locations throughout Norway, including: [Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#oslo) • [Bergen](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#bergen) • [Stavanger](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stavanger) • [Hardanger Plateau](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [Hardanger Fjord](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [Sogne Fjord](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [Nordfjord](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [Kristiansand & Southern Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#kristiansand) • [Lillehammer & Lake Mjøsa](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lillehammer) • [Ålesund & Geiranger Fjord](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#alesund) • [Trondheim](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#trondheim) • [Lofoten Islands](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lofoten) • [Tromsø & the Arctic North](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#tromso) **[Sweden](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) —** With two coasts fringed with lightly populated archipelagoes, a northland of wilderness tundra & snowcapped mountains, the largest lakes in western Europe, Scandinavia’s largest city and its central city, Sweden is large, diverse, and fascinating. **Home At First** has an equally diverse selection of quality small hotels in fascinating locations across Sweden, including: • [Stockholm & Uppsala](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stockholm) • [Gothenburg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#gothenburg) • [Sweden’s Great Lakes](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lakes) • [Sweden’s West Coast](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#bohuslan) • [Great Baltic island of Gotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#gotland) • [Sweden’s Heartland: Dalarna](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#dalarna) • [Sweden’s Far South: Skåne](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#skane) • [Sweden’s Arctic & Lappland: Norrbotten](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norrbotten) **[Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) —** Much smaller than neighboring Norway & Sweden, Denmark packs significant variety into three geographic regions: castles, beaches, forest, romantic islands, vital regional cities, and one of the world’s most livable cities, Copenhagen. **Home At First** has quality small hotel lodgings in all three regions:. • [Zealand:](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#zealand) central Copenhagen & royal Roskilde • [Funen](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#funen): Odense, the home of Hans Christian Anderson • [Jutland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#jutland): in 2 bustling small cities: Aarhus & Aalborg --- • **Custom-planned Independent Scandinavia Touring Itineraries:** Choose the Scandinavian destinations that interest you. Choose a single destination, multiple destinations in just one country, or multiple destinations in two or more countries. You can even choose to add stops in other European countries before or after your visit to explore Scandinavia. (See list of [combinable destinations](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#combinability), below.) Tell us about your dream trip by [**contacting** **Home At First**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/). Our expert trip planners create an efficient, logical trip itinerary proposal for you that matches your trip goals. Our free trip itinerary proposal will include suggestions for flights, lodging locations, and transportation within Scandinavia: public transportation in cities, and car rental, train, boat, &/or regional flights for moving between destinations. The trip itinerary proposal comes with a detailed trip cost analysis. • Minimum itinerary length: 7-days in Scandinavia. • As a minimum, itineraries must include at least 7-nights of Home At First lodgings and either transatlantic flights or Scandinavian ground transportation. --- • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to explore Scandinavia (usually to Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm, but sometimes to Bergen or Gothenburg, whichever of these is the best choice for your needs) from your home airport. Our [ **price chart** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/scandinavia-pricing/#Prices) includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH); Oslo, Norway (OSL); or Stockholm, Sweden (ARN). Flights from/to all other airports are available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. --- • **Ground Transport:** We recommend and arrange the appropriate ground transportation for your trip. Guests explore Scandinavia traveling by rental car, train, boat, and by regional flights. Tell us your goals and travel preferences; we will propose the right ground transportation for your visit. --- **• Our On-Site Destination Guides Keyed for Your Trip to Explore Scandinavia** help you make the most out of your visit. Includes suggestions for touring, boat trips, hiking & adventure activities, restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, much more. --- • **Our Scandinavian Lodgings provide English-speaking Hosting** dedicated to helping their guests explore Scandinavia confidently, providing recommendations for activities, dining, and services of all kinds. --- • **Real People Providing Real Help in Real Time:** Home At First continuously monitors the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. And, if conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed. --- [SCANDINAVIA PRICING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/scandinavia-pricing/#Prices) ## SCANDINAVIA — IMAGES - ![Copenhagen: Nyhavn harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Copenhagen-Nyhavn-1-870x580-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-869x580.jpg "Copenhagen: Nyhavn harbor. Photo © Home At First.")DENMARK: Nyhavn harbor is a prime attraction in Copenhagen. Home At First’s lodgings are close by. - ![Copenhagen: skaters at Kongens Nytorv. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Copenhagen-skaters-at-Kongens-Nytorv-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen: skaters at Kongens Nytorv. Photo © Home At First.")DENMARK: Scandinavian winters are cold, snowy, and dark. Lively, cozy, and happy, too, as here in Copenhagen. - ![Roskilde train station with huge jars and bikes. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Roskilde-Train-Station-with-huge-jars-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Roskilde train station with huge jars and bikes. Photo © Home At First.")DENMARK: Commuters’ bikes are parked outside Roskilde train station, known for its sculptures of gigantic vases. - ![STAVANGER, NORWAY: Vågen Harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Stavanger-Skagen-on-the-Vagen-900x600-72dpi-110901-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "STAVANGER, NORWAY: Vågen Harbor. Photo © Home At First.")STAVANGER, NORWAY: Vågen Harbor is a lively quarter between the old town and the university. - ![Stockholm: approaching Gamla Stan by ferry from Djurgården. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Stockholm-approaching-Gamla-Stan-by-ferry-from-Djurgarden-130910-6735-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm: approaching Gamla Stan by ferry from Djurgården. Photo © Home At First.")SWEDEN: Public transport in Stockholm includes passenger ferries, like this one approaching Gamla Stan (Old City). - ![Stockholm Archipelago: Ingmarsö island ferry landing. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Stockholm-Archipelago-Ingmarsoe-island-ferry-landing-130910-6842-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm Archipelago: Ingmarsö island ferry landing. Photo © Home At First.")SWEDEN: Ferry landing in the Stockholm Archipelago. Fast passenger ferries serve dozens of idyllic islands from Stockholm. - ![Sweden: Lake Mälaren — Drottningholm Royal Palace. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Lake-Malaren-Drottningholm-Palace-230808-5267-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Sweden: Lake Mälaren — Drottningholm Royal Palace. Photo © Home At First.")SWEDEN: Drottningholm Royal Palace is Sweden’s Versailles. The palace grounds invite visitors, who arrive from Stockholm by boat. - ![Lakeland: Sailing Masts along the Göta Canal. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Lakeland-Sailing-Masts-along-the-Gota-Canal-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lakeland: Sailing Masts along the Göta Canal. Photo © Home At First.")SWEDEN’S LAKELAND: The Göta Canal connects Sweden’s great lakes — Vänern & Vättern — to form a navigable route to the Baltic. - ![Bohuslän: Red huts on Ursholmen outer island. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Bohuslan-Red-huts-on-Ursholmen-outer-island-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bohuslän: Red huts on Ursholmen outer island. Photo © Home At First.")BOHUSLÄN, SWEDEN: Myriad skerries parallel Sweden’s west coast, including these outer islands of the Kosterhavet National Park. - ![Bergen: Bryggen Harbor in winter. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Bergen-Bryggen-Harbor-with-snow-900x618-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Bergen: Bryggen Harbor in winter. Photo © Home At First.")NORWAY: Bergen’s historic Bryggen waterfront in fresh snow. The World Heritage Site harbor stays ice free thanks to the Gulf Stream. - ![NORWAY: Hardanger Fjord Inn. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Hardanger-Fjord-Inn-150515-4420-600x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "NORWAY: Hardanger Fjord Inn. Photo © Home At First.")NORWAY: Our Hardanger Fjord Inn is an historic, charming, & classic country inn known for 300 years of hospitality. - ![Hardanger - Voringfossen falls. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Hardanger-Voringfossen-falls-170515-4581-706x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-706x470.jpg "Hardanger - Voringfossen falls. Photo © Home At First.")NORWAY: At Vøringfossen Falls water from the Hardanger Plateau drops 600′ on its way to the Hardanger Fjord. - ![Sogne Fjord: - Balestrand. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sogne-Fjord-Balestrand-190515-4792-600x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Sogne Fjord: - Balestrand. Photo © Home At First.")NORWAY: One of our most popular inns is in this village on the Sogne Fjord. It features location, comfort, and gracious hosting. - ![Norway: Sidewheeler lakeboat Skibladner on Lake Mjøsa. Photo ©Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Norway-Sidewheeler-lakeboat-Skibladner-on-Lake-Mjosa-220616-0138-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Sidewheeler lakeboat Skibladner on Lake Mjøsa. Photo ©Home At First.")NORWAY: the sidewheeler lakeboat ‘Skibladner’ cruising on Norway’s largest lake, Lake Mjøsa, mid-way between Oslo & Lillehammer. - ![OSLO, NORWAY: Oslo Harbor viewed from Akershus fortress hill. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Oslo-Oslo-Harbor-from-Akershus-w.-picnic-girls-900x597-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-895x597.jpg "OSLO, NORWAY: Oslo Harbor viewed from Akershus fortress hill. Photo © Home At First.")OSLO, NORWAY: Two young women enjoy the view of Oslo harbor. Like all Scandinavian cities, Oslo has a vibrant youth culture. - ![Oslo Opera House. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Oslo-Opera-House-260616-0440-900x512-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-768x512.jpg "Oslo Opera House. Photo © Home At First.")NORWAY: Oslo harbor’s landmark Opera House invites strolling on its ski-jump-like roof. - ![Oslo: Gustav Vigeland statuary in Frogner Park. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Oslo-Gustav-Vigeland-statuary-in-Frogner-Park-260616-0424-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Oslo: Gustav Vigeland statuary in Frogner Park. Photo © Home At First.")NORWAY: 2 of more than 200 remarkable figures by sculptor Gustav Vigeland on permanent display in Oslo’s Frogner Park. - ![Oslo: Home At First's Oslo Inn guest suite. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Oslo-HAF-Oslo-Inn-guest-suite-270616-0461-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Oslo: Home At First's Oslo Inn guest suite. Photo © Home At First.")OSLO, NORWAY: Guest suite at Home At First’s Oslo Inn: spacious comfort in a quality lodging with personal service. Need help planning your dream Scandinavian itinerary? Contact our Explore Scandinavia specialists [**here**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm). ### Independent Scandinavia touring OF: DENMARK ![Denmark: shopping in Aarhus - Visit Denmark Photo by Morten Jac.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Denmark-Aarhus-shopping-street-scene-2-333x500-72dpi-Visit-Denmark-Photo-by-Morten-Jac.jpg) SHOPPING IN THE OLD CITY CENTER, AARHUS, DENMARK Independent Scandinavia touring: ## DENMARK Much smaller than neighboring Norway & Sweden, Denmark packs significant variety into its three geographic regions: castles, beaches, forest, romantic islands, vital regional cities, and one of the world’s most livable cities, Copenhagen. --- Home At First Lodging Locations for Independent Scandinavia touring in Denmark: **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Locations** Home At First’s Classic Lodging Locations across Zealand, Eastern Denmark: • **[COPENHAGEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#zealand):** The capital & cultural center of Denmark • **[ROSKILDE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#zealand):** Former Danish royal capital and Viking port **NOTE:** Except where noted, Classic À La Carte Pricing Applies to these Classic Lodging Locations in Denmark. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring: ReQUEST Locations** Special Request Lodging Locations Elsewhere in Denmark: • **[FUNEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#funen):** this island is Denmark’s central region. **Odense** is Hans Christian Anderson’s home city on Funen. • **[JUTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#jutland):** Denmark’s large western peninsula. **Aarhus,** on the coast of east-central Jutland, is Denmark’s lively 2nd city, **Aalborg** is a colorful inland city close to the beaches of north Jutland. **NOTE:** Custom-Pricing Applies to all Lodging & Transportation elements of these Special Request Locations in Denmark. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Locations** EASTERN DENMARK **— ZEALAND — Copenhagen & Roskilde** Denmark’s capital city in all senses, **Copenhagen** is at once lively, lovely, laid-back, and luxurious. With one of the world’s highest standards of living, one in three Danes lives in greater Copenhagen. Its wealth and commitment to social planning place Copenhagen among the world’s most livable and environmentally responsible urban areas. ![Copenhagen: Pierrot at Tivoli. Denmark Tourism Photo by Cees van Roeden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Zealand-Copenhagen-Tivoli-Pierrot-500x508-72dpi-Denmark-Tourism-Photo-by-Cees-van-Roeden.jpg) PIERROT THE CLOWN is a fixture at the pantomime theater in COPENHAGEN’S BELOVED TIVOLI GARDENS AMUSEMENT PARK. Although Copenhagen boasts a modern rail, bus, and metro network, one-third of Copenhagen’s workers commute by bicycle. Free bikes and dedicated cycleways invite visitors to explore Copenhagen on two wheels. ![Copenhagen: Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace. Photo credit Wonderful Copenhagen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Denmark-Copenhagen-Amalienborg-Palace-Changing-of-the-Guard-820x600-72dpi-Photo-56-credit-Wonderful-Copenhagen.jpg) Changing of the guard at amalienborg palace, copenhagen. There is much to see in this royal city packed with parks and palaces, pedestrian zones, playgrounds, and posh, world-class restaurants featuring traditional Danish and New Nordic cuisine. ![Copenhagen: passenger boat on Nyhavn. Denmark Tourism Photo by Jørgen Schytte.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Zealand-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-daytime-dramatic-lighting-876x648-72dpi-Denmark-Tourism-Photo-by-Jorgen-Schytte.jpg) COPENHAGEN’S COLORFUL NYHAVN IS LINED WITH SHOPS & CAFES. HOME AT FIRST’S LODGINGS ARE NEARBY. **Home** **At** **First** Copenhagen visitors receive **the Copenhagen Card**, good for public transport throughout the city (and by metro from/to the airport), and valid for entries to scores of Copenhagen attractions. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors staying 3 nights or longer receive the Copenhagen Card valid for city buses, metro (including the Copenhagen Airport line), trams, certain harbor buses (water taxis), and on certain commuter train lines (including the Roskilde line), as well as free or reduced entries for many attractions. We do not recommend car rental for visitors to Copenhagen. ![Roskilde Hotel. Photo courtesy Roskilde Hotel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Denmark-Roskilde-Hotel-600x400-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Roskilde-Hotel.jpg) HOME AT FIRST’S ROSKILDE HOTEL **Home At First** offers hotel lodgings in central Copenhagen, a short walk from many principal attractions as well as to a main metro hub station. For those wishing longer stays (5 or more days), we can arrange for apartments near the city center. ![Roskilde Cathedral. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Zealand-Roskilde-Cathedral-415x523-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) ROSKILDE CATHEDRAL haS been THE SITE OF TOMBS OF DANISH ROYALTY for 600 years. **Home At First** also offers hotel lodgings in the historic and attractive town of **Roskilde** — former **royal capital of Denmark and Viking center** — a 25-minute train commute from downtown Copenhagen. ![Roskilde: Den Gamle Bagergaard - The Old Bakery. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Denmark-Roskilde-Den-gamle-Bagergaard-bake-shop-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) ROSKILDE’S OLD TOWN CENTER PEDESTRIAN ZONE FEATURES CHARMING SHOPS. HOME AT FIRST’S ROSKILDE INN IS IN THIS DISTRICT. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Roskilde is an excellent choice for visitors wishing to travel by rental car who do not wish to stay in an urban setting. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST Location** CENTRAL DENMARK **— FUNEN — Odense** Denmark’s third largest island, **Funen,** is the nation’s traditional agricultural heartland, crisscrossed with biking and walking paths and edged with dozens of small islands that attract visitors looking for a quiet beach holiday. ![Funen: Odense street scene. Denmark Tourism Photo by Roland Jung.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Funen-Odense-street-scene-500x332-72dpi-Denmark-Tourism-Photo-by-Roland-Jung.jpg) ODENSE **Home At First** offers hotel lodgings in central **Odense,** its colorful old town core still paved with cobblestones, a short walk from many principal attractions and near public transportation. By request, **Home** **At** **First** will arrange for lodgings in rural central Funen or on the outlying seashore islands. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Odense may be visited by public transportation, but car rental is necessary for visitors staying in rural or seashore Funen. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST LocationS** NORTHWEST DENMARK **— JUTLAND — Aalborg & Aarhus** Denmark’s **Jutland** peninsula is the part of Denmark that is not an island: the northern finger of mainland Europe. Jutland’s long coast is line with white-sand beaches, and sustained by artists’ communities and colorful fishing ports. Interior Jutland is widely forested, with winding roads ideal for car touring and cycling, Jutland is also home to Denmark’s second & fourth largest cities: Aarhus & Aalborg. ![Jutland: Car touring through the region. Denmark Tourism Photo by Jorgen Schytte.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Jutland-Car-touring-through-the-region-500x358-72dpi-Denmark-Tourism-Photo-by-Jorgen-Schytte.jpg) CAR TOURING THROUGH JUTLAND. **Aarhus** — Denmark’s second largest city — may be Scandinavia’s oldest city with memories reaching to Viking times, Its city center has several pedestrians-only streets lined with shops and restaurants. With a central railway station, Aarhus can be visited without a rental car. ![Jutland: 2 women at a café. Denmark Tourism Photo by Michael Damsgaard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Jutland-2-women-at-a-cafe-500x523-Denmark-Tourism-Photo-by-Michael-Damsgaard.jpg) CAFÉ SOCIETY IS ALIVE IN JUTLAND CITIES & TOWNS. **Aalborg** — Denmark’s fourth largest city — is inland, but within striking distance of beaches and fishing ports around the northern tip of Jutland. Its walkable, colorful city center is well-served by public transport. With a central railway station, Aarhus can be visited without a rental car. **Home At First** offers hotel lodgings in Aarhus and Aalborg, a short walk from many principal attractions and near public transport. Guests with cars can tour Jutland from their hotel bases. ### Independent Scandinavia touring OF: SWEDEN ![Sweden: Royal Guard in Stockholm. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sweden-Royal-Guard-in-Stockholm-130910-6793-950X1425-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) GUARD AT THE ROYAL PALACE, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN Independent Scandinavia touring: ## sweden With twice the population of either Denmark or Norway, Sweden has a correspondingly complex society and economy. Most Swedes live in 3 urban areas: Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Away from its southern cities Sweden is sparsely populated over a diversely beautiful land area larger than Germany. **Home** **At** **First’s** Sweden travel program focuses on the country’s south, a beautiful region that is also the cultural center of Sweden. --- Home At First Lodging Locations for Independent Scandinavia touring in Sweden: **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **5 CLASSIC Locations** Home At First’s Classic Lodging Locations across scenic southern Sweden: • **[STOCKHOLM](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stockholm):** The Capital & its Baltic Archipelago • **[UPPSALA](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stockholm):** Ancient Scholastic & Ecclesiastical Center • **[SWEDEN’S GREAT LAKES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lakes):** mid-way between the coasts • [**THE WEST COAST**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#bohuslan): Bohuslän & its Skerries • [**GOTHENBURG**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#gothenburg): Central City of Scandinavia **NOTE:** Except where noted, Classic À La Carte Pricing Applies to these Classic Lodging Locations in Sweden. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring: 4 ReQUEST Locations** Special Request Lodging Locations Elsewhere in Sweden: • **[GOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#gotland):** Great Baltic Island • **[SKÅNE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#skane):** Sweden’s far south • **[DALARNA](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#dalarna):** Sweden’s heartland • **[NORRBOTTEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norrbotten):** North Sweden — Lappland & the Arctic **NOTE:** Custom-Pricing Applies to all Lodging & Transportation elements of these Special Request Locations in Swede.: --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Locations** EASTERN SWEDEN **Stockholm & Uppsala** **Stockholm** is Sweden’s capital and its largest city, with 25% of Swedes living within its metro area. Because of it is built across 14 islands — each with a different character — Stockholm seems more a collection of small, walkable communities than a congested modern city. ![Stockholm: medieval Riddarholmen, the "Knights' Island". Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Stockholm-Riddarholmen-130910-6768-1200x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) MEDIEVAL RIDDARHOLMEN ISLAND IS PART OF STOCKHOLM’S GAMLA STAN OLD CITY. Some islands are mostly residential. Others are commercial centers, governmental centers, parkland and recreation areas, and home to Swedish royalty. This last is also home to the **Gamla** **Stan** historic old city, easily Stockholm’s most popular visitor destination. When not exploring on foot, **Home** **At** **First** visitors find Stockholm easy to get around by public transport: metro, tram, bus, and ferry using the included **Stockholm** **Pass,** which also provides free entry to many top city attractions, including the top-rated **Vasa Ship Museum**. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors staying 3 nights or longer receive the Stockholm Pass valid for city buses, metro, trams, and certain ferries, as well as free or reduced entries for many attractions. We do not recommend car rental for visitors to Stockholm. ![Stockholm: the romantic alleyways of Gamla Stan. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Stockholm-Gamla-Stan-The-Kiss-tall-513x775-72dpi-.jpg) THE ROMANTIC ALLEYS OF STOCKHOLM’S OLD CITY, GAMLA STAN **Home** **At** **First** offers lodgings in small Swedish hotels in at least 3 areas of Stockholm, including one along a pedestrian street in the heart of Gamla Stan. By special request, we can arrange for lodging on one of the many islets in **Stockholm’s** **Baltic Archipelago** as part of a visit to the Stockholm region. ![Uppsala Cathedral. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Uppsala-Cathedral-tall-580x874-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) 13TH CENTURY UPPSALA CATHEDRAL, SWEDEN’S MOST IMPORTANT CHURCH. **Home At First** also offers hotel lodgings in the center of the historic small city of **Uppsala**, home of the oldest university in Scandinavia and the Church of Sweden. Uppsala is connected by frequent rail service to Stockholm — a 40-minute commute — as well as to Stockholm’s main **Arlanda** **Airport** (16min journey time). Uppsala is a very walkable city with a rich history extending from Viking times. Its **13th century cathedral** is Sweden’s most important church. Its large **16th century royal castle** houses several museums. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Uppsala is an excellent choice for visitors wishing to travel by car who do not wish to stay in urban Stockholm, but still want access to Stockholm by high-speed rail. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Location** SOUTH-CENTRAL SWEDEN **Sweden’s Great Lakes** South-central Sweden is midway between Stockholm on Sweden’s east coast and Gothenburg & Bohuslän on Sweden’s west coast. The region has great forests, interesting towns & cities, fine medieval castles, as well as notable agriculture & manufacturing, especially quality glassmaking. But the world-class attractions of the region are its two great lakes, **Vättern** & **Vänern,** inland seas ranking among the largest in Europe. ![Läckö Castle on Lake Vänern. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Swedens-Great-Lakes-Laeckoe-Castle-on-Lake-Vaenern-with-thistles-and-grass-wide-740x579-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) BAROQUE 16TH CENTURY LÄCKÖ CASTLE, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF LAKE VÄNERN **Home** **At** **First** offers lodgings in small, classically Swedish hotels by Lake Vättern, in/near the historic small lakeside town of **Gränna,** an ideal stop en route by car midway between Stockholm/Uppsala and Gothenburg, Bohuslän, or Copenhagen. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Sweden’s Lakeland will need a car rental. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Location** SWEDEN’S WEST COAST **Bohuslän** Sweden’s west coast extends about 250 miles from gritty **Malmö** across the **Øresund** strait from **Copenhagen** north along the **Kattegat** & **Skagerrak** seas to the Norwegian border not far south of **Oslo.** The region of **Bohuslän** covers the northern half of Sweden’s west coast from **Gothenburg** to the border with **Norway.** Bohuslän has a convoluted coastline and a rolling, agricultural interior, but it is the region’s inlets, islets, and skerries that give it a unique character. ![Bohuslän: Grebbestad harbor boardwalk. Northern Bohuslän makes a delightful stopping point when driving the West Coast from Gothenburg to Oslo. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Bohuslan-Grebbestad-harbor-boardwalk-1-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x199.jpg "Bohuslän: Grebbestad harbor boardwalk. Northern Bohuslän makes a delightful stopping point when driving the West Coast from Gothenburg to Oslo. Photo © Home At First.") BOHUSLÄN: GREBBESTAD HARBOR ATTRACTS BOATERS & LAND VISITORS TO ITS WATERSIDE SHOPS & CAFéS. Coastal Bohuslän is a playground for Swedes, peppered with isolated private cabins, family camps, peaceful hamlets sheltered by coves, and busy colorful villages and towns that harbor fleets of private sailboats and one-time sea shanties turned into delightful café restaurants and boutique shops. ![West Coast: Lighthouse on Ursholmen outer island. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Swedens-West-Coast-Lighthouse-on-Ursholmen-outer-island-vert-1582x869-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) BOHUSLÄN: LIGHTHOUSE ON URSHOLMEN OUTER ISLAND. Bohuslän is ideal for exploration by car. There are prehistoric sites to visit, and fortresses from iron age forts to medieval castles to 20th century citadels. Ferries carry visitors to outer islands crowned with lighthouses, and across the Skagerrak at the mouth of the **Oslo Fjord** to Norway. **Home** **At** **First** offers Bohuslän lodgings in small, classically Swedish hotels, close by the historic small coastal town of **Grebbestad,** an ideal stop en route by car midway between Oslo and Gothenburg, as well as a drive of 3½ hrs drive from Gränna in Sweden’s Great Lakes region. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Sweden’s West Coast (Bohuslän) will need a car rental. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Location** CENTER OF SCANDINAVIA **Gothenburg** Mid-way between Oslo and Copenhagen along Sweden’s west coast south of the skerries of Bohuslän is Sweden’s second city, the major port of **Gothenburg.** Fully 10% of Sweden’s populace lives in and around Gothenburg. Shipping and manufacturing — Volvo and other major Swedish firms — have made the relatively young (since 1621) city into the economic powerhouse in the center of Scandinavia. ![Gothenburg: Tall Ship and Goeteborgsutkiken. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Gothenburg-Tall-Ship-and-Goeteborgsutkiken-tall-1-579x855-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) GOTHENBURG HARBOR: TALL SHIP BY THE CITY’S LANDMARK “LIPSTICK” SKYSCRAPER. Visitors find that Gothenburg has the most vibrant culinary scene in Sweden, several noteworthy museums, and a famed in-town amusement park, **Liseberg.** Getting around Gothenburg by tram and canal boat — the city was built by Dutch engineers — means a car is not necessary here. ![Gothenburg: Home At First Inn. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Gothenburg-Inn-600x507-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) HOME AT FIRST’S GOTHENBURG INN. **Home** **At** **First** offers lodgings in boutique Swedish inn not far from Liseberg, where guests may leave their cars and explore the city by public transport. Gothenburg’s international airport **(Landvetter)** is just 25min from the inn, making it convenient for connecting with more distant parts of Scandinavia and beyond. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Gothenburg will not need a car rental. Guests staying 3 nights or longer receive a transit pass valid for city buses, trams, and certain boats. --- Independent Scandinavia touring: SPECIAL REQUEST DESTINATIONS IN SWEDEN **Home** **At** **First** can arrange lodging (usually hotels or historic inns) and appropriate transportation for any of four custom-priced, special-request Swedish regions. These special-request Sweden destinations can be visited independently or in combination with any other Scandinavian regions: • **Gotland: Great Baltic Island** • **Skåne: Sweden’s Far South** • **Dalarna: Middle Sweden • **Norrbotten: Lappland & the Arctic** --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST Location** **Gotland** SWEDEN’S GREAT BALTIC ISLAND Of Sweden’s thousands of islands **Gotland** is by far the largest, about 60mi long and 40mi wide. And unlike most Swedish islands Gotland is far — about 60mi — from the Swedish mainland. With permanent population nearing 60,000, Sunny Gotland becomes much more populated in summer months (especially August) when thousands of vacationers arrive from the mainland. ![Gotland: strolling through Visby. Photo credit: Tina Axelsson/imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Gotland-strolling-in-Visby-536x547-72dpi-Photo-credit-Tina-Axelsson-imagebank.sweden.se-7441-7.jpg) STROLLING THROUGH VISBY, PRINCIPAL TOWN OF GOTLAND. VISBY IS A DESIGNATED WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND ONE OF SCANDINAVIA’S BEST-PRESERVED MEDIEVAL TOWNS WITH MORE THAN 2 MILES OF LARGELY INTACT TOWN WALLS. Photo: Tina Axelsson/ imagebank.sweden.se Gotland is primarily flat, agriculture, and sparsely populated. Nearly half (25,000) of the island’s residents live in the main town, **Visby**. Visitors like Gotland’s laid-back lifestyle, its fresh foods, its beaches, its easy cycling, and its Viking and medieval history, elements that combine to make the island a Swedish idyll. Visitors can travel to Visby, Gotland, by ferry — with or without their rental car — from Nynäshamn south of Stockholm. Journey time is 3hrs. Visitors can also fly from Stockholm (50min), Gothenburg (1hr), or Malmö (1hr) to Visby. Car rentals (if desired) are available at the airport and ferry docks. Lodgings in Gotland can be B&Bs, hotels, inns, cottages, or apartments and are available in Visby and in locations throughout Gotland. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Gotland will find rental cars necessary for efficient exploration of the island. Visitors staying in Visby do not require car rental. Locally available bike rentals are popular additions for visitors to Gotland. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST Location** **Skåne** SWEDEN’S FAR SOUTH **Skåne** is Sweden’s southernmost region. Unlike most of Sweden Skåne is agricultural and known for its organic farms, fresh food, produce, and regional food specialties. Skåne also is home to Sweden’s third largest city, **Malmø,** (pop. 316,000) situated on the southwest corner of the country across the **Øresund** **Strait** (and connected by the international, rail & roadway **Øresund** **Bridge/Tunnel** to **Copenhagen** **Airport** and **Copenhagen,** **Denmark.** ![Skåne: the Øresund Bridge from Malmo to Copenhagen. Photo © Viggo Lundberg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Skane-the-Oresund-Bridge-looking-from-Malmo-to-Copenhagen-1048x600-Photo-copyright-Viggo-Lundberg.jpg) THE ØRESUND BRIDGE CONNECTS MALMØ, SWEDEN, WITH COPENHAGEN, dENMARK. Photo © Viggo Lundberg The city of **Lund** (pop. 92,000), northeast of Malmø, is home to one of Scandinavia’s great cathedrals. Romanesque **Lund** **Cathedral** is nearly 1,000 years old. Lund’s **Kulturen** open-air museum presents a living history of southern Sweden from the Middle Ages to the 20th century on a 2-block site in the city center. ![Skåne: Cattle farming. Photo 6113 Credit: Per Pixel Petersson/imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Skane-Cattle-farmland-900x600-72dpi-Photo-6113-Credit-Per-Pixel-Petersson-imagebank.sweden.se_.jpg) SKåNE IS SWEDEN’S LARGEST AGRICULTURAL REGION. Photo: Pixel Petersson/ imagebank.sweden.se Visitors can travel to Skåne by rental car, train, and flights — most commonly to Copenhagen or Malmø airports, Lodgings in Skåne can be hotels or inns in locations across the region. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Skåne will find rental cars necessary for efficient exploration of the region. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST Location** **Dalarna** SWEDEN’S CENTRAL HEARTLAND **Dalarna** is a sizeable interior county northwest of Uppsala. A land of lakes, forests, and scattered villages & towns, Dalarna is the size of Belgium but with a population density of just 25 persons per square mile. ![Dalarna: Celebrating Midsummer in traditional costumes. Photo 5838 Per Bifrost - imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Dalarna-Celebrating-Midsummer-in-trad-costumes-900x600-Photo-5838-Per-Bifrost-imagebank.sweden.se_.jpg) CELEBRATING MIDSUMMER IN DALARNA Photo: Per Bifrost/ imagebank.sweden.se Dalarna — “the valleys” — is often thought as **Sweden’s** **historic** **cultural** **heartland.** Swedes — and foreigners with Swedish roots — enjoy returning to Dalarna to connect with their heritage in a largely natural landscape. Dalarna is especially popular in June at **Midsummer** when traditional festivities are celebrated in historic costume. ![Dalarna - Dalahäst souvenir wooden horse. Photo Credit: Cecilia Larsson Lantz/Imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Dalarna-Dalahaest-horse-400x400-72dpi-Photo1073-Credit-Cecilia-Larsson-Lantz-Imagebank.sweden.se_.jpg) wooden DALARNA HORSE — swedish symbol MADE IN NUSNÄS ON LAKE SILJAN IN THE CENTER OF DALARNA Photo: Cecilia Larsson Lantz/ Imagebank.sweden.se Lodgings in Dalarna can be hotels or inns in locations across the region. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Dalarna will find rental cars necessary for efficient exploration of the region. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST Location** **Norrbotten** SWEDEN’S FAR NORTH: LAPPLAND & THE ARCTIC Sweden’s northernmost 25% is **Norrbotten** **county** — larger than Ireland — a lightly populated land of great variety. Most of Norrbotten is above the Arctic Circle. Much of its population lives below the Arctic Circle. But, above the line **Arctic** **Sweden** is a land apart, full of waiting adventures. ![SAMI CULTURE IN SWEDISH LAPPLAND. Photo Lola Akinmade Åkerström/ imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Norrbotten-Sami-Culture-500x529-72dpi-Photo-2075-Credit-Lola-Akinmade-Akerstrom-lola_akinmade_akerstrom-imagebank.sweden.se_-284x300.jpg) SAMI CULTURE IN LAPPLAND Photo Lola Akinmade Åkerström/ imagebank.sweden.se Much of Arctic Sweden is **Lappland,** home to migrating Sami people whose traditional lives revolve around their domesticated reindeer herds. Visitors can experience **Sami** **culture** close up at the annual **Jokkmokk** **market** and elsewhere. ![Norrbotten: Dog sledding near Jokkmokk. Photo 1593 credit Staffan Widstrand/imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Norrbotten-Dog-sledding-near-Jokkmokk-900x600-72dpi-Photo-1593-credit-Staffan-Widstrand1-imagebank.sweden.se_.jpg) DOG-SLEDDING AT JOKKMOKK Photo Staffan Widstrand/ imagebank.sweden.se Numerous adventure operators offer arctic experiences, including **dog-sledding,** **reindeer** **sledding,** hiking, skiing, fishing, and snowshoeing. ![Norrbotten: Jukkasjärvi — Northern Lights above the Ice Hotel. Photo 5624 Credit Asif Kliger/Icehotel/imagebank.sweden.se](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Norrbotten-Jukkasjaervi-Northern-Lights-above-the-Ice-Hotel-400x600-Photo-5624-Credit-Asif-Kliger-Icehotel-imagebank.sweden.se-.jpg) THE NORTHERN LIGHTS DANCE ABOVE THE ICE HOTEL IN ARCTIC SWEDEN Photo Asaf Kliger/Icehotel/ imagebank.sweden.se For those looking to experience the **Northern** **Lights** have an excellent chance to realize their dream in Artic Sweden. Probably no experience in Arctic Sweden is better known that staying at the **Ice** **Hotel** at **Jukkasjärvi** near **Kiruna,** now available year-round. ![Norrbotten: Reindeer on tundra. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sweden-Norrbotten-Reindeer-on-tundra-210501-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) WILD REINDEER ON THE TUNDRA NORTH OF KIRUNA Visitors can travel to Norrbotten by rental car, train, and flights — most commonly to **Kiruna** or **Luleå** **airports.** Besides the Ice Hotel, lodgings in Norrbotten can be in the tree-tops or in other unusual hotels or inns in locations across the region. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Norrbotten County not traveling with an organized tour will find rental cars necessary for efficient exploration of the region. ### Independent Scandinavia touring OF: NORWAY ![Norway - Blonde sisters on Hardanger Fjord Car Ferry. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Norway-Blonde-sisters-on-Hardanger-Fjord-Car-Ferry-050804-336-R1-020-8A_2-950x1425-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) CAR FERRY CROSSING THE HARDANGER FJORD, NORWAY Independent Scandinavia touring: ## NORWAY Not long ago Norway was Scandinavia’s poor relation: too far north, too mountainous, too snowy, with a western coastline too rugged, wet, foggy, and treacherous to handle major shipping or attract tourism. Then, in the 1960s major North Sea oil fields were discovered just offshore, and everything changed. Now Norway is Scandinavia’s biggest attraction: its cities centers of culture & gastronomy; its art & literature world class; its west coast fjords & mountains World Heritage Sites; its traditional foods, once subsistence sustenance, now relished as gourmet. ![Lillehammer: Girl knitting at Maihaugen Open-Air Museum. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Norway-Lillehammer-Girl-knitting-at-Maihaugen-Open-Air-Museum-210616-0098-490x700-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-210x300.jpg) TRADITIONAL NORWAY IS RE-ENACTED DAILY AT MAIHAUGEN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, LILLEHAMMER But traditional Norway runs deep. Scratch Norway’s surface and you will find the old Norway at fingernail depth, if you know where to look. **Home At First’s** program lets you experience modern Norway and find traditional Norway. And, with options for travel by rail, car, boat, and air, you get to discover the geographic wonders of Norway on your terms and at your preferred touring pace. --- Home At First Lodging Locations for Independent Scandinavia touring in Norway: **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **8 CLASSIC Locations:** Home At First Classic Lodging Locations across scenic southern Norway: • [**OSLO & ITS REGION**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#oslo) • [**HARDANGER PLATEAU**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [**HARDANGER FJORD**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [**SOGNE FJORD**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [**SANDANE & NORDFJORD**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#fjordland) • [**BERGEN & ITS REGION**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#bergen) • [**STAVANGER & LYSEFJORD**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#stavanger) • [**KRISTIANSAND & THE FAR SOUTH**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#kristiansand) **NOTE:** Except where noted, Classic À La Carte Pricing Applies to these Classic Lodging Locations in Norway. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring: 5 ReQUEST Locations:** Special Request Lodging Locations Elsewhere in Norway: • [**LILLEHAMMER & L. MJØSA**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lillehammer) • [**ÅLESUND & GEIRANGER FJORD**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#alesund) • [**TRONDHEIM**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#trondheim) • [**LOFOTEN ISLANDS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#lofoten) • [**TROMSØ & THE ARCTIC**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#tromso) **NOTE:** Custom-Pricing Applies to all Lodging & Transportation elements of these Special Request Locations in Norway. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Location** SOUTHEASTERN NORWAY **Oslo & its Region** **Oslo** — the Norwegian capital founded by Viking kings 1,000 years ago, and modern home to one-third of Norway’s population — is still home to Norway’s royal family, as well as to the Nobel Peace Prize, Exploring friendly, walkable Oslo leads to a park in the center of the main boulevard by **Parliament**, another crowned with the **Royal Palace**, another displaying world-class art, and still another built around a world-class ski jump. ![Norway: Dragon Boat at Viking Museum Oslo. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Norway-Viking-Dragon-Boat-head-on-Viking-Museum-Oslo-260616-0371-950x1425-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) DRAGON BOAT, VIKING SHIP MUSEUM, OSLO, NORWAY Many of Oslo’s top attractions are spread around the city’s extensive harbor area at the top of the **Oslo Fjord**. Pedestrians move freely around the harbor, stopping to climb the roof at Oslo’s modern **Opera House**, to inspect the armaments at **Akershus Fortress**, for a selfie in front of the iconic **City Hall**, or to visit museums by the City Hall (art & Peace Prize) or cross-harbor in neighboring **Bygdøy** (Viking ship, Kon Tiki, polar exploration, & Norwegian history). ![Oslo: Edvard Munch Museum painting: Madonna. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Oslo-Munch-Museum-painting-150617-0446-700x940-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) ‘MADONNA’ AT THE EDVARD MUNCH MUSEUM, OSLO — CURRENTLY REACHABLE BY METRO BUT SOON RELOCATING TO GRAND NEW QUARTERS ON OSLO’S HARBOR. Not all Oslo attractions are easily reached on foot. Fortunately, Oslo has a fine public transit system, with metro, trams, ferries, buses, and trains. The **Oslo Pass** — supplied to visitors staying at least 3 days in Oslo — is valid for most public transport and entry fees to museums and other attractions. **Home** **At** **First** offers lodgings in fine hotels in at least 3 areas of Oslo, including one in an elegant neighborhood a short walk to the palace and the magnificent **Vigeland sculptures** in **Frogner Park**. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors staying 3 nights or longer receive the Oslo Pass valid for city buses, metro, trams, certain ferries, and on the Oslo Airport train, as well as free or reduced entries for many attractions. We do not recommend car rental for visitors to Oslo. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Location** SOUTHWESTERN NORWAY **Bergen & its Region** **Bergen** — Norway’s second city offers the best of Norway’s west coast and perhaps of all of Norway in one location — a friendly, walkable city center with history, scenery, culture, food, & art, Its historic **Bryggen** **harbor** is a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** and photogenic center attracting shoppers, diners, and people watchers. ![Bergen: Bryggen Harbor busy with boats. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bergen-Bryggen-Harbor-busy-with-boats-050804-336-R1-062-29A-1200x755-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1024x644.jpg) BERGEN’S BRYGGEN HARBOR: ALWAYS BUSY ON LAND & ON THE WATER Bergen is a prime start or end point for visiting several magnificent fjords by boat, car, or train. Visitors can begin or end their visits to Norway at Bergen’s international airport. **NOTE:** Arriving or departing Bergen using international or domestic flights, and/or using the passenger ferry services connecting Bergen with Stavanger, Ålesund, Trondheim or other Norwegian and international ports are extra cost transport options. **Home** **At** **First** offers lodgings in fine hotels in Bergen. All are short walks to the Bryggen harbor, and one is quite close to the city’s train station. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Bergen will find having a rental car impractical to use and expensive to park. We advise guests to drop off or pick-up rental cars upon arriving or departing Bergen by car. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC LocationS** SOUTH-CENTRAL NORWAY **Mountains & Fjords** **Hardanger, Sogne, Nord** — between Oslo and Bergen is a landscape so monumental portions have been awarded **World** **Heritage** **status.** Rising steadily — and at times precipitously — the mountainous landscape climbs 1¼ miles to glaciated peaks. This is the backbone of Norway: rugged, sparsely populated, and starkly beautiful. ![Hardangervidda National Park: bridge over troubled waters. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hardangervidda-National-Park-bridge-over-troubled-waters-050804-336-R1-042-19A-540x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) HARDANGERVIDDA NATIONAL PARK: HIKING, SKIING, REINDEER, & MOOSE. Europe’s largest alpine plateau, the **Hardangervidda,** covers 2,500 square miles of this region at an average altitude of 3,600′, and is incorporated as Norway’s largest national park, with few human habitations but plentiful moose and large herds of reindeer. With excellent hiking, climbing, and cross-country skiing, the Hardanger Plateau is a favorite playground for Norwegians. ![Hardanger Fjord: The Troll's Tongue. Photo © Scott Sporleder/Matador Network/www.fjordnorway.com](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Hardanger-Fjord-Trolltunga-FN371BHM_1920-512x600-Photo-copyright-Scott-Sporleder-Matador-Network-www.fjordnorway.com_.jpg) THE FRIGHTENING ‘TROLL’S TONGUE’ HIGH ABOVE THE HARDANGER FJORD. Photo © Scott Sporleder/Matador Network/www.fjordnorway.com Along the west coast long, parallel fjords invade the mountainous interior from the North Sea. Norway’s two longest fjords — the **Hardanger** **Fjord** and the **Sogne** **Fjord** — extend more than 100 miles inland from their sea mouths near Bergen. A third — the **Nordfjord** — some miles north of the Sogne Fjord, extends 66 miles inland. ![Hardanger Fjord: car ferry in mid-fjord. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Hardanger-Fjord-Ferry-crossing-150515-4400-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Car ferry crossing the Hardanger Fjord. Ferries are important links connecting main roads in FJORD COUNTRY. These three classic Norwegian fjords offer surprising scenes of ocean-going cruise ships flanked by near vertical mountain walls, colorful villages hugging small inlets, dramatic waterfalls plummeting from the heights to sea level, and car ferries connecting isolated sections of roadway. ![Flåm on the Sogne Fjord: Train arriving by Flåmsbana Railway Museum. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sogne-Flam-Train-arriving-by-Flamsbana-Museum-050804-336-R1-034-15A_3-910x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-777x1024.jpg) AN ARRIVING TRAIN PASSES THE RAILWAY MUSEUM AT FLåM HAVING JUST DESCENDED 3,200′ FROM MYRDAL TO THE SOGNE FJORD. HERE AT FLåM MANY PASSENGERS WILL BOARD FJORD BOATS TO CRUISE THE SOGNE AND PERHAPS CONTINUE TO BERGEN. The Hardangervidda Plateau can be explored by car or train originating in Oslo or Bergen. A car is necessary to explore the Nordfjord and the Hardanger Fjord. However, the Sogne Fjord may be explored by a combination of train & passenger boat, or train, boat, and bus, as well as by car. **Home** **At** **First** can put together the ideal itinerary for your interests using your preferred transportation modes. ![Sogne Fjord: Village with fjord-side hotel and ferry landing. Photo © www.fjordnorway.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sogne-Fjord-Village-w.-hotel-and-ferry-1200x822-fn151chs-Photo-copyright-www.fjordnorway.com_-1024x701.jpg) a home at first destination village on the sogne fjord. visitors arrive by rental car or by ferry from flÅm or bergen. Photo © www.fjordnorway.com **Home** **At** **First** offers lodgings in classic Norwegian inns and hotels in the Hardanger Plateau region and in traditional Norwegian villages on the Hardanger Fjord, Sogne Fjord, and Nordfjord. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors traveling between Oslo and Bergen via the Hardanger Plateau and the Sogne Fjord have the option of travel by rental car or by a combination of rail and boat. Visitors wishing to explore the Hardanger Fjord or Nordfjord regions can only do so by rental car. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC Location** WESTERN SOUTH NORWAY **Stavanger & its Region** **Stavanger** was the primary 19th century emigration point for Norwegian-Americans. Today the city is an ideal touring base for Norway’s southwest coast fjord region. Stavanger has excellent genealogical resources for visitors researching their ancestry. ![Stavanger: Skagen restaurant on the Vågen waterfront. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Stavanger-Skagen-restaurant-110901-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) WATERFRONT RESTAURANT at STAVANGER’S lively VåGEN HARBOR. home at first’S HOTEL LODGINGS ARE CLOSE by. Stavanger’s harbor is a major port serving the North Sea oil fields. The very walkable, attractive waterfront region is home to excellent restaurants, shops, a quaint old town, and a traditional outdoor market, Stavanger is the departure point for cruises up the scenic **Lysefjord** and hiking excursions to the famous **Pulpit** **Rock** fjord overlook. ![Stavanger region: hiking above the Lysefjord. Photo by Mattias Fredricksson © Fjord Norway.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Stavanger-Hiking-above-the-Lysefjord-400x600-72dpi-FredrikssonM_7384_1920-Fjord-Norway-Photo-by-Mattias-Fredricksson.jpg) FROM STAVANGER EXPERIENCE THE LYSEFJORD AT SEA LEVEL BY BOAT OR from up to 3,500′ ABOVE THE FJORD ON FOOT. Fjord Norway / Mattias Fredriksson Visitors can travel to Stavanger by rental car, or by train from Oslo or Kristiansand. **Home** **At** **First** lodgings in Stavanger are in hotels in the city’s central **Vågen** harbor district. **NOTE:** Arriving or departing Stavanger using international or domestic flights, and/or using the passenger ferry service connecting Stavanger with Bergen (5-6 hrs journey time) are extra cost transport options. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors may want to travel to/from Stavanger by rental car, but visitors do not need a car rental in the city. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **CLASSIC LocationS** FAR SOUTHERN NORWAY **Kristiansand & its Region** **Southernmost Norway** is a favored summer vacationland to Norwegians, who love its charming coastal fishing villages and the traditional farms & villages of its rugged interior. **Lillesand,** a traditional fishing town of wooden houses — many from the 17th to 19th centuries — wrapped around a protected harbor. Lillesand offers swimming, strolling, fishing, boating, and fine dining in authentic Norwegian surroundings ideal for a relaxing holiday. ![Southern Norway: Lillesand harbour. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Southern-Norway-Lillesand-harbour-400x600-72dpi-100901-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) LILLESAND HARBOR **Home** **At** **First’s** lodging in Lillesand is a small, traditional inn on the harbor, known for its excellent restaurant. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors staying in Lillesand must have a rental car, which will also prove useful for exploring the coast and interior of the region. ![Lillesand Inn on the harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Southern-Norway-Lillesand-Lillesand-Inn-on-the-harbor-5-600x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) LILLESAND INN ON THE HARBOR Almost at Norway’s southern tip is the small city of **Kristiansand** (pop. 93,000), the region’s historic cultural center with a sizeable old town of wooden houses. Its port maintains regular ferry connections with northern **Jutland, Denmark**, across the Skagerrak straits (3.5 hrs journey time). Kristiansand offers a parade of Norwegian history — from prehistoric through World War II — in a busy, prosperous small city with excellent public swimming facilities, and plentiful shopping and dining opportunities. ![Southern Norway: Kristiansand's city hall square with statue of King Haakon VII. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Southern-Norway-Kristiansand-city-hall-square-w.-statue-of-King-Haakon-VII-800x500-72dpi-100901-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) KRISTIANSAND’S CITY HALL PLAZA WITH A STATUE OF KING HAAKON VII, WHO REIGNED from EXILE in ENGLAND DURING THE NAZI OCCUPATION OF NORWAY. **Home** **At** **First’s** lodgings in Kristiansand are small hotels by the harbor, within short walking distance of the old town and other popular attraction. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors staying in Kristiansand can arrive by train from Oslo or Stavanger, or can travel by a rental car, which will be useful for exploring the historic coast and rugged interior of Southern Norway. **NOTE:** Arriving or departing Kristiansand using international or domestic flights, and/or using the passenger ferry service connecting Hirtshals, Denmark, with Kristiansand (3.5 hrs journey time) are extra cost transport options. --- Independent Scandinavia touring: SPECIAL REQUEST DESTINATIONS IN NORWAY **Home** **At** **First** can arrange lodging (usually hotels or historic inns) and appropriate transportation for any of five custom-priced, special-request Norwegian regions. These special-request Norwegian destinations can be visited independently or in combination with any other Scandinavian regions: • **Lillehammer & Lake Mjøsa** • **Ålesund & Geiranger Fjord** • **Trondheim** • **Lofoten Islands** • **Tromsø & the Arctic** --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST LocationS** **Lillehammer & the Lake Mjøsa Region** INLAND NORWAY NORTH OF OSLO The small city of **Lillehammer** (pop. 28,000) gained international attention as the site of the **1994 Winter** **Olympics.** The attractive city draws athletes to its Olympic ski jump, cross-country tracks, and regional ski slopes. Lillehammer’s Norwegian **Olympic** **Museum** is part of the **Maihaugen** **open** **air** **living** **museum** which puts traditional rural Norway on display. ![Lillesand: Summer jumping at the Olympic Ski Jump. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Lillesand-Summer-jumping-on-Olympic-Ski-Jump-210616-5043-914x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) SUMMER SKI-JUMPING AT LILLESAND’S OLYMPIC HILL. At the northern end of Norway’s largest lake, **Lake Mjøsa**, Lillehammer is some 120 miles north of Oslo — about 2 hours travel by car; 2¼ hours by train. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Lillehammer & Lake Mjøsa will find rental cars necessary for efficient exploration of the region. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST LocationS** **Ålesund & the Geiranger Fjord** COASTAL NORWAY BETWEEN BERGEN & TRONDHEIM The city of **Ålesund** (pop. 67,000) sits on a narrow peninsula jutting into the North Sea, surrounded by a close-knit archipelago. The city is Norway’s largest fishing port as well as a harbor for commercial shipping and North Sea oil. Its island-like setting and its legacy architecture make it one of Norway’s most attractive cities. Its proximity to the **Geiranger** **Fjord** **World** **Heritage** **Site** — accessed by car & passenger ferry — make Ålesund a popular visit stop mid-way between Bergen & Trondheim. ![Ålesund. Photo © Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / www.fjordnorway.com](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Alesund-overview-904x600-72dpi-fn468dhm_1920-Photo-copyright-Terje-Rakke-Nordic-Life-AS-www.fjordnorway.com_.jpg) ÅLESUND’S PENINSULAR SETTING ON THE NORTH SEA Photo © Terje Rakke/Nordic Life AS/www.fjordnorway.com Ålesund is not quite 8 hours from Oslo by train & bus via the scenic **Rauma Railway Line**. Ålesund is 7.5 hrs by car from Bergen and about 5.5 hrs by car from Trondheim (or about 7 hrs via the remarkably scenic **Atlantic Ocean Road**). **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Ålesund & the Geiranger Fjord region — even those arriving by train/bus or boat — will find rental cars necessary for efficient exploration of the region. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST Location** **Trondheim** COASTAL NORWAY BETWEEN ÅLESUND & LOFOTEN ISLANDS **Trondheim** (pop. 205,000) is Norway’s third largest city, and the **historic capital of Viking Norway**. It is located on the broad **Trondheim Fjord** at the mouth of the **Nidelva River**. Despite its northern latitude, Trondheim’s climate is relatively moderate, being dominated by the warmer ocean rather than the colder inland temperatures. Prominent in the city center is Trondheim’s **950-year-old Nidaros Cathedral** is Europe’s northernmost medieval Gothic cathedral. The city has several museums, including an important modern art museum, an open-air museum, a science museum, and a rock/pop music museum. Cafés, shops and boutiques are scattered across the city, which has a lively, youthful feel. ![Trondheim Sunset. Foap Photo © VisitNorway.com](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Trondheim-Sunset-906x600-72dpi-Foap-Photo-copyright-VisitNorway.com_.jpg) SUNSET IN TRONDHEIM Foap Photo © VisitNorway.com Trondheim is a transportation center, with a busy harbor, northern Norway’s largest airport, and railway service from Oslo and to points north. Trondheim is not quite 7-8 hours from Oslo by train or 1-2 hours by air. Trondheim is also at the junction of major road routes: northeast from Ålesund (under 6 hrs); north from Oslo (about 7 hrs); and east from Sundsvall, coastal central Sweden (about 6 hrs). **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Trondheim arriving by train, plane, or boat will find city buses an efficient and inexpensive means of seeing the city. Those stopping at Trondheim with rental cars will find rental cars useful for exploration of the region. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST LocationS** **The Lofoten Islands** ARCTIC COASTAL NORWAY BETWEEN TRONDHEIM & TROMSØ In a country renowned for its scenic spectacle, **the Lofoten Islands** may be unsurpassed. The remote archipelago extends some 200 miles southwest from the Norwegian mainland near **Narvik**. A panoply of precipitous peaks, placid bays, and pristine fishing villages on a string of arctic islands: travel pearls connected by a chain of road bridges, Lofoten invites exploration by car. But Lofoten is not easy to get to, and its accommodations can be spartan, if welcoming. ![Northern lights at the Lofoten Islands. Photo © Johny Goerend / brandnorway.no.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Norway-Northern-lights-at-Lofoten-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Johny-Goerend-brandnorway.no_.jpg) THE AURORA BOREALIS DANCES OVER THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS OF NORTHERN NORWAY. Photo © Johny Goerend / brandnorway.no Driving to Lofoten from southern Norway is far and time-consuming (about 20 hrs drive time) and only recommended for those looking for a challenging road trip of marathon proportions. While it is possible to take the train from Sweden to Narvik and continue onto Lofoten by rental car, the train journey requires a full day. We recommend flying to Lofoten from southern Norway. The few non-stop flights take about 2.5 hrs from Oslo. At the arrival airport you will need to pick-up a rental car to continue the journey to your lodgings: another 1-5 hours. Is a visit to the Lofoten Islands worth the trouble and expense? There’s a reason spectacular images of Lofoten appear so frequently on travel calendars. If you decide to go, remember that the success of your adventure will be more than a little dependent on the weather you encounter on this arctic archipelago in the Norwegian Sea well north of Iceland. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors coming to the Lofoten Islands by train, plane, or boat will need rental cars for exploration of the region. --- **Independent Scandinavia touring:** **SPECIAL REQUEST LocationS** **Tromsø & the Arctic** ARCTIC NORWAY NEAR THE TOP OF MAINLAND EUROPE **Tromsø** (pop. 65,000) is Norway’s largest far-northern city, and 3rd most populous arctic city in the world. Built on two islands and the Norwegian mainland, Tromsø’s deep-water port location is warmed by the Gulf Stream. Like much of coastal Norway, Tromsø’s climate is relatively mild given its extreme northern latitude. Being well above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø experiences **midnight sun** for fully two months (mid-May through mid-July) each year, **and “polar night”** from late-November through mid-January, a time when the **Northern Lights** are often visible above the city. ![Tromsø's Arctic Cathedral. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Norway-Tromso-Arctic-Cathedral-200501-600x900-72dpi.jpg) TROMSø’S LANDMARK ARCTIC CATHEDRAL Tromsø was once the frontier of Norway with Sámi territory (Lappland) and Russia, and had been an important German stronghold during World War II. The city has long been a base for arctic expeditions. Today, Tromsø is important as **Norway’s largest fishing port** and as an arctic research center. The city is the regional cultural center for far northern Norway. ![Midnight Sun. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Norway-Midnight-Sun-030600-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) TROMSø EXPERIENCES 2 MONTHS OF MIDNIGHT SUN Driving to Tromsø from Lofoten is possible in about 7 hours, and a little over 3 hours from Narvik. Flying from Lofoten (Leknes) takes 50min, but there are few flights. Flight time is about 2hrs from Oslo or from Bergen, Driving to the famous **Ice Hotel near Kiruna, Sweden**, (Swedish Lappland) takes under 6hrs. All of these journey times assume decent weather conditions. Travelers are advised that travel in the far north of Scandinavia can be adversely affected by extreme weather conditions and the vast wilderness. We recommend flying to Tromsø from southern Norway. The few non-stop flights take about 2 hrs from Oslo. At the arrival airport you will need to pick-up a rental car to continue the journey to your lodgings: another 15 minutes. **TRANSPORTATION NOTE:** Visitors to Tromsø arriving by plane or boat will find city buses an efficient and inexpensive means of seeing the city. Those stopping at Tromsø with rental cars will find rental cars useful for exploration of the region. --- #### ## Scandinavia readily combines with many other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Scotland: 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[DETAILS HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Paris). ###### **** ## **— [PARIS PRICES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/paris-pricing/#Prices) —** ###### ## Paris ##### **une romance monumentale…** ###### ###### #### The Eiffel Tower among a forest of chimney pots crowding Left Bank rooftops. #### The above photo was taken from the rooftop terrace of a **Home At First** Left Bank Paris apartment. ### **HOME AT FIRST Paris** — **A Monumental Romance** # **Fall in Love with Home At First Paris —** ### Independent Apartment-based Travel **Explore the romantic City of Light via Home At First Paris independent apartment-based travel.** Paris has evolved for 2,300 years or so, expanding outward from the original sheltered village on two islands in the River Seine. Celts, Romans, Franks, French royals, English royals, French revolutionaries, Napoleon Bonaparte, French republicans, Nazis & Vichy French, and post-war modern parliamentarians from the socialist left to the reactionary right have made Paris their place of power. Revolutionary ideas both influenced and challenged Parisian power politics. In its universities, in its streets, Paris’s intellectual elite found the proper conditions for experiments in art, architecture, cuisine, education, fashion, literature, philosophy, politics, science, and theater. Revolutionary forces shaped the medieval city into the romantic Paris we love to explore: a city of monuments, grand boulevards, incomparable art museums, parks, squares, & gardens inviting pauses and picnics, and warrens of alleys lined with boutiques, cafés, and galleries. The River Seine dominates the city’s geography. Its arched course bisects Paris into two distinct halves: the Right Bank and the Left Bank. The halves are fragmented into individual *arrondissements* (districts) comprised of unique neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own character, history, attractions, surprises, and charms. Each invites exploration. Each rewards discovery. Discover Home At First’s Paris independent apartment-based travel. **To discover Paris is to fall in love.** --- ### **In a Nutshell: Home At First’s PARIS Independent Apartment-based Travel** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/paris-pricing/#Prices) Home At First’s Paris independent apartment-based travel includes trans-atlantic flights, Paris apartment, & public transport pass. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. Combinable with Home At First destinations in Europe, Britain & Ireland, and Scandinavia. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Week in PARIS Live like a Parisian in your own central Paris apartment. Explore Paris at your own pace using public transportation: the métro, buses, taxis and on foot. **Lodging Types:** Weekly Apartment Rentals Locations across central Paris on both the Left Bank and Right Bank of the River Seine, in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 18th Districts. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$—$$$$ Paris can be pricey, but can be done on a manageable budget, too. Using your apartment’s well-equipped kitchen can really help save. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/paris-pricing/#Prices) $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **Combinable** with many Home At First Continental, Scandinavian & UK destinations. **Languages Spoken Everywhere:** French! Expect **English** from your lodging host, at the airport, most cabbies, in many cafes & restaurants, in shops, and in railway stations. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 8+ hrs from East Coast 10+ hrs from West Coast Most North American flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Kids love the activities and the food, but may not like a steady diet of museums, galleries, and historical sites. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ French food and wine are reasons enough to travel to Paris, and are keys to understanding French culture. **Surprisingly Walkable** Central Paris is an area 3 miles west to east by 2.75 miles north to south. Most Home At First Paris lodgings are within short walks of several key Paris attractions. **Activities** • Strolling • River cruising • Exploring historic sites • Museums and galleries • Taking French cooking classes • Shopping • Eating! • Day-trips to Disney or Versailles **The Best Times to Go to** **Paris:** April, May, June, September, October, November, and at Christmas. Paris is at its busiest, hottest, and least open for visitors during July & August when many Parisians take vacations. ## **HOW IT WORKS**— ### Home At First’s Paris Independent Apartment-based Travel Program. ## First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your dream of travel to Paris, France. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love our Paris apartments and their central locations!), and how best to get around (via public transport, or by walking). — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to Paris with a visit to another part of France, to London, or to any other **Home At First** destination in Continental Europe, Scandinavia, or the British Isles. — Ask for a Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate. - ![Paris — the Louvre attempts to catalog the traditional and foment the revolutionary in the world of art and architecture.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-The-Louvre-0402120398-2000x974-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859156895-876x584.jpg "Paris - The Louvre")1st District: The Louvre. Tradition & revolution coexist unabashedly in the art museums of Paris. - ![The Tuileries Palace Gardens occupy the public space between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Tuileries-with-Concorde-0104120394-1667x718-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1077x718.jpg "Paris - Garden of the Tuileries with Concorde in the distance.")1st District: Parisians love their parks. This is the Tuileries Gardens with the Concorde obelisk. - ![Love Locks adorn Seine River bridges — romance or vandalism?](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Lock-Passerelle-Léopold-Sédar-Senghor-Bridge-over-the-Seine-2806160596-2000x1291-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859633636-1162x775.jpg "Paris — Love Locks on Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Bridge over the Seine")Between the 1st & 7th Districts: Love Locks on Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Bridge. - ![The cultural and patriotic center of France — Île de la Cité — off the port bow.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Ile-de-la-Cite-from-Pont-des-Arts-2212189864-2000x1351-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859679722-1200x800.jpg "Paris – Approaching Île de la Cité")1st, 4th, & 6th Districts: Looking east from the Pont des Arts upstream toward the Île de la Cité. - ![Paris's Latin Quarter remains a fascinating maze of narrow cobbled alleys connecting at oblique angles.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-5th-District-Latin-Quarter-street-scene-0304120533-2000x1314-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859737438-1182x788.jpg "Paris - Latin Quarter street scene")5th District — the Latin Quarter, named for the scholastic language of medieval Sorbonne students. - ![The heavily-touristed Latin Quarter is over-populated with restaurants. Once popular with tourists and students, Le Bistro 30 — like many Latin Quarter restaurants — has gone out of business.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Le-Bistro-30-in-the-Latin-Quarter-0304120535-2000x1378-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859780191-1200x800.jpg "Paris: Le Bistro 30 in the Latin Quarter")5th District: restaurant/bar/candy store in the Latin Quarter, now defunct. - ![Oh, the cheese!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-Scenes-Fromagerie-2906160548-2000x1389-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859834239-1200x800.jpg "Paris - Fromagerie")6th District: Paris, where fragrant cheese shops wisely also sell wine. - ![Parisian gallery windows mimic works of art.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Art-Gallery-Rue-de-Seine-6th-arr.-2212189929-1500x1445-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859917666-1200x800.jpg "Paris — Left Bank Art Gallery")6th District: One of dozens of art galleries clustered on the Left Bank on/near Rue de Seine. - ![Oh, the bread!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-Scenes-Artisan-Boulanger-2806160546-2000x1214-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859953354-1092x728.jpg "Paris - Artisan Boulanger")6th District: Paris, where bakeries can be art galleries. - ![Traditional Morris column and rows of public Vélib' city bikes help Paris stay green.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Morris-column-at-Place-St-Andre-des-Arts-6th-arr.-2212189940-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613859995680.jpg "Paris – Morris column in the 6th District")6th District: an iconic Morris column decorates the Place Saint-André-des-Arts - ![Souvenirs and minor works of art are sold at stalls lining both banks of the Seine.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-French-postcards-for-sale-along-the-Seine-2212189848-2000x1317-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860028275-1185x790.jpg "Paris – French Postcards for sale")6th District: French postcards for sale along the river bank are more nostalgic than naughty. - ![One of more than 300 stations of the Paris Métro](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Metro-trains-at-Solferino-station-2806160607-2000x1418-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860073940-1200x800.jpg "Paris - Metro trains at Solferino station")7th District: Metro trains at Solferino station. - ![A Métro map can be handy as cell phones don't always work underground.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Crowded-metro-with-map-reading-teenager-0304120504-2000x1299-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860111607-1168x779.jpg "Paris – Finding your way around by Métro")The Paris Métro isn’t especially comfortable, but it is safe, frequent, and goes everywhere you want to go. - ![Passenger boat emerges from the Pont Royal across the River Seine at the Louvre.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-arched-Seine-bridge-to-Louvre-with-passenger-boat-2212189836-2000x1131-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860152107-1018x679.jpg "Paris – Pont Royal: bridge to the Louvre")7th District: The Pont Royal bridges the Seine to the 1st District at the Louvre. - ![The Neoclassical Arc de Triomphe honors France's war dead from the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and World War I.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Arc-de-Triomphe-0104120383-1440x1138-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860195446-1200x800.jpg "Paris – Arc de Triomphe")8th District: The Arc de Triomphe anchors the northwestern end of Avenue des Champs Élysées. - ![High-speed trains connect Paris with all corners of France, throughout western Europe and under the English Channel to London.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Gare-de-Lyon-platform-2806160653-2000x1161-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860235457-1045x697.jpg "Paris — Gare de Lyon")11th District: Gare de Lyon is one of 7 major railway stations in Paris. All have modern high-speed trains. - ![Abbesses Métro stop by Montmartre.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Art-Nouveau-Abbesses-Metro-station-0304120506-2000x1465-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860272529-1200x800.jpg "Paris - Art Nouveau Abbesses Métro Station Entry")18th District: Abbesses Métro station entry — one of the few remaining Art Nouveau Métro stairways. **THE ABOVE SCENES ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF HOME AT FIRST’S PARIS APARTMENTS** ## Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • **We prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimat**e with all the lodgings & transportation you need to discover Home At First’s independent apartment-based travel. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail. • **You review our proposal**; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • **Once accepted**, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • **We begin putting your plans in place**, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, PARIS TRANSPASSES and/or any TRAIN TICKETS required. Most **Home At First** Paris guests arrive by air at Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airports; many others come from London and other parts of Europe by train. • **Payment** in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. ## Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • All travel documents for your trip — including a **guidebook for Paris** — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • You follow our directions for your transfer from your arrival point to your Paris lodging. You will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you the apartment, explain its workings, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now as you begin to explore Paris independently from your apartment. - ![Tradition and Revolution: Napoleon at the Pont d'Arcole by Baron Antoine-Jean Gros. In the Louvre.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-The-Louvre-Genl-Bonaparte-at-Arcole-by-Baron-Gros-0204120425-1030x1500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613860902271-582x874.jpg "Paris – portrait of young General Napoleon by Baron Gros.")1st District: The Louvre - ![The Marais section of Paris is mostly in the 3rd District.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-3rd-Arr.-Grande-Facade-on-Rue-Froissart-2806160610-433x648-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-432x648.jpg "Paris - Grande Facade of Haussmann-style on Rue Froissart")Haussmann Architecture - ![Small, hip boutiques are found throughout the 3rd Arrondisement](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Youth-boutique-with-motorbikes-Marais-2806160643-1401x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613861000431-571x857.jpg "Youth Boutique – 3rd District")The Marais: Youthful Boutique - ![Notre Dame is ranked as the pinnacle of Gothic cathedrals.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Notre-Dame-Cathedral-facade-w.-dove-vert-0204120458-1400x2000-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613861062981-571x857.jpg "Paris – Notre Dame Cathedral facade")4th District: Notre Dame - ![Rue de Seine is known for its art galleries. This small Rue de Seine grocery is a gallery of fruit, veg, and wine.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Rue-de-Seine-greengrocer-and-wine-shop-2212189895-1153x1500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613861145526-600x900.jpg "Paris - Rue de Seine Greengrocer and Wine Shop")Left Bank Local Groceries - ![Housed in a former major Paris railway station, the Musée d'Orsay is one of the world's top 10 art museums.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Musee-dOrsay-facade-2212189823-1100x1500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613861207378-545x818.jpg "Paris: Musée d'Orsay facade")Musée d’Orsay art museum - ![April in Paris marks the start of picnic weather in the city's many spacious parks.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Eiffel-Tower-spring-picnic-0401120370-1428x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613861260634-560x840.jpg "April in Paris — Picnic at the Eiffel Tower")7th District: April in Paris - ![Alight at Night](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Eiffel-Tower-alight-at-night-vert-0204120478-1000x1299-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613861325509-533x800.jpg "Paris – Eiffel Tower alight at night")Eiffel Tower alight at night. - ![De Gaulle — still revered, but his image tarnished as on this statue in Paris](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-de-Gaulle-statue-2806160555-507x826-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-507x760.jpg "Paris - statue of Charles de Gaulle")8th Dist.: statuesque de Gaulle - ![Sacré Cœur is the 2nd most visited Parisian landmark and contemporary with the 1st: the Eiffel Tower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-scenes-Sacre-Coeur-on-Montmartre-0304120523-1330x1848-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613861397599-556x834.jpg "Paris: Basilica of Sacré Coeur on Montmartre")Sacré Cœur, Montmartre **THE ABOVE SCENES ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF** **HOME AT FIRST’S** **PARIS APARTMENTS.** [FREE PROPOSAL & COST ESTIMATE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ###### **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME:** **Home At First continuously monitors the official entry requirements of all our international destinations. If restrictions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed.** --- ### Home At First’s Paris Independent Travel: Locations & Lodgings ![Paris — Notre Dame in winter about 6 months before the devastating fire. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Notre-Dame-in-winter-wide-2212189961-1450x925-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1024x653.jpg) #### Notre Dame Cathedral, viewed from the rooftop terrace of a **Home At First** apartment in the Latin Quarter of Paris. Probably the world’s ultimate example of 12th century Gothic architecture, Notre Dame lords over the Île de la Cité, one of two islands in the River Seine that have been inhabited since pre-history. #### Heroically re-built over the five years following the catastrophic fire of April, 2019, the resplendent cathedral has resumed its importance as the traditional center of France: culturally, historically, even geographically. Visiting Notre Dame requires only a 5-to-30-minute walk or short métro ride from most of **Home At First** Paris apartments. **APARTMENT** **LOCATIONS:** **Home At First’s independent apartment-based travel** offers vacation apartments of various sizes (studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment) and capacities (sleeping & feeding up to 6 persons). Apartments are located throughout central Paris on both sides of the River Seine. Wherever located, our accommodations feature nearby transportation, services, activities, stores, and restaurants, making it easy and convenient to shop and eat locally. **Neighborhoods:** Our Paris apartments are located in safe, prosperous neighborhoods. All are within short walking distance to métro, bus, and, sometimes, RER stations. They make superb bases for exploring Paris. Because of their centrality, each of our apartments is likely near at least one noted Parisian landmark. Your Paris apartment provides a refuge from the noise and bustle of the city. Each provides much more space than a hotel room and a made-to-order kitchen with a table waiting. **Arrondissements:** **Home At First** offers Paris vacation apartments on both the Left Bank and the Right Bank. They are located in many of the 20 *arrondissements* (districts) of central Paris, including (but not limited to) numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, & 18. See our Paris map, below. **GETTING AROUND PARIS:** Driving and parking in Paris can be daunting challenges. We recommend guests use taxis & Über, buses, and the métro (Paris’s subway). As part of their full package, guests receive a Paris transpass valid on the métro, buses, RER trains, and the funicular up Montmartre for the length of their stay. While public transportation makes getting around the city easy, most visitors find Paris very walkable. As temporary Paris residents, **Home At First** guests discover the romance of Paris strolling through its unique, historic neighborhoods. Regardless whether by métro, bus, Über, taxi, or on foot, you will love exploring Paris independently from your quality vacation apartment. --- ### Home At First’s Paris Independent Travel: The Apartments **Minimum lodging time in Paris: 3 nights (but you NEED more time than that to get to know the city!).** ![Home At First Paris apartments range in style from classical Belle Époque to eclectic post-modern.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Apartments-Section-Theme-Image-Belle-Epoque-apartment-salon-2212189775-1275x828-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1024x665.jpg) #### **Home At First** Paris apartments range in size, sleeping anywhere from 1 person to 8 persons. Our apartments vary in location, and are found in interesting, safe, central, convenient neighborhoods across central Paris on both sides of the River Seine. Our apartments range widely in style, from classical Belle Époque, to eclectic post-modern, to artist’s garrets awash in light, to a funky houseboat awash on the Seine. #### Shown above — admittedly our most over-the-top grand apartment — is the lavishly furnished “Belle Époque” apartment in the fashionable 7th *arrondissement*. Representative despite its uniqueness, the “Belle Époque” apartment shares many characteristics with all other **Home At First** Paris apartments: distinctly Parisian, comfortable, well-located, well-maintained, well-equipped, well-hosted, and very welcoming. Turn-of-the-2oth-century Paris style not your cup of French press? We probably have an apartment that suits you *à la perfection*. **Home At First**‘s Paris independent travel offers vacation apartments in locations across central Paris. Each is unique, All must meet our quality standards for Parisian ambiance, ease and security of entry, cleanliness and care, being well-equipped, and caring, English-speaking hosting. **AMBIANCE:** Expect Home At First’s Paris apartments to be homey, comfortable, quality lodgings. Each is unique: some traditionally decorated & furnished; others modern. Some are eclectic. A prized few apartments come with private balconies or furnished terraces for outdoor sitting. Many others feature window views over the rooftops and streets of Paris. **Floors & Entries:** Although reaching some of our apartments requires climbing a flight or two of stairs, most upper-floor apartments (3rd floor and up) are reached by elevator. All are well-located, safe, and very livable. Building and apartment entries are secure. **Care & Cleanliness:** Home At First’s Paris apartments have been thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival, but are not maid-serviced during your stay. They are normally equipped with laundry machines. Apartments are non-smoking and do not permit pets. Basic starter kitchen and bathroom supplies are provided. **Well-Equipped:** As with apartments at any **Home At First** destination, most of Home At First’s Paris apartments have, as a minimum, bedrooms, private bathrooms, living and dining areas/rooms, and well-equipped kitchens. Some multiple-bedroom apartments come with multiple bathrooms, often *en suite* with the bedrooms. Some few studio apartments have open-plan living-dining-sleeping space and/or kitchenettes without ovens. Bed and bath linens and a hair-dryer are provided. Flat-screen cable TV and WiFi are almost universal. Telephones with free calling to North America come with many apartments. **HOSTING:** Importantly, all of Home At First’s Paris apartments come with the welcoming, enthusiastic attention of your hosts, who are committed to making your stay in their accommodation delightful and problem-free. Your English-speaking landlord/host meets you upon your apartment arrival and introduces you to your apartment and its operation. Your landlord/ host is available throughout your stay for any questions, problems, emergencies, and to advise you when you wish to organize activities (e.g. wine tasting, French cooking lessons, guided touring, etc.). You will appreciate knowing support is on-site as you explore Paris independently from your own apartment. --- ### A Selection of Home At First’s Paris Independent Travel Apartments & Locations Shown and described below are five popular **Home At First’s** Paris apartments. They are shown here as samples of different sizes and capacities. While the range of apartments and locations to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment or location. **NOTE — FOR BEST VIEWING:** each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. These slide shows do not advance automatically. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). #### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S paris independent travel PROGRAM ![Map of Central Paris District](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Paris-Map-2019-2226x2475-72dpi-shadowed-with-text-and-titles-Map-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Map of Central Paris Districts") Home At First’s Paris independent apartment-based travel INCLUDES: • **Quality Lodgings:** a choice of apartments in safe, pleasant neighborhoods throughout central Paris convenient to the métro (subway), and near a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and other services. • **English-speaking Hosting:** All apartments come with English-speaking hosts on-site or on-call during your stay for questions, suggestions, problems, or emergencies. **• Central Locations: Home At First**‘s central lodging locations are ideal bases for exploring Paris independently from your own quality vacation apartment. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to Paris from your home airport. Our **[price chart](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/paris-pricing/)** includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to Paris (CDG or ORY). Flights from/to all other airports available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. • **Paris Pass:** valid for 5 days of public transport on the Paris Métro, RER trains, the Montmartre funicular, and Paris buses operating within the principal zones 1-3 that define central Paris. The pass provides discounts or reduced admission to a number of popular sites and activities across greater Paris. **• Guidebook Keyed for Your Destination** to help you make the most out of your visit. Includes suggestions for touring, walking, restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, much more. **• Optional Activities & Guided Tours:** we help you achieve your special goals & dreams: French cooking classes, guided wine tasting, guided cheese tasting, and guided champagne tasting. We can organize private car touring with an English-speaking driver/guide to any of a broad choice of day-trips away from Paris, such as the Normandy beaches, battlegrounds of World War I, the Loire Valley with its chateaux, and many more. These options are available at extra cost. • **Optional Combination with [LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London):** Experience your own Tale of Two Cities. Before or after your 1-week visit to Paris, add a week in an apartment in Home At First’s London. Conveniently, both cities are connected in about 2.5 hours by Eurostar train via the Channel Tunnel. [PARIS PRICING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/paris-pricing/#Prices) --- **Home At First’s Paris — location & SAMPLE APARTMENT** #### left bank — latin quarter - ![This apartment has everything: location, view, terrace, and an eclectic Parisian style.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Eclectic-2312189957-1320x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613862227270-528x528.jpg "Paris – Notre Dame View Apartment - eclectic")Terrace view of Notre Dame - ![Sleeps two — comfortable & eclectic](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Dbl-Bedroom-2212189948-2000x1320-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613862282658-528x528.jpg "Paris - Notre Dame View Apt - Double Bedroom")Lower Floor Double Bedroom - ![A wrought iron spiral staircase leads to the apartment's upper floor.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Lower-Floor-Entry-Hall-w.-spiral-staircase-2212189955-2000x1320-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613862363513-533x533.jpg "Paris - Notre Dame View Apt - Lower Floor Entry Hall w. spiral staircase")Spiral staircase btw floors - ![Toilet, bidet, sink, heated towel rack, and large shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Bathroom-with-shower-on-Lower-Floor-2212189954-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Notre Dame View Apartment - Bathroom with shower on Lower Floor")Lower Floor Bathroom - ![The spiral staircase leads from the lower floor to the upper floor living room.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Upper-Floor-living-room-w.-spiral-staircase-2212189971-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613862438104-533x533.jpg "Notre Dame View Apt - Upper Floor living room w. spiral staircase.")Upper Floor Living Room - ![The upper floor kitchen is done in a French country style.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Upper-Floor-kitchen-2212189974-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613862490949-533x533.jpg "Paris - Apartments - Notre Dame View Apt - Upper Floor kitchen")Upper Floor Kitchen - ![A view worth climbing spiral stairs to get.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-balcony-with-table-and-view-1280x960-Photo-courtesy-the-apartment-manager-e1613862538212-600x600.jpg "Paris - Notre Dame View Apartment - Upper Floor Terrace with View")Upper Floor Terrace - ![Note the French doors leading to the upper floor terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Upper-Floor-kitchen-living-room-terrace-and-spiral-staircase-2212189976-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613862586890-533x533.jpg "Paris - Apartments - Notre Dame View Apt - Upper Floor kitchen, living room, terrace doors, and spiral staircase.")Apartment Upper Floor - ![Careful! These tightly-wound, iron stairs are not right for everyone.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Lower-Floor-spiral-staircase-2212189977-400x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Paris - Notre Dame View Apt - Lower Floor spiral staircase")NOTE: Spiral Staircase - ![Entry Hall with entry phone and mirror.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Lower-Floor-entry-phone-with-mirror-and-spiral-staircase-2212189978-400x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Paris - Notre Dame View Apt - Lower Floor entry phone with mirror and spiral staircase")Lower Floor Entry Phone - ![Laundry facilities on the ground floor.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Lower-Floor-washer-dryer-2212189979-400x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Paris - Notre Dame View Apt - Lower Floor washer-dryer")Lower Floor Laundry - ![Small lift just outside the apartment entry door.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Apartments-Notre-Dame-View-Apt-Elevator-2212189980-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Paris - Notre Dame View Apt - Elevator")Lift to Gr. Floor Entrance 5th arr. – notre dame view apartment **Nearest métro & RER stop: Saint-Michel Notre Dame — Métro Line 4; RER Lines B & C.** Located in the Latin Quarter overlooking the River Seine, **Home At First‘s Notre Dame View Apartment** couples one of the most coveted locations in Paris with one of the city’s most iconic views. The 2-story, 2-3 person apartment occupies the 4th and 5th floors above street level. Its decor represents the eclectic style and colors of early 20th century Paris, a time when the Latin Quarter was home to trend-setting artists and designers whose ideas would define “modern”. But the unusual design of the apartment’s interior must take a back seat to the apartment’s remarkable furnished upper floor terrace with its fantastic view of the second great landmark of Paris, the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame. • **Lower Level:** A small (2-3 persons) elevator arrives at the 4th floor hall near the flat’s entry. Inside the apartment, the entry hall opens onto the bedroom (king-sized bed comprised of twin beds pushed-together), the full, modern bathroom (with large shower; no tub), a utility room with over/under washer/dryer and a powder room (toilet & basin). A wrought-iron, tightly-turned, spiral staircase leads from the entrance hall to the upper floor. The bedroom closet and spacious utility room provide plenty of storage. • **Upper Level:** The 11-step spiral staircase arrives at a corner of the 5th floor living room. Comfy, overstuffed sofas and chairs line the walls below a series of framed drawings of plants and ferns. The sofa converts into a single bed for a third person, if need be. There is a flat-screen TV, WiFi, and telephone with unlimited dialing. The natural wood floors are of broad planks. A small, complete (oven, stove top, microwave, sink, fridge) kitchen in French country style is tucked under the eaves with a small 4-person dining table. An arched set of French doors leads off the kitchen and living room to the furnished exterior terrace (table, chairs, & covered picnic benches). It’s eastern exposure provides an unforgettable view of the River Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral at all times, but especially at sunset. The terrace is a lovely place for meals, snacks, morning coffee, or a glass of wine. The apartment is non-smoking, air-conditioned, and heated as needed. The street entry is private — opened by secure code system. The nearest grocers, shops, pharmacy, cafés, and restaurants are within 5-minutes walk in the myriad of charming streets and alleyways of the Latin Quarter. --- **Home At First’s Paris — location & SAMPLE APARTMENT** #### left bank — SAINT GERMAIN - ![Quality furnishings punctuate the apartments classic elegance.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Clock-table-and-mirrored-interior-tall-2312180001-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Paris Apartments - St Germain West Classic - Clock table and mirrored interior")St Germain West Apt - ![Quality furnishings punctuate the apartments classic elegance.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Writing-Desk-tall-2312180008-400x600-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Paris Apartments - St Germain West - Writing Desk")Writing Desk - ![The apartment sleeps up to 3 persons with a double bedroom and this single bedroom with a classic French daybed.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Bedroom-2-single-2312180005-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613862977798-533x533.jpg "Paris Apartments - St Germain West - bedroom 2 single")Classic French Day Bed - ![The apartment has 2 bathrooms. This one has a shower but no tub.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Bathroom-2-with-shower-tall-2312180007-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Paris Apartments - St Germain West Classic - Bathroom 2 with shower")Bathroom #2 with shower - ![The French love art. This apartment is decorated with paintings, drawings, and prints.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Wall-art-female-figure-tall-2312180009-400x713-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "Apartments - St Germain West Classic - wall art")Wall Art - ![Boulevard Saint-Germain is an historic, culturally rich, upscale shopping artery on the Left Bank of Paris.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-St-Germaine-street-scene-2212189750-2000x1018-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613863057168-509x509.jpg "Boulevard Saint-Germain by St Germain West Apartment")Boulevard Saint-Germain - ![The French love to cook. Well-equipped, modern kitchens are important in French apartments.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Stylish-Modern-Kitchen-2212189981-2000x1143-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613863097399-514x514.jpg "St Germain West Apartment - Stylish Modern Kitchen")Stylish, Modern Kitchen - ![Taste and charm are quite apparent throughout the St Germain West apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Interior-Kitchen-and-livingroom-2212189999-2000x1217-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613863134120-548x548.jpg "St Germain West - Interior - kitchen & living room with fireplace")Kitchen & living room - ![The large, flat-screen TV is appropriately outgunned by massed bookshelves.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Interior-Bedroom-kitchen-and-livingroom-2212189986-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613863165174-600x600.jpg "St Germain West - Interior showing bedroom, kitchen and living room")Elegant Interior - ![The master bedroom sleeps two on twin beds made up together or separately.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Master-bedroom-with-twin-beds-put-together-2212189993-2000x1259-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613863203533-504x504.jpg "St Germain West Classic - Master bedroom with twin beds put together")Master Bedroom - ![The master bedroom comes with a bathroom en suite.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-St-Germain-West-Classic-Bathroom-1-with-tub-tall-2312189995-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x400.jpg "St Germain West - Bathroom 1 with bathtub")Master en suite Bathroom 7th ARR. – ST GERMAIN WEST APARTMENT **Nearest métro: Rue du Bac — Métro Line 12** **Home At First**‘s tastefully-furnished **St Germain West Apartment** is as attractive as its location is desirable. Located on a quiet side street a half-block from the prestigious Boulevard Saint-Germain, the apartment is a short walk from a wide choice of restaurants, cafés, shops, stores, and very near transit (Métro Line 12 & numerous bus lines). • **Great Museums Nearby:** The River Seine at the world-famed Musée d’Orsay art museum is 10-15 minutes walk north. Walking 5 blocks (15 minutes) northeast to and across the Seine on the Pont Royal leads directly to the Louvre, Paris’s other top-class art museum. • **Access & Entry:** The 4th floor apartment is reached by a small (2-3 person capacity) elevator accessed just inside the security-coded front door of the apartment building. The apartment entry opens onto a large, wooden-beamed room that serves as a comfortable, salon with areas for dining (for 4 persons), reading (from the extensive library), and writing or computing at the antique secretary. • **Rooms & Capacity:** A modern, well-equipped kitchen opens off the salon, as do two bedroom suites, one a double room with a master bathroom (and bathtub) en suite, and the other a single room with a second bathroom (with a shower). Maximum capacity of this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat is 3 persons. • **Decor & Style:** The apartment’s decor is — with the exception of its modern black and chrome kitchen — traditional Parisian, with comfortable furnishings, antiques, and paintings and prints. The overriding theme is decidedly first-half of the 20th century, with a nod to the 19th century, a style befitting of a flat in the Saint-Germain neighborhood of Paris. • **Excellent Kitchen:** Through the French doors the exceptional, gleaming kitchen speaks of the French penchant for cutting-edge cooking, being equipped with large refrigerator-freezer, induction stove top, full oven, dishwasher. • **Accoutrements:** The apartment has a large, flat-screen, cable TV, free WiFi and internet, and phone with free calling to the USA. Separately controlled in room heating keeps the apartment comfortable during cooler months. A laundry closet (washer with clothes lines for hang-drying) is in the hallway by the apartment entry. • **The Neighborhood:** Within five-minutes walk of the apartment are a supermarket and several fine restaurants, the Rue du Bac métro stop, 8 bus stops, and a taxi stand ensuring that this delightful flat is very practically situated as a base for exploring Paris. --- **Home At First’s Paris — location & SAMPLE APARTMENT** #### left bank — SAINT GERMAIN - ![Detail of one of the four dining room china cabinets at the Place des Galeries apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-china-cabinet-tall-2212189923-400x677-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Place des Galeries - china cabinet")Exquisite, unique touches - ![The art on display in the Place des Galeries apartment is appropriate for the history and location of its Saint Germain neighborhood.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Portrait-on-the-study-wall-2212189924-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Portrait on the study wall.")Portrait on the study wall - ![The Place des Galeries apartment is in a building on a street lined with shops, cafes, and a large number of galleries.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Window-view-of-cafe-and-galleries-2212189925-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Window view of cafe and galleries")View of café & galleries - ![The Place des Galeries apartment provides lots of usable, quality space.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Living-room-and-dining-room-2212189900-2000x1559-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925418579-467x623.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Living room and dining room")Elegant livingroom & study - ![The Place des Galeries apartment kitchen is small but remarkably well-equipped.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Kitchen-2212189903-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925469470-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Kitchen")Place des Galeries kitchen - ![Living room with fireplace and TV plus study with writing desk and library.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Living-room-and-study-2212189906-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925504351-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Living room and study")Livingroom & study - ![The Place des Galeries apartment has quality, useful space for 2-4 persons, including a comfortable living room area and very useful study/library.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Study-and-living-room-2212189909-2000x1150-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925554980-431x575.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Study and living room")Study & livingroom - ![The master bedroom (4-poster, queen-sized bed) has windows overlooking the gallery-lined streets of Saint-Germain, Paris.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Master-Queen-Bedroom-2212189915-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925610662-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Master Queen Bedroom")Master Bedroom - ![There are two bathrooms at the Place des Galeries apartment, Bathroom 1 (with bathtub) and Bathroom 2 (with shower).](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Bathroom-with-tub-2212189912-2000x1389-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925665706-417x556.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Bathroom 1 with tub")Master bathroom en suite - ![The second bedroom at the Place des Galeries apartment has twin beds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Twin-Bedroom-2212189920-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925699646-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Twin Bedroom")Twin Bedroom - ![Bedroom 2 has its own bathroom (with shower) en suite.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Bathroom-with-shower-2212189921-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Bathroom with shower")Bathroom with Shower - ![The Place des Galeries apartment is accessed via this door and two flights of stairs.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Building-entry-and-stairway-2212189926-2000x1378-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613925755534-413x551.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Building entry and stairway")Building entry & stairway - ![This code-operated secure entry door opens from a side street to access the stairway to the Place des Galeries apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Place-des-Galeries-Building-entry-door-2212189927-365x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-365x486.jpg "Apartments - Place des Galeries - Building entry door")Building entry 6th arr. – PLACE DES GALERIES **Nearest métro — Mabillon: Métro Line 10; Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Métro Line 4** • **Latin Quarter Location:** Wonderfully located in the collection of narrow Saint Germain streets that have traditionally served artists and patrons with dozens of small, private galleries, the setting of **Home At First’s Place des Galeries Apartment** exemplifies the Latin Quarter of legend and lore. • **2 Bedrooms:** The 2-4 person, 3rd floor apartment is as traditionally stylish and comfortable as it is well-located. Its two bedrooms — each with its own bathroom — sleep up to 4 persons (ages 9 and up — no young children) in the queen-bedded master bedroom and twin-bedded second bedroom. Both bedrooms have window views over quiet courtyards, unaffected by any noise that may come from the cafés on neighboring streets. • **Living Room & Library:** Most impressive are the apartment’s elegant common rooms. Its living room — with two sofas and fireplace — shares space with a delightful library/study with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a typical Saint Germain street with more pedestrian traffic than automobiles. • **Dining Room & Kitchen:** A set of glass-latticed double doors leads to the very useful dining room, its central wooden table set off by room-high, triangular wooden china cabinets filled with antique treasures placed in each corner of the room. Adjacent is the small but well-equipped kitchen capable of preparing even sumptuous meals for apartment guests with range, oven, full-sized refrigerator, and dishwasher. • **Accessibility:** It is important to note that this lovely apartment is reached only by ascending 2 flights of stairs from the building’s secure, code-operated, ground-floor, private entry door located on a quiet side street. • **Accoutrements:** The apartment comes with a flat-screen TV, WiFi, and telephone with unlimited dialing, wood floors, and a laundry area with washer/dryer. The apartment is non-smoking, and heated as needed. • **The Neighborhood:** A 5-minute walk in the warren of charming streets and alleyways of the Saint Germain section of Latin Quarter leads to the nearest grocers, shops, pharmacy, as well as numerous cafés and restaurants. Saint Germain ranks as a superb location from which to explore Paris independently from your own quality vacation apartment. --- **Home At First’s Paris — location & SAMPLE APARTMENT** #### RIGHT BANK — tuileries - ![Different? Well, yes. Well-located?. Well, YES!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-exterior-with-wheel-and-entry-door-tall-2807160591-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - exterior with wheel and entry door")View to Musée d’Orsay - ![Location: this setting is central, safe, tranquil, and fantastique!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-exterior-deck-with-view-of-Eiffel-Tower-2806160592-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - exterior - deck with view of Eiffel Tower")Deck with Eiffel Tower view - ![View of Notre Bateau-Mouche from the River Seine promenade by the Tuileries Gardens. Photo courtesy the concierge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-exterior-view-of-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-with-river-and-Eiffel-Tower-1024x683-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-concierge-e1613931426518-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - exterior - view of Notre Bateau-Mouche with river and Eiffel Tower")Notre Bateau-Mouche - ![Our Paris canal-barge apartment is moored on the Seine in the 1st arrondissement, across from the 7th arrondissement.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-exterior-deck-and-Left-Bank-government-bldg-2807160572-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613931490674-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - exterior - deck and Left Bank government building")Notre Bateau-Mouche exterior - ![The entry steps from the boat deck down into the apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-entry-stairs-tall-0099-400x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-concierge-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - entry stairs")Steps into the apartment - ![Spacious Living Room with flat-screen TV, portholes, & skylight.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-Living-Room-2806160581-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613931552290-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - Living Room")Livingroom - ![The eat-in galley of Notre Bateau-Mouche is fully-equipped, spacious, and attractive.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-Galley-and-Dining-2806160582-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613931593183-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - Galley and Dining")Galley & dining area - ![The well-equipped kitchen aboard Notre Bateau-Mouche.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-Kitchen-detail-1600x1067-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-concierge-e1613931648989-400x534.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - Kitchen detail")Notre Bateau-Mouche kitchen - ![Portholes and skylights keep Notre Bateau-Mouche full of natural light.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-double-bedroom-1-2806160577-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613931692715-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - double bedroom 1")Double Bedroom #1 - ![Shower room 1 is styled in bright flag colors.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-shower-room-1-tall-2806160578-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - shower room 1 tall")Shower Room #1 - ![The double bed in Bedroom 2 is cleverly recessed into a shadowbox.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-double-bedroom-2-2806160580-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613931765797-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - double bedroom 2")Double Bedroom #2 - ![A 3rd double bedroom in its corner alcove beneath the portholes.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-Double-Bedroom-3-2806160587-2000x1494-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613931807614-448x598.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - Double Bedroom 3")Double Bedroom #3 - ![Facilities aboard Notre Bateau-Mouche are spotless, cheerful, bright, and well-ventilated.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Notre-Bateau-Mouche-shower-room-2-2806160589-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613931845885-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Notre Bateau-Mouche - Shower Room 2")Shower Room #2 1ST arr. – NOTRE BATEAU-MOUCHE **Nearest transit — Concorde: Métro Lines 1, 8, & 12; Musée d’Orsay: RER C; Solferino: Métro Line 12** • **Unique Location:** **Home At First’s Notre Bateau-Mouche floating apartment** is moored prestigiously on the Right Bank of the River Seine along the Quai des Tuileries by the Tuileries Gardens park. • **Extraordinarily Central, yet Quiet:** Within short walking distance are numerous Paris landmarks, including three major art museums: the Orangerie Museum of 20th Century Art, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay. Also within 5-10 walking minutes are four transit stops served by 3 Métro lines and an RER line, making travel throughout Paris quick and simple. **•** **Notre Bateau-Mouche** (“Our Parisian Riverboat”) began life as a hard-working barge on the rivers and canals of France. Now retired from carrying freight, and indeed from sailing, the boat is permanently moored at prominent address: the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Long (more than 80′), narrow (15′ wide) and of shallow draft (6′), the barge has been converted into a creative living quarters below the extensive sun deck. • **The Nautical Accommodations:** The air-conditioned living quarters are accessed through a raised doorway/hatch reminiscent of Alice’s mini-door entrance to Wonderland. Descending from the hatchway entry are six stair steps without a banister, making access to the apartment best for the young and agile. • **A Special Family Vacation Lodging:** Indeed, this special Paris residence is ideal for families with older children, or groups of younger adults without limited mobility. Once downstairs, the apartment is spacious, but still requires some care moving between rooms and accessing two of the beds owing to head-lowering gangways and two shadowbox bedsteads. • **Decor & Facilities:** Despite its spatial idiosyncrasies, the 6-person-capacity apartment is stylish and remarkably comfortable. Its three bedrooms — 1 with a double & 2 with queen mattresses — have built-in storage cabinets and/or drawers. The bedrooms receive natural light from skylights and nautical portholes. The master bedroom (queen bed) has an en suite bathroom with shower. A second shower room serves the other two bedrooms. A separate WC is in the gangway. • **Furnishings & Equipment:** The boat’s spacious kitchen, dining, and living room are furnished in a bright, modern style. Comfortable sofas and chairs invite hours of reading or TV under the skylights. The dining table invites meals elaborate or simple in a setting that invites conversation. The well-equipped kitchen (2 fridges, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, oven & electric range) invites cooking with the enthusiasm of a French chef. • **Accoutrements:** On board are a washer/dryer on board, a small office work space with telephone & WiFi. There are polished wooden floors throughout the apartment. The furnished top deck has deck chairs, umbrellas, and a covered picnic table, ideal for people-watching, sunning, reading, or drinks & snacks — a delightful outdoor space of your own in the very center of cosmopolitan Paris. --- **Home At First’s Paris — location & SAMPLE APARTMENT** #### left bank — SAINT GERMAIN - ![Although there is a lift to the 3rd floor apartment, descending the sweeping Haussmann staircase speaks to the apartment's elegant Parisian location.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Musee-dOrsay-Apt-title-imag-elegant-entry-staircase-2212189802-400x677-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - title image- elegant entry staircase")Elegant Winding Staircase - ![Decorated in keeping with its architectural provenance, the living room is elegant but not formal, vintage yet modern.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Living-room-2-with-desk-tv-and-dining-area-2212189797-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613932177472-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Living room 2 with desk tv and dining area")Livingroom & dining area - ![The large living room of the Orsay Apartment is the center room off of which the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are accessed.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Living-room-1-with-sofa-bed-and-dining-area-2212189786-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613932221297-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Living room 1 with sofa bed and dining area")Livingroom, sofa bed, & dining - ![An ultra-comfortable memory foam queen bed is the centerpiece of the double bedroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Queen-Bedroom-2212189791-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613932254511-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Queen Bedroom")Bedroom with fireplace - ![If bathrooms are important to you, you will like this one!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Blue-Bathroom-2212189781-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613932304983-449x599.jpg "Orsay Apartment - Blue Bathroom")Brilliant Blue Bathroom - ![The complete kitchen is capable of meal preparations for occupants and their guests.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Musee-dOrsay-Apt-Kitchen-2212189779-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613932350979-450x600.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Kitchen")Well-equipped Kitchen - ![A small elevator is strategically placed near the apartment entry doors.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Exterior-hallway-with-stairs-and-lift-1600x1068-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-concierge-e1613932414564-450x601.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Exterior hallway with stairs and lift")Entry hall stairs & lift - ![Public transport is within 5-minutes walk from the Orsay apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Solferino-Bellechasse-Bus-Stop-2212189753-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Solferino-Bellechasse Bus Stop")Blvd Saint-Germain Bus Stop - ![The Orsay Apartment is near shops, restaurants, & museums.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Musee-dOrsay-street-sign-2212189755-400x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-400x533.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Musee dOrsay street sign by Solferino Cafe")Orsay sign at Solferino Café - ![The Musée d'Orsay is a 5-minute walk from the Orsay Apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Apartments-Orsay-Apt-Musee-dOrsay-exterior-2212189817-2000x1109-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1613932504947-416x555.jpg "Apartments - Orsay Apt - Musée d'Orsay exterior")Musée d’Orsay: 2 blocks away 7th ARR. – ORSAY APARTMENT **Nearest transit — Solferino: Métro Line 12; Musée d’Orsay: RER C** **•** **Delightful, Convenient Neighborhood: Home At First**‘s attractive **Orsay Apartment** is ideally located on the Left Bank within 5-minutes walk of the world-famed Musée d’Orsay art museum. Its setting — on a relatively quiet side street a block from the prestigious Boulevard Saint-Germain and two short blocks from the River Seine. • **The Lively Saint Germain:** The immediate locale — the northwestern end of the popular and lively Saint Germain neighborhood in the 7th arrondissement (district) in central Paris — is rife with restaurants, cafés, shops, stores, and very near transit (Métro Line 12 & numerous bus lines). • **To the Nearby Right Bank:** Walking 10-20 minutes north to and across the Seine on the Passerelle Léopold Sédar Senghor footbridge leads directly to the Tuileries Gardens, bracketed by the Orangerie and the Louvre, Paris’s other superb art museums. • **Access & Entry:** The 3rd floor apartment is reached by a grand, carpeted staircase and a small (2-3 person capacity) elevator accessed just inside the security-coded front door of the Haussmann-era apartment building. The apartment entry hall opens into the impressive main room of the apartment. • **The Main Room**‘s high ceilings, full-length windows, wainscoting, and decorous crown molding dates this large space as high 19th century. The room serves several functions: as a dining area for 4 persons; as a plush living room for reading, TV, and conversation; as a spare bedroom using the comfortable double sofa bed; and as a mini-study for writing or computing at the antique secretary. • **Kitchen, Bedroom, & Bathroom:** A modern, well-equipped kitchen (full size fridge, 4-burner electric stove with oven, microwave, dishwasher, and breakfast bar with 2 stools) opens off the great room. The comfortable Tempur-Pedic queen bedroom comes beautifully accented with a decorative fireplace. The striking blue-tile bathroom has a tub and shower and a twin-basin vanity. • **Capacity, Decor, & Style:** Maximum capacity of this 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom flat is 3 persons. The apartment’s decor recalls traditional Parisian from the turn of the 20th century, with comfortable furnishings, wood floors, antiques, and paintings, a style befitting of a flat in the Saint-Germain neighborhood of Paris. • **Accoutrements:** The apartment has a large, flat-screen, cable TV, plus free WiFi and internet, and phone with free calling to the USA. Central heating keeps the apartment comfortable during cooler months. There is a washer/dryer, too. • **Excellent Nearby Services:** Within five-minutes walk of the apartment you reach a mini-supermarket, a bank, several shops, numerous cafés & restaurants, the Solferino métro stop, 7 bus stops, and a taxi stand. This delightful Saint Germain apartment also earns kudos for its location as a base for exploring Paris. --- #### Home At First’s Paris independent travel readily combines with other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ITALY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ### [**COPENHAGEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**OSLO**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**STOCKHOLM**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-003-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [paris package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/paris-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [IRELAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/) **Published:** February 11, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### SHOULDER SEASON SALE! TRAVEL SEPT/OCT/NOV 2026 TO ![Republic of Ireland Flag](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Flag_of_Ireland-60x30-72dpi-e1594929781421.jpg "Republic of Ireland Flag") IRELAND ![Republic of Ireland Flag](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Flag_of_Ireland-60x30-72dpi-e1594929781421.jpg "Republic of Ireland Flag") — SAVE 32.2%, $1,034/prs! [DETAILS HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Ireland). ###### ###### [— IRELAND PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/ireland-pricing/#Prices) #### Home At First’s ### Ireland #### INDEPENDENCE **Experience Ireland Independence — explore Ireland freely at your own pace by car from your own Home At First vacation cottage or apartment. Choose from vacation weeks at any of 5 Irish regions: Central Ireland, Southwestern Ireland, Northwestern Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Dublin city.** The above photo pictures mountainous County Mayo across the Killary River estuary from northern County Galway along the scenic back roads of the Connemara Loop, reachable as a day excursion from **Home At First**‘s cottages in Central Ireland and Northwestern Ireland. ##### **IRELAND** — **CONTRIBUTIONS, CONTRADICTIONS, & CONVERSATIONS** **—** # **Ireland Independence: Independent Travel** ## **Using Quality Vacation Cottages & Apartments** **Ireland Independence: Discover Ireland on your terms — your pace, your interests, your budget.** Is Ireland green as emeralds? White as potatoes? Golden at the rainbow’s end? Orange in the northeast? Can Ireland be home both to the wee people and the Giants’ Causeway? How can Ireland be 1/6 part of Brexit Britain and 5/6 part of the European Union? Is it still possible to find the old Ireland of thatched cottage farmsteads in hidden corners of this island of hi-tech industry? Gaelic traditions, British domination, and American relations all continue to work their considerable influence on Ireland Independence. Social life here revolves at least as much around the congregation at the pub as around the mob at the church. Irish sport is best known for racehorses and hurling, but visitors will remember its excellent fishing, fine walking, and world-class golf. Ireland Independence enables your discovery of the contradictions and variety that make up the unique Irish temperament seen everywhere in Irish culture. Wonderfully, this special character is best enjoyed by **Home At First**‘s Ireland Independence travel program, where exploration is free and easy, and the landscape is as varied and grand as its people. --- **Home At First’s IRELAND INDEPENDENCE Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/ireland-pricing/#Prices) Ireland Independence comes with trans-atlantic flights, a week in an Irish cottage or apartment. Rural locations come with car rental. A city transpass comes with Dublin apartments. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. Combinable with Home At First destinations throughout Ireland, across Britain, in Continental Europe, Iceland, & Scandinavia. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Week in IRELAND Experience Ireland Independence in your own rural Irish cottage or Dublin apartment. Experience Ireland Independence at your own pace using a rental car (for rural locations), or public transportation in Dublin city. **Lodging Types:** Weekly Cottage & Apartment Rentals Cottage locations in rural central, southwestern, northwestern, & northern Ireland, Apartments in Dublin city close to public transportation. All lodgings near restaurants, pubs, shops, & services. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$—$$$$ Costs for food and activities vary widely in Ireland. Food costs can be minimized by using your lodging’s well-equipped kitchen. Activities costs can be managed by selecting carefully: many museums are free. Go walking. Play golf at local courses. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/ireland-pricing/#Prices) $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **Combinable** with many Home At First destinations elsewhere in Ireland, in England, Scotland, Wales, Continental Europe, Scandinavia, & Iceland. **Language Spoken Everywhere:** English Expect **English** from everyone. However, expect to hear many different Irish accents, and perhaps some authentic Irish (Gaelic) itself in portions of Southwestern and Northwestern Ireland. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 6.5+ hrs from East Coast 9+ hrs from West Coast Most North American flights arrive at Dublin (DUB) in eastern Central Ireland. A few arrive in Shannon (SNN) in Central Ireland. Flights from the UK or Europe may also arrive at Cork, Belfast, or Knock (Co. Mayo) Airports. **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Kids love the castles, outdoor activities, the national parks, and the food, but may not like a steady diet of museums, galleries, and historical sites. With so much close by your lodging, it’s possible to do many different things every day without a steady diet of long day-trips across Ireland. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Irish food — like American food — includes a broad range of international influences: British, French, Italian, Asian, West Indian, Chinese, Japanese, American, as well as Irish favorites: tea, seafood, stews-chowders-soups, soda bread, scones, cakes, and meat pies. Don’t miss an Irish breakfast! **Surprisingly Walkable** Ireland’s wide variety of landscapes invites walking and hiking. There are many well-marked and mapped local, regional, and long-distance routes. Ireland’s mountainous Southwest and Northwest offer hikes at nearly every level of challenge. Walking festivals are common in several regions. **Activities** • Touring • Golf • Fishing • Shopping! • Eating! • Historic sites & castles • Museums & galleries • Distilleries & breweries • Attending horse races • Attending Gaelic Games — hurling & Gaelic football • Day-trips to Killarney, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty, and the Burren. **The Best Times to Go to Ireland****:** April through October, and at Christmas. Ireland is busiest and warmest during the peak visitor months of July & August when temps sometimes reach 80º (rarely 90º) in a country largely without air conditioning. Happily, springtime comes early to Ireland and autumn lingers. Snow is rare in winter, but “frosts” initiate aromatic peat fires of winter. --- ##### **HOW IT WORKS**— ### Home At First’s Ireland Independence: Independent Travel with Quality Vacation Lodgings. **NOTE** — FOR BEST VIEWING: move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any image on this site in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). ## First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your dream of independent exploration of Ireland. We will tell you about getting to Ireland, where we have lodgings (four very different rural Ireland regions plus central Dublin city), and how best to get around (via rental car, via public transport, and by walking). — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to Ireland with a visit to another Irish region or with a visit to [London](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London), [England](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England), [Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland), [Wales](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales), or to any other **Home At First** destination in Continental Europe ([Paris ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris), [Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), [Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland)), Scandinavia ([Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark), [Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway), [Sweden](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden)), or even to [Iceland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland). — Ask for a [Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). #### A SAMPLER of IRELAND INDEPENDENCE ACTIVITIES & DESTINATIONS **THE FOLLOWING SCENES ARE WITHIN TOURING RANGE FROM ONE OR MORE OF HOME AT FIRST’S IRELAND LODGINGS** - ![Adare - Blue Door thatched restaurant.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Adare-Blue-Door-thatched-restaurant-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Adare - Blue Door thatched restaurant - Photo copyright Home At First")Central Ireland – Afternoon tea at the Blue Door thatched restaurant in Adare. - ![16th century Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, west Central Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/West-Central-Ireland-Kinvara-Dunguaire-Castle-wide-8.75x5.75-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "16th century Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, west Central Ireland - Photo copyright Home At First")16th century Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, west Central Ireland. - ![Central Ireland: Bygones antiques & curios shop.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lahinch-Bygones-Antiques-shop-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Central Ireland antiques shop - Photo copyright Home At First")Central Ireland: Bygones antiques & curios shop storefront. - ![West Central Ireland - Cliffs of Moher on the County Clare coast.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/West-Central-Ireland-Cliffs-of-Moher-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First001.jpg "West Central Ireland - Cliffs of Moher - Photo copyright Home At First")West Central Ireland: Cliffs of Moher on the County Clare coast. - ![Central Ireland — Clonmacnoise monastic site with River Shannon.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Central-Ireland-Clonmacnoise-monastic-site-with-River-Shannon-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Central Ireland — Clonmacnoise monastic site with River Shannon - Photo copyright Home At First")Central Ireland — Clonmacnoise monastic site with River Shannon. - ![More than 400 golf courses dot Ireland, including many fabled seaside links.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Links-Golf-Spanish-Point-links-green-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Links Golf isn't always exclusive and pricey. Example: Spanish Point links in County Clare - Photo copyright Home At First")More than 400 golf courses dot Ireland, including many fabled seaside links. - ![Relic cottage of Ireland's Great Famine.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Famine-cottage-ruin-with-red-gate-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Famine cottage ruin with red gate - Photo copyright Home At First")Relic cottage of the Great Famine of 19th century Ireland. - ![Central Ireland: Large Lough Derg carries the River Shannon between Counties Tipperary and Clare.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lough-Derg-from-Castlelough-Overlook-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lough Derg from Castlelough Overlook - Photo copyright Home At First")Lough Derg carries the River Shannon between Counties Tipperary & Clare. - ![19th & early 20th century rural Ireland still lives at Bunratty Folk Park, Central Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Central-Ireland-Bunratty-Thatched-Cottage-w.-bike-and-open-dutch-door-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Central Ireland - Bunratty - Thatched Cottage w. bike and open dutch door - 875x575 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")19th & early 20th century rural Ireland still lives at Bunratty Folk Park. - ![Monastic ruins crown the Rock of Cashel, the high ground above Cashel town in south Tipperary.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Rock-of-Cashel-atop-the-hill-0504R4-020-8A-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rock of Cashel, the hill topped with ancient fortified monastic ruins in south Central Ireland - Photo copyright Home At First")Monastic ruins crown the Rock of Cashel, above Cashel town in south Tipperary. - ![Cahir Castle - south Tipperary - Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cahir-Castle-south-Tipperary-0504R4-030-13A-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Cahir Castle - south Tipperary - Photo copyright Home At First")12th century Cahir Castle is a well-preserved south Tipperary family destination. - ![12th century King John's Castle on the River Shannon at Limerick.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Limerick-Castle-on-the-River-Shannon-0504R5-029-13-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "King John's Castle on the River Shannon at Limerick - Photo copyright Home At First")12th century King John’s Castle on the River Shannon at Limerick. - ![Three Irish lads with a guitar.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Three-Irish-lads-with-a-guitar-0504R1-034-15A-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Three Irish lads with a guitar - Photo copyright Home At First")Three Irish lads with a guitar. - ![Finnegan's Racing Office (betting shop), Kilkenny.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Finnegans-Racing-Office-betting-shop-Kilkenny-00504R2-074-35A-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Finnegans Racing Office (betting shop) - Kilkenny - 875x575 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Finnegan’s Racing Office (betting shop), Kilkenny, Central Ireland. - ![13th century Anglo-Norman Kilkenny Castle has been restored to a high level and is open to the public.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kilkenny-Castle-13th-century-Anglo-Norman-0504R2-066-31A-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kilkenny Castle: 13th century Anglo-Norman - Photo copyright Home At First")13th century Kilkenny Castle has been restored to a high level and is open to the public. - ![Lough Derg Way hiking signs.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lough-Derg-Way-hiking-signs-0504R3-044-20A-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lough Derg Way hiking signs - Photo copyright Home At First")Central Ireland’s Lough Derg Way is a 40-mile-long marked north-south route. - ![Kilgarvin Quay along the north Tipperary shore of Lough Derg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Lough-Derg-sea-of-grass-0504R3-032-14A-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lough Derg - sea of grass - Photo copyright Home At First")Kilgarvin Quay along the north Tipperary shore of Lough Derg. - ![Connemara National Park, County Galway: the boat.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Connemara-the-boat-040607-2608-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Connemara: the boat - Photo copyright Home At First")Irish scenery is delightfully varied, even wild & unpopulated. Ireland has 6 national parks. - ![Kylemore Abbey — originally the estate of a London banker — is the current home for an order of Benedictine nuns.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kylemore-Abbey-The-Boat-2-030607-2571-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kylemore Abbey - Photo copyright Home At First")A former private country estate, Kylemore Abbey is now home for an order of Benedictine nuns. - ![Dublin: Temple Bar.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Dublin-Temple-Bar-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Dublin: Temple Bar - Photo copyright Home At First")Dublin’s Temple Bar — now trendy but not edgy — attracts visitors to its boutiques, bars, & restaurants. - ![The spooky ruins of Dunluce Castle on a crag along Northern Ireland's Antrim coast.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Northern-Ireland-Antrim-Coast-Dunluce-Castle-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northern Ireland - Antrim Coast - Dunluce Castle - Photo copyright Home At First")The spooky ruins of Dunluce Castle straddles a crag along Northern Ireland’s Antrim coast. - ![Kinsale Co. Cork: Favourites storefront.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kinsale-Co.-Cork-Favourites-storefront-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kinsale Co. Cork: Favourites storefront - Photo copyright Home At First")Kinsale Co. Cork: Favourites storefront. Kinsale is a favorite with tourists — an idealized Irish town. ## Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • We prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need to experience Ireland Independence using a quality vacation cottage or apartment. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, RENTAL CAR VOUCHERS or DUBLIN TRANSPASSES, and any FERRY TICKETS, if needed. Most **Home At First** Ireland Independence guests arrive from North America by air at Dublin or Shannon Airports; others come from elsewhere in the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, or from Iceland by flying, and a few arrive by ferry. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. ### Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • All travel documents for your trip — including our exclusive **“Ireland Activity Guide”** — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • You follow our directions for your transfer from your arrival point to your Ireland lodging, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you the accommodation, explain its workings, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now as you begin to experience Ireland Independence from your centrally-located cottage or apartment. #### IRELAND INDEPENDENCE — SCENES & SURPRISES - ![Co. Clare: thatched cottage in the wood at Bunratty Folk Park, where Ireland's past still lives.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Clare-Cottage-in-the-Wood-at-Bunratty-Folk-Park-020604-R1-028-12A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Clare - Cottage in the Wood at Bunratty Folk Park - 020604-R1-028-12A - 600x900 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Co. Clare: Bunratty Folk Park - ![O'Brien's Tower, a folly on the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Clare-Cliffs-of-Moher-OBriens-Tower-240902-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "O'Brien's Tower, a folly on the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare - Photo copyright Home At First")###### O’Brien’s Tower, Cliffs of Moher - ![The Poulnabrone Dolmen, a megalithic tomb in Burren National Park, County Clare.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Clare-the-Burren-Paulnabrone-Dolmen-240902-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "County Clare: Poulnabrone Dolmen in Burren National Park - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Poulnabrone Dolmen, Burren N.P. - ![North Tipperary autumn pastoral.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/North-Tipperary-autumn-pastoral-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Tipperary autumn pastoral - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Tipperary, Ireland’s dairyland - ![North Tipperary: old road signs at a rural junction.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/North-Tipperary-old-road-signs-at-rural-junction-250902-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Tipperary: old road signs at a rural junction - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Tipperary: Gaelic & English signs - ![Nenagh, County Tipperary: castle tower at sunrise.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Nenagh-Castle-Tower-at-sunrise-230902-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nenagh - Castle Tower at sunrise - 230902 - 600x900 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Nenagh tower, North Tipperary - ![It's an undriveable 3168 miles to New York from the southwestern corner of Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Beara-Peninsula-Co-Cork-Milepost-at-western-end-of-peninsula-060502-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Co. Cork: Milepost at the western end of the Beara Peninsula - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Beara, Ireland’s SW corner - ![Co. Antrim: Golf at Royal Portrush - Photo ©Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Antrim-Golf-at-Royal-Portrush-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Co. Antrim: Golf at Royal Portrush - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Royal Portrush, Open course - ![Dublin: Young buskers at Temple Bar](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Dublin-Young-Buskers-at-Temple-Bar-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Dublin: Young buskers at Temple Bar - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Dublin Buskers at Temple Bar - ![Pre-Irish Independence King Edward VII letterbox in wall.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Central-Ireland-King-Edward-VII-Letterbox-in-wall-220902-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Pre-Irish Independence King Edward VII letterbox in wall - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Century-old pre-Ireland post box - ![Co. Clare: Bunratty Castle with cannons](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Clare-Bunratty-Castle-with-cannons-020604-R1-018-7A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Co. Clare: Bunratty Castle with cannons - Photo copyright Home At First")###### 15th century Bunratty Castle - ![Guinness is good for you - sign and barrels.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Guinness-is-good-for-you-sign-and-barrels-020604-R6-044-20A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Guinness is good for you - sign and barrels - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Guinness: pre-eminent Irish icon - ![Co. Waterford: Lismore Castle on River Blackwater.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Co.-Waterford-Lismore-Castle-on-River-Blackwater-020604-R4-052-24A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Co. Waterford: Lismore Castle on River Blackwater - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Lismore Castle, Co. Waterford - ![Co. Clare: Knappogue Castle near Quin.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Clare-Knappogue-Castle-020604-R5-051-24-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Clare - Knappogue Castle - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Knappogue Castle, Co. Clare - ![Co. Clare: Craggaunowen crannog.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Clare-Craggaunowen-crannog-020604-R6-012-4A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Co. Clare: Craggaunowen crannog - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Craggaunowen: Irish pre-history - ![Kids jumping off Killaloe bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Kids-jumping-off-Killaloe-bridge-020604-R3-010-3A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kids jumping off Killaloe bridge - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Daring kids at Killaloe, Co. Clare - ![Colleen with prize-winning Hereford at the North Tipperary Agricultural Show.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/North-Tipperary-Colleen-with-prize-winning-Hereford-070806-0745-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Tipperary: Colleen with prize-winning Hereford - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Champion Hereford at Nenagh - ![North Tipperary Ag Show - Blue-ribbon horsewoman.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/North-Tipperary-Ag-Show-Blue-ribbon-horsewoman-white-bckgrnd-070806-0772-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Tipperary Ag Show - Blue-ribbon horsewoman - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Blue ribbon — No. Tipp Ag Show - ![Co. Galway: Connemara Loop signpost.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Co-Galway-Connemara-Loop-signpost-040607-2595-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Co. Galway: Connemara Loop signpost - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Connemara Loop, Co. Galway - ![Co. Galway: Rhododendrons in bloom in the spring.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Co-Galway-Connemara-rhododendrons-in-bloom-040607-2615-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Co. Galway: Rhododendrons in bloom in the spring - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Wild rhododendrons, springtime - ![Tipperary: Parish Church of Killodiernan, near Puckane.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Tipperary-Parish-Church-of-Killodiernan-Puckane-020604-R3-030-13A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Tipperary: Parish Church of Killodiernan, near Puckane - Photo copyright Home At First")###### Ancient cemeteries dot Ireland **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME:** **Home At First continuously monitors the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. If conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed.** ### Where to find Ireland Independence ![Home At First's Map of Ireland © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Ireland-Map-2020-white-bdgrnd-shadowed-w.-text-853x1080-72dpi-Map-copyright-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Home At First's Map of Ireland © Home At First") #### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S ireland independence TRAVEL PROGRAM HOME AT FIRST BUILDS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES TO THAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings:** Ireland Independence promises an Irish lifestyle that begins with a choice of cottages and townhouse apartments in four rural regions of Ireland (Central, Southwestern, Northwestern, & Northern) and/or apartments in safe, pleasant neighborhoods located in central Dublin convenient to public transportation. All lodging locations are near a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and other services. All lodgings come with hosts on-site or on-call during your stay for questions, suggestions, problems, or emergencies. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to Ireland from your home airport. Full-package prices include round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to Ireland (DUB or SNN). Flights from/to all other airports available for fare supplements or reductions. • **Car Rental (for rural destinations):** Quality rental cars right for the size of your party. Pick-up your car at your arrival airport and drive to your Irish cottage. Return the car to the same airport one week later prior to flight departure from Ireland. Arrivals to airports other than Dublin or Shannon or at ferry ports can have rental cars arranged, usually for a supplemental price. Picking-up a rental car at one location and dropping at a different location usually incurs a supplemental fee. **• Our ‘Ireland Activity Guide’ Keyed for Your Irish Destination:** Includes suggestions for touring, walking, restaurants, pubs, shopping, museums, galleries, castles & monastic sites, day-trips throughout your Irish home region and beyond, and much more. • **Optional Driver or Driver/Guide:** For **Central Ireland** guests, we can arrange for an independent driver or driver/guide for as many days as you wish. • **Extend Your Vacation Options:** Add a week (or more) at your current Irish lodging, or try a different Irish location (can be as little 3 night at our Dublin city apartments). Fly to Britain to experience any of our many locations in England (including London), Scotland, & Wales. Longer flights bring you to **Home At First** locations in Europe: Paris, Italy, Switzerland, or Scandinavia. Or, add a convenient stopover visit to Iceland on your way to/from Ireland. **Home At First** will handle all the arrangements: transportation between destinations, lodging at your extension destinations, and appropriate ground transportation at all your destinations. All **Home At First** destinations come with English-speaking hosting, and you receive a guidebook keyed for exploring each of your destinations. [**IRELAND PRICING**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/ireland-pricing/#Prices) **special request LOCATION:** ###### DUBLIN Our Lodgings: CENTER CITY APARTMENTS ![Dublin: evening at Temple Bar. Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Dublin-evening-at-Temple-Bar-1200x80-72dpi-Photo-by-Brian-Morrison-copyright-Tourism-Ireland.jpg) **DUBLIN: EVENING AT TEMPLE BAR** Photo by Brian Morrison © Tourism Ireland. **DUBLIN** is Ireland’s cultural, political, and population center. Located on the River Liffey not far from the Irish Sea, Dublin is home to approximately one-quarter of Ireland’s residents. Chaotic is Dublin’s activity; youthful is its age; hip is its attitude. Nightlife is important, but the bars and pubs are busy during daylight, too. Literature and theatre are its traditional cultural calling cards, but music, dance, and higher education draw more popular attention. Much Irish history & culture is made in Dublin. Guinness is made here, too. **Home At First** arranges 1-week Dublin packages and special-request, custom-made visits of 3 days or longer to Dublin which include: **• Apartment Lodging** in modern apartment buildings in Dublin’s city center. **• The Dublin TransPass** valid on Dublin’s buses and trams (but not on airport shuttle buses). **• Dublin Guidebook** helps get the most out of your visit. **• Packages** can include flights or ferries as needed. **• Prices** for custom-made visits to Dublin are available by request. Contact us [**here**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). **the IDEAL TOURING BASE** ### CENTRAL IRELAND #### counties clare & tipperary ![A little too close to the western edge of Central Ireland — the Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast of County Clare. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Clare-Cliffs-of-Moher-close-to-the-edge-240902-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.-e1596482515515.jpg "A little too close to the western edge of Central Ireland — the Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast of County Clare. Photo © Home At First.") CLIFFS OF MOHER, CO. CLARE Central Scotland #### central ireland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. IRELAND’S TOP TOURING CENTER Our most popular Irish program destination is Central Ireland where our guests stay in lodgings in rural northern **County Tipperary** and eastern **County Clare**. This region is the geographical center of Ireland — about 120 minutes west of Dublin and 90 minutes northeast of Shannon Airport. This is also Ireland’s heartland — a region as green as shamrocks, as colorful as the many rainbows you will see there, and as tasty as Irish stew, soda bread, and a healthy glass of Guinness. Our **lodgings** are located in towns and villages on or near Central Ireland’s great lake, **Lough Derg**. This region is a pretty, prosperous dairy land set among rolling green hills. Within two-to-three hours drive most of the Irish Republic is reachable, including portions of the western, eastern, and southern seacoasts, 3 principal Irish cities (Dublin, Limerick, & Galway), and 3 of Ireland’s 6 national parks (Wicklow Mts., Burren, & Connemara). But Central Ireland itself deserves a careful look: its lovely scenery, charming towns, numerous activities, and friendly people ensure that the central region is truly **Ireland’s Heartland**. Despite being as far from the sea as is possible in Ireland (about 60 miles), hilly Central Ireland is a mecca as much for anglers and boaters as it is for walkers. The local golf courses are good, and the local fishing is better. Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Derg, is the western border of the county. Its waters drain the rolling hills of Central Ireland and form the **River Shannon**, flowing south to Ireland’s 3rd largest city, **Limerick**, then west to the Atlantic Ocean. There is much more to do in Central Ireland: • Trace **family roots**. • Attend a **Gaelic Game** (Irish football or hurling). • **Cycle** on dedicated, bike routes. • Explore dozens of **castles**. • Shop for **woolens, art glass, & crafts**. • Cruise Lough Derg. • Explore mysterious ecclesiastical sites at **Clonmacnoise, Clonfert, Glendalough, & the Rock of Cashel**. • Discover and enjoy **fine restaurants** throughout Central Ireland. • Enjoy **traditional Irish music** in a local pub, festival, or concert hall. For visitors not wishing to drive in Ireland, we can arrange for personal **drivers & driver/guides** most times of year — please inquire. **remote, scenic, outdoorsy** ### SOUTHWEST IRELAND #### counties cork & kerry ![Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork: Family outing to Garnish Point.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Beara-Peninsula-Co-Cork-Family-outing-to-Garnish-Point-060502-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1596482603947.jpg) beara peninsula, CO. CORK SOUTHWEST IRELAND #### southwest ireland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. **IRELAND’S RUGGED SOUTHWEST CORNER** Along Ireland’s rugged southwestern coastline you find some of the country’s most varied and dramatic scenery, from the placid bay at **Bantry** to the rugged mountains and headlands of the **Beara &** **Iveragh** **Peninsulas****.** Opportunities for golf, hiking, fishing, touring, and fine eating abound in the southwestern quarter of the Emerald Isle. Our **County** **Cork** and **County** **Kerry** locations are picturesque, convenient bases for exploring Ireland’s south from **Blarney** **Castle** to **Killarney** **National** **Park** and the famed touring **Rings** **of** **Kerry &** **Dingle.** **Home At First**‘s cottages are in and near the colorful town of **Kenmare** in southernmost County Kerry, a few minutes drive north or west of Kerry’s border with County Cork. The town sits on an isolated and beautiful arm of the sea and tucked between the high **Caha Mountains** of County Cork and the **Killarney Mountains** of County Kerry. This remote, fascinating region of Ireland combines the dramatic scenery of **Ireland’s highest mountains** with the coastal convolutions of four parallel peninsulas, and the fascinations of its charming villages and towns. Kenmare is a growing community of approximately 2,000 just 20 miles (but 45 minutes drive) south of congested **Killarney town**. Numerous restaurants, shops, and services cater to visitors in Kenmare. Easily accessible activities includes what must rate as **the best hiking in Ireland**, as well as **top-ranked links golf at nearby Waterville**, and **excellent dining** — including fresh seafood — all of which combine to make Kenmare an off-the-beaten-track destination worthy of a visit. There’s great touring in this region, although the roads are winding, hilly, and slow. The southwest coast of County Cork is known for its wild, rugged scenery, including **Mizen Head** — the “end” of Ireland — and the dramatic Beara Peninsula. Ireland’s most famous drive-through scenery — Killarney National Park, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula — are easy, memorable day-trips by car from your Kenmare home base. Kenmare is both picturesque and conveniently located for exploring Ireland’s remote, scenic, southwest But best of all, you get to meet the local Irish in Kenmare and enjoy their friendliness and hospitality. **TRADITIONAL IRELAND** ### NORTHWEST IRELAND #### counties sligo & donegal ![Dunkineely, Co. Donegal: Cyndi Graham Handweaving Studio. Tourism Ireland Photo by Chris Hill copyright Chris Hill Photographic.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NW-Ireland-Donegal-Dunkineely-Cyndi-Graham-Handweaving-Studio-7-9-Tourism-Ireland-Photo-by-Chris-Hill-copyright-Chris-Hill-Photographic--e1596488612214.jpg) handWEAVER, CO. DONEGAL NORTHWEST IREland #### northwest ireland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. **TRAD IRELAND LIVES IN THE NORTHWEST CORNER** Much of the northwestern corner of Ireland — **Counties Donegal & Sligo** — is wild and sparsely populated. This mountainous region is hemmed in by the Atlantic on the north and west, and by Northern Ireland to the east. Only a thin strip of territory in County Sligo connects the northwest to the rest of Ireland. As a result, the nearly-isolated northwest is something of **a time capsule of traditional Ireland**. Visitors will hear **Irish Gaelic** spoken in this region, and can easily hear **traditional Irish music**, purchase **authentic Irish crafts** (especially woolens & linens), and **taste regional foods** prepared the traditional way. The northwest offers **some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery**: the mountainous coastal peninsulas jutting into the foamy Atlantic. **Links golf, fine fishing, top-notch touring, and excellent eating** make this least-visited corner of the Irish Republic an undiscovered treasure. Lodgings are located in and near **the county towns of Donegal and Sligo**, convenient touring centers for exploring the rugged and rural counties of Ireland’s northwestern quarter — from **Galway** and **Mayo** through Sligo to Donegal and across the border into western **Northern Ireland**. Northwestern Ireland lodgings are ideally located for touring. Choose from townhouse apartments in Sligo or Donegal or rural cottages set nearby in delightful scenery. In-town guests can walk to stores, shops, pubs, and restaurants. Guests at rural cottages enjoy walking, too, but must drive to reach shops, services, and provisions. Each lodging is unique. Some are traditionally decorated. Others are modern. All lodgings are well-appointed, well-maintained, comfortable, spacious, and conveniently located. All lodgings come with welcoming, caring hosts. Northwestern Ireland is a **golfer’s paradise** offering many of Ireland’s top links courses including **Rosses Point, Bundoran, Enniscrone, Donegal Murvagh, and Narin & Portnoo**. **Fishing and walking (hiking) are also superb here** as is **shopping for traditional crafts, woolens, and tweed**s. And no Irish region offers so much **authentic traditional music**. No surprise many say Ireland’s Northwest offers the best of traditional Ireland. ** an ireland apart** ### NORTHERN IRELAND #### counties antrim & (london-)derry ![Co. Antrim: Giants Causeway, a World Heritage Site.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Antrim-Giants-Causeway-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1596482743407.jpg) giant’s causeway, CO. ANTRIM northern ireland #### northern ireland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. **A SUBLIME REGION WITH A TUMULTUOUS HISTORY** **Northern** **Ireland** is a region for centuries in dispute, caught in a tug-of-war between Ireland and Britain, the remaining vestige of the complex, thousand-year history of British involvement in Ireland. And, despite the prevailing peace, differences — some contentious — remain, made more complex by Brexit. Northern Ireland is unique from the Republic of Ireland in key ways: • **International Membership:** Northern Ireland is a member state of the United Kingdom (UK), with England, Wales, and (currently) Scotland. The Republic of Ireland is a member state of the European Union (EU). • **Money:** Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling, while the Republic uses euros. • **Crossing Borders:** Moving between Britain and Northern Ireland is “domestic travel”, while moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland is “international travel”. North American visitors, however, will continue to show their passports whenever required, and no special visas are required. **Northern** **Ireland** also has much in common with the Republic of Ireland in key ways: • **Touring:** There’s remarkable scenery here along the photogenic **Antrim coast** of Northern Ireland, capped by the **World Heritage Site Giant’s Causeway** looking northeast toward Scotland. History seekers cannot pass the craggy ruins of **Dunluce Castle**. Adrenaline junkies will want to take on the challenge of crossing the **Carrick-a-Rede rope suspension bridge**. Whiskey connoisseurs must plan a stop at **Old Bushmills Distillery**. • **Activities:** The Antrim coast offers challenging golf at top links courses: **Castlerock**, **Portstewart**, and **Royal Portrush**, where the (British) Open Championship was played in 2019. There’s fresh- and saltwater fishing, with fresh seafood always part of the menu along coastal Northern Ireland. Recommended lodgings in **Counties Antrim & Londonderry (also called ‘Derry’)** are located in pretty coastal towns convenient for exploring the far north of Ireland, from the County Donegal border (Irish Republic) east through the scenic **Antrim Glens**. Each lodging is unique. Some are traditionally decorated. Others are modern. All lodgings are well-appointed, well-maintained, comfortable, spacious, and conveniently located. As always, all lodgings in Northern Ireland come with welcoming, caring hosts always available for your questions or concerns. ### Our ‘Ireland Independence’ Lodgings **Minimum lodging time is 7 nights for rural destinations. Dublin apartments have a 3-night minimum.** ![SW Ireland: Co. Kerry - Kenmare Bay Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Lodgings-Title-Image-SW-Ireland-Co-Kerry-Kenmare-Bay-Cottage-050607-2631-1275x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) #### Pictured above is a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom **Home At First** remote-estate lodging in southern County Kerry on the Ring of Beara an 8-minute drive from Kenmare town. Its panoramic view of Kenmare Bay, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountain range) and the Killarney National Park are as impressive as the house & property are spacious, private, and relaxing. **Home At First’s** Irish cottages, townhouse apartments, and city apartments range in size — from studios to 4-bedrooms — sleeping anywhere from 1 person to 8 persons. Lodgings vary in location from urban to rural towns and villages to country estate settings. All of our Ireland lodgings meet high standards for cleanliness and are comfortable, interesting, safe, well-equipped, convenient bases for exploring their locale or region. Rural lodgings come with hosts on-site or close-by, who meet you when you arrive and are available throughout your stay. City apartments have concierge desks staffed much of the day every day of the week. Most rural lodgings have usable outdoor space — balconies, patios, or terraces — ideal for snacking, light meals, or relaxing during fine weather. **Care & Cleanliness:** The apartments have been thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival, but are not maid-serviced during your stay. Nearly all rural lodgings and some city apartments are equipped with laundry machines. Accommodations are non-smoking and do not permit pets. Basic starter kitchen and bathroom supplies are provided. **Well-Equipped:** As with lodgings at any **Home At First** destination, our “Ireland Independence” cottages, townhouses, and apartments have, as a minimum, bedrooms, private bathrooms, living and dining areas/rooms, and well-equipped kitchens. Some multiple-bedroom accommodations come with multiple bathrooms, often *en suite* with the bedrooms. Some few studio apartments or smaller cottages have open-plan living-dining-sleeping space and/or kitchenettes without ovens. Bed and bath linens and a hair-dryer are provided. Flat-screen cable TVs and free internet WiFi are almost universal. ### Sample Ireland Independence Lodgings & Locations Shown and described below is a selection of lodgings at the three most popular **Home At First** Ireland Independence lodging locations. They are shown here as **representative examples** of different sizes and capacities of lodgings we provide our guests. While the full range of our available Ireland Independence lodgings and locations to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment or location. **NOTE — FOR BEST VIEWING:** each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. These slide shows do not advance automatically. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). --- #### **NEAR TERRYGLASS** **NORTHERN CO. TIPPERARY** **CENTRAL IRELAND** - ![The Derg Inn and Paddy's Bar are the gathering places at Terryglass. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/North-Tipperary-Terryglass-pub-and-restaurant-070806-0718-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-866x575.jpg "North Tipperary: Terryglass pub and restaurant. Photo copyright Home At First")###### Derg Inn & Paddy’s Bar, Terryglass - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Rose Cottage exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Rose-Cottage-exterior-060607-2734-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Rose Cottage exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Pretty Rose Cottage: ideal for 1-2Prs. - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Rose Cottage interior. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Rose-Cottage-interior-060607-2729-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Rose Cottage interior. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Rose Cottage - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Ashwood Cottage.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Ashwood-Cottage-exterior-070806-0706-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Ashwood Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First")###### Ashwood Cottage: ideal for 2-4Prs. - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Ashwood Cottage interior. Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Ashwood-Cottage-interior-060607-2739-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Ashwood Cottage interior. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Ashwood Cottage - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — White Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-White-Cottage-exterior-080706-0703-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — White Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### White Cottage: 2-bdrms, 2-baths - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — White Cottage interior. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-White-Cottage-interior-050806-0623-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — White Cottage interior. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### White Cottage: an updated Irish cottage - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal Cottage exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Mare-and-Foal-Cottage-exterior-010607-2414-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal Cottage exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Mare Cottage can double capacity - ![North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal Cottage kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Mare-and-Foal-Cottage-kitchen-010607-2436-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal Cottage kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### 2 kitchens at expanded Mare Cottage - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal king bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Mare-and-Foal-king-bdrm-010607-2430-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal king bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Mare Cottage king beds can split into twins - ![North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal Cottage exterior 2. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Mare-and-Foal-Cottage-exterior-2-010607-2418-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal Cottage exterior 2. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### L-shaped expanded Mare & Foal Cottage - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal namesake neighbors. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-mare-and-foal-neighbors-060607-2708-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Mare & Foal namesake neighbors. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### The neighbors at Mare & Foal Cottage - ![Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Owner-Hosts 2020. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Terryglass-Co-Tipperary-North-Riding-Cottages-Owner-Hosts-2020-866x565-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Terryglass, Co. Tipperary: North Riding Cottages — Owner-Hosts 2020. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Friendly, attentive owner/hosts north riding cottages **Near upper Lough Derg close to the borders with Counties Galway & Offaly.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** Located about 1.6 miles southeast of the village of Terryglass in northern County Tipperary, **Home At First‘s Northern Riding Cottages** are set on an active farm in the heartland of Ireland. The far estate setting is quiet, open and rural, just 4 minutes by car (or about 10 minutes by bike or 30 minutes walking) from the village. The estate has four one-story cottages: two converted from farm buildings and two purpose-built. All four cottages feature traditional rural Irish decor: simple and comfortable, but with modern conveniences in the kitchen and living room. **North Riding Cottages** are four 1- and 2-bedroom, 1-story Irish cottages. From the outside they are undeniably traditional, rural Irish cottages. Two of them are converted stone farm buildings, repurposed to give visitors an a**uthentic rural Irish accommodation on a working Irish farm**. Two others are purpose-built, faithful recreations of prim, whitewashed cottages, the type that once could be found across Ireland’s heartland. Inside, the cottages are furnished simply, but with comfortable beds and living rooms, and modern appliances in their kitchens. All four have private parking, outdoor seating, and marvelous peace and quiet — except when a farm tractor is at work in the adjacent fields. Two of the four cottages have 2 bedrooms. Of these, one (**Ashwood Cottage**) has just one bathroom and serves families with children or 2 singles traveling together, while the other (**White Cottage**) has two bathrooms and is ideal for 2 couples, families, or foursomes. The small **Rose Cottage** is perfect for a couple, and is our top recommendation for single travelers. The fourth cottage (**Mare Cottage**) is expandable from a 1-bedroom, 1-bath, 2-person cottage, to a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-kitchen, 3-4 person lodging when its connecting annex (**Foal Cottage**) is added to comprise the roomy-with-privacy **Mare & Foal Cottage** combination. **TERRYGLASS:** Prim, tiny, and tidy are Terryglass’s hallmarks. Rooted in Irish antiquity, Terryglass was put on the map by **Saint Columba of Terryglass**, who founded a monastery at Terryglass in 548AD. A portion of the medieval abbey’s wall can still be seen, as can two holy wells — one is said to cure migraines; the other miraculously improves eyesight. While some visitors seek out Terryglass’s religious sites, nearly all stop at the village’s side-by-side watering holes: **Paddy’s Bar (or Pub)** and **the Derg Inn**. Good food and drink — and weekly live music — are found in these two neighbors in the village center. The village is less than ½-mile inland from the large boat quay at **Terryglass Harbour** on **Lough Derg** — Central Ireland’s large, recreational lake. Terryglass is 12-minutes drive from the 2 nearest towns for groceries and services. One of these — **Portumna in County Galway** — is at the northern end of Lough Derg across the **River Shannon**. The other — **Borrisokane in County Tipperary** — is a market town for the agricultural heartland of the northern part of Tipperary County called **the North Riding**. Though hilly — even “mountainous” for inland Ireland — in a few places, the North Riding is mostly agricultural, dotted with prosperous farms, especially dairy farms. About as far from the seacoast as is possible in Ireland, the North Riding is also about as far from mass tourism as is possible in Ireland. If you want to experience the real Ireland, the North Riding of County Tipperary is an ideal spot. **ACTIVITIES & TOURING:** There is much to do in the North Riding: horseback riding, walking & hiking, kayaking, cycling, pleasure cruising on Lough Derg, and golf lead the list. As a touring base, the North Riding — **close to the geographic center of the Republic** — offers nearly unmatched day-trip coverage. Here’s a partial list of driveable destinations: • Around Lough Derg: 2-8 hrs. circular • Dublin: 2 hrs. east-northeast • Dublin Airport: 2 hrs., 4 min. east-northeast • Irish Nat’l. Stud & Gardens: 83 min. east • Glendalough, Wicklow Mts NP: 131 min. E • Kilkenny town & Castle: 100 min. southeast • Waterford: 2 hrs., 7 min. southeast • Rock of Cashel: 74 min. south • Cahir Castle: 84 min. south • Cork: 2 hrs, 1 min. south • Kinsale: 2 hrs., 28 min. south • Limerick: 52 min. southwest • Adare village & golf: 57 min. southwest • Killarney National Park: 2 hrs., 22 min. SW • Dingle, Kerry: 2 hrs., 47 min., SW • Ballybunion Golf Links: 116 min. SW • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: 58 min. SW • Shannon Airport: 70 min. southwest • Ennis, Co. Clare: 76 min. west • Lahinch Golf Links: 105 min. west • Burren National Park: 80 min. west • Cliffs of Moher: 115 min. west • Galway city: 71 min. west • Cong village (*The Quiet Man* set): 100 min. NW • Connemara Loop: 2 hrs., 30 min. northwest • Westport, Co. Mayo: 2 hrs., 6 min. NW • Sligo town: 2 hrs. 22 min. north-northwest • Clonmacnoise monastic site: 51 min. north Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Terryglass is a friendly, happy, and welcoming Irish village to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to base your Ireland Independence adventures. --- #### **NEAR KILLALOE** **EASTERN COUNTY CLARE** **CENTRAL IRELAND** - ![Killaloe, Co. Clare on the River Shannon. Photo courtesy Killaloe Townhouses.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-aerial-view-of-Killaloe-and-the-Shannon-866x575-Photo-courtesy-Killaloe-Townhouses.jpg "Killaloe, Co. Clare on the River Shannon. Photo courtesy Killaloe Townhouses.")###### Killaloe • Co. Clare • R. Shannon - ![Killaloe Townhouses (aerial view). Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-aerial-view-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses (aerial view). Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses complex - ![Killaloe Townhouses: double bedroom with balcony. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-double-bedroom-with-balcony-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses: double bedroom with balcony. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses - ![Killaloe Townhouses: bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-bathroom-with-shower-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses: bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses - ![Killaloe Townhouses: twin bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-twin-bedroom-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses: twin bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses - ![Killaloe Townhouses: bathroom with tub-shower. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-bathroom-with-tub-shower-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses: bathroom with tub-shower. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses - ![Killaloe Townhouses: living room with flat-screen TV. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-livingroom-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses: living room with flat-screen TV. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses - ![Killaloe Townhouses: well-equipped kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-kitchen-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses: well-equipped kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses - ![Killaloe Townhouses: plentiful parking. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Co.-Clare-KillaloeTownhouses-exterior-view-866x575-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Killaloe Townhouses: plentiful parking. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Killaloe Townhouses - ![Colorful Main Street Killaloe, County Clare. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Main-Street-Killaloe-County-Clare-070806-0787-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-866x575.jpg "Colorful Main Street Killaloe, County Clare. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Main Street Killaloe, Co. Clare - ![Market on the town square. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-Heaneys-Market-0201-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-866x575.jpg "Market on the town square. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Market Square, Killaloe - ![Killaloe: 1,000-year-old St Lua's Oratory atop the town.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Killaloe-1000-year-old-St-Luas-Oratory-atop-the-town-030607-2530-875x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-866x575.jpg "Killaloe: 1,000-year-old St Lua's Oratory atop the town. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Ancient St Lua’s Oratory, Killaloe KILLALOE TOWNHOUSES **By the River Shannon at its southern exit from Lough Derg, 35 minutes from Limerick city.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** Located about 5/8 mile northwest of the town center, **Home At First‘s Killaloe Townhouses** are by a bend in the River Shannon midway between the river’s southern exit from Lough Derg and the lively town of **Killaloe**. The townhouse estate setting is quiet, open and rural, just 2-3 minutes by car (or about 15 minutes walking) from the town center. The estate has access to the river. **Killaloe Townhouses** offer 2- and 3-bedroom, 2-story townhouse apartments. The modern lodgings are comfortably furnished, well-equipped, and offer balcony views, outdoor patio or garden seating, and plenty of parking. All townhouse bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms — most outfitted with showers, some with tub/showers. Most bedrooms are equipped with double beds, but there is usually one twin bedroom in each townhouse. Kitchens are complete with range, oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and clothes washer. A spacious, open-plan living/dining area has plenty of seating and lounging for 6 or more. **KILLALOE:** Colorful, lively, historic Killaloe town is home to 1,500 residents. It is located on the west bank of the River Shannon just south of its exit from Central Ireland’s large recreational lake, **Lough Derg**. A long, narrow, multi-arched bridge connects Killaloe with its twin-town, **Ballina**, County Tipperary, on the Shannon’s east bank. **The Killaloe-Ballina bridge** is the first crossing of the Shannon for more than 30 miles south of **Portumna**, County Galway. The river crossing draws traffic between **Counties Clare and Tipperary**: the east and west of **Central Ireland**. It also draws travelers on the scenic route around Lough Derg, or heading south by back roads to **Limerick**, Ireland’s 3rd largest city (pop. about 95,000), just 15 miles south of Killaloe. Killaloe & Ballina draw lots of river traffic, too. The twin towns share large harbor facilities that have made them **a key tie-up along the Shannon for pleasure craft** navigating the 200+ miles of waterways divide Ireland into east and west between Limerick and the village of Lowra 132 miles to the north in County Cavan, just 10 miles from the Northern Ireland border. Killaloe and Ballina, not surprisingly, have a **large number of restaurants, bars, shops, and services** to serve guests who converge on the twin towns. Many are concentrated close to the riverside, with the old, multi-arch bridge the center of the action, and as a result often jammed with traffic. Killaloe’s popularity has returned after an absence of 1,000 years. It was a millennium ago when the local O’Brien clan chief, **Brian Boru**, united Ireland in defense against invading Vikings, becoming **Ireland’s first High King** in the year 1002, and anointing his hometown, Killaloe, as Ireland’s de facto capital. Brian’s home fort was built at **Kincora** just north of Killaloe on the riverside by the location of **Home At First**‘s Killaloe Townhouses. While only a few post holes and 11th century coins have been found at the Kincora site, Killaloe still has an important relic of Brian Boru’s time: the **St. Lua’s Oratory**, built sometime between 1000-1150 AD originally on an islet in the Shannon but relocated to **St. Flannan’s Catholic Church** by the town square at the top of Killaloe. This small stone building beside a churchyard of Celtic crosses is of national importance. Of great local importance is Killaloe’s annual **Feile Brian Boru**, the July five-day town family festival celebrating Killaloe’s favorite son, which draws the year’s biggest crowds to the pretty County Clare village along the Shannon. **ACTIVITIES & TOURING:** Killaloe and vicinity offer much to do: horseback riding, walking & hiking, kayaking, cycling, pleasure cruising on Lough Derg, and golf lead the list. Many guests choose Killaloe for their holiday because of its central location. As a touring base, Killaloe offers nearly unmatched day-trip coverage of Ireland. Here’s a partial list of driveable destinations: • Around Lough Derg: 2-8 hrs. circular • Dublin: 2 hrs. northeast • Dublin Airport: 2 hrs. northeast • Irish Nat’l. Stud & Gardens: 80 min. NE • Glendalough, Wicklow Mts NP: 125 min. E • Kilkenny town & Castle: 100 min. east • Rock of Cashel: 65 min. southeast • Cahir Castle: 66 min. southeast • Waterford: 2 hrs., 9 min. southeast • Limerick: 30 min. south • Cork: 100 min. south • Kinsale: 2 hrs., 4 min. south • Adare village & golf: 35 min. southwest • Killarney National Park: 2 hrs. SW • Dingle, Kerry: 2 hrs., 20min., SW • Ballybunion Golf Links: 90 min. SW • Bunratty Castle & Folk Park: 35 min. SW • Shannon Airport: 45 min. west • Ennis, Co. Clare: 45 min. west • Lahinch Golf Links: 80 min. west • Burren National Park: 66 min. northwest • Cliffs of Moher: 90 min. northwest • Galway city: 90 min. northwest • Cong village (*The Quiet Man* set): 114 min. NW • Connemara Loop: 2 hrs., 47 min. northwest • Westport, Co. Mayo: 2 hrs., 20 min. NW • Sligo town: 2 hrs. 39 min. north • Clonmacnoise monastic site: 80 min. north Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Killaloe is a friendly, happy, and welcoming Irish town to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to base your Ireland Independence adventures. --- #### **NEAR KENMARE** **SOUTHERN CO. KERRY** **SOUTHWESTERN IRELAND** - ![Allihies, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork: O'Neill's Bar. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Allihies-Beara-Peninsula-Co.-Cork-ONeills-Bar-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Allihies, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork: O'Neill's Bar. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Allihies, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork - ![Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork: Ballydonegan Beach. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Beara-Peninsula-Ballydonegan-Beach-Co.-Cork-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork: Ballydonegan Beach. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Ballydonegan Beach, Beara Peninsula - ![Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry: Ireland's highest peak. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Carrantuohill-Co.-Kerry-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry: Ireland's highest peak. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Carrauntoohil: Ireland’s highest peak - ![Kenmare, Co. Kerry: O'Finnegan's Souvenir & Gift Shop. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Kenmare-Co-Kerry-O-Finnegans-Souvenir-and-Gift-Shop-facade-050607-2658-866x575-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kenmare, Co. Kerry: O'Finnegan's Souvenir & Gift Shop. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Kenmare: O’Finnegan’s Gift Shop - ![Kenmare, Co. Kerry: Packie's Restaurant. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Kenmare-Co-Kerry-Packies-Restaurant-050607-2655-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kenmare, Co. Kerry: Packie's Restaurant. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Kenmare: Packie’s Restaurant - ![Kenmare Country Cottages, Co. Kerry: Kenmare Bay Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Kenmare-Bay-Cottage-exterior-2-050607-2618-866x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kenmare Country Cottages, Co. Kerry: Kenmare Bay Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Kenmare Bay Cottage: grand views - ![Kenmare Bay Cottage conservatory. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Kenmare-Bay-Cottage-conservatory-733x487-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-733x486.jpg "Kenmare Bay Cottage conservatory. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Kenmare Bay Cottage conservatory - ![One of the Kenmare Country Cottages: Kerry View Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Kerry-View-Cottage-exterior-050607-2626-866xz575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "One of the Kenmare Country Cottages: Kerry View Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.")###### Kerry View Cottage views high peaks. - ![Kenmare Heights Cottage - exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Kenmare-Heights-Cottage-exterior-750x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-750x497.jpg "Kenmare Heights Cottage - exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.")###### Kenmare Heights Cottage KENMARE COUNTRY COTTAGES **Rural cottages a few minutes drive from Kenmare, lively touring center of southern Kerry.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** Located on hillsides above both the north and the south shores of Kenmare Bay and west and southwest of Kenmare town in southern County Kerry, **Home At First‘s Kenmare Country Cottages** may seem remote. They are, however, no more than 6-minutes drive from Kenmare, the principal town of scenic southwestern Ireland where the country’s highest mountains meet the sea at the Rings of Kerry and Beara. There are three independent cottages in the collection. While each is unique, all have similar furniture in a style that is at once modern and traditional with heavy wood and overstuffed upholstery: substantial and comfortable. Expect all the modern conveniences in the kitchen and living room. Importantly for isolated-site lodgings, all three cottages have laundry rooms with washer/dryers. All three cottages have enclosed, landscaped yards with furnished patios that can be used for al fresco dining and/or barbecuing. Details of each of the three cottages follow: • **Kenmare Heights Cottage** is in a rural setting less than ½ mile from bustling Kenmare. The cottage is along a minor road on the heights above the north shore of Kenmare Bay, looking south over the bay and across to the rugged Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula. Kenmare Heights Cottages is a 2-story, 2-bedroom, 2½-bath, whitewashed house ideal for small families (up to 5 persons) or two couples. On the ground floor, the spacious, open-plan living room and dining area features leather-accented sofas, a color TV, stereo, with a solid fuel stove in the fireplace, and a dining table suite. The kitchen also has a dining table and chairs, and is well-equipped with a fridge, electric range, and microwave. The kitchen opens onto a spacious, patio. Also just off the kitchen are a powder room (WC) and laundry room with washer/dryer. The two bedrooms and bathrooms occupy the second floor. The master bedroom has a double bed & a single bed, plus a bathroom with Jacuzzi tub & shower. A second bedroom has a double bed plus bathroom with shower. Rooms have electric storage heaters. Private, off-street parking is adjacent to the cottage. • **Kerry View Cottage** is a 2-story, 5-bedroom, 5-bath, rural house ideal for families or groups of up to 11 persons. Three bedrooms have private baths en suite. The master bedroom’s bath features a whirlpool tub and a shower. Two bedrooms share a large bath. The master bedroom and two other bedrooms have double beds. Twin beds equip a fourth bedroom. The fifth bedroom has a double bed and a single bed. Four bedrooms are on the upper floor. The master bedroom has a furnished balcony & a grand view. The ground floor has one bedroom in addition to the well-equipped kitchen with dining nook, an elegant entrance hall with wood burning stove, and formal dining room with multiple tables and French doors to a furnished patio. The expansive living room has plush, upholstered chairs, sofa and love seat, enclosed fireplace, and large color TV, and opens onto the patio and gardens with sweeping views. A laundry room with a full-sized washer & dryer opens off the kitchen. Rooms have efficient electric storage heaters. Private parking for several cars is immediately in front of the cottage. Kerry View Cottage is private and gated among manicured lawns and gardens in an idyllic rural setting just two miles from the colorful regional center of Kenmare. Four of its five bedrooms, the living room, and the entrance hall feature views north across Kenmare Bay to Ireland’s highest mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, topping the Ring of Kerry. • **Kenmare Bay Cottage** is is a 2-story, 4-bedroom, 4-bath cottage ideal for families or groups of up to 9 persons. Each bedroom has its own private bath. Two bedrooms — including the master — have double beds. Two bedrooms have twin beds. Three bedrooms are on the upper floor; one bedroom is on the ground floor. Also on the ground floor are the well-equipped kitchen, large living room/dining room with fireplace and large color TV, and a sunny conservatory that opens onto a outdoor terrace with a barbecue grill. There is a utility room with a washer & dryer. All bedrooms, the living room, and the conservatory have views north across Kenmare Bay to Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountains. Rooms have efficient electric storage heaters. Private parking for several cars is immediately in front of the cottage. Kenmare Bay Cottage is set in an idyllic rural setting just two miles from the colorful regional center of Kenmare in southernmost County Kerry in Ireland’s southwestern corner. The upland perch of the cottage is private and gated on an acre of manicured lawns and gardens. **KENMARE**, founded in 1670, is not old by Irish standards. Even so, its surrounding region has prehistoric monuments, and considerable Celtic & Viking history. The town occupies a scenic and strategic setting at mouth of the Roughty River where it empties into Kenmare Bay. The bay — an arm of the Atlantic Ocean — is wedged like a fjord between the mountainous Beara and Iveragh peninsulas. Kenmare (population of about 2,000) is a colorful, neat town with many shops, restaurants (latest count: 30+), and pubs. Kenmare’s Wednesday market fills its busy central square, where the town’s tourist information office is also located. **TOURING:** Kenmare’s setting between two extraordinary peninsulas is ideal as a touring base for exploration of southwestern Ireland: western County Cork and southern County Kerry. Two major peninsular touring routes, the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, converge at Kenmare. Within day-trip distance of Kenmare are the large towns of Killarney, Bantry, and the city of Cork, plus many authentic Irish villages as well as lively market towns with pubs featuring traditional Irish music. Reachable attractions include Killarney National Park, the Rings of Beara, Kerry, and Dingle, the Caha Mountains and Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountains), Ross Castle, and world-famed Blarney Castle. Airports: Cork 2 hrs E; Shannon 3½ hrs NE; Dublin 6 hrs NE. **ACTIVITIES:** In addition to touring, guests enjoy water sports (fishing, boating, swimming) along the coast, golf at nearby courses (Kenmare G.C. & Ring of Kerry G.C) or at world class courses a little further afield: Waterville, Killarney, even Tralee, Ballybunion, and Old Head of Kinsale. Close to Kenmare there’s walking, hiking, and climbing in the Caha Mountains and Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, pony trekking, visiting craft shops, and joining in the traditional Irish music nights at local pubs. Whether you stay close to home or day-trip far & wide, Kenmare is a friendly, happy, welcoming town to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to base your Ireland Independence adventures. --- #### IRELAND readily combines with all other Home At First destinations in Britain & Ireland as well as most Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### **[LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London)** ![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "Home At First's Life in London") ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard 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Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking rest stop with a view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Switzerland-Bernina-Alps-260808-5296-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking rest stop with a view.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [ireland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/ireland-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) ###### **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/) **Published:** February 11, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [HOME AT FIRST scotland prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) [— **scotland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [— **the central highlands** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central) best scotland touring base **[— edinburgh: urban —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh)** apts. in scotland’s capital [— **inverness & the north** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) city apts. & highland cottages **— special request regions —** glasgow • borders • islands #### #### The Power & Majesty of ## **SCOTLAND** Edinburgh’s Castle Rock evokes the fierce power struggles between Highland Clans, Scottish nationalists, and the British overlords throughout Scotland’s history. Discover Scotland’s volatile history here in the nation’s capital. Home At First’s Edinburgh apartments are just minutes walking time from the castle and all the attractions of the culturally rich city center. #### Photo of Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock above Princes Street Gardens copyright **Home At First**. ### **SCOTLAND** — **THE POWER & MAJESTY** # **Discover Scotland: Independent Travel** #### Using Quality Vacation Cottages & Apartments ### **Scotland — Ancient Traditions & Modern Surprises Wrapped in a Legendary Landscape** Discover Scotland with Home At First: travel independently from a vacation cottage or holiday apartment of your own. Scotland will inspire your imagination and surprise you with the variety of cultural and natural wonders. You will discover Scotland has more than 25% of the landmass of Britain but less than 10% of Britain’s population. You will discover Scotland’s fierce northern Celts, Vikings and Highlander clans. You will discover Scotland’s wild, romantic panorama of high, barren mountains, mysterious black lochs, and hidden glens. You will discover Scotland’s many castles scattered across its captivating landscape. Its traditional fishing & farming economy is bolstered by a modern economy of oil and hi-tech. You will discover modern Scotland is semi-autonomous, hardworking, and prosperous. Per capita, Scotland is the wealthiest of the four states of the United Kingdom, the British union Scotland has voted partially to leave. You will Discover Scotland’s venerable cities — Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness — are rejuvenated, revitalized, chic, even hip cultural centers of modern Europe, the continental union Scotland did not vote to leave via Brexit. More than ever, a visit to Scotland will fulfill your dreams of its traditional past and surprise you with the discovery of a nation not standing on past glories and romantic legends alone, but determined to forge its place in the future. --- ### **Home At First’s DISCOVER SCOTLAND Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [FULL-PACKAGE DESTINATION ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) **INCLUDES:** • **Round-trip transatlantic FLIGHTS** to Glasgow or Edinburgh • **7 Nights of LODGINGS** in a Scotland cottage or apartment • **Ground TRANSPORT:** rental car or railpass. **Already have Flights?** *We have good-value Ground-only & Lodging-only options available.* **Basic Itinerary Character** **1-Week in SCOTLAND** Live Scottish in your cottage in a village or town. Or, live in a city apartment in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness. Explore Scotland at your own pace by rental car or railpass. **Tip:** *Add a low-cost 2nd week in the same lodging to intensify your experience.* **Lodgings** **Weekly Rentals** **Cottages in:** • The Central Highlands • The Northern Highlands • The Southern Borders **Apartments in:** • Edinburgh • Glasgow • Inverness **Special Request Locations:** • Isle of Skye • Outer Hebrides • The Shetlands **Tip****:** *take a week in 2 different locations to enrich your experience.* **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities Range from:** $—$$$$ Independent travel in Scotland — especially in rural Scotland — can be done on a manageable budget. **Tip:** *Using your lodging’s* *well-equipped kitchen can really help save.* [**Overall Trip Costs** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **Combinable!** with Home At First destinations throughout the British Isles, Continental Europe, and Scandinavia. **Tip:** *Visit multiple destinations for just one transatlantic airfare.* **Languages Spoken:** British But expect to struggle understanding some thicker accents, especially in Glasgow, & Aberdeen. **(M)OTHER TONGUES** In remote Scotland you may hear **Scots** (SW to NE Scotland & east of the Great Glen) or **Scottish Gaelic** west of the Great Glen especially in the Hebrides isles. **Flight Length to Scotland from North America** 7+ hrs from the East Coast 11+ hrs from the West Coast North American flights arrive at Glasgow Airport (GLA) or Edinburgh Airport (EDI). **Connecting Flights May Be Necessary!** *Most non-stop flights to Scotland originate on the East Coast.* **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Kids love the outdoor activities and much of the food (fish & chips, yes!; haggis, no!), and especially like exploring Scottish castles (but not whisky distilleries, golf courses, or tartan & tweed shops). **Tip:** *take the family on a monster search to Loch Ness.* **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Traditional Scottish mainstays like poached salmon and Angus beef steak or stew, served with Scottish ale or rare single malt Scotch whisky add delicious authenticity to your discovery of Scotland. **Tip:** *Save room for Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert!* **Famously Walkable** Scots love walking, and not just on the golf course. Home At First’s Scotland lodgings — rural and city — offer fine short walks: to shops, pubs, attractions, & famous view-points. Wear sensible shoes & carry a mac or a brolly! **Tip:** *Walks of all types are listed in our Scotland Hiking Guide.* **Activities** • Car Touring • Golf • Exploring historic sites: castles, cathedrals, & museums • Fishing • Walking, & hiking • Shopping • Eating! • Tracing the Whisky Trail • Scenic Day-trips by train • Short ferry trips to the Inner Hebrides • Highland Games & festivals • Tracing your family tree **The Best Times to Go****:** April through October when the weather is outdoorsy, and at Christmas and Hogmany (the Scottish New Year) when Scotland indoors is inviting and cozy. **Tip:** *Scotland is busiest during July & August when the Edinburgh Festival, the Royal Tattoo, and many Highland Games occur.* --- ## Where we go to Discover Scotland ![Discover Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Scotland-Destinations-Scotland-Relief-Map-labeled-951x1024-e1554504443778.jpg) #### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S DISCOVER SCOTLAND TRAVEL PROGRAM HOME AT FIRST BUILDS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES TO SCOTLAND THAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings:** Fixed Package Price lodgings are available in six regions of Scotland: the Central Highlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, the Northern Highlands, and the Scottish Borders. Custom-priced, special-request travel packages with lodgings are available for Scotland’s islands: the Inner Hebrides, the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides), Orkney, and the Shetland Island. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to Scotland (usually to Glasgow, frequently to Edinburgh, but also to Inverness, whichever of these is the best choice for your needs) from your home airport. Our **[price chart](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices "Scotland Pricing")** includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to Glasgow (GLA). Flights from/to all other airports available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. • **Ground Transport:** We recommend and arrange the appropriate ground transportation for your trip. Options include: car rental, ScotRail and BritRail transport passes, as well as individual railway & ferry tickets. **• Our ‘Scotland Activity Guide’ Keyed for Your Scotland Destination** to help you make the most out of your visit. Includes suggestions for touring, walking, pubs, restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, much more. • **Special Support Services in Central Scotland:** Our dedicated on-site staff offers arriving guests an orientation meeting, on-call back-up assistance, and a delightful traditional Scottish dinner party. • **Optional Driver or Driver/Guide:** Don’t want to drive in Scotland? We can arrange for an independent driver or driver/guide for as many days as you wish. **• Real People Providing Real Help in Real Time:** Home At First helps all its travelers complete the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. If conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions & provide any assistance needed. [**SCOTLAND PRICING**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) #### #### #### [Discover SCOTLAND’S CENTER](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central) #### THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ![Young Highlanders in full regalia at the Blair Atholl Highland Gathering, Central Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Scotland-Destinations-Central-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-280500-2-003-378x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Young Highlanders, Central Scotland #### [CENTRAL HIGHLANDS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central) Our Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES SCOTLAND’S TOURING CENTER Our most popular Scottish location, set in a romantic landscape of stunning beauty: the lochs & mountains of **Scotland’s Central Highlands**. Our **cottages** in **Scotland’s Central Highlands** are set in picture postcard villages & towns away from tourist throngs, a central location ideal for exploring Scotland. **Home At First** guests in **Scotland’s Central Highlands** receive our exclusive **“Scotland Activity Guide”**, full of suggestions and maps for day trips and other **activities**: Of course the region is universally known as • a paradise for **golf** • a **fishing** nirvana • **hiking** heaven But there is much more to do in **Scotland’s Central Highlands**: • Trace **family roots**. • Attend a **Highland Games**. • **Cycle** on dedicated, bike routes. • Explore dozens of **castles**. • Shop for **tartans & tweeds**. • Cruise mysterious **lochs**. • **Rail-cruise across the moors** from the Highlands to the sea. • Visit scotch distilleries on **the Whisky Trail**. • Discover and enjoy **fine restaurants** throughout Central Scotland. **Scotland’s Central Highlands** is our **serviced program area** in Great Britain — especially valuable for first-time visitors — with on-site staff providing full-time back-up assistance & support, orientation to help get you up to speed quickly, and a fun dinner party. For visitors not wishing to drive in Scotland, our **Scotland’s Central Highlands** offers **drivers & driver/guides** available most times of year — please inquire. TO GET MORE INFO & SEE SOME SAMPLE LODGINGS, PRESS THIS BUTTON: [CENTRAL HIGHLANDS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central "Central Scotland") #### #### #### [Discover](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh) [SCOTLAND’S GREAT CITIES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh) #### edinburgh & glasgow ![Edinburgh — Piper on Castle Hill](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Scotland-Destinations-Edinburgh-Castle-Hill-Piper-131218-9190-378x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608051705815.jpg) PIPER ON EDINBURGH’S CASTLE HILL #### [EDINBURGH](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh) Our Lodgings: CITY APARTMENTS **EDINBURGH —SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL** **Edinburgh,** capital of Scotland, is an ancient, royal city and a lively, cultured, modern city. Visitors come for the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, kilted guards at the Castle, the pageantry of the Tattoo, the world-class variety of the Festival, tweeds, tartans, & whisky. Our comfortable, quality **Edinburgh** **apartments** are centrally situated in historic, culturally rich Old Town, within 4-12 minutes walk of The Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and **Edinburgh’s** principal railway station. Convenient city transport and excellent intercity rail service means visitors can explore **Edinburgh** and parts of Scotland & England without needing a rental car. TO GET MORE INFO & SEE SOME SAMPLE LODGINGS, PRESS THIS BUTTON: [EDINBURGH](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh) #### ![APARTMENT CRESCENT IN GLASGOW. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Scotland-Destinations-Glasgow-Apartment-Row-05990032-378x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) APARTMENT CRESCENT IN GLASGOW #### GLASGOW Our Lodgings: CITY APARTMENTS **GLASGOW — SCOTLAND’S BIG CITY** **Glasgow,** Scotland’s largest city, is a cultural center, with noted art museums, gardens, theater, attractive shops, restaurants, pubs, and rail stations with connections all over Britain. Our comfortable **Glasgow** **apartments** are conveniently situated city center in the midst of shopping, cultural attractions, restaurants, & pubs. **Glasgow’s** 2 major train stations are within 5-minutes walk of our lodgings, meaning visitors can explore the city as well as parts of Scotland & England without needing a rental car. FOR A SELECTION OF AVAILABLE GLASGOW LODGINGS, CONTACT US: [ask HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) #### #### #### [Discover ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) [SCOTLAND’S ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness)[ NORTH](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) #### INVERNESS & THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS #### ![Inverness Castle, Northern Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Scotland-Destinations-Northland-Scotland-Inverness-Castle-2809143258-378x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) INVERNESS CASTLE, NORTHERN Scotland #### [INVERNESS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) Our Lodgings: CITY APARTMENTS **INVERNESS — HIGHLAND CITY** Much of the north of Scotland is wild and sparsely populated, the great exception being the historic regional capital, **Inverness**. **Home At First** offers well-equipped, modern apartments in the very center of **Inverness**, a short walk from the castle, the banks of the River Ness, the city’s railway station, and the dozens of shops & restaurants of the busy pedestrian mall. **Inverness** is a small city and regional transport center. As a touring base, **Inverness** is the hub of Northern Scotland’s road system. In 5 minutes drive time you can be out of the city and underway to destinations in any direction. For those not wanting to drive, **Inverness** offers rail and bus service to many popular destinations, including the nearly mythical Isle of Skye to the southwest, John O’Groats in the far north, Aberdeen to the east, and the Cairngorms National Park to the south. TO GET MORE INFO & SEE SOME SAMPLE LODGINGS, PRESS THIS BUTTON: [INVERNESS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) ![Northern Scotland Estate Cottage.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Scotland-Destinations-Northern-Scotland-Estate-Cottage-290914-3306-378x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) A NORTHERN HIGHLANDS ESTATE COTTAGE #### [NORTHERN HIGHLANDS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) Our Lodgings: RURAL ESTATE COTTAGES **SCOTLAND’S NORTHERN HIGHLANDS** Our **cottages** in **Scotland’s Northern Highlands** are on a Highlands estate near the Royal Burgh of Tain about 50 minutes north of Inverness. The estate provides activities: hiking, cycling, fishing, and archery. Nearby are several excellent links golf courses. Touring the **Northern Highlands** by car from east coast to west coast leads through wild, dramatic scenery, by mysterious castles, with stops for lunch and tea in cozy, remote villages. TO GET MORE INFO & SEE SOME SAMPLE LODGINGS, PRESS THIS BUTTON: [NORTHERN HIGHLANDS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) #### #### #### Discover SCOTLAND’S SOUTH #### THE SCOTTISH BORDERS ![Scotland - Borders - Eildon Hills from Scott's View](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Scotland-Destinations-Borders-Eildon-Hills-from-Scotts-View-101003R2-044-20A-378x400-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) THE EILDON HILLS FROM SIR WALTER SCOTT’S VIEW, ScotTISH BORDERS #### the scottish BORDERS Our Lodgings: ESTATE COTTAGES NEAR MELROSE **A SUBLIME LANDSCAPE HIDES A TUMULTUOUS HISTORY** The **Scottish Borders** is a region for centuries in dispute, fought over by Celts, Romans, Vikings, Angles, Normans, English, and Highland & Lowland Scots. **Home At First**‘s **Scottish Borders** cottages are in/near the pretty market town of **Melrose**, a perfectly central base for touring Scotland south of Edinburgh to and across the English border. The **Scottish Borders** is set in a pleasant landscape of rolling hills and wild, rushing rivers, dotted with small villages and larger market towns. Agriculture is the way of life. The many walking paths, fishing streams, and golf courses offer tranquility. The numerous abbeys and castles are curiosities standing as mute witnesses to a much less peaceful history and great fun to find and explore. FOR LODGINGS AVAILABILITY IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS, CONTACT US: [ask HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) #### Discover SCOTLAND’S ISLANDS [![Remote Scotland - Tobermory Mull](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Scotland-Destinations-Remote-Scotland-Tobermory-Mull-JTF02-378x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/) Tobermory, isle of mull, inner hebrideS #### ISLE of SKYE, INNER & OUTER HEBRIDES, ORKNEY, & THE SHETLANDS special request LOCATIONs **Home At First** offers special-request, custom-made, partial-week packages to the remote islands of Scotland: **• The Western Isles** (Outer Hebrides) including Lewis & Harris, North and South Uist, Barra, and Benbecula **• The Inner Hebrides** including Skye, Mull, and Iona **• Orkney**, archipelago off Scotland’s north coast **• The Shetlands**, half-way between Scotland & Norway **• Packages** include flights or ferries, car rentals, & lodgings. Please inquire. FOR LODGINGS AVAILABILITY IN SCOTLAND’S ISLANDS, CONTACT US: [ask HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) #### Scotland readily combines with many other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [scotland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** info@homeatfirst.com --- ### [LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— LONDON PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/#Prices) SAVE 27% ON AUTUMN 2026 TRAVEL TO LONDON — $AVE $895/prs! [DETAILS HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#London). #### Home At First’s ## LIFE IN ## LONDON **Home At First’s Life in London — The 1,000 year old Tower of London holds court between the new towers of London city and the iconic Tower Bridge.** #### The above photo was taken from the south bank of the River Thames within 3-20 walking minutes of **Home At First**‘s Life in London apartments. ### **LONDON** — **CAPIT****AL** **CITY of the ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD —** # **Experience Home At First’s Life in London:** #### Independent Travel using Quality Vacation Apartments **Home At First’s Life in London — Walk out your apartment door into 2,000 years of history & culture.** The Romans encamped here two millennia ago. Celts, Angles, Saxons, and Normans followed over the next millennium, creating the first English city. Everyone should experience life in London. It just might be the most youthful and interesting city in the world. London is chaotic, loud, diverse, and sophisticated. **Home At First’s Life in London** is British Babylon. It is theatre, shopping, museums, royal pageantry, landmarks, red buses, and black cabs. London is the North Bank, the South Bank, the East End, and the West End. London is ancient. London is cutting-edge modern. London is Shakespeare, Dickens, Victoria, Churchill, the Beatles, Queens Elizabeth I & II, and thousands of the most influential persons ever to live. You can find them all still living influencers today in London. **Home At First’s Life in London is time travel.** --- ### **Home At First’s LIFE in LONDON Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/#Prices) Includes trans-atlantic flights, Home At First Life in London apartment, & London transport pass. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. Combinable with Home At First destinations in Continental Europe, Britain, Ireland, Iceland, & Scandinavia. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Week in LONDON Live like a Londoner in your own central London apartment. Experience Life in London at your own pace using public transportation: the Tube, buses, river boats, trains, taxis & on foot. **Lodging Types:** Weekly Apartment Rentals Locations in central London on both sides of the River Thames, in upscale residential neighborhoods near the Tower Bridge and London Bridge close to transportation, restaurants, shops, & services. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$—$$$$ London can be pricey, but can be done on a manageable budget, too. Using your apartment’s well-equipped kitchen can really help save. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/#Prices) $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **Combinable** with many Home At First Continental, Scandinavian & UK destinations. **Language Spoken Everywhere:** English Expect **English** from everyone. However, expect to hear many different English accents, including: Cockney, posh, sub-continental, West Indian, youth, Aussie, and others. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 6.5+ hrs from East Coast 9+ hrs from West Coast Most North American flights arrive at London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW), London’s two biggest airports. **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Kids love the activities, the parks, and the food, but may not like a steady diet of museums, galleries, and historical sites. With so much close by your apartment, it’s possible to do many different things every day. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ British food — like American food — includes a broad range of international influences: French, Italian, Asian, West Indian, Chinese, Japanese, American, as well as English favorites: tea, fish & chips, scones, cakes, and meat pies. **Surprisingly Walkable** Traffic-free walkways along both banks of the Thames connect many prime attractions in Central London. Home At First’s Life in London lodgings are within short walking distance of several important attractions. **Activities** • Strolling • River cruising • Exploring historic sites • Museums and galleries • Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London • Observation decks on Tower Bridge, the Shard & the Walkie-Talkie • Shopping! • Eating! • Day-trips to Windsor Castle or Canterbury **The Best Times to Go to London****:** April, May, June, September, October, November, and at Christmas. Life in London is at its busiest, and hottest during the peak visitor months of July & August when temps can reach 80º (sometimes 90º) in a city largely without air conditioning. --- ## **HOW IT WORKS**— ## Home At First’s Life in London: Independent Travel with Quality Vacation Apartments. **NOTE** — FOR BEST VIEWING: move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any image on this site in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). #### First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your travel dream of Home At First’s Life in London, England. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love our London apartments and their central locations!), and how best to get around (via public transport and by walking). ### A SAMPLER of LIFE in LONDON ACTIVITIES & DESTINATIONS **THE FOLLOWING SCENES ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OR A TRANSIT TRIP OF 30 MINUTES OR LESS FROM HOME AT FIRST’S LIFE IN LONDON APARTMENTS** - ![The Pool of London viewed from Wapping with The Shard, London City Hall, & Tower Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Pool-of-London-1-from-Wapping-barge-docks-of-Shard-City-Hall-and-Tower-Bridge-191217-6233-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The Pool of London viewed from Wapping with The Shard, London City Hall, & Tower Bridge.")The Pool of London viewed from Wapping with The Shard, London City Hall, & Tower Bridge. - ![Tower Bridge and City of London skyscrapers viewed from Shad Thames riverside, Bermondsey.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-Bridge-and-City-of-London-Skyscrapers-151219-2155-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower Bridge and City of London skyscrapers viewed from Shad Thames riverside, Bermondsey.")Tower Bridge and City of London skyscrapers viewed from Shad Thames riverside, Bermondsey. - ![The Tower of London and Tower Bridge — Home At First's primary London neighborhood.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-and-Tower-Bridge-from-Superior-Apts-300914-3400-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The Tower of London and Tower Bridge — Home At First's primary London neighborhood.")The Tower of London and Tower Bridge — Home At First’s primary London neighborhood. - ![Sunrise on Tower Bridge viewed from St. Katharine's Marina riverside entry.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-Bridge-Sunrise-271006-1379-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Sunrise on Tower Bridge viewed from St. Katharine's Marina riverside entry.")Sunrise on Tower Bridge viewed from St. Katharine’s Marina riverside entry. - !["The Lock" historic marker, showing how boats gain access to St. Katharine's Marina from the Thames.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Lock-Pool-of-London-Blue-Plaque-281006-1485-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg ""The Lock" historic marker, showing how boats gain access to St. Katharine's Marina from the Thames.")“The Lock” historic marker, showing how boats gain access to St. Katharine’s Marina from the Thames. - ![The Tower of London is a close neighbor of almost all Home At First London apartments.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-of-London-west-view-with-dramatic-sky-101016-2684-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The Tower of London is a close neighbor of almost all Home At First London apartments.")The Tower of London is a close neighbor of almost all Home At First London apartments. - ![Ice lolly truck on the Tower of London's riverside promenade by Tower Bridge. Families love London.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Ice-Lolly-Truck-by-Tower-Bridge-180411-8809-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ice lolly truck on the Tower of London's riverside promenade by Tower Bridge. Families love London.")Ice lolly truck on the Tower of London’s riverside promenade by Tower Bridge. Families love London. - ![Shad Thames historic marker chronicling London's best-preserved old warehouse street.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Shad-Thames-Pool-of-London-Blue-Plaque-271006-1415-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames historic marker chronicling London's best-preserved old warehouse street.")Shad Thames historic marker chronicling London’s best-preserved old warehouse street. - !["Take Courage", South Bank. Courage Brewery's old Anchor Brewhouse is on Shad Thames by Tower Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Take-Courage-281217-6497-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg ""Take Courage", South Bank. Courage Brewery's old Anchor Brewhouse is on Shad Thames by Tower Bridge.uth Bank. Courage's Anchor Brewhouse stands on Shad Thames by Tower Bridge.")Historic beer advert. Courage Brewery’s old Anchor Brewhouse is on Shad Thames by Tower Bridge. - ![Watch for this coat of arms ("Lord Direct Us") at entries to the square mile of the City of London.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Coat-of-Arms-City-of-London-Lord-Direct-Us-041218-8418-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Watch for this coat of arms ("Lord Direct Us") at entries to the square mile of the City of London.")Watch for this coat of arms (“Lord Direct Us”) at entries to the square mile of the City of London. - ![Christopher Wren's St. Paul's Cathedral rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1666 and survived The Blitz.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/St-Pauls-Cathedral-191217-6239-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren's St. Paul's Cathedral rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1666 and survived The Blitz.")Christopher Wren’s St. Paul’s Cathedral rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1666 and survived The Blitz. - ![Watch for this symbol at London Underground stations.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Underground-Sign-102906-1577-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Watch for this symbol at London Underground stations.")This iconic symbol marks the 270 Underground (“Tube”) stations throughout London. - ![Busy Tower Hill Station at dusk. From here two Underground lines connect with much of central London.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-Hill-Station-at-Dusk-261006-1330-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Busy Tower Hill Station at dusk. From here two Underground lines connect with much of central London.")Dusk at Tower Hill Station. From here two Underground lines traverse much of central London. - !["Stand Back Train Approaching." The Tube's 11 lines carry 5 million passengers daily.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Stand-Back-Train-Approaching-101016-2659-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg ""Stand Back Train Approaching." The Tube's 11 lines carry 5 million passengers daily.")“Stand Back Train Approaching.” The Tube’s 11 lines carry 5 million passengers daily. - ![Buckingham Palace, grand London residence of Queen Elizabeth II.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Buckingham-Palace-101016-2672-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Buckingham Palace, grand London residence of Queen Elizabeth II.")Buckingham Palace, grand London residence of Queen Elizabeth II. - ![A military band assembles ranks for the daily 11AM Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Military-band-Changing-of-the-Guard-The-Mall-171218-9526-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "A military band assembles ranks for the daily 11AM Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.")A military band assembles ranks for the daily 11AM Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. - ![The afternoon dismounted parade ceremony of Household Cavalry at Horse Guards on Whitehall.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Horseguards-evening-change-131218-9675-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The afternoon dismounted parade ceremony of Household Cavalry at Horse Guards on Whitehall.")The afternoon dismounted parade ceremony of Household Cavalry at Horse Guards on Whitehall. - ![Schoolgirl selfies show there's still magic in all things royal, perhaps especially uniformed guards.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/British-schoolgirls-taking-selfies-at-Horseguards-131218-9642-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Schoolgirl selfies show there's still magic in all things royal, perhaps especially uniformed guards.")Schoolgirl selfies show there’s still magic in all things royal, perhaps especially uniformed guards. - ![Thames riverboats operate between Greenwich & Putney. This stop: St. Katharine's Pier.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/River-cruiser-at-St-Katharines-Pier-with-former-Anchor-Brewhouse-071218-9282-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Thames riverboats operate between Greenwich & Putney. This stop: St. Katharine's Pier.")Thames riverboats operate between Greenwich & Putney. This stop: St. Katharine’s Pier. - ![River cruiser passing Greenwich, the Isle of Dogs, and Canary Wharf westbound for central London.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/River-cruiser-btw-Greenwich-and-Isle-of-Dogs-Canary-Wharf-021218-8317-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "River cruiser passing Greenwich, the Isle of Dogs, and Canary Wharf westbound for central London.")River cruiser passing Greenwich, the Isle of Dogs, and Canary Wharf westbound for central London. - ![Christopher Wren's Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, a World Heritage Site open to the public.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Old-Royal-Naval-College-Greenwich-021218-8328-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren's Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, a World Heritage Site open to the public.")Christopher Wren’s Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, a World Heritage Site open to the public. - ![The O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula near Canary Wharf is the world's busiest music venue.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-O2-viewed-from-Greenwich-021218-8338-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula near Canary Wharf is the world's busiest music venue.")The O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula near Canary Wharf is the world’s busiest music venue. - ![Leicester Square theatre ticket storefronts, a convenient way to shop for London theatre tickets.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Leicester-Square-Theatre-Tix-101016-2640-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Leicester Square theatre ticket storefronts, a convenient way to shop for London theatre tickets.")Leicester Square theatre ticket storefronts, a convenient way to shop for London theatre tickets. - ![Historic (1892) Duke of York Theatre, one of 39 commercial playhouses in London's West End.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Duke-of-York-Theatre-West-End-1892-historic-131218-9397-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Historic (1892) Duke of York Theatre, one of 39 commercial playhouses in London's West End.")Historic (1892) Duke of York Theatre, one of 39 commercial playhouses in London’s West End. - ![Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Bankside, at the south end of Millennium Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Shakespeares-Globe-Theatre-271218-0038-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Bankside, at the south end of Millennium Bridge.")Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Bankside, at the south end of Millennium Bridge. - ![Bankside's The Anchor pub traces its history to Shakespeare's time.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Anchor-Bankside-Southwark-271218-0041-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bankside's The Anchor pub traces its history to Shakespeare's time.")Bankside’s The Anchor pub traces its history to Shakespeare’s time. - ![Historic Borough Market — western entry between Bankside and The Shard super skyscraper.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Borough-Market-1-entry-with-Shard-281217-6742-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Historic Borough Market — western entry between Bankside and The Shard super skyscraper.")Historic Borough Market — western entry between Bankside and The Shard super skyscraper. - ![Borough Market - crowded stalls at noon.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Borough-Market-2-Crowded-stalls-at-noon-281006-1494-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Busy Borough Market becomes especially crowded at noon as office workers gather at the lunch stalls.")Busy Borough Market becomes especially crowded at noon as office workers gather at the lunch stalls. - ![The Union Flag of the United Kingdom — usually called the Union Jack — flying above the London Eye.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/London-Eye-with-Union-Jack-131218-9641-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The Union Flag of the United Kingdom — usually called the Union Jack — flying above the London Eye.")The Union Flag of the United Kingdom — usually called the Union Jack — flying above the London Eye. - ![The London Eye midway between Hungerford & Golden Jubilee Bridges and Westminster Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/London-Eye-with-river-traffic-271218-0014-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The London Eye midway between Hungerford & Golden Jubilee Bridges and Westminster Bridge.")The London Eye midway between Hungerford & Golden Jubilee Bridges and Westminster Bridge. - ![Double-decker bus 159 turning at Parliament Square between Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bus-159-turning-at-Westminster-190411-8853-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Double-decker bus 159 turning at Parliament Square between Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.")Double-decker bus 159 turning at Parliament Square between Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. - ![London's National Gallery ranks among the world's top-rated art museums. Entrance is free.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/National-Gallery-facade-131218-9723-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London's National Gallery ranks among the world's top-rated art museums. Entrance is free.")London’s National Gallery ranks among the world’s top-rated art museums. Entrance is free. - ![Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster, celebrates English naval hero Horatio Nelson.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Trafalgar-Square-in-twilight-131218-9702-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster, celebrates English naval hero Horatio Nelson.")Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster, celebrates English naval hero Horatio Nelson. - ![Stella McCartney's boutique offers designer fashions from Sir Paul's couturier daughter on Old Bond St.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Stella-McCartneys-fashion-storefront-Old-Bond-St.-131218-9627-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stella McCartney's boutique offers designer fashions from Sir Paul's couturier daughter on Old Bond St.")Stella McCartney’s boutique offers designer fashions from Sir Paul’s couturier daughter on Old Bond St. - ![Fortnum & Mason's ornate outdoor mechanical clock on Piccadilly puts on a show every 15 minutes.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Ornate-mechanical-clock-Fortnum-and-Mason-Piccadilly-171218-9569-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fortnum & Mason's ornate outdoor mechanical clock on Piccadilly puts on a show every 15 minutes.um & Mason department store on Piccadilly puts on a show every 15 minutes.")Fortnum & Mason’s ornate outdoor mechanical clock on Piccadilly puts on a show every 15 minutes. - ![Today's Carnaby Street's famous two blocks are more shopping mall than Swinging Sixties style originator.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Carnaby-St-Neon-131218-9614-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Today's Carnaby Street's famous two blocks are more shopping mall than Swinging Sixties style originator.")Today’s Carnaby Street’s famous two blocks are more shopping mall than Swinging Sixties style originator. - ![Souvenirs are sold everywhere in London — everything from tea to t-shirts.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/T-shirt-souvenirs-Piccadilly-171218-9574-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Souvenirs are sold everywhere in London — everything from tea to t-shirts.")Souvenirs are sold everywhere in London — everything from tea to t-shirts. #### Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • We prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimate. Included are all the lodgings & transportation you need to experience Life in London independently using a quality vacation apartment. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, LONDON TRANSPASSES and/or any TRAIN TICKETS required. Most **Home At First** Life in London guests arrive by air at London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airports. Many others come from elsewhere in the British Isles or from Paris by train, or other parts of Europe by air. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. #### Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • All travel documents for your trip — including our exclusive **“London Activity Guide”** — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • You follow our directions for your transfer from your arrival point to your London apartment lodging, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you the apartment, explain its workings, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now as you begin to experience **Home At First**‘s Life in London independently from your centrally-located apartment. ### LIFE in LONDON SCENES & SURPRISES - ![Statue of Anteros (not Eros) — Angel of Christian Charity — Piccadilly Circus.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Anteros-statue-Piccadilly-Circus-171218-9575-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Statue of Anteros (not Eros) — Angel of Christian Charity — Piccadilly Circus.")Statue of Anteros (not Eros) — Angel of Christian Charity — Piccadilly Circus. - ![Beatles Poster near Carnaby Street.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Beatles-Poster-near-Carnaby-St-101016-2649-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Beatles Poster near Carnaby Street.")Beatles Poster near Carnaby Street, which still swings after 60 years. - ![Site of medieval Bermondsey Abbey - London Borough of Southwark Blue Plaque.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Bermondsey-Abbey-Boro-of-Southwark-Blue-Plaque-271218-0069-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Site of medieval Bermondsey Abbey - London Borough of Southwark Blue Plaque.")Site of medieval Bermondsey Abbey in London’s Borough of Southwark. - ![The Tower of London: blushing visitor & the Beefeater.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Blushing-visitor-and-the-Beefeater-181016-2695-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The Tower of London: blushing visitor & the Beefeater.")The Tower of London: blushing visitor & the Beefeater. - ![Buses, cabs, & bikes by the train station: cycle hire point near London Bridge Station.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Cycle-hire-point-near-London-Bridge-Station-011014-3712-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Buses, cabs, & bikes by the train station: cycle hire point near London Bridge Station.")Buses, cabs, bikes, & trains: cycle hire point near London Bridge Station. - ![Field trip! French school group at Victoria Memorial by Buckingham Palace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/French-school-group-at-Victoria-Memorial-by-Buckingham-Palace-101013-2668-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Field trip! French school group at Victoria Memorial by Buckingham Palace.")French school group at Victoria Memorial by Buckingham Palace. - ![Man about Town: Horseguard whirling Dervishly at the evening guard changing along Whitehall.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Horseguard-Dervish-191218-9649-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Man about Town: Horseguard whirling Dervishly at the evening guard changing along Whitehall.")Horseguard whirling Dervishly at the evening guard changing on Whitehall. - ![London's Finest: mounted police constable at Buckingham Palace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Londons-Finest-Portrait-1-171218-9540-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London's Finest: mounted police constable at Buckingham Palace.")London’s Finest: mounted police constable at Buckingham Palace. - ![London's Finest - police constables on foot patrol at St. Katharine's Pier by Tower Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Londons-Finest-twin-portrait-at-Tower-Bridge-011014-3602-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London's Finest - police constables on foot patrol at St. Katharine's Pier by Tower Bridge.")Police constables on foot patrol at St. Katharine’s by Tower Bridge. - ![London Old & New: medieval St. Helen's Bishopgate Church with the Gherkin. William Shakespeare may have lived in a house by this church.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Medieval-St-Helens-Bishopgate-Church-with-the-Gherkin-160411-8841-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London Old & New: medieval St. Helen's Bishopgate Church with the Gherkin. William Shakespeare may have lived in a house by this church.")London Old & New: medieval St. Helen’s Bishopgate Church with the Gherkin. - ![New Bond Street - where the 1% shop.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/New-Bond-Street-Shopping-Gallery-191218-9632-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "New Bond Street - where the 1% shop.")New & Old Bond Street – where the 1% shop – connect Oxford St with Piccadilly. - ![London Old & New: visiting tweener goes old-tech in a traditional red call box — increasing rare, but still out there.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Old-School-Phoning-Young-girl-in-a-red-call-box-160411-8825-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London Old & New: visiting tweener goes old-tech in a traditional red call box — increasing rare, but still out there.")Tweener goes old-tech in a red call box: increasing rare, but still out there. - ![London Old & New: Shad Thames, Bermondsey. Vestige of Charles Dickens's London. These former warehouses now house fine restaurants, and exclusive offices & apartments.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Shad-Thames-Vestige-of-Dickens-London-071218-8559-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London Old & New: Shad Thames, Bermondsey. Vestige of Charles Dickens's London. These former warehouses now house fine restaurants, and exclusive offices & apartments.")Shad Thames, Bermondsey, vestige of Charles Dickens’s London. - ![Man about Town: Shakespeare in the open window ponders the crowds on Carnaby Street.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Shakespeare-in-the-open-window-191218-9619-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Man about Town: Shakespeare in the open window ponders the crowds on Carnaby Street.")Shakespeare in the open window ponders the crowds on Carnaby Street. - ![The Cockpit Pub, Blackfriars., thought to be the site of another of William Shakespeare's London houses.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Shakespeares-Cockpit-Pub-Blackfriars-101016-2743-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The Cockpit Pub, Blackfriars., thought to be the site of another of William Shakespeare's London houses.")The Cockpit Pub, Blackfriars. Shakespeare may have lived on this site. - ![Man about Town: South Bank street performer as a live jester statue by Royal Festival Hall.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/South-Bank-street-performer-live-jester-statue-281006-1508-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Man about Town: South Bank street performer as a live jester statue by Royal Festival Hall.")South Bank street performer as a live jester statue by Royal Festival Hall. - ![London Old & New: St Katharine by the Tower cartouche wall plaque commemorates the 12th century hospital that first occupied the space currently home to St. Katharine's Docks marina, with its modern apartments, shops, and restaurants.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/St-Katharine-by-the-Tower-cartouche-wall-plaque-281006-1484-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London Old & New: St Katharine by the Tower cartouche wall plaque commemorates the 12th century hospital that first occupied the space currently home to St. Katharine's Docks marina, with its modern apartments, shops, and restaurants.")St Katharine by the Tower cartouche commemorates the marina’s origins. - ![London Old & New: St. Katharine also serves as the icon for St. Katharine's Pier, the passenger boat dock by the Tower Bridge at the entrance to St. Katharine's Marina.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/St-Katharines-Pier-symbol-291006-1541-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London Old & New: St. Katharine also serves as the icon for St. Katharine's Pier, the passenger boat dock by the Tower Bridge at the entrance to St. Katharine's Marina.")St. Katharine marks St. Katharine’s Pier, the passenger landing by Tower Bridge. - ![St. Katharine's Marina: the Queens Royal (river) Barge "Gloriana" moored at St. Katharines Docks.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Queens-Royal-Barge-Gloriana-moored-at-St-Katharines-Docks-181016-2749-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "St. Katharine's Marina: the Queens Royal (river) Barge "Gloriana" moored at St. Katharines Docks.")The Queen’s Royal Barge “Gloriana” moored at St. Katharines Marina. - ![St. Katharine's Dock: Tower Bridge as viewed from the Thames entry lock to St. Katharine's Docks.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-Bridge-from-St-Kats-Thames-lock-011014-3620-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "St. Katharine's Dock: Tower Bridge as viewed from the Thames entry lock to St. Katharine's Docks.")Tower Bridge viewed from the Thames entry lock to St. Katharine’s Docks. - ![Tower of London: royal palace, prison, place of execution, keeper of the Crown Jewels, and London's most population visitor attraction.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-of-London-White-Tower-Black-Sky-071218-8507-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower of London: royal palace, prison, place of execution, keeper of the Crown Jewels, and London's most population visitor attraction.")900-year-old Tower of London is the city’s most popular visitor attraction. - ![Tower of London - Yeoman Warder in his distinctive uniform.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tower-of-London-Yeoman-Warder-1-160411-8821-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Tower of London - Yeoman Warder in his distinctive uniform.")Tower of London – Yeoman Warder in his distinctive uniform. - ![Man about Town: Statue of the Roman Emperor Trajan with an artfully placed banana sceptre, by the ruins of the Roman wall of Londinium at Tower Hill.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Trajan-with-banana-sceptre-041218-8420-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Man about Town: Statue of the Roman Emperor Trajan with an artfully placed banana sceptre, by the ruins of the Roman wall of Londinium at Tower Hill.")Roman Emperor Trajan by the ruins of London’s Roman wall at Tower Hill. - ![London Old & New: St. Paul's Cathedral dome above North Bank apartment blocks.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/St-Pauls-dome-above-North-Bank-apartment-blocks-281217-6502-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London Old & New: St. Paul's Cathedral dome above North Bank apartment blocks.")St. Paul’s Cathedral dome above North Bank apartment blocks. - ![London Old & New: St. Paul's Cathedral viewed from the north end of the Millennial Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/St-Pauls-from-north-end-Millennial-Bridge-281217-6746-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London Old & New: St. Paul's Cathedral viewed from the north end of the Millennial Bridge.")St. Paul’s Cathedral viewed from the north end of the Millennial Bridge. --- ### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S LIFE IN LONDON TRAVEL PROGRAM? HOME AT FIRST BUILDS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES TO LONDON THAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings:** a choice of apartments in safe, pleasant neighborhoods located in east-central London. Apartments are convenient to the Underground (“the Tube”; the subway in American), and near a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and other services. All apartments come with hosts on-site or on-call during your stay for questions, suggestions, problems, or emergencies. **Home At First**‘s Life in London apartment locations make ideal bases for exploring London independently & efficiently. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to London from your home airport. Our [ **price chart**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/#Prices) includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to London (LHR or LGW). Flights from/to all other airports available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. • **London Transport Pass:** valid for travel throughout 9 zones of Greater London on the trains of the London Underground (“Tube”), Crossrail (from Heathrow Airport), Docklands Light Railway, Thameslink (from Gatwick Airport), and the London Overground, as well as London Transport buses, and certain passenger cruise lines on the River Thames. **• Guidebook Keyed for Your Destination:** our exclusive “London Activities Guide” helps you make the most out of your visit. Includes suggestions for touring, walking, restaurants, pubs, shopping, museums, galleries, royal London, day-trips outside London, and much more. • **Optional Combination with Paris:** Experience your own Tale of Two Cities. Before or after your 1-week visit to London, add a week in an apartment in **Home At First**‘s [**Paris**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris). Conveniently, both cities are connected in about 2.5 hours by Eurostar train via the Channel Tunnel. [LONDON PRICING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/#Prices) **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME:** **Home At First continuously monitors all the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. If conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed.** --- ### Home At First’s Life in London: Locations & Lodgings - ![Home At First's London Neighborhood Lodging Locations - St Katharines Marina East Dock with skyscrapers.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Lodging-Locations-Title-Image-St-Katharines-Marina-East-Dock-with-skyscrapers-Text-2-291217-6547-1800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's London Neighborhood Lodging Locations - St Katharines Marina East Dock with skyscrapers - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Home At First's Central & East London Map](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Central-East-London-Map-2020-scaled.jpg "Home At First's Central & East London Map") #### St. Katharine’s Marina with Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the skyscrapers of the City of London. **Home At First’s Life in London**‘s [**preferred visitor apartments are located in and around the marina**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-flyover-video-1033089-215/#Flyover "London Flyover Video 1033089-215"), close to transportation (Underground, buses, riverboat cruisers, light rail, and trains), shops, restaurants, pubs, and 2,000 years of history. Traffic-free walkways along both banks of the River Thames lead to the Tower of London, the Monument of the Great Fire of 1666, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the HMS Belfast heavy cruiser, Southwark Cathedral (Shakespeare’s church), the Globe Theatre, Millennium Bridge, and the Tate Modern art museum. Along the footpaths are pubs, shops, restaurants, and — along the south bank side — the delightful Borough Market open-air shopping mecca. #### Convenient public transportation puts all of central London within easy reach — longest journey time: 45 minutes. **Home At First’s Life in London**‘s apartments are located across the Tower Bridge neighborhood, from the western end of upscale Wapping to Monument on the north side of the Thames, and from historic Shad Thames throughout Bermondsey west to London Bridge. Take a moment to study the above **Home At First** Map of Central & East London to get a good impression of the ideal nature of **Home At First**‘s Life in London Lodging Locations. **“HOME AT FIRST’S LIFE IN LONDON” APARTMENT** **LOCATIONS:** **Home At First** offers vacation apartments of various sizes (studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment) and capacities (sleeping & feeding up to 7 persons) in central London on both sides of the **River Thames** from just east of **Tower Bridge** to just west of **London Bridge**. Wherever located, our accommodations are near transportation, services, activities, stores, pubs, and restaurants, making it easy and convenient to shop and eat locally. **Home At First**‘s Life in London apartments are located in safe, prosperous neighborhoods within short walking distance to the Underground (Tube), bus, riverboat cruisers, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and three mainline rail stations. All **Home At First** Life in London apartments are well-situated as bases for exploring central London and beyond. Each of our apartments is within easy walking distance of noted landmarks and visitor attractions, including **the** **Tower of London**, **Tower Bridge**, **St. Paul’s Cathedral**, **the Monument to the Great Fire of 1666**, **The Shard** skyscraper, and bustling **Borough Market**. Your London apartment is also a refuge from the noise and bustle of the city. Apartments have much more space than a hotel room and a made-to-order kitchen with a table waiting. **Neighborhoods North of the Thames:** **Home At First**‘s Life in London apartments are found on the north side of the River Thames primarily in the **St. Katharine’s Marina area just east of the Tower of London** as well as **close to London Bridge at Monument**. These locations are served by Tube stations at Tower Hill and Monument (each with multiple Underground lines), as well as DLR stations, numerous bus stops, and passenger boats at St. Katharine’s Pier and Tower Millennium Pier. Mainline rail services are nearby at Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street, Liverpool Street, and London Bridge stations. An excellent supermarket serves the marina area, and several grocery stores and convenience markets serve the Monument area. Restaurants, shops, and pub are plentiful in these neighborhoods. **Neighborhoods South of the Thames:** Home At First’s Life in London apartments are also found on the south side of the River Thames. Some are in **the Bermondsey area at the south end of Tower Bridge.** A few **others are further west nearer London Bridge**. These locations are served by Tube stations at Tower Hill and London Bridge (each with multiple Underground lines). Other nearby transport includes numerous bus stops, and passenger boats at London Bridge City Pier. Mainline rail services are nearby at the major London Bridge station. Several grocery stores and convenience markets serve Bermondsey and London Bridge neighborhoods, and are augmented by the large **Borough Market** and eclectic weekly **Maltby Street Market**. Restaurants, shops, and pubs are plentiful in these neighborhoods. **GETTING AROUND LONDON:** Driving and parking in London are daunting challenges and expensive. We recommend guests use the Tube, buses, and, occasionally, taxis to get around the city. As part of their full package, guests receive a **London transpass** valid on the Underground, buses, DLR trains, some Thames riverboats, and some mainline trains. While public transportation makes getting around the city easy, most visitors find London very walkable, especially on the traffic-free footpaths that trace both banks of the Thames. Regardless whether by Tube, red double-decker bus, black cab, speedy river cruiser, or on foot, you will love experiencing Life in London independently from your quality vacation apartment. **ARRIVING IN LONDON:** **Home At First** will provide detailed suggestions with specific instructions for your arrival scenario. Most guests arriving by air may arrive at one of two major London airports: Heathrow and Gatwick. **We can arrange personalized taxi transportation** from either of London’s two major airports using a dedicated driver/owner who knows the locations and arrival procedures at all of **Home At First**‘s Life in London apartments. Although door-to-door taxi service still takes over an hour from either airport, and the cost is higher than the cost of taking public transport (see next paragraphs), many guests prefer not to have to make their own way across London using unfamiliar public transport while under the influence of jet lag. For those familiar with public transport in London who feel confident on making their own way to their London apartment, here are the recommended arrival procedures: **• Heathrow:** Most arriving flights land at Heathrow (LHR), one of the world’s busiest airports. New arrivals can use public transport to get from LHR to their London apartment, taking the **London Underground** (58-65min) to the nearest Tube station to their flat; or by taking the new, **high-speed Crossrail Elizabeth Line** (40min) from LHR to **Liverpool Street Station**, then by taxi for the short ride (10 minutes or less) to their London apartment. Total arrival journey: ~90min. **• Gatwick:** Arrivals at London’s second-busiest airport, Gatwick (LGW) can take a **high-speed Thameslink train** 40min to **London Bridge Station** (for apartments south of the Thames), or 47min to **Blackfriars Station** (for apartments north of the Thames), then by taxi for the short ride (10 minutes or less) to their London apartment. Total arrival journey: ~60min. **• Other Arrivals:** Arrivals at London’s other airports, **London City (LCY)**, **Stansted (STN)**, and **Luton (LTN)**, can take public transport into central London, then taxi to their apartments. Arrivals by rail at any of London’s dozen-or-so train stations can continue by Tube or take a taxi to get to their London apartments. --- ### Home At First’s Life in London Apartments **Minimum lodging time in London: 3-7 nights. Our recommendation: first-time visitors need at least 7 nights to get to know the city.** ![Home At First offers quality central London apartments like this one, "Queen Elizabeth I", which features 3 bedrooms, a balcony, and a private patio terrace, located near the Tower of London. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/London-Apartment-Title-Image-QEI-Living-room-and-patio-131219-1894-2000x1222-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First offers quality central London apartments like this one, "Queen Elizabeth I", which features 3 bedrooms, a balcony, and a private patio terrace, located near the Tower of London. Photo © Home At First.") #### **Home At First’s** Life in London apartments range in size — from studios to 3-bedrooms — sleeping anywhere from 1 person to 7 persons. Our apartments vary in location, and are found in interesting, safe, central, convenient neighborhoods across east-central London from a little east of Tower Bridge to a little west of London Bridge on both sides of the River Thames. #### Our apartments are generally modern in decorative style and furnishings, well-maintained and comfortable. Many have usable outdoor space — balconies, patios, or terraces — ideal for snacking, light meals, or relaxing during fine weather. **Home At First’s Life in London** vacation apartments are located across eastern central London in safe, convenient neighborhoods on both sides of the River Thames from Tower Bridge to London Bridge. Although each apartment is unique, all must meet our quality standards for comfort, ease and security of entry, cleanliness and care, being well-equipped, and caring, English-speaking hosting. **AMBIANCE:** **Home At First’**s Life in London apartments are attractive, comfortable, quality lodgings. Each is unique. Almost all are decorated and furnished in a contemporary style. Many of our London flats come with private balconies or furnished patio terraces for outdoor sitting. Some feature window or balcony views overlooking gardens, waterways, or streets with glimpses of London landmarks. **Floors & Entries:** Although reaching some of our apartments requires climbing a flight or two of stairs, most upper-floor apartments are reached by elevator. All are well-located, safe, and very livable. Building & apartment entries are secure. Some even have concierge service on-site. **Care & Cleanliness:** The apartments have been thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival, but are not maid-serviced during your stay. They are normally equipped with laundry machines. Apartments are non-smoking and do not permit pets. Basic kitchen & bathroom supplies are provided. **Well-Equipped:** As with apartments at any **Home At First** destination, most **Home At First**‘s Life in London apartments have, as a minimum, bedrooms, private bathrooms, living and dining areas/rooms, and well-equipped kitchens. Some multiple-bedroom apartments come with multiple bathrooms, often *en suite* with the bedrooms. Some few studio apartments have open-plan living-dining-sleeping space and/or kitchenettes without ovens. Bed and bath linens and a hair-dryer are provided. Flat-screen cable TVs and free internet WiFi are almost universal. **HOSTING:** Importantly, all of **Home At First**‘s Life in London apartments come with the welcoming, enthusiastic attention of your hosts, who are committed to making your stay in their accommodation delightful and problem-free. Your English-speaking landlord/host meets you upon your apartment arrival and introduces you to your apartment and its operation. Your landlord/host is available throughout your stay for any questions, problems, or emergencies. You will appreciate knowing support is on-site as you experience Life in London independently from your own apartment. #### A Selection of London Apartments & Locations Shown and described below are six popular **Home At First** Life in London apartments in four different locations. They are shown here as **examples** of different sizes and capacities. While the full range of our available Life in London apartments and locations to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment or location. **NOTE — FOR BEST VIEWING:** each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. These slide shows do not advance automatically. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### st. katharine’s marina: “QUEEN MARY I” 1-bedroom FLAT - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Living Room and Balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Queen-Mary-I-apartment-living-room-and-balcony-1-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Queen Mary I Apartment - Living Room and Balcony.")Queen Mary I Apartment – Living Room & Furnished Balcony. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Living Room & Furnished Balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/London-Queen-Mary-I-apt-Living-Room-Balcony-141224668-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "London - Queen Mary I apt - Living Room & Balcony - 141224668 - 1200x800 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")Queen Mary I Apartment – Living Room & Furnished Balcony. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Queen Bedroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Queen-Mary-I-apt-queen-bedroom-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Queen Mary I Apartment - Queen Bedroom.")Queen Mary I Apartment – Queen Bedroom. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Queen Bedroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/London-Queen-Mary-I-queen-bedrm-141224658-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "London - Queen Mary I - queen bedrm - 141224658- 1200x800 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")Queen Mary I Apartment – Queen Bedroom. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Bathroom with Walk-in Shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Queen-Mary-I-apt-bathroom-1-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Queen Mary I Apartment - Bathroom with Walk-in Shower.")Queen Mary I Apartment – Bathroom with Walk-in Shower. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Dining Area & Kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Queen-Mary-I-apt-dining-area-and-kitchen-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Queen Mary I Apartment - Dining Area & Kitchen.")Queen Mary I Apartment – Well-equipped Eat-in Kitchen. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Well-equipped Kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/London-Queen-Mary-I-apt-Kitchen-141224694-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "London - Queen Mary I apt - Kitchen - 141224694 - 1200x800 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")Queen Mary I Apartment – Well-equipped Kitchen. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - Coffee on the Balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Queen-Mary-I-apartment-coffee-on-the-balcony-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Queen Mary I Apartment - Coffee on the Balcony.")Queen Mary I Apartment – Coffee on the Balcony. - ![Queen Mary I Apartment - View from the Balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/London-Queen-Mary-I-apt-Balcony-View-141224678-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "London - Queen Mary I apt - Balcony View - 141224678 - 1200x800 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")Queen Mary I Apartment – View from the Balcony. Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **QUEEN MARY I APARTMENT** **Nearest Transit: Tower Hill — Circle, District, & DLR Lines.** Located in within the traffic-free sanctuary of **St. Katharine’s Marina**, **Home At First‘s Queen Mary I Apartment** overlooks one of the marina’s three nearly silent yacht basins. Life in London is very good here, indeed. Its comfortable, furnished balcony enjoys the peace and beauty of its upscale setting while showcasing a sweeping view of London, featuring glimpses of such iconic structures as **Tower Bridge**, **The Shard**, and **the Walkie Talkie** among the towering cranes of the city’s evolving skyline. The 2-3 person apartment is three floors above the marina’s pedestrian walkway. Its modern decor is both functional and attractive, with hardwood floors in all rooms except the tiled bathroom. The comfortable apartment is spotlessly clean, lovingly maintained, safe, and secure. A small (2-4 persons) elevator arrives at the 3rd floor hall near the flat’s entry. Inside the apartment, the entry hall opens onto the bedroom (king-sized bed), the full, modern bathroom (with large, walk-in shower; no tub), a heated utility/drying room with clothes washer, and through a door to the spacious living room, dining area, and very well-equipped kitchen. The wall-width bedroom closet and spacious utility room provide plenty of storage. The living room features a big sofa that converts quickly into a comfortable double bed, making the apartment capacity for up to 3 persons, if need be. There is a large flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. The kitchen has the latest appliances — electric oven and stove top, microwave, sink, dishwasher, full-size fridge/freezer — and lots of cupboard and counter-top space. A 4-person dining table occupies the space between the kitchen and the living room. The splendid, furnished balcony opens off the apartment’s living room. Its two chairs and tea table invite quiet al fresco breakfasts, late-afternoon snacks, and evening nightcaps in its sheltered, peaceful setting. The view from this balcony is ever-changing and mesmerizing at all times of year. The apartment is non-smoking, pet-free, and centrally-heated with individual room registers as needed, but not air-conditioned. Movable floor fans are provided to provide relief on rare hot summer days in London. The street entry is private and opened with a secure code system. A wonderful state-of-the-art Waitrose supermarket is 2-3 minutes from your apartment door. Numerous shops, cafés, restaurants, and several historic pubs are within short walks of the apartment in the pedestrians-only marina complex and along in the charming, history-rich streets of this 2,000-year-old corner of London. --- Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### st. katharine’s marina: “queen elizabeth i” 3-bedroom FLAT - ![Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Eat-in Kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Queen-Elizabeth-I-Eat-in-Kitchen-131219-1903-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Eat-in Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Queen Elizabeth I Apartment – Eat-in Kitchen. - ![Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Master Queen Bedroom w. Balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Queen-Elizabeth-I-Apt-Master-Queen-Bedroom-w.-Balcony-131219-1930-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queen Elizabeth I Apt - Master Queen Bedroom w. Balcony - Photo copyright Home At First")Queen Elizabeth I Apartment – Queen Bedroom with Balcony. - ![Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Bathroom with Tub/Shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Queen-Elizabeth-I-Apt-Bathroom-w.-Tub-Shower-131219-1938-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Bathroom with Tub-Shower - Photo copyright Home At First")Queen Elizabeth I Apartment – Bathroom with Tub/Shower. - ![Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Double Bedroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Queen-Elizabeth-I-Apt-Double-Bedroom-131219-1925-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queen Elizabeth I Apt - Double Bedroom - Photo copyright Home At First")Queen Elizabeth I Apartment – Double Bedroom. - ![Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Living Room, Dining Area, & Furnished Terrace Patio.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Queen-Elizabeth-I-Apt-Living-room-dining-furnished-terrace-patio-131219-1897-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queen Elizabeth I Apartment - Living Room, Dining Area, & Furnished Terrace Patio - Photo copyright Home At First")Queen Elizabeth I Flat – Living/Dining Room, & Furnished Patio. Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **QUEEN ELIZABETH I APARTMENT** **Nearest Transit: Tower Hill — Circle, District, & DLR Lines.** **Home At First**‘s **Queen Elizabeth I Apartment** is as practical as its location is desirable. Life in London is good here. Located on the 2nd & 3rd floors of the **St. Katharine’s Marina** complex, overlooking a quiet side street near the **excellent Waitrose supermarket** and a small, leafy park, the apartment is a short walk from a wide choice of restaurants, cafés, pubs, shops, stores, and just 3-to-10-minutes walk to transit (two Tube lines, the DLR, and numerous bus lines). The River Thames at London’s iconic **Tower Bridge** is a 5-minute walk from the apartment, and the millennium-old **Tower of London** — London’s most popular attraction — is 6 minutes away. The 2-story flat is reached by a small (2-4 person capacity) elevator accessed just inside the security-coded front door of the apartment building, or by a stairway or a ramp from ground level to the 2nd floor. The apartment’s entry opens onto a hallway leading to the large, living/dining room (with its access to the private, furnished patio/terrace, and the eat-in kitchen. A stairway (12 stair steps) climbs from the hallway to the apartment’s upper floor, where there are three bedrooms and one bathroom. Maximum capacity of this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 2-story flat is 6 persons, and is ideal for families or small groups willing to share a bathroom. The apartment has free WiFi and internet. Separately controlled in room heating keeps the apartment comfortable during cooler months. A washer/dryer is tucked away in a back corner of the kitchen. **• Lower Floor:** The spacious living/dining room is comfortably furnished with a sizable, L-shaped sofa, a large, flat-screen cable TV, and a dining table with seating for 4 persons. Glass double doors open onto the private, open-air patio/terrace, furnished with tables and chairs for lounging or dining in good weather. A modern, well-equipped kitchen opens across the central hall from the living/dining room. The kitchen includes a full-sized refrigerator/freezer, gas range and oven, microwave, dishwasher, and lots of cupboard and counter space. The kitchen’s small bar is a popular place for breakfast and snacks, and seats 3 persons. **• Upper Floor:** Upstairs are two double bedrooms and a kids’ bedroom, a full bathroom (tub/shower) and a separate powder room. The master bedroom features a queen-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, a wall-length built-in closet, and a small balcony with a view over the lightly-trafficked street and neighboring rooftops. A small second double bedroom does provide a full-sized wardrobe for storage. The third bedroom has a trundle bed that can sleep one or two children. It, too, has a full-sized wardrobe. --- Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### st. katharine’s marina: “LADY JANE GREY” STUDIO FLAT - ![London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Furnished Balcony with view. Photo © DB/Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-St-Katharines-Lady-Jane-Grey-Studio-Flat-Furnished-Balcony-with-view-210217002-1200x800-72dpi-DB-Photo-Home-At-First.jpg "London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Furnished Balcony with view. Photo © DB/Home At First.")Lady Jane Grey Flat: Furnished Balcony with courtyard view. - ![London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Balcony-Living-Dining. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-St-Katharines-Lady-Jane-Grey-Studio-Flat-Balcony-Living-Dining-0910162416-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Balcony-Living-Dining. Photo © Home At First.")Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat: Balcony, Living area, & Dining area. - ![London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Dining Area with view. Photo © DB/Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-St-Katharines-Lady-Jane-Grey-Studio-Flat-Dining-Area-with-view-210217007-1200x800-72dpi-DB-Photo-Home-At-First.jpg "London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Dining Area with view. Photo © DB/Home At First.")Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat: Dining Area with a view. - ![London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Open plan living-dining-bedroom. Photo © DB/Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-St-Katharines-Lady-Jane-Grey-Studio-Flat-Open-plan-living-dining-bedroom-210217012-1200x800-72dpi-DB-Photo-Home-At-First.jpg "London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Open plan living-dining-bedroom. Photo © DB/Home At First.")Lady Jane Grey Flat: Spacious living-dining-bedroom area. - ![London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Double Bed Sleeping Area. Photo copyright DB/Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-St-Katharines-Lady-Jane-Grey-Studio-Flat-Dbl-Bed-Sleeping-Area-210217006-1200x800-72dpi-DB-Photo-Home-At-First.jpg "London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Double Bed Sleeping Area. Photo copyright DB/Home At First.")Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat: Elevated Double Bed Sleeping Area. - ![London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Kitchen with dishwasher & washing machine. Photo © DB/Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-St-Katharines-Lady-Jane-Grey-Studio-Flat-Kitchen-with-diswasher-and-washer-210217009-1200x800-72dpi-DB-Photo-Home-At-First.jpg "London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Kitchen with dishwasher & washing machine. Photo © DB/Home At First.")Lady Jane Grey Flat: Kitchen w/ dishwasher & clothes washer. - ![London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Bathroom with shower. Photo copyright DB/Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-St-Katharines-Lady-Jane-Grey-Studio-Flat-Bathroom-with-shower-210217003-1200x800-72dpi-DB-Photo-Home-At-First.jpg "London: St Katharines — Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat - Bathroom with shower. Photo copyright DB/Home At First.")Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat: Bathroom with walk-in shower. Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **LADY JANE GREY STUDIO FLAT** **Nearest Transit: Tower Hill — Circle, District, & DLR Lines.** Located in within the traffic-free sanctuary of **St. Katharine’s Marina**, **Home At First‘s Lady Jane Grey Studio Flat** overlooks a private, landscaped courtyard. Home At First’s Life in London is very good here, indeed. Its comfortable, furnished balcony enjoys the peace and beauty of its leafy setting, a lovely spot to enjoy a sunny breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening. The 1-2 person apartment is two floors above the courtyard’s pedestrian walkway. Recently renovated, the flat’s modern decor is both functional and attractive, with hardwood floors in all rooms except the tiled bathroom. The comfortable apartment is spotlessly clean, carefully maintained, safe, and secure. Both a small (2-4 persons) elevator and a staircase reach the 2nd floor hall near the flat’s entry. Inside the apartment, the entry hall opens onto the spacious, open-plan living/dining/sleeping room. An elevated platform serves a s pedestal for the king-sized bed. The living/dining area features a small, comfy sofa a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and a dining table for four. The kitchen is a separate room equipped with latest appliances — electric oven and stove top, microwave, sink, dishwasher, under-counter fridge/freezer, a clothes washer — and lots of cupboard and counter-top space. The furnished balcony opens off the apartment’s living room. Its two chairs and tea table invite quiet al fresco breakfasts, late-afternoon snacks, and evening nightcaps in its sheltered, peaceful setting. The apartment is non-smoking, pet-free, and centrally-heated with individual room registers as needed, but not air-conditioned. Movable fans are provided to provide cross-ventilation relief on rare hot summer days in London. The strikingly blue-tiled bathroom features a sculpted basin sink and a large, walk-in shower. The street entry is private and opened with a secure code system. A wonderful **state-of-the-art Waitrose supermarket** is two minutes from the apartment door. Numerous shops, cafés, restaurants, and several historic pubs are within short walks of the apartment in the pedestrians-only marina complex and along in the charming, history-rich streets of this 2,000-year-old corner of London. --- Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### TOWER HAMLETS, WAPPING: 2-bedroom FLAT: “DOCKLANDS NEW FLAT” - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - exterior entry view. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-exterior-entry-view-070122036-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - Tower Hamlets Wapping - Docklands New Flat - exterior entry view - 070122036 - 1200x800 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Docklands New Flat: exterior entry on a non-through street. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Living-Dining-Balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-Living-Dining-Balcony-070122009-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Living-Dining-Balcony. Photo © Home At First.")Docklands New Flat: Living & dining area with balcony access. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-Kitchen-070122028-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - Tower Hamlets Wapping - Docklands New Flat - Kitchen - 070122028 - 1200x800 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Docklands New Flat – Well-equipped kitchen with a view. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Kitchen w. washer. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-Kitchen-w.-washer-070122002-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Kitchen w. washer. Photo © Home At First.")Docklands New Flat – Kitchen with clothes washer. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Double Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-Dbl.-Bedroom-070122023-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Double Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.")Docklands New Flat – Double Bedroom with lots of closets. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Single Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-Single-Bedroom-070122018-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyrightHome-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Single Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.")Docklands New Flat: Small Single Bedroom. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Bathroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-Bathroom-070122014-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Docklands New Flat - Bathroom. Photo © Home At First.")Docklands New Flat – Bathroom with tub/shower. Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **DOCKLANDS NEW FLAT APARTMENT** **Nearest Transit: Route 100 Bus to Tower Hill & St. Paul’s.** **Home At First**‘s **Docklands New Flat** is as practical as its location is desirable. Home At First’s Life in London is quiet and peaceful here. The two-bedroom apartment is located on the 2nd floor of a small condo complex in an upscale neighborhood in **the Docklands just east of St. Katharine’s Dock**. The apartment’s entry opens onto a hallway leading to the large, living/dining room (large flat screen TV) with its access to a small balcony (garden views), and the fully-equipped kitchen (large fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle, oven, and range). The hallway also leads to two bedrooms (a good-sized king and a small single), and the full bathroom (tub/shower). Maximum capacity of this 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom flat is 3 persons. The apartment has free WiFi and internet. Separately controlled in room heating keeps the apartment comfortable during cooler months. A washer/dryer is built-in under the kitchen counter. The apartment building entry is reached by 6 steps. Inside the security-coded front door of the apartment building, 2 flights of 8 stairs climb to the 2nd floor. The apartment is a nearly-traffic-free 5-minutes walk from the **state-of-the-art Waitrose supermarket** and its neighboring restaurants, cafés, pubs, & shops. Walking 5-minutes further leads to the shops, restaurants, & cafés of the picturesque, traffic-free St. Katharine’s Marina complex. The nearest public transport is the Route 100 bus. A 5-minute walk leads to the nearest westbound bus stop (Route 100 for Tower Hill & St. Paul’s). A 3-minutes walk reaches the nearest eastbound bus stop (Route 100 for Wapping & Shadwell stations). The nearest London Tube stations are **Wapping** (1 Tube line; 1 bus line) 12-15min walk east (minimal traffic), and **Tower Hill/Tower Gateway** (2 Tube lines, the DLR, & numerous bus lines), just 17-minutes walk west, mostly traffic-free. The apartment’s location provides quick access to all the principal visitor attractions of London as well as one of London’s least-visited and most interesting riverside neighborhoods, **Wapping**. The River Thames at London’s iconic **Tower Bridge** is a 12-minute walk from the apartment, and the millennium-old **Tower of London** — London’s most popular attraction — is 12-15 minutes away. The apartment is 10-20 minutes walk from several notable pubs and a few excellent eateries in Wapping, the atmospheric former Thames warehouse district that drips with riverside history. --- Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### TOWER HAMLETS, whitechapel: “jack the ripper” 1-bedroom flat” - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt - Building Exterior showing Entry. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Building-Exterior-showing-Entry-231221034-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt - Building Exterior showing Entry. Photo © Home At First.")Jack the Ripper Apartment: building exterior showing entry. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Balcony with interior. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Balcony-with-interior-231221011-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Balcony with interior. Photo © Home At First.")Jack the Ripper Apartment: balcony with glimpse of the interior. - ![London: Tower Hamlets Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Dining-Living-Balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Dining-Living-Balcony-231221004-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Dining-Living-Balcony. Photo © Home At First.")Open-plan dining & living areas with balcony access. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Kitchen-231221002-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.")Jack the Ripper Apartment: fully-equipped kitchen. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Queen Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Queen-Bedroom-231221020-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Queen Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.")Jack the Ripper Apartment: queen bedroom. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Bathroom with shower. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Bathroom-with-shower-231221019-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Bathroom with shower. Photo © Home At First.")Jack the Ripper Apartment: bathroom with walk-in shower. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Hallway Elevators. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Hallway-Elevators-231221030-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Hallway Elevators. Photo © Home At First.")Jack the Ripper Apartment: hallway elevators. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Wilton's Historic Music Hall. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Wiltons-Historic-Music-Hall-231221039-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Wilton's Historic Music Hall. Photo © Home At First.")Historic Wilton’s music hall is a playhouse, restaurant, & bar. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Balcony with exterior view showing DLR. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Whitechapel-Jack-the-Ripper-Apt-Balcony-with-exterior-showing-DLR-231221026-1200x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Whitechapel — Jack the Ripper Apt. - Balcony with exterior view showing DLR. Photo © Home At First.")Balcony view showing proximity of the Docklands Light Railway. (See and hear trains in action in the video below.) Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **JACK THE RIPPER APARTMENT** **Nearest Transit: Tower Gateway — Docklands Light Rwy — 7min.** **Tower Hill Station — Circle & District Tube Lines — 11min.** **Aldgate East Stn — District, Hammersmith & City Lines — 9min. Aldgate Station — Circle & Metropolitan Tube Lines — 13min.** Home At First’s Life in London apartments are usually named after features of local geography or history, often famous persons who once lived in the neighborhood. Although the **Whitechapel** section of London has seen considerable history over more than 2,000 years, few world-famous people or events are tied to Whitechapel. Undoubtedly, Whitechapel’s most famous resident is a mystery person whose popular alias sits atop all lists of mass murders and unsolved crimes: **Jack the Ripper**. **Home At First‘s Jack the Ripper Apartment** is a scant two minutes walk from Whitechapel’s **Jack the Ripper Museum** in a building that housed both one of the Ripper’s victims and one of the prime suspects in this 140-year-old cold case. Two blocks from the museum, the apartment building’s coded entry door opens from a quiet (non-through) street to a large lobby with a concierge desk that is manned some hours every day. Two elevators serve the building from the lobby. The 1-2 person, 4th floor apartment opens onto the rear of the building with a furnished balcony. Recently renovated, the flat features modern decor that is both functional and attractive, with hardwood floors in all rooms except the tiled bathroom. The comfortable apartment is spotlessly clean, carefully maintained, safe, and secure. Inside the apartment, the entry hall opens onto the spacious, open-plan living/dining room. The living/dining area features a comfy sofa, a flat-screen TV, a writing table workspace, free WiFi, and a dining table for four. The entry hall has an entry phone for security and a utility closet with a clothes washer/dryer and cleaning appliances. The kitchen opens from the dining area and is equipped with latest appliances — electric oven and stove top, built-in microwave, sink, dishwasher, full-size fridge/freezer, and lots of cupboard and counter-top space featuring a built-in cutting board. The queen bedroom opens off the entry hall. There is a chest of drawers and a free-standing wardrobe for clothing. The bedroom window opens to permit ventilation. The apartment is non-smoking, pet-free, and centrally-heated with individual room registers as needed, but not air-conditioned. Movable fans are provided to provide cross-ventilation relief on rare hot summer days in London. The handsome, spacious bathroom features a wall-suspended hand basin and a large, walk-in shower. The furnished balcony opens off the apartment’s living room. Its two chairs invite quiet al fresco breakfasts, late-afternoon snacks, and evening nightcaps in its elevated perch. The balcony overlooks a not-so-busy parking lot. In the distance the skyline of The City is visible. Across the parking lot — approximately 70 yards away — is a one-way secondary street with some automobile traffic. Behind and parallel to this street are the elevated railway lines of the Docklands Light Railway and passenger lines leading east from Fenchurch Street Station. **Operations are frequent on the DLR (red train): about every 5 minutes or so during busy times of day. Service begins at 5:30AM and ends at 12:30AM. Train noise can be heard readily — but not loudly — from the balcony, and, from the bedroom if its window is open, as it probably will be in summer. With windows and doors closed train noise is negligible.** The immediate neighborhood surrounding the apartment is a chaotic mix of 19th, 20th, and 21st century architecture. Much of East London was destroyed by Nazi bombers in the Blitz. Much of these Docklands was rebuilt following World War II. In the 21st century modernization and gentrification is changing things again. But some few street blocks and alley rows managed to escape both the German bombs and the British wrecking balls. The Jack the Ripper Apartment is in one of the new (late 20th century) buildings and has a modern infrastructure. But just down the street from the apartment building you can walk back in time to the mid-1800s in the form of a narrow alley upon which is the world’s oldest operating music hall, **Wilton’s**. Largely unrestored and looking a shabby Victorian dowager of a theatre/bar/restaurant, Wilton’s is a protected historic building that produces lively entertainment in its authentic period theatre, a true relic of **London’s East End** from the time of **Charles Dickens**. Food and drinks are served in the bar & restaurant during performance weeks. The nearest grocery is a **Sainsbury‘s Local market** 4 walking minutes away. A wonderful state-of-the-art **Waitrose supermarket** is eight minutes from the apartment door. Numerous shops, cafés, restaurants, and several historic pubs are within short walks of the apartment. The selection expands by walking 10-15 minutes to the pedestrians-only marina complex with a wide choice of restaurant styles and prices. The Jack the Ripper Apartment is within 7-13 walking minutes of four transportation stations: 3 Underground stations (and 4 Tube lines and the DLR). Liverpool St. Station complex is 20 minutes walk away. Several major attractions are reachable in 20 minutes or less walk from the apartment, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Monument to the Great Fire, Whitechapel Gallery (art museum), Sky Garden observation tower atop the Walkie Talkie, the Gherkin (skyscraper), and at least four vital markets: Spitalfields Market, Leadenhall Market, and Petticoat Lane Market, and the Truman Brewery Upmarket at Brick Lane. --- Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### TOWER HAMLETS, WAPPING: “TOBACCO DOCK” 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Balcony view of Tobacco Dock and The City. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-Apartment-Balcony-view-of-Tobacco-Dock-and-The-City-070122039-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Balcony view of Tobacco Dock and The City. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock Apt.: balcony view of Tobacco Dock & The City. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Balcony view of the King Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-Apartment-Balcony-view-of-the-King-Bedroom-070122042-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Balcony view of the King Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock Apt.: balcony view of the king bedroom. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Living-Dining-Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-Apartment-Living-Dining-Kitchen-070122055-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Living-Dining-Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock Apt.: open-plan living & dining areas, and kitchen. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Dining Area by the Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-Apartment-Dining-Area-by-the-Kitchen-070122057-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Dining Area by the Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock Apt.: dining area by the kitchen. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-Apartment-Kitchen-070122060-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock Apt.: modern kitchen with large fridge/freezer. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Bathroom w. tub-shower. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-Apartment-Bathroom-w.-tub-shower-070122071-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartment - Bathroom w. tub-shower. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock Apt.: full bathroom with tub/shower. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartments on Wapping Lane showing bus stop. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-Apartments-on-Wapping-Lane-showing-bus-stop-070122088-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock Apartments on Wapping Lane showing bus stop. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock Apts. showing bus stop (right). - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock with tall ships and Discovery Walk. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Tobacco-Dock-with-tall-ships-and-Discovery-Walk-070122055-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Tobacco Dock with tall ships and Discovery Walk. Photo © Home At First.")Tobacco Dock’s tall ships, Discovery Walk & Ornamental Canal. - ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Wapping Green 2min S of Tobacco Dock Apts. Photo ©t Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Wapping-Green-2min-S-of-Tobacco-Dock-Apts-070122090-1200x364-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping — Wapping Green 2min S of Tobacco Dock Apts. Photo ©t Home At First.")Wapping Green, S of Tobacco Dock Apts. Nearby are shops, post office, pubs, restaurants, cafés, pharmacy, buses, & the tube stop. Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **TOBACCO DOCK APARTMENT** **Nearest Transit: 1-2mins walk to Route 100 buses westbound for Wapping Station, Waitrose supermarket, Tower Hill Tube, & St. Paul’s; or northbound to Shadwell DLR Station. Fastest way into Central London: 6min walk south to Wapping Tube Station; 12min walk north to Shadwell DLR Station.** **Home At First**‘s **Tobacco Dock Apartment** is modern, spacious, and well-equipped. Located in the gentrified **Tobacco Dock** neighborhood of historic **Wapping**, the apartment features fine balcony views of **The City** and close proximity to public transportation, shops, stores, restaurants, and several historic pubs making its location as practical as it is desirable. Home At First’s Life in London is quiet and relaxed here. The one-bedroom apartment is located on the 6th floor of a modern (2012) apartment building in an upscale Tobacco Dock neighborhood in the Docklands 3 walking minutes north of Wapping town center and 17 walking minutes east of St. Katharine’s Dock. The apartment building’s coded entry door opens from a non-through service street to a lobby from where an elevator (& parallel stairway) serves the building. The apartment’s entry opens onto a hallway with doors leading to living/dining/kitchen, to the bathroom, and to the bedroom & balcony. Maximum capacity of this 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom flat is 3 persons (when employing the living room sofa bed). The apartment has free WiFi and internet, and an entry phone for security in the hall. Separately controlled in-room heating keeps the apartment comfortable during cooler months. A further hallway door opens to the laundry closet, equipped with washer/dryer. The large, living/dining room has a flat screen TV, two sofas (one opens into a double bed), and a dining table for four. Sliding French doors open from the living room area to a Juliette (or false) balcony, providing ventilation and fine views of Tobacco Dock and The City. Off the living/dining area is the fully-equipped kitchen: large fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee machine, kettle, oven & range. The hallway also leads to the spotless, tiled bathroom (tub/shower). **• Groceries & Local Shops:** The Tobacco Dock Apartment is a 3-minute walk south to the nearest convenience market and its neighboring restaurants, cafés, post office, pharmacy, pubs, and fish &chip shop in **central Wapping**. Four-minutes walk north leads to the small **Wapping Supermarket**. **• Major Supermarket & more Shops & Restaurants:** The apartment is a nearly-traffic-free 13-minutes walk to the state-of-the-art **Waitrose supermarket** and its neighboring restaurants, cafés, pubs, & shops. An additional 5-minutes walk time leads to the shops, restaurants, and cafés of the picturesque **St. Katharine’s Marina** complex. **• Public Transportation:** The nearest public transport is **the Route 100 bus** running a circuitous route from **Shadwell Overground/DLR Stations** to **St. Paul’s Underground Station** (at St. Paul’s Cathedral) in Central London via **Wapping Overground Station** (pubs & restaurants), **St. Katharine’s Dock** (shopping & restaurants), **Tower Hill/Gateway Tube/DLR Stations** (transit & the Tower of London), **Aldgate Underground Station** (discount shopping & Petticoat Lane Market), **Liverpool St. Station complex** (Wormwood St. for Underground Lines, BritRail Lines, and Elizabeth Line), **Moorgate Underground/BritRail Station**, and **London Wall** (Museum of London). A 1-minute walk leads to the nearest westbound bus stop (Route 100 for Wapping Station, St. Katharine’s Dock, Tower Hill/Gateway Stations & St. Paul’s Station). A 2-minutes walk south reaches the nearest northbound bus stop (Route 100 for Shadwell Station). Route 100 buses operate mostly every 12 minutes 6AM–12:45AM (Mo-Sa) (Sunday 6:45AM–12:45AM). The nearest London **Underground** station in Central London is at **Tower Hill/Tower Gateway** (two Tube lines, the DLR, and numerous bus lines), a 15-minute ride on the westbound Route 100 bus, or a 22-minute walk (much of it traffic-free following the **Discovery Walk** along the scenic **Ornamental Canal** to St. Katharine’s Dock’s pedestrian walkways to Tower Hill). However, the fastest access to Central London by train (able to reach, for instance, Westminster Tube Station in 20-25min, or Bond Street Tube Station), starts at nearby **Wapping Overground Station** and connects north at Shadwell (for the westbound DLR) or Whitechapel Station (for the westbound Elizabeth & District Lines) or south at Canada Water Tube Station (for the westbound Jubilee Line). Choices are many & frequent. A combination of walking and using the apartment’s public transportation options provides access to all the principal visitor attractions of London. Most attractions of Central London, **Canary Wharf**, and **Greenwich** are reachable in 15-40 minutes. For example, London’s iconic **Tower Bridge** and the millennium-old **Tower of London** — two of London’s most popular attractions — are reachable in 18-25 minutes away by public transit or by walking. ![London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping - Turks Head Pub. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/London-Tower-Hamlets-Wapping-Docklands-New-Flat-Turks-Head-Pub-Wapping-070122100-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyrightHome-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Hamlets, Wapping - Turks Head Pub. Photo © Home At First.") **Wapping’s Turk’s Head Pub, one of 4 historic pubs within 10 min. walk of the Tobacco Dock Apartment.** The Tobacco Dock Apartment’s location is also ideal for exploration of one of London’s least-visited and most interesting riverside neighborhoods, **Wapping**. The apartment is within 10-minutes walk of several notable pubs and a few excellent eateries in Wapping, the atmospheric former Thames warehouse district that drips with riverside history. --- Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### SOUTH BANK — bermondsey: “shad thames” 2-bedroom FLAT - ![Shad Thames Apartment - Living room with balcony access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Shad-Thames-Apt-Living-room-with-balcony-access-131218-9301-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames Apt - Living room with balcony access - Photo copyright Home At First")Shad Thames Apartment – Living room with balcony access. - ![Shad Thames Apartment - Bathroom 1 with shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Shad-Thames-Apt-Bathroom-1-with-shower-131218-9327-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames Apt - Bathroom 1 with shower - Photo copyright Home At First")Shad Thames Apartment – Bathroom 1 with walk-in shower. - ![Shad Thames Apartment - Dining area by the kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Shad-Thames-Apt-Dining-area-by-Kitchen-131218-9318-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames Apt - Dining area by Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Shad Thames Apartment – Dining area by the kitchen. - ![Shad Thames Apartment - Kitchen with island.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Shad-Thames-Apt-Kitchen-with-island-131218-9319-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames Apt - Kitchen with island - Photo copyright Home At First")Shad Thames Apartment – Kitchen with island. - ![Shad Thames Apartment - King Bedroom 1 with view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Shad-Thames-Apt-King-Bedroom-1-with-view-131218-9336-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames Apt - King Bedroom 1 with view - Photo copyright Home At First")Shad Thames Apartment – King Bedroom 1 with superb view. - ![Shad Thames Apartment - Balcony View with The Shard and Tower Bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Shad-Thames-Apt-View-from-balcony-Shard-and-Tower-Bridge-131218-9355-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Shad Thames Apartment - Balcony View with The Shard and Tower Bridge - Photo copyright Home At First")Shad Thames Flat – Balcony View with Shard & Tower Bridge. Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **SHAD THAMES APARTMENT** **Nearest Transit 1: Tower Hill — Circle, District, & DLR Lines.** **Nearest Transit 2: London Bridge — Jubilee, Northern, & BritRail Lines.** Wonderfully located among a few narrow, cobblestone streets that wind through the warren of former South Bank warehouses that operated from the start of the 19th century to the end of World War II, the setting of **Home At First’s Shad Thames Apartment** is unique, historic, and culturally significant. **Shad Thames** is the curious name of the most prominent of these one-time hard-scrabble alleyways. It parallels the River Thames running southeast from the Bermondsey end of Tower Bridge a couple hundred yards to the inlet of the River Neckinger where it turns southwest for another 200 yards or so before ending at Tooley Street. The warehouse shells still stand tall on both sides of Shad Thames. A latticework of wrought-iron walkways crisscross the street high overhead. Were he reanimated from his final rest in Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey and ferried downriver to this place, **Charles Dickens** — who lived and worked along Shad Thames as a boy, and who used images of this one-time dangerous district to set stories, including Oliver Twist. Today, the warehouse shells house exclusive restaurants, shops, apartments, and offices, most appearing incognito behind their 19th century brick facades. The 2-4 person, 5th floor apartment is as stylish and comfortable as it is well-located. Its two king bedrooms — each with its own bathroom — sleep up to 4 persons in the queen-bedded master bedroom and twin-bedded second bedroom. Both bedrooms have window views over a quiet pedestrian square, unaffected by any noise that may come from strollers on the neighboring Shad Thames. The apartment’s spacious common room includes the living room — with two sprawling sofas and large, flat screen TV — that shares open space with the dining area (table for six), and the fully-equipped kitchen with its handy prep-island. The kitchen has a full-size fridge/freezer, oven, glass cook-top range, built-in microwave, dishwasher, toaster, coffee-maker, and electric tea kettle. Leading off the common room are a hallway featuring a small library and an access door to the furnished balcony, a sheltered perch ideal for a glass and a snack after a successful day of exploring London. This lovely apartment is reached by elevator from the building’s secure, code-operated, ground-floor entry door located on a quiet side street branching off Shad Thames. The apartment comes with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, wood and carpeted floors, and a laundry area with washer/dryer. The apartment is non-smoking, and heated by individually-controlled room registers. as needed. The nearest grocers, shops, pharmacy, as well as numerous cafés, pubs, pizzerias, and several fine restaurants are within 5-minutes walk in and around the charming streets and alleyways riverside **Bermondsey**. This is a superb location from which to experience Home At First’s Life in London independently from your own quality vacation apartment. --- Home At First’s Life in London Location & Sample Lodging: #### NORTH BANK — monument: “christopher wren” 2-bedroom FLAT - ![Christopher Wren Apartment - Queen Bedroom #1 with en suite bath.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Monument-2-bdrm-apt-queen-bdrm-2-w.-bathroom-2-141219-1986-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren Apartment - Queen Bedroom #1 with en suite bath - Photo copyright Home At First")Christopher Wren Apartment – Bedroom #1 with en suite bath. - ![Christopher Wren Apartment - Queen Bedroom #2.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Monument-2-bdrm-apt-queen-bdrm-1-141219-1975-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren Apartment - Queen Bedroom #2 - Photo copyright Home At First")Christopher Wren Apartment – Queen Bedroom #2. - ![Christopher Wren Apartment - bathroom 2 with tub/shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Monument-2-bdrm-apt-bathroom-w.-tub-shower-1-141219-1979-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren Apartment - Bathroom #2 with tub/shower 2 - Photo copyright Home At First")Christopher Wren Apartment – Bathroom 2 with tub/shower. - ![Christopher Wren Apartment - Kitchen & hall to dining room.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Monument-2-bdrm-apt-kitchen-hall-to-dining-141219-1990-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren Apartment - Kitchen & hall to dining room - Photo copyright Home At First")Christopher Wren Apartment – Kitchen & hall to dining room. - ![Christopher Wren Flat - Dining/living area with terrace access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Monument-2-bdrm-apt-dining-living-area-with-terrace-access-141219-1994-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren Flat - Dining/living area with terrace access - Photo copyright Home At First")Christopher Wren Flat – Dining/living area & terrace access. - ![Christopher Wren Flat - View from the Terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Monument-2-bdrm-apt-terrace-view-141219-2002-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christopher Wren Flat - View from the Terrace - Photo copyright Home At First")Christopher Wren Flat – Monumental view from the Terrace. Home At First’s Life in London Sample Lodging: **CHRISTOPHER WREN APARTMENT** **Nearest Tube stop 1: Monument — Circle, District, & Northern Lines.** **Nearest Tube stop 2: Bank — Central, Northern, & DLR Lines.** **Home At First**‘s attractive **Monument Apartments** are conveniently located on the North Bank of the Thames within 5-minutes walk of the **Monument to the Great Fire of 1666**, designed by England’s great architect, **Christopher Wren**. Their setting is on a quiet side street a block from the busy shopping street of Eastcheap, and very close to **London Bridge**. The immediate locale is rife with restaurants, cafés, pubs, 2 or 3 small groceries, a pharmacy, numerous shops, and very near transit (Monument Underground Station and several bus lines). Walking 10 minutes south via London Bridge leads to **London Bridge Station**, the many attractions lining the **Queen’s Jubilee Walkway**, historic **Southward Cathedral** (Shakespeare’s church), and fascinating open-air **Borough Market**. The 5th floor, 2-bedroom, 2-bath, Christopher Wren apartment is reached by elevator accessed just inside the security-coded front door past the concierge desk (staffed 24/7). The apartment entry hall leads to all rooms: two queen bedrooms with bathroom — one with shower; one with tub/shower. The bedrooms have built-in closets, an upholstered chair, and large windows with cushioned window-seats. One bedroom has a good-sized, flat-screen TV. The bathrooms are supplied with fine toiletries. Further down the hall is the galley-style kitchen, well-equipped with a full-sized refrigerator/freezer, oven with ceramic range-top, dishwasher, and electric kettle — but no microwave. Just beyond the kitchen is the large living/dining room, furnished with a dining table for four, and a plush sofa and winged easy chair. A mid-sized flat-screen TV competes for viewing attention with two windows and a set of doors that open onto the apartment’s private 5th-story terrace, itself furnished with table and two chairs and a fine, close-up view of The Monument. The terrace is a lovely place to relax with a morning coffee, afternoon tea, or evening nightcap. The Christopher Wren apartment comes with a washer/dryer, hair dryer, free WiFi, underfloor central heating, and — for those rare hot days in London — air conditioning. Guests staying longer than a week will appreciate the weekly housekeeping service at the end of each week. Guests also appreciate the apartment’s security phone connected to the concierge desk by the building entrance. From the building entrance it’s a 2-minute walk to **Monument Tube Station**, ten minutes to Tower Hill, Bank, and Cannon Street Underground Stations, and less than 15 minutes to London Bridge Underground & Rail Station. Groceries are close: 2 chain markets are within 3-5 minutes. Likewise the nearest chemist (pharmacy). The local (pub) is dangerously close (less than 1 minute), and is blessed with a good restaurant — one of perhaps a half-dozen worthwhile restaurants in the immediate neighborhood. The area is busy, but, thankfully, most traffic is of the pedestrian variety, as vehicles are restricted here. The historic Monument district makes a great base for experiencing Home At First’s Life in London. --- #### LONDON readily combines with all other Home At First destinations in Britain & Ireland as well as most Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking rest stop with a view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Switzerland-Bernina-Alps-260808-5296-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking rest stop with a view.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [london package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [ITALY](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/) **Published:** November 14, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) [— ITALY PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) [— **italy home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [— **tuscany: urban** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) renaissance siena estate [— **tuscany: rural** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) alta maremma estate [— **the glory that is rome** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) eternal city apartments [**— other destinations —** by special request](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-SpecialRequestDestinations) [**— italy** **prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) HOME AT FIRST’s ## ITALY ## The walled High Renaissance city of Siena viewed from Home At First’s Siena Estate. # **Explore ITALY from Your** **Home At First Apartment** ## Discover Italy Is at once Ancient & Modern #### **To discover Italy you discover the rise of the Western World: from early Greeks & Etruscans, to the Roman Empire, to the Renaissance, to ultramodern Italy.** ### **Explore Home At First’s ITALY Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [**3 Preset Full-Package** **Destinations:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-Destinations) **• ROME • SIENA • RURAL TUSCANY** Priced with flights, lodgings, and ground transportation. Combinable with other Italy locations & many Continental, Scandinavian & UK destinations. [**5 Special Request Regions**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-SpecialRequestDestinations) **• AMALFI • CINQUE TERRE • FLORENCE • MILANO • SICILY • VENICE** Custom-designed & priced. Combinable with other Italy locations and many Continental, Scandinavian & UK destinations. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Week in Regional Italy Explore your destination at your own pace. Rental car is necessary in rural Tuscany & Sicily, but not recommended for Florence, Rome, or Venice. **Lodging Types:** Weekly Rentals: Apartments, Villas, & Cottages Inns or small hotels with breakfast apply to locations that accept short stays (less than one-week): Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Venice. **On-Site Costs: Fuel, Food, & Activities** $$$—$$$$ Venice, Florence, & Rome can be pricey, but Italy can be done on a budget, too. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* [**Combinability**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-Combinability) with several Home At First Continental, Scandinavian & UK destinations. **Languages Spoken Everywhere:** Italian Expect **English** from your lodging host, at airports, in many restaurants & hotels, and from railway staff. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 8+ hrs from East Coast 12+ hrs from West Coast Most flights from North America arrive in Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP). **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Kids love the activities and the food, but may not like a steady diet of museums, galleries, and historical sites. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Italian food and wine are reasons enough to travel to Italy, and keys to understanding Italian culture. **Surprising Scenery:** Italy is a mountainous land surrounded by dramatic coastline. Its climate varies from alpine to arid to volcanic to Mediterranean. **Activities** • Hiking • Cycling • Horse riding • Exploring historic sites • Visiting vintners • Taking Italian cooking classes • Shopping • Eating! ## Where we go to Discover Italy ![Home At First's Map of Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Italy-Relief-Map-cutout-50pc-lite-Desaturated-green-color-shadowed-w.-destination-dots-w.-text-1075x1350-72dpi-Graphic-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Discover Italy") ### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S DISCOVER ITALY TRAVEL PROGRAM ### HOME AT FIRST BUILDS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES TO ITALY THAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings:** Fixed Package Price lodgings are available in Siena, Rural Tuscany, and Rome. Custom-priced Special Request lodgings are available in Amalfi, Cinque Terre, Florence, Sicily, and Venice. All apartments come with English-speaking hosts on-site. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to Italy (usually to Rome, but to Milan, Florence or Venice if one of these is a better choice for your needs) from your home airport. Our **[price chart](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices)** includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to Rome (FCO). Flights from/to all other airports available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. • **Ground Transport:** We recommend and arrange the appropriate ground transportation for your trip. Options include: car rental, city transport passes or airport transfers (Rome), and railway tickets/passes. **• Guidebook Keyed for Your Destination** to help you discover Italy and make the most of your visit. Includes suggestions for touring, walking, restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, much more. [ITALY PRICING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) #### [![Siena,Tuscany — the Glory of the Renaissance. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Siena-Piazza-del-Campo-vert-w.-text-230717-4253-226x349-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1619643417488.jpg "Siena,Tuscany — the Glory of the Renaissance. Photo © Home At First.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) DISCOVER ITALY! #### renaissance siena SIENA estate APARTMENTS Home At First’s classically-furnished Siena apartments are sequestered on a gated Tuscan estate just outside Renaissance Siena’s medieval city walls. The estate has a pool and furnished gardens with extensive views of Siena and the surrounding Tuscany countryside. The high Renaissance center of Siena is within walking distance of (or a short car ride from) the estate. The apartments are within 15-20 minutes walk or 5 minutes drive from shops, stores, restaurants, and services. Siena is ideally situated as a day-trip base within convenient reach of Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Perugia, Assisi, & several world famous wine areas. [Go to Siena](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) #### [![Rural Tuscany — an Unrivaled Landscape. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Tuscany-Hill-town-from-HAF-rural-Tuscany-estate-vert-w.-text-230717-4374-226x331-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1677102520450.jpg "Rural Tuscany — an Unrivaled Landscape. Photo © Home At First.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) DISCOVER ITALY! #### rural tuscany alta maremma estate Home At First’s rustic cottage apartments at southern Tuscany’s Alta Maremma Estate command a hilltop perch with fine views across a classic Tuscan landscape. Guests enjoy the estate’s attractive pool and its panoramic view. Our rural Alta Maremma Estate apartments are only 5-minutes drive from a major highway, making them convenient bases for day-trips by car throughout the region, from the beach resorts of the Tyrrhenian Sea to several of Tuscany’s famed wine towns. The nearest grocery store and restaurants are a 5-minute drive away in the neighboring walled hill town pictured above. [Rural Tuscany](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) #### [![Rome — the Eternal City. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Rome-Piazza-Navona-vert-w.-text-240717-4524-226x331-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1677102587465.jpg "Rome — the Eternal City. Photo © Home At First.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) DISCOVER ITALY! #### historic rome eternal city apartments Home At First’s Eternal City Apartments are located in the historic heart of Rome between the Spanish Steps and the Vatican, near the classical Pantheon and the elegant Piazza Navona (pictured above). Our apartments are within walking distance of St. Peter’s Square and many Roman monuments including the Colosseum and the Forum in a pedestrian-friendly district close to a wide variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, activities, and services. Use of taxis or public transport enables the exploration of all of Rome. Full-Package or Lodging & Ground Transport guests have the choice of round-trip, pre-reserved taxi transfers from Rome’s FCO International Airport or a transpass valid on streetcars, the Metro, buses, & on certain trains. [Go to Rome](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) #### #### - ![Amalfi, Campania. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Italy-Amalfi-Duomo-1103072150-226x326-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Amalfi, Campania. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Cinque Terre, Liguria. Photo by Becca Fahnestock © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Cinque-Terre-Liguria-w.-Titles-210712122-226x326-72dpi-Photo-by-Becca-Fahnestock-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Cinque Terre, Liguria. Photo by Becca Fahnestock © Home At First.") - ![Florence, Tuscany. Photo by Becca Fahnestock © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Florence-Tuscany-historic-square-w.-Titles-220808093224-226x326-72dpi-Photo-by-Becca-Fahnestock-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Florence, Tuscany. Photo by Becca Fahnestock © Home At First.") - ![Milano — Cathedral Square. Becca Fahnestock Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Milano-Piazza-del-Duomo-portrait-w.-credit-title-021025130942-200x300-72dpi-Becca-Fahnestock-Photo-©-Home-At-First-200x288.jpg "Milano — Cathedral Square. Becca Fahnestock Photo © Home At First.") DISCOVER ITALY! #### amalfi, CINQUE TERRE, FLORENCE, MILAN, sicily, & venice special request LOCATIONs Home At First offers lodgings in other parts of Italy by special request. Request a custom trip design proposal for: **• Amalfi** (photo above): picturesque town on the rugged peninsula south of Naples. Day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, and Capri. **• Cinque Terre** (photo above): five cliff-hanging seaside towns on Italy’s NW coast comprise a national park with stunning scenery. **• Florence** (photo above): capital of Tuscany; center of the Renaissance with world-class museums, galleries, & architecture. **• Milan** (photo above): Italy’s 2nd city & fashion center. Iconic cathedral. Museums & galleries (Leonardo’s “Last Supper”). **• Sicily:** Italy’s largest island: classical Greek ruins, fabulous cuisine, volcanic landscape, Mediterranean beaches. **• Venice:** World Heritage city: canals, gondoliers, galleries, architecture, high culture, & rising water. [Request Locations](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/#Europe) ##### ###### **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME:** **Home At First continuously monitors the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from our international destinations. If conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed.** #### ### Italy readily combines with many other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ### [**COPENHAGEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**OSLO**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**STOCKHOLM**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-003-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [italy package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [SWITZERLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/) **Published:** February 11, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) [— SWITZERLAND PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### [— **switzerland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) the overview ###### [— **the bernese oberland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) alpine heart of switzerland ###### **[— bernese oberland villages —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/ "Alpine Villages in the Heart of Switzerland") [kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/ "Kandersteg") • [mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/ "Mürren")** ###### [— **italian switzerland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) ticino – best of 2 cultures ###### [— **matterhorn &** **zermatt** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) iconic switzerland ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) #### THE MATTERHORN — ALPINE ICON OF SWITZERLAND Photo © **Home At First** ### **touring SWITZERLAND** — **ALPINE PLAYGROUND & CULTURAL CROSSROADS** # Independent Switzerland Using Quality Vacation Chalets & Apartments ### **Independent Switzerland Touring — Discover Mountain Pinnacles on the Grandest Scale plus Cultural Differences from Valley to Valley** **The Swiss Alps** have been both barrier and connection between Europe’s industrious, chilly, rainy Atlantic North and its laid-back, sunny, dry Mediterranean South, and between oft-subjugated Eastern Europe and the relatively free and prosperous West. For centuries Switzerland has been the crossroads of whatever commercial and cultural commerce has managed to get through or over the Alps. ![The white cross symbolizes Switzerland's role as Europe's alpine crossroads.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Swiss-Flag-1045-500x582-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)**Switzerland’s flag suggests the nation’s position as the alpine crossroads** **of** **Europe.** Until railways first arrived in Switzerland about 150 years ago, those hardy peoples who had migrated into the Alps lived largely isolated — not just from other Europeans, but often from their closest neighbors just across the steep ridges that separate valleys. Shut off from the outside, alpine populations developed their own micro-cultures: their own language dialects, their own customs, dress, cuisine, superstitions, and ways of farming and producing goods. These numerous micro-cultures continue throughout Switzerland today. Switzerland recognizes four official languages — Swiss-German, French, Italian, and Rhaeto-Romansh — with dozens of local dialects spoken. From valley to valley visitors hear different speech, taste different cuisines, hear different music, and see different customs and folk costumes. In 1291 several small Swiss localities first bound together for mutual defense against outsiders, and to pool their efforts for trade with those same outsiders. Instilled in the **Swiss Confederation** were three basic principles of Swissness: the importance of maintaining local identity, the importance of not permitting interference from the outside, and the importance of developing and protecting international trade. The Swiss Alps are symbols of these principles. They guard local and regional identities. They protect the nation from invasion and interference. They brand Swiss products as having the highest quality and value. **Home At First** offers you the opportunity to explore Switzerland’s great variety from locations in three regions: chalet apartments in two Swiss-German-speaking alpine villages in the **Bernese Oberland** in the heart of Switzerland; in apartments in Italian-speaking towns in **Ticino, Italian Switzerland**; and in the famed Swiss-German-speaking alpine adventure town of **Zermatt** at the foot of the iconic **Matterhorn**. Independent Switzerland touring is best using the remarkably efficient, comfortable, reliable, frequent, **Swiss transport network**, which goes almost everywhere in Switzerland via railway, lake and river steamer, postal buses, city trams and buses, and cableways. Tour, sight-see, cruise, shop, dine, hike, bike. See and sample chocolate, cheese, and wine at the source. Get to know your home town or village. Find new favorite restaurants. Hear the music of alphorns echoing across the valleys. Relax in the midst of unparalleled Nature. Have a picnic along a mountain trail. Drink perfect water from an alpine spring. Breathe mountain air that cures the ills of modernity. We tell you how best to explore Switzerland in our ***New Swiss Dream Book*** activity guides. Come once. Then come back again. You are sure to find each experience unique, instructive, impressive, fascinating, unforgettable, and splendid. --- ### **Home At First’s Independent SWITZERLAND Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [FULL-PACKAGE DESTINATION ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) **INCLUDES:** • **Round-trip transatlantic FLIGHTS** JFK/EWR to Zürich (all other USA & Canada airports available at extra fare) • **7 Nights of LODGINGS** in a Swiss chalet or apartment in your choice destination • **Ground TRANSPORT:** 1-week Swiss Travel Pass or regional pass. **Already have Flights?** *We have good-value Ground-only & Lodging-only options available.* **Basic Itinerary Character** **Independent Switzerland 1-Week Travel Package** Experience Switzerland like a native Swiss in your apartment or chalet in a village or town, in any of four Swiss regions. Independent Switzerland touring at your own pace using the comprehensive Swiss transport network. **Tip:** *Add a low-cost 2nd week in the same lodging to intensify your experience.* **Lodgings** **Weekly Rentals** **Choose from Apartments & Chalets in:** • Kandersteg & Mürren, 2 Central Swiss alpine villages in the Bernese Oberland • 4 Towns (Ascona, Locarno, Minusio, & Muralto) on Lake Maggiore in Italian Switzerland • Zermatt, resort town by the Matterhorn **Tip****:** *take a week in 2 or more different locations to enrich your experience.* **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities Range from:** $—$$$$$ With your Swiss pass covering most of your transportation costs and discounting entries to many attractions, Independent Switzerland touring can be done on a manageable budget. **Tip:** *Restaurants can be pricey. Grocery stores are reasonable. Using your* *well-equipped kitchen can really help save.* [**Overall Trip Costs** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full- Package prices that include the best available airfares.* [**Combinable!**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Combinable) with **Home At First** destinations throughout the British Isles, Continental Europe, and Scandinavia. **Tip:** *Visit multiple destinations for just one transatlantic airfare.* **Languages Spoken:** English is commonly spoken in restaurants, public transport, tourist offices, stores, and by your lodging host/hostess. **(M)OTHER TONGUES** • Swiss-German is spoken in the north, the east, & parts of the south • French in the west • Italian in the southern Canton of Ticino • Romansh in portions of the eastern Canton of Graubünden. **Flight Length to Switzerland (ZRH or GVA) from North America** 8 hrs from the East Coast 11+ hrs from the West Coast **Connecting Flights May Not Be Necessary!** *Non-stop flights to Switzerland originate from many North American cities, including: ATL, BOS, EWR, DIA, IAD JFK, LAS, LAX, MCO, MIA, ORD, PHL, SAN, SFO, TPA, YUL, YVR, YYC* **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Kids love outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, zip lines, tree-top challenge courses), much of the food (chocolate, French fries & pizza: yes; sausages & cheese: maybe), and really like riding trains, buses, boats, and especially cablecars & chairlifts. Expect to meet friendly cows & goats when hiking. **Tip:** *save trips to waterfalls, lakes & swimming holes for hot days!* **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Sample national, regional, and local Swiss cuisine at restaurants and at outdoor festivals. Swiss food is much more than cheese and potatoes. Experiencing a variety of foods adds authenticity to your Independent Switzerland touring. **Tip:** *Visit outdoor markets and visit cheesemakers or local dairy stores to get fresh local specialties!* **Hike-able, Bike-able,** **very Like-able** Respect the Alps, but don’t be intimidated! Hiking & biking are the best ways to see Switzerland’s glorious scenery. Swiss hiking & biking infrastructure is world-class and user-friendliest. Clearly marked signs are everywhere noting times, destinations, and difficulty. **Tip:** *Walks & rides of all types are detailed in our “New Swiss Dream Book” activity guide.* **Activities** • Climbing the mountains — by train, postal bus, & cableways • Scenic Day-trips by train & post bus • Cruising the Swiss lakes • Exploring historic sites & cities: castles, cathedrals, & museums • Hiking • Biking • Shopping • Eating! • Visiting the Cheese Maker • Attending folk festivals (“Chilbi”) • Canyoning, zip lining, tree coursing, *via ferrata*, & parasailing. **The Best Times to Go****:** Italian Switzerland: April, May, June, September, October Kandersteg: Late-May thru mid-October Mürren & Zermatt: mid-June thru September. **Tip:** *Switzerland is busiest during July & August when the weather is warmest.* **Tip:** *Prime above-treeline hiking season extends 3rd week of June into October. Best months: Sept./Oct.* ## Independent Switzerland Touring Regional Bases ### SWITZERLAND ![Home At First's Map of Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Switzerland-Map-2020-1486x962-72dpi-Map-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) ### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S Independent Switzerland touring PROGRAM **Home At First custom-builds independent travel packages to Switzerland that include:** • **Quality Lodgings:** Fixed Package Price lodgings are available in 3 distinctly different regions of Switzerland. Choose weeks in : **•** **[The Bernese Oberland — “The Heart of Switzerland”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland)** **—** German-speaking, central Swiss, alpine region. Lodgings are chalet apartments in two super-scenic alpine villages: **[Mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren),** and [**Kandersteg**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg). The Bernese Oberland is home of cheese, chocolate, cablecars, cowbells, hiking, yodeling, and alphorns and ideal for the broadest range of Swiss experiences. The Bernese Oberland’s central location is a great touring base. From here you can explore Switzerland’s central alpine region and beyond — even as far as Northern Italy and throughout western and north-central Switzerland. **•** [Ticino — Italian Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino)**:** Italian-speaking southern Swiss region. Lakeside apartment locations in the historic small city of Locarno and its attractive satellite communities of Ascona, Minusio, and Muralto; sunny Mediterranean climate & quick access to the Swiss Alps and lets you explore Switzerland and portions of Northern Italy. Arguably, Ticino offers much of the best of Switzerland & Italy, including cuisine, fashions, & climate, **•** **[The Matterhorn & Zermatt in Canton Wallis/Valais](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) —** Apartments in the famed alpine resort village of Zermatt in German-speaking southern Switzerland, surrounded by dozens of the highest Swiss Alps. Zermatt is oxymoronic: remote & fashionable, outdoorsy & glitzy, rural & urban. Zermatt offers the challenges of the rugged alpine outdoor with no sacrifice of creature comforts. Ideal for outdoor-enthusiasts. As a touring center, Zermatt offers independent Switzerland touring throughout the alpine southwest and across the border into parts of Northern Italy. --- • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to Switzerland (usually to Zurich, but sometimes into Geneva or into Milan, Italy, whichever of these is the best choice for your needs) from your home airport. Our **[price chart](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices)** includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to Zurich (ZRH). Flights from/to all other airports are available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. --- ![Swiss Transportation - Filisur Viaduct](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Swiss-Transportation-Filisur-Viaduct-040716-1512-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-229x300.jpg)• **Ground Transport:** We recommend and arrange the appropriate ground transportation for your trip. Independent Switzerland touring is most efficient, practical, and cost-effective using the Swiss Transport Pass or a regional transport pass. While car rental is possible, it is an expensive and often impractical option, as Swiss public transport (trains, buses, boats, and cableways) travel everywhere safely, frequently, punctually, and comfortably, while many places in Switzerland are not reached easily — of at all — by car. Tell us your goals and travel preferences; we will propose the right ground transportation for your visit. PICTURED ABOVE: THE LANDWASSER VIADUCT — JUST ONE OF many EYE-POPPING ENGINEERING FEaTS OF SWITZERLAND’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE ALBULA LINE. --- **![Muerren Edition — New Dream Book Cover Page](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Muerren-Edition-New-Dream-Book-Cover-Page-915x1200-72dpi-Image-copyright-Home-At-First-e1677192543558.jpg)• Our ‘New Swiss Dream Book’ Activity Guide Keyed for Your Swiss Destination** to help you make the most out of your visit as you explore Switzerland. Included are suggestions for touring, hiking, biking, adventure activities, restaurants, shopping, museums, galleries, much more. The ‘New Swiss Dream Book” is available in 4 editions: two for the Bernese Oberland (Mürren and Kandersteg), one for Ticino — Italian Switzerland, and one for the Matterhorn & Zermatt. pictured — THE MÜRREN EDITION OF HOME AT FIRST’S “NEW SWISS DREAM BOOK” ACTIVITY GUIDE. --- ![Barbara, owner-hostess of 2 Zermatt chalet apartments. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-SubSection-Chalet-Barbara-Owner-Host-120716-1245-225x339-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Barbara, owner-hostess of 2 Zermatt chalet apartments. Photo © Home At First.")• **Our English-speaking Swiss hosts** are dedicated to helping their guests explore Switzerland confidently, while providing on-call back-up assistance, and a friendly presence close to home. pictured: BARBARA, FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE OWNER & HOSTESS OF TWO HOME AT FIRST APARTMENTS IN ZERMATT. --- • **Real People Providing Real Help in Real Time:** Home At First continuously monitors all the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, & properly return home from their international destinations. If conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions & provide any assistance needed. [SWITZERLAND PRICING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) --- #### Two Alpine Villages in the #### [**BERNESE OBERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) #### [The HEART of](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) #### [SWITZERLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) Independent Switzerland touring from either of two locations in the central alpine region: the ALPINE VILLAGES of #### [MÜRREN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren) & [KANDERSTEG](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg) Lodging Type: CHALET APARTMENTS --- Independent Switzerland touring of the ALPINE HEARTLAND The Bernese Oberland: Amazing Alpine Scenery; Home to Pampered Cows, the Music of Cowbells, and the Swiss Cheese Culture. - ![ANOTHER PERFECT DAY IN THE BERNESE ALPS](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Switzerland-Bernese-Oberland-title-photo-Fred-and-Janie-at-Alex-Point-220819-0967-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland - Bernese Oberland title photo - F & J at Alex Point - Photo copyright Home At First")The Bernese Alps - ![Family Picnic in the Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Home-Page-Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-title-image-082519-1199-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home Page - Family Picnic in the Bernese Oberland - Photo copyright Home At First")Picnic! - ![The Bernese Alps are Cheese Alps](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Cheese-Alps-image-250819-1082-915x1200-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bernese Oberland - Cheese Alps image - Photo copyright Home At First")Cowbells! - ![Alpine Mürren is only reached by cablecar.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Muerren-image-140819-0147-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bernese Oberland - Muerren image - Photo copyright Home At First")Mürren by cablecar - ![Lotschberger regional express arriving at Kandersteg station.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kandersteg-Lotschberger-regional-express-arriving-at-Kandersteg-station-260717-4688-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Kandersteg - Lotschberger regional express arriving at Kandersteg station - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg by train - ![Kandersteg is a high, flat village surrounded by high Alps.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Kandersteg-image-160819-0300-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bernese Oberland - Kandersteg image - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg - ![Hikers silhouetted on ridge trail](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Attractions-and-Activities-title-image-Hikers-silhouetted-on-ridge-trail-060916-1995-915x1275-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-915x1200.jpg "Bernese Oberland - Attractions and Activities - Hikers silhouetted on ridge trail - Photo copyright Home At First")Hiking! - ![Lake Brienz cruise boat.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Attraction-image-Lake-Brienz-cruise-boat-180919-0477-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bernese Oberland - Attraction image - Lake Brienz cruise boat - Photo copyright Home At First")Lakeboats! - ![Great for Mountainbiking!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Activities-image-Mountainbiking-140818-8048-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bernese Oberland - Activities image - Mountainbiking - Photo copyright Home At First")Cycling! --- [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **THE BERNESE OBERLAND** — **the “Highlands of Bern“** — are just west of the center point of Switzerland. The region is bordered on the south by a range of mountain walls fronting famous climbing peaks including Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Blüemlisalp. This line of glaciated Alps comprises the **Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site**: the formidable 4,000-meter-high **Bernese Alps.** [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **SWISS CHEESE —** The Bernese Alps are **cheese alps**. Their grassy slopes are grazed by herds of cows that fill the meadows with the music of cowbells. Their rich milk becomes richly-flavored cheese. The cheese, potatoes, pork, veal, beef, and vegetables of many small alpine farms make up the staple cuisine of the Bernese Oberland and the hearty, delicious fare found on restaurant menus through the region. --- Two Alpine Villages Ideal for Discovering the Cheese Alps of the Bernese Oberland also are fine bases for Independent Switzerland touring. ![Home At First chalet apartments in the Bernese Oberland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Ch-Apt-Lodgings-image-160819-0324-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) HOME AT FIRST CHALET APARTMENTS IN KANDERSTEG IN THE BERNESE OBERLAND. **OUR CHALET APARTMENT LODGINGS in the BERNESE OBERLAND** are set in two picture postcard alpine villages away from tourist throngs: [**Kandersteg**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg) and [**Mürren**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren). (Click the links to learn more, and to see sample chalet apartments.) Both locations are outdoorsy: popular with skiers, hikers, and climbers. Both villages are also cheese producing, their alpine meadows home to small cheese farms where you can see cheese made traditionally, and buy cheese from the producers. All **Home At First** Bernese Oberland apartments have friendly **English-speaking hosts** available for questions, information, recommendations, and help should a problem or emergency arise. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **MÜRREN —** Mile-high, chocolate box [**Mürren**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren) — set on along a steep cliff face a vertical half-mile above the valley floor below — is reachable only by aerial cablecars, a car-free village of alpine chalets offering fantastic views of the peaks and glaciers and superb walking and hiking possibilities. Despite Mürren’s remote eagle’s nest setting, the village is a fine base for exploring the Bernese Oberland and its alpine core, the **Jungfrau Region**. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **KANDERSTEG —** Deep in the Bernese Alps, [**Kandersteg**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg) village sits on a high (3,852′), flat plain in an alpine valley surrounded on three sides by snow-capped peaks. Kandersteg lies on a major railway that connects Germany to the north with Italy to the south. Hourly modern trains provide passenger service to destinations on both sides of the Alps and throughout much of Switzerland, making Kandersteg our top lodging location from which to explore Switzerland far and wide. --- Activities and Attractions in the Bernese Oberland. **Home At First** guests in Kandersteg & Mürren receive the exclusive Bernese Oberland edition of our **“New Swiss Dream Book”** activity guide, full of suggestions for visitor attractions and and activities along with recommended day trips and other activities, including our ***Hiking & Biking Guide***. Here is a brief sampling of the entries listed in our comprehensive guidebook: --- ![Berner Oberland - Schynige Platte train en route.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Berner-Oberland-Subsection-Schynige-Platte-train-en-route-180819-0406-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) I THINK I CAN! VICTORIAN-ERA TRAIN ASCENDING STEEPLY TO ALPINE SCHYNIGE PLATTE. **ATTRACTIONS —** **Several great alpine vistas and 3 panoramic mountain lakes are located in the Bernese Oberland:** [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **• Piz Gloria:** revolving restaurant with a James Bond heritage at the summit of the 10,000′ Schilthorn reached by cablecar from Mürren. **• Jungfraujoch:** the “Top of Europe” is the continent’s highest train station (11,333′), and a glacial remnant of the Ice Age. Expect winter! **• Schynige Platte:** an hour’s slow climb in a tiny Victorian age train only reaches treeline (about 7,000′), but provides a restaurant with alphorns and yodeling, an alpine garden, fantastic views, and easy to challenging walking. Still exciting after 125 years. **• Brienz Rothorn:** an hour’s journey by an antique steam-powered, narrow-gauge, rack railway improbably ascends grades of 25% on its way to 7,362′, Summit restaurant, 360° views, & challenging walking. **• Niesen:** a steep (67°) funicular reaches the 7,664′) pinnacle of this solitary pyramidal mountain. Great views, hiking, open heights, and, as always, an alpine restaurant. **• Lake Brienz:** passenger boats including the venerable steamboat *Lötschberg* ply this deep glacial lake in the shadows of high mountains north and south. Stops include the fishing village of Iseltwald & thundering Giessbach Falls. **• Lake Thun:** passenger boats including the historic paddle-wheeler *Blümlisalp* cruise this lake west of Interlaken. Boats stop at several towns, 3 castles, 1 winery, & holy caverns. **• Lake Oeschinen:** reachable by aerial cableway and a 20-minute walk, this mile-high alpine lake above Kandersteg at the foot of Blüemlisalp is a great hidden gem of the Alps. Restaurants and rental rowboats, plus some superb walking. --- **![Berner Oberland - Swiss postal bus at Grosse Scheidegg with the Eiger.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Berner-Oberland-Subsection-Post-bus-at-Grosse-Scheidegg-with-Eiger-150818-8042-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)** swiss postal bus descending the alpine pass at grosse scheidegg with the eiger north face looming. **ACTIVITIES —** **There is much more to do in the Bernese Oberland: independent Switzerland touring near & far, hiking, biking, adrenaline adventures, cruising, seeing cheese made, seeing chocolate made. Shopping, too.** [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) • **Ride the Swiss Postal Bus:** take a dramatic day trip over alpine passes. • **Visit Bern,** the Swiss capital, one of Europe’s great medieval old cities. **• Cycle downhill** 1 to 2 hours — very little pedaling required. **• A Day in Italy!** Take a rainy day train trip south to sunny Italy for lunch and shopping. **• Hike behind an arching waterfall** in a hidden alpine canyon. **• Jump off a mountain:** paraglide as a paying passenger. **• Zip it!** Scream down a zip line. **• Risk everything…** Climb (or descend) a *via ferrata* — carefully. **• Rock & Roll downhill** from alpine heights by scooter, mountain bike, big-wheel trike, or wheeled toboggan. **• Smooth Sailing:** take a romantic evening cruise or Sunday Swiss brunch cruise on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. **• Say Cheese!** Buy mountain cheese at the source from the alpine cheesemaker. **• Wine & Dine:** discover & enjoy fine restaurants in your village and throughout the Bernese Oberland. LEARN MORE HERE: [BERNESE OBERLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) #### Four Lakeside Towns in #### [**TICINO**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) #### [ITALIAN SWITZERLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) Independent Switzerland touring of the **Italian-Swiss Region** from your vacation apartment in: #### LOCARNO #### or its satellite towns: #### ASCONA, MINUSIO, & MURALTO Lodging Type: CITY & TOWN APARTMENTS --- **Independent Switzerland touring of SURPRISING ITALIAN SWITZERLAND:** Ticino: Explore Switzerland & Northern Italy. Discover the Best of 2 Cultures Combined in this Stunning Scenic Southern Swiss Region, both Alpine & Mediterranean. - ![Ticino - Window shoppers in Ascona.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Switzerland-Ticino-title-image-Windowshoppers-in-Ascona-040716-1456-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ticino - Window shoppers in Ascona - Photo copyright Home At First")Ascona, Ticino - ![Ticino - Hydrofoil Lord Byron at Ascona.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-title-image-Hydrofoil-Lord-Byron-at-Ascona-040716-1443-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ticino - Hydrofoil Lord Byron at Ascona - Photo copyright Home At First")Lake Maggiore - ![Ticino - high alpine hiking in glacier country.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-High-Alpine-Hiking-image-0903-1-R3-018-7A-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ticino - high alpine hiking in glacier country - Photo copyright Home At First")Hiking Ticino’s Alps - ![Ticino - Verzasca Valley swing bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-Verzasca-swing-bridge-0903-1-R3-014-5A-915x1037-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-790x1037.jpg "Ticino - Verzasca Valley swing bridge - Photo copyright Home At First")Verzasca Valley - ![Ticino - Locarno Cittá Vecchia apartment interior](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-Locarno-Citta-Vecchia-apartment-interior-040919-1795-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ticino - Locarno Cittá Vecchia apartment interior - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno 2prs apt. - ![Ticino - Postal Bus departing Muralto station.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-Postal-Bus-departing-Muralto-station-040919-1549-915x915-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-697x915.jpg "Ticino - Postal Bus departing Muralto station - Photo copyright Home At First")Swiss Postal Bus - ![Ticino - Shopping at Open-air Market.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-Shopping-at-Open-air-Market-040919-1834-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ticino - Shopping at Open-air Market - Photo copyright Home At First")Open-air Market - ![Ticino - Visconteo Castle - da Vinci's Tower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-Visconteo-Castle-da-Vincis-Tower-040919-1629-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-915x1200.jpg "Ticino - Visconteo Castle - da Vincis Tower - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno’s Castle - ![Ticino - Bavona Valley rustic village.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-Bavona-Valley-rustic-village-161094-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-915x1200.jpg "Ticino - Bavona Valley rustic village - Photo copyright Home At First")Bavona Valley --- **TICINO** — **“Italian Switzerland“** — Worlds collide in **Ticino**, Switzerland’s surprising Italian region on the south side of the Alps. Here, the mountains rise from the plains of Italy, climbing more than 10,000 feet from just 200 meters above sea level at **Lake Maggiore** — Switzerland’s lowest point — to the highest peaks of Italian Switzerland. Mediterranean weather systems hit this alpine wall separating northern Europe from the south. From **the high Lepontine Alps in the north of Ticino**, tributary valleys carry glacier meltwater from the rugged, alpine wilderness south to the palm-lined shores of Maggiore. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **THE RUGGED RIVER VALLEYS —** The scenery changes quickly along the **rushing, descending *Ticinese* rivers**, from the lonely starkness of the highest alpine pinnacles to the subsistence, small-plot farms and the sometimes electrified **rustic, stone villages** maintaining cultural toeholds in the narrow, plunging valleys, to the fertile, gentle, modern *la dolce vita* of the deltas along the lake. --- A Small City & its Neighboring Towns in Central Ticino Are Perfect Bases for Independent touring of Italian Switzerland. ![Ticino - Ascona's Borgo old town waterfront.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-SubSection-Ascona-Borgo-waterfront-280717-5073-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Ascona’s *Borgo* old town with its attractive harborside promenade. **LOCARNO & ITS SATELLITES —** It is here in the semi-urban lowlands of central Ticino where we have our delightful guest apartments. Some are found in the Old Town and New Town of lakeside **Locarno** — a stylish, historic, small city with a delightfully preserved medieval core. Others are located in central, convenient settings in three neighboring satellite towns along the lake: **Minusio, Muralto,** and jet-set **Ascona**. ![Cittá Vecchia Apartments - interior courtyard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Citta-Vecchia-Apts-interior-courtyard-040919-1712-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) HOME AT FIRST APARTMENTS IN LOCARNO’S CITTÁ VECCHIA OLD CITY. **THE APARTMENTS —** Our comfortable, quality **Ticino** **apartments** are all unique, with capacities sleeping up to 6 persons. All share close proximity — easy walking distance — to stores, shops, the lake shore, and especially to public transport: the trains, buses, and boats of the coordinated Ticino transport network. All **Home At First** Ticino apartments have **English-speaking hosts** either on-site or available nearby for questions, information, recommendations, and help should a problem or emergency arise. ![Muralto - TILO S20 train for Biasca boarding at Locarno station.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Muralto-TILO-S20-train-for-Biasca-boarding-at-Locarno-station-040919-1544-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) TILO REGIONAL TRAIN departing the Locarno area transportation center in Muralto. **EXPLORING TICINO & BEYOND —** The best way to explore Switzerland’s surprising Italian section is via **Ticino’s comprehensive public transport network**. The convenience of exploring Ticino — and independent Switzerland touring beyond Ticino and into adjoining parts of Switzerland and Italy — by train, boat, and bus — eliminates fighting traffic congestion, finding parking, negotiating treacherous alpine roads, and the risks of crossing international borders with rental cars. --- Activities and Attractions in Italian Switzerland. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **Home At First** guests in Italian Switzerland receive the exclusive Ticino edition of our **“New Swiss Dream Book”** activity guide, full of suggestions for visitor attractions and and activities along with recommended day trips and other activities, including our ***Hiking & Biking Guide***. Here is a brief sampling of the entries listed in our comprehensive guidebook: --- ![Ticino — Bellinzona - Castello Montebello from Castello Grande.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ticino-Subsection-Bellinzona-Castello-Montebello-from-Castello-Grande-915x1035-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First001.jpg) Bellinzona – Castello Montebello VIEWED from Castello Grande. **ATTRACTIONS —** **Ticino’s landscape varies from high alpine to sub-tropical. There are two large lakes along the border with Italy: Maggiore and Lugano. There are 3 small cities with unique characters: Locarno, Bellinzona, & Lugano. Vineyards produce fine wines, especially *Merlot del Ticino*. Everywhere are *grottos* — rustic tavern-cafés serving local wine, cheese, bread, and meats in informal, traditional settings. There are 10,000′ high mountains to climb, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails of all levels of challenge.** [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **• Visconteo Castle in Locarno:** the 13th century, the medieval castle at the foot of Locarno’s Old City features a distinctive half-round battlement that may have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. **• Bellinzona’s 3 Castles:** built to defend the international trade route across the Gotthard Pass — a World Heritage Site. Historic Bellinzona is the cantonal capital of Ticino. Its Saturday morning old-city outdoor market is a colorful, centuries-old tradition. **• The Valleys:** bus & train trips into upper Ticino’s ruggedly scenic river valleys that feature rustic stone villages with grottos serving local cheese, salami, and wine. The villages are connected by riverside walking paths through fabulous scenery. **• Lugano:** southernmost city of Switzerland, fashionable, walkable, & very shoppable. Set on Lake Lugano between 2 “Sugar Loaf” like peaks with birds-eye views over the city, the lake, and into Italy. **• Neighboring Italy:** boat, bus & train trips from Locarno into Italy: the Wednesday open-air market at Luino on Lake Maggiore; Stresa resort town & the Borromean Isles at Maggiore’s western end; Milan, Italy’s great northern city, under 2.5 hours by train. --- **ACTIVITIES —** **Independent Switzerland touring from your apartment home offers many possible activities: touring near & far, swimming, hiking, biking, cruising, golf, prowling museums, attending concerts and film festivals, visiting vineyards & wineries, buying cheese at the farm, seeing chocolate made at the factory, and shopping at open-air markets.** ![View from Cimetta high above Locarno.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Locarno-View-from-Cimetta-528x1168-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) View from Cimetta high above Locarno. **• Cablecar up Locarno’s own mountain:** climb from central Locarno to Orselina by funicular, on to Cardada by gondola, and further by chairlift to the mountaintop: Cimetta (5,404′). Restaurants, viewing, & walking available at each station stop. • **Ride the Swiss Postal Bus:** take dramatic day trips up alpine valleys to rustic, remote villages: Sonogno, Fusio, San Carlo, and Bosco Gurin. **• Smooth Swiss Sailing:** take a short Lake Maggiore cruise to the garden island Brissago, or a longer cruise on Lake Lugano to the award-winning villages of Morcote and Gandria. **• Shop at Authentic Outdoor Markets** in Locarno, Ascona, & Bellinzona, and in nearby Italian towns of Luino and Canobbio. Clothing, art, jewelry, regional foods, wines, leather goods, antiques, crafts. **• Swiss Chocolate!** Learn about, sample, and buy Swiss chocolate at the small factory near Lake Lugano. **• Public Transportation High Point in Northern Ticino:** Bus to San Carlo, then large cablecar up to Robiei (6,204′). Restaurant and hiking options at the top in alpine moonscape. **• Public Transportation High Point in Southern Ticino:** Boat or rail to Capolago then narrow gauge train steeply up to mile-high Monte Generoso. Restaurant and hiking options at the top. **• Cycle downhill** .6mi drop in 2 hours. Rail north to Airolo (3,855′) and bike south down to Biasca or further to Bellinzona (742′). **• A Super Scenic Circle Trip Day to Italy!** Take the fast boat on Lake Maggiore to Stresa, then return by slow express train across the Centovalli Railway. **• Visit Vineyards & Wineries** in Bellinzona, Biasca, and Mendrisio. Closest winery tour with sales & samples: Tenero 10 minutes from Locarno. **• Wine & Dine:** discover & enjoy fine restaurants in your neighborhood and throughout Ticino. LEARN MORE HERE: [TICINO](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) #### The Alpine Resort Town of #### [**ZERMATT**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) #### [by the iconic MATTERHORN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) Independent Switzerland touring where Alpine Giants dominate the landscape, from your vacation apartment in the ALPINE RESORT TOWN of #### ZERMATT #### WALLIS/VALAIS Lodging Type: TOWN APARTMENTS --- **Independent Switzerland touring — THE MATTERHORN IS AMAZING.** Zermatt, the Busy Swiss Town at the Foot of the Matterhorn, Gives You Many Options for Enjoying the Amazing Alpine Landscape. Independent Switzerland touring Southwest begins here. - ![Zermatt and the Matterhorn.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Switzerland-Zermatt-and-the-Matterhorn-title-image-View-from-Wiesti-270717-4940-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Zermatt and the Matterhorn - View from Wiesti - Photo copyright Home At First")Zermatt! - ![Zermatt - the Matterhorn viewed from Furi.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Matterhorn-viewed-from-Furi-230905-R7-016-6A-758x954-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-727x954.jpg "Zermatt - the Matterhorn viewed from Furi - Photo copyright Home At First")The Matterhorn - ![The Matterhorn from Zen Stecken in southern Zermatt.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Matterhorn-from-Schluhmatten-270717-4992-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-915x1200.jpg "Zermatt - the Matterhorn from Zen Stecken in southern Zermatt - Photo copyright Home At First")Outside Zermatt - ![Zermatt - Taxi at the Zum Steg Bridge with Old Town and Matterhorn.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Taxi-at-the-Zum-Steg-Bridge-with-Old-Town-and-Matterhorn-270717-4956-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-915x1200.jpg "Zermatt - Taxi at the Zum Steg Bridge with Old Town and Matterhorn - Photo copyright Home At First")Electric Taxi - ![Zermatt - Daytime crowds on Bahnhofstrasse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Daytime-crowds-on-Bahnhofstrasse-260717-4749-915x1100-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-838x1100.jpg "Zermatt - Daytime crowds on Bahnhofstrasse - Photo copyright Home At First")Bahnhofstrasse - ![Zermatt - Goatherd Girl leading morning parade up Bahnhofstrasse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Goatherd-Girl-leading-morning-parade-up-Bahnhofstr.-260717-4771-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Zermatt - Goatherd Girl leading morning parade up Bahnhofstrasse - Photo copyright Home At First")The goat parade - ![Old Zermatt may still be found on Hinterdorfstrasse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Old-Zermatt-alley-in-morning-fog-030716-1282-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Zermatt - Old Zermatt alley in morning fog - Photo copyright Home At First")Zermatt old town - ![Train arriving at Gornergrat (10,000') after ascending 30 minutes from Zermatt.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Train-arriving-at-Gornergrat-3090m-140806-0900-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-915x1200.jpg "Zermatt - Train arriving at Gornergrat 3090m - Photo copyright Home At First")Gornergrat train - ![Mountaineers take a break among Switzerland's highest peaks.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Mountaineers-take-a-break-among-Switzerlands-highest-peaks-150806-0931-915x1200-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Zermatt - Mountaineers take a break among Switzerland's highest peaks - Photo copyright Home At First")Highest Swiss Alps #### --- [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **THE MATTERHORN** **& Switzerland’s Highest Mountains —** At least thirty-eight 4,000-meter-high peaks belonging to the **Pennine Alps** range are visible from the Swiss alpine town of **Zermatt**. Several of them form a nearly impassable natural border wall with Italy. While a few of these peaks are higher than the **Matterhorn**, none is as well known. Its twisted pyramid is perhaps the world’s most recognizable mountain silhouette, the ultimate Swiss icon that draws many tens of thousands of visitors to Zermatt every year. **ZERMATT: TOWN AT THE BASE OF THE MATTERHORN.** Switzerland offers many spectacular alpine towns and villages with world-class skiing, hiking, and climbing. But only in Zermatt can you ski, hike, or climb in sight of the Matterhorn. Zermatt is **car-free**, and needs to be. Squeezed by steep alpine slopes on three sides — it’s only practical land access is from the north — Zermatt has enough room for thousands of visitors, but not for their cars. Visitors traveling by car leave their vehicles in the next town to the north and commute the last few miles by train, joining the vast majority of visitors who **use the railway** exclusively to get to Zermatt. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **GETTING AROUND ZERMATT —** During the height of the ski season (December—April) and the summer tourism (hiking, climbing, & selfies) season (mid-June—September), Zermatt is densely populated. Visitors to Zermatt arrive by train, and get around by walking, or by using the town’s **electric buses and electric taxis**. Zermatt’s core is small, not too hilly, and (for most visitors) very walkable. The town center — radiating from the ***Bahnhofstrasse*** Zermatt’s north-south main street — is full of shops, restaurants, bars, boutiques, banks, hotels, and many apartment buildings that provide housing for residents and vacation rentals for visitors. The original village core has become modernized and gentrified, surrounded with newly-built neighborhoods of apartment buildings full of vacation & ski rentals, almost all with balcony views of the Matterhorn. ![Zermatt - The View from Home At First Apt Balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-The-View-from-Home-At-First-Apt-Balcony-260717-4823-1333x1900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) the view from a HOME AT FIRST ZERMATT APARTMENT balcony. **THE APARTMENTS —** Our comfortable, quality **Zermatt** **apartments** are all unique, with capacities for up to 8 persons. Several are located in Zermatt’s central core, within 5-minutes easy walking distance of stores, shops, and trains, electric buses and taxis. A few are in newer neighborhoods uphill from Zermatt’s core and feature excellent alpine views, less congestion, noise and bustle, but are longer walks (or bus & taxi rides) from the shopping, restaurants, and train stations of central Zermatt. All **Home At First** Zermatt apartments have **English-speaking hosts** either on-site or available nearby for questions, information, recommendations, and help should a problem or emergency arise. --- ![Klein Matterhorn cable car arrives at Trockener Steg high above Zermatt in the valley below.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Klein-Matterhorn-cable-car-arrives-at-Trockener-Steg-150806-0950-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) Matterhorn glacier paradise cablecar arriving at Trockener Steg intermediate station. ZERMATT FILLS MUCH OF THE VALLEY FAR BELOW. **EXPLORING ZERMATT & BEYOND —** The best ways to explore Zermatt and its arena of magnificent mountain peaks include walking, mountain-biking, skiing, and using the trains, funicular, gondolas, and chairlifts of the town’s 3 mountain transport systems. Independent Switzerland touring away from Zermatt to visit other parts of Switzerland (and northern Italy) is best done using the railway north to major railway junction towns at Visp and Brig. --- Activities and Attractions in Zermatt and Beyond. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **Home At First** guests in Zermatt receive the exclusive Zermatt & Matterhorn edition of our **“New Swiss Dream Book”** activity guide, full of suggestions for visitor attractions and and activities along with recommended Independent Switzerland touring and other activities, including our ***Hiking & Biking Guide***. Here is a brief sampling of the entries listed in our comprehensive guidebook: --- ![Zermatt - Hiking above 10000ft at Gornergrat.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Hiking-above-10000ft-at-Gornergrat-140806-0885-915x1250-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Hiking above Zermatt at 10000 feet near Gornergrat station. **ATTRACTIONS —** **Zermatt’s location is the reason to come. No other town or village in the Alps has access to so many great peaks. Zermatt’s primary attractions, not surprisingly, center on the mountains: cableways, trains, and trams to high viewpoints, and, for the well-heeled, helicopter excursions to places only mountaineers and ibex can reach. **• The Bahnhofstrasse:** Rainy days in Zermatt are made for the *Bahnhofstrasse*, the town’s main street, lined with shops, stores, restaurants, cafés, and hotels. Near the southern end of the *Bahnhofstrasse*, are the Mountaineers’ Cemetery and Zermatt’s underground Matterhorn Museum, *Zermatlantis*, presenting the history of Zermatt and mountaineering. **• Mountain Transport:** Zermatt has 3 transport systems into the alpine heights: **+** The Sunnegga Express system: a fast “subway” train whisks visitors from the east side of the river in central Zermatt up nearly a half-mile to Sunnegga, a lovely perch with the classic view of the Matterhorn. From Sunnegga, 2 more cableways lead further up the mountain to 10,178 feet high. Café-restaurants and excellent hiking & mountain-biking await at all stations. **+** The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise system: a mix of small 6-person gondolas and large (up to 100-person) aerial cablecars ply 3 main routes in summer (plus several more in winter for skiers), including the big cabin to the Klein Matterhorn pinnacle station, at 12,740 feet the highest cablecar station in Europe. Restaurants, hiking & mountain-biking trails en route at all levels, plus climbing, year-round skiing, glacier discovery, and shopping (!) at the top. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **+** The Gornergrat Railway: as many as 3 venerable (opened in 1898), slow (33-minute journey) trains hourly depart the modern station on Zermatt’s Bahnhofstrasse, reaching 10,138 feet on a Gornergrat’s rocky ridge-top terminus. Restaurants at the top and several stations en route. Hiking and biking trails galore and major skiing trails in winter. --- **ACTIVITIES —** **In town Zermatt has plenty to do: swimming, tennis, shopping, dining, and several spas & fitness centers. Zermatt’s small, historic Old Town invites strolling.** ![High above Zermatt - hiking down from Blauherd to Sunnegga.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Zermatt-SubSection-Hiking-down-from-Blauherd-to-Sunnegga-180806-1025-915x1165-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) HIKING ABOVE SUNNEGGA AT ABOUT 7,500′. **Activities locally and regionally include: family fun in a forest adventure rope park and a scenic walk through the Gorner Gorge south of Schluhmatten,** **picnicking****, hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing in the surrounding Alps, buying cheese at the farm in Zmutt, Biel, or Ober Stafel alpine hamlets.** [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **From Zermatt, independent Switzerland touring of the alpine southwest and parts of Northern Italy is easily done. Activities further afield include:** **• Day Trip to a Top Wine Village:** Train Zermatt to Visp. Local train from Visp 20min to Salgesch, a Valaisian wine-producing town with 40+ wineries, many with open caves and testing rooms. Excellent pinot noir wines plus some delightful whites. [ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **• Brig’s Great Castle:** built at the intersection of key trans-alpine routes, the huge 17th century Stockalper Palace was built by a wealthy merchant who prospered from Brig’s strategic location, The castle is partially furnished and has a museum. **• A Scenic Circle Trip Day to Italy:** Take the postal bus south from Brig across the Simplon Pass to Domodossola, Italy. Have lunch in the old city, then return by train through the Simplon Tunnel to Brig and back to Zermatt. **• A Leisurely Cruise on Lake Thun:** Express train north from Visp to Thun city in the Bernese Oberland. Catch the lake boat at Thun for the to Interlaken. Rail from Interlaken back to Zermatt via Spiez and Visp.[ ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) LEARN MORE HERE: [ZERMATT & MATTERHORN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) #### SWITZERLAND readily combines with most Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### **SWITZERLAND** + ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [switzerland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Portugal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/) **Published:** December 5, 2022 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### #### [THE NORTH: **PORTO REGION**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#PortoRegion) #### [WEST-CENTRAL: **LISBON REGION**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#LisbonRegion) #### [SOUTH COAST: **THE ALGARVE**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#AlgarveRegion) #### [**PORTUGAL PRICES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/portugal-prices/#Prices "PORTUGAL PRICES") #### Home At First’s ## Independent ## PORTUGAL #### From Your Vacation Apartment or Cottage **Discover Portugal — explore Portugal freely at your own pace by car or rail from your Home At First vacation cottage or apartment. Choose from vacation weeks at any of 3 Portugese regions: The North (Porto & the Douro River), West Central (Lisbon & its Atlantic beaches at Cascais), and The South (south coast of the Algarve).** **The above photo pictures the western approach into Cascais, one of the upscale resort towns that are satellites of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city. Beaches surround Cascais, and several golf courses are close by. Originally home to the summer residences of royalty, historic homes still grace Cascais, including the prominent Palace of the Dukes of Pamela in the foreground, above. Boutiques and café restaurants line the maze of alleys in Cascais’s lively, historic central core. Home At First‘s Cascais apartments offer convenient access to all of Cascais, and are 35-45 minutes by train or car from the city of Lisbon.** ### **PORTUGAL** — A FORMER WORLD POWER HAS BECOME A BOUTIQUE SOCIETY WITH A LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE # Discover Portugal: Independent Travel Using Quality Vacation Cottages & Apartments #### Portugal: Azenhas do Mar, one of continental Europe’s westernmost habitations. This photogenic village sits on a promontory above the wild Atlantic Ocean 35 minutes drive time north of Cascais. Photo Credit Paulo Magalhães © VisitPortugal. ### **HOME AT FIRST’s PORTUGAL — WHY, WHERE, & HOW TO GO** **Discover Portugal on your terms — your pace, your interests, your budget.** Discover Portugal’s dramatic scenery, its unique architecture, its friendly people, its delicious food, its special music, all experienced in its pleasant Mediterranean maritime climate. Enjoy all of these discoveries day-tripping from your comfortable Portugese apartment or cottage in one (or more) of three captivating regions: Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve. Discover why Portugal appears near the top of quality-of-life lists, and why it has become a haven for retirees, digital nomads, and expats from around the world. ![Portugal Map - image © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Portugal-Map-alternative-design-Image-©-Home-At-First-590x1024.jpg) HOME AT FIRST’s MAP OF PORTUGAL Showing Home At First’s Lodging Regions in Red **Travel in Portugal** is easy by rental car on the well-maintained road network, or by safe, frequent, reliable public transportation. Getting to Portugal is easy, too: non-stop transatlantic flights operate frequently to Lisbon and Porto from a growing number of North American airports. **A Little History:** During the first millennium of the Christian Era Celts, Romans, Goths, and Moors occupied the **Iberian Peninsula**. In the second millennium Portugal evolved as an independent nation in the western Iberia. Portugal’s nationhood pre-dates that of neighboring Spain, and most European nations. During the great **Age of Conquest**, when Portugal sent explorers south and east around Africa to the Orient and west to the Americas, Portugal established a colonial empire that rivaled the largest and richest of the late Middle Ages. During that time Portugese became widespread. Today, thanks to its dominance in Brazil and its legacy in parts of Africa and Asia, Portugese is the third most widely spoken European language, after English and Spanish. **A Little Demography:** **Portugal** covers about 15% of Iberia. Eighteen percent of Iberia’s population live in Portugal. **Spain** — Portugal’s only contiguous neighbor — occupies almost all of the remaining 85% of Iberia. Spain and Portugal have been friends and competitors for most of their history, but they are very different. The **Portugese language** — which evolved from the Latin of its Roman occupiers and still has traces of pre-Roman Celtic — sounds to many ears closer to Italian than it is to Spanish. **A Little Geography:** Most Portugese live in cities, towns, and villages on or near **Portugal’s two Atlantic coasts** — the western and southern extremes of the country — leaving its interior largely agricultural and sparsely populated. Of the 10.35 million total population of Portugal, fully half inhabit the three coastal regions where **Home At First** lodgings are located. **Home At First****‘s three lodging regions in Portugal — [Porto](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#PortoRegion), [Lisbon & Cascais](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#LisbonRegion), & [The Algarve](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#AlgarveRegion) —** are far enough from one another — between 150-200 miles — to vary significantly in climate, culture, geography, and lifestyle, but are close enough to be reached by driving or traveling by rail in a few hours time. By rail or rental car Porto is about three hours distant from Lisbon. The trip from Lisbon to the Algarve takes 3-5 hours by car or railway. ### **Home At First’s Independent PORTUGAL Touring Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/portugal-prices/#Prices) Includes transatlantic flights, lodging in destinations of your choosing, & appropriate ground transport and/or connecting flights for your itinerary. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. Combinable with many Home At First European destinations. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Wk. or More in PORTUGAL Independent Portugal touring from your vacation apartment or cottage. Choose your regional destinations & how long you wish to stay at each stop. Use public transit in the cities; rental car or trains & boats in rural areas, & flights or trains between cities. **Lodging Types:** Apartments & Cottages Minimum occupancy normally 1 week (7 nights). Shorter occupancy periods possible. Locations in 3 regions of Portugal. City & suburban lodgings close to public transport, restaurants, shops, & services. Non-urban locations convenient bases for car touring. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$-$$$$ Portugal is one of Europe’s least expensive destinations, especially for food, public transport, and many services. High prices apply to fine dining, boutique shopping, and resort golf. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/portugal-prices/#Prices) $$ *Portugal is an excellent travel value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **[Combinable](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#combinability)** with most other Home At First destinations in continental Europe, the British Isles, and Iceland. **Language Spoken Most Everywhere:** Portugese Expect to find **English** spoken in urban settings and tourist areas thanks to the popularity of Portugal as a long-standing holiday destination for the British. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 7 hrs from East Coast; 11-14 hrs from West Coast Most North American flights arrive at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). A few transatlantic flights serve Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. **Family Friendly?** ♥♥ Kids love the beach activities, the parks, and the food, but may not like a steady diet of museums, galleries, and historical sites, or an itinerary with long driving hours. Boat trips & train rides all appeal to young travelers. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Portugese food is delicious and substantial, with the accent on fresh, organic, and local. Seafood is an important part of the cuisine, but the menu choice is broad. Favorite Portugese entrees include cod, chicken, sardines, and pork dishes. **Top Attractions** • Exploring Lisbon by its historic trams and on foot • Exploring Porto by tram & on foot, and the Douro River Valley & Port wine region by boat or car • Exploring the beaches & geological wonders of the Algarve • Discovering delightful restaurants & cafés featuring soulful, live, fado music **Activities** • Car Touring • City Strolling & beach walking • River & sea cruising • Golf • Exploring historic sites • Museums & galleries • Dining: hi-brow & low • Café relaxing • Royal palaces & castles • Shopping! • Wine tasting & visiting wineries. **The Best Times for Portugal Independent Travel****:** March through June, & September through November. The sunny Portugese climate is at its best during the spring and fall. Portugal’s most colorful major festivals occur at Easter week and in June. ##### **HOW IT WORKS**— ## Home At First’s Discover Portugal: Independent Travel #### Using Quality Vacation Cottages & Apartments. Praia do Vau (Vau Beach), a 45-minute drive west of Albufeira, one of dozens of beaches scattered along the south coast of Portugal. Every beach of the Algarve region is unique in its setting. Some hide in coves among the sea cliffs. Some occupy long strands of deserted barrier islands. Some are tied to exclusive resorts. Some are in popular seaside towns. Some edge golf courses. But all bask in the most annual hours of sunshine that grace Western Europe. Photo Credit Paulo Magalhães © VisitPortugal. #### First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your travel dream to discover Portugal by independent travel. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love the choice of lodgings in several regions!), and how to travel independently by rental car and/or public transportation. — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to one region of Portugal with a visit to another. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to Portugal with a visit to any **Home At First** destination in the **British Isles** ([England](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England), [London](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "London"), [Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland), [Wales](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales), or [Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland)), or in **Continental Europe** ([France](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/ "France"), [Paris](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris "Paris"), [Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), [Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland), or [Spain](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/ "Spain")). — Ask for a [Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). ### A SAMPLER of ACTIVITIES & DESTINATIONS in PORTUGAL **THE FOLLOWING SCENES ARE REACHABLE FROM ONE OR MORE OF HOME AT FIRST’S PORTUGESE REGIONS AND WILL HELP YOU DISCOVER PORTUGAL.** - ![Porto: Night Life on the riverside. Photo Credit YvesCallewaert © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Portugal-Porto-Night-Life-on-the-riverside-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-YvesCallewaert-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto: Night Life on the riverside. Photo Credit YvesCallewaert © VisitPortugal.")Porto: Night Life on the Douro riverside. The river connects most of the attractions of the region. - ![Porto: Casa da Música concert hall in central Porto. Photo Credit Duccio © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Portugal-Porto-Casa-da-Musica-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Duccio-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto: Casa da Música concert hall in central Porto. Photo Credit Duccio © VisitPortugal.")Porto: Casa da Música concert hall in central Porto. Home At First’s Porto apartments are nearby. - ![Porto & the North - Douro Valley river cruise. Credit AT Porto & the North © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Porto-and-the-North-Douro-Valley-cruise-through-the-vineyards-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-AT-Porto-and-the-North-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & the North - Douro Valley river cruise. Credit AT Porto & the North © VisitPortugal.")Porto & the North – a Douro Valley river cruise passes through the steep, terraced vineyards. - ![Porto & the North: Douro Valley Quinta wine tasting. Photo Credit AT Porto & the North © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Portugal-Porto-and-the-North-Douro-Valley-Quinta-1024x683-72dpi-Photo-Credit-AT-Porto-and-the-North-©-VisitPortugal-1024x682.jpg "Porto & the North: Douro Valley Quinta wine tasting. Photo Credit AT Porto & the North © VisitPortugal.")Porto & the North: Douro Valley Quinta open-air wine sampling with fresh, regional foods. - ![Porto & the North: Colorful Minho regional festival. Credit AT Porto & the North © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Porto-and-the-North-Minho-region-festivities-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-AT-Porto-and-the-North-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & the North: Colorful Minho regional festival. Credit AT Porto & the North © VisitPortugal.")Porto & the North: Colorful Minho regional festival. Every region of Portugal has its delightful traditions. - ![Lisbon Region: Camões Square, Cascais. Photo RuiCunha © Turismo Cascais - VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lisbon-Region-Cascais-Praca-Camoes-Camoes-Square-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-RuiCunha-©-Turismo-Cascais-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Region: Camões Square, Cascais. Photo RuiCunha © Turismo Cascais - VisitPortugal.")Lisbon Region: Camões Square, Cascais. The town is prosperous, charming, and very walkable. - ![Lisbon Region: Cascais Market Fish Monger. Photo Rodrigo Costa Duarte - Turismo Cascais © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lisbon-Region-Cascais-Fish-Monger-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-by-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-Turismo-Cascais-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Region: Cascais Market Fish Monger. Photo Rodrigo Costa Duarte - Turismo Cascais © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon Region: Cascais Market Fish is both a superb cultural attraction & a great place to shop for dinner. - ![Lisbon Region: Cascais Wednesday-Saturday Market. Photo Rodrigo Costa Duarte - Turismo Cascais © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lisbon-Region-Cascais-Wednesday-Saturday-Market-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-by-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-Turismo-Cascais-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Region: Cascais Wednesday-Saturday Market. Photo Rodrigo Costa Duarte - Turismo Cascais © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon Region: The Wednesday-Saturday Market at Cascais attracts people from all over the region. - ![Lisbon Region: Golf at Cascais. Photo Rodrigo Costa Duarte - Turismo Cascais © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lisbon-Region-Golf-at-Cascais-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-by-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-Turismo-Cascais-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Region: Golf at Cascais. Photo Rodrigo Costa Duarte - Turismo Cascais © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon Region: 4 golf courses near Cascais prove that the Algarve is not Portugal’s only golf destination. - ![Lisbon Region: Sintra/Cascais - Praia Grande surfing. Photo Andre Carvalho © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lisbon-Region-Sintra-Cascais-Praia-Grande-surfing-north-of-Cascais-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Andre-Carvalho-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Region: Sintra/Cascais - Praia Grande surfing. Photo Andre Carvalho © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon Region: Sintra/Cascais – Praia Grande surfing. Portugal’s west coast offers world-class surfing. - ![Lisbon Region - Sintra National Palace of Pena. Wilson Pereira Photo © VisitLisbon.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Lisbon-Region-Sintra-National-Palace-of-Pena-1200x800-72dpi-Wilson-Pereira-Photo-©-VisitLisbon.com_.jpg "Lisbon Region - Sintra National Palace of Pena. Wilson Pereira Photo © VisitLisbon.com.")Lisbon Region: National Palace of Pena at Sintra, national monument & World Heritage Site. - ![Lisbon: Trolley in Chiado square. Photo Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Lisbon-Chiado16-gf15-Trolley-in-Lisbon-square-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Turismo-Lisboa-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon: Trolley in Chiado square. Photo Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon’s old city: tram in Camões Square, central point in the city’s vibrant, popular Chiado section. - ![Lisbon Region: Fado vadio street art in Lisbon Old City. Photo © VisitLisbon.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Lisbon-Region-Fado-vadio-street-art-in-Lisbon-Old-City-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-VisitLisbon.com_.jpg "Lisbon Region: Fado vadio street art in Lisbon Old City. Photo © VisitLisbon.com.")Street art celebrating “Fado vadio” emotional music. The alley of stairs is in Lisbon’s hilly Bairro Historico. - ![Lisbon Region: Lisbon's Elevador Bica. Photo Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lisbon-Region-Lisbon-Elevador-Bica-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Turismo-Lisboa-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Region: Lisbon's Elevador Bica. Photo Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon’s Elevador da Bica funicular has given pedestrians a lift on this old city street for 130+ years. - ![Lisbon Region: Lisbon's Golden Gate Bridge the 25th of April Bridge. Photo © VisitLisbon.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Lisbon-Region-Lisbons-Golden-Gate-Bridge-the-25th-of-April-Bridge-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-VisitLisbon.com_.jpg "Lisbon Region: Lisbon's Golden Gate Bridge the 25th of April Bridge. Photo © VisitLisbon.com.")Lisbon’s 25th of April Bridge over the Tagus: built by firms who built San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. - ![Algarve Region: Lagos café under the orange tree. Photo Credit CarlosDuarte-2 - AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Portugal-Algarve-Lagos-cafe-under-the-orange-tree-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-CarlosDuarte-2-AT-Alagrve-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Lagos café under the orange tree. Photo Credit CarlosDuarte-2 - AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.")Algarve Region: Lagos café in the shade of an orange tree. The Algarve is Europe’s sunniest region. - ![Algarve Region: Cape St. Vincent light. Photo © Algarve Tourism Bureau - VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Portugal-Algarve-Cape-St.-Vincent-light-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Algarve-Tourism-Bureau-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Cape St. Vincent light. Photo © Algarve Tourism Bureau - VisitPortugal.")Algarve’s Cape St. Vincent: most SW point of mainland Europe; west of Ireland’s Shannon Airport. - ![Algarve Region: Albufeira town & beach. Photo C Duarte, AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Portugal-Algarve-Albufeira-beach-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-CDuarte-AT-Algarve-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Albufeira town & beach. Photo C Duarte, AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.")Algarve Region: Albufeira town & beach. Albufeira’s 45,000 population increases six-fold in the summer. - ![Algarve Region: Vale do Lobo Golf Club. Photo Vale do Lobo © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Portugal-Algarve-Vale-do-Lobo-GC-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Vale-do-Lobo-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Vale do Lobo Golf Club. Photo Vale do Lobo © VisitPortugal.")Algarve’s golf coast clusters courses in/near Quarteira & Vilamoura, including two Vale do Lobo courses. - ![Algarve Region: Tertulia Restaurant-Café in Faro. Photo Credit AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Portugal-Algarve-Faro-Tertulia-Restaurant-Cafe-in-Faro-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Credit-AT-Alagrve-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Tertulia Restaurant-Café in Faro. Photo Credit AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.")The Algarve produces excellent land & sea food, & serves it with style, as here at Tertulia Café in Faro. #### Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • We prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need to discover Portugal independently using a quality **Home At First** vacation apartment. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, RAILPASSES or RENTAL CAR RESERVATIONS & VOUCHERS required. Most **Home At First** Discover Portugal guests arrive by air at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in central Portugal, or Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in northwestern Portugal. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. #### Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • All travel documents for your trip — including a quality guidebook for Portugal — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • You follow our directions for your transfer from your arrival point (airport or otherwise) to your regional Portugal lodging, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you the cottage or apartment, explain its workings, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now as you begin to discover Portugal independently from your comfortable vacation home. ### DISCOVER PORTUGAL: SCENES & SURPRISES - ![Algarve Region: Kitesurfing. Credit ©ATAlgarve © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-Region-Kitesurfing-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-©ATAlgarve-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Kitesurfing. Credit ©ATAlgarve © VisitPortugal.")Kitesurfers in Algarve - ![Algarve Region: Praia do Camilo cove - Lagos. Credit John Copland © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-Region-Praia-do-Camilo-Lagos-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-John-Copland-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Praia do Camilo cove - Lagos. Credit John Copland © VisitPortugal.")Praia do Camilo cove, Algarve - ![Algarve Region: Tavira. Credit AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-Region-Tavira-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-AT-Alagrve-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Algarve Region: Tavira. Credit AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.")Tavira’s old town, Algarve - ![Algarve: Olives and Peppers. Photo Credit Visit Algarve.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-Olives-and-Peppers-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Visit-Algarve.jpg "Algarve: Olives and Peppers. Photo Credit Visit Algarve.")Algarve: Local olives & peppers - ![Algarve: Seafood. Photo Credit Visit Algarve.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-Seafood-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Visit-Algarve.jpg "Algarve: Seafood. Photo Credit Visit Algarve.")Algarve shellfish: catch-of-the-day - ![Algarve: High Street at High Noon. Photo Credit Visit Algarve.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-High-Street-at-High-Noon-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Visit-Algarve.jpg "Algarve: High Street at High Noon. Photo Credit Visit Algarve.")Algarve: whitewashed houses - ![Algarve: Local crafts. Credit Visit Algarve.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-Local-crafts-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Visit-Algarve.jpg "Algarve: Local crafts. Credit Visit Algarve.")Algarve: Local crafts - ![Algarve: traditional Algarve pottery. Credit Visit Algarve.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Algarve-traditional-Algarve-pottery-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Visit-Algarve.jpg "Algarve: traditional Algarve pottery. Credit Visit Algarve.")Traditional Algarve pottery - ![Lisbon Region: Cascais - Flower lined street. Photo by Rodrigo Costa Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cascais-Flower-lined-street-600x900-72dpi-Photo-by-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-©-Cascais-Tourism-Board-1.jpg "Lisbon Region: Cascais - Flower lined street. Photo by Rodrigo Costa Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.")Cascais: flower lined street - ![Lisbon Region: Cascais - Palm tree lined street. Photo by Rodrigo Costa Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cascais-Palm-tree-lined-street-2-600x900-72dpi-Photo-by-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-©-Cascais-Tourism-Board-1.jpg "Lisbon Region: Cascais - Palm tree lined street. Photo by Rodrigo Costa Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.")Cascais: palm tree promenade - ![Lisbon Region: Cascais palm tree lined street. Photo by Rodrigo Cost Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cascais-palm-tree-lined-street-1-600x900-72dpi-Photo-by-Rodrigo-Cost-Duarte-©-Cascais-Tourism-Board-1.jpg "Lisbon Region: Cascais palm tree lined street. Photo by Rodrigo Cost Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.")Cascais: tall palm trees - ![Lisbon Region: Tamoriz beach with umbrellas & Forte da Cruz. Photo by Rodrigo Costa Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tamoriz-beach-with-umbrellas-Forte-da-Cruz-600x900-72dpi-Photo-by-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-©-Cascais-Tourism-Board-1.jpg "Lisbon Region: Tamoriz beach with umbrellas & Forte da Cruz. Photo by Rodrigo Costa Duarte © Cascais Tourism Board.")Cascais: Tamoriz beach & Forte da Cruz - ![Lisbon Centro Historico - Historic District - Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Region-Lisbon-Centro-Historico-Historic-District-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Turismo-Lisboa-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Centro Historico - Historic District - Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon’s Centro Historico - ![Lisbon Bairro Historico - Historic District. Credit TurismoLisboa © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Region-Lisbon-BairroHistorico-Historic-District-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-TurismoLisboa-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Bairro Historico - Historic District. Credit TurismoLisboa © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon’s hilly Bairro Historico - ![Lisbon's Tram 28 - Credit Turismo de Lisboa © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Region-Tram-28-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Turismo-de-Lisboa-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon's Tram 28 - Credit Turismo de Lisboa © VisitPortugal.")Tram 28 in Lisbon’s historic district - ![Lisbon Historical Centre with red tram. Credit Turismo de Lisboa © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Lisbon-Historical-Centre-w.-red-tram-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Turismo-de-Lisboa-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Historical Centre with red tram. Credit Turismo de Lisboa © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon’s red tram guided tours - ![Lisbon Cathedral with tram. Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Region-Cathedral-Lisbon-w.-tram-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Turismo-Lisboa-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon Cathedral with tram. Credit Turismo Lisboa © VisitPortugal.")Lisbon Cathedral by tram - ![Porto & the North: Port Wine being poured. Credit Nuno Correia © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Porto-and-the-north-Port-Wine-being-poured-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Nuno-Correia-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & the North: Port Wine being poured. Credit Nuno Correia © VisitPortugal.")Porto’s eponymous Port Wine - ![Porto & the North: Wine Caves de Vinho do Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia. Credit Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Porto-and-the-North-Wine-Caves-de-Vinho-do-Porto-Vila-Nova-de-Gaia-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-Porto-Convention-Visitors-Bureau-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & the North: Wine Caves de Vinho do Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia. Credit Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau © VisitPortugal.")Wine Caves de Vinho do Porto - ![Porto & the North - Douro Internacional - Passenger Boat tour. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Porto-the-North-Douro-Internacional-Passenger-Boat-tour-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-AT-Porto-and-the-North-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & the North - Douro Internacional - Passenger Boat tour. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.")Portugal’s North: Douro River Boat - ![Porto and the North - Douro Valley Historical Train. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Porto-and-the-North-Douro-Valley-Historical-Train-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-AT-Porto-and-the-North-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto and the North - Douro Valley Historical Train. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.")Portugal’s North: Douro Valley steamer - ![Porto & the North: Pastry selection. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Porto-and-the-North-Pastry-selection-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-AT-Porto-and-the-North-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & the North: Pastry selection. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.")Porto & the North: regional pastries - ![Porto's Lello & Irmao Bookshop. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Porto-and-the-North-Lello-and-Irmao-Bookshop-Porto-800x1200-72dpi-Credit-AT-Porto-and-the-North-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto's Lello & Irmao Bookshop. Credit AT Porto and the North © VisitPortugal.")Lello & Irmao Bookshop, Porto - ![Porto & River Douro. Credit © RCL-RuiCunha VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Porto-and-the-North-Porto-and-River-Duoro-800x1200-Credit-©-RCL-RuiCunha-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & River Douro. Credit © RCL-RuiCunha VisitPortugal.")Porto: wine barges River Douro ### **HOME AT FIRST’s 3 LODGING LOCATIONS IN PORTUGAL** **• NORTHWESTERN PORTUGAL: One and three-quarters million call the PORTO metro area home.** **• CENTRAL PORTUGAL’S WEST COAST: Three million reside in greater LISBON including CASCAIS.** **• PORTUGAL’S SOUTH COAST****: Almost one-half million live permanently in the ALGARVE region.** **Home At First** **offers vacation apartments and cottages** in Lisbon and its neighboring coastal towns, in Porto and in nearby towns in the Douro River valley, and in towns along the south coast of the Algarve. All lodgings are spacious, comfortable, well-equipped. All have private entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms with (at least) showers or tub/showers. Transportation, shops, groceries, restaurants, and other services are close by — most within walking distance. Lodging locations are ideal bases for exploring the local region by car or public transport. English-speaking host/landlords welcome you, explain the lodging and its workings, tell you about the neighborhood, and recommend restaurants, sights to see, and activities that might interest you. **Home At First** supplies its Portugal travelers with an excellent guidebook that provides important information about living and traveling in Portugal, and includes suggestions for activities, sightseeing, food, wine, beaches, and much more. ### Northern Portugal ##### **PORTO & The DOURO RIVER VALLEY REGION** --- Quality apartments & a 3-story house in the center of the vibrant city of Porto. ###### **1 & 2 BEDROOM APTS. & A 5-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE** **Centrally located in the upscale Boavista neighborhood.** - ![1-Bdrm Apt: Double-twin-bedroom behind the glass wall. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Apt-Double-twin-bedroom-behind-the-glass-wall-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bdrm Apt: Double-twin-bedroom behind the glass wall. Photo courtesy the owner.")1. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-Bdrm Apt: Furnished terrace with spa. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Apt-Furnished-terrace-with-spa-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bdrm Apt: Furnished terrace with spa. Photo courtesy the owner.")2. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-bdrm Apt: Kitchenette. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-bdrm-Apt-Kitchenette-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-bdrm Apt: kitchenette. Photo courtesy the owner.")3. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-Bdrm Apt: Livingroom-diningarea-airconditioning-tv-bedroombehindglass. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Apt-Livingroom-diningarea-airconditioning-tv-bedroombehindglass-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bdrm Apt: Livingroom-diningarea-airconditioning-tv-bedroombehindglass. Photo courtesy the owner.")4. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-Bedroom Apartment: Lower Floor - livingroom-diningarea-patioterrace. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Lower-Floor-livingroom-diningarea-patioterrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bdrm Superior Apt: Lower Floor - livingroom-diningarea-patioterrace. Photo courtesy the owner.")5. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-Bedroom Apartment: Lower Floor - stairs-kitchenette-livingroom-diningarea-patioterrace. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Lower-Floor-stairs-kitchenette-livingroom-diningarea-patioterrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bedroom Apt: Lower Floor - stairs-kitchenette-livingroom-diningarea-patioterrace. Photo courtesy the owner.")6. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-Bedroom Apartment: Patio-Terrace with 2-person-pool. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Patio-Terrace-with-2-person-pool-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bdrm Superior Apt: Patio-Terrace with 2-person-pool. Photo courtesy the owner.")7. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-Bedroom Apartment: double bedroom. Beds may be made up as twins. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Upper-Floor-air-conditioned-Dbl-Bedroom-beds-convert-to-twins-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bdrm Superior Apt: Upper Floor air-conditioned Dbl Bedroom - beds convert to twins. Photo courtesy the owner.")8. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![1-Bedroom Apartment: Double bedroom with adjacent bathroom. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Upper-Floor-Bedroom-w.-Bathroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "1-Bdrm Superior Apt: Upper Floor Bedroom w. Bathroom. Photo courtesy the owner.")9. Porto 1-Bedroom Apartment - ![2-Bedroom Apartment: double bedroom with patio access. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Double-Bdrm-with-patio-access-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "2-Bdrm Superior Apt: Double Bdrm with patio access. Photo courtesy the owner.")10. Porto 2-Bedroom Apt. - ![2-Bedroom Apartment: Livingroom-diningarea-bdrm-patioterrace. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Livingroom-diningarea-bdrm-patioterrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "2-Bdrm Superior Apt: Livingroom-diningarea-bdrm-patioterrace. Photo courtesy the owner.")11. Porto 2-Bedroom Apt. - ![2-Bedroom Apartment: furnished patio-terrace. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Furnished-patio-terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "2-Bdrm Superior Apt: Furnished patio-terrace. Photo courtesy the owner.")12. Porto 2-Bedroom Apt. - ![2-Bedroom Apartment: Only one bathroom; with large shower. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Only-one-bathroom-with-shower-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "2-Bdrm Superior Apt: Only one bathroom; with shower. Photo courtesy the owner.")13. Porto 2-Bedroom Apt. - ![2-Bedroom Apartment: double bedroom #2. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2-Bdrm-Superior-Apt-Double-bedroom-2-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "2-Bdrm Superior Apt: Double bedroom 2. Photo courtesy the owner.")14. Porto 2-Bedroom Apt. - ![Duplex Maisonette Apartment: Lower Floor - living-dining-bedroom. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Duplex-Maisonette-Apt-Lower-Floor-living-dining-bedroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Duplex Maisonette Apt: Lower Floor - living-dining-bedroom. Photo courtesy the owner.")15. Porto Maisonette Apt. - ![Maisonette Apartment: Lower Floor - bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Duplex-Maisonette-Apt-Lower-Floor-bathroom-with-shower-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Duplex Maisonette Apt: Lower Floor - bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the owner.")16. Porto Maisonette Apt. - ![Maisonette Apartment: Upper Floor - double-twin bedroom. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Duplex-Maisonette-Apt-Upper-Floor-double-twin-bedroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Duplex Maisonette Apt: Upper Floor - double-twin bedroom. Photo courtesy the owner.")17. Porto Maisonette Apt. - ![Maisonette Apartment Lower Floor: living-dining area with bow window view. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Duplex-Maisonete-Apt-Lower-Floor-living-dining-area-with-bow-window-view-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Duplex Maisonette Apt - Lower Floor - living-dining area with bow window view. Photo courtesy the owner.")18. Porto Maisonette Apt. - ![5-Bedroom Townhouse: living room and terrace. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-Bedroom-Townhouse-Living-Room-and-Terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "5-Bedroom Townhouse: living room and terrace. Photo courtesy the owners.")19. Porto 5-Bdrm. Townhouse - ![5-Bedroom Townhouse: dining room connecting to living room and terrace. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-Bedroom-Townhouse-Dining-Room-connecting-to-Living-Room-and-Terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "5-Bedroom Townhouse: dining room connecting to living room and terrace. Photo courtesy the owners.")20. Porto 5-Bdrm. Townhouse - ![5-Bedroom Townhouse: furnished terrace & small pool. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-Bedroom-Townhouse-Furnished-Terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "5-Bedroom Townhouse: furnished terrace & small pool. Photo courtesy the owners.")21. Porto 5-Bdrm. Townhouse - ![5-Bedroom Townhouse: Complete modern kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-Bedroom-Townhouse-Complete-modern-kitchen-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "5-Bedroom Townhouse: Complete modern kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.")22. Porto 5-Bdrm. Townhouse - ![5-Bedroom Townhouse: 1 of 3 double bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-Bedroom-Townhouse-Double-Bedroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "5-Bedroom Townhouse: 1 of 3 double bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms. Photo courtesy the owners.")23. Porto 5-Bdrm. Townhouse - ![5-Bedroom Townhouse: Bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-Bedroom-Townhouse-Bathroom-with-shower-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "5-Bedroom Townhouse: Bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the owners.")24. Porto 5-Bdrm. Townhouse - ![Porto: Casa da Música at Night. Photo Credit Duccio VisitPortugal.Porto: Casa da Música at Night. Photo Credit Duccio VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Porto-Casa-da-Musica-at-Night-950x600-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Duccio-VisitPortugal-1.jpg "Porto: Casa da Música at Night. Photo Credit Duccio VisitPortugal.")25. Porto: Casa da Música ##### PORTO CITY LODGINGS ###### **BOAVISTA, PORTO, PORTUGAL** **Airport: Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.** **Nearest Métro: Carolina de Michaelis & Casa da Música métro stations (11min.)** **OUR PORTO CITY LODGINGS** include a variety of apartments: studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, and even a 5-bedroom, 3-story house. All lodgings are air-conditioned. All have free WiFi. Beds are large by European standards, and may be configured as twins or doubles. ![Portugal: Porto's Luis I bridge by Gustav Eiffel. Porto City Council Photo © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Porto-Luis-I-bridge-by-Eiffel-450x300-72dpi-Porto-City-Council-Photo-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Portugal: Porto's Luis I bridge by Gustav Eiffel. Porto City Council Photo © VisitPortugal.") **PORTO:** Portugal’s second city hugs the steep banks of the River Douro. Connecting Porto with neighboring Vila Nova da Gaia is the eye-catching Dom Luis I bridge, opened in 1886 and still carrying cars, trams, and pedestrians across its two very high and very low decks. A World Heritage Site, the bridge is a monument of iron girders from the golden age of such structures. If you see a resemblance to the architecture of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, it’s because Gustav Eiffel worked on the original plans, and the bridge was ultimately built by Eiffel’s protegee, Théophile Seyrig. **THE APARTMENTS:** Each apartment has one full bathroom with shower. All towels and linens are provided. Apartments have well-equipped kitchenettes with range, fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffeemaker, but without oven. A few apartments have private terraces or garden-terraces providing outside sitting and dining. Some of these come with small outdoor pools: multi-person but smaller than lap pools. Apartments may be one floor below ground level (but with a private outdoor terrace/garden & small pool), on the ground floor, on the second floor, or — in the case of a mezzanine apartment — on two floors. Apartments on other than the ground floor are reachable by stairs; the building has no elevator. Several apartments offer sofa beds in the living room. Some offer the possibility of expansion by adding another double bedroom with private bathroom across the hallway from the apartment. **THE 5-BEDROOM HOUSE** sleeps up to nine people. Bedrooms are on each of the three floors, with two single bedrooms (3 individual twin beds) and one double bedroom with en suite bathroom on the third floor. Two double bedrooms (1 with bathroom en suite) plus a hall bathroom comprise the second floor. A powder room is on the ground floor. The ground floor has a fully-equipped, modern, eat-in kitchen, living room, dining room (table for 12), and furnished outdoor terrace with small pool. ![Porto & the North: Port Wine Vinho do Porto decanter. Nuno Correia Photo © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Porto-and-the-North-Port-Wine-Vinho-do-Porto-decanter-450x675-72dpi-Nuno-Correia-Photo-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Porto & the North: Port Wine Vinho do Porto decanter. Nuno Correia Photo © VisitPortugal.") **PORTO:** Portugal is renowned for its golf, beaches, traditions, festivals, and cuisine. The country’s best-known product, however, is Port wine. The signature wine is produced in the River Douro region, which stretches inland for miles east of Porto. The fortified, sweet wine, often an accompaniment to dessert, is traditionally brought in casks by flat-bottom *rabello* boats to be stored in the wine caves at Vila Nova da Gaia along the Douro’s south bank just across from Porto. No visit to Porto and the North is complete without experiencing the port wine culture of the Douro region, perhaps best accomplished by a visit to a producing winery that provides tours and tastings. Winery visits can be reserved before your trip, or once you have arrived in Porto. **LOCATION:** Our Porto City Lodgings are ideally located in the center of Porto. Within walking distance are the eye-and-ear-catching Casa da Música, several art galleries, and a fine selection of restaurants and cafés. **HOSTING:** There is a staffed office for these apartments and larger house next door. The office has an English-speaking concierge on-site during business hours and reachable by internet phone or text at other times. The concierge will answer questions about the lodging and the neighborhood, town, and region, and is on call in the event of a problem or emergency. **ARRIVAL, CHECK-IN, & DEPARTURE:** Arrival times are for the mid-afternoon of the first day of occupancy. Early check is only possible by special arrangement. Check-in occurs at the apartment office next door to the lodgings. The concierge will be expecting you at a specified time. When you arrive, she will open the lodging, explain its workings, and hand over the keys. Departure should not be later than 10AM on the morning following the last scheduled night of occupancy. **TRANSPORT & PARKING:** Two métro stations are within 11 minutes walk, and bus stops for a half-dozen transit lines are even closer. Guests traveling with rental cars can park on the street or pay for a private lot near the apartments. --- **ARRIVAL NOTE:** Because most of these lodgings are reached by stairs or are multi-story with internal stairs, guests must be prepared to carry their luggage up and down stairs. We recommend guests pack lightly so they don’t have carry so much up and down stairs on arrival and departure days. **OCCUPANCY NOTE:** capacity of each lodging varies from 2 to 8 persons. A supplement may apply when apartment occupancy is lower-than-capacity. **ELECTRONICS & CLIMATE CONTROL:** All our Porto City Lodgings provide flat-screen cable or satellite TV and secure, high-speed WiFi (free). All lodgings are equipped with in-room electric air conditioner/heaters. **LAUNDRY:** there are no laundry facilities in the apartments. The 5-Bedroom House is equipped with a washing machine and iron. --- ### West Central Portugal ##### **LISBON CITY & the Nearby Seaside Town of CASCAIS** --- Modern apartments in Lisbon’s Belém district and centrally set in pretty, coastal Cascais. ##### **EXAMPLES OF SPACIOUS apARTMENts of various sizes.** ##### **Centrally located, near services & transport.** - ![Central Cascais Apt. exterior of apt house showing limited parking. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apt-exterior-of-apt-house-showing-limited-parking-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apts. building exterior showing on-street parking. Photo courtesy the owner.")1. Central Cascais Apts. - ![Central Cascais Apartment double bedroom with closet. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apt-Double-Bedroom-1-with-closet-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apt. Double Bedroom 1 with closet. Photo courtesy the owner.")2. Central Cascais Apartment - ![Central Cascais Apt. Kitchen. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Ap-Kitchen-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apt - Kitchen. Photo courtesy the owner")3. 2-Bedroom Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apartment double bedroom. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apt-Double-Bedroom-2-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apt. Double Bedroom 2. Photo courtesy the owner.")4. 2-Bedroom Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apartment living room. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apt-Living-Room-2-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apt. Living Room 2. Photo courtesy the owner.")5. 2-Bedroom Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apartment bathroom. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apt-Bathroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apt. Bathroom. Photo courtesy the owner.")6. 2-Bedroom Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apartment open plan kitchen & dining. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apt-Open-plan-Kitchen-and-Dining-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apt. Open plan Kitchen and Dining. Photo courtesy the owner.")7. 2-Bedroom Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apts: 2nd floor 2-bdrm apt - Open-plan Kitchen-Dining-Living room. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apts-2nd-floor-2-bdrm-apt-Open-plan-Kitchen-Dining-Living-room-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Central Cascais Apts: 2nd floor 2-bdrm apt - Open-plan Kitchen-Dining-Living room. Photo courtesy the owner.")8. Ctl. Cascais Apts: heat & a/c - ![Central Cascais Apts: 2nd floor, 2-bdrm apt kitchen. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apts-2nd-floor-2-bdrm-apt-Kitchen-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Central Cascais Apts - 2nd floor 2-bdrm apt - Kitchen - Photo courtesy the owner.")9. Ctl. Cascais Apt. kitchens - ![Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt bathroom w/ shower. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apts-3-bdrm-apt-Bath-with-shower-950x600-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt - Bath with shower. Photo courtesy the owner.")10. 3-Bdrm Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt double bedroom. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apts-3-bdrm-apt-Double-Bedroom-950x600-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt - Double Bedroom. Photo courtesy the owner.")11. 3-Bdrm. Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt - Kitchen. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apts-3-bdrm-apt-Kitchen-950x600-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt - Kitchen. Photo courtesy the owner.")12. 3-Bdrm. Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt - outdoor furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apts-3-bdrm-apt-outdoor-furnished-terrace-950x600-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpg "Central Cascais Apts: 3-bdrm apt - outdoor furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the owner.")13. 3-Bdrm. Ctl. Cascais Apt. - ![Central Cascais Apartment. The neighborhood. Photo courtesy the owner.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Central-Cascais-Apt-The-neighborhood-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owner.jpeg "Central Cascais Apt. The neighborhood. Photo courtesy the owner.")14. Near shops & beaches - ![Lisbon: Belem Apartments building exterior. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lisbon-Belem-Apartment-Building-exterior-2-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider.jpg "Lisbon: Belem apt building - exterior. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")15. Lisbon’s Belém Apts. - ![Lisbon: Belem Apartments — kitchen. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-1-bedroom-superior-apt-Kitchen-790x499-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider-790x498.jpg "Lisbon: Belem Apts — 1-bedroom superior apt - Kitchen. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")16. Belém Apts. kitchens - ![Lisbon: Belem Apartments — living & dining area. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-1-bedroom-superior-apt-Living-and-Dining-Area-790x499-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider-790x498.jpg "Lisbon: Belem Apts — 1-bedroom superior apt - Living and Dining Area. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")17. Lisbon: Belém Apts. - ![Lisbon: Belem Apartments — double bedroom. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-1-bedroom-apt-Double-Bedroom-790x499-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider-790x498.jpg "Lisbon - Belem Apts - 1-bedroom apt - Double Bedroom. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")18. Belém Apts: 1, 2, & 3-bdrms. - ![Lisbon: Belem Apartments — livingroom w/ TV. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-superior-apt-Livingroom-w.-TV-722x456-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider.jpg "Lisbon: Belem Apts — superior apt - Livingroom w. TV. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")19. Belém Apts.: heat & a/c - ![Lisbon: Belem apartments' optional daily breakfast. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-apartment-optional-daily-breakfast-790x499-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider-790x498.jpg "Lisbon: Belem apartments - optional daily breakfast. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")20. Optional breakfast daily - ![Lisbon: Belem Apartments dining room & balcony. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-area-large-apt-Dining-room-and-balcony-790x499-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider-790x498.jpg "Lisbon: Belem area large apt - Dining room and balcony. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")21. Belém Apts. reached by lift - ![Lisbon: Belem Apartments bathroom w. shower. Photo courtesy the housing provider.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-superior-apt-Bathroom-w.-shower-790x499-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-housing-provider-790x498.jpg "Lisbon: Belem superior apt - Bathroom w. shower. Photo courtesy the housing provider.")22. Belém Apts.: quality baths - ![Lisbon's Belem neighborhood's other World Heritage Site: medieval Belem Tower, which marks the departure point of Portugal's great voyages of discovery. Photo © VisitLisbon.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-neighborhood-medieval-Belem-Tower-950x600-72dpi-Photo-©-VisitLisbon.jpg "Lisbon's Belem neighborhood - medieval Belem Tower. Photo © VisitLisbon.")23. Belém Tower W.H. Site - ![Lisbon's Belem neighborhood is home to the Portugese Gothic Jeronimos Monastery dating from the time of Portugal's great ocean voyages of discovery. Photo © VisitLisbon.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-neighborhood-Jeronimos-Monastery-950x600-72dpi-Photo-©-VisitLisbon.jpg "Lisbon's Belem neighborhood - Jeronimos Monastery. Photo © VisitLisbon")24. Jerónimos Monastery - ![Lisbon's Belem neighborhood - Jeronimos Monastery, Parks, & Residences. Photo © VisitLisbon.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-neighborhood-Jeronimos-Monastery-Parks-and-Residences-950x600-72dpi-Photo-©-VisitLisbon.jpg "Lisbon - Belem neighborhood - Jeronimos Monastery Parks and Residences - 950x600 72dpi - Photo © VisitLisbon")25. Lisbon’s Belém district - ![Lisbon's Belem neighborhood with Jeronimos Monastery & marina by the departure point of Portugese seafarer explorers. Photo © VisitLisbon.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisbon-Belem-neighborhood-w.-Jeronimos-Monastery-marina-950x600-72dpi-Photo-©-VisitLisbon.jpg "Lisbon's Belem neighborhood w. Jeronimos Monastery & marina. Photo © VisitLisbon.")26. Explorers’ embarkation ##### CENTRAL CASCAIS APARTMENTS ##### & belém APARTMENTS, lisbon ###### **CASCAIS TOWN & LISBON CITY, WEST CENTRAL PORTUGAL** **Airport: Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport.** **Nearest Transit: Cascais Train Station 10min; Belém: Rua Damião de Góis (tram/bus stop) 2min, and Algés Train Station (5min.)** **CENTRAL CASCAIS APARTMENTS** is a selection of 3 handsome, walk-up apartments in a recently refurbished early 20th century house. (See slide images 1—14 above.) **The Apartments:** Each of the three guest apartments is unique in layout and furnishings. Two 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom (separate WC) apartments with small balconies occupy the second floor of the house. A 3-bedroom, 2½-bath apartment with a furnished rooftop terrace (sea view) fills the third (top) floor of the house. Note that there is no elevator in the building. Each apartment has its own internal climate control for heat and air-conditioning. All have high-speed internet and WiFi TV. Bathrooms have large showers, but no bathtubs. A clothes washer is located in the bathroom. Kitchens are well-appointed with fridges, microwaves, ovens, ranges, coffeemakers, dishwashers, & more. **Occupancy Note:** capacity of the three apartments is 4-to-6-persons. A supplement may apply for when occupancy is lower-than-capacity. ![Cascais town center - October 5th Square. Rodrigo Costa Duarte Photo © Cascais Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Cascais-town-center-October-5th-Square-w.-titles-450x300-72dpi-Rodrigo-Costa-Duarte-Photo-©-Cascais-Tourism.jpg "Cascais town center - October 5th Square. Rodrigo Costa Duarte Photo © Cascais Tourism.") **CASCAIS:** October 5 Square is the center of town. The Tourist Information Center is here, as is the town hall, a museum, a restaurant, and a pub. Happily, there’s a beach across the street. **Location:** The small apartment building is located in the dizzying maze of narrow, one-way streets of Central Cascais. Within short walking distance (under 10 minutes) are the shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés of the lively, colorful alleys of central Cascais, the town’s large, regionally famed Wednesday/Saturday market (fresh fish and everything else all under one roof), busy Cascais train and bus station (with frequent services to Lisbon; journey times 30-40min), and the attractive waterfront with two golden sand beaches. **Hosting:** The apartments’ English-speaking owner lives off-site but nearby, and reachable by internet phone or text at other times. The attentive host meets you upon arrival, answers questions about the lodging and the neighborhood, town, and region, and is on call in the event of a problem or emergency. **Arrival, Check-in, & Departure:** Arrival times are for the mid-afternoon of the first day of occupancy. Early check is only possible by special arrangement. Check-in occurs at the apartment building. The owner/host will be expecting you at a pre-set time. When you arrive, he will open the lodging, explain its workings, and hand over the keys. Departure should not be later than 10AM following your last scheduled night of occupancy. **Arrival Notes:** Guests with cars can drive right to the apartment house. Guests coming to Cascais by train or bus should take taxis to the apartment house. Because these lodgings are reached by one or two flights of stairs, guests must be prepared to carry their luggage up and down stairs. We recommend guests pack lightly so they don’t have carry so much up and down stairs on arrival and departure days. **Transport & Parking:** Guests at the Central Cascais Apartments can get around Cascais readily on foot. Getting to/from Lisbon and Lisbon Airport from Cascais is as convenient by public transport as by rental car. While it’s possible to drive into Lisbon in 40min or so — similar to the journey time by train from Cascais — parking the car at a public car lot and exploring the steep, narrow streets of historic Lisbon by tram and on foot will still probably be necessary. Guests wanting to explore Cascais’s surrounding area of rugged coast and visit Portugal’s opulent palaces set among the coastal hills at Sintra and elsewhere will find rental cars more practical than public transport. There is limited car parking on-street by the apartment house. --- **LISBON CITY APARTMENTS** are a selection of 5 apartments of varying sizes, all located in a 4-story modern apartment building close to transportation, restaurants, parks, services, and Lisbon’s historic **Belém** harbor neighborhood. (See slide images 15—26 above.) **The Apartments:** There are two 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments; one 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment; one 3-bedroom, 3½ bath apartment; and one 4-bedroom, 3½ bath apartment. The apartments are found on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of the building. All are reachable by elevator. In addition, all 5 apartments have well-equipped kitchens with fridge, electric range or gas stove, oven, microwave, coffeemaker, dishwasher, and clothes washer. All apartments have WiFi & flat screen TVs. Otherwise, all apartments have heating, but only two are air-conditioned. Three of the apartments come with reserved indoor parking; two others rely on on-street parking or nearby lots. And, each of the three larger apartments comes with furnished balconies. **Occupancy Note:** capacity of the five apartments is 2-to-7-persons. A supplement may apply for when occupancy is lower-than-capacity. **Disabled Guests:** the 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment has been modified for guests with disabilities. ![Lisbon City: Lisboa Bairro Alto - Lisbon's High Neighborhood. José Manuel Photo © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lisbon-Region-Lisboa-Bairro-Alto-Lisbon-High-Neighborhood-450x338-72dpi-Jose-Manuel-Photo-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Lisbon City: Lisboa Bairro Alto - Lisbon's High Neighborhood. José Manuel Photo © VisitPortugal.") **LISBON:** Portugal’s big city is really a collection of neighborhoods (*Bairro*) with individual identities that invite exploring. For a romantic sunset over Lisbon, ascend the high Bairro Alto (above). **Location:** The apartment building is set in the western end of **Lisbon’s Belém neighborhood**, approximately 3 miles west of Lisbon’s city center. Much less hilly than the old city, with broader avenues and an impressive waterfront along the broad River Tagus, Belém is historically and culturally important. The great voyages of discovery that resulted in the development of trade routes with China, India, Indonesia, Africa, and Brazil that made little Portugal a world power in the 15th and 16th centuries departed from the Belém harbor. Three landmark Belém buildings & monuments within 30min walk of our Belém apartments commemorate this most important time in the history of Portugal: • **Belém Tower** — 16th century fortified tower at the harbor point where the voyages of discovery departed & returned; now a World Heritage Site. • **Jerónimo’s Monastery** — palatial 16th century Portugese Gothic masterpiece & World Heritage Site; houses museums for architecture & maritime history. • **Monument to the Discoveries:** modern (1960) concrete edifice set in a plaza covered with a map showing the routes taken by the Portugese explorer, especially Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama. Within short walking distance (under 2-15 minutes) are shops, boutiques, services and two supermarkets. Restaurants & cafés of various specialties are close by including some that prepare seafood that arrives here at the Tagus estuary daily. Also within easy reach on foot or by tram are several lovely parks and district gardens, and more than a few museums devoted to modern art, architecture, technology, and electricity. Several times an hour busy tram 15 departs its stop within 100 yards of the apartment building for points east into the center of Lisbon, 25-30min journey time. Frequent train departures connect nearby Algés station (4min walk from the apartment building) with Cascais train station (journey times 30-40min) in the middle of the popular coastal resort town and with its attractive waterfront golden sand beaches. **Arrival, Check-in, & Departure:** Check-in occurs at the apartment building at a pre-set late-afternoon time on the first day of occupancy. Early check-in is only possible by special arrangement. When you arrive, she will open the lodging, explain its workings, and hand over the keys. Departure should not be later than 11AM following your last scheduled night of occupancy. **Arrival Notes:** Guests with cars can drive right to the apartment house. Guests arriving by train or bus from the airport or elsewhere in Portugal should take taxis from the station to the apartment house. --- ### Southern Portugal ##### **THE ALGARVE — TOWNS ALONG THE SOUTH COAST** --- A variety of quality apartments, condos, & villas in locations in towns across the Algarve. ##### **SAMPLES OF apartments of various sizes, styles** ##### **In locations ideal for the beach, golf, & touring.** - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo: the beach view from the condo terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-The-Beach-View-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo: the beach view from the condo terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.")1. Albufeira East Beach View - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo: kitchen with outside terrace dining. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-Kitchen-with-Outside-terrace-dining-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo: kitchen with outside terrace dining. Photo courtesy the agency.")2. Albufeira East Beach Condo - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo: living room with kitchen and terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-Living-room-with-kitchen-and-terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo: living room with kitchen and terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.")3. Albufeira East Beach Condo - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo: indoor and outdoor dining and large TV. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-Indoor-and-outdoor-dining-and-large-TV-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo: indoor and outdoor dining and large TV. Photo courtesy the agency.")4. Albufeira East Beach Condo - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo: Double Bedroom with connecting bathroom. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-Double-Bedroom-with-connecting-bathroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo: Double Bedroom with connecting bathroom. Photo courtesy the agency.")5. Albufeira East Beach Condo - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo: Bathroom with shower & laundry machine. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-Bathroom-with-shower-and-laundry-machine-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo - Bathroom with shower and laundry machine. Photo courtesy the agency.")6. Albufeira East Beach Condo - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo - Community pool. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-Community-pool-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo - Community pool. Photo courtesy the agency.")7. Albufeira East Condo pool - ![Albufeira East Beach Condo: entry to the secluded beach with café restaurant. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Albufeira-East-Beach-Condo-Entry-to-the-secluded-beach-with-cafe-restaurant-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Albufeira East Beach Condo: entry to the secluded beach with café restaurant. Photo courtesy the agency.")8. Albufeira East Beach & Café - ![Albufeira town & beach. Photo C Duarte, AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Portugal-Algarve-Albufeira-beach-950x600-72dpi-Photo-Credit-CDuarte-AT-Algarve-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "Albufeira town & beach. Photo C Duarte, AT Algarve © VisitPortugal.")9. Albufeira town & beach - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: dining and living area with furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Dining-and-Living-area-with-furnished-terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: dining and living area with furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.")10. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: double bedroom. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Double-Bedroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: double bedroom. Photo courtesy the agency.")11. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: double bedroom with furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Double-Bedroom-with-furnished-terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: double bedroom with furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.")12. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: furnished terrace off double bedroom. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Furnished-terrace-off-dbl-bedroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: furnished terrace off double bedroom. Photo courtesy the agency.")13. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: open-plan living/dining/kitchen. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Open-plan-Living-Dining-Kitchen-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: open-plan living/dining/kitchen. Photo courtesy the agency.")14. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: well-equipped kitchen. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Kitchen-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: well-equipped kitchen. Photo courtesy the agency.")15. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: large furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Large-furnished-terrace-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: large furnished terrace. Photo courtesy the agency.")16. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: community pool. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Golf-Central-Apartment-Surrounded-by-golf-courses-Community-Pool-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Vilamoura Golf Central Apartment - Surrounded by golf courses: community pool. Photo courtesy the agency.")17. Vilamoura Golf Central Apt. - ![Central Vilamoura Villa: living room entry and stairs. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Central-Vilamoura-Villa-living-room-entry-and-stairs-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Central Vilamoura Villa: living room entry and stairs. Photo courtesy the agency.")18. Central Vilamoura Villa - ![Central Vilamoura Villa: open-plan living and dining. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Central-Vilamoura-Villa-living-and-dining-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Central Vilamoura Villa: open-plan living and dining. Photo courtesy the agency.")19. Central Vilamoura Villa - ![Vale do Lobo Ocean Course links near Vilamoura. Photo Credit Algarve Tourism Associate VisitAlgarve.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vale-do-Lobo-Ocean-Course-links-near-Vilamoura-950x600-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Algarve-Tourism-Associate-VisitAlgarve.jpg "Vale do Lobo Ocean Course links near Vilamoura. Photo Credit Algarve Tourism Associate VisitAlgarve.")20. Vale do Lobo G.C. Vilamoura - ![Central Vilamoura Villa: fully-equipped, modern kitchen. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Central-Vilamoura-Villa-kitchen-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Central Vilamoura Villa: fully-equipped, modern kitchen. Photo courtesy the agency.")21. Central Vilamoura Villa - ![Central Vilamoura Villa: canopy double bedroom. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Central-Vilamoura-Villa-canopy-dbl-bedroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Central Vilamoura Villa: canopy double bedroom. Photo courtesy the agency.")22. Central Vilamoura Villa - ![Central Vilamoura Villa: fanciful bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the agency.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Central-Vilamoura-Villa-fanciful-bathroom-950x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-agency.jpg "Central Vilamoura Villa: fanciful bathroom with shower. Photo courtesy the agency.")23. Central Vilamoura Villa - ![Vilamoura: Waterfront Café. Photo Credit AT Algarve.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Vilamoura-Waterfront-Cafe-950x600-72dpi-Photo-Credit-AT-Algarve.jpg "Vilamoura: Waterfront Café. Photo Credit AT Algarve.")24. Vilamoura’s upscale harbor ##### ALGARVE APARTMENTS & VILLAS ###### **SOUTHERN PORTUGAL FROM LAGOS TO FARO** **Airport: Faro’s Gago Coutinho Airport.** **Nearest Train stations: Lagos, Lagoa, Albufeira-Ferreiras, Loule, Almancil, Farmo, and Bom Joao.** **ALBUFEIRA EAST BEACH CONDO** (see slide images 1—9 above) is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom modern beach condo in a medium-sized apartment complex. Ideal for those looking to be close to the sea, the condo offers access to a small, sheltered, sandy beach 150 yards away by walking path. A restaurant is stationed at the beach entrance. A much larger main Albufeira beach with more facilities and many more beach goers — one of several within the Albufeira limits — is not quite 3/4 mile to the west, and reachable in a couple of minutes by car. **The Second-Floor Apartment** has an airy open-plan kitchen, living room, and dining area that opens onto a sizeable furnished patio-terrace with a beach view. The two bathrooms each have showers. One bathroom is equipped with a washing machine. The kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, fridge, microwave, range & oven, coffeemaker, toaster, tea kettle, and juicer. **The Apartment Complex** provides guests use of their indoor & outdoor pools. Guests need to have a car, and parking is provided. A large, flat screen TV & free WiFi are also provided. The condo has air conditioning for days when there is more sun than sea breeze. **Hosting is not on-site.** Guests are provided contact information and get questions answered via telephone or WhatsApp. **Arriving Guests** are not met. Instead, they are provided with key collection information for self-entry. ![The Algarve - Faro's Desert Isle. Photo Credit © Animaris-AT Algarve - VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Algarve-Faro-Ilha-Deserta-Desert-Isle-2-450x250-72dpi-Photo-Credit-©-Animaris-AT-Algarve-VisitPortugal.jpg "The Algarve - Faro's Desert Isle. Photo Credit © Animaris-AT Algarve - VisitPortugal.") **THE ALGARVE:** Not all Algarve beaches are flanked by cliffs and tourist towns. Many remain pleasantly remote and require some effort to find. Case in point: the Desert Isle reached by ferry from Faro. **Albufeira & Central Algarve:** Central Albufeira is a 6-minute drive from the condo. **Albufeira** (pop. 44,000) is the largest town of the central Algarve region. Best known for its many beaches framed with cliffs and rocky outcroppings, Albufeira attracts sunseekers to is beaches and sailors to its sheltered marinas. At night, Albufeira’s famous strip offers dozens of restaurants and night clubs. A full range of services — grocery stores, shops, and stores — are within 5-minutes drive of the condo in Albufeira. The nearest golf course is 7 miles to the west. Faro Airport is 25 miles to the east. --- **VILAMOURA GOLF CENTRAL APARTMENT** (see slide images 10—17 above) is a one-bedroom, 1½ bathroom apartment in a small complex in a residential neighborhood surrounded by golf courses. Ideal for those wanting to locate along the **Algarve’s “Golf Coast”**, this independent apartment offers a wide variety of courses within close proximity, courses ranging from family friendly to championship caliber. At the same time, the apartment is close to the sizeable towns of **Vilamoura** and **Quarteira**, with shops, marinas, restaurants, and beaches. **The Second-Floor Apartment** has an airy open-plan kitchen, living room, and dining area that opens onto a sizeable, semi-covered, furnished patio-terrace (barbecue, table & chairs, lounge chairs) overlooking the complex’s pool and gardens. The bedroom has twin beds that may be placed together, plus its own access to the patio-terrace. The living room sofa converts into a double bed. The bathroom has a sink, toilet, bidet, and shower but no bathtub. The additional half-bath has toilet, bidet, and sink. The kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, fridge, microwave, range & oven, coffeemaker, toaster, & tea kettle. There is a small laundry alcove with washer, iron, & ironing board. **The Apartment Complex** provides guests use of its large, private, outdoor pool and garden. Guests need to have a car, and outdoor parking is provided. A large, flat screen TV & free WiFi are also provided. The apartment has air conditioning. **Hosting is not on-site.** Guests are provided contact information and get questions answered via telephone or WhatsApp. **Arriving Guests** are not met. Instead, they are provided with key collection information for self-entry. **Vilamoura & East Central Algarve:** Downtown Vilamoura is a 3-minute drive (about 1-mile) from the apartment. Vilamoura (pop. 22,000, with capacity for over 150,000 with visitors!) is best known for its proximity to prime golf, its major yachting harbor, its passenger boats that tour the dramatic coastline, its fine dining scene, and its Roman ruins & museum. A full range of services — grocery stores, shops, and stores — are within 5-minutes drive of the condo in Vilamoura and 10-minutes drive in Quarteira. There are numerous golf courses to choose from in and around Vilamoura, and 7 beaches within 5-to-15-minutes drive. The Algarve’s principal airport at Faro is 15 miles east. --- **CENTRAL VILAMOURA VILLA** (see slide images 18—24 above) is a two-story, three-bedroom house in the residential center of **Vilamoura**. The villa is right for groups/families of 4-6 persons wanting spacious, private, and quiet housing in the center of bustling, upscale Vilamoura. The villa is within walking distance of a wealth of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Golf, beaches, marinas, and the casino are short drives from the villa. The selection is multiplied by driving an additional 5-10 minutes into neighboring Quarteira. **The Two-Story Villa** features an eclectic décor of bright, primary colors, open living room and dining spaces, 3 unique bedrooms (2 double bedroom, and 1 with twin beds), 2 full bathrooms with tub/showers, 3 half-baths, and delightful outdoors spaces. airy open-plan kitchen, living room, and dining area that opens onto a sizeable, semi-covered, furnished patio-terrace (barbecue, table & chairs, lounge chairs) overlooking the complex’s pool and gardens. The bedroom has twin beds that may be placed together, plus its own access to the patio-terrace. The living room sofa converts into a double bed. The bathroom has a sink, toilet, bidet, and shower but no bathtub. The additional half-bath has toilet, bidet, and sink. The kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, fridge, microwave, range & oven, coffeemaker, toaster, and washing machine. The villa has a delightful private terrace and garden furnished with barbecue, dining table, lounge furniture, even a hammock. . A large, flat screen TV & free WiFi are also provided. The villa is air-conditioned. Guests need to have a car. Outdoor parking is close by. **Hosting is not on-site.** Guests are provided contact information and get questions answered via telephone or WhatsApp. **Arriving Guests** are not met. Instead, they are provided with key collection information for self-entry. ![The Algarve - Ferragudo fishing village and harbor west of Albufeira. John Copland Photo © VisitPortugal.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Algarve-Ferragudo-fishing-village-and-harbor-west-of-Albufeira-450x321-72dpi-John-Copland-Photo-©-VisitPortugal.jpg "The Algarve - Ferragudo fishing village and harbor west of Albufeira. John Copland Photo © VisitPortugal.") **THE ALGARVE:** The catch of the day blesses dinner tables throughout the region. Despite the explosion of tourism, fishing remains a primary industry in traditional coastal villages like Ferragudo. **Vilamoura & East Central Algarve:** Downtown Vilamoura is a 3-minute drive (about 1-mile) from the apartment. Vilamoura (pop. 22,000, with capacity for over 150,000 with visitors!) is best known for its proximity to prime golf, its major yachting harbor, its passenger boats that tour the dramatic coastline, its fine dining scene, and its Roman ruins & museum. A full range of services — grocery stores, shops, and stores — are within 5-minutes drive of the condo in Vilamoura and 10-minutes drive in Quarteira. There are numerous golf courses to choose from in and around Vilamoura, and 7 beaches within 5-to-15-minutes drive. The Algarve’s principal airport at Faro is 15 miles east. --- #### ## Portugal readily combines with many other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "LONDON") [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England "ENGLAND") [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland "SCOTLAND") [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608935695925.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland "IRELAND") [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales "WALES") [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris "PARIS") [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy "ITALY") [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### **[SWITZERLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland)** [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ### [**SPAIN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/ "SPAIN") [![SPAIN! Barcelona - Sagrada Familia](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Portugal-Combo-Destinations-Spain-Barcelona-Sagrada-Familia-0408132146-585x585-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "SPAIN! Barcelona - Sagrada Familia")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/) ### [**FRANCE**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/ "FRANCE") [![FRANCE! Mont Saint Michel. Photo By Amaustan. CC BY SA 4.0 commons.wikimedia.org](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Portugal-Combo-Destinations-France-Mont-Saint-Michel-aerial-view-585x585-72dpi-Photo-By-Amaustan-Own-work-CC-BY-SA-4.0-commons.wikimedia.org-79528206-300x300.jpg "FRANCE! Mont Saint Michel. Photo By Amaustan. CC BY SA 4.0 commons.wikimedia.org")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [portugal package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/portugal-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** info@homeatfirst.com --- ### [Ireland Pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/ireland-pricing/) **Published:** July 16, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### # **![Flag of Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Flag_of_Ireland-60x30-72dpi-1-e1594930276367.jpg "Flag of Ireland") 2026 ![Flag of Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Flag_of_Ireland-60x30-72dpi-1-e1594930276367.jpg "Flag of Ireland")** **[IRELAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/) PRICES** ### [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/) ### **1-WEEK FULL PACKAGE** PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Dublin (DUB) or Shannon (SNN), Ireland • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class Apartment or Cottage Lodging located in one of Home At First’s 5 regional Ireland destinations: Tipperary/Clare (Central), Cork/Kerry (Southwest), Donegal/Sligo (Northwest), Antrim/Londonderry (Northern), or Dublin city • 1-Week Car Rental or Dublin Transpass appropriate for your destination • Our “Ireland Activity Guide” keyed for your destination **• ADD WEEKS IN THE SAME LODGING: SEE 2nd SECTION** **• ADD WEEKS IN A DIFFERENT LODGING: SEE 3rd SECTION** 2-Person Occupancy — $3,214/prs 3-Person Occupancy — $2,814/prs 4-Person Occupancy — $2,642/prs 5+ Person Occupancy — $2,598/prs High Season Supplement: +$428/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$311/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 7, 2025 & JANUARY 6 – MARCH 17, 2026 ### **IRELAND** ### Add 1 Extra Week ### **SAME LODGING** PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Extension at your current Irish Apartment or Cottage Lodging • 1-Week Extension of your Car Rental or Dublin Transpass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $1,206/prs 3 Persons: $1,160/prs 4 Persons: $1,010/prs 5+ Persons: $999/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### **IRELAND** ### Add 1 Extra Week ### DIFFERENT LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a different Irish Apartment or Cottage Lodging • 1 Additional Week of your Car Rental or Dublin Transpass appropriate for your next Irish destination 2 Persons: $1,244/prs 3 Persons: $1,212/prs 4 Persons: $1,140/prs 5+ Persons: $1,030/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### **IRELAND** ### 1-WEEK ### **LODGING &** **GROUND TRANSPORT** PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week in a Home At First Irish Cottage or Apartment • 1-Week Car Rental or Dublin Transpass • Our exclusive “Ireland Activity Guide” keyed for your Irish destination 2 Persons: $1,290/prs 3 Persons: $1,233/prs 4 Persons: $1,189/prs 5+ Persons: $1,091/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### **IRELAND** ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a Home At First Irish Apartment or Cottage • No transportation items • Our exclusive “Ireland Activity Guide” keyed for your Irish destination 2 Persons: $1,281/prs 3 Persons: $1,099/prs 4 Persons: $1,024/prs 5+ Persons: $934/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 #### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Ireland prices shown above are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: Per-Person Ireland Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: Ireland Prices subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the euro (€) in Ireland &/or the pound sterling (£) in Northern Ireland.** #### **NOTE 3: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 4: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 9: VISITORS’ FEES & VISAS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND apply to visitors to Ireland from many parts of the world and involve completing forms and paying fees (currently the equivalent of US$65) in advance of your arrival in Ireland. However, passport-holding citizens of many other countries (including the USA & Canada) are exempt from these entry regulations.** #### **NOTE 10: PRE-TRAVEL UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION REGISTRATION & PAYMENT OF THE UK’s ETA VISITOR FEE: The UK (including Northern Ireland) requires short-term (up to 6 months) visitors to register on-line and pay an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) entry fee of £20 (about US$27) per individual traveler. Registration and payment applies to all short-term visitors who are not citizens of the UK, regardless of age. ETA entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s 2026 prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees are each individual traveler’s responsibility before departing for the UK. HOME AT FIRST can advise you about the registration/payment process. Official details with registration forms and payment procedures are found at [UK ETA](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta "UK ETA").** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Wales Pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/wales-prices/) **Published:** August 19, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # **![Flag of Wales](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Flag-of-Wales-66x40-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Wales") 2026 ![Flag of Wales](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Flag-of-Wales-66x40-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Wales") [WALES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) PRICES** **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Wales prices shown below are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** ### WALES ### 1-WEEK ### FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to London (LHR) or Manchester (MAN) • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class Welsh lodging. • 1-Week car rental • Our exclusive “Wales Activity Guidebook” 2-Persons: $3,010/prs 3-Persons: $2,981/prs 4-Persons: $2,991/prs 5+ Persons: $2,621/prs High Season Supplement: +$428/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$311/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 7, 2025 and JANUARY 6 – MARCH 17, 2026 ### **WALES** ### Add 1 Extra Week ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at your current lodging • Extension of your car rental 2 Persons: $1,141/prs 3 Persons: $966/prs 4 Persons: $808/prs 5+ Persons: $798/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### WALES ### Add 1 Extra Week ### NEW LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at a different lodging • Additional week car rental 2 Persons: $1,200/prs 3 Persons: $1,047/prs 4 Persons: $943/prs 5+ Persons: $890/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### WALES ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class lodging • 1-Week Car rental • “Wales Activity Guide” • No flights or transfers 2 Persons: $1,556/prs 3 Persons: $1,479/prs 4 Persons: $1,390/prs 5+ Persons: $1,255/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### WALES ### 1 WEEK ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class lodging • “Wales Activity Guide” • No flights, transfers, or ground transportation items 2 Persons: $1,430/prs 3 Persons: $1,270/prs 4 Persons: $1,309/prs 5+ Persons: $1,164/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: The Per-Person Wales Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: These Wales Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the UK pound (£).** #### **NOTE 3: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 4: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 9: PRE-TRAVEL UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION REGISTRATION & PAYMENT OF THE UK’s ETA VISITOR FEE: The UK requires short-term (up to 6 months) visitors to register on-line and pay an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) entry fee of £20 (about US$27) per individual traveler. Registration and payment applies to all short-term visitors who are not citizens of the UK, regardless of age. ETA entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees are each individual traveler’s responsibility before departing for the UK. HOME AT FIRST can advise you about the registration/payment process. Official details with registration forms and payment procedures are found at [UK ETA](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta "UK ETA").** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [London Prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/) **Published:** May 21, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### ## **![Flag of the City of London](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Flag-of-City-of-London-50x31-72dpi.jpg "Flag of the City of London") 2026** ![Flag of the City of London](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Flag-of-City-of-London-50x31-72dpi.jpg "Flag of the City of London") # **[LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) PRICES** ### **LONDON** ### 1-WEEK ### FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to London, England (LHR/LGW) • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class London Apartment in central London • London TransPass for transport on London’s transport network • Our exclusive “London Activity Guidebook” 2-Persons: $3,294/prs 3-Persons: $3,225/prs 4-Persons: $3,133/prs 5+ Persons: $3,078/prs High Season Supplement: +$428/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$311/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 7, 2025 & JAN. 6 – MAR. 17, 2026 ### LONDON ### Add 1 Extra Week ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at your current standard class London Apartment Lodging in central London • Extension of your London Transit Pass for use on London’s transport network 2 Persons: $1,717/prs 3 Persons: $1,493/prs 4 Persons: $1,559/prs 5+ Persons: $1,222/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### LONDON ### Add 1 Extra Week ### NEW LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at a different standard class London Apartment Lodging in central London • Additional week of London Transit Pass for use on London’s transport network 2 Persons: $1,780/prs 3 Persons: $1,510/prs 4 Persons: $1,603/prs 5+ Persons: $1,301/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### LONDON ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING plus GROUND TRANSPORTATION PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Apartment in central London, England • 1-Week London TransPass for subways, buses, boats, & trains • “London Activity Guide” • No flights or airport or railway station transfers 2 Persons: $2,178prs 3 Persons: $1,998/prs 4 Persons: $2,123/prs 5+ Persons: $1,878/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### LONDON ### 1 WEEK ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Apartment in central London, England, UK • “London Activity Guide” • No flights, transfers, or ground transportation items 2 Persons: $1,998/prs 3 Persons: $1,909/prs 4 Persons: $2,077/prs 5+ Persons: $1,692/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### **Following 1-Week in** ### LONDON ### Add 1 Extra Week in ### [PARIS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/) PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a Home At First Apartment in central Paris, France • Eurostar train tickets from London to Paris • 1-Week Transit Pass for Paris Métro & RER trains • Paris guidebook • Private car transfer to Paris airport on departure day • Fare Differential for flight from Paris (CDG/ORY) to USA 2 Persons: $2,666/prs 3 Persons: $2,330/prs 4 Persons: $2,191/prs 5+ Persons: $1,960/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 #### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The London prices shown above are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: The Per-Person London Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: These London Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the UK pound (£).** #### **NOTE 3: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 4: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 8: PRE-TRAVEL UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION REGISTRATION & PAYMENT OF THE UK’s ETA VISITOR FEE: The UK requires short-term (up to 6 months) visitors to register on-line and pay an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) entry fee of £20 (about US$27) per individual traveler. Registration and payment applies to all short-term visitors who are not citizens of the UK, regardless of age. ETA entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees are each individual traveler’s responsibility before departing for the UK. HOME AT FIRST can advise you about the registration/payment process. Official details with registration forms and payment procedures are found at [UK ETA](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta "UK ETA").** ###### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Scotland Pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/) **Published:** May 6, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ```   ``` ###### [**scotland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) the overview ###### [— **the central highlands** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central) [historic heart of scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central) ###### [— **edinburgh** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh) the capital of scotland ###### [— **inverness & the north** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) highlands, island, & more [— **scotland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) ###### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # **![Scotland's Flag, the Saltire](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Saltire-Scotland-Flag-40x24-72dpi.jpg "Scotland's Flag, the Saltire") 2026 ![Scotland's Flag, the Saltire](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Saltire-Scotland-Flag-40x24-72dpi.jpg "Scotland's Flag, the Saltire") [SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) PRICES** ### SCOTLAND ### 1-WEEK FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Glasgow, Scotland, UK (GLA) • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Apartment or Cottage Lodging at one of Home At First’s 3 Classic Scotland Regions: Edinburgh, Central Highlands, and Inverness & the Northern Highlands • 1-Week Car Rental or ScotRail Pass appropriate for your destination • Our exclusive “Scotland Activity Guide” keyed for your destination **• ADDITIONAL WEEKS IN THE SAME LODGING: SEE 2nd SECTION** **• ADDITIONAL WEEKS IN A DIFFERENT LODGING: SEE 3rd SECTION** 2-Person Occupancy — $3,218/prs 3-Person Occupancy — $3,120/prs 4-Person Occupancy — $2,928/prs 5+ Person Occupancy — $2,852/prs High Season Supplement: +$428/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$311/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 7, 2025 and JANUARY 6– MARCH 17, 2026 ### **SCOTLAND** ### Add 1 Extra Week ### **SAME** **LODGING** PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Extension in your current standard class Apartment or Cottage Lodging at one of Home At First’s 3 Classic Scotland Regions • 1-Week Extension of your Car Rental or ScotRail Pass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $873/prs 3 Persons: $852/prs 4 Persons: $819/prs 5+ Persons: $757/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### SCOTLAND ### Add 1 Extra Week ### **DIFFERENT** **LODGING** PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a different standard class Lodging at one of Home At First’s 3 Classic Scotland Regions • 1 Additional Week of Car Rental or ScotRail Pass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $913/prs 3 Persons: $904/prs 4 Persons: $867/prs 5+ Persons: $799/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### **SCOTLAND** ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Lodging at one of Home At First’s 3 Classic Scotland Regions • 1-Week Car Rental or ScotRail Pass appropriate for your destination • Our “Scotland Activity Guide” keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,823/prs 3 Persons: $1,798/prs 4 Persons: $1,291/prs 5+ Persons: $1,312/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### SCOTLAND ### 1-WEEK ### **LODGING ONLY** PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Lodging at one of Home At First’s 3 Classic Scotland Regions • No transportation items • Our exclusive “Scotland Activity Guide” keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,291/prs 3 Persons: $1,275/prs 4 Persons: $1,180/prs 5+ Persons: $1,102/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 #### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Scotland prices shown above are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: The Per-Person Scotland Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: The Scotland Prices shown above are for travel to Central Scotland, Edinburgh, and Inverness & Northern Scotland. For travel to Glasgow, the Scottish Borders, Scotland’s islands, or other Scottish regions, request custom pricing [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/).** #### **NOTE 3: These Scotland Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the UK pound sterling (£).** #### **NOTE 4: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits & on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 5: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, &/or baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 6: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 9: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 10: PRE-TRAVEL UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION REGISTRATION & PAYMENT OF THE UK’s ETA VISITOR FEE: The UK requires short-term (up to 6 months) visitors to register on-line and pay an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) entry fee of £20 (about US$27) per individual traveler. Registration and payment applies to all short-term visitors who are not citizens of the UK, regardless of age. ETA entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees are each individual traveler’s responsibility before departing for the UK. HOME AT FIRST can advise you about the registration/payment process. Official details with registration forms and payment procedures are found at [UK ETA](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta "UK ETA").** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [England Pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/england-pricing/) **Published:** August 19, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) # **![Flag of the United Kingdom — the Union Jack](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom-60x30-72dpi-1-e1594930311997.jpg "Flag of the United Kingdom — the Union Jack") 2026 ![Flag of the United Kingdom — the Union Jack](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom-60x30-72dpi-1-e1594930311997.jpg "Flag of the United Kingdom — the Union Jack")** **[ENGLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) PRICES** ### ENGLAND ### 1-WEEK ### FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to England (LHR/LGW) • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class Lodging in any Home At First Classic England Destination • England TransPass for transport on England’s transport network or 1 week car rental • Our exclusive “England Activity Guidebook” 2-Persons: $3,294/prs 3-Persons: $3,225/prs 4-Persons: $3,133/prs 5+ Persons: $3,078/prs High Season Supplement: +$428/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18, 2026 – SEP. 11, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$311/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 7, 2025 and JAN. 6 – MAR. 17, 2026 ### ENGLAND ### Add 1 Extra Week ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at your current standard class Classic England Lodging • 1-Week Extension of your car rental of England Transit Pass for use on England’s transport network 2 Persons: $1,717/prs 3 Persons: $1,493/prs 4 Persons: $1,559/prs 5+ Persons: $1,222/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18, 2026 – SEP. 11, 2026 ### ENGLAND ### Add 1 Extra Week ### **NEW LODGING** PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at a different standard class Classic England Lodging • Additional week of car rental or England Transit Pass for use on England’s transport network 2 Persons: $1,780/prs 3 Persons: $1,510/prs 4 Persons: $1,603/prs 5+ Persons: $1,301/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18, 2026 – SEP. 11, 2026 ### ENGLAND ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Classic England Lodging • 1-Week England Transit Pass or car rental • “England Activity Guide” • No flights or transfers 2 Persons: $2,178/prs 3 Persons: $1,998/prs 4 Persons: $2,123/prs 5+ Persons: $1,878/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18, 2026 – SEP. 11, 2026 ### ENGLAND ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Classic England Lodging • “England Activity Guide” • No flights, transfers, or ground transportation items 2 Persons: $1,998/prs 3 Persons: $1,909/prs 4 Persons: $2,077/prs 5+ Persons: $1,692/prs High Season Supplement: +$301/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18, 2026 – SEP. 11, 2026 #### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY: The prices shown above are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: Per-Person England Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: These England Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the pound sterling (£).** #### **NOTE 3: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 4: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 9: PRE-TRAVEL UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION REGISTRATION & PAYMENT OF THE UK’s ETA VISITOR FEE: The UK requires short-term (up to 6 months) visitors to register on-line and pay an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) entry fee of £20 (about US$27) per individual traveler. Registration and payment applies to all short-term visitors who are not citizens of the UK, regardless of age. ETA entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s 2026 prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees are each individual traveler’s responsibility before departing for the UK. HOME AT FIRST can advise you about the registration/payment process. Official details with registration forms and payment procedures are found at [UK ETA](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta "UK ETA").** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [ENGLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/) **Published:** February 11, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— ENGLAND PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/england-pricing/#Prices) **FINDING cLASSIC** England **DESTINATIONS:** [**THE COTSWOLDS**](#Cotswolds) [**THE WEST COUNTRY**](#WestCountry) [**THE LAKE DISTRICT**](#LakeDistrict) [**YORKSHIRE & THE DALES**](#YorkshireDales) [**LONDON**](#London) - ![Cotswolds - Broad Campden Cottages - Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Broad-Campden-Cottage-Row-with-Tulips-160411-00097-1600x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578406657.jpg "Is it classic England you're seeking? Places like the village of Broad Campden with cottages of honey limestone? Photo copyright Home At First.")Is it classic England you’re seeking? Places like the village of Broad Campden with cottages of honey limestone? - ![England's rural signposts invite exploration to villages with intriguing names. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Rural-Signposts-170411-00299-1300x650-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578517960.jpg "If so, watch for rural signposts that invite exploration to classic English villages with intriguing names. Photo copyright Home At First.")If so, watch for rural signposts that invite exploration to classic English villages with intriguing names like these posted along a back road in the Cotswolds. - ![England's Rapeseed Fields produce vegetable oil and bio-diesel fuel. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Rapeseed-Fields-Panorama-170411-338-7-6-1500x750-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578629946.jpg "You will find classical England among romantic landscapes of fields and sky that John Constable would have painted. Photo copyright Home At First.")You will find classic England among romantic landscapes of fields & sky that John Constable would have painted. - ![Cornwall - Coverack cottages and South West Coast Path - Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cornwall-Coverack-cottages-and-South-West-Coast-Path-091218-8848-1600x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578676333.jpg "And find classic England among the whitewashed cottages of fishing villages lining walking paths that trace the coastline. Photo copyright Home At First.")And find classic England among the whitewashed cottages of fishing villages lining walking paths that trace the coastline, like here on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. - ![Chipping Campden High Street with 17th century market hall - Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-High-Street-1204-R4-074-35A-1500x750-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578703168.jpg "And experience traditional England on a fine morning's stroll through your home village, with sunshine illuminating the high street shops. Photo copyright Home At First.")And find classic England on a fine morning’s stroll through your home village, with sunshine illuminating the high street shops. - ![Chipping Campden - Follow Me to Find England - Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Road-Signs-160411-00175-1600x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578725324.jpg "As these signs suggest, drive the "B-roads" to find the best of classic English countryside. Photo copyright Home At First")As these signs suggest, drive the “B-roads” to find the best of classic English countryside, like the B4081 which leads from our pretty Cotswolds village to several others nearly as alluring. - ![Wiltshire - Royal Oak Pub - Wootton Rivers. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wiltshire-Royal-Oak-Pub-Wootton-Rivers-Full-facade-1500x750-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578749869.jpg "When exploring, watch for classically English places to stop for lunch and tea. Most villages have at least one historic pub or inn. Photo copyright Home At First.")When exploring, watch for classically English places to stop for lunch & tea. Most villages have at least one historic pub or inn. - ![Chipping Campden - Cottage View Triptych - Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Casement-Triple-Window-View-across-High-Street-160411-00118-1600x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1599578771490.jpg "And when your day's exploration ends, the view from your cottage window welcomes you home to classic England. Photo copyright Home At First.")And when your day’s exploration ends, the view from your cottage window welcomes you home to classic England. ### **THE BEST OF RURAL ENGLAND AWAITS YOU —** # **Finding Classic England:** #### Independent Travel using Quality Cottages & Apartments **How to find the classic England of history & culture.** Traditional England quietly continues, co-existing seamlessly alongside modern England — hidden in plain sight. Scratch the surface and you will find it awaiting you. You can walk or drive on roadways the Romans built. Ancient Saxon churches still invite Sunday visitors. Walk the ramparts and explore the fortifications of medieval castles. Great abbeys and cathedrals — some still active, others dissolved into ruins by King Henry VIII — will move you with their solemn Gothic splendor. Express wonder at the mysteries of prehistoric Stonehenge and the many sites tied to King Arthur’s Camelot. Viking England exists, not far from Arts & Crafts England, War of the Roses England, Oliver Cromwell’s England, Tudor England, and the “finest hour” England of World War II. Visit the Mrs. Shakespeare’s thatched cottage, Winston Churchill’s grand palace, Queen Katharine Parr’s castle from her fourth marriage, Sir Francis Drake’s converted abbey home, Jane Austen’s brick house — a former pub — and the Bronte sisters’ stone house and active parsonage. To find traditional England of history and culture, travel independently from your own vacation cottage in a charming, safe, traditional village. **Home At First** offers such cottages in several regions of England. Choose the one that most catches your imagination. Settle in to your quaint English home. Walk through your town or village; discover its shops and restaurants; meet some of its local residents. Tour your English home region in your rental car by driving the country lanes and the secondary “B-roads”, seeking out prominent sites you have longed to see, but keeping a serendipitous eye out for surprises along the way. During your explorations, watch for traditional pubs and restaurants, and choose one for your lunch stop, and perhaps another for afternoon tea. At the end of you day of discovery, return to your comfortable English cottage. Read. Relax. Stroll. Walk to a pub/restaurant for dinner, or eat-in, taking advantage of your well-equipped cottage kitchen. You will see much, and accomplish your travel goals. **Most importantly, you will find classic England, and feel part of it.** --- **Home At First’s FINDING CLASSIC ENGLAND Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/england-pricing/#Prices) Includes trans-atlantic flights, cottage or apartment lodgings, & rental car. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. Combinable with Home At First destinations in Continental Europe, Britain, Ireland, Iceland, & Scandinavia. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Week in RURAL ENGLAND Explore rural Classic England independently by rental car from your own vacation cottage or apartment. Find classic England in your own traditional village or town and by touring the regional countryside. **Lodging Types:** Weekly Cottage & Apartment Rentals Choose Locations in several regions of Classic England: Cornwall & Devon, the Cotswolds, Shropshire & Cheshire, the Lake District, and North Yorkshire & the Yorkshire Dales. Lodgings are in/near traditional towns & villages near restaurants, shops, & services. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$—$$$$ Living high or modestly is very possible throughout rural Classic England. The best way to stick to a limited budget is to use your cottage’s well-equipped kitchen to prepare some of your meals. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/england-pricing/#Prices) $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **Combinable** with many Home At First Continental, Scandinavian & UK destinations. **Language Spoken Everywhere:** English Expect **English** from everyone. However, expect to hear different English accents in each region you visit. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 6.5+ hrs from East Coast 9+ hrs from West Coast North American flights arrive at London (LHR & LGW) and at Manchester (MAN). **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Kids love the activities, the castles, the animals, and the food, but may not like a steady diet of museums, galleries, and historical sites. Happily, it’s possible to do many different things every day. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ British food — like American food — includes a broad range of international influences: French, Italian, Asian, West Indian, Chinese, Japanese, American, as well as English favorites: tea, fish & chips, scones, cakes, and meat pies. **Very Walkable** Classic England’s network of walking paths is extensive, with walks of all lengths and challenge. Books, maps, and apps are available for planning your walks and taking with you on the trails. **Activities** • Strolling through villages and along canal towpaths. • Exploring historic sites, especially castles & stately homes. • Museums and galleries. • Riding preserved steam railways. • Visiting noted English gardens & arboretums. • Shopping & Eating! • Exploring England’s national parks. **The Best Times to Go to Classic England****:** April, through October, and at Christmas. Classic England is at its busiest during the peak visitor months of July & August when the best-known villages and tourist attractions draw crowds especially on weekends. A cozy Christmas in an English village is unforgettable! --- ## **HOW IT WORKS**— ## Home At First’s Finding Classic England: Independent Travel with Quality Cottages & Apartments. ### First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your travel dream of Finding Classic England. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love the choice of English lodgings in several regions!), and how to travel independently by rental car. — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to one English region with a visit to another part of [England](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England), or to [Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland), [Wales](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales), [Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland), or further to [Paris](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) or to any other **Home At First** destination in Continental Europe ([Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), [Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland)), Scandinavia ([Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark), [Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway), [Sweden](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden)), or even to [Iceland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland). — Ask for a [Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). ### A SAMPLER of ACTIVITIES & DESTINATIONS **THE FOLLOWING SCENES ARE REACHABLE FROM ONE OR MORE OF HOME AT FIRST’S ENGLISH REGIONS AND WILL HELP YOU FIND CLASSIC ENGLAND.** - ![Devon: Buckland in the Moor thatched cottages wide. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Devon-Buckland-in-the-Moor-Thatches-wide-3-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834349169.jpg "Devon: Buckland in the Moor thatched cottages wide. Photo copyright Home At First.")Fairy tale dreamscapes can still be found across England. We stumbled across this group of thatched cottages while touring in Devonshire. - ![York - 13th century CliffordsTower - the keep of York Castle. Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/York-13th-century-CliffordsTower-the-keep-of-York-Castle-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835209206.jpg "York - 13th century CliffordsTower - the keep of York Castle. Photo copyright Home At First")York — Northern England’s largest city — has a violent history. Clifford’s Castle is what is left of the keep of 13th century York Castle. Visitors may walk the ramparts of the York city walls, explore its medieval old town, and see what Viking York was like at a major museum. - ![Yorkshire Dales - Bolton Abbey Hall on the R. Wharfe in Wharfedale. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Yorkshire-Dales-Bolton-Abbey-Hall-on-the-R.-Wharf-in-Wharfdale-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835175648.jpg "Yorkshire Dales - Bolton Abbey Hall on the R. Wharfe in Wharfedale. Photo copyright Home At First.")Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales. The former gatehouse is an imposing residence on the large estate of medieval Bolton Priory, dissolved in 1539 by Henry VIII. Visitors can explore the estate, walk along the river on miles of splendid trails, and ride on a preserved shortline steam railway. - ![Lake District - 13th century Hawkshead Church overlooks the charming village. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Lake-District-13th-century-Hawkshead-Church-overlooks-the-charming-village-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835142203.jpg "Lake District - 13th century Hawkshead Church overlooks the charming village. Photo copyright Home At First.")Lake District: 13th century St. Michael & All Angels Church continues its centuries-old mission as the parish church of Hawkshead, overlooking the charming village and overseeing the souls of its parishioners. - ![Lake District: Walkers and tea takers gather by Beatrix Potter Gallery on Hawkshead village square. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Lake-District-Walkers-and-tea-takers-gather-by-Beatrix-Potter-Gallery-on-Hawkshead-village-square-200902-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835117193.jpg "Lake District: Walkers and tea takers gather by Beatrix Potter Gallery on Hawkshead village square. Photo copyright Home At First.")Most English villages have a traditional core gathering place. In Hawkshead village in the Lake District hill walkers (hikers) and tea takers assemble in the morning and again in the afternoon in the village square by the Beatrix Potter Gallery. - ![Lake District - Hillwalker on the trail approaches a stile above Hawkshead village. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Lake-District-Hillwalker-on-the-trail-approaches-a-stile-above-Hawkshead-village-1100x733-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835080371.jpg "Lake District - Hillwalker on the trail approaches a stile above Hawkshead village - 1100x733 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")A lone hillwalker on his way up Latterbarrow, high point between Hawkshead & Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria. Latterbarrow, like many place names in northern England, probably is of Viking origin. - ![Chester Old City: medieval shopping arcade on Bridge St. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Chester-Old-City-Shopping-arcade-Bridge-St-1100x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835042650.jpg "Chester Old City: medieval shopping arcade on Bridge St. Photo copyright Home At First.")The city of Chester has the most complete medieval city walls found in England. Its old city core includes a pedestrians-only zone with shopping in the arcades of half-timbered buildings. - ![Cornwall: Coverack — the view from Sea View Cottage. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cornwall-Coverack-the-view-from-Sea-View-Cottage-panorama-stitched-091218-8754-5-6-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834980196.jpg "Cornwall: Coverack — the view from Sea View Cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack village — on the Lizard Peninsula of Cornwall — is nearly the southernmost point of mainland Britain. This view of the English Channel is from one of Home At First’s cottages in Coverack. - ![Cotswolds — Bretforton, Worcestershire: 15th century Fleece Inn. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Bretforton-Worcestershire-15th-century-Fleece-Inn-220411-00230-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834948603.jpg "Cotswolds — Bretforton, Worcestershire: 15th century Fleece Inn. Photo copyright Home At First.")The 14th century Fleece Inn is the local public house for Home At First guests in Bretforton in the far northern Cotswolds. Look for “witch circles” in the floor by the hearth protecting against chimney-descending hags. - ![Cotswolds: Lower Slaughter in winter's morning light. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Lower-Slaughter-in-winter-light-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834918863.jpg "Cotswolds: Lower Slaughter in winter's morning light. Photo copyright Home At First.")Lower Slaughter, a frighteningly-named classic Cotswolds village on the River Eye, takes on a stark beauty in a winter’s morning light. - ![Cotswolds: Rambling (hiking) path through the meadow. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Hiking-path-across-the-meadow-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834874818.jpg "Cotswolds: Rambling (hiking) path through the meadow. Photo copyright Home At First.")Somewhere in the Cotswolds. Hiking paths like this one through a meadow lush with wildflowers and the stuff walkers’ dreams are made of. I know — that’s my backpack deep in the flowers. - ![Cotswolds: High Street, Chipping Campden, with town coat of arms. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-High-Street-Chipping-Campden-with-town-sign-R3-014-5A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834848793.jpg "Cotswolds: High Street, Chipping Campden, with town coat of arms. Photo copyright Home At First.")Chipping Campden, in the northern Cotswolds, basks in English traditions, like the displaying of the town coat of arms on High Street. - ![Cotswolds: Chipping Campden's medieval market hall. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-market-hall-220411-00170-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834817185.jpg "Cotswolds: Chipping Campden's medieval market hall. Photo copyright Home At First.")The centuries-old Chipping Campden market hall is an important relic of medieval Cotswolds “wool towns”. International trade of Cotswold wool brought remarkable prosperity to market centers like Chipping Campden. - ![Wiltshire: B-road through a thatched hamlet. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wiltshire-B-road-through-a-thatched-hamlet-230905-R8-006-1A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834786986.jpg "Wiltshire: B-road through a thatched hamlet. Photo copyright Home At First.")Finding classic England is easier via slow, winding, narrow B-roads. A fine example is this little-trafficked stretch in Wiltshire between the Cotswolds and Stonehenge. - ![Oxfordshire: 17th century Trout Inn on the Thames. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Oxfordshire-17th-century-Trout-Inn-on-the-Thames-R3-068-32A-1100x733-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834753444.jpg "Oxfordshire: 17th century Trout Inn on the Thames. Photo copyright Home At First.")You will likely not be the first to find an unspoiled piece of classic England. Oxfordshire’s 17th century Trout Inn on the rushing Thames has been visited by Bill & Chelsea Clinton, and played a role in several TV and motion picture dramas. - ![Oxford: the Radcliffe Camera. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Oxford-the-Radcliffe-Camera-R3-050-23A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834636475.jpg "Oxford: the Radcliffe Camera. Photo copyright Home At First.")Finding classic England can be as easy as visiting Oxford University. Its familiar Gothic architecture and associations with great minds of arts, letters, philosophy, religion, mathematics and science remains unmatched, except, perhaps, by its ancient rival, Cambridge. - ![Devon: wild Dartmoor ponies. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Devon-wild-Dartmoor-ponies-260313-1877-1200x800-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834604920.jpg "Devon: wild Dartmoor ponies. Photo copyright Home At First.")Wild Dartmoor ponies wander across the barren expanses of Dartmoor National Park in west Devonshire. A similar breed of ponies roams Exmoor in north Devonshire. - ![Cotswold Way signs in winter. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswold-Way-signs-in-winter-R4-018-7A-1100x733-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834569759.jpg "Cotswold Way signs in winter. Photo copyright Home At First.")The 102-mile-long Cotswold Way follows the Cotswolds hills from the Roman town of Bath, Somerset, northeast to Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. The scenic, well-marked trail can easily be walked (or ridden) in segments, and does not required extreme fitness, nor are there any risky open heights along the way. - ![Chipping Campden: horse traffic in town. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-horse-traffic-in-town-220411-00040-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834516349.jpg "Chipping Campden: horse traffic in town. Photo copyright Home At First.")Riding is popular throughout rural England, so much so that it is not uncommon to see horse traffic in towns, as here in Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. - ![Wiltshire: Stonehenge. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wiltshire-Stonehenge-1-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603834468399.jpg "Wiltshire: Stonehenge. Photo copyright Home At First.")Older than the pyramids of Giza, Stonehenge is England’s greatest — and most mysterious — prehistoric monument. Set on a flat, grassy field on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is within day-trip range of Home At First lodgings in the Cotswolds and Devon. ### Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • We prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need to Find Classic England independently using a quality vacation apartment. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, RENTAL CAR RESERVATIONS & VOUCHERS required. Most **Home At First** Finding Classic England guests arrive by air at London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airports or at Manchester Airport in central England. Others come from elsewhere in England, Wales, or Scotland by rental car. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. ### Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • All travel documents for your trip — including a guidebook specifically themed for your regional Classic England destination — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • You follow our directions for your transfer from your arrival point (airport or otherwise) to your regional Classic England lodging, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you the cottage or apartment, explain its workings, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now as you begin to find Classic England independently from your comfortable English vacation home. ### FINDING CLASSIC ENGLAND — SCENES & SURPRISES - ![Yorkshire Dales: Walkers in Deerstalkers. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Yorkshire-Dales-Walkers-in-Deerstalkers-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835733331-425x637.jpg "Yorkshire Dales: Walkers in Deerstalkers. Photo copyright Home At First.")We love the English. They’re like us, only different in interesting, curious ways. - ![Oxford: rowing crews on River Isis. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Oxford-rowing-crews-on-River-Isis-271104-R1-071-34-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836220498-425x637.jpg "Oxford: rowing crews on River Isis. Photo copyright Home At First.")The River Thames in Oxford, where it is known at The Isis. - ![North Devon: Bristol Channel fishing boats aground at low tide. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/North-Devon-Bristol-Channel-fishing-boats-aground-at-low-tide-210500-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836191705-425x637.jpg "North Devon: Bristol Channel fishing boats aground at low tide. Photo copyright Home At First.")Reminders abound that England is an island country and a seafaring nation. - ![Yorkshire: York Minster. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Yorkshire-York-Minster-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836162938-425x637.jpg "Yorkshire: York Minster. Photo copyright Home At First.")The city of York’s great Gothic cathedral is the largest in northern Europe. - ![Yorkshire Dales: a Wensleydale village. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Yorkshire-Dales-Wensleydale-village-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836131493-425x637.jpg "Yorkshire Dales: a Wensleydale village. Photo copyright Home At First.")The Yorkshire Dales: go for the scenery, but stay for the cheese. - ![Yorkshire Dales: Wensleydale black faced sheep. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Yorkshire-Dales-Wensleydale-black-faced-sheep-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836103670-425x637.jpg "Yorkshire Dales: Wensleydale black faced sheep. Photo copyright Home At First.")Sheep, it can be argued, first made Britain great during the Middle Ages. - ![Lake District: Coniston Water romance. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Lake-District-Coniston-Water-romance-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836073519-425x637.jpg "Lake District: Coniston Water romance. Photo copyright Home At First.")Lake District romance: young love dockside on Coniston Water. - ![Shropshire: Jacobean abbey bay window. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Shropshire-Jacobean-Abbey-bay-window-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836026670-425x637.jpg "Shropshire: Jacobean abbey bay window. Photo copyright Home At First.")In England, architectural styles are the time signatures of historic buildings. - ![Devon: Clovelly's steep Upalong main street. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Devon-Clovelly-Upalong-210500-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835999320-425x637.jpg "Devon: Clovelly's steep Upalong main street. Photo copyright Home At First.")Clovelly fishing village in North Devon: an authentic relic of England’s past. - ![Arundel Castle Walls. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Arundel-Castle-Walls-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835968363-425x637.jpg "Arundel Castle Walls. Photo copyright Home At First.")Dating from the Norman Conquest, Arundel is among England’s greatest castles. - ![Devon: Hartland Point Lighthouse. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Devon-Hartland-Point-Lighthouse-600x900dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835932854-425x637.jpg "Devon: Hartland Point Lighthouse. Photo copyright Home At First.")Hartland Point Light guards the Bristol Channel at the North Devon coast. - ![Devon: Plymouth — the Mayflower Steps. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Devon-Plymouth-Mayflower-Steps-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835902854-425x637.jpg "Devon: Plymouth — the Mayflower Steps. Photo copyright Home At First.")The Pilgrims boarded the Mayflower from these steps in Plymouth, England. - ![Canterbury Cathedral. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Canterbury-Cathedral-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835864592-425x637.jpg "Canterbury Cathedral. Photo copyright Home At First.")Canterbury Cathedral (1070AD) traces its roots to the origins of the English Church. - ![Plymouth, Devon: Drake Memorial. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Devon-Plymouth-Drake-Memorial-600x900dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835830549-425x637.jpg "Plymouth, Devon: Drake Memorial. Photo copyright Home At First.")Statue of Sir Francis Drake in Plymouth, from where his navy attacked the Spanish Armada. - ![Salisbury Cathedral. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Salisbury-Cathedral-with-swan-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835804496-425x637.jpg "Salisbury Cathedral. Photo copyright Home At First.")Salisbury Cathedral: England’s tallest spire & an original Magna Carta. - ![Mini with Union Jack. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Tetbury-Mini-with-Union-Jack-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603835771246-425x637.jpg "Mini with Union Jack. Photo copyright Home At First.")Cotswolds icon: a Mini with a Union Jack **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME:** **Home At First helps all its travelers complete the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. If conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions & provide any assistance needed.** ### Where to Find Classic England ![Home At First Map of England](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Home-At-First-Map-of-England-827x1024.jpg) #### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S ‘FINDING CLASSIC ENGLAND’ TRAVEL PROGRAM HOME AT FIRST BUILDS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES TO ENGLAND THAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings:** Finding classic England begins with a choice of cottages and apartments in four rural regions of Classic England (West Central, Southwestern, Northwestern, & Northern) and/or apartments in safe, pleasant neighborhoods located in central London convenient to public transportation. All lodging locations are near a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, and other services. All lodgings come with hosts on-site or on-call during your stay for questions, suggestions, problems, or emergencies. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to London (LHR or LGW) or Manchester (MAN), whichever is appropriate for your regional Classic England destination from your home airport. Our [**England price chart**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/england-pricing/#Prices) includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to all regional England destinations. Flights from/to all other originating airports worldwide are available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. Be sure to request the airfare cost from your originating airport when getting your [free trip proposal.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) • **Car Rental (for most rural destinations):** The best way to tour the fascinating by-ways of rural England is to drive the B-roads (secondary roads) by rental car. Home At First’s “Finding Classic England” travel program comes with a 7-day car rental built-in to its Full Package and Ground-Only Package options — quality rental cars right for the size of your party. The base car rental assumes pick-up and drop-off at your arrival/departure airport (London or Manchester), but car rental pick-up and drop-off can be arranged at hundreds of locations across Britain according to individual need, usually for a supplemental price. Picking-up a rental car at one location and dropping at a different location usually incurs a supplemental fee. • **BritRail Pass:** Visitors staying in certain regional towns in the Cotswolds or North Yorkshire that have passenger rail service can elect to travel by public transport rather than by rental car. British trains go many places, but do not go everywhere, nor do they go so frequently that they rival a rental car for finding classic England. However, for visitors not wanting to drive in England (remember: left-side driving in the British Isles) limited exploration of England is possible by train if carefully planned. **Home At First** can arrange for the appropriate BritRail Passes for guests not wanting rental cars. **• Guidebook Keyed for Your Classic England Destination:** We provide our exclusive “England Activities Guide” or other destination-specific guidebook to help you make the most out of your visit. Includes suggestions for touring, walking, restaurants, pubs, shopping, museums, galleries, gardens, castles, cathedrals, mountains, sea coasts, royal England, day-trips to destinations outside in neighboring regions, and much more. • **Extend Your Vacation Options:** Add a week (or more) at your current English lodging, or try a different location in England (can be as little as 3 nights at our **[London](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London)** city apartments). Or add a week or more in **Home At First** locations in [**Wales**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales), [**Scotland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland), &/or [**Ireland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland), or a little further afield in Europe: [**Paris**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris), [**Italy**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), [**Switzerland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland), or in Scandinavia: [**Norway**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway), [**Sweden**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden), &/or [**Denmark**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark). Or, add a convenient stopover visit to [**Iceland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) on your way to/from England. **Home At First** will handle all the arrangements: transportation between destinations, lodging at your extension destinations, and appropriate ground transportation at all your destinations. All **Home At First** destinations come with English-speaking hosting, and you receive a guidebook keyed for exploring each of your destinations. [**ENGLAND PRICING**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/england-pricing/#Prices) **COMBINABLE WITH ALL ENGLAND DESTINATIONS:** ###### [LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) USING CENTRAL LONDON APARTMENTS CLOSE TO THE ICONIC TOWER BRIDGE AVAILABLE FOR AS FEW AS 3 NIGHTS - ![London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 1.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tower-Bridge-at-Dusk-sequence-1-191217-6308-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 1.") - ![London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 2.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tower-Bridge-at-Dusk-sequence-2-191217-6309-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 2.") - ![London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 3.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tower-Bridge-at-Dusk-sequence-3-191217-6310-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 3.") - ![London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 4.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tower-Bridge-at-Dusk-sequence-4-191217-6311-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 4.") - ![London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 5.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tower-Bridge-at-Dusk-sequence-5-191217-6312-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 5.") - ![London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 6](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tower-Bridge-at-Dusk-sequence-6-191217-6313-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge at Dusk 6") **TOWER BRIDGE: HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON NEIGHBORHOOD** Photo montage sequence © Home At First. **London** is England’s cultural, political, and population center. Located on the River Thames in southeastern England, London is larger than New York, and home to approximately one-sixth of England’s residents. Despite its size, London is easy to get around using its extensive network of Underground (Tube) train lines. Many of London’s dozens of attractions are world famous, and most are found in central London 30 minutes or less from **Home At First**‘s apartment lodgings near the iconic **Tower Bridge**. Here’s a partial listing: **•** Tower Bridge **•** The Tower of London **•** Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard **•** London Theatre: 30+ playhouses **•** Big Ben and Parliament **•** Harry Potter’s Shop, Platform 9¾ King’s Cross **•** The Victoria & Albert Museum **•** Westminster Abbey **•** The Shard — Europe’s tallest skyscraper **•** The London Eye giant Ferris wheel on the Thames **•** The British Museum **•** Oxford, Regent, Bond, & Carnaby Streets — shopping! **•** Borough Market open-air food emporium **•** The National Gallery & National Portrait Gallery **•** St. Paul’s Cathedral **•** The Museum of London **•** Covent Garden **•** Parks: Hyde, Regents, Green, St. James’s - ![London - travel by Tube 1. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tube-sequence-1-101016-2656-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - travel by Tube 1") - ![London - travel by Tube 2. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tube-sequence-2-101016-2657-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - travel by Tube 2") - ![London - travel by Tube 3. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tube-sequence-3-101016-2658-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - travel by Tube 3") - ![London - travel by Tube 4. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tube-sequence-4-101016-2659-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - travel by Tube 4") - ![London - travel by Tube 5. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tube-sequence-5-101016-2660-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - travel by Tube 5") - ![London - travel by Tube 6. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/London-Tube-sequence-6-101016-2661-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London - travel by Tube 6") **LONDON: GETTING AROUND IS QUICK & EASY BY TUBE** Photo montage sequence © Home At First. **Home At First** can arrange your visit to London. Although stays for as few as 3 nights are possible, we recommend adding a 1-week London package visit — London has so much to do you will want to spend at least 7 nights there. Regardless of length all **Home At First** London packages include: **• Apartment Lodging** in modern apartment buildings in Central London near Tower Bridge. **[London Lodgings.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#LondonApartments)** **• The London TransPass** valid on London’s Underground (Tube) trains, red buses, some regional rail lines, and even on certain Thames River passenger cruisers. **• Our exclusive “London Activities Guide”** helps get the most out of your visit. **• Packages** can include flights or railway tickets for getting to/from London as needed. **• Prices** for custom-made visits to London are available by request. See our **[London Prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-prices/#Prices)** or contact us [**here**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). [READ ALL ABOUT HOME AT FIRST’S LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ###### The COTSWOLDS #### GLOUCESTERSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE ![Cotswolds: thatched cottage in Chipping Campden. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Cotswolds-Title-Image-Thatched-cottage-w.-dark-sky-220411-00137-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Cotswolds: thatched cottage in Chipping Campden. Photo © Home At First.") THATCHED COTTAGE IN CHIPPING CAMPDEN, GLOUCESTERSHIRE #### WEST central CLASSIC ENGland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. ([ See Cotswolds Lodgings](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#ChippingCampden).) ENGLAND’S HEARTLAND & TOP TOURING CENTER Our most popular rural Classic England program destination is **The Cotswolds** of west central England where [our guests stay in cottages & apartments in classic towns and villages](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#ChippingCampden) in rural northeastern **Gloucestershire** and southeastern **Worcestershire**. This region is an official **Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty**, revered for its rolling hills, thatched cottages of honey-colored limestone, historic market towns made prosperous by the medieval wool trade, and historic associations with English royalty, horse racing and fox hunting, great cathedrals, imposing castles, grand gardens, and quirky local breweries. The main ridge of Cotswolds hills separates the watersheds of England’s two longest rivers, **the Severn and the Thames**. The region’s B-road byways cross the hills and trace the rivers, finding classic England in villages tucked in the folds of the hills and along bends in the rivers. Visitors love finding and exploring tiny, oddly-named, chocolate box villages like **Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the Water, Snowshill (“Snozzle”), Ball’s Green, and Tiltups End**. The Cotswolds has cities, too: **Gloucester** and **Worcester** with their fine cathedrals, **Warwick** with its superb castle, and **Cheltenham** with its important (horse-) racetrack. The Cotswolds includes much of the county of **Gloucestershire** plus portions of neighboring **Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire**, a region extending as much as 25 miles wide west to east and about 90 miles northeast from **Bath, Somerset**, nearly reaching **Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire**. **ATTRACTIONS:** Although the Cotswolds offers sufficient activities and attractions to occupy the most frenetic visitors, easy day-trips beyond the region include excursions to • Stratford & **Shakespeare country** • Bath with its **Roman baths** and impressive **medieval abbey** • **the castle-dense Welsh Marches** along the Wales border • Gothic & Tudor **Oxford** • the prehistoric mysteries of **Stonehenge and Amesbury** • the great early medieval **cathedral at Salisbury** • the 12th century **Norman & Romanesque Tewksbury Abbey** • the historic **waterfronts at Gloucester & Bristol** • Brunel’s wondrous **Clifton Suspension Bridge** • John Rennie’s head-scratching canal ladder of 29 locks at **Caen Hill on the Kennet & Avon Canal**. And, should you somehow tire of the glories of the English countryside, you can day-trip to **London** by train in as little as 90 minutes for a very different day away. **ACTIVITIES** are as varied as the scenery in the Cotswolds. Outdoorsy visitors love exploring sumptuous **English gardens**, **hiking** the extensive network of trails, **horsing** the bridle paths up the hills and through the fields, or **cycling** on marked bike routes. Transportation fans train-spot on **the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway**, scan the skies at the annual **Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford**, and marvel at the Formula speeds on 2 wheels and 4 at the **Silverstone Circuit**. Many of the world’s best athletes on 4 legs are on display every year at **jumping and equestrian events at Cheltenham and Badminton**. Major historic houses open for public visit abound in the Cotswolds. A sampling includes: • William Morris’s **Kelmscott Manor** • Katharine Parr’s **Sudeley Castle** • **Anne Hathaway’s Cottage** (Mrs. Wm. Shakespeare) • Winston Churchill’s **Blenheim Palace** • **Chavenage House** — used in British TV series, including *Poldark* • **Berkeley Castle**, where King Edward II was murdered (1327). Minor historic houses litter the Cotswolds. Find them in every town and village, along lanes and trails, atop the highest hills, and in the deepest, darkest vales. Many remain residences and not open to visitors. Others are **antique shops, pubs, galleries, post offices, and restaurants** eager to welcome you. Bring your curiosity and follow the B-roads. You will be certain to find classic England. ###### The WEST COUNTRY #### Devon & cORNWALL ![Thatched cottages in Dartmoor National Park, Devon, SW England. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SW-England-Devon-Buckland-in-the-Moor-Thatches-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Thatched cottages in Dartmoor National Park, Devon, SW England. Photo © Home At First.") THATCHED COTTAGES IN DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK, DEVON, Sw engLAND #### southwest CLASSIC ENGland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. ([ See Devon Lodgings ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#DevonLodgings).) ([ See Cornwall Lodgings ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#CornwallLodgings).) **ENGLAND’S ECLECTIC SOUTHWEST CORNER** **The West Country**. To those who reside elsewhere in England, Britain’s southwestern peninsula between the **Bristol Channel** and the **English Channel** is a region almost as different as Wales, Scotland, or Ireland. Two historic counties — **Devon** and **Cornwall** — occupy the West Country peninsula. And, although these two counties have much in common, their differences reinforce their traditional rivalry. Here’s a brief look at both counties: **DEVON:** Devonshire cream teas, thatched villages, coastal bluffs and inland heath and moor right out of the novels of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, sandy beach resorts, full-sized toy trains, wild ponies, May flowers and the *Mayflower* all draw you to Devon. Devon’s two coasts are lined with beach resorts and fishing villages — especially the “English Riviera” in East Devon — while its interior follows rivers from the coasts to the sucking bogs and breathtaking tors of **Dartmoor National Park**, which offers near wilderness scenery & hiking at 2,000′ above sea level. In between the coast and the heights, Devon is largely agricultural, and dotted with villages and towns often of great age and history. [**Home At First**‘s cottages in Devon](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#DevonLodgings) are located in/near the historic market town of **Tavistock**, at the southwestern entrance of Dartmoor National Park. One-half hour south is **Plymouth**, Devon’s large port city from which the ***Mayflower*** embarked for the New World 500 years ago. All lodgings are within day-trip driving reach of the **English Channel** (south) and the **Bristol Channel** (north) coastlines. Because they practically straddle the border with eastern Cornwall, our cottages provide an ideal location from which to explore all of the West Country. --- ![VIEW OF THE ENGLISH CHANNEL FROM A COTTAGE IN COVERACK, CORNWALL, SW ENGLAND. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/SW-England-Cornwall-Coverack-Lizard-Peninsula-091218-8791-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "VIEW OF THE ENGLISH CHANNEL FROM A COTTAGE IN COVERACK, CORNWALL, SW ENGLAND. Photo © Home At First.") VIEW OF THE ENGLISH CHANNEL FROM A COTTAGE IN COVERACK, CORNWALL, Sw engLAND **CORNWALL:** once a corner of prickly Celtic resistance to Anglo-Saxon invaders, for many English visitors Cornwall is still a world apart, like Wales or Scotland. From the Tamar Valley to Lands End, Cornwall offers Cornish pasties, World Heritage mining, sea cliffs and crashing surf, King Arthur’s legendary castle and Merlin’s cave, seaside resorts, ancient Celtic traditions, and cozy fishing villages. Cornwall mined its rugged landscape — mostly for tin — for 4 millennia. A World Heritage Site in eastern Cornwall commemorates the importance of mining. Dairy farming contributes the clotted cream and ice cream to Cornish cuisine. Traditional seaside villages on both Cornish coasts attract visitors for their authentic charm and fresh seafood. Many of these towns — especially those with beaches — bring much tourism to Cornwall, earning it the title “The Cornish Riviera”. [**Home At First’**s principal lodging locations in Cornwall](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#CornwallLodgings) are in one of the quieter, more pristine coastal fishing villages, **Coverack**. Our cottages are all within walking distance of the village shops and its fine pub/restaurant, and some have sea views. --- **WEST COUNTRY ATTRACTIONS:** Our cottages make fine bases for exploring Devon & Cornwall by car. Follow the B-roads to be sure to find classic England. Day-trip goals include: • **Penzance & Land’s End:** westernmost mainland Britain. • **St. Michael’s Mount,** an island at high tide topped with an impressive castle. • **Lizard Point**: most southerly point of mainland Britain. • Ports, fishing villages & beaches along the south coast include: **Falmouth, Fowey, Polperro, & Looe**. • Ports, fishing villages, & beaches along the north coast include: **St. Ives, Newquay, Port Isaac, Clovelly (a preserved village), and Lynton & Lynmouth**. • **Tintagel Castle & Merlin’s Cave:** the tantalizing ruins of King Arthur’s origins? **WEST COUNTRY ACTIVITIES:** • **English gardens.** • **Golf**. • **Riding horses**. • **Hiking** portions of the 500-mile-long **Southwest Coast Path** which traces the Devon & Cornwall coast. • **Watersports:** **swimming, surfing, boating, and fishing**. • **Riding heritage railways**. • **Exploring quaint villages** for **antique shops, arts & crafts galleries, tea rooms, pubs, and restaurants**. ###### The LAKE DISTRICT #### cUMBRIA ![Hiking in the Lake District. Photo by John Finney © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Lake-District-Title-image-National-Park-hiking-at-dawn-450x300-72dpi-VB34164758-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-John-Finney.jpg "Hiking in the Lake District. Photo by John Finney © VisitBritain.") hIKING IN LAKE DISTRICT N.P. CUMBRIA, NW ENGLAND. © JohnFinneyPhotography.com #### northwest CLASSIC ENGland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & ESTATE APARTMENTS ([ See Lake District Lodgings](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#Hawkshead).) **ENGLAND’S MOST DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE** The 18th century Romantic poets Wordsworth and Coleridge first brought this sparsely populated, remote part of northwest Classic England — **The Lake District** — into the public imagination. Their songs of praise of the region’s lovely landscape of lakes, hills and quaint villages still apply. It is this setting where **Home At First**‘s cottages and estate apartments are found. [**Home At First**’s Lake District lodgings](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#Hawkshead) are cottages and estate apartments just west of famed **Windermere** lake in or near charming Hawkshead village, where English **poet laureate William Wordsworth** attended school as a boy. England’s beloved children’s writer **Beatrix Potter** (*The Tale of Peter Rabbit*) lived in nearby **Near Sawrey village**. Potter wrote lovingly of the Lake District. Concerned with its conservation, she bought up several large regional estates which she willed to the nation. Potter’s bequest became the foundation for the **Lake District National Park**, the largest and most visited national park in England and **a World Heritage Site**. **THE LOCATION:** The Lake District is in the far northwest of England, bordered to the north by **Scotland** and to the west by the **Irish Sea**. To the south and east of the tidal sands of **Morecambe Bay**, you reach the M6 motorway which leads south through **Lancashire** to **Manchester International Airport**, a two-hour drive from Hawkshead. **THE SETTING: Home At First**’s lodgings are perfectly located as bases for day trips throughout the Lake District. **A rental car is indispensable** in this rugged, rural region. Distances are not great here, but the roads are winding, hilly, and narrow. Many lakes (most called **“waters”**) in this region lie in long valleys (**“dales”**) tucked between parallel ridges radiating out from the several clusters of peaks (“pikes” and “fells”). The region’s highest mountain, **Scafell Pike** (978m; 3,209′) is England’s highest. **Windermere** is the region’s largest lake, and the largest natural lake in England. **HAWKSHEAD** is a classically English village and an ideal base for touring the Lake District. **Car-free:** No cars or trucks are permitted inside Hawkshead. A large car park, a row of modern shops, and the **tourist information office** serve as gatekeepers on the edge of the village. Inside the old village is a maze of narrow, cobbled alleyways lined with whitewashed cottages festooned with climbing roses and window boxes and potted gardens of English posies. **Eccentric:** There’s nary a square wall, a straight, sharp edge, nor two leaded windows alike. Stone stair steps cascade from low arched doorways. There are shops selling spices in ceramic pots, rustic finery & cottage chintz, and crafts ranging from practical to preposterous. There is art and artisanship. Grocers, bakers, and butchers are ready to supply your picnic hamper. There are several fine, historic pubs & restaurants, each attractive enough to become your favorite-of-the-moment. **ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS:** • **Walking & Hiking** in the Lake District offers tranquility, and sometimes exciting challenge, but never dull repetition. Marked, mapped trails are everywhere with a good selection close to your lodgings. • **Touring by car:** Drive the hedge-lined lanes. Ride up and down the hills. Discover hidden gems of towns and villages like **Coniston, Sawrey, Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere**. Poke around craft shops. • Visit **Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse, Hilltop**, in Lower Sawrey. • Take the **car ferry across Windermere lake** to Bowness, where **The World of Beatrix Potter** will delight the kids. • Stop at the **Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre** in Windermere town for **sailing, windsurfing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding**, & more. • **Coniston:** busy village and **walking center** on Coniston Water. **John Ruskin Museum** & **Coniston Brewery**. **Bike rentals, boat rides, and fishing**. • **Grasmere:** cute, touristy village on a small lake. **Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage & museum** is nearby. • **Honister:** working slate mine with **mine tours and adventure activities: via ferrata & zip line**. • **Ride lake boats** on **Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater, and Derwent Water**. • Take a nostalgic **steam train** on the **Lakeside & Haverthwaite heritage railway**. Can be combined with a cruise on Windermere. ###### YORKSHIRE & The DALES #### NORTH YORKSHIRE ![Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire, England. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Yorkshire-Dales-Title-Image-Bolton-Abbey-pastoral-450x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire, England. Photo © Home At First.") Bolton abbey in the yorkshire dales, NORTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND #### northern CLASSIC ENGland Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. ([ See Yorkshire Lodgings](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#NorthYorkshire).) **A SUBLIME REGION WITH A TUMULTUOUS HISTORY** Here is land for all creatures, great and small. This part of **northern Classic England** is a pleasant, rolling landscape dotted with small villages and larger market towns. And it is in such places that our cozy cottages are located, villages with characteristic Yorkshire names like **Bishop Monkton** and **Burnt Yates**, names suggesting the quaint charm and slow pace of the region. Agriculture is the way of life here. In recent years Yorkshire’s **two national parks** and its variety of short and long-distance walking paths have brought the region new fame as a destination for those seeking beauty and tranquility in the unspoiled out-of-doors. **THE LOCATION:** North Yorkshire is a large, mostly rural county in the north of England. Extending about 100 miles east-west from **The Lake District** to the **North Sea**, and averaging about 50 miles north-south, North Yorkshire is among the largest and least densely populated counties in England. About 40% of the county is within the boundaries of its two national parks: **Yorkshire Dales N.P.** covering the western third of the county and **North York Moors N.P.** covering much of the eastern third of the county. In between, North Yorkshire is bisected by its principal north-south highway, the **A1(M) motorway** and the **East Coast Mainline (ECML) high-speed railway**, both carrying traffic between **London** (the south of England) and far northern England and **Scotland**. Most visitors arriving by air will drive their rental cars northeast from **Manchester International Airport**, in about two-hours under normal traffic conditions. **THE SETTING:** Our lodgings are perfectly located as bases for day trips throughout North Yorkshire. [**Home At First’s** Yorkshire lodgings](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#NorthYorkshire) are in or near **villages or small towns** just east of Yorkshire Dales N.P. We also offer **apartments in the small city of Harrogate and in the historic city of York**. Although guests staying in Harrogate and York can travel to many places by train, to flexibly explore this rugged, rural region **a rental car is indispensable**. Throughout both national parks roads are winding, hilly, and narrow, following rivers and streams and crossing steep ridges from valley to valley. **ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS:** Yorkshire is known for much more than walking. Other activities include scenic touring, horseback riding, outings by steam train, and encounters with classic England history at numerous castles, abbeys, princely estates, and exploring the great medieval city of York. North Yorkshire & the Yorkshire Dales are about the serendipity of wandering. Whether you wander by car, by train, by bike, or on foot, exploring Yorkshire leads to the déjà vu discovery of places old and strange that seem at once new and familiar. Escape from the 21st century? Easily done here: • **Touring by car:** Drive the valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, tracing their namesake rivers: **Wharfedale**, **Ribbledale**, **Nidderdale**, **Swaledale**, and **Wensleydale** on the River Ure. Discover delightful towns and villages like **Grassington, Hawes, Richmond, Settle, Pateley Bridge, and Leyburn**. Find galleries & craft shops, food & sweet shops, funky museums, and village pubs. • **Castles, Abbeys, & Stately Homes:** **◊** **Beningbrough Hall:** 18th c. stately home. Portrait gallery & gardens. **◊** **Bolton Abbey & Hall** on River Wharfe. **◊** **Bolton Castle:** 30min walk from Redmire on the Wensleydale Railway. **◊** **Castle Howard:** palatial baroque stately home & estate on the southern edge of North York Moors N.P. **◊** **Fountains Abbey:** 12th c. monastic ruin. World Heritage Site. **◊** **Middleham Castle:** 12th c. explorable ruin. Boyhood home of Richard III. **◊** **Richmond Castle:** large 11th c. Norman ruin. **◊** **Ripon Cathedral:** 12th c. Early English gothic. **◊** **Skipton Castle:** well-preserved 11th c. • **Cities:** **◊** **Scarborough**: Yorkshire’s biggest coastal resort with a lively old town harbor, and strand lying below the ancient ruins of Scarborough Castle. **◊** **York:** Viking roots & museum; lively medieval Shambles core & city walls; major railway station and National Rail Museum; fabulous York Minster gothic cathedral. • **Scenic Railway Lines:** **◊** **Embsay & Bolton Steam Railway:** 4mi. east-west heritage line along southern edge of Dales N.P. **◊** **North Yorkshire Moors Railway:** 18mi south-north heritage line thru North York Moors N.P. Often used in film & TV. **◊** **Settle to Garsdale Stn.:** 30min south-north Northern line thru remote Yorkshire Dales N.P. via the amazing Ribblehead Viaduct. **◊** **Wensleydale Railway:** 22mi. east-west heritage line from Leeming Bar to Redmire. • **Walking & Hiking:** North Yorkshire offers a wide variety of marked short & long trails. --- ### Finding Classic England: Quality Lodgings **Minimum lodging time is 7 nights for rural cottages. City apartments have a 3-night minimum.** ![England - Chipping Campden thatched cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/England-Lodging-Title-image-Chipping-Campden-thatched-cottage-220411-00148-1082x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603836646374.jpg) #### Pictured above is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom **Home At First** thatched cottage in the town of Chipping Campden in the northern Cotswolds. Set in a quiet, residential neighborhood, the cottage is within 5-minutes walking time to the shops, restaurants, and pubs of the town’s High Street. The cottage interior is beautifully furnished and very well-equipped. The cottage exterior is equally impressive: attractive, spacious, and relaxing. Private, off-street parking adds to the cottage’s appeal as an excellent base for car-touring throughout the Cotswolds, into Shakespeare country, to Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge, and beyond. #### **Home At First’s** cottages, townhouse apartments, and city apartments range in size — from studios to 4-bedrooms — sleeping anywhere from 1 person to 8 persons. Lodgings vary in location from urban to rural towns and villages to country estate settings. All of our Classic England lodgings meet high standards for cleanliness and are comfortable, interesting, safe, well-equipped, convenient bases for exploring their locale or region. Most lodgings come with hosts on-site or close-by, who meet you when you arrive and are available throughout your stay. Some city apartments have concierge desks staffed much of the day every day of the week. Most rural lodgings have usable outdoor space — balconies, patios, terraces, even gardens — ideal for snacking, light meals, or relaxing during fine weather. #### **Care & Cleanliness:** The apartments have been thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival, but are not maid-serviced during your stay. Nearly all rural lodgings and some city apartments are equipped with laundry machines. Accommodations are non-smoking and most do not permit pets. Basic starter kitchen and bathroom supplies are provided. #### **Well-Equipped:** As with lodgings at any **Home At First** destination, our “Finding Classic England” cottages, townhouses, and apartments have, as a minimum, bedrooms, private bathrooms, living and dining areas/rooms, and well-equipped kitchens. Some multiple-bedroom accommodations come with multiple bathrooms, often *en suite* with the bedrooms. Some few studio apartments or smaller cottages have open-plan living-dining-sleeping space and/or kitchenettes without ovens. Bed and bath linens and a hair-dryer are provided. Flat-screen cable TVs and free internet WIFI are almost universal. --- ### Sample Lodgings & Locations Ideal for Finding Classic England Shown and described below is a sample lodging from each of the four **Home At First** Classic England regions. They are shown here as **representative examples** of different sizes and capacities of lodgings we provide our guests. While the full range of our available Classic England lodgings and locations to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment or location. **NOTE:** to see a selection of **London** apartments, **[click here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#LondonApartments)**. **NOTE — FOR BEST VIEWING:** each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Image” (Firefox). --- **** #### **In & NEAR CHIPPING CAMPDEN** **NORTHERN COTSWOLDS** **CLASSIC ENGLAND’S HEARTLAND** - ![Semi-detached cottages in Chipping Campden. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Semi-detached-cottages-in-Chipping-Campden-170411-00133-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Semi-detached cottages in Chipping Campden. Photo copyright Home At First.")Chipping Campden - ![Living Room with fireplace, kitchen access, and stairs. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Living-Room-w.-fireplace-kitchen-acces-and-stairs-160411-00112-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Living Room with fireplace, kitchen access, and stairs. Photo copyright Home At First.")Chipping Campden - ![Chipping Campden: High Street Cottage kitchen and dining area. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Chipping-Campden-High-Street-Cottage-kitchen-and-dining-160411-00114-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Chipping Campden: High Street Cottage kitchen and dining area. Photo copyright Home At First.")Chipping Campden - ![Chipping Campden: The Mews Flat exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Chipping-Campden-The-Mews-Flat-exterior-170411-00163-775x50072dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Chipping Campden: The Mews Flat exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.")Chipping Campden - ![Chipping Campden: 3-bedroom 3-bath cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Chipping-Campden-3-bedroom-3-bath-cottage-exterior-170411-00241-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Chipping Campden: 3-bedroom 3-bath cottage. Photo copyright Home At First.")Chipping Campden - ![Chipping Campden: Merchant's Cottage double bedroom with bath. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Chipping-Campden-Merchants-Cottage-double-bedroom-160411-00032-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Chipping Campden: Merchant's Cottage double bedroom with bath. Photo copyright Home At First.")Chipping Campden - ![Bretforton: village church on the square. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bretforton-Village-church-square-170411-00239-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bretforton: village church on the square. Photo copyright Home At First.")Bretforton village - ![Bretforton: 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage with furnished garden. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bretforton-2-bedroom-1-bath-cottage-with-furnished-garden-170411-00218-775x500-72pi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bretforton: 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage with furnished garden. Photo copyright Home At First.")Bretforton Cottage. - ![Bretforton cottage bathroom with shower. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bretforton-cottage-bathroom-with-shower-170411-00202-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bretforton cottage bathroom with shower. Photo copyright Home At First.")Bretforton Cottage - ![Bretforton cottage country kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bretforton-cottage-country-kitchen-170411-00192-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Bretforton cottage country kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.")Bretforton Cottage cotswolds cottages **In the Northern Cotswolds — Gloucestershire & Worcestershire.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** Located in the attractive town of **Chipping Campden** and nearby in neighboring villages in northern **Gloucestershire** and southeastern **Worcestershire**, **Home At First‘s Cotswolds Cottages** are ideally located for exploring the heartland of England. There are several cottages to choose from, with new offerings being added each season. Regardless of their location, all our Cotswolds cottages are in classic English settings close to shops, pubs, and restaurants. The cottages themselves reflect the traditional style of the classic England countryside, often featuring exposed wooden beams in the walls and ceilings, stone hearth fireplaces, eat-in country kitchens, plush living room chairs and sofas, chintz curtains, and beds topped with thick duvets and extra pillows. Bathrooms will have a shower, and many have bathtubs as well. Appliances are up-to-date modern, TVs large & flat-screened, and WiFi universal. A few very photogenic cottages have thatched roofs. Many cottages have gardens with terraces or patios for sitting in fine weather. Most have private parking, but a few offer only on-street parking, which can be challenging on busy summer weekends. **CHIPPING CAMPDEN** — the principal town in our Cotswolds regional setting (pop. 2,300) — is known for its thatched “cottages”, medieval church that hosts an important **classical music festival every May**, and the 400-year-old **Cotswold “Olympicks”**. **Home At First** offers several cottages in Chipping Campden, where there are several pubs, restaurants, shops, and services. Home At First has additional cottages and apartments in towns and villages within a few minutes of Chipping Campden, including: **• Blockley** (pop. 1,000; Moreton-in-Marsh rail station reached in 12min by car) **• Bretforton** (pop. 1,023; Honeybourne rail station reached in 6min by car) **• Broad Campden** (pop. 150; 4min by car or 25min walking to Chipping Campden) **• Broadway** (pop. 2,540) **• Moreton-in-Marsh** (pop. 3,500; rail station in town) All make excellent bases for touring throughout the Cotswolds and are within easy day-trip range of popular destinations in neighboring regions, including: • Shakespeare Country (Stratford-upon-Avon: 30-45 minutes away) • Oxford (45-60 minutes) • Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border (1hr, 45min) • Warwick Castle (45min) • Bath Spa (1hr, 45min) • Stonehenge & Salisbury (2hrs, 10min). While it is perfectly easy to use your Cotswolds village as a base for daily auto excursions, there is much to do in and near your come without driving far or at all: • Horseback riding (this is horse country). • Walking & hiking — the long-distance Cotswolds Way meanders south through Chipping Campden en route to Broadway, Snowshill, Stanton, and ultimately to Bath. • Antique hunting in local shops. • Visiting English estate gardens, e.g. Hidcote Manor and Snowshill Manor. • Pub & boutique brewery crawling. The Cotswolds has at least 10 brew pubs or micro-breweries, & several award-winning brews. • Riding the region’s restored heritage railway: Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Chipping Campden and its neighboring villages are friendly, happy, and welcoming English villages to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and in which to find Classic England. --- **** #### **BY DARTMOOR NAT’L. PARK** **NEAR TAVISTOCK, DEVON** **CLASSIC ENGLAND’S WEST COUNTRY** - ![Devon landscape. Photo copyright © VisitBritain/David Clapp.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Devon-landscape-775x500-72dpi-VB34130523-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-David-Clapp.jpg "Devon landscape. Photo copyright © VisitBritain/David Clapp.")Rural Devon - ![West Devon Farm Cottages - Cottage 1 - exterior facade. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/West-Devon-Farm-Cottages-Cottage-1-exterior-facade-2-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Cottage 1 - exterior facade. Photo courtesy the owners.")West Devon Farm Cottages. - ![West Devon Farm Cottages: Cottage 1 — kitchen & dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/West-Devon-Farm-Cottages-Cottage-1-kitchen-and-dining-room-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "West Devon Farm Cottages: Cottage 1 — kitchen & dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.")West Devon Farm Cottages. - ![West Devon Farm Cottages - Cottage 2 exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/West-Devon-Farm-Cottages-Cottage-2-exterior-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "West Devon Farm Cottages - Cottage 2 exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.")West Devon Farm Cottages. - ![West Devon Farm Cottage 2: living room, kitchen, & stairs. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/West-Devon-Farm-Cottages-Cottage-2-living-room-kitchen-stairs-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "West Devon Farm Cottage 2: living room, kitchen, & stairs. Photo courtesy the owners.")West Devon Farm Cottages. - ![West Devon Farm Cottage 2: twin bedroom under the eaves. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/West-Devon-Farm-Cottages-Cottage-2-twin-bedroom-under-the-eaves-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "West Devon Farm Cottage 2: twin bedroom under the eaves. Photo courtesy the owners.")West Devon Farm Cottages. - ![West Devon Farm Cottage 3 exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/West-Devon-Farm-Cottages-Cottage-3-exterior-panoramic-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "West Devon Farm Cottage 3 exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.")West Devon Farm Cottages. - ![West Devon Farm Cottage 3: kitchen and dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/West-Devon-Farm-Cottages-Cottage-3-kitchen-and-dining-room-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "West Devon Farm Cottage 3: kitchen and dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.")West Devon Farm Cottages. - ![Dartmoor N.P.: Haytor. Photo copyright © VisitBritain/Adam Burton.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dartmoor-N.P.-Haytor-775x5003-VB34134143-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-Adam-Burton.jpg "Dartmoor N.P.: Haytor. Photo copyright © VisitBritain/Adam Burton.")Dartmoor’s highlands - ![Tavistock gourmet cheese shop. Photo courtesy visit-tavistock.co.uk.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tavistock-gourmet-cheese-shop-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-visit-tavistock.jpg "Tavistock gourmet cheese shop. Photo courtesy visit-tavistock.co.uk.")Tavistock, West Devon WEST DEVON FARM COTTAGES **In Dartmoor National Park 5-minutes drive from Tavistock in western Devon.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** **Home At First‘s West Devon Farm Cottages** are are located in the southwestern corner of Dartmoor National Park. The three West Devon Farm Cottages are clustered on a small working farm within the confines of Dartmoor National Park. Chickens, goats, sheep, and horses are your neighbors housed nearby, as are your welcoming hosts — the farm owners, who tend their animals and vegetable garden and are customarily on-site and available to tackle guests’ questions and problems, or to talk about life in this beautiful corner of Classic England. The 3 stone & wood cottages are independent of each other — no shared walls or access — but they do share the farm’s private entrance lane. The farm is reached by narrow, hedge-lined, rural roads that see little traffic. Here’s a brief description of the 3 cottages: • **Cottage #1:** Sleeps up to 6 persons in an “upside-down” 2-story cottage with open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen on the upper floor. Ground floor has 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, & 1 bunk bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms and laundry room. TV, WiFi, wood stove, private parking for 2 cars. • **Cottage #2:** Sleeps up to 5 persons in a 2-story cottage. Ground floor: open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen. Single bedroom with en suite bathroom (shower) and laundry on the ground floor. Upper floor has a loft lounge (sofa & writing table) between w bedrooms (1 double & 1 twin), & 1 bathroom (tub). TV, WiFi, wood stove, private parking for 2 cars. • **Cottage #3:** Sleeps 2-4 persons in a 2-story cottage. Ground floor: open-plan living room (can be fitted with twin or bunk beds to sleep 1-2 persons), dining area, and kitchen. Bathroom (tub/shower) on the ground floor. Upper floor gallery has 1 double bed sleeping area and a living area. TV, WiFi, central heating, private garden sitting area, & private parking for 2 cars. Use of laundry machines in owners’ house. **THE SETTING:** The closest shops and services to the cottages are in **Tavistock**, a 10-minute drive from the farm. Tavistock (pop. 11,000) is an historic market town with a large number of shops, restaurants, pubs, and other services. But guests needn’t drive into Tavistock to reach the nearest pub to the farm: the historic **Peter Tavy Inn**, a charming, country inn 7 minutes drive or 25 minutes cross-country walk from the farm in the village of Peter Tavy. The closest tor (rocky promontory) — Cox Tor (1,100′ high) in Dartmoor National Park — is an hour’s walk uphill from the cottages. **TOURING:** The cottages are well-located for exploring England’s West Country by rental car. Surrounded by the mysterious wilds of Dartmoor, within easy driving of the English Channel (south) and the Bristol Channel (north) coastlines, our cottages are ideally located to explore the region’s top attractions inland and along two coasts. And, because they practically straddle the border of western Devonshire with eastern Cornwall, they provide a perfect location from which to explore all of Classic England’s West Country. Here’s a partial list of popular destinations within day-trip range: • Dartmoor National Park begins out your door! • Plymouth: historic maritime city (50 minutes) • Salcombe: South Devon coastal resort (75min) • Looe: South Cornwall coastal resort (60min) • Clovelly: preserved north Devon fishing village (1hr, 20min) • Tintagel Castle: King Arthur’s birthplace (?) on the north Cornwall coast (65min). • Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway: Scenic mid-Cornwall standard gauge 13mi round-trip (55min). Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, West Devon is a friendly, happy, and welcoming region to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to find Classic England. --- **** #### **in coverack on sea** **lizard peninsula, cornwall** **CLASSIC ENGLAND’S WEST COUNTRY** - ![Coverack Cove. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-Cove-091218-8726-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coverack Cove. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack, Cornwall - ![Coverack Thatched Cottages. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-Thathed-Cottages-091218-8730-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1.jpg "Coverack Thatched Cottages. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottages - ![Coverack Cottages: White Thatch Cottage eat-in kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-White-Thatch-eat-in-kitchen-081218-8671-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coverack Cottages: White Thatch Cottage eat-in kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottage - ![White Thatch Cottage: Double Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-White-Thatch-Double-Bedroom-081218-8682-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "White Thatch Cottage: Double Bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottage - ![White Thatch Cottage bathroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-White-Thatch-bathroom-081218-8689-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "White Thatch Cottage bathroom. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottage - ![Coverack: Stone Thatched Cottage — Living room, dining room, and kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-Stone-Thatched-Cottage-Living-Dining-Kitchen-081218-8605-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coverack: Stone Thatched Cottage — Living room, dining room, and kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottage - ![Coverack: Stone Thatched Cottage — well-equipped kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-Stone-Thatched-Cottage-well-equipped-kitchen-081218-8611-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coverack: Stone Thatched Cottage — well-equipped kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottage - ![Coverack: Coast Path Cottage exterior. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-Cottage-on-SW-Coast-Path-091218-8848-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coverack: Coast Path Cottage exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack: Coast Path - ![Coverack's Coast Path Cottage: Double Bedroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-Coast-Path-Cottage-Double-Bedroom-091218-8870-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coverack's Coast Path Cottage: Double Bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottage - ![Coverack's Sea View Cottage features superb views of the English Channel from its living room and terrace. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Coverack-Sea-View-Cottage-living-room-and-terrace-w.-view-091218-8774-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coverack's Sea View Cottage features superb views of the English Channel from its living room and terrace. Photo copyright Home At First.")Coverack Cottage COVERACK COASTAL COTTAGES **Cottages in a remote, classic Cornish seaside village near the southern tip of Britain.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** Between west Devon and Lands End, westernmost Classic England — **Cornwall** — offers Cornish pasties, ice cream, & cream teas, World Heritage mining sites, sea cliffs & crashing surf, castles & historic sites, coastal resorts, and cozy, fishing villages. One such village, **Coverack**, occupies a semi-protected stretch of Cornwall’s south coast on the **Lizard Peninsula**, southernmost Britain. **Home At First‘s Coverack Coastal Cottages** are remote. They are at least 5½hrs from London, 20+min drive from the nearest town (Helston, pop. 11,200), and 45min or so drive time from Falmouth (pop. 21,800), a pretty 18th century town with an important, historic, deep-water harbor, or Truro (pop. 18,800), county seat of Cornwall. But one doesn’t come to Coverack to find civilization, rather to escape it. Experiencing life by the sea in an authentic and nearly unspoiled Cornish village is the traveler’s reward — that and a choice of several lovely cottages, including these four: • **White Thatch Cottage:** Sleeps up to 4 persons in a pretty, whitewashed, 2-story, thatched cottage with views of the Cove and the village. Ground floor: over-stuffed living room with wood stove and flat-screen TV; spacious, well-equipped country kitchen and dining area, Upper floor has 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, with the bathroom (tub/shower) in between. Washer/dryer. WiFi, Walled front garden. Limited on-street parking. Shops & excellent pub/restaurant 1-3min walk. • **Stone Thatched Cottage:** Charming 2-story 18th century thatched cottage. Views of the Cove and the lower village. Sleeps up to 6. Ground floor: spacious, comfy living/dining room with Inglenook fireplace and flat-screen TV; superbly-equipped kitchen foodies find exciting. Upper floor has 1 king bedroom, 1 double bedroom, 2 single bedrooms, and a shower room & WC. Washer/dryer. WiFi, Limited on-street parking. Shops & excellent pub/restaurant 1-3min walk. • **Coast Path Cottage:** Historic 2-story 18th century whitewashed cottage. Views of the open sea (English Channel). Sleeps up to 4. Ground floor: spacious, overstuffed living room with stone fireplace and flat-screen TV; well-equipped eat-in kitchen with Inglenook fireplace, washer/dryer, and cushy sofa. Upper floor has 1 king bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, 2 single bedrooms, with a full bathroom (shower/tub). Sheltered, furnished garden with access to the SW Coast Path and stairs descending to the beach & playground. Parking 50 yards away. Shops & excellent pub/restaurant 1-3min walk. • **Sea View Cottage:** Sleeps up to 5 persons in a modern, “upside-down”, 2-story cottage. Upper floor: open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen; cathedral ceiling & glass front wall with superb sea views. Glass doors open onto the large, furnished terrace with grand views overlooking the English Channel. Ground floor: master double bedroom with covered balcony (sea view!) and with en suite bathroom (bath tub & separate shower stall); 1 twin bedroom (sea view!); & 1 single bedroom; plus a full bathroom (with tub/shower). TV, WiFi, washing machine, furnished patio with BBQ, and private parking for 2 cars. Close to the SW Coast Path. Two beaches within 10min walk. Shops, pub, & restaurants: 5-10min walk. **TOURING:** Rental cars are necessary for Coverack guests, even those with no ambitions to tour Cornwall. However, within day-trip range are many interesting destinations, including: • Penzance: Britain’s westernmost town is 45min away. Add 20min to reach Land’s End point. • St. Michael’s Mount: castle-topped island is reachable on foot when the tide is out (40min). • St. Ives: Resort town on Cornwall’s north coast, home of Tate St. Ives modern art gallery. (50min) • Lizard Point: Mainland Britain’s southernmost point. 25min by car. 4hrs hike via SW Coast Path. • Newquay: 2 Atlantic surfing beaches (70min). • Tintagel Castle: King Arthur’s birthplace (?) on the north Cornwall coast (1hr 50min). • Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway: Scenic mid-Cornwall standard gauge 13mi round-trip (85min). **ACTIVITIES:** In addition to touring, Coverack guests enjoy: • Watersports: swimming, boating, fishing in Coverack & along the Lizard Peninsula coast. • Walking & hiking along the SW Coast Path. • Shopping for arts & crafts in seaside villages. • Links Golf at Mullion G.C. (25min drive). Whether you stay close to home or day-trip far & wide, Coverack is a friendly, happy, welcoming town to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to find Classic England. --- **** #### **In & NEAR HAWKSHEAD IN THE LAKE DISTRICT Nat’l. Park, CUMBRIA** **NORTHWEST ENGLAND** - ![Esthwaite View Apartments - front facade & parking - Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Esthwaite-View-Apartments-exterior-front-facade-with-parking-775x500-72dpi-200902-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Esthwaite View Apartments - front facade & parking - Photo copyright Home At First.")Esthwaite View Apartments - ![Esthwaite View 2-bedroom apartment — open plan living and dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Esthwaite-View-Apts-2-bdrm-apt-open-plan-living-and-dining-room-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Esthwaite View 2-bedroomm apartment — open plan living and dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.")Esthwaite View Apartments - ![Esthwaite View 2-bedroom apartment — open-plan living room and kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Esthwaite-View-Apts-2-bdrm-apt-open-plan-living-room-and-kitchen-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Esthwaite View 2-bedroom apartment — open-plan living room and kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.")Esthwaite View Apartments - ![Esthwaite View 2-bedroom apartment — bathroom 2 with tub-shower. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Esthwaite-View-Apts-2-bdrm-apt-bathroom-2-with-tub-shower-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Esthwaite View 2-bedroom apartment — bathroom 2 with tub-shower. Photo courtesy the owners.")Esthwaite View Apartments - ![Hawkshead - Queens Head pub-restaurant - Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawkshead-Queens-Head-pub-restaurant-775X500-72dpi-200902-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Hawkshead - Queens Head pub-restaurant - Photo copyright Home At First.")Hawkshead pub/restaurant - ![Hawkshead — Copper Cottage 2-bedroom, 2-bath - double bedroom #1 with en suite bathroom. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawkshead-Copper-Cottage-2-bdrm-2-bath-double-bedroom-1-with-en-suite-bathroom-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hawkshead — Copper Cottage 2-bedroom, 2-bath - double bedroom #1 with en suite bathroom. Photo courtesy the owners.")Hawkshead Cottage - ![Hawkshead — Copper Cottage 2-bedroom, 2-bath: kitchen with dining area & washing machine. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawkshead-Copper-Cottage-2-bdrm-2-bath-kitchen-w.-dining-and-washing-machine-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hawkshead — Copper Cottage 2-bedroom, 2-bath: kitchen with dining area & washing machine. Photo courtesy the owners.")Hawkshead Cottage - ![Hawkshead — Copper Cottage 2-bedroom, 2-bath: living room with TV and fire. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawkshead-Copper-Cottage-2-bdrm-2-bath-living-room-with-TV-and-fire-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hawkshead — Copper Cottage 2-bedroom, 2-bath: living room with TV and fire. Photo courtesy the owners.")Hawkshead Cottage - ![Hawkshead — Top of the Square 1-bedroom apartment: lower floor - kitchen-dining-living open plan. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawkshead-Top-of-the-Square-Apt-1-bdrm-lower-floor-kitchen-dining-living-open-plan-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hawkshead — Top of the Square 1-bedroom apartment: lower floor - kitchen-dining-living open plan. Photo courtesy the owners.")Hawkshead Cottage - ![Hawkshead — Top of the Square 1-bedroom apartment: upper floor - king bedroom with bathroom & stairs. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hawkshead-Top-of-the-Square-Apt-1-bdrm-upper-floor-king-bedroom-w.-bathroom-and-stairs-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hawkshead — Top of the Square 1-bedroom apartment: upper floor - king bedroom with bathroom & stairs. Photo courtesy the owners.")Hawkshead Cottage LAKE DISTRICT cottages & apartments **In & near Hawkshead village in England’s Lake District National Park — Cumbria.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** **Home At First‘s Lake District lodgings** are well equipped with all the comforts of home. They may be in cottages in or very near the quintessentially classic England village of **Hawkshead**. Others are spacious apartments in a beautiful converted country estate house overlooking **Esthwaite Water**, a small lake 5min drive east of Hawkshead and 10min drive west of famed **Lake Windermere**. All **Home At First** lodgings in/near Hawkshead are perfectly located as bases for day trips throughout the Lake District. We offer a wide choice of cottages and apartments in this attractive setting. Here is a sampling of descriptions of three guest favorites illustrated in the above slide show: • **Esthwaite View 2-Bedroom Apartment:** Sleeps up to 4 persons in a spacious 2nd floor apartment. Open-plan main room consisting of a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living room, and dining area with fine views of the Esthwaite Water lake & high mountains to the west. Two bedrooms: master king bedroom with en suite bathroom with shower stall; 1 twin bedroom (twin beds can be configured as a king bed). A full bathroom (with tub/shower) in the hall. TV, WiFi, & private parking. Set on a wooded, landscaped 40-acre estate. Guests have use of common laundry facilities, children’s playground, woodland walkways, and shared rowboats moored on the estate’s lake frontage. Hawkshead’s numerous shops, pubs, & restaurants: 5min drive. • **Copper Cottage 2-Bedroom:** Sleeps up to 4 persons in a modernized, classic, 2-story, 18th century, town cottage in central Hawkshead. Ground floor: a well-equipped eat-in country kitchen with dining table for 4 persons. Large living room with overstuffed matching sofa & 2 easy chairs, working fireplace, and flat-screen TV. Upstairs are two double bedrooms with TVs and with en suite bathrooms with showers. WiFi, & permit parking for 1 car in the town car lot. Central location means all of Hawkshead’s numerous shops, pubs, & restaurants are within 1-3min walk from the front door of the cottage. NOTE: this cottage permits guests with dogs. • **Top-of-the-Square Cottage 1-Bedroom:** Sleeps 2 persons in a whitewashed, 2-story, town cottage overlooking the square in central Hawkshead. Lower floor: large open-plan room featuring a well-equipped eat-in country kitchen; dining area with table for 2 persons; workspace with room for 2; living room with overstuffed matching sofa & easy chair, working woodstove set in a stone fireplace, and flat-screen TV. Upstairs a king bedroom with TV and with adjoining bathroom with tub/shower. WiFi, & permit parking for 1 car in the town car lot. Central location means all of Hawkshead’s numerous shops, pubs, & restaurants are within 1-3min walk from the front door of the cottage. NOTE: cottage entry is up 16 concrete stairs from street level —has banister but no overhead cover. **ACTIVE TOURING:** Rental cars are necessary for Lake District. Within driving day-trip range are many interesting destinations with things to do, including: • Coniston on Coniston Water: active town with lake cruises, cycling, walking & hiking (10 minutes away) • Beatrix Potter’s Near Sawrey (6 minutes) • Busy Bowness on Windermere: lake cruising and The World of Beatrix Potter (35min, using the car ferry across Windermere) • Windermere: regional center for watersports (40min) • Ambleside village: shopping, especially for outdoor clothing & gear (15min) • Wordsworth’s Grasmere: small, quaint village with museum (25min) • Honister: adventure activities for the whole family at a working slate mine (1hr, 10min) • Ullswater: more cruising among rugged scenery (1hr, 5min) • Derwent Water: ditto (50min). • Haverthwaite: southern terminus of the L&H heritage railway (30min). • Whitehaven Circle Trip: scenic tour around the Lake District peaks to Whitehaven and along the coast of the Irish Sea (5hrs,). Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Hawkshead is a friendly, happy, and welcoming English village to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and find Classic England. --- **** #### **in north yorkshire near the yorkshire dales nat’l. park** **NORTHERN ENGLAND** - ![Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - cottage exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Richard-Nimoy-Farm-Cottage-cottage-exterior-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - cottage exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.")Yorkshire Farm Cottage - ![Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - modern kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Richard-Nimoy-Farm-Cottage-modern-kitchen-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - modern kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.")Yorkshire Farm Cottage - ![Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - Double Bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Richard-Nimoy-Farm-Cottage-Double-Bedroom-1-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - Double Bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.")Yorkshire Farm Cottage - ![Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - en suite bathroom 1 with shower. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Richard-Nimoy-Farm-Cottage-en-suite-bathroom-1-with-shower-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-775x500.jpg "Richard Nimoy Farm Cottage - en suite bathroom 1 with shower. Photo courtesy the owners.")Yorkshire Farm Cottage - ![Central Harrogate's fashionable Montpellier Quarter.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Central-Harrogates-fashionable-Montpellier-Quarter-775x500-72dpi.jpg "Central Harrogate's fashionable Montpellier Quarter.")Central Harrogate - ![The Harrogate Duchess Apartment: dining for 6 with a parkland view. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Harrogate-Duchess-Apartment-dining-for-6-with-a-parkland-view-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "The Harrogate Duchess Apartment: dining for 6 with a parkland view. Photo courtesy the owners.")Harrogate Apartment - ![The Harrogate Duchess Apartment: double bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Harrogate-Duchess-Apartment-double-bedroom-1-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "The Harrogate Duchess Apartment: double bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.")Harrogate Apartment - ![Central Harrogate: Duke's Apartment Dining Room. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Central-Harrogate-Dukes-Apartment-dining-area-775x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Central Harrogate: Duke's Apartment Dining Room. Photo courtesy the owners.")Harrogate Apartment - ![York Minster, east facade. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/York-Minster-daytime-facade-wide-755x500-72dpi-020202-12140426-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "York Minster, east facade. Photo copyright Home At First.")Historic York Minster - ![York Railway Museum: Southern Railway steam locomotive #925 "Cheltenham". Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/York-Railway-Museum-Southern-Railway-steam-loco-925-Cheltenham-775x500-72dpi-020202-12170678-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1603744071948-424x274.jpg "York Railway Museum: Southern Railway steam locomotive #925 "Cheltenham". Photo copyright Home At First.")National Railway Museum north yorkshire lodgingS **In villages & towns in/near the Yorkshire Dales N.P. and in small city of Harrogate.** **THE LODGINGS & THEIR SETTING:** **Home At First‘s North Yorkshire Cottages** are found in villages with characteristic Yorkshire names like Bishop Monkton and Nidderdale. The names suggest accurately the quaint charm and slow pace of the **Yorkshire Dales**. And for those looking to combine a town and country experience, **Home At First** also offers apartments in the small, prosperous city of **Harrogate**, between the Dales and York. The apartments are short distances to of shops, restaurants, and the rail station, making rail trips to York and other British cities attractive and convenient. Here is a sampling of descriptions of three guest favorites illustrated in the above slide show: • **Richard Nimoy 2-Bedroom Farm Cottage:** Sleeps up to 4 persons in a modernized, classic, 2-story, 19th century, farm cottage 2min drive (12min walk) outside the pretty village of Burton Leonard, set approximately midway between Harrogate (25min south) and Ripon (15min north). 14th century Ripley Castle is about 10min drive SW; the Yorkshire Dales National Park is about 15min to the west, and the city of York is less than an hour to the SE. **Ground floor** includes a well-equipped country kitchen open-plan with dining area (table for 4 persons); living room with overstuffed matching sofa & easy chair, working wood stove fireplace, and flat-screen TV; powder room (WC). **Upper floor** includes two king bedrooms with TVs and with en suite bathrooms with walk-in showers (1 with a separate bathtub); a quiet reading nook. **Extras:** WiFi, washer/dryer, & private off-street parking by the cottage. Burton Leonard village has 2 pub/restaurants and a small village shop. • **The Duchess Apartment, Central Harrogate:** Sleeps up to 4 persons in spacious, contemporary apartment atop a handsome Victorian suburban home 2min drive (10min walk) to the nearest shop & pub, or 5min drive to the myriad of shops, restaurants, services, & rail station of central Harrogate. Easily reached by car are the Yorkshire Dales National Park (20min NW), Castle Howard and North York Moors National Park (60-120min NE). The city of York is less than an hour to the east by car or train. **The Apartment** includes a small, but well-equipped kitchen, a large open-plan dining area (table for 6) & living room with overstuffed matching sofa & easy chairs & flat-screen TV. A delightful balcony with garden views opens off the living/dining room. There are two bedrooms; a master king bedroom with en suite bathroom with walk-in shower; and a super-king (or twin beds). A full bathroom (tub & shower) is in the hall. **Extras:** WiFi, washer/dryer, & off-street parking for two cars. • **The Duke’s Apartment, Central Harrogate:** Sleeps up to 6 persons in a tastefully furnished, spacious, 2-story, townhouse 2min drive (10min walk) to shopping, services, and restaurants and 4min drive (15min walk) to the Harrogate railway station. Easily reached by car are the Yorkshire Dales National Park (20min NW), Castle Howard and North York Moors National Park (60-120min NE). The city of York is less than an hour to the east by car or train. **Ground floor** includes a well-equipped kitchen open-plan with dining area (table for 6); living room with overstuffed matching sofa & easy chairs & flat-screen TV; master king (or twin) bedroom with en suite bathroom with walk-in shower. **Upper floor** includes a king (or twin) bedroom, a double bedroom, and a full bathroom (tub/shower) in the hall. **Extras:** WiFi, washer/dryer, & permit on-street parking by the house. **HOW TO CHOOSE?** We believe that for most guests staying in a rural setting or in a small village offers the most authentic North Yorkshire experience. However, guests wanting to travel by train for day-trips that could include destinations as far away as London and Edinburgh (about 3½ hours to either city) as well as to York (55min) will find Harrogate a more practical base. Regardless, to explore North Yorkshire, guests will need a rental car to have the best experiences while finding Classic England. --- #### All regional CLASSIC ENGLAND destinations readily combine with all other Home At First destinations in England, Wales, Scotland, & Ireland as well as most Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "LONDON") ![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "London: The Tower Bridge") ### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales Cottage Vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking rest stop with a view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Switzerland-Bernina-Alps-260808-5296-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking rest stop with a view.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [england package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/england-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [BERMUDA Independent Travel](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### ###### ###### [— BERMUDA PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/bermuda-prices/#Prices "Bermuda Prices") ### **UNIQUE ISLAND CLIMATE & STYLE** • **BRITISH HERITAGE** • **AMERICAN CONNECTIONS** ## Bermuda ## between England & the Caribbean ###### ![Home At First's Bermuda Independent Travel means having the freedom to choose your beach cottages and your beach days, eating in or going out to eat, playing golf or fishing, walking, cycling, shopping, or exploring the island by public transport or personal electric vehicle. Photo of Elbow Beach © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-Elbow-Beach-Panorama-120813-180-588x338-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Bermuda Independent Travel means having the freedom to choose your beach cottages and your beach days, eating in or going out to eat, playing golf or fishing, walking, cycling, shopping, or exploring the island by public transport or personal electric vehicle. Photo of Elbow Beach © Home At First.") SURPRISE! EXPECT BEAUTIFUL, UNCROWDED, PINK SAND BEACHES CLOSE OUR BEACH COTTAGES. SURPRISES ABOUND IN BERMUDA. PICTURED IS ELBOW BEACH IN THE HEIGHT OF THE BERMUDIAN SUMMER. **HOME** **AT** **FIRST’s** custom-planned Bermuda independent travel program provides visitors roomy island homes in a broad choice of locations from by-the-beach to in-town and everywhere in between. You get a choice of transportation, too, and the independence to explore the island and discover its treasures. ### **SOMEWHERE BETWEEN ENGLAND & THE CARIBBEAN** # Home At First’s Bermuda Independent Travel ## Using Quality Vacation Apartments and Inns **Dip your toes into an Atlantic island with history & culture extending from Shakespearean times.** **Bermuda**, is famed as a year-round island destination with great beaches, terrific snorkeling, world-class golf, and deep-sea fishing. Less well-known is that Bermuda proudly combines English traditions with African flair, and a rich North American colonial history with a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the British colonial fortress town of St. George’s, the oldest surviving British colonial town in North America. It was here in St. George’s that shipwrecked British sailors first established landfall on Bermuda following a devastating storm in 1609. Shakespeare used news accounts of the dramatic disaster-turned-salvation at sea in *The Tempest* (1611). Visitors will want to explore its fifty miles or so of main roads, but by law may not rent full-sized, gas-powered cars. Buses go everywhere, and north-shore ferries offer short-cuts across bays. Some intrepid visitors choose to explore Bermuda by driving small two-seater electric rental cars, or two-wheeling via rented mopeds or motor scooters, as the islands’ subtropical, oceanic weather is often ideal: neither too hot in the summer nor too cool in the winter. Not that it doesn’t rain. And its a good thing it does — although hurricanes hitting Bermuda are rare — rain water is the only source of fresh water on the island. ![St Georges town crier. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/St-Georges-town-crier-900x600-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-1.jpg "St Georges town crier. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.") **— WORLD HERITAGE SITE —** St George’s, Bermuda: Britain’s oldest continuous North American colonial town (founded 1609) has been awarded World Heritage Site status. Its historic 17th century forts and colorful, centuries-old houses are the setting for a lively, modern town with close cultural ties to England. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory and linked to the British Commonwealth. Bermudians have special British citizenship. Although Bermuda is self-governing, its official head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. **Home At First**‘s Bermuda independent travel lodgings — vacation apartments & cottages with their own kitchens, as well as inns that offer breakfast and dining — come with hosting support and freedom, the best of both worlds if you are looking to explore a fascinating destination and discover with a unique culture. In Bermuda that means not having to travel great distances to encounter surprising English, Caribbean, American, and African influences on the cuisine, fashions, design, and laid-back lifestyle of this island paradise. **Life is much more than a beach in Bermuda**. BERMUDA FACTS & FANCIES • Bermuda is not in the Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. It is an island in the North Atlantic, kept warm by the Gulf Stream, with a sub-tropical climate & temperatures similar to Florida. • Bermuda belongs geographically to North America, and is 2,725 miles closer to New York than it is to London. Its nearest neighbor is Cape Hatteras, NC, USA, 650 miles to the west. • Bermuda became British in 1609 when an English re-supply ship for Jamestown wrecked on Bermuda in a storm. Shakespeare’s *Tempest* was partially based on this incident. • Bermuda has the world’s oldest continuously seated parliament. It is not an independent country but a British Overseas Territory. Bermudians have a special type of British citizenship. • Bermuda’s currency is not the British pound sterling, but the Bermuda dollar, with an exchange rate tied to the US dollar. US dollars may be used by visitors throughout Bermuda. • Bermuda has dozens of beaches, numerous islets, 9 parishes, and 2 main towns. **Home At First** can arrange for lodgings wherever you want to be in Bermuda. **Home At First’s BERMUDA Independent Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/bermuda-prices/) Includes flights, lodging, public transport pass, and On-Site Guide. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Week in BERMUDA Bermuda independent travel means exploring at your own pace using public transport (buses & ferries), by taxi, using rented scooters, mopeds, or tiny electric cars. **Lodging Types:** Apartments, Cottages, & Inns Locations across Bermuda including historic St. George’s town, beachfront, harborside, and in communities along principal transit routes. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$—$$$$ Bermuda can be pricey, but Bermuda independent travel can be done on a manageable budget, too. Using your apartment’s well-equipped kitchen can really help save. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/bermuda-prices/#Prices) $$$ Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices. No need to worry about exchange rates, as the Bermuda dollar’s value is tied to the US dollar. **Language Spoken Everywhere:** English! Bermuda is a self-governing British Overseas Territory. Expect to hear English accented with British, American, or Caribbean inflections. **Non-Stop Flight Length from USA & Canada** 2-3 hrs from East Coast Airports Connecting flights from other USA & Canadian airports will at least double the total journey time. **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Kids love the activities and the food, the forts, the beaches, the caves, & the British pageantry. Our Bermuda Independent Travel program gives families the freedom to explore & discover. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Bermuda’s best food is local & fresh, with an accent on seafood. Restaurants can be pricey, but street food is quite good and value-priced. **Surprisingly Walkable** Bermuda is hilly with relatively little open territory. However, walking its long, nearly empty beaches, or sections of the Railway Trail is traffic-free, public, safe, and scenic. **Activities** • Swimming • Sunning • Golf • Exploring historic sites • Museums & galleries • Snorkeling • Jet skiing • Whale watching • Sailing • Caving • Going to the Zoo & Aquarium • Shopping • Eating! **The Best Times to Go to Bermuda****:** Bermuda is a year-round destination. Beach-goers will prefer the warmer months (May–October). Golfers prefer the cooler months (September–May). Whale-watching is best March-May. ### **HOW IT WORKS**— ## Home At First’s Bermuda: Independent Travel Using Quality Vacation Apartments & Inns. **NOTE** — Move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any image on this site in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome or Edge) or “View Image” (Firefox). ### First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your travel dream of Bermuda independent travel. We will tell you about getting there, and about the types of lodgings — vacation cottages/apartment and inns, and how best to get around (via bus, ferry, by taxi, scooter, and bike). — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Ask for a [Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). ### BERMUDA INDEPENDENT TRAVEL: SCENES & ACTIVITIES - ![Bermuda: Scooters to the Golf Course. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Scooters-to-the-Golf-Course-1350x900-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-900x600.jpg "Bermuda: Scooters to the Golf Course. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Mopeds to the golf course with clubs slung over one shoulder is tempting but not recommended. Mopeds, scooters, & small electric cars can be rented at locations across Bermuda. - ![Golf at Port Royal GC. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-Golf-at-Port-Royal-GC-1350x900-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-900x600.jpg "Golf at Port Royal GC. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")With several dramatic ocean courses scattered the length of the island nation, it’s clear Bermuda is a year-round golfers’ paradise. - ![Bermuda: Pastel houses with boat moorings. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-Pastel-houses-with-boat-moorings-1500x1000-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-900x600.jpg "Bermuda: Pastel houses with boat moorings. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Bermuda’s pastels mimic the colors of the sky, sea, flowers, and sunsets you will encounter every day of your visit. Bermuda society is built more on boats than on cars. - ![Bermuda: snorkeling. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-snorkeling-1500x1000-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-900x600.jpg "Bermuda: snorkeling. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Snorkeling in clear, turquoise waters is but one of Bermuda’s watersports. Others include deep sea fishing, sailing, & jet-skiing. - ![Crystal Cave, Bermuda. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Crystal-Cave-Bermuda-2016-1261-1350x900-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Photo-900x600.jpg "Crystal Cave, Bermuda. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Bermuda is known for its beaches, golf courses, yacht basins, impregnable forts, and pastel houses. Less well known are Bermuda’s watery caves & grottoes, ideal destinations for cloudy or rainy days. - ![Bermuda: Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-Gibbs-Hill-Lighthouse-2007-07-06_169_cc-1350x900-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Photo-900x600.jpg "Bermuda: Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")A beloved landmark, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse offers great views both coasts of southern Bermuda. Lucky viewers many spot whales from here — see next slide. - ![Bermuda: whale watching. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-whalewatching-1050x700-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-900x600.jpg "Bermuda: whale watching. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")A spectacular breach wows whale-watchers off Bermuda’s south coast. The annual humpback migration visits Bermuda each spring. Several organizations offer whale watching trips. - ![Bermuda: Warwick Long Bay, Southshore Beach with pink sand. Gavin Howarth Photo © Howarth Photography Ltd.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Warwick-Long-Bay-Southshore-Beach-pink-sand-1500x1000-72dpi-Gavin-Howarth-Photo-copyright-Howarth-Photography-Ltd-900x600.jpg "Warwick Long Bay, Southshore Beach with pink sand. Gavin Howarth Photo © Howarth Photography Ltd.")Warwick Long Bay is Bermuda’s longest beach, known for few visitors, pink sand, rocky outcrops, and calm waters for swimming & snorkeling. - ![NE Bermuda: Tobacco Bay — Bonfire on the Beach. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/NE-Bermuda-TobaccoBay-Bonfire-on-the-Beach-1350x900-72dpi-NOPC-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Photo-900x600.jpg "NE Bermuda: Tobacco Bay — Bonfire on the Beach. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")The beach can come alive after sundown, as this romantic bonfire on Tobacco Bay (near St. George’s) illustrates. - ![Historic St Peters Church, St. George's town. Bermuda Tourism Authority Photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/St-Peters-Church-wide-26A9375-1-1400x933-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Photo-900x600.jpg "Historic St Peters Church, St. George's town. Bermuda Tourism Authority Photo.")Founded in 1612 when Bermuda began, St. Peter’s Church is the oldest protestant church in the New World, an important structure in St. George’s town, a World Heritage Site. - ![St. Georges: shop with penny-farthings on display. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/St.-Georges-Studio-Bermuda-Pennyfarthing-shop-1350x900-72dpi-2016-0376-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-900x600.jpg "St. Georges: shop with penny-farthings on display. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")St. George’s alleys are lined with shops, galleries, art studios, and cafés, painted in bright white or pastels. Many present eclectic exteriors to invite browsing. - ![St George's: bookshop. Image © Two & A Quarter Photography Bermuda.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/St-Georges-bookshop-exterior-1350x900-72dpi-0094-Image-copyright-Two-and-Quarter-Photography-Bermuda-900x600.jpg "St George's: bookshop. Image © Two & A Quarter Photography Bermuda.")Bookshop in historic St. George’s town, where eclectic shops are common and shopping is a cultural adventure. - ![Somerset: Bermuda Cup Match decorated Bus Stop. Bermuda Tourism Authority Photo by Gavin Howarth Howarth Photography © Gavin Howarth.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Somerset-Bermuda-Cup-Match-decorated-Bus-Stop-1400x933-72dpi-NOPC-1-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Photo-by-Gavin-Howarth-Howarth-Photography-copyright-Gavin-Howarth-900x600.jpg "Somerset: Bermuda Cup Match decorated Bus Stop. Bermuda Tourism Authority Photo by Gavin Howarth Howarth Photography © Gavin Howarth.")Using public transport in Bermuda means traveling by ferry boat and bus. Bus stops offer shelter from the sun and the rain, and are often painted decorously. - ![Bermuda Passenger Ferry. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-Passenger-Ferry-6185509_2007-06-18_35-1350x900-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Photo-900x600.jpg "Bermuda Passenger Ferry. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Passenger ferries offer scenic, fun public transport along Bermuda’s north shore from St. George’s to the Dockyard and far western Bermuda. - ![Bermuda's Railway Trail. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Railway-Trail-Bermuda-2016-1063-1300x867-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Photo-900x600.jpg "Bermuda's Railway Trail. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")The ghostly legacy of the Bermuda Railway is the 20-mile-long Railway Trail, a safe, traffic-free, flat path for cyclists and walkers that runs the length of Bermuda. - ![Hamilton: 2 women lunching on fish sandwiches by wall art. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Hamilton-2-Women-Fish-Sandwiches-Wall-Art-1400x933-72dpi-4I5A3632-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-Image-900x600.jpg "Hamilton: 2 women lunching on fish sandwiches by wall art. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Street art — in this case the Bermuda flag — in the capital of Hamilton serves as background for two women enjoying street food — in this case, fish sandwiches, a delicious fixture of local cuisine. ### Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • We prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need to experience Bermuda independent travel. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, AIRPORT TRANSFERS and any TRANSIT PASSES required. **Home At First** guests arrive by air at Bermuda’s L. F. Wade International Airport (BDA) in St. George’s. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. ### BERMUDA INDEPENDENT TRAVEL: SCENES & ACTIVITIES - ![Elbow Beach: Paget Parish. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Elbow-Beach-Paget-Parish-vert-335x500-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-300x450.jpg "Elbow Beach: Paget Parish. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Elbow Beach, Paget Parish - ![Paget Parish Inn: Garden Dining. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Paget-Parish-Inn-Garden-Dining-536x800-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-300x450.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Garden Dining. Photo courtesy the owners.")Paget Parish Inn Garden Dining - ![Gibb's Hill Lighthouse. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Lighthouse-Vertical-234-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x450.jpg "Gibb's Hill Lighthouse. Photo © Home At First.")Southampton Parish - ![Gombey Dancers. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Gombey-Dancers-201-547x816-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x450.jpg "Gombey Dancers. Photo © Home At First.")Gombey Dancers - ![Flamingos at the Zoo. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Flamingos-2-160212-278-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x450.jpg "Flamingos at the Zoo. Photo © Home At First.")Hamilton Parish Zoo - ![Big Game Fishing. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Fishing-jumping-big-game-fish-446x667-72dpi-Bermuda-Tourism-Authority-photo-300x450.jpg "Big Game Fishing. Bermuda Tourism Authority photo.")Big Game Fishing - ![Ferry crossing Hamilton Harbour. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ferry-crossing-Hamilton-Harbour-188-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x450.jpg "Ferry crossing Hamilton Harbour. Photo © Home At First.")Hamilton Harbour Ferry - ![Ferry at Dusk. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ferry-at-Dusk-219-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x450.jpg "Ferry at Dusk. Photo © Home At First.")Passenger Ferry at Dusk - ![Bermuda: Crystal & Fantasy Caves. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Descending-Crystal-Cave-16-200212-C-308-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x450.jpg "Bermuda: Crystal & Fantasy Caves. Photo © Home At First.")Crystal Caves, Hamilton Parish ### Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • All travel documents for your trip — including our **“Bermuda Independent Travel Activity Guide”** — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • On departure day, check in at your local airport. Non-stop flights to Bermuda from the East Coast require less than 3 hours. Your domestic flight will connect through one of these East Coast gateways. • In Bermuda you follow our directions for your pre-arranged taxi-transfer from the airport to your Bermuda lodgings, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you the accommodation, explain its workings, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Explore your surroundings. If you have an apartment or cottage, pick-up some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now as you begin to experience Bermuda independent travel from your well-located lodging. #### What Comes with Home At First’s Bermuda Independent Travel Program? HOME AT FIRST BUILDS BERMUDA INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES tHAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings with Hosting:** a choice of apartments, cottages, or lodgings at small inns in safe, pleasant locations across Bermuda, including in the historic, World Heritage town of St. George’s; along principal routes in the central section of Bermuda near shops, restaurants, cafés, golf courses, and other services; along the harbor across from Bermuda’s capital city, Hamilton; and in settings on or very near Bermuda’s southern beaches. All lodgings come with hosts on-site or on-call during your stay for questions, suggestions, problems, or emergencies. **Home At First**‘s lodging locations are ideal bases for exploring Bermuda independently & efficiently from your own quality vacation home. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to Bermuda from your home airport. Our [**price chart**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/bermuda-prices/#Prices) includes round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) to Bermuda (BDA). Non-stop and connecting flights from/to all other airports available for applicable fare supplements or reductions. • **Bermuda Airport Transfers by pre-arranged taxi** to/from your Bermuda Independent Travel lodging on your arrival & departure days. • **Bermuda Transport Pass:** valid for Bermuda independent travel on buses and passenger ferries. (Optional electric mini-car, moped, or scooter rental can be arranged in advance or on-site.) **• Guidebook Keyed for Your Destination:** our “Bermuda Independent Travel Activities Guide” helps you make the most out of your visit. Includes suggestions for beaches, golf courses, touring, historic sites & forts, walking, restaurants, pubs, shopping, museums, galleries, parks, caves, the aquarium & zoo, and much more. [BERMUDA PRICING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/bermuda-prices/#Prices "Bermuda Prices") ## **WHERE WE GO**— ### Home At First’s Bermuda Independent Travel ## WHERE WE GO IN BERMUDA — **A Large Selection of Lodging** **Locations:** **BERMUDIAN GEOGRAPHY:** End-to-end by main road Bermuda is about 20 miles long. Along the way, **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** offers lodgings: • **In Bermuda’s northeastern corner:** the World Heritage Site of colonial St. George’s town, oldest continuously occupied European colonial settlement in North America. Golf, beaches, attractions, shopping, & the airport nearby. • **In Bermuda’s center:** along Hamilton Harbour across from the capital city, and on the Great Sound in locations close to the ferries that connect the far ends of Bermuda with Hamilton. • **Along the south central coast** in Paget, Warwick, and Southampton Parishes near famed pink beaches and outstanding golf courses. Excellent base for touring the island. • **At Bermuda’s southwestern corner,** where the island turns north in a sweeping fishhook formation ending at historic Royal Naval Dockyard. Many fine beaches and water activities available here. Nowhere on Bermuda is far from the sea, the beach, fishing, boating, and water sports. Nowhere is far from golf courses, tennis courts, and walking trails. Nowhere on Bermuda is far from a village or town, restaurants, shopping, galleries, and Bermudian culture. BERMUDA REQUIRES A COMPLETED [ON-LINE VISITOR FORM](https://www.bermudaarrivalcard.com/) FROM ALL VISITORS ARRIVING BY AIR. THERE IS NO FEE. **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME:** Home At First helps all its travelers complete the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. And, if conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed. ## ![Home At First's Bermuda Map showing locations of Bermuda cottages and inns. Built on a base map by Eric Gaba - Wikipedia Commons User Sting.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Bermuda-Enhanced-Topo-Map-with-text-titles-2114x1491-150dpi-base-map-by-Eric-Gaba-Wikipedia-Commons-User-Sting.jpg "Home At First's Bermuda Map showing locations of Bermuda cottages and inns. Built on a base map by Eric Gaba - Wikipedia Commons User Sting.") ## Home At First’s Map of Bermuda ## Built on a base map by Eric Gaba – Wikipedia Commons User Sting. ## WHERE WE STAY IN BERMUDA — **A Large Selection of Lodgings:** **ACCOMMODATIONS:** **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** offers custom-planned Bermuda independent travel using self-contained cottages and serviced inns across the island. **•** All **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** Bermuda independent travel lodgings are near public transportation (bus and/or ferry), stores and restaurants, beaches, golf courses, and activities. **•** All **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** Bermuda independent travel serviced inns offer concierge services, and daily breakfast. Some offer meals at in-house restaurants. All have bedrooms with private baths. Many have kitchenettes for light meals en suite. **•** All **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** Bermuda independent travel cottages and apartments have, as a minimum, independent quarters for sleeping and lounging, private bathrooms, and well-equipped kitchens (or, in some rare cases, kitchenettes without ovens). As self-contained lodgings, nearly all have their own laundry machines. Those without their own clothes washers and dryers have laundry arrangements available through their landlords/hosts. **•** Most **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** Bermuda independent travel lodgings also include furnished balconies, patios, private gardens, or terraces, many of these with sea views. **•** Importantly, all **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** Bermuda independent travel lodgings come with the welcoming, enthusiastic attention of landlord/hosts, who are committed to making your stay in their vacation homes delightful and problem-free. #### A Selection of Bermuda Lodgings & Locations Shown and described below are two popular **Home At First** Bermuda lodgings: one a seaside cottage on Bermuda’s south-central shore, and one a collection of apartments at a guest inn close the center of Bermuda’s Main Island. They are shown here as **examples** of different sizes and capacities. While the full range of our available Bermuda independent travel lodgings and locations to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment or location. **NOTE:** Each of the following lodging descriptions begins with a slide show. To move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) click on the direction arrows below each slide. To see slides in large format on a PC, “right click” on a slide & click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome or Edge) or “View Image” (Firefox). #### SOUTH BEACH COTTAGES - ![South Beach Cottages. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottages-aerial-view-2-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin-used-with-permission.jpg "South Beach Cottages. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.")South Beach Cottages. - ![South Beach Cottages - gull's eye view. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottages-aerial-view-600x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin.jpg "South Beach Cottages - gull's eye view. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Cottages — gull’s eye view. - ![South Beach Cottages: Beach View. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-Beach-View-1-949x672-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-900x600.jpg "South Beach Cottages: Beach View. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Cottages: Beach View. - ![South Beach Cottages: Stairs down to the Beach. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-Stairs-to-Beach-904x629-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-900x600.jpg "South Beach Cottages: Stairs down to the Beach. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Cottages: Stairs down to the Beach. - ![South Beach Cottages: the Studio cottage interior. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottages-the-Studio-interior-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin-used-with-permission.jpeg "South Beach Cottages: the Studio cottage interior. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.")South Beach Studio Cottage Interior. - ![South Beach Large Cottage #1 — Terrace French Doors with Bermuda Sky. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-Terrace-French-Doors-with-Bermuda-Sky-904x578-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-867x578.jpg "South Beach Large Cottage #1 — Terrace French Doors with Bermuda Sky. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")Large Cottage #1: Terrace French Doors with Bermuda Sky. - ![South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #1 Living Area with furnished terrace access. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-Living-Area-with-furnished-terrace-access-871x610-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-871x580.jpg "South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #1 Living Area with furnished terrace access. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")Large Cottage #1: Living Area & furnished terrace access. - ![South Beach Cottages: Dining Area. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-Dining-Area-904x679-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-900x600.jpg "South Beach Cottages: Dining Area. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Large Cottage #1: Dining Area. - ![South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #1: Kitchen. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-Kitchen-904x555-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-832x555.jpg "South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #1: Kitchen. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Large Cottage #1: Kitchen. - ![South Beach Large Cottage #1 Kitchen. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottage-Kitchen-600x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin.jpeg "South Beach Large Cottage #1 Kitchen. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Large Cottage #1 Kitchen. - ![South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #1 — Master King Bedroom. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-Master-King-Bedroom-904x586-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-879x586.jpg "South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #1 — Master King Bedroom. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Large Cottage #1: Master King Bedroom. - ![South Beach Cottages — Large Cottage #1: 2nd Bedroom set up as twins. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Cottage-South-Beach-Cottage-Warwick-2nd-Bedroom-set-up-as-twins-949x672-Sand-Dollar-Photo-courtesy-Steve-Martin-900x600.jpg "South Beach Cottages — Large Cottage #1: 2nd Bedroom set up as twins. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")Large Cottage #1: Twin Bedroom. - ![South Beach Cottages - Large Cottage 2 interior. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottages-Large-Cottage-2-interior-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin-used-with-permission.jpeg "South Beach Cottages - Large Cottage 2 interior. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.")South Beach Large Cottage #2 — room for 6. - ![South Beach Cottages - Large Cottage #2 Kitchen. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottages-Large-Cottage-2-Kitchen-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin-used-with-permission.jpeg "South Beach Cottages - Large Cottage #2 Kitchen. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.")Large cottage #2: well-equipped kitchen with a view. - ![South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #2 — Outside Dining. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottages-Large-Cottage-2-Outside-Dining-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin-used-with-permission.jpeg "South Beach Cottages: Large Cottage #2 — Outside Dining. Photo © Steve Martin - used with permission.")Large cottage #2: terrace with dining for 6 & a fabulous view. - ![South Beach Cottages: private parking for mini e-vehicles. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/South-Beach-Cottages-private-parking-for-mini-e-vehicles-Photo-copyright-Steve-Martin.jpg "South Beach Cottages: private parking for mini e-vehicles. Photo © Steve Martin; used with permission.")South Beach Cottages: private parking for mini e-vehicles. SOUTH BEACH COTTAGES **Nearest Transit: Bus Stop 50 yards. Nearest Beach: 50 yards down private steps. Nearest Golf: Belmont Hills: 1mi.; Turtle Hill G.C. 2.65mi.** If you come to Bermuda hoping to find a hideaway by the sea a few steps from a nearly-hidden beach, **Home At First’s South Beach Cottages** are the stuff of your dreams. On a bluff above the Atlantic with a private stairway to one of Bermuda’s magical, pink-sand, beach coves, South Beach Cottages offer fabulous scenery, delicious privacy, and touring-base convenience. **THE LODGINGS:** Three separate single-story (ground floor) cottages make up the complex: **• An open-plan studio** ideal for a couple. One large open-plan room with well-equipped, small kitchen with breakfast bar (seats 2), living area with lounge chair and flat-screen TV, dining table for two, and king bed. Separate bathroom with tub/shower. Laundry closet with washer/dryer. Patio with ocean view opens off the dining area, comes with umbrella-table for two, 2 lawn chairs, and 2 sun chaises. **• A large 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage #1** ideal for 2 couples or a family of up to 6. Master bedroom with king bed and access to its own patio with sun chaises and beach view. 2nd bedroom with twin beds that can be made as a king bed plus a single bed. Two bathrooms with tub/showers accessed off the hall (not en suite to either bedroom). Laundry room with washer/dryer across the hall from the bathrooms. Living room with a TV, sofa, and day bed, open-plan with the complete kitchen and dining area. French doors off the living room open to the furnished patio with a beach view. **• An extra-large 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottage #2** with a den that can be converted into a 3rd bedroom. Master bedroom with an Atlantic view, king bed and master en suite bathroom with walk-in shower. Bedroom #2 (queen bed) opens off the den, which has a couch with pull-out twin bed, a single day-bed, and flat-screen TV. The cottage’s 2nd bathroom (tub/shower) opens from the den, making the 2nd bedroom + den bedroom + bath a complex sleeping up to 4 persons. The spacious open-plan living room and dining area open off the large, fully-equipped kitchen, which also has the washer/dryer. The cottage has 3 furnished patios: 2 on the cliff-edge with spectacular ocean views just outside the dining area, and one set apart by the master bedroom, also with an ocean view. **MORE GOODIES:** The three cottages share location, lawns, the private driveway, private parking for mini e-cars, mopeds, & scooters, the view across the endless Atlantic, and the stairway to the beach below. All three cottages come with air conditioning, cable TV, internet, WIFI, washer/dryers, furnished patio-terraces with gas-fired barbecue grills, dining tables with umbrellas, and lawn chairs and sun chaises. **GETTING AROUND:** South Beach Cottages guests can use public transportation to explore Bermuda. A bus stop is 50 yards from the end of the cottages’ private drive. From here guests can travel the length and breadth of Bermuda by bus. Guests not wanting to rely on public transportation schedules can easily arrange for taxi services from the cottage to anywhere roads go in Bermuda. Guests wanting to drive themselves on at least some days of their visit will be pleased that the South Beach Cottages are close (2-2.5 miles) to four rental companies for mopeds, scooters, and small e-cars. Private parking is provided for guests’ vehicles at the estate entrance. **WHAT’S CLOSE?** South Beach Cottages are set on Bermuda’s famed southeast shore known for its pink-sand beaches: Horseshoe Bay Beach, Warwick Long Bay Beach, and Elbow Beach. Two fine golf course (Belmont Hills G.C. & Turtle Hill at the Fairmont Southampton) are a couple of minutes away. The restaurants, grocers, churches, and numerous shops & boutiques of Southampton, Warwick, and Paget Parishes are within 5-15 minutes. #### PAGET PARISH INN - ![Paget Parish Inn Balcony View: Lodgings, Pool, & Garden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Paget-Parish-Inn-Balcony-View-of-Cottages-Pool-Garden-1-86-585x418-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-585x390.jpg "Paget Parish Inn Balcony View: Lodgings, Pool, & Garden. Photo © Home At First.")Paget Parish Inn Balcony View: Lodgings, Pool, & Garden. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Cottage Exterior & Garden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Paget-Parish-Inn-Cottage-Exterior-w.-Garden-585x377-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn-565x377.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Cottage Exterior & Garden. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn: Cottage Exterior & Garden. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Two Cottage Exteriors.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Paget-Parish-Inn-2-Cottage-Exteriors-585x386-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn-579x386.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Two Cottage Exteriors. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn: Two Cottage Exteriors. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Large Living Room.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Paget-Parish-Inn-Large-Living-Room-2-89-585x438-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-585x390.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Large Living Room. Photo © Home At First.")Paget Parish Inn: Large Living Room. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Kitchen, Dining, & Living Room.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Page-Parish-Inn-Kitchen-Dining-Living-Room-585x342-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn-513x342.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Kitchen, Dining, & Living Room. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn: Kitchen, Dining, & Living Room. - ![Paget Parish Inn Cottage: King Bedroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Paget-Parish-Inn-Cottage-King-Bedroom-1-585x369-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn-553x369.jpg "Paget Parish Inn Cottage: King Bedroom. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn Cottage: King Bedroom. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Large Living Room & Terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Bermuda-Paget-Parish-Inn-Large-Living-Room-1-585x394-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn-585x390.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Large Living Room. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn: Large Living Room & Terrace. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Cottage Bathroom. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Paget-Parish-Inn-Cottage-Bathroom-600x400-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Cottage Bathroom. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn: Cottage Bathroom. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Bedroom with TV and furnished balcony. Photo courtesy Parish Paget Inn; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Paget-Parish-Inn-Bedroom-with-TV-and-furnished-balcony-600x400-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Parish-Paget-Inn.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Bedroom with TV and furnished balcony. Photo courtesy Parish Paget Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn: Bedroom with TV and furnished balcony. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Living room with furnished balcony. Photo courtesy Parish Paget Inn; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Paget-Parish-Inn-Living-room-with-furnished-balcony-600x400-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Living room with furnished balcony. Photo courtesy Parish Paget Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn: Living room with covered, furnished balcony. - ![Paget Parish Inn: Balcony Breakfast with a View of Hamilton Harbour. Photo courtesy Paget Parish Inn - used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Paget-Parish-Inn-Balcony-Breakfast-with-a-View-of-Hamilton-Harbour-640x427-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn-used-with-permission-640x426.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: Balcony Breakfast with a View of Hamilton Harbour. Photo courtesy Paget Parish Inn - used with permission.")Balcony Breakfast with a View of Hamilton Harbour. - ![Paget Parish Inn Restaurant: Formal Dining Room corner table. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Paget-Parish-Inn-Formal-Dining-Room-corner-table-600x400-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn.jpg "Paget Parish Inn Restaurant: Formal Dining Room corner table. Photo © Paget Parish Inn; used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn Restaurant: Formal Dining Room corner table. - ![Paget Parish Inn: cozy, well-stocked bar. Photo courtesy Paget Parish Inn used with permission.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Paget-Parish-Inn-cozy-bar-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Paget-Parish-Inn-used-with-permission.jpg "Paget Parish Inn: cozy, well-stocked bar. Photo courtesy Paget Parish Inn used with permission.")Paget Parish Inn’s cozy, well-stocked bar. PAGET PARISH INN LODGINGS **Nearest Transit: Bus Stop 250 yards. Nearest Ferry: Darrell’s Wharf ½ mile. Beaches: Surf Side .89 mi.; Elbow 1.36 mi. Nearest Golf Course: Belmont Hills ½ mile.** **Home At First****‘s** **Paget Parish Inn** is as practical as its location is desirable. Bermudian living is good here. The estate occupies a 2.5 acre hillside location overlooking Hamilton Harbor from the south. The historic property (dating from 1727) includes an award-winning restaurant plus a compound of several cottages built around a central outdoor pool for guest use. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with palms, pines, and flowering shrubs. The estate complex has eleven non-smoking cottage lodgings: deluxe king rooms sleeping two; suites with separate living rooms sleeping 2-4, and two-bedroom cottages sleeping 4-6. Children are welcome. Located in Paget Parish near the middle of the Main Island almost due south of Hamilton, Paget Parish Inn makes an ideal base for exploring Bermuda. **THE LODGINGS** are concentrated around the pool away and set for peace & privacy across the estate garden from the inn’s popular restaurant and bar, which are open to the public. All bedrooms have king-size beds. Suites have convertible queen-sized sofa-beds in their living rooms. Lodgings are equipped with WIFI, telephone, cable flat screen TV, air conditioning & ceiling fans, double sink bathrooms with showers, hairdryer, bathrobes, and security boxes for valuables. Every lodging has a microwave and small fridge. Deluxe rooms have private, furnished balconies or patios. One-bedroom suites have queen size sofa-beds in the living room and private furnished terraces. Two-bedroom cottages have queen size sofa-beds in the living room and private, furnished balconies or patios. **EXTRA-COST LODGING OPTIONS** include continental breakfast delivered daily, plus daily maid service. Also available is a dining plan for the inn’s restaurant. **MORE GOODIES:** Paget Parish Inn guests receive complimentary beach passes. Guests also receive reduced rates on meals in the inn’s award-winning restaurant, and may opt to join a “dine-around plan” valid for reduced-price dining in a selection of nine participating restaurants with varying cuisines. Paget Parish Inn restaurant’s wine list is thought the finest on Bermuda, with fine, rare wines from around the world stocking its cave. After dinner and at other times guests are welcome to enjoy the inn’s historic, intimate bar and lounge. The weekly Sunday brunch is especially attractive to guests, who may enjoy morning dining indoors or in the Palm Garden. **GETTING AROUND:** Paget Parish Inn guests can use public transportation to explore Bermuda. Two bus stops are within 300 yards of the inn’s entrance. A ferry stop on Hamilton Harbour is a half-mile away. Guests not wanting to rely on public transportation schedules can easily arrange for taxi services from the inn to anywhere roads go in Bermuda. Guests wanting to drive themselves on at least some days of their visit will be pleased that Paget Parish Inn is close to two rental companies for mopeds, scooters, and small e-cars. The inn provides guest parking for such vehicles. **WHAT’S CLOSE?** Paget Parish Inn is between approximately midway between the town centers of Paget Parish and Warwick Parish, and about mid-way between Hamilton Harbour and the beaches of Page and Warwick. A fine golf course (Belmont Hills G.C.) is a couple of minutes away. So are several restaurants, food shops, two laundry services, an assortment of churches, and numerous shops and boutiques. **Otherwise:** the speed limit in Bermuda is 21mph (35kmh) and the inn is roughly in the middle of the 20-mile-long island: drive more than 30 minutes or so in either direction and you will get wet. **DO YOU LIKE THESE SAMPLES? WANT TO SEE MORE? WE HAVE LODGINGS ACROSS BERMUDA. [CONTACT US](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) FOR MORE CHOICES.** ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR BERMUDA TRIP —** [bermuda package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/bermuda-prices/#Prices "Bermuda Prices") [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** HAVE YOU SEEN HOME AT FIRST’s [CURRENT TRAVEL BARGAINS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/current-travel-bargains/#Bargains "Home At First’s Current Travel Bargains")? SAVE 15-30% OFF THE COST OF YOUR NEXT TRIP. --- ### [Trip Registration Form](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/trip-registration-form/) **Published:** April 14, 2021 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) HOME AT FIRST’S REGISTRATION FORM Every Journey Begins with a First Step. ——————————— Your Next Journey Begins now. Village on the Hardanger Fjord. Home At First travelers can choose to overnight here as part of their independent journey through Norway. Home At First Trip Registration Form Complete & Submit this form to accept your Home At First travel plans as proposed. Items marked * must be completed. Traveler #1 Name (as it appears on passport): the primary contact person coordinating the trip planning process \* Traveler #1 – Email Address \* Traveler #1 – Primary Telephone Number \* Traveler #1 – Postal Address \* Traveler #1 – Date of Birth \*Must Use Date Format: ddMONyy Traveler #2 Name (as it appears on passport) Traveler #2 – Date of BirthMust Use Date Format: ddMONyy Traveler #3 Name (as it appears on passport) Traveler #3 – Date of BirthMust Use Date Format: ddMONyy Traveler #4 Name (as it appears on passport) Traveler #4 – Date of BirthMust Use Date Format: ddMONyy Traveler #5 Name (as it appears on passport) Traveler #5 – Date of BirthMust Use Date Format: ddMONyy Traveler #6 Name (as it appears on passport) Traveler #6 – Date of BirthMust Use Date Format: ddMONyy We would like the following package type (choose one): \*Full Package (Air + Lodging + Land Transport)Ground Only (Lodging + Land Transport)Lodging Only (No Transport Items) Occupancy Start Date at 1st Home At First Lodging \*Must Use Date Format: ddMONyy Date You Return HomeMust Use Date Format: ddMONyy Do you want Home At First to arrange & ticket your International Flights? \*- Yes — Please book & ticket our International Flights. - No — we are making our own international flight arrangements. Do you want Home At First to arrange & ticket Domestic Connecting Flights? \*- Yes — Please book & ticket our Domestic Connecting Flights. - No — we are making our own domestic flight arrangements. - No — we do not need domestic connecting flights. Your Originating Airport for this trip: Your Destinations for this trip (choose all that apply):- England, UK – LONDON - England, UK – COTSWOLDS - England, UK – CORNWALL/DEVON - England, UK – LAKE DISTRICT - England, UK – YORKSHIRE & the DALES - England, UK – OTHER (explain below) - Scotland, UK – CENTRAL SCOTLAND HIGHLANDS - Scotland, UK – EDINBURGH - Scotland, UK – INVERNESS & NORTHERN HIGHLANDS - Scotland, UK – OTHER (explain below) - Ireland – CENTRAL IRELAND: Clare & Tipperary - Ireland – DUBLIN - Ireland – SW IRELAND: Cork & Kerry - Ireland – NW IRELAND: Donegal & Sligo - Ireland – OTHER (explain below) - Northern Ireland, UK – Antrim & Derry - Northern Ireland, UK – OTHER (explain below) - Wales, UK – MID-WALES: Brecon & Powys - Wales, UK – NW WALES: Snowdonia - Wales, UK – OTHER (explain below) - France – PARIS - France – OTHER (explain below) - Switzerland – BERNESE OBERLAND: Kandersteg - Switzerland – BERNESE OBERLAND: Mürren - Switzerland – TICINO: Locarno/Ascona Area - Switzerland – VALAIS: Zermatt & the Matterhorn - Switzerland – OTHER (explain below) - Italy – ROME - Italy – TUSCANY: Siena - Italy – Rural TUSCANY: Alta Maremma - Italy – OTHER (explain below) - PORTUGAL – Lisbon/Cascais/Sintra Area - PORTUGAL – Porto & the North - PORTUGAL – Algarve (the South) - ICELAND - Scandinavia – DENMARK: Copenhagen & Its Region - Scandinavia – DENMARK: OTHER (explain below) - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Oslo & Its Region - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Hardanger Plateau - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Hardanger Fjord - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Sogne Fjord - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Sandane & Nordfjord - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Bergen & Its Region - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Stavanger & Lysefjord - Scandinavia – NORWAY: Kristiansand & the Far South - Scandinavia – NORWAY: OTHER (explain below) - Scandinavia – SWEDEN: Stockholm - Scandinavia – SWEDEN: Uppsala - Scandinavia – SWEDEN’s Great Lakes - Scandinavia – SWEDEN’s West Coast: Bohuslän - Scandinavia – SWEDEN: Gothenburg - Scandinavia – SWEDEN: OTHER (explain below) - BERMUDA - New Zealand – NORTH ISLAND: Northland - New Zealand – NORTH ISLAND: Auckland - New Zealand – NORTH ISLAND: Coromandel - New Zealand – NORTH ISLAND: Rotorua & Taupo - New Zealand – NORTH ISLAND: Hawkes Bay - New Zealand – NORTH ISLAND: Wellington - New Zealand – NORTH ISLAND: OTHER (explain below) - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: Nelson & Its Region - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: Westland - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: Queenstown Area - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: Fiordland & Southland - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: Dunedin & Its Region - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: Christchurch & Canterbury - New Zealand – SOUTH ISLAND: OTHER (explain below) OTHER: Custom-Made Travel Destination(s): Special Instructions, Requests, & Notes OUR HEALTH & SAFETY TRAVEL POLICY. Please read and signify your agreement by checking the box. \*- Yes. We have read, we understand, and we agree to comply with Home At First’s Health & Safety Travel Policy detailed here: https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Health-Safety-Policy. Furthermore, for destinations that require that visitors be fully-vaccinated and &/or tested before entry, we agree to comply. For destinations that require any special testing or quarantining protocols, we recognize our responsibility for making all the proper arrangements. For destinations that have no entry restrictions for visitors, we confirm that we have been counseled to be fully aware of the potential health and safety risks associated with independent international travel, and have made our individual, personal decisions for which we are responsible. And, while Home At First may provide advice and/or assistance before or during our travels, we recognize that the ultimate responsibility for our choices and any costs they incur is ours. OUR CANCELLATION POLICY & TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDATIONS. Please confirm that you have read & understand this information by checking the box. \*- Yes. We have read and we understand the provisions of Home At First’s Cancellation Policy and Home At First’s recommendation that we purchase Travel Insurance to cover at least against potential trip cancellations and/or trip interruptions as detailed here: https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations. Further, we acknowledge that if we elect not to purchase travel insurance, we assume the risk for any losses and/or costs that we may incur by cancelling our trip or having our ongoing trip interrupted. And, while Home At First may provide advice and/or assistance in the event we cancel our trip or in the event our trip is interrupted, we recognize that the ultimate responsibility for our choices and any costs they incur is ours. IMPORTANT: if you purchased a non-refundable trip from Home At First, once your completed registration form and initial payment is received by Home At First, cancelling your trip makes you vulnerable for loss of all moneys paid unless you have purchased trip cancellation insurance. Moreover, any refunds calculated/offered by Home At First are made at the sole discretion of Home At First and are made on a case-by-case basis. Initial Payment (nonrefundable deposit) to Confirm this Booking: \*As per HOME AT FIRST’s reservation confirmation email/letter instructions — enter amount of your payment in the space above. Select your Payment Type: \*- Sending a Check (personal or bank check) for the initial trip deposit. - Paying by Credit Card, Debit Card, or Digital Wallet for the initial trip deposit. - Paying by Bank Wire Transfer for the initial trip deposit. Select One Payment Type. Payment NotesComplete this field if some other payment arrangements have been made with Home At First. Message Confirm & Register Your Trip --- ### [NEW ZEALAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **NORTH ISLAND** — ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/north-island/#NorthIsland) ###### [— **SOUTH ISLAND** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/south-island-of-new-zealand/#SouthIsland) ###### **[— NEW ZEALAND PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices "New Zealand Prices")** ##### ##### [HOME AT FIRST’s](https://homeatfirst.com/) **NEW ZEALAND** A ROAD TRIP OF ENDLESS VARIETY Milford Sound: iconic World Heritage Site scenery on New Zealand’s South Island. #### **A DOZEN REGIONS OF ENDLESS VARIETY ACROSS TWO ISLANDS** # New Zealand Road Trip! ## Explore New Zealand Independently via Car, Rail, Boat, & Plane with Quality Lodgings at Every Stop. **Expect surprises in every corner of New Zealand. Discover flightless parrots at the glaciers. Penguins nesting in the rainforest. Caves alight with glowworms. A one-lane bridge shared by cars and trains.** **Smoldering** **volcanoes on the North Island. Snowcapped alps on the South Island. Polynesia’s largest city with harbors on two oceans. World-class wines: whites (of course) and now reds, too. Microclimates ranging from sub-tropical to sub-antarctic, from maritime to arid to alpine. A tasty, trendy cuisine that sources local and delivers fresh. Expect the extraordinary in New Zealand.** Travelers need good reasons for flying one-third of the way around the globe from North America — a 12-hour flight from the West Coast — to reach **New Zealand**. Forty-four hundred air miles southwest of Hawaii across the International Dateline, **Auckland** — New Zealand’s largest city and principal entry airport — is closer to (but still far away from) Sydney, Australia (1,340 miles), and the nearest landfall (icefall?) in Antarctica (3,100 miles). New Zealand straddles a remote corner of **the Pacific “Ring of Fire”** at the intersection of **three Southern Hemisphere oceans**. A unique **giant fern flora** and **land-mammal-less fauna** has evolved across this isolated island archipelago in niche ecosystems formed by the country’s **active volcanic geology**. Hot springs on the beach, active & sleeping volcanoes of all sizes, in-your-face geysers, golf courses with boiling mud hazards, and earthquake fault lines regularly trembling its major cities all remind you of New Zealand’s tectonic truths. With geothermal wonders found few other places on earth, New Zealand often seems extraterrestrial: dotted with enough other-worldly locations to be cast as **the perfect** **Middle Earth** in Peter Jackson’s *Lord of the Rings* films. If natural New Zealand is astonishing, it’s fitting that its human population has many surprises for visitors. All human presence on this archipelago in the far South Pacific is geologically recent. Some time around 1300AD Polynesian people first came to these islands, having somehow canoed across more than 2,500 miles of open ocean from the Society Islands near Tahiti. There is no record of human presence on New Zealand earlier than the bones and artefacts of these first Polynesian arrivals. Likely several waves of Polynesians followed. These tribes became the **indigenous Maori** and settled throughout the land they call **Aotearoa**, the largest and southernmost landmass in Polynesia. Europeans were the next strangers to accidentally “discover” the archipelago. Dutch explorer **Abel Tasman** was the first European to see the islands he called **Staten Landt** after the parliament of the Netherlands. When his boats neared the northwestern corner of the South Island in 1642, they were chased away by hostile Maoris in war canoes who killed four of Tasman’s crew. The islands were circumnavigated and mapped by English explorer **Captain James Cook** in 1769, laying the groundwork for Britain adding Aotearoa to its Victorian empire in 1840, when the **Treaty of Waitangi** granted full rights of Englishmen to Maori who likely had no ideal what they were getting into. New Zealand is no longer an outpost of **the British Empire**. **Post World War II immigration** brought many continental Europeans and Asians to mix their cultures with the British and Maori establishment while external **Australian and American cultural influences** affected Kiwi sports, fashion, and music. **Today’s New Zealanders** (you can call them “Kiwis” if you wish, as you might Australians “Aussies” or “Ozzies” or British “Brits”) are typically urban, worldly, youthful, outdoorsy, and committed to keeping their remote islands at once pristine and culturally diverse. Kiwi pride in their nation shows in a unique blend of conservative and liberal viewpoints: protective and insular environmentally and economically, while progressively international socially and governmentally. That New Zealand consistently **ranks high on lists of the world’s “happiest” countries** is no surprise — Kiwis tend to feel they have an ideal country for escaping many of the world’s problems and for promoting a lifestyle that is at once relaxed and active. Visitors will find that New Zealanders are happy to show you their country and learn from you about yours. But in exchange for a genuinely warm welcome, they want you to promise to spend money, and in no way harm their fragile ecosystems. Kiwis are convinced that if you follow these guidelines New Zealand will be able to maintain its uniqueness, welcome generations of visitors to come, and stay one of the world’s happiest nations. **A New Zealand Road Trip leads to Middle Earth, modern life, Maori traditions, and geologic marvels. As you drive, expect significant changes in New Zealand every two hours.** #### **Home At First’s NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices) Includes trans-pacific flights, lodging in destinations of your choosing, rental cars and domestic flights (e.g. inter-island flights) right for your itinerary. Ground-only option available. Combinable with stopovers in Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, or Australia offered by the airlines at extra cost. **Itinerary Character:** 14 Nights or More in NEW ZEALAND Explore New Zealand independently on your terms. Choose your destinations & how long you wish to stay at each stop. Move from location to location by rental car. Fly between North & South Islands. Take scenic trains & boats when appropriate. **Lodging Types:** Upscale B&Bs, Boutique Hotels, & Rural Lodges Locations in up to 12 regions throughout New Zealand: 6 on each principal island. City lodgings close to transport, restaurants, shops, & services. Rural locations convenient bases for seeing attractions. All lodgings come with superb hosting. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$$ New Zealand can be expensive to travel to, but not as costly to visit, especially if you minimize eating in high-end restaurants. Gas costs more than in the US, but this is a road trip, so get a comfortable car! Organized activities can be pricey, but many adventures can be self-guided. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices) $$$$ *But, excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* The long round-trip flights are the most expensive bit. On-site costs can fit most any budget. Because your New Zealand road trip lasts 14-nights or longer, you see New Zealand for a reasonable daily rate. **Language Spoken Most Everywhere:** English Expect New Zealand **English** to sound vaguely familiar, more like Australian than British. The most challenging aspects of the New Zealand accent are the unexpected vowels and unique idiomatic phrases. One useful **Maori** phrase: *Kia ora!* (Hello!) **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 12+ hrs from West Coast; 18.3 hrs from East Coast Most North American flights arrive at Auckland (AKL) or (rarely) at Christchurch (CHC). New Zealand domestic flights connect regional airports throughout New Zealand. **Family Friendly?** ♥♥ Kids love the activities, the parks, and the food, but may not like an itinerary with long driving hours. Boat trips, ferry crossings, train rides, and animal encounters all appeal to young travelers. Wineries, multi-day hikes, cultural museums, and art galleries not so much. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥♥ Not long ago, New Zealand food meant lamb, spuds, and mash peas. No longer! Kiwi cuisine is trendy. substantial, different, and delicious, with the accent on fresh, organic, and local. Seafood is an important part of the cuisine, but does not dominate. Kiwi wines & beers are excellent. **Walkable, Gawk-able** New Zealand is hikers’ heaven! You can add guided or unguided multi-day treks on any of the country’s 10 Great Walks as part of your New Zealand Road Trip. In addition to super hiking in New Zealand’s national parks, all Kiwi regions including the cities offer scenic tracks for day hiking and casual walking. **Activities** • Car Touring • City Strolling & Country hiking • Fjord cruising • Lake cruising • Ocean cruising • Museums & galleries • Dining: hi-brow & low • Maori sites in Northland & Rotorua • Lake Fishing • Ocean Fishing • Exploring geo-thermal areas • The Wine Trail! • Golf: world-class, and local • Seeing Glaciers • Scenic trains. **The Best Times to plan your New Zealand Road Trip****:** November to December 15. January 15 to April 15. Avoid the many closings over Christmas. Winter months (June 21-Sept. 21) can bring cold and darkness to the South Island. Best long-distance hiking months: early Dec., late-Feb., March, early-April. #### Your New Zealand Road Trip Takes You Here — ![Home At First's New Zealand](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2021-NZ-Map-1543x1947-72dpi-3-Map-copyright-Home-At-First-1.jpg) Although an archipelago of hundreds of islands, New Zealand is principally comprised of two similarly-sized islands separated by a narrow (less than 15 miles), if sometimes treacherous, Cook Strait. Oriented from southwest to northeast, the two islands when measured together are very similar in size to California: nearly 1,000 miles long as the albatross flies, or 1,300 miles long using the most direct motoring routes. And, like California, the islands of New Zealand were formed by tectonic forces that are still at work today. Active and dormant volcanoes dot the middle of North Island in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, lower Waikato, Manawatu-Manganui, and Taranaki regions. Earthquakes shake many parts of New Zealand, especially along the east coast of both major islands, and have caused major historical damage to the cities of Napier, Wellington, and Christchurch. Beyond their shared geologic activity, the North Island and South Island have little in common. Closer to the equator, the **North Island** has a warmer climate, with its subtropical Northland region reminiscent of the Caribbean. Broad, fertile lowlands characterize much of the northern panhandle of the North Island and rim its coasts. The North Island receives plentiful rain, and is otherwise kept fertile by its many rivers. With kinder weather, more water, more arable land, and several, excellent deep-water harbors, it’s only natural that the North Island be the more populous island: home to more than 75% of the population (about 4 million of the country’s 5+ million residents). The slightly larger **South Island** is more mountainous than the North Island. Its snowcapped spine of Southern Alps acts like the Sierra Nevada in California: wet along the Tasman (west) coast, but arid in the rain shadow east of the mountains, not unlike the mountain west of the U.S. The lower, flatter, fertile Canterbury plain is the South Island’s breadbasket. Alpine and sub-antarctic climates dominate much of the southern half of the South Island rendering it unsuitable for large habitations away from the protected coasts. Residents of the South Island are quick to counter that their half of New Zealand offers much more of the country’s famed geographic spectacle. That’s not to say that the North Island’s scenery is ordinary. There are remarkable natural wonders spread lavishly across both islands, and distinct cultural differences worth exploring in every region, regardless of population density. For these reasons we recommend visitors plan to visit multiple regions on both islands. Although **Home At First** offers lodgings in many New Zealand regions, we think that travelers should plan to visit not more than 7 or 8 regions during a 14-day visit. Longer stays — 21-days may be optimal — permit a more thorough exploration of New Zealand: visits to more regions (perhaps as many as 10 regions), or longer stays that permit focusing key interests: food & wine, fishing, golf, hiking, cycling, geothermal zones, Maori culture, among others. ##### **HOW IT WORKS**— #### Home At First’s New Zealand Road Trip: Independent Travel with Quality Hosted Lodgings. ### First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your travel dream of a New Zealand Road Trip. — Tell us how many people will be with you, and the ages of all travelers in your party. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and how many days you have for your visit. — Tell us what you dream of seeing & experiencing on your New Zealand Road Trip. — Tell us what, if any, specific activities or adventures you want to pursue in New Zealand. — Tell us if you have any special requests for organized activities or adventures. — Tell us if you would like to combine your New Zealand visit with a stopover elsewhere. — Ask for a [Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). ### A GALLERY OF NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP REGIONS & ACTIVITIES **A PARTIAL SELECTION OF DESTINATIONS & THINGS TO DO ON A NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP** - ![Multiple observatories at Mt John above Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Country.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mackenzie-Country-Mt-John-observatorie-18030540166A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Mackenzie Country — Mt John observatories at Lake Tekapo. Photo © Home At First.")Set on the South Island’s high Mackenzie Country with very little light pollution, Tekapo is among the best places in the world to observe night skies. - ![Auckland: harbour view at night. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Auckland-skyline-at-night-180305R80229A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland's skyline at night viewed from the harbour. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland’s lively Central Business District (CBD) skyline at night viewed from the harbour. Sky Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. - ![Fiordland: Milford Track hikers crossing swing bridge. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fiordland-Milford-Track-hikers-crossing-swing-bridge-180305R1103214A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland: Milford Track hikers crossing swing bridge. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland: Milford Track hikers crossing swing bridge. Several of New Zealand’s Great Walks are found in this scenic corner of the South Island. - ![Coromandel: beach wedding near Cathedral Cove. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coromandel-beach-wedding-near-Cathedral-Cove-1803051405827A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: beach wedding near Cathedral Cove. Photo © Home At First.")Beach wedding near Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove, considered one of New Zealand’s most romantic beaches. At nearby geothermal Hot Water Beach visitors dig “hot tubs” in the sand to reach hot springs. - ![Coromandel: looking west across Coromandel town toward Auckland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coromandel-Mountain-lookout-of-Hauraki-Gulf-1803051403616A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel — Mountain lookout of Hauraki Gulf. Photo © Home At First.")The view from atop Coromandel’s spine looking west across Coromandel town over the Hauraki Gulf toward Auckland. Only a couple of roads cross this mountainous barrier. - ![The high point of "The Finest Walk in the World": Mackinnon Pass on the Milford Track. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Milford-Track-solo-hiker-atop-Mackinnon-Pass-180305R903817A-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Milford Track: solo hiker atop Mackinnon Pass. Photo © Home At First.")The high point of “The Finest Walk in the World”: Mackinnon Pass on the Milford Track. From here it’s two days down to sea level at Milford Sound. - ![Fiordland: Sutherland Falls at nearly 2,000' is a significant landmark along the Milford Track. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Milford-Track-Sutherland-Falls-580m-180305R100082A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Milford Track — Sutherland Falls 580m. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland: Sutherland Falls at nearly 2,000′ is a significant landmark along the Milford Track and among the highest waterfalls in New Zealand. - ![Northland — car rental agent at Kerikeri Airport. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Northland-car-rental-agent-at-Kerikeri-Airport-130305R70145A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland — car rental agent at Kerikeri Airport. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: car rental agent at Kerikeri Airport. The subtropical far north of New Zealand reminds North American visitors of Hawaii and the Caribbean. - ![Northland: volcanic headlands, black sand beaches, turquoise waters, and deep blue skies. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Northland-rowboats-on-black-sand-beach-at-Matauri-Bay-130305R707636A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland — rowboats on black sand beach at Matauri Bay. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: volcanic headlands, black sand beaches, turquoise waters, and deep blue skies. Some are so sequestered they resemble desert islands, but can be reached by car. - ![Christchurch Airport — Spitfire in the Garden. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/South-Island-Christchurch-Spitfire-in-the-Garden-0295-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island - Christchurch Spitfire in the Garden. Photo © Home At First.")Christchurch Airport — A historic RNZAF Spitfire in the Garden. - ![Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu from Bennett's Point. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-Lake-Wakatipu-and-Southern-Alps-from-Bennetts-Point-16019914022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu from Bennett's Point. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Region – Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps viewed from Bennett’s Point along the road north from Queenstown to Glen Orchy. - ![North Island — Links Golf at Matarangi - The Dunes - Coromandel. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/North-Island-Golf-at-Matarangi-The-Dunes-Coromandel-0199-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island — Links Golf at Matarangi - The Dunes - Coromandel. Photo © Home At First.")New Zealand golf courses range from local nines to world class resorts, from geothermal inland courses to coastal black sand links. This links is Coromandel’s Dunes Resort course. - ![South Island — Mackenzie Country: Lake Pukaki picnickers with Southern Alps. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/South-Island-Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Pukaki-picnickers-with-Southern-Alps-background-0101-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island — Mackenzie Country: Lake Pukaki picnickers with Southern Alps. Photo © Home At First.")South Island — Mackenzie Country: Lake Pukaki picnickers with Mt. Cook and the high Southern Alps. - ![Nelson area vineyard landscape. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nelson-area-vineyard-landscape-1803053-052-24A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson area vineyard landscape. Photo © Home At First.")The Nelson region of northwestern South Island produces some of New Zealand’s finest wines. The region is not large, but the wine quality is quite good. - ![South Island - boarding Air NZ domestic flight at Nelson Airport. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/South-Island-boarding-Air-NZ-domestic-flight-at-Nelson-Airport-1803056-014-5A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island - boarding Air NZ domestic flight at Nelson Airport. Photo © Home At First.")Flying domestically in New Zealand is still a simple, civilized activity. Here passengers board a flight for the 30min flight from Nelson (South Island) to Wellington (North Island). - ![South Island: Mackenzie Country - Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/South-Island-Mackenzie-Country-Church-of-the-Good-Shepherd-1803054-05023A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Mackenzie Country - Church of the Good Shepherd. Photo © Home At First.")The stark beauty of Mackenzie Country is evident in the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo. The stone chapel is appropriately named: the region is home to vast sheep stations. - ![South Island: Queenstown - TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/South-Island-Queenstown-TSS-Earnslaw-on-Lake-Wakatipu-1803051205928-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown - TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.")The TSS Earnslaw has plied Lake Wakatipu from its berth in Queenstown since 1912. The coal-fired passenger steamer is the largest ever built in New Zealand. - ![Northland: Fishing boat on Pekepeke Bay. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Northland-Fishing-boat-on-Pekepeke-Bay-2802084225-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Fishing boat on Pekepeke Bay. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Fishing boat on Pekepeke Bay. With coasts on two oceans, Northland is a subtropical haven for sport and commercial fishers. - ![Northland: Karikari Peninsula - Beach at Maitai Bay. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Northland-Karikari-Peninsula-Beach-at-Maitai-Bay-2702084187-2000x925-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Northland: Karikari Peninsula - Beach at Maitai Bay. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Karikari Peninsula – Beach at Maitai Bay. Northland’s convoluted coastline provides scores of beaches, most of which are rarely crowded. - ![Northland: World Famous Mangonui Fish Shop. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Northland-Mangonui-Fish-Shop-2802084239-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Mangonui Fish Shop. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: The World Famous Mangonui Fish Shop is a popular restaurant & take-out shop on sheltered Mangonui Harbour, where returning fishing boats deliver the fresh catch of the day. - ![Rotorua Region: Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland - Lady Knox Geyser entertains visitors at set times daily. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/North-Island-Rotorua-Waiotapu-Thermal-Wonderland-Lady-Knox-Geyser-0103084386-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua Region: Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland - Lady Knox Geyser entertains visitors at set times daily. Photo © Home At First.")The Lady Knox Geyser entertains visitors at set times daily at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland commercial geothermal park between Rotorua & Taupo in the center of the North Island. - ![Rotorua: Lake Rotorua at Waiteti Stream. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-at-Waiteti-Stream-0103084460-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua: Lake Rotorua at Waiteti Stream. Photo © Home At First.")Rotorua: Lake Rotorua at Waiteti Stream. Trout fishing is excellent in the Rotorua/Taupo Region’s lakes and their tributaries, attracting anglers from around the world. - ![Nelson Region: Tasman Bay - Mapua Inlet with Kahurangi NP mountains. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nelson-Region-Tasman-Bay-Mapua-Inlet-with-Kahurangi-NP-mountains-0703084658-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Tasman Bay - Mapua Inlet with Kahurangi NP mountains. Photo © Home At First.")Tasman Bay – Mapua Inlet with Mt. Owen & the Kahurangi National Park mountain range. In between the mountains and the sea are the 2 dozen or more vineyards of the excellent Nelson wine region. - ![Nelson Region: Abel Tasman NP - Kaiteriteri Beach Water Taxis. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nelson-Region-Abel-Tasman-NP-Kaiteriteri-Beach-Water-Taxis-0603084652-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Abel Tasman NP - Kaiteriteri Beach Water Taxis. Photo © Home At First.")The end of another glorious day in Abel Tasman National Park. Day-trippers and overnight hikers disembark water taxis at Kaiteriteri Beach to catch the bus or drive back to their Nelson-area lodgings. - ![Westland: Driftwood beach on the Tasman Sea. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Westland-Driftwood-beach-on-the-Tasman-Sea-0803084710-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: Driftwood beach on the Tasman Sea. Photo © Home At First.")South Island’s Westland: The thin strip of West Coast wedged between the wild Tasman Sea & the Southern Alps catches ocean storms, leaving driftwood piled high on remote beaches. - ![Queenstown Region: Paradise valley and Southern Alps. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Queenstown-Region-Paradise-valley-and-Southern-Alps-0903084827-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Region: Paradise valley and Southern Alps. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Region: Paradise valley and the Southern Alps. - ![Westland: Jackson Bay - The Cray Pot lobster shack. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Westland-Jackson-Bay-The-Cray-Pot-0803084724-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: Jackson Bay - The Cray Pot lobster shack. Photo © Home At First.")The Cray Pot lobster shack at the end of the road is as far south as you can drive along the west coast of New Zealand. The coastal views and the fresh seafood make the drive well worthwhile. - ![Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu in a windstorm. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Queenstown-Region-Lake-Wakatipu-in-a-windstorm-0903084812-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu in a windstorm. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu in a windstorm. Natural forces — climatic, seasonal, & geothermal — are very much a part of the daily drama across New Zealand. - ![North Island: Kerikeri - Surf Shop with palm trees. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/North-Island-Kerikeri-Surf-Shop-with-palm-trees-2702084093-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Kerikeri - Surf Shop with palm trees. 1200x800 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")New Zealand’s Northland region is subtropical in climate and laid-back in attitude. Here golf, fishing, sailing, snorkeling & surfing are major pastimes. - ![North Island: Young Maori men teach flax weaving at Waitangi. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/North-Island-Young-Maori-men-teach-flax-weaving-at-Waitangi-2702084118-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Young Maori men teach flax weaving at Waitangi. 1200x800 72dpi. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands area is a place where Maori culture is open to international visitors. Here two young Maori men teach flax weaving. - ![Northland: Waitangi - carved ceremonial shed covers the waka war canoe. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Northland-Waitangi-waka-carved-ceremonial-shed-2602084130-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland - Waitangi - waka carved ceremonial shed - Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Waitangi Treaty Grounds — this ornate carved ceremonial shed covers the Ngātokimatawhaorua, the largest Maori waka war canoe. - ![North Island: Rotorua-Taupo Region — Geothermal River. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/North-Island-Rotorua-Taupo-Region-geothermal-river-0103084395-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Rotorua-Taupo Region — Geothermal River. Photo copyright Home At First.")The Rotorua-Taupo Region has a concentration of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, including this actively steaming, sulfur-edged river looking like a pre-historic landscape. - ![South Island: Nelson Region — sea kayaking on Torrent Bay Able Tasman N.P. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/South-Island-Nelson-Region-sea-kayaking-on-Torrent-Bay-A.T.N.P.-0403084571-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Nelson Region — sea kayaking on Torrent Bay Able Tasman N.P. Photo copyright Home At First.")South Island: Nelson Region — sea kayaking on Torrent Bay Abel Tasman National Park. Kayaking is a popular — and more physically demanding — alternative to hiking the scenic Abel Tasman coast. - ![South Island: Queenstown Region - Barrel stack at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/South-Island-Queenstown-Region-Barrel-stack-at-Gibbston-Valley-Winery-0403110004-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown Region - Barrel stack at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.")Barrels stacked at Gibbston Valley Winery near Queenstown. The wines of Central Otago — especially the pinot noir — have earned an international reputation. - ![South Island: Queenstown — Pinot Noir grapes at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/South-Island-Queenstown-Pinot-Noir-grapes-at-Gibbston-Valley-Winery-0303110006-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown — Pinot Noir grapes at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.")Pinot Noir grapes ripening at Gibbston Valley Winery. The Queenstown/Central Otago region is the world’s southernmost producer of fine pinot noir wines. - ![South Island: cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-cyclists-on-the-Otago-Central-Rail-Trail-0603110014-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Photo © Home At First.")Cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Day trippers from Queenstown can ride the best portions. Long-distance riders can do all 150km in 3-4 days with guides, lodging, & meals. - ![South Island: Dunedin Region - Otago Harbor from Broad Bay to Sawyers Bay. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Dunedin-Otago-Harbor-Broad-Bay-to-Sawyers-Bay-0803110019-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Dunedin Region - Otago Harbor from Broad Bay to Sawyers Bay. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Dunedin Region — the view from Larnach Castle across Otago Harbor from Broad Bay to Sawyers Bay. - ![North Island: Northland — Maori churchyard and chapel. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Northland-Maori-churchyard-and-chapel-1203110002-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Northland — Maori churchyard and chapel. Photo © Home At First.")Northland — A Maori churchyard and chapel are set on a peaceful hilltop. The setting is less somber than it is a celebration of the union of man and Nature. - ![South Island: Queenstown — Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-Lake-Wakatipu-0203110095-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown — Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Queenstown is set in the arid rain shadow of the high Southern Alps, but is blessed with Lake Wakatipu, third largest lake in New Zealand. - ![North Island: Northland — Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Northland-Bay-of-Islands-1303110149-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Northland — Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.")The Bay of Islands is the Northland Region’s favorite playground, offering empty beaches, deep-water fishing, whale-watching, and dolphin spotting. - ![North Island: Coromandel — Pauanui Beach and Tairua Harbour. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Coromandel-Pauanui-Beach-and-Tairua-Harbour-1103110071-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Coromandel — Pauanui Beach and Tairua Harbour. Photo © Home At First.")On the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the white sands of Pauanui Beach feel the South Pacific surf while protecting the boat moorings of Tairua Harbour. - ![North Island: Coromandel Peninsula — boatyard. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Coromandel-boatyard-1103110074-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Coromandel Peninsula — boatyard. Photo © Home At First.")On the peninsula’s west coast, a small boatyard in Coromandel town services fishing boats and pleasure craft on this inlet on the Hauraki Gulf. From here it can be quicker to sail to Auckland than to drive. - ![North Island: Rotorua - Lake Rotorua fishing creek. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-fishing-creek-1103110001-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Rotorua - Lake Rotorua fishing creek. Photo © Home At First.")Sunrise on Lake Rotorua brings out fishermen to its tributary streams. Trout in the region’s lakes average more than 5lbs, with 10lb brown trout not uncommon at the mouths of tributaries. - ![North Island: Wellington Region - Martinborough - The Village Café. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Wellington-Region-Martinborough-The-Village-Cafe-0903110050-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Wellington Region - Martinborough - The Village Café. Photo © Home At First.")Not far inland from Wellington the farming town of Martinborough produces top-quality wines. Visitors can sample them in restaurants & cafés along the main street, like here at The Village Café. - ![North Island: Wellington townhouses. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Wellington-townhouses-0903110088-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Wellington townhouses. Photo © Home At First.")Wellington, the nation’s capital, is set at the southern extremity of the North Island. Its hilly, peninsular location & wooden townhouses remind American visitors of San Francisco. - ![North Island: Wellington — Te Papa Natl Museum of NZ. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Wellington-Te-Papa-Natl-Museum-of-NZ-0903110102-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Wellington — Te Papa Natl Museum of NZ. Photo copyright Home At First.")Wellington’s Te Papa, the National Museum, ranks with New Zealand’s best. It includes action experiences for families, as well as art, engineering, history, Maori culture, & natural history. - ![North Island: Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens - bowling green. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Rotorua-Rotorua-Museum-and-Government-Gardens-bowling-green-03950026-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens - bowling green. Photo © Home At First.")Bowling on the green in front of the Rotorua Museum. Built in 1908 as Rotorua’s Bath House, it attracted visitors to take its “healing” waters, effectively beginning tourism in New Zealand. - ![North Island: Taupo Region — Lake Taupo with volcanoes. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Taupo-Region-Lake-Taupo-with-volcanoes-03950032-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Taupo Region — Lake Taupo with volcanoes. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Taupo, the center of the North Island, is New Zealand’s largest lake and the waterfilled caldera of a supervolcano. On the southern horizon are two active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. - ![South Island: Paparoa NP - Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Paparoa-NP-Punakaiki-Pancake-Rocks-03950040-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Paparoa NP - Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks. Photo © Home At First.")Near Punakaiki the unusual Pancake Rocks geological formation is tunneled with vertical tubes called blowholes. Here, breaking waves of the Tasman can spew upwards like geysers. - ![New Zealand farmers: cockies or gumbooters. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/New-Zealand-farmers-cockies-or-gumbooters-03950052-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "New Zealand farmers: cockies or gumbooters. Photo © Home At First.")There are fewer than 5 million New Zealander in a country somewhat smaller than Japan or California. Three-quarters of Kiwis live on the North Island. The large, remarkably scenic South Island is sparsely populated due to its challenging geography. Meeting and getting to know South Islanders requires some hunting. We recommend attending an A&P Show country fair, popular events that happen across New Zealand, mostly from November to April. - ![South Island: Fiordland — Milford Sound in bloom 1. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Fiordland-Milford-Sound-in-bloom-03950081-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Fiordland — Milford Sound in bloom 1. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Fiordland — Milford Sound is a hamlet at the inland terminus of the like-named, 9-mile-long fiord. Expect stunning beauty, entertaining boat rides. Watch for kea parrots, Fiordland crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, and seals in the habitat of this arm of the Tasman Sea. Expect the local biting sandflies to be waiting for you. - ![South Island: Fiordland — Milford Sound in bloom 2. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Fiordland-Milford-Sound-in-bloom-2-03950082-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Fiordland — Milford Sound in bloom 2. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Fiordland — Milford Sound is a hamlet at the inland terminus of the like-named, 9-mile-long fiord. Expect stunning beauty, entertaining boat rides. Watch for kea parrots, Fiordland crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, and seals in the habitat of this arm of the Tasman Sea. Expect the local biting sandflies to be waiting for you. - ![South Island: Queenstown — TSS Earnslaw steaming on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-TSS-Earnslaw-steaming-on-Lake-Wakatipu-03950067-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown — TSS Earnslaw steaming on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown’s TSS Earnslaw steaming on Lake Wakatipu. The Earnslaw operates 11 months a year, taking visitors on scenic 90-minute lake cruises from its Queenstown base. - ![South Island: Queenstown Region — Paradise & the Southern Alps. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-Region-Paradise-and-Southern-Alps-03950073-1200X800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown Region — Paradise & the Southern Alps. Photo copyright Home At First.")South Island: Queenstown Region — Paradise & the Southern Alps. This region — long known for its impressive scenery — has drawn worldwide interest from hikers and from fans of the Lord of Rings movies, which used this location for several memorable cinematic scenes. - ![South Island - The Kingston Flyer steams again. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-The-Kingston-Flyer-steams-again-03950087-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island - The Kingston Flyer steams again. Photo © Home At First.")The Kingston Flyer tourist railway steams again between Fairlight & Kingston on the southern end of Lake Wakatipu, midway between Queenstown and Te Anau. - ![South Island: Fiordland — Hikers for Milford Track embark at Te Anau Downs. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Fiordland-Hikers-for-Milford-Track-embark-at-Te-Anau-Downs-180305R11-004-0A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Fiordland — Hikers for Milford Track embark at Te Anau Downs. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Fiordland — Milford Track bound hikers must cross Lake Te Anau to reach the trailhead. Here hikers for the Milford Track embark at Te Anau Downs. - ![South Island: Fiordland - Sunburst on Milford Sound. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Fiordland-Sunburst-on-Milford-Sound-031805R10-060-28A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Fiordland - Sunburst on Milford Sound. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Fiordland – Sunburst on Milford Sound. People travel around the world to visit Milford Sound, but many of them never see it in sunshine. One of the rainiest places on earth, Milford Sound averages an astounding .69 inch of rain per day. - ![Auckland: City of Sails on a cloudy day. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Auckland-City-of-Sails-on-a-cloudy-day-180305R16-074-35A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: City of Sails on a cloudy day. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: the City of Sails on a cloudy day. As the home port of defending yachting world champions, Auckland has hosted the America’s Cup sailboat racing series three times in recent years. - ![Auckland: Waitemata Harbour with NZ sailing flag. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Auckland-Waitemata-Harbour-with-NZ-sailing-flag-1003014022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Waitemata Harbour with NZ sailing flag. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: Ferry crossing Waitemata Harbour displays New Zealand’s maritime flag, the Red Ensign (or “Red Duster”). Visitors staying in Devonport use the ferry to access Auckland’s CBD. - ![Fiordland: Cheeky Kia at Routeburn Falls Hut. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Fiordland-Cheeky-Kia-at-Routeburn-Falls-Hut-23030114022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland: Cheeky Kia at Routeburn Falls Hut. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland: Cheeky Kia at Routeburn Falls Hut. Kias are the world’s southernmost parrots, and are well-known, fearless scamps capable of stealing lunch out of one’s knapsack, or stripping the rubber windshield wiper blades off your rental car. - ![Fiordland: Southern Alps from Conical Hill above Routeburn Track. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fiordland-Southern-Alps-from-Conical-Hill-above-Routeburn-Track-23030114022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland: Southern Alps from Conical Hill above Routeburn Track. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland: snowcapped Southern Alps viewed from the summit of Conical Hill, at 1515m (4970′) the high point of the long-distance Routeburn Track, and one of the highest points reached by any of the Great Walks of the South Island. - ![Westland: Heli-Hikers landing on Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Westland-Heli-Hikers-landing-on-Fox-Glacier-15030114022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: Heli-Hikers landing on Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.")Heli-Hikers landing on Fox Glacier, Westland. Fox Glacier & nearby Franz Josef Glacier descend from alpine heights into the temperate rain forest ending about 200m (656′) above the Tasman Sea. ### Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • Based on you travel dates, interests, and activities preferences, we prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimate with all the locations, lodgings, & transportation you need for an efficient, independent New Zealand Road Trip. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail.• You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, RENTAL CAR RESERVATIONS, STOPOVERS, STAGING HOTELS, and any ORGANIZED ACTIVITES your New Zealand Road Trip itinerary requires. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. • All travel documents for your trip — including our exclusive **“New Zealand Activity Guide”** — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. ### Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • On Departure Day your journey begins by flying from your originating airport to Auckland, New Zealand. En route you cross the equator and the International Date Line, effectively changing seasons by half a year and losing a day! • In Auckland you pick-up your rental car and drive to your first lodging location. Or, you may be changing to a domestic flight to get to your first regional destination’s airport where you pick-up your rental car and drive to your first lodging location. • Once you arrive at your first lodging location you will be met by your lodging’s host, who will welcome you, show you to your accommodations, explain when and where breakfast is served daily, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Take a walk to begin getting a sense of your new surroundings and climate. Your host will recommend a nearby restaurant for dinner. The fun begins now as you explore independently from each planned regional location on your New Zealand Road Trip. ### NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP SCENES & SURPRISES ### - ![Fiordland — Milford Sound: Mitre Peak with sunburst and walkers.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fiordland-Milford-Sound-Mitre-Peak-with-sunburst-and-walkers-180305R120051-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland — Milford Sound: Mitre Peak with sunburst and walkers. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland — Milford Sound: iconic Mitre Peak. - ![Waitemata Harbour, Auckland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Auckland-skyline-daytime-180305R804822A-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Waitemata Harbour, Auckland. Photo © Home At First.")Waitemata Harbour, Auckland. - ![Fiordland - Activities signpost in Te Anau. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fiordland-Activities-signpost-in-Te-Anau-1803051506028A-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland - Activities signpost in Te Anau. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland: Activities signpost in Te Anau. - ![Fiordland: Hiking among tree ferns in the temperate rainforest. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Milford-Track-hikers-in-the-fern-forest-1803051004621A-600x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland: Tree ferns in the temperate rainforest. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland: Hiking among tree ferns in the temperate rainforest. - ![South Island: Nelson Region — Murchison A&P cowgirl. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Nelson-Region-Murchison-AandP-cowgirl-portrait-0195-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Nelson Region — Murchison A&P cowgirl. Photo © Home At First.")South Island — A cowgirl rides in a local Nelson Region A&P Show (country fair). - ![Nelson Region: Fern Trees in Abel Tasman NP - Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nelson-Region-Fern-Trees-in-Abel-Tasman-NP-0603084627-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Fern Trees in Abel Tasman NP - Photo © Home At First.")Nelson Region: tree fern canopy in Abel Tasman National Park. - ![Northland: Waitangi — Maori carving of a tattooed face. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Northland-Waitangi-carved-tattooed-face-2702084131-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Waitangi — Maori carving of a tattooed face. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Waitangi — Maori carving of a tattooed face. - ![Northland: Morepork Owl in the Puketi Forest at night. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Northland-Morepork-Owl-in-the-Puketi-Forest-at-nite-2702084190-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Morepork Owl in the Puketi Forest at night. Photo copyright Home At First.")Northland: Morepork Owl in the Puketi Forest at night. - ![South Island: Queenstown Region — Gibbston Valley Wine Cave. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-Region-Gibbston-Valley-Wine-Cave-0303110019-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown Region — Gibbston Valley Wine Cave. Photo © Home At First.")Wine cave at the Gibbston Valley winery outside Queenstown, South Island. - ![South Island: Dunedin Region - Young Albatross tries its wings. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Dunedin-Region-Young-Albatross-tries-its-wings-0803110066-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Dunedin Region - Young Albatross tries its wings. Photo © Home At First.")Otago Peninsula: A fledgling tries its wings above the Royal Albatross Centre. - ![North Island: Bay of Islands - Snorkel Woman. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Bay-of-Islands-Snorkel-Woman-03950011-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Bay of Islands - Snorkel Woman. Photo © Home At First.")North Island: snorkeling in the Bay of Islands. - ![North Island: Northland - Tane Mahuta Kauri Lord of the Forest. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Northlane-Tane-Mahuta-Kauri-Lord-of-the-Forest-03950008-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Northland - Tane Mahuta Kauri Lord of the Forest. Photo © Home At First.")Northland – Tane Mahuta kauri tree, the “Lord of the Forest”. - ![North Island: Rotorua — Rotorua Museum & Government Gardens. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Rotorua-Rotorua-Museum-and-Government-Gardens-03950027-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Rotorua — Rotorua Museum & Government Gardens. Photo © Home At First.")North Island: Rotorua Museum & Government Gardens. - ![South Island: Westland — Franz Josef Glacier. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Westland-Franz-Josef-Glacier-03950046-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Westland — Franz Josef Glacier. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Westland — the Franz Josef Glacier descends to the rain forest. - ![NZ: Kiwi with Kids. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NZ-Kiwi-with-Kids-03950053-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "NZ: Kiwi with Kids. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Kiwi with kids at an A&P Show. - ![NZ Sawyer competing at an A&P Show. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NZ-Sawyer-competing-at-A-and-P-Show-03950054-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "NZ Sawyer competing at an A&P Show. Photo © Home At First.")Sawyer competing at an A&P Show (NZ country fair). - ![North Island: Coromandel — High Tide at Hot Water Beach. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Coromandel-High-Tide-at-Hot-Water-Beach-180305R14-050-23A-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Coromandel — High Tide at Hot Water Beach. Photo © Home At First.")Coromandel: dig your own hot tub at geothermal Hot Water Beach. - ![South Island: Fiordland — Stirling Falls by boat. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Fiordland-Stirling-Falls-by-boat-180305R12-039-18-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Fiordland — Stirling Falls by boat. Photo © Home At First.")Some Milford Sound cruise boats stick their bows into Stirling Falls. - ![South Island: Fiordland — Milford Track hikers crossing Mackinnon Pass. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Fiordland-Milford-Track-Hikers-crossing-Mackinnon-Pass-180305R9-060-28A-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Fiordland — Milford Track hikers crossing Mackinnon Pass. Photo © Home At First.")Hikers crossing Mackinnon Pass, high point of the Milford Track. - ![Fiordland: Home At First's Ron Fahnestock on the Milford Track. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NZ-South-Island-Ron-on-the-Milford-Track-18030511-042-19A-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland: Home At First's Ron Fahnestock on the Milford Track. Photo copyright Home At First.")Fiordland: Home At First’s Ron Fahnestock on the Milford Track. - ![Nelson Region: A&P cowgirl on horseback. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Nelson-Region-Murchison-AandP-cowgirl-on-horseback-0195-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: A&P cowgirl on horseback. Photo © Home At First.")Western horsewoman at a South Island A&P show. - ![South Island: Westland — Heli-Hikers in line on Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NZ-Westland-Heli-Hikers-in-line-on-Fox-Glacier-15030114022022-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Westland — Heli-Hikers in line on Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Heli-Hikers in line on Fox Glacier, Westland. - ![South Island: Marlborough — Merino Sheep crowd in a pen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NZ-Marlborough-Merino-Sheep-crowded-in-a-pen-14019914022022-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Marlborough — Merino Sheep crowd in a pen. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Marlborough — Merino Sheep crowd in a pen. - ![Christchurch: Hagley Park Cricketeers. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Christchurch-Hagley-Park-Cricketeers-17030114022022-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Christchurch: Hagley Park Cricketeers. Photo © Home At First.")Young cricketeers in Christchurch, New Zealand’s “most English” city. - ![Rotorua: Maori Marae at Whakarewarewa. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rotorua-Maori-Marae-at-Whakarewarewa-12030114022022-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua: Maori Marae at Whakarewarewa. Photo © Home At First.")Maori Marae meeting house at Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. - ![Northland: Dolphin sighting on the Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Northland-Dolphin-sighting-on-the-Bay-of-Islands-09030114022022-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Dolphin sighting on the Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Dolphin sighting on the Bay of Islands. - ![Rotorua: Maori warrior with staff at Tamaki hangi. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rotorua-Maori-warrior-with-staff-and-tongue-at-Tamaki-hangi-grey-bckgrnd-110301-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua: Maori warrior with staff at Tamaki hangi. Photo © Home At First.")Rotorua: Maori warrior fiercely posing at Tamaki Maori Village. - ![Rotorua Region: Whakarewarewa Thermal Park - Pohutu Geyser. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rotorua-Region-Whakarewarewa-Thermal-Park-Pohutu-Geyser-12030110322-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua Region: Whakarewarewa Thermal Park - Pohutu Geyser. Photo © Home At First.")Rotorua’s Pohutu Geyser — New Zealand’s tallest — erupts nearly hourly. #### WHAT COMES WITH HOME AT FIRST’S NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP TRAVEL PROGRAM? #### HOME AT FIRST BUILDS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES TO NEW ZEALAND THAT INCLUDE: **Our 12 Regional Locations Enable Efficient Road Trip Stops on Both Islands** ![Most Home At First New Zealand lodgings provide comfortable, attractive common space for guests.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NZ-Lodgings-Indoor-and-Outdoor-Common-Space-110311-0022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1622736725614.jpg) Most Home At First New Zealand lodgings provide comfortable common space indoors & out, as here in the Coromandel region. **A Choice of 12 Regions — 6 Regions on Each Island** **With Home At First‘s help you choose those regions that interest you to build your itinerary. Build an itinerary that includes stops on the North Island and the South Island. Or, if you prefer, focus your visit on just one island.** **Home At First’s** New Zealand Road Trip offers lodging locations in 12 regions — 6 stops on the North Island and 6 stops on the South Island — making it possible to experience the great variety of New Zealand in efficient steps. Each stop is ideally located as a base for exploring its own region. Each stop is practically located within 2-7 hours drive of the next stop. While your New Zealand Road Trip can move from one stop to the next each day, you will want to spend 2-4 overnights at several stops in regions of primary interest, especially where you have activities planned. Our New Zealand travel experts will help you plan a Road Trip itinerary that lets you accomplish your goals efficiently by suggesting which stops are best for you in the time you have. **NORTH ISLAND LOCATIONS:** 1\. **Northland**: the Bay of Islands is a semi-tropical vacation paradise: islands, beaches, & kiwis. 2\. **Auckland**: NZ’s Big City is also the City of Sails; & largest Polynesian city. 3\. **Coromandel**: scenic peninsula with a unique, laid-back lifestyle on 2 coasts. 4\. **Rotorua & Taupo**: Maori culture & geo-thermal marvels in central lakeland. Great fishing, too. 5\. **Hawkes Bay**: principal wine-making region of the North Island 6.**Wellington**: youthful Kiwi capitol is NZ’s San Francisco & Vancouver **SOUTH ISLAND LOCATIONS:** 1\. **Nelson**: kool small city & hot wine region. Plus Abel Tasman Nat’l. Park. 2\. **Westland**: Greymouth to Haast: remote wild west coast – frontier towns & glaciers-by-the-sea. 3\. **Queenstown**: NZ’s always-trendy adventure capital, hiking mecca, with Lord of the Rings scenery. 4\. **Fiordland**: world-class Milford & Doubtful Sounds; Milford Track and other Great Walks. 5\. **Mackenzie Country**: Mt. Cook & Lake Tekapo: sheep stations & mountain lakes by the highest Southern Alps. 6\. **The East Coast**: including stops at Dunedin (penguins & albatross), Christchurch (England in the South Pacific), the Kaikoura Coast (whale watching), **LODGING OCCUPANCY NOTES:** • **Minimum stay** **at any lodging location is just one night.** • **Minimum travel length:** **14 lodging nights in New Zealand are necessary to get to know this wonderfully varied destination.** • **Optimal travel length: 21 lodging nights in New Zealand is long enough to explore most of both islands without rushing.** **Quality Hosted Lodgings: Bases for Regional Discovery where You Meet the Kiwis** ![Queenstown Inn — Home At First's boutique hotel in New Zealand's adventure capital.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NZ-Lodgings-Queenstown-Inn-0203110087-1200x519-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Queenstown Inn — Home At First’s boutique hotel in New Zealand’s adventure capital. **SMALL, PERSONALIZED LODGINGS & THEIR KIWI HOSTS** **The best travel enables the discovery of a destination and its people. At each stop on your Home At First‘s New Zealand Road Trip you get comfortable accommodations that come with Kiwi hosts. You explore a regional destination and are sure to meet New Zealanders as well as other travelers at your lodging.** **Home At First’s** New Zealand Road Trip lodgings vary as much as does one region from another. Some are boutique hotels with as many as a dozen guest rooms. Some are historic inns. Some are upscale B&Bs with between two and four guest rooms. Some are country lodges. Some are rural. Some are urban. Some are in towns or villages. All lodgings are positioned as ideas bases for regional exploration. All but the most remote are a short drive to shops, restaurants, cafés, and other services. Most offer private, off-street parking. All accommodations are at the least comprised of bedrooms with private baths. Some are suites with lounges. While each **Home At First** New Zealand Road Trip lodging is unique, all share two important elements: • **Daily Breakfast:** **All lodgings provide daily breakfast — usually beautifully presented and cooked to order. Breakfast is almost always a delightful time to speak with your hosts and meet other guests.** ![Daily breakfast is a highlight of at every Home At First New Zealand Lodging.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NZ-Breakfast-on-the-balcony-180305804621-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1622736517797.jpg) Daily breakfast is a highlight at every Home At First New Zealand Road Trip lodging, as shown here in the Auckland region. • **Helpful Hosting:** **All Home At First New Zealand Road Trip lodgings come with knowledgeable, welcoming hosts on-site and on-cal****l during your stay for questions, suggestions, problems, or emergencies. Some lodgings offer late-afternoon happy hours when hosts are available. Many hosts will book restaurants and activities reservations for you. Many — but not all — offer laundry services, too. Expect common rooms in most lodgings: guest lounges with TVs and overstuffed chairs. Expect free WiFi, too. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas are rare.** ![Every New Zealand Road Trip lodging comes with welcoming, knowledgeable hosts.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NZ-Hosts-C-L-in-Northland-2902084264-600x400-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) At each stop in New Zealand, your hosts become the unofficial representatives of their regions — eager to help you get the most out of your short visit to their part of New Zealand. **The Right Transpacific & Domestic Flights** ![Early morning Air New Zealand flight arrival from Los Angeles being serviced in Auckland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NZ-Air-NZ-747-at-sunrise-in-AKL-0103110001-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1622738676988.jpg) Early morning Air New Zealand flight arrival being serviced in Auckland after completing the 12+ hour transpacific journey. **all the flights you need** **Home At First can expertly handle all the flight planning for your New Zealand Road Trip.** **Home At First’s** airline experts plan your North American domestic flights, your round-trip transpacific flights to New Zealand, and any necessary New Zealand domestic flights based on a combination of factors: the lowest fare, most-efficient routing, best timing for your needs, using most reliable & comfortable airlines and airliners. We will make our recommendations based on our research. You can accept our proposal or ask for modifications. Our[ **price chart** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices)includes fares based on round-trip transpacific flights from Los Angeles (LAX) USA to Auckland (AKL) New Zealand. Your best routing may be via a North American gateway other than Los Angeles. Two New Zealand inter-island flights are also built-in. Additional New Zealand domestic flights and any North American domestic flights are extra-cost items. **FLIGHT NOTES:** **• Overnighting before/after your transpacific flights: For various reasons, many travelers break their journey for one night before departing North America or after returning to North America from Auckland on their way home. By request Home At First can make hotel arrangements at your transpacific gateway airport.** ![Air NZ Domestic flight to Kerikeri, Northland, boarding at Auckland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NZ-Domestict-Flight-ready-to-board-at-AKL-2602083981-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1622759201650.jpg) Air NZ Domestic flight to Kerikeri, Northland, boarding at Auckland. Passengers beginning in Northland save drive time via this hopper. **• New Zealand Domestic Flights: Many Home At First travelers who arrive in Auckland continue to their first lodging location region by taking a New Zealand domestic flight. At their first regional destination airport they pick-up their rental car and drive a short distance to their first lodging location. Almost all Home At First travelers visit both main islands of New Zealand. Although it is possible to connect from from one to the other by ferry (a 3.5-hour trip; can be affected by weather on the sometimes very rough Cook Strait), we recommend flying between the North and South Islands: smoother, shorter, and less prone to disruptions. Typically, Home At First New Zealand Road Trip travelers have two or three domestic flights built in their itineraries.** **• Ground Arrangements Only Option: If you have made your own flight arrangements (e.g. using frequent flier miles), Home At First also offers a special Ground Arrangements Only package rate that includes lodgings and transport in New Zealand, but does not include transpacific flights.** **OPTIONAL STOPOVERS:** • **Optional Stopovers: En route to or from New Zealand, different airlines offer stopovers in Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, or Australia. While these additional experiences are attractive, they usually require minimum stays at hotels or resorts contracted with your airline, and can be expensive. Additionally, the timing of landing and departure at the stopover destination can be inconvenient and minimize the actual jet-lag-free, day-time available for enjoying the visit. Home At First will help you plan a stopover, and make recommendations how to maximize your enjoyment at the lowest cost and disruption.** **Explore New Zealand in Comfortable Rental Cars** ![Rental car on the beach at Matauri Bay, Northland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NZ-Rental-Car-on-Matauri-Bay-beach-Northland-180305160124A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1622750037483.jpg) Most of New Zealand has little traffic & lots of parking, like here on Matauri Beach in Northland. Exceptions: the few cities. **NEW ZEALAND CAR RENTAL** **Home At First‘s New Zealand Road Trip specialists have driving experience up and down both islands. We can tell you what to expect and get your the right vehicles.** **Home At First’s** New Zealand experts will recommend the appropriate rental cars for your needs: small enough to be fuel efficient and easy to park, but large enough to hold all your luggage and provide passenger comfort for travel days of up to 7.5 hours of driving. Collect your rental car at the arrival airport of your first New Zealand regional lodging location. Your custom-made **Home At First** New Zealand Road Trip comes with detailed driving directions to each of your lodgings. If you are visiting both islands, you will turn in your rental car at a logical regional departure airport, fly to the next island, then pick-up your pre-reserved rental car for use on this island. At the end of your itinerary on the second island, you turn in your rental car at a logical regional departure airport and (if coming from the South Island) fly back to Auckland where you check-in for your transpacific flight back to North America. **GETTING AROUND NEW ZEALAND:** **• Left-Side Driving:** **As in many parts of the old British Empire, New Zealanders drive on the left. If you have never driven on the left, the learning curve is short, but significant. Most drivers become accustomed to the change after about 3 hours. For this reason, we often recommend not starting your New Zealand Road Trip in Auckland, the most traffic-congested part of the country. Except for the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Christchurch, traffic congestion is rare in New Zealand. Away from the cities, winding mountain and coast roads present most of the driving challenges. In some regions — especially on the South Island — you can drive for 5-10 minutes on main roads and not see another car.** **• Guidebook Keyed for Your New Zealand Road Trip:** **Home At First’s exclusive “New Zealand Road Trip Activities Guide” helps you make the most out of your visit. Included are suggestions for touring & sightseeing both islands, scenic rail journeys and boat cruises, fishing, walking/hiking/trekking, cycling, swimming, golf, restaurants, shopping, Maori culture, museums, galleries, and much more.** [NEW ZEALAND PRICING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices "New Zealand Prices") ##### **HOW TO GET YOUR DREAM TRIP FOR THE LOWEST PRICE —** [ how to buy your trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [ESSENTIALS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/) **Published:** April 5, 2021 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### # HOME AT FIRST ESSENTIALS #### [**ADVANTAGES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Advantages) #### [OUR LODGINGS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Lodgings) #### [TRANSPORTATION PLANNING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Transport) #### [PRICES/PAYING](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying) #### [**HEALTH/SAFETY POLICY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Health-Safety-Policy) #### [**PRIVACY POLICY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#PrivacyPolicy) #### [**CANCELLATIONS/INSURANCE**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations) #### [HELP WHILE OVERSEAS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#HelpWhileOverseas) Home At First Essentials: Important things that help you realize your travel goals. Travel Essentials: pursuing fulfilling activities at dream destinations. Sharing the adventure with someone is not essential, but can greatly enhance the experience. Photo © Home At First. ### Our Essential Advantages ##### You’ll find these Essentials convincing. ##### Since 1980 we have been arranging independent international travel to many of the world’s great destinations. With **Home At First** travel you feel at home right from the start of your trip, because you get: • **A Choice of Locations** ideal for exploring your destination. • **Lodgings** with the comforts of home & welcoming hosting. • **Full-service planning:** flights, lodgings, ground transport. • **Design Flexibility:** a trip planned for your needs & budget. **CHOOSE FROM:** FULL PACKAGE • LODGING + GROUND TRANSPORT • LODGING ONLY • **Independence:** you determine pace, activities, & interests. • **The Best Prices Possible:** we start with low prices, then work to make them even lower. ![Home At First On-Site & Activity guidebooks. Image © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/HAF-Guidebooks-composite-semi-circle-523x377-72dpi-Image-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) YOU ALSO GET OUR **ON-SITE ACTIVITIES GUIDES** KEYED FOR YOUR DESTINATION. ## Key Essentials: Our Lodgings #### You’ll find them refreshing. #### In Bermuda, Britain, Ireland, Italy, Paris, Portugal, & Switzerland you stay in spacious, quality Apartments, Cottages, & Chalets. Here’s why: • You live life like a local in your roomy vacation home. • You feel a resident in an authentic neighborhood. • Your unique vacation home reflects the local cultural style. • The location is an ideal base for exploring the destination. • Having a kitchen means eating-in whenever you wish. • There’s no need to pack and unpack and move frequently. • There are no crowded lobbies, hallways, or elevators. • Safe, clean, & secure: lodgings meet government standards. • Near stations in destinations served by public transport. • Parking is on-site or nearby for rental car destinations. • Rural lodging rental is weekly, usually starting Saturday. • In cities rental can be partial weeks, beginning any day. • Welcoming English-speaking hosts introduce you to their lodging, their neighborhood, and their culture, while serving as a source of help and support. #### In Iceland, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, & Sweden you stay in boutique hotels, historic inns, & upscale B&Bs. Here’s why: • Lodgings are usually small and personal. • Lodgings rarely have crowded lobbies, hallways, or elevators. • Lodgings usually reflect regional cultural style. • Lodging locations are central: ideal for exploring the region. • Safe, clean, & secure: lodgings meet government standards. • Near stations in destinations served by public transport. • Parking is on-site or nearby for rental car destinations. • Lodging occupancy can be daily, starting any day. • The English-speaking staff check you in, show you the lodging, recommend restaurants & local activities; are sources of help & support. ## Transportation Essentials ## We plan only those transport items you need. And we do it right. • **International & Domestic Flights: Home At First**‘s experts research the least costly, most convenient flights for your needs. Select your itinerary from the choices we propose; then we book & ticket your flights to lock in airfares. • **Don’t Need Help with Flights?** If you are flying free using miles, your airline will handle flight reservations and ticketing for you. **Home At First** will handle the rest of your trip needs using our Ground Arrangements Only (lodging + land transportation) or Lodging Only pricing packages. • **Rental Cars:** In destinations best explored by rental car, **Home At First** recommends the smallest, least expensive, appropriate car for your needs and informs you of available upgrades and their costs. We reserve and pay for your choice, then send you a voucher for car pick-up at your overseas destination. Basic insurance is included. • **Public Transportation:** In destinations best explored by public transport, **Home At First** recommends the most efficient, appropriate transport passes for your needs and informs you of available upgrades and their costs. We purchase your choice, then send you the passes themselves or a voucher for pick-up at your overseas destination. ### Prices & Paying Essentials ## You’ll find our prices excellent and our paying process fair & equitable. ### Published package prices: #### **Home At First**‘s independent overseas travel packages cost less than most hotel-based, tour bus package holidays, and often less than package vacations to U.S. family resorts. ## **Pricing Tables:** Each destination page on this website has an accompanying page with current package prices valid through October 31. ### Paying for your trip: • **Payment Methods:** **Home At First** accepts payments by; personal check, bank check, credit/debit cards *(Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express at an additional 3.1% + 49¢ per transaction)*, digital wallets *(Apple Pay, PayPal, PayPal, Pay Later with PayPal account and Venmo at an additional 3.49% + 49¢ per transaction)*. We also accept Wire Transfers. To pay by wire transfer, contact **Home At First** for the appropriate bank routing information. • **Provisional Reservations** may be made to hold a trip proposal with just a phone number, email and mailing address. Provisional reservations can be held for 5 business days without a deposit. • **LATE PAYMENT** can result in the cancellation of your trip reservations. **♦ Payment Procedures for Standard Classic Destination Weeks priced from our official Pricing Charts:** • Our receipt of **Your Non-Refundable Deposit** of **30% of your total trip cost** confirms your 2026 trip reservations. • **Balance due:** The balance of your trip cost (normally, 70% of your total trip cost) is due 45 days after your initial booking date (when your Trip Registration Form was received) — earlier if you wish to lock-in your airfare (airline ticket costs) by having your flight tickets issued. • **Final Payments** for changes or additions are due or within 5 days of the requested changes or additions. **♦ Payment Procedures for Specially-Priced Custom-Planned Weeks or Standard Classic Destinations purchased on-sale (including “Current Travel Bargains”):** • **Payments** are due in full within 10 days of receipt of your initial invoice and are **entirely non-refundable**. ## Our Health & Safety Travel Policy ##### **Home At First** believes in — and practices — safe international travel. We are confident that properly prepared (e.g.: with a documented up-to-date vaccination status, or with a current passport and any required visas) USA & Canadian travelers can visit any available **Home At First** destination with no more concern nor greater risk than they do traveling at home in the USA & Canada. We strongly urge travelers to heed the advice of science and governments, avoid taking any extraordinary risks, and practice the recommended behaviors they encounter locally at home, underway, and once at their overseas destinations. ##### Travelers should be aware that — just as the USA & Canada require of foreign visitors — to safeguard the national health and security, some **Home At First** destinations may require that international visitors provide valid passports, authorized visas, proof of vaccination, and/or a negative pre-arrival health test before allowing entry. Some destinations also may require follow-up on-site health tests after arrival. ##### **• IMPORTANT:** By placing & paying for 2026 reservations with **Home At First**, you are certifying that you are currently qualified for and/or will meet all future qualifications to travel internationally, especially with regard to maintaining any required health or safety or passport/visa status for international travel required by destinations, airlines, railways and other conveyances. Travelers unwilling to meet these requirements set by their destination countries should not attempt to reserve 2026 travel with **Home At First**. **Home At First** is in no way liable for travelers’ failure to provide any required passports, visas, or proof of acceptable health status. Neither is Home At First in any way liable for the consequences of travelers’ failed required health tests resulting in penalties, delays, quarantines, postponements, or cancellations. ##### **• Travel Insurance policies** may or may not cover health & safety related cancellations, interruptions, medical costs, and/or evacuations. Although we can provide limited advice regarding insuring your trip, **Home At First** does not provide travel insurance, nor are we party to any travel insurance policy purchased by our clients. We recommend contacting a travel insurance specialist to help you obtain the coverage you prefer. ##### **• Returning Home:** USA & Canadian resident passport holders do not need to take/pass any health tests to re-enter the United States or Canada. ### Essentials: Our Privacy Policy ## You’ll find these Essentials reassuring. #### What personal data we collect & why we collect it — ##### • Contact forms: how long we retain your data, & your rights over your data — When you telephone us, email us, or submit a contact form to **Home At First**, we record the name & address & phone data plus the comments into our customer data base. We keep this information and update it when any further communications occur. This information is never shared or sold. After a reasonable period of inactivity or whenever you request it, your records are archived as inactive. ##### • One Essential Cookie — If you submit a contact form from this website, the website automatically saves a cookie that remembers you. This is for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. This cookie lasts one year. #### Embedded content from other websites — When you sign up to receive **Home At First**‘s Travel Bargain Alerts using the form found on this website, that form is embedded content from Mailchimp®, our email marketing provider. **Home At First** contracts with Mailchimp to help us design and distribute email & messages to our opt-in subscribers. Mailchimp is required by various internet governing bodies to carefully observe anti-spam practices, including not sharing or selling the information you provide it via your completed sign-up form. Moreover, Mailchimp provides opt-out means (an “unsubscribe” link) on all emails & SMS messages it sends. We are convinced that Mailchimp is strictly respectful of your privacy and ethically responsible in its emailing practices. However, as part of its email marketing service, Mailchimp does collect data about you, and may use cookies to record your receiving, opening, and responding to **Home At First** emails sent to opt-in subscribers. When any subscriber “unsubscribes” their status is immediately changed to “unsubscribed” and their records are archived. Archived records can be expunged (“cleaned”) upon request. #### Whom we share your data with: **Home** **At** **First** does not sell or share customer data with any 3rd parties, with these exceptions: 1\. **Airlines:** Flight reservations for you require certain essentials: we are required to enter your names and your birth-dates. 2\. **Ground Transportation Organizations:** when we make any car rental reservations for you or purchase railway passes or tickets, or ferry or ship tickets, we must provide rental car companies certain essentials: the names & ages of all those who will be driving; and passenger names/ages to railways, ship lines, & ferry companies. 3\. **Lodgings:** When we make lodging reservations for you, we must provide certain essentials: the names of all persons in your party, & include the ages of any children. #### **Home At First** keeps customer records minimal and stores no credit card numbers: We keep only the essentials: basic customer name/address/phone/email data in our paper files and on our computer network server in-house. We also record and store birth-dates of our customers traveling by air, rental car, and some transportation passes. As **Home At First** does not directly accept credit card payments, we rarely need credit card information. If we ever are provided customer credit card information for one-time purchases, that information is neither recorded nor stored in our written or electronic files. ### Cancellations & Insurance Essentials ##### We’ll try take the mystery out of these Essentials. #### If you cancel your trip — ##### Once your travel arrangements are in place (as in the case of Home At First‘s instant-purchase, full-package “Current Travel Bargains” or any packages with instant-purchase airfares) and/or for travel arrangements within 90 days of the start of your trip, **Home At First**‘s travel packages are non-refundable. Once paid, your Non-Refundable Deposits are not refundable. Full instant payment of our “Current Travel Bargains” full packages or any travel package with an instant-purchase airfare is considered a Non-Refundable deposit. **Home At First** recommends the purchase of Trip Insurance to insure against potential losses brought on by you cancelling your trip or interrupting your trip to return home for any reason. Here is a list of possible non-refundable charges, change fees, and cancellation fees that may apply if you cancel your trip: ###### **A. FULL CANCELLATION:** all payments are non-refundable. ###### **B. CANCELLATION WITH RE-BOOKING or APPLICATION OF TRIP COSTS TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OR FUTURE DATES:** ###### **♦ Lodgings portion:** These change fees apply: ###### ◊ Change of dates only (for same lodging locations): - $100/person to change to a new date in the same travel year (ends 31OCT of current year), plus any seasonal rate increase in the total cost of the lodgings in the current travel year. - $300/person to change to a new date in the following travel year (ends 31OCT of next year), plus any increase in the total cost of the lodgings for the new year. ###### ◊ Change of accommodation or lodging location (with or without a dates change): - $300/person to change to a new accommodation in the same destination (no flight changes needed) - $400/person to change to a new accommodation at a new destination (flight changes needed) ##### ♠ **Flight portion** is subject to individual airline rules: sometimes changes are not permitted; sometimes changes are permitted with a change fee; sometimes changes are permitted without additional charges other than any applicable fare increases. ##### **♣ Ground Transportation portion:** Once transport passes, tickets, or vouchers have been issued, changes/re-issuance are subject to the rules of the transportation suppliers or rental car agencies. A **Home At First** service charge of $50/person will apply to changing previously issued transport passes, tickets, or vouchers. If passes, tickets, or vouchers are not yet issued, the only fees that may apply are for rate changes for the new travel dates. ##### If you cancel before airline tickets, ground transport (car rentals, railway & ferry tickets, and transit passes) have been issued for you, a portion of the monies you have paid may be refunded to you or applied to future travel with **Home At First**, at our discretion on a case-by-case basis. ### Insurance Essentials for your trip — We strongly recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance to cover the costs of trip interruption and cancellations, as well as health problems & accidents that may occur while you are traveling. We will counsel you generally about travel insurance if you ask us, but otherwise we will not be a party to your insurance purchase or policy. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you — not Home At First — are taking on the risks that come with Independent Travel, including potentially costly cancellations, interruptions, delays, loss of luggage, and health problems and accidents. We believe you should be free to purchase insurance or not. But – and this is the crux of the decision – by not buying travel insurance you are taking the risks on yourselves. ##### Because the possibility of losing non-refundable payments you have made begins with your initial required per-person deposits, **Home At First** recommends you purchase travel insurance as soon as you know the full cost of your trip. Travel insurance can cover many things you may want to insure against: • **Trip Cancellation:** if you cancel your trip for illness or accident. • **Trip Interruption:** if you return home early from your trip for illness or accident. • **Trip Delay:** if you are delayed by reasons beyond your control while traveling. • **Baggage Loss:** if your baggage goes astray while traveling. • **Accident, illness, & emergency evacuation:** if you are not otherwise insured internationally. (Medicare coverage does not extend beyond US borders.) • **Pandemics, wars, border closings, terrorist acts, natural disasters, weather emergencies, and “acts of God”:** these issues are the great grey areas of travel insurance. Insurers define their responsibilities for insuring such events individually: some very narrowly, and some liberally. Ask pointed questions of prospective insurance companies before signing up. Vagueness is a red flag. • **Cancellation for Any Reason:** expensive ultra-coverage for those who may decide not to travel for reasons other than documentable health or accident reasons. ##### There are many travel insurance companies with dozens of policies to choose from. **Home At First** does not recommend any particular insurer, nor do we become a party to any insurance policy contract. We recommend you shop at one of the several travel insurance clearing house websites that lets you compare policies, features, costs, and reviews. We will provide the names of such websites to you on request, and will help steer you through the insurance minefield by answering your questions. Because we feel it creates a significant conflict of interest, we neither sell or service travel insurance, nor do we complete insurance applications for you. **What About Policy Cost:** basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance will add between 6-12% to your overall trip cost depending upon your age and destination. Full-coverage policies that permit Cancellation for Any Reason can add 25% or more to the cost of your trip. **What Does Home At First Think?** Because we have seen it benefit many clients as well as members of our team, we believe Travel Insurance to be a practical extra add-on for most travelers, although something of a necessary evil. While we believe the decision as to how much coverage to purchase is a personal choice, we urge our customers to do their homework and not buy travel insurance that is a duplication of existing coverage provided by credit cards, homeowner, auto, and health policies. ![Arrival Essentials — All Home At First travelers receive detailed instructions for arrival day at their destinations.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Arrival-in-London-11085644-600x400-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg) ARRIVAL IN LONDON — WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ### Overseas Support Essentials: Help While Your Trip is Underway ## Essentials for when the unexpected happens. #### **What Home At First Can/Will Do —** Whenever we travel, things may happen that can require making changes in your trip plans. Weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, drought, global warming, political upheaval & wars, strikes, and — yes as we now know — pandemics and other medical emergencies can interrupt the most carefully planned travel arrangements. Family or business emergencies at home, health or accident emergencies while abroad, rental car problems, missing a flight, a train departure, or a scheduled check-in/check-out — all these and more can interrupt your trip and require changes with the help of others. ##### **• First Aid: Analysis & Opinion** When you need help, contact **Home At First**. Explain the nature of your interruption. We will help analyze the significance of the issues and offer our professional opinion about how best to solve any problems, get medical attention (if necessary), rearrange car rentals, flights, train trips, and revising lodging arrangements. In our 40+ years in the international travel industry there are few underway-traveler requests we have not been asked to help with. While we do not guarantee we can immediately solve your problem, we can at the least provide an experienced opinion about what to do next. There is no charge for this service, although requests should be for issues of consequence: health, unforeseen delays, accidents, other personal emergencies. ##### **• Second Aid: Facilitating Communications** If you need help contacting others about your situation (hotels, airlines, car rental agencies, folks back home, lodgings overseas, medical people, police or government officials) you may request our involvement. In making any such communications for you, **Home At First** will not be acting as your advocate, but will relay information as accurately as possible from a neutral point-of-view. **Home At First** reserves the right NOT to act as a communications intermediary for you in situations that seem to us to be improper, illegal, or ethically questionable. Many communications are brief and do not incur costs and are made at no charge by **Home At First**. Other, more involved communications that require more than 30minutes of **Home At First** staff time will be billed to you at the rate of $100/person/hour (minimum $50). ##### **• Third Aid: Acting as your Agent on your behalf** If you require/request **Home At First**’s involvement in getting assistance locally for health, accident, car rental, flights, public transit (trains, ferries, etc.), or to make changes to your lodging reservations, we will tell you what we will do for you and what we may not be able to do for you. **Example:** we can make flight changes/revisions for flights booked through us but we cannot make flight changes/revisions for flights you booked on your own or through an organization other than **Home At First**. However, we can do basic flight research for all your flight needs, provide you the results of our research and make recommendations for what you should do next. Please note that any actions you request we take on your behalf may be billed you by **Home At First** at the rate of $100/person/hour (minimum $100). This cost is over and above any costs/fees/penalties/surcharges that may be applied by airlines, lodgings, rental car agencies, public transportation companies, etc. **Home At First**’s charges plus any other change/rebooking/cancellation fees incurred are normally claimable against a Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Health/Accident policy you may have taken out. **Home At First** recommends (but does not require) that you purchase Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Health/Accident insurance for your trip. All costs you incur for decisions you make before/during/after your trip are exclusively your responsibility. **Home At First** will act as agent on your behalf, but will not be financially liable for decisions you make and actions you take, even by accepting **Home At First** recommendations. #### ![Need Help? Unsure what to do? Home At First is ready to advise and assist you overseas in the event the unexpected happens. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Essentials-Page-Help-While-Your-Trip-Is-Underway-Hikers-on-Via-Alpina-near-Bryndli-030923034-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1024x683.jpg) FEELING LOST? Need Help? Unsure what to do? Home At First is ready to advise and assist you overseas in the event the unexpected happens. ##### **HOW TO GET YOUR DREAM TRIP FOR THE LOWEST PRICE** [ how to buy your trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) ###### **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Inverness & Northern Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/) **Published:** May 6, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### [— scotland prices —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) ##### [— **scotland home page** — ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ##### [— **the central highlands** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central) best scotland touring base ##### **[— edinburgh: urban —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh)** apts. in scotland’s capital ##### [— **inverness & the north** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) city apts & highland cottages ##### **— special request regions —** glasgow • borders • islands ###### #### **The Northern Highlands** # Inverness and Northern Scotland ## ## #### Northern Scotland’s Inverness Castle ranks among the most strategically important castles in Scotland. The north tower (left) is open for visitors and provides a prime observation point across Inverness city toward the hills of the Northern Highlands. ## Explore the Northern Highlands from Inverness and Northern Scotland #### Northern Scotland is Highlands & Islands and much more. **Home At First’s Inverness and Northern Scotland** extends north-south from the northern tip of mainland Britain at **John o’ Groats** south beyond **Loch Ness** as far as **Fort William**, and east-west from the fierce North Sea shore of eastern **Aberdeenshire** west to the rugged Atlantic coast of **Wester Ross** and mountainous **Isle of Skye**. Northern Scotland isn’t all remote highlands and islands. The region offers many of Scotland’s great attractions set amid ever-changing scenery. Tucked amid the folds of the mountains and the sea-inlets are dozens of villages and towns worth discovery. The regional capital of **Inverness**, qualifies as Britain’s northernmost city, with much of its original 17th century architecture lining **River Ness**, which divides the town in half and passes below impressive **Inverness Castle** on its way north to the **Beauly Firth**. Inverness is the both the capital of Northern Scotland and the region’s geographic center. **Home At First**‘s apartments in the city center make excellent bases from which to explore Inverness and Northern Scotland. And, while this can best be accomplished by **rental car**, from Inverness it also is possible to explore limited portions of the region by **railway** lines that extend to all four compass points: west to **Kyle of Lochalsh by Skye**, north to the seacoast at **Thurso and Wick**, east to **Aberdeen on the North Sea**, and south through **Aviemore** and the **Cairgorms National Park** to **Pitlochry, Central Scotland**. An hour north of Inverness **Home At First** has rural cottages on a **Highlands Estate** in the former county of **Ross-shire**, its 3,000 square miles extending across mainland Scotland from the North Sea west to the wild Atlantic coast. Fish, bike, canoe, and hike on our Highlands Estate, and golf on any of several nearby challenging links and parkland courses. Using our exclusive ***Northern Scotland Activity Guide***, you explore the Northern Highlands independently, touring the region by car from sea to sea, and from Inverness to **John o’ Groats** in the far north of Britain, returning to your cozy Scottish lodging each evening. --- **Explore Inverness and Northern Scotland — discover history & remarkable scenery from either of two superb touring bases: Inverness apartments or Highlands Estate cottages.** - ![Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich near Kyle of Lochalsh, Northern Scotland. Adam Burton Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Eilean-Donan-Castle-VB34134240-2000x1125-72dpi-Adam-Burton-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608666459724-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Eilean Donan Castle - Adam Burton Photo copyright VisitBritain")On an island in a Highland loch, Eilean Donan Castle connects to the shore by a causeway. Adam Burton Photo © VisitBritain. - ![Road touring through Northern Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Scotland-Road-Touring-the-Northern-Highlands-101003-R3-058-27A-1000x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northern Scotland - Road Touring the Northern Highlands - 101003-R3-058-27A - 1000x500 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Scotland: Road Touring the Northern Highlands. - ![Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, Northern Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Castle-Urquhart-on-Loch-Ness-101003-R2-012-4A-1037x645-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness - Photo copyright Home At First")EXPLORING A MONSTROUS LOCH: Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness - ![Culloden Battlefield](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Scotland-Culloden-Battlefield-101003-R2-070-33A-1000x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northern Scotland - Culloden Battlefield - 101003-R2-070-33A - 1385x568 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")REVISITING HISTORY: Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobites made a final, futile stand. - ![Cawdor Castle — where Shakespeare's Macbeth murdered Duncan to became king. Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Scotland-Cawdor-Castle-VB34148474-1000x500-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain.jpg "Northern Scotland - Cawdor Castle - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")Cawdor Castle, a 15th century fortress. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” murdered Duncan here. Andrew Pickett Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![Ruins of Northern Scotland's 13th century Fortrose Cathedral](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Black-Isle-13th-century-Fortrose-Cathedral-ruins-101003-R3-012-4A-1431x655-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608662892476-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Black Isle - 13th century Fortrose Cathedral ruins - Photo copyright Home At First")HISTORY & PRE-HISTORY ON THE BLACK ISLE: Ruins of the 13th century Fortrose Cathedral on the Black Isle. - ![Pastoral Glen Oykel, the border land between Ross and Sutherland, Northern Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Glen-Oykel-Ross-and-Sutherland-101003-R3-064-30A-1536x710-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608662937459-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Glen Oykel Ross and Sutherland - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Scotland is not all mountains & coasts. Much of the region’s interior is farmed & timbered, like Glen Oykel. - ![Fishing creek on our Northern Highlands Estate](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Scotland-Highlands-Estate-fishing-creek-290914-3322-1000x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northern Scotland - Highlands Estate fishing creek - Photo copyright Home At First")Home At First’s Northern Highland Estate has its own fishing creek that would make Izaac Walton smile. - ![Stately Victorian architecture of central Inverness](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Scotland-Inverness-Drummond-St-skyline-architecture-280914-3273-1000x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northern Scotland - Inverness - Drummond St skyline architecture - Photo copyright Home At First")IN INVERNESS: Stately Victorian architecture lines Drummond Street in central Inverness. - ![Touring Northern Scotland by ScotRail from Inverness station. Simon Winnall Photo copyright VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Touring-by-Rail-VB34165118-2000x1033-72dpi-Simon-Winnall-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608663616670-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Touring by Rail - Simon Winnall Photo copyright VisitBritain")Touring by ScotRail is comfortable, scenic, and eliminates driving & parking issues. Simon Winnall Photo © VisitBritain. - ![The Royal Burgh of Tain is a handsome, historic market town on the Dornoch Firth in Ross-shire, Northern Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Royal-Burgh-of-Tain-290914-3336-1504x877-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608664596994-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Royal Burgh of Tain - Photo copyright Home At First")TAIN is an historic market town dating from the 8th century. Tain has be a “royal burgh” for over 900 years. - ![Northern Scotland's Royal Dornoch Golf Club green overlooking the North Sea.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Royal-Dornoch-green-101003-R1-026-11A-1536x624-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608664949702-976x488.jpg "Northern Scotland - Royal Dornoch green - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Scotland’s east coast has several top links courses & a golf-friendly “micro-climate”. Shown is Royal Dornoch G.C. - ![Northern Scotland - Salmon leap at the Falls of Shin](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Scotland-Salmon-leap-at-Falls-of-Shin101003-R1-020-8A-2-1000x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northern Scotland - Salmon leap at the Falls of Shin - Photo copyright Home At First")SALMON LEAP: Dozens of small streams carry wild Atlantic salmon miles into the Northern Scotland interior to spawn. - ![Northern Scotland sheep Farm on the edge of the Northern Highlands](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Sheep-Farm-and-the-Highlands-101003-R3-008-2A-1536x624-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608665779153-976x488.jpg "Northern Scotland - Sheep Farm and the Highlands - Photo copyright Home At First")Sheep farm on the edge of the Highlands. Wool production remains an important part of the Northern Scotland economy. - ![Ullapool harbour and fishing fleet on the west coast of Northern Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Ullapool-harbour-and-fishing-fleet-101003-R3-056-26A-1456x668-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Ullapool harbour and fishing fleet - Photo copyright Home At First")Ullapool harbor is an important fishing port on Northern Scotland’s west coast and terminal for Outer Hebrides ferries. - ![Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich near Kyle of Lochalsh, Northern Scotland. Adam Burton Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Eilean-Donan-Castle-VB34134240-2000x1125-72dpi-Adam-Burton-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608666459724-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Eilean Donan Castle - Adam Burton Photo copyright VisitBritain")On an island in a Highland loch, Eilean Donan Castle connects to the shore by a causeway. Adam Burton Photo © VisitBritain. **Explore Inverness and Northern Scotland by independent day-trips from your Inverness apartment or Northern Highlands cottage —** Begin your discovery of Inverness and Northern Scotland by exploring your home region: the small city of Inverness and the eastern portion of Scotland’s Northern Highlands. The intricate regional geography of rivers, hills, firths (fjords), and moors offers a fascinating array of places to explore. This part of Scotland has extraordinary history with associations with **Picts**, **Highland clans**, **Vikings**, **Jacobites**, and **British Royalty**. **Touring Northern Scotland by Car:** Further from home, your explorations by car can take you on a long circle tour west and south through some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery: across the Northern Highlands to the rugged coast of **Wester Ross**, through spectacular coastal mountains to **Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye**. From Skye, the return route passes picturesque **Eilean Donan Castle**, winding past several of Scotland’s highest **Munros** before tracing the west shore of **Loch Ness** back to Inverness and home. Another touring route circles west across Ross-shire to the fishing port of **Ullapool on Loch Broom**, north into remote and thinly populated northwestern **Sutherland** before turning southeast and returning home via the **Dornoch Firth** and the **Royal Burgh of Tain** with its **Glenmorangie Distillery**. A third day-trip by car heads east into the historic counties of **Nairn**, **Moray**, and **Banffshire** before turning southwest and traversing the distillery-dense **Speyside Whisky Route**, brushing **Cairngorms National Park**, then turning north to return to Inverness and home. **Touring Northern Scotland by Train:** Guests staying in Inverness city apartments have the option of touring without driving by taking the train. From Inverness station in the city center (within walking distance of **Home At First**‘s Inverness apartments), trains depart on scenic lines west for **Kyle of Lochalsh**, north for **Wick** and **Thurso**, east for **Elgin** and **Aberdeen**, and south for **Aviemore** in the Cairngorms and **Pitlochry** in the Central Highlands. Although railways do not go everywhere in Northern Scotland, Inverness-based guests using a **ScotRail Pass** can easily fill a week with rail adventures throughout the region and return each evening to their apartments in the happy capital of Northern Scotland. --- ### Discovering Home At First’s Inverness and Northern Scotland — Activities **Activities:** In addition to touring by car or train, visitors play links or parkland **golf**, try **fishing** for salmon and trout, visit numerous (scotch) **whisky distilleries**, search for **castles** in all states of repair, keep an eye out for the **Loch Ness Monster**, and encounter important historic sites of fact like **Culloden Moor battlefield** (where the Jacobite cause was lost) and of fiction like **Cawdor Castle** (where Shakespeare’s *Macbeth* became King of Scotland). For more activities, see the following slide show: - ![Northern Scotland - 8th Green Royal Dornoch - Harry Williams Photo © VisitBritain Images](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-8th-Green-Royal-Dornoch-VB34140983-2000x877-72dpi-Harry-Williams-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-Images-1-e1608738060152-878x439.jpg "Northern Scotland - 8th Green Royal Dornoch - VB34140983 - 2000x877 72dpi - Harry Williams Photo copyright VisitBritain Images")GOLF: Classic links courses line Northern Scotland’s east coast, including top-ranked Royal Dornoch Golf Club, considered among the best in the world. Harry Williams Photo © VisitBritain. - ![Canoeing on Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, Glen Affric, Highlands, Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Canoeing-VB34149109-1-2000x1032-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-1000x500.jpg "Canoeing on Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, Glen Affric, Highlands, Scotland.")CANOEING, KAYAKING, & ROWING are popular throughout Northern Scotland. Home At First’s Highland Estate guests may use rowboats on its small lake. Andrew Pickett Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![Northern Scotland - Castle Stuart Golf Course links on Moray Firth. Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Scotland-Castle-Stuart-Golf-Course-links-on-Moray-Firth-VB34148395-1000x500-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain.jpg "Northern Scotland - Castle Stuart Golf Course links on Moray Firth - VB34148395 - 2000x944 72dpi - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")CASTLE STUART G.C. — set along the Moray Firth — is an acclaimed new course in Northern Scotland, and the closest top-ranked links to the city of Inverness. Andrew Pickett Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![A group of Scottish cyclists, mountain bikers sitting in the forest, taking a break.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Cycling-off-paved-roads-in-the-Highlands-VB34158563-2000x1105-Peter-Beavis-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608739671875-1000x500.jpg "A group of cyclists, mountain bikers sitting in the forest, taking a break.")CYCLING: Northern Scotland offers lots of cycling variety on and off road. Bike rental is a block away from Home At First’s Inverness apartments, and bikes are available at our Highlands Estate cottages. Peter Beavis Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![Northern Scotland - Hikers in the Northern Highlands. Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Hikers-in-the-Northern-Highlands-VB34148759-2000x1043-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608739833668-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Hikers in the Northern Highlands - VB34148759 - 2000x1043 72dpi - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")WALKING & HIKING: Northern Highlands offers walks & climbs of all levels of challenge. Our “Northern Scotland On-Site Guide” lists recommended walks of all levels. Andres Pickett Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![Northern Scotland - Monarch of the Glen. Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Monarch-of-the-Glen-VB34148760-2000x1024-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608740703684-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Monarch of the Glen - VB34148760 - 2000x1024 72dpi - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")DEER STALKING. Spot deer, fox, eagles, salmon, seals, dolphins, hedgehogs, ptarmigan, grouse, osprey, and shaggy, long-horned Highland cattle. Photo by Andrew Pickett ©VisitBritain. - ![Northern Scotland - Muir of Ord - Glen Ord Whisky Distillery - Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Muir-of-Ord-Glen-Ord-Whisky-Distillery-VB34148731-2000x1076-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608740836146-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Muir of Ord - Glen Ord Whisky Distillery - VB34148731 - 2000x1076 72dpi - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")WHISKY STALKING. Northern Scotland has a lengthy, lively Whisky Trail. Pictured is Glen Ord, closest distillery to Inverness. Glenmorangie distillery is closest to our Highlands Estate cottages. Andrew Pickett Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![Victorian Market, Inverness, Northern Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Shopping-at-the-Victorian-Market-Inverness-VB34148871-2000x934-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608741116953-933x467.jpg "A couple in the Victorian Market, Inverness, Highlands, Scotland.")SHOPPING! Inverness offers shops of all kinds lining the high street, and in shopping centres. Pictured is a couple strolling Inverness’s Victorian Market. Andrew Pickett Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![Northern Scotland - Tea in the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness - Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Tea-in-the-Kingsmills-Hotel-Inverness-VB34149010-2000-1068-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608741272483-1000x500.jpg "Northern Scotland - Tea in the Kingsmills Hotel Inverness - VB34149010 - 2000-1068 72dpi - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")HIGH TEA is an afternoon treat offered by many Scottish restaurants & hotels, and comes with cakes & calories, as shown at the Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness. Andrew Pickett Photo ©VisitBritain. - ![Northern Scotland - Trad Scottish Music in Inverness - Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Trad-Scottish-Music-in-Inverness-VB34148798-2000x934-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608741754838-933x467.jpg "Northern Scotland - Trad Scottish Music in Inverness - VB34148798 - 2000x934 72dpi - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH MUSIC is performed live at small clubs & hotels throughout Northern Scotland, including at the Hootananny Pub, near Home At First’s Inverness apartments. Photo by Andrew Pickett ©VisitBritain. --- ### **Discovering Home At First’s Inverness and Northern Scotland — Frequently Asked Questions** **What’s** **the** **driving** **like?** Northern Scotland roads — mostly two-lane, but many one-lane (“single-track”) roads, and the occasional three-lane road, plus the A-9 north/south national highway that is at times a 4-lane motorway — follow the profiles of the glens (valleys), hugging the shores of the lochs (Scottish lakes, sounds, and fjords), and occasionally climbing mountain passes to reach the next glen. With few people traffic congestion is rare, except in Inverness, where the one-way street system is often confusing and finding parking can be aggravating. Traffic can also back up on some key mountain pass routes, on the busy streets of market towns, and on the winding, narrow streets of antique villages. **How** **far** **can** **we** **day-trip** **by** **driving?** Despite the almost total absence of high-speed motorways, **Home At First**‘s Inverness and Northern Scotland apartments and Highland Estate cottages make great bases for exploring its fascinating region with two coasts, larger towns of **Tain**, **Dornoch**, **Nairn**, **Elgin**, and smaller towns and villages including **Ullapool**, **Fortrose**, **Cromarty**, **Dornoch**, **Drumnadrochit**, **Fort Augustus**, **Applecross**, **Gairloch**, **Torridon**, **Aviemore**, **Thurso**, and **Wick** within reach. Regions accessible by car include the **Far North (Sutherland & Caithness)**, **Wester Ross**, **Isle of Skye**, **Speyside and the Cairngorms**, **Loch Ness & Lochaber**. **What** **can** **we** **realistically** **accomplish** **if** **we** **opt** **to** **travel** **by** **train?** Using a **ScotRail Pass** valid for 4 days of rail travel during an 8-day travel period, **Home At First** guests to Inverness can travel to the four points of the compass: **• Rail service east** on the 3-hour journey from **Inverness to Aberdeen** operates almost hourly, making it possible to visit Aberdeen as a long day-trip with 2-6 hours in Aberdeen. **• Rail service west** on the very scenic 2.5-hour journey from **Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh** operates every two hours from about 9AM, provides a 2-hour lunch stop in Kyle, and returns to Inverness in time for supper. **• Rail service north** to the top of mainland Scotland operates twice each morning on the 4.5-hour journey from **Inverness to Wick (via Thurso)**. Taking the earlier train permits a 2-hour lunch stop or 5.5-hour visit in Thurso or a 4.5-hour visit to Wick before returning to Inverness by 5PM or 8PM. Intermediate stops along of interest along this route include **Tain**, **Golspie**, **Dunrobbin Castle**, and **Brora**. **• Rail services south** on the main line from **Inverness to Perth, Edinburgh, and Glasgow** depart Inverness hourly. Journey time to Edinburgh or Glasgow is about 3.5 hours, sometimes requiring a change of trains in Perth. Leaving Inverness at around 8AM means being able to visit Edinburgh or Glasgow for up to 6 hours before taking the train back to Inverness in time for a 9:30PM arrival. Stops along this route include the interesting small towns of **Aviemore**, **Blair Atholl**, and **Pitlochry**, as well as the historic small city of **Stirling**. **What is there to see and do?** We tell you in very practical detail in our exclusive **“Northern Scotland Activity Guide”** created specifically for the use of **Home At First** guests in Inverness and Northern Scotland. --- ### Home At First’s Inverness and Northern Scotland — The Lodgings: ### Apartments in Inverness and Northern Scotland #### Sample Inverness City Apartments - ![Several Home At First Inverness Apartments are located here.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Apt-Location-Apt-Bldg-at-Bridge-and-Bank-Sts-280914-3266-1504x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608755700165-1000x550.jpg "Inverness - Apt Location - Apt Bldg - Photo copyright Home At First")Several Home At First Inverness Apartments are in this modern building. The ground floor houses a restaurant, a pub, & shops. - ![Southern view from Home At First's Inverness apartments: Bridge Street shops with Inverness Castle looming.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Apartment-location-Bridge-St-and-Castle-view-280914-3247-1504x830-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608755735750-1000x550.jpg "Inverness - Apartment location - Bridge St and Castle view - Photo copyright Home At First")INVERNESS: View from apartment terrace looking south over Bridge Street with Inverness Castle looming. - ![Home At First's west-facing Inverness apartment terraces and balconies overlook River Ness.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Apt-Location-River-view-north-with-apts.-terrace-and-balconies-280914-3249-1063x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608755638993-983x541.jpg "Inverness - Apt Location - River view north with apts. terrace and balconies - Photo copyright Home At First")INVERNESS: Home At First’s Inverness apartments facing west across River Ness feature furnished terraces or balconies. - ![Inverness: the view north of River Ness & Ben Wyvis from an apartment terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Apt-Location-View-North-along-river-and-Bank-St-from-Apts-280914-3244-1504x720-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608755810845-1000x550.jpg "Inverness - Apt Location - View North along river and Bank St from Apts - Photo copyright Home At First")View from the balcony along River Ness. - ![Shops line pedestrians-only Eastgate Street.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-High-St-Eastgate-pedestrian-shopping-280914-3269-1504x775-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608756080777-1000x550.jpg "Inverness - High St Eastgate pedestrian shopping - Photo copyright Home At First")INVERNESS: Shops line pedestrians-only Eastgate street two blocks from Home At First’s Inverness apartments. - ![Inverness: Eastgate Shopping Centre is Scotland's largest shopping complex north of Edinburgh & Glasgow.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Eastgate-Shopping-Centre-280914-3272-1488x716-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608756174471-1000x550.jpg "Inverness - Eastgate Shopping Centre - Photo copyright Home At First")INVERNESS: 3 blocks from Home At First’s apartments, Eastgate Shopping Centre, the largest north of Edinburgh & Glasgow. Shown and described below are two popular Inverness City Apartments enjoyed by **Home At First** guests. They are shown here as samples of different sizes and capacities, and to illustrate the standard of quality that comes with all apartments regardless of design, size, style, and location. While the range of apartments to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment. **ARRIVAL & HOSTING:** Each apartment’s host or hostess will meet you at the apartment when you arrive to explain its operations. Your host/hostess is also ready with suggestions for activities, shopping, and eating and is on-call in the event of questions, emergencies, or (unlikely) problems. **LOCATION:** The apartments are a five-minute walk uphill to Inverness Castle. Restaurants, shops, cafés, churches, Inverness’s train and bus stations, and its tourist information office are all within 10-minutes walk of the apartment, meaning you do not need a car to explore Inverness. And, whether using a car or a ScotRail pass, exploring Northern Scotland is easily done from **Home At First**‘s perfectly-situated apartment in Inverness. INVERNESS SAMPLE APARTMENT 2-BEDROOM CORNER TERRACE APARTMENT with castle view - ![The apartment's spacious open-plan dining area, living area, and kitchen open onto the furnished terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Apts-2-bdrm-corner-apt-lounge-kitchen-terrace-280914-3214-1504x877-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608757520984-1000x580.jpg "Inverness Apts - 2-bdrm corner apt - lounge-kitchen-terrace - Photo copyright Home At First")Open-plan dining-living-kitchen with terrace access. - ![Inverness Castle viewed from the apartment's south terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Apts-view-of-Inverness-Castle-from-corner-terrace-280914-3204-1000x575-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-991x575.jpg "Inverness Apts - view of Inverness Castle from corner terrace - Photo copyright Home At First")Inverness Castle viewed from the apartment’s south terrace. - ![The apartment has two king bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom with shower. This is bedroom 1.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-2-Bdrm-corner-apt-Dbl-Bdrm-1-280914-3188-1504x877-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608757651668-1000x580.jpg "Inverness - 2-Bdrm corner apt - Dbl Bdrm 1 - Photo copyright Home At First")King bedroom #1 (of 2) with en suite bathroom (shower). - ![Bedroom 1's en suite bathroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-2-Bdrm-corner-apt-en-suite-bathroom-1-280914-3189-1504x878-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608757745823-1000x580.jpg "Inverness - 2-Bdrm corner apt - en suite bathroom 1 - Photo copyright Home At First")King bedroom #1’s en suite bathroom. - ![Bedroom 2, also with a king bed and en suite bathroom, has access to the furnished, wrap-around terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-2-Bdrm-corner-apt-Dbl-Bdrm-2-with-en-suite-bath-and-terrace-280914-3195-1478x850-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608757819246-991x575.jpg "Inverness - 2-Bdrm corner apt - Dbl Bdrm 2 with en suite bath and terrace - Photo copyright Home At First")Bedroom #2 with bathroom, has access to the terrace. - ![The apartment kitchen has its own access to the terrace, plus a view of Inverness Castle through the blinds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-2-Bdrm-corner-apt-kitchen-with-castle-view-vert-280914-3216-1000x1480-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608758034818-998x578.jpg "Inverness - 2-Bdrm corner apt - kitchen with castle view vert - Photo copyright Home At First")The kitchen has terrace access plus a view of Inverness Castle. Set in the epicenter of Inverness at the prime corner intersection of convenience and choice, this modern, second floor apartment is stylish, practical, and wonderfully located. The views from the apartment’s furnished, wrap-around terrace of the towers of Inverness Castle and the River Ness invite outside breakfast, dinner, or simply lounging with drinks and snacks. One flight of stairs or a short elevator ride leads to the secure building entry door. Descend two floors by elevator to the secure underground garage and the apartment’s designated parking space. The apartment’s entry hall has an video entry phone. In addition to keys to the apartment, guests receive a numerical code to access the garage door, the elevator, and the building entry door. ![Home At First's Inverness and Northern Scotland apartments have utility cupboards with laundry machines, irons, and cleaning supplies.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-2-Bdrm-corner-apt.-Utility-cupboard-washer-and-iron-280914-3191-449x740-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Inverness and Northern Scotland apartments have utility cupboards with laundry machines, irons, and cleaning supplies.")Utility Cupboard The flat’s spacious, open-plan kitchen, living, & dining areas comprise its main room. A large flat-screen TV is visible from everywhere in this room. The dining area seats six. Free WiFi is provided, as is a cell phone with free calls to the UK, EU, USA, and Canada. The very well-equipped kitchen has a refrigerator-freezer, dishwasher, electric range, convection oven, toaster, coffee maker, & microwave. There is a clothes washer in the apartment’s utility room, as well as a useful powder room in the hallway. The apartment is non-smoking only, and is centrally heated. Daily maid service is an extra-cost item available on request. The 2 bedrooms feature king-sized beds & walk-in-shower-equipped bathrooms en suite. One bedroom accesses the furnished terrace. INVERNESS SAMPLE APARTMENT 1-BEDROOM, 4th FLOOR BALCONY APARTMENT with RIVER view - ![The living room with balcony and view of Inverness.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-1-Bdrm-Apt-Living-Room-and-Balcony-w.-River-View-280914-3231-1504x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608760503929-1000x615.jpg "Inverness - 1-Bdrm Apt - Living Room and Balcony w. River View - Photo copyright Home At First")The living room has balcony access & a river view. - ![Inverness: the view north of River Ness & Ben Wyvis from an apartment terrace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-Apt-Location-View-North-along-river-and-Bank-St-from-Apts-280914-3244-1504x720-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608755810845-894x550.jpg "Inverness - Apt Location - View North along river and Bank St from Apts - Photo copyright Home At First")View from the balcony along River Ness. - ![Open-plan living/dining/kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-1-Bdrm-Apt-Living-Dining-Kitchen-280914-3234-1504x785-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608760835567-848x522.jpg "Inverness - 1-Bdrm Apt - Living-Dining-Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")The spacious open-plan has living, dining, & kitchen. - ![King-sized bed & bathroom en suite.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-1-Bdrm-Apt.-King-Bedroom-280914-3218-1504x814-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608760938404-879x541.jpg "Inverness - 1-Bdrm Apt. - King Bedroom - Photo copyright Home At First")The king bedroom with bathroom en suite. - ![En suite bathroom with large shower](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-1-Bdrm-Apt-En-Suite-Bath-w.-Shower-280914-3221-1504x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608761000707-1000x615.jpg "Inverness - 1-Bdrm Apt - En Suite Bath w. Shower - Photo copyright Home At First")En suite bathroom with large shower. - ![Powder Room in Hallway](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-1-Bdrm-Apt-Powder-Room-vert-280914-3225-767x1190-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608761128382-767x471.jpg "Inverness - 1-Bdrm Apt - Powder Room - vert - Photo copyright Home At First")The apartment has a hallway powder room. Centrally located in Inverness, this modern, fourth-floor apartment is both stylish and practical — an ideal accommodation for two persons. The views from the apartment’s furnished balcony north along the River Ness invite outside breakfast, dinner, or simply lounging with drinks and snacks. An elevator takes guests to the secure building entry door on the ground floor or to the secure underground garage and the apartment’s designated parking space. The apartment’s entry hall has an video entry phone. In addition to keys to the apartment, guests receive a numerical code to access the garage door, the elevator, and the building entry door. ![Home At First's Inverness and Northern Scotland apartments have utility cupboards with laundry machines, irons, ironing boards, vacuums, and cleaning supplies.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Inverness-1-Bdrm-Apt-Utility-Cupboard-with-washer-and-vacuum-280914-3226-449x740-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Inverness and Northern Scotland apartments have utility cupboards with laundry machines, irons, ironing boards, vacuums, and cleaning supplies.")Utility Cupboard The flat’s spacious, open-plan kitchen, living, & dining areas comprise its main room. The living room area includes a sizable flat-screen TV. The furnished balcony opens off the living room via glass French doors, providing an excellent view north along the River Ness. The dining table by the well-equipped kitchen area seats four. The very well-equipped kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, electric range, convection oven, toaster, coffee maker, & microwave. There is a clothes washer in the apartment’s utility room, as well as a useful powder room in the hallway. Free WiFi is provided. The apartment is non-smoking only, and is centrally heated. Daily maid service is an extra-cost item available by request. The spacious double bedroom features a king-sized bed and walk-in-shower-equipped bathroom en suite. --- ### Home At First’s Inverness and Northern Scotland — The Lodgings: #### Northern Highlands Estate Cottages in Ross-shire #### Sample Rural Estate Cottages in Northern Scotland - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Old Main House](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Cottage-Exteriors-Old-Main-House-290914-3307-1448x846-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608763448599-1200x700.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Cottage Exteriors - Old Main House - Photo copyright Home At First")Old Main House: 3 bedrooms; sleeps 4 adults + 2 children. - ![Northern Highlands Estate - Old Main Cottage in autumn](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Old-Main-Cottage-in-autumn-2200x1244-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-e1608763644382-1164x679.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Old Main Cottage in autumn - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Northern Highlands Estate: Old Main Cottage. Most cottages are not close to each other. - ![The Chalet — 1 double bedroom + 1 twin bedroom; Sleeps 4](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Northern-Highlands-Estate-The-Chalet-and-its-Gatehouse-290914-3313-1000x583-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-999x583.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Cottage Exteriors - The Chalet - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate — The Chalet and its Gatehouse. - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Rowboat by pond](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Rowboat-by-pond-290914-3294-1000x605-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1000x583.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Rowboat by pond - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate — Rowboat available for guests’ use on the estate’s small lake. - ![Northern Highlands Estate - Pond w. solitary swan](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Pond-w.-solitary-swan-panorama-290914-2200x613-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1050x613.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Pond w. solitary swan - panorama - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate — The lake with a solitary swan. - ![Highlands Estate fishing creek in Northern Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Scotland-Highlands-Estate-fishing-creek-290914-3322-1503x871-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1-e1608763902378-1191x695.jpg "Northern Scotland - Highlands Estate fishing creek - 290914-3322 - 1503x871 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate guests have use of fishing gear & and access to this creek. - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Woodland waterfall](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Woodland-waterfall-290914-3317-1259x767-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x700.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Woodland waterfall - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate — One hiking trail leads past this woodland waterfall. - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Italianate Garden](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Italianate-Garden-290914-3327-1344x811-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608764102699-1200x700.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Italianate Garden - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate — This manicured Italianate garden is adjacent to the castle. - ![Northern Highlands Estate — The Castle](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-The-Castle-290914-3329-1000x787-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1000x583.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - The Castle - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate — The Castle is the private residence of the estate owners. - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Estate Office](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Estate-Office-290914-3285-1504x740-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x700.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Estate Office - Photo copyright Home At First")Northern Highlands Estate: The Estate Office is staffed weekdays during daylight hours. - ![Rose Garden — Royal Burgh of Tain](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Tain-Rose-Garden-290914-3340-1254x895-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608764417176-1200x700.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Tain Rose Garden - 290914-3340 - 1254x895 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Rose Garden, Royal Burgh of Tain, nearest large town to the Northern Highlands Estate. - ![Tain, nearest large town to the Northern Highlands Estate.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Tain-Town-290914-3333-1272x765-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x700.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Tain Town - Photo copyright Home At First")Tain has 2 supermarkets, shops, restaurants, a train station, & a highly-rated golf links. **Shown above** are images of **Home At First**‘s Northern Highlands Estate to illustrate show areas for hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, the estate office, the activities center, and the estate owner’s castle with its elaborate Italianate gardens. --- **Shown and described below** are images of several of the Northern Highlands Estate Cottages enjoyed by **Home At First** guests: exterior views in the left column, and interior views in the right column. They are shown here as samples of different sizes and capacities, and to illustrate the standard of quality that comes with all of the estate’s cottages regardless of design, size, style, and location. While the range of cottages to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and choice of activities is the same for all. NORTHERN HIGHLANDS ESTATE COTTAGE EXTERIORS - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Old Main House](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Cottage-Exteriors-Old-Main-House-290914-3307-1448x846-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608763448599-1000x615.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Cottage Exteriors - Old Main House - Photo copyright Home At First")Old Main House: 3 bedrooms; sleeps 4 adults + 2 children. - ![Rose Garden Cottage](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Cottage-Exteriors-Rose-Garden-Cottage-2000x1000-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-e1608826031462-1000x615.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Cottage Exteriors - Rose Garden Cottage - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Rose Garden Cottage — 2 bedrooms; sleeps 4 - ![The Chalet — 1 double bedroom + 1 twin bedroom; Sleeps 4](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Cottage-Exteriors-The-Chalet-290914-3314-1120x711-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1000x615.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Cottage Exteriors - The Chalet - Photo copyright Home At First")The Chalet sleeps 4 & its Gatehouse sleeps 2. - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Centre Cottage](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Cottage-Exteriors-Centre-Cottage-935x534-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-868x534.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Cottage Exteriors - Centre Cottage - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Centre Cottage has 3 bedrooms & sleeps 6. - ![Northern Highlands Estate — Family Lodge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Northern-Highlands-Estate-Cottage-Exteriors-Family-Lodge-2000x1168-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-e1608826343155-1000x615.jpg "Northern Highlands Estate - Cottage Exteriors - Family Lodge - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Family Lodge: its 6 bedrooms can sleep up to 12 persons. Several guest cottages are set across the many acres of the Northern Highlands Estate. (Five cottages are featured in the slide presentations on this page.) Each cottage is unique in location and capacity, yet all reflect the rural country elegance of a Highlands retreat and share the estate’s privacy, security, and its common guest activities. The Northern Highlands Estate has a single gated entrance by the the estate’s office. From here, guests follow paved single-lane roads to their cottages. Three cottages are clustered around the estate’s activities center. Two are adjacent to the estate’s manicured gardens and its castle, a private residence not open to the public. Other cottages are set away from other buildings, some on remote portions of the estate a few minutes drive from the estate entrance. These latter are ideal for guests looking for peace and privacy in a pristine natural setting away from traffic, except for an occasional estate farm tractor. The Northern Highlands Estate provides a comfortable rural retreat for its guests. It also provides a convenient base for touring throughout Inverness and Northern Highlands. Day trips by car lead north through Sutherland to Caithness and the northernmost shores of Britain; west across Ross-shire through some of Britain’s highest mountains to its rugged, attractive west coast; south and southwest to Inverness, Loch Ness, the Highlands of Lochaber, and to the romantic and rugged Isle of Skye. NORTHERN HIGHLANDS ESTATE COTTAGE INTERIORS - ![Old Main Cottage — Living room with fireplace and TV](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Old-Main-Cottage-living-room-with-fireplace-and-tv-full-size-711x474-72dpi-Northern-Highlans-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-646x474.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Old Main Cottage - living room with fireplace and tv - full size - 711x474 72dpi - Northern Highlans Estate Photo used with permission")Old Main Cottage: Living room with fireplace & TV - ![Old Main Cottage - double bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Old-Main-Cottage-double-bedroom-711x474-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-646x474.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Old Main Cottage - double bedroom - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Old Main Cottage: double bedroom. - ![Old Main Cottage — Kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Old-Main-Cottage-Kitchen-711x495-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-675x495.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Old Main Cottage - Kitchen - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Old Main Cottage: Kitchen. - ![Rose Garden Cottage - Living Room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Rose-Garden-Cottage-Living-Room-710x473-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-645x473.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Rose Garden Cottage - Living Room - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Rose Garden Cottage: Living Room. - ![Rose Garden Cottage — Terrace by the Sun Room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Rose-Garden-Cottage-Sun-Room-2-710x464-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-632x464.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Rose Garden Cottage - Sun Room 2 - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Rose Garden Cottage: Terrace by the Sun Room. - ![Rose Garden Cottage — Double Bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Rose-Garden-Cottage-Double-Bedroom-703x468-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-638x468.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Rose Garden Cottage - Double Bedroom - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Rose Garden Cottage: Double Bedroom. - ![The Chalet — Twin Bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-The-Chalet-Twin-Bedroom-2-681x424-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-578x424.jpg "Cottage Interiors - The Chalet - Twin Bedroom 2 - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")The Chalet: Twin Bedroom. - ![Chalet - living room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-The-Chalet-living-room-771x343-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-467x343.jpg "Cottage Interiors - The Chalet - living room - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")The Chalet: Living Room. - ![The Chalet - Kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-The-Chalet-Kitchen-704x343-72dpi-Norhtern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-467x343.jpg "Cottage Interiors - The Chalet - Kitchen - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")The Chalet: Kitchen. - ![Centre Cottage - Dining Room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Centre-Cottage-Dining-Room-711x476-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-649x476.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Centre Cottage - Dining Room - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Centre Cottage: Dining Room. - ![Centre Cottage — Double Bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Centre-Cottage-Double-Bedroom-711x499-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-680x499.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Centre Cottage - Double Bedroom - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Centre Cottage: Double Bedroom. - ![Centre Cottage - living room with fireplace](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Centre-Cottage-Living-room-with-fire-709x457-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-623x457.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Centre Cottage - Living room with fire - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")Centre Cottage: living room with fireplace. - ![The Family Lodge - Master Bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-The-Family-Lodge-Master-bedroom-768x432-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-589x432.jpg "Cottage Interiors - The Family Lodge - Master-bedroom - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")The Family Lodge: Master Bedroom. - ![The Family Lodge - Eat-in Kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-Family-Lodge-Eat-In-Kitchen-768x432-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-589x432.jpg "Cottage Interiors - Family Lodge - Eat-In Kitchen - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")The Family Lodge: Eat-in Kitchen. - ![The Family Lodge - living room with fireplace](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cottage-Interiors-The-Family-Lodge-living-room-withn-fireplace-and-flowers-768x432-72dpi-Northern-Highlands-Estate-Photo-used-with-permission-589x432.jpg "Cottage Interiors - The Family Lodge - living room with fireplace and flowers - Northern Highlands Estate Photo used with permission")The Family Lodge: living room with fireplace. Northern Highlands Estate cottages are rustic chic, spacious, cozy and comfy. Tweed and brown leather would suit as guest dress, but any long-sleeved casual fits perfectly. The cottages encourage relaxation, outdoor activity, and tranquility. They are ideal for vacationers looking for a peaceful escape from life’s routines. The above slide show illustrates the variety sizes, styles, and decor of the five sample cottages introduced in the previous section. Contact **Home At First** about travel to the Northern Highlands. We will recommend the most suitable cottage based on availability for your travel dates, size of your group, and any special preferences you may have. The Northern Highlands Estate offers cottages that sleep from two to ten persons. They are particularly suitable as vacation homes for couples, foursomes, and families. Guests enjoy full days of touring Inverness and Northern Scotland by car, or playing golf on one of the region’s challenging links courses. , or cycling, walking, fishing, or pursuing some other activity on the estate, you will return to your cottage to find a welcoming Highland home ready with peaceful evenings of crisp air, memorable sunsets, and night skies paved with stars. **What are Home At First’s Northern Highlands Estate Cottage like?** We offer several cottages on a large, rural, private estate in Ross-shire. The estate is not far from the A9 main north/south highway, the Tarbat Peninsula, the Cromarty Firth, and the Dornoch Firth. Each estate cottage is unique. The cottages come in a variety of sizes, and shapes, and decor. Some have multiple bedrooms and baths; others may have a single bedroom and bathroom. Flat-screen TVs are ubiquitous — expect multiple TVs in larger apartments. All estate cottages have terraces or furnished patios and gardens. All are secure private quarters with private bathrooms, and must meet certain standards of quality and equipment: **•** **HOSTING:** All of the Northern Highlands Estate cottages share friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, accessible hosts. The estate staff welcome you, introduce you to your cottage, and explain its workings. They provide information about activities and services at the estate. They also suggest activities and driving tours off the estate. They remain on-call if questions, problems, or emergencies arise. Guests can expect to see a familiar, friendly face from time-to-time during their stay. Staff occupy the estate office during the day. Staff hosts also stop by guest cottages to see how you are getting on. **•** **PARKING:** Each cottage comes with designated parking spots convenient to the cottage entrance for loading and unloading luggage, groceries, and people. **• FLOORS & ENTRIES:** Some cottages are multi-story accommodations requiring climbing one or two flights of stairs. Others are one-story cottages with few or now stairs. Cottage entries are secure. **• CARE & CLEANLINESS:** The cottages have been thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival, but are not maid-serviced during your stay. They are normally equipped with laundry machines. Cottages are non-smoking. Some cottages do permit dogs, while a few do not. Please ask at time of booking if you require a no-dog cottage. Basic starter kitchen and bathroom supplies are provided. **•** **BEDROOMS:** Bedrooms may have twin beds or double bed in any of three sizes. Multi-bedroom lodgings often have a queen-size or king-size bed in one of the bedrooms. Larger family-size lodgings may have a bedroom with bunk beds or children’s twin beds. All bed linens are provided. **•** **KITCHENS:** Full kitchens or practical kitchenettes with at the very least: fridge, coffee maker, tea kettle, stove top range, oven and/or toaster oven and/or microwave. Most have additional counter appliances including dishwashers, as well as clothes washer/dryers. All kitchen and bath towels & linens provided. **•** **BATHROOMS:** Most bathrooms have a shower stall or a bathtub with overhead shower. Some few bathrooms may have a bathtub with hand-held shower, or a bathtub for bathing only. Bath towels & linens — although not always face cloths, which Europeans often consider a personal hygiene item — are provided. **•** **ESTATE FACILITIES:** The Northern Highlands Estate is a private estate with gated access. Guests are provided with entry instructions so they may come and go at all times. Outdoor activities include archery, fishing, cycling, walking, bird-watching, and game spotting. Indoor activities available at the estate’s sports hall include: badminton, basketball, pool, ping-pong, volleyball, and others. All sports and equipment are provided free to guests. **•** **ELECTRONICS:** All Inverness apartments have flat-screen, cable televisions. All have free WiFi. Bring or rent a cell phone for your trip. Cell phone service is good on the estate, but can be spotty in rural areas of Northern Scotland. **•** **PROXIMITY TO STORES & SERVICES IN INVERNESS AND NORTHERN SCOTLAND:** The Northern Highlands Estate is a 15-20-minute drive from the market town of Tain. Tain offers two supermarkets, and a variety of restaurants, cafés, pubs, stores and services. For a broader choice of cultural, dining, and shopping possibilities, plus the regional airport, Northern Scotland’s capital, Inverness, is 45 minutes away by car. --- ### Inverness and Northern Scotland readily combine with all other Home At First #### Scottish regions as well as with most other Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [scotland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Italy - Siena](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/) **Published:** November 21, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **italy home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [— **tuscany: urban** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) renaissance **siena** estate ###### [— **tuscany: rural** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) alta maremma estate ###### [— **the glory that is rome** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) eternal city apartments ###### [**— other destinations —** by special request](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-SpecialRequestDestinations) ###### [**— italy** **prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) #### #### The Renaissance Glory of ### SIENA #### ITALY ###### #### Siena’s Italian Gothic *Piazza del Campo* — 14th century architectural treasure — still the city’s center. # Experience Siena, Italy #### Jewel of the Italian Renaissance **Siena**,** Tuscany:** walled, hilltop, traffic-free, central-Tuscan city of about 50,000, much as it was in the 14th century at the height of the Italian Renaissance. Although Siena’s origins go back 2,500 years or more, its World Heritage Status is earned by its largely unspoiled medieval, brick and stone, Gothic core. Carefully maintained since its construction six to eight centuries ago, Siena appears the physical embodiment of a Renaissance painting. **Home At First**‘s Siena lodgings are located inside a gated estate just outside the city’s medieval walls, away from the crowds of visitors that often swarm to Siena, yet close enough to be walkable or a very short drive to parking at a city gate. --- **SIENA — EXTRAORDINARY SURVIVOR OF THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE** - ![The Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, and Torre Mangia.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Siena-Title-Page-Foto-View-of-Siena-Piazza-from-archway-3-0717-4325-585x747-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Siena's Piazza del Campo from one of 11 radiating alleys.")Siena’s Piazza del Campo from one of 11 radiating alleys. - ![Siena's 13th century Duomo cathedral is an architectural masterpiece housing works of art by Renaissance masters Michelangelo and Donatello.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Siena-Duomo-di-Siena-Cathedral-230717-4286-1296x864-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1588977476123.jpg "Siena, Italy - Duomo di Siena Cathedral.")Siena’s Duomo — 13th century Romanesque & Gothic cathedral - ![The bell tower at Siena's Duomo cathedral.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Cathedral-Belltower-230717-4310-585x747-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Siena Italy’s striking black & white marble 13th century cathedral bell tower.")Siena Italy’s striking black & white marble 13th century cathedral bell tower. - ![Siena Italy's 14th century fortified city gate, the Porta Romana.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-City-Wall-Roman-Gate-230717-4245-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1588977632104.jpg "Siena, Italy's 14th century fortified city gate, the Porta Romana.")14th century fortress gate of Siena Italy’s city wall. - ![The Piazza del Campo — site of the Palio horse racing spectacle.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Piazza-del-Campo-w.-Torre-dei-Mangia-and-Palazzo-Pubblico-230717-4327-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1588977689590.jpg "Siena Italy's grand main square, the Piazza del Campo, the site of Siena's 2 annual Palio horse races.")Piazza del Campo is the site of Siena’s 2 annual Palio horse races. - ![Rectangular bricks and Gothic arches: architectural symbols of Siena, Italy.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Brick-facade-with-Gothic-arches-230717-4304-2000x1428-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1588977727609.jpg "Siena Italy's signature architecture: red brick and Gothic arches.")Siena Italy’s signature red brick Gothic architecture. - ![Founders of Siena, Romulus & Remus with their wolf-mother. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Boldgrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Romulus-and-Remus-statue-230717-4293-585x747-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Founders of Siena, Romulus & Remus with their wolf-mother.")Siena, Italy: statue of Romulus & Remus with their wolf-mother. - ![Stores, shops, restaurants, and cafés vie for visitors' attention in old Siena, Italy.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Antica-Bottega-storefront-230717-4273-2000x1419-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1588977831272.jpg "Artisanal Grocery in Old Siena, Italy.")Storefront of Siena’s Antica Bottega specialty grocery. - ![Renaissance Siena, Italy, has a lively café scene.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Cafe-Ristorante-on-the-Piazza-230717-4269-2000x925-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1588977869725.jpg "Café-Ristorante on the Piazza")Siena’s lively center offers cafés and ristorantes of all varieties. - ![Siena Italy isn't just 700-year-old red-brick Gothic architecture. It's souvenir T-shirts and other kitsch, too..](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Souvenir-shirts-230717-4267-2000x1216-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1588977331230.jpg "Siena's public spaces invite reverence, amazement, & souvenir shopping.")Siena’s public spaces invite reverence, amazement, & souvenir shopping. #### **HOME AT FIRST’s** ### Siena, Italy — How it works: • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your dream of travel to Siena, Italy. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love this place!), and how best to get around (via rental car, or by public transport). — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to Siena with a visit to another part of Italy or to any other **Home At First** destination in Continental Europe, Scandinavia, or the British Isles. — Ask for a Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate. • We prepare an itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need. We send it to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, CAR RENTALS, and/or any TRAIN TICKETS OR TRANSPORTATION PASSES required. Most Home At First Siena guests come with rental cars; some travel by train. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. • All travel documents for your trip — including a **guidebook** appropriate for your destination — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • After you arrive in Italy, you follow our directions from your arrival point to your Siena lodging, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s hostess, who will show you around, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now. [get a free quote](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm "Contact Us") --- ### The Siena, Italy Estate **Siena Estate Apartments:** **Home At First**‘s Siena, Italy, apartments are located on a **gated, restored 17th century Tuscan estate** just outside the city walls, a 25-minute walk to the hilltop *Piazza del Campo*, site of the extraordinarily colorful *Palio* horse races held every July 2 and August 16. For guests with cars, Siena makes a fine touring base within two hours drive time (or less) to Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Assisi, Perugia, to the famous Chianti wine region and the wine towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano, and the nearest beaches on Tuscany’s Tyrrhenian seacoast. The apartments are available for one or more weeks, and may be readily combined with other locations in Italy as well as with other **Home At First** European destinations. **Home At First** offers three vacation apartments on the expansive, manicured, 12-acres estate. All three apartments are decorated and comfortably furnished in traditional Tuscan style. The apartments are clean, well cared for, and well-equipped. All are within short drives (5-10 minutes or so) to stores, services, several restaurants, and to Siena’s railway station. Each apartment has secure entry and reserved parking. The restored 17th century estate is accessed only by a electronically secure gate and private lane leading uphill from a safe, if bustling, residential community. Importantly, all **Home At First** Siena, Italy, apartments come with caring, accessible English-speaking hosts on-site or very close by, who can arrange individual tours through Siena, balcony seats to the Palio races, insider visits to a Montalcino wine estate (producer of noted Brunello wines), and even bring a professional chef for an afternoon’s Tuscan cooking lesson in your apartment. - ![View of the walled Renaissance city of Siena from the estate grounds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-Panorama-of-Walled-Siena-2307174239-1500x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x500.jpg "Renaissance Siena viewed from the estate.")Panoramic view of Renaissance Siena from the estate grounds. - ![The private entrance drive leads uphill from an electric gate. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-Private-Entrance-Drive-2307174387-1500x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589236075858-800x500.jpg "Siena Estate - Private Entrance Drive")The estate’s private entrance drive leads uphill from the edge of Siena. - ![The estate drive leading to the 3 apartment entrances. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Siena-Estate-The-estate-drive-leading-to-the-3-apartment-entrances-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589236179970-800x500.jpg "The estate drive leading to the 3 apartment entrances.")The estate drive leading to the 3 apartment entrances. - ![Estate guests enjoy its private pool with its view of the Tuscan countryside. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-Pool-with-Tuscany-country-2307174401-1500x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589236307127-800x500.jpg "Siena Estate's private pool with a Tuscan view.")The estate pool is for guests’ use and features a view of the Tuscan countryside. - ![Siena Estate - pool with Tuscan view - evening.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Siena-Estate-pool-with-Tuscan-view-evening-08-1-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589236363752-800x500.jpg "Siena Estate - pool with Tuscan view - evening.")Poolside in the evening, with a view of the neighboring Tuscany landscape. - ![Owner/Hosts Claudia & Anna of the Siena Estate. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-Estate-Hostesses-2307174405-1500x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589236465554-500x312.jpg "Siena Estate's owner/hosts Claudia & Anna.")Claudia & Anna, Estate Owner/Hosts. Claudia is a licensed Tuscany tour & hiking guide. Photo © Home At First. - ![Siena Estate - covered furnished guest terrace with Siena view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Siena-Estate-covered-furnished-guest-terrace-with-Siena-view-03-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589236519261-800x500.jpg "Siena Estate - covered furnished guest terrace with Siena view.")Private, covered, furnished terrace with a view of Siena. - ![Siena Estate - covered furnished guest terrace with apartment entrances.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Siena-Estate-covered-furnished-guest-terrace-with-apartment-entrances-and-facade-villa-4-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589236569537-800x500.jpg "Siena Estate - covered furnished guest terrace with apartment entrances.")Two guest apartment entries viewed from their covered garden patios. ## Siena, Italy — The Apartments **The Three Apartments:** Our Siena, Italy, estate apartments are homey, clean, comfortable, quality lodgings which, while not opulent, are thoughtfully furnished with the understated elegance of authentic Tuscan style. Each is unique. All come with private with views of the estate, and two of the three (exception: the ground floor *Duccio* apartment) look out toward the walled city of Siena, Italy. The three apartments are of different sizes, capacities, and characters. Discover more about each apartment via the following three slide shows and written descriptions : **NOTE** — FOR BEST VIEWING: each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). APARTMENT ‘A’ DUCCIO - ![Apt A - Exterior Entry](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Exterior-Entry-2207174224-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589318763629.jpg "Apartment A entrance & building facade.") - ![Apartment A - Living & dining open-plan with arched vault wall mural.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Living-and-dining-with-arched-vault-wall-mural-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589318778547.jpg "Apartment A - Living & dining open-plan with arched vault wall mural.") - ![Apartment A - Open-plan living & dining area showing stairs.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Open-plan-living-and-dining-area-showing-stairs-2-8-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589318807448.jpg "Apartment A - Open-plan living & dining area showing stairs.") - ![Apartment A - Double Bedroom #1 with bathroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Dbl-Bdrm-1-with-bath-02-2-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589318851720.jpg "Apartment A - Double Bedroom #1 with bathroom.") - ![Apartment A - Bathroom with shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Bathroom-1-w.-shower-detail-02-18-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589317564585.jpg "Apartment A - Bathroom with shower.") - ![Apartment A - Double Bedroom #2, available as a request option.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Dbl-Bdrm-2-optional-02-5-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589318896610.jpg "Apartment A - Double Bedroom #2, available as a request option.") - ![Apartment A - Bathroom #2 with shower. Available as a request option.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Bathroom-2-w.-shower-optional-02-23-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589318914567.jpg "Apartment A - Bathroom #2 with shower. Available as a request option.") - ![Apartment A - Dining area & kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Dining-area-and-kitchen-02-14b-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589318929407.jpg "Apartment A - Dining area & kitchen.") - ![Apartment A - Kitchen (detail).](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Kitchen-detail-02-16-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589318962521.jpg "Apartment A - Kitchen (detail).") - ![Apartment A - Open-air private terrace dining area with Siena view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-A-Open-air-private-terrace-dining-area-w.-Siena-view-02-24-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-Siena-Estate-e1589319003838.jpg "Apartment A - Open-air private terrace dining area with Siena view.") Comfortable, spacious, 2-story, 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment on the ground & 2nd floor. Sleeps 2-4 with when reserving the optional 2nd double bedroom and bathroom on the 2nd floor. Artfully furnished & decorated in trad/modern Tuscan style. Has a covered outside sitting area in the garden ideal for relaxing or small meals. Free WiFi. Washing machine. • **Ground Floor:** Large living area with 32″ flat-screen TV. Dining area seats 4. Well-equipped kitchen has large refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster. • **Second Floor:** 2 air-conditioned double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom with shower. The second bedroom & bathroom are available by request, making this apartment flexible for occupancy by 2 persons, 3 persons, or 4 persons. APARTMENT ‘B’ MARTINI - ![Apt. B's ivy-covered exterior facade](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Lodgings-Apt-C-Exterior-Facade-2207174380-1500x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589317017823.jpg "Apartment B - Ivy-covered exterior with apartment entrance.") - ![Estate Apt. B — Private ground floor entrance stairs up to apartment entry.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Private-ground-floor-entrance-showing-12-stairs-up-to-apartment-entry-06-33-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317112805.jpg "Apartment B - Private ground floor entrance showing 12 stairs up to apartment entry.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. B living room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Living-Room-2nd-floor-showing-stairs-to-upper-floor-06-5-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317603616.jpg "Siena Estate — Apt. B living room") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. B kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Kitchen-with-living-room-access-lower-floor-06-9-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317242411.jpg "Apartment B - Kitchen with living room access (2nd floor).") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. B double bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Double-Bedroom-Lower-2nd-Floor-06-2-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317281427.jpg "Apartment B - Double Bedroom lower (2nd) floor.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. B bathroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Bathroom-1-2nd-floor-with-shower-and-washing-machine-06-16-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317305205.jpg "Apartment B - Bathroom #1 (2nd floor) with shower and washing machine.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. B 3rd floor double bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Double-Bedroom-Upper-3rd-Floor-06-22-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317331688.jpg "Apartment B - Double Bedroom upper (3rd) floor.") - ![Siena Estate — twin bedroom, 3rd floor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Twin-Bedroom-Upper-3rd-Floor-with-en-suite-Bathroom-06-30-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317362701.jpg "Apartment B - Twin Bedroom upper (3rd) floor with en suite bathroom.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. B, en suite bathroom, 3rd floor twin bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Bathroom-2-3rd-floor-with-shower-06-32-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317168140.jpg "Apartment B - Twin Bedroom upper (3rd) floor with en suite bathroom.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. B: private, furnished garden terrace](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-B-Private-furnished-covered-garden-terrace-by-apartment-entrance-06-35-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate-e1589317406603.jpg "Apartment B - Private furnished covered garden terrace by apartment entrance.") Generous 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment on the ground, 2nd, & 3rd floors. Window views of Siena. Sleeps up to 6. Completely renovated and upgraded in 2020. Bedrooms are air conditioned. Free WiFi. Washing machine. • **Ground floor:** secure, private entry hall. 11 stair steps up to the apartment entry. Covered, furnished, garden terrace ideal for relaxing or small meals just steps from the building entry. • **Second floor:** spacious living room with 32″ flat-screen TV, & open-beamed ceiling; dining area for six off the small kitchen (gas range, oven, refrigerator/freezer, toaster, dishwasher, microwave); double bedroom; bathroom with large, no-lip shower and washing machine. • **Third floor:** double bedroom with open-beamed ceiling; twin bedroom with en suite bathroom with walk-in shower. APARTMENT ‘C’ LORENZETTI - ![Apartment C - Exterior Entry showing exposed stairway. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Exterior-Entry-showing-exposed-stairway-2207174444-800x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Apartment C - Exterior Entry showing exposed stairway.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. C living room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Living-Room-2nd-floor-showing-entrance-and-access-to-bedrooms-and-bathrooms-04-12-800x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate.jpg "Apartment C - Living Room showing outside entrance and access to bedrooms and bathrooms.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. C living room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Living-Room-2nd-floor-showing-stairs-and-view-of-Siena-04-12-800x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate.jpg "Apartment C - Living Room showing interior stairs and view of Siena.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. C eat-in kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Eat-in-kitchen-with-seating-for-4-04-16-800x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate.jpg "Apartment C - Eat-in kitchen with table for 4.") - ![Apartment C - Double Bedroom #1 with Tuscany views.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Double-Bedroom-1-with-Tuscany-views-240717-4420-800x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Apartment C - Double Bedroom #1 with Tuscany views.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. C bathroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Bathroom-1-with-walk-in-shower-04-17-800x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate.jpg "Apartment C - Bathroom #1 with walk-in shower.") - ![Apartment C - Double Bedroom #2 with bathroom #2 en suite.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Double-Bedroom-2-with-bathroom-2-en-suite-04-8-800x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Apartment C - Double Bedroom #2 with bathroom #2 en suite.") - ![Siena Estate — Apt. C, bathroom #2](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Bathroom-2-with-walk-in-shower-04-20-800x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate.jpg "Apartment C - Bathroom #2 with walk-in shower.") - ![Siena Estate — private exterior spa](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Apt-C-Private-external-spa-room-spa-2-800x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Siena-Estate.jpg "Apartment C - Private external spa pavilion.") Elegant, roomy 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom bi-level apartment on the 2nd floor. Sleeps up to 4. Has WiFi & laundry machine. Comes with exclusive use of private hot tub spa in a pavilion on the ground level. Also has private, covered, furnished outdoor terrace patio ideal for relaxing or small meals. • **Lower level** features: large, airy living room with grand views of Siena, Italy; the master double bedroom with fine views of the Tuscan countryside; and a bathroom with shower. • **Upper level** (up 4 steps) features: a complete Tuscan eat-in kitchen (large fridge/freezer, gas range, oven, dishwasher, microwave, toaster) with eat-in dining table seating four. Second double bedroom with a bathroom (shower). **Note:** Access is via an outdoor staircase (14 steps) that is exposed to weather. ### Siena, Italy, readily combines with all other Italy destinations as well as these Home At First Continental, British, Irish, & Scandinavian destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ### [**COPENHAGEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**OSLO**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**STOCKHOLM**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-003-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [italy package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [ICELAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) [home at first ICELAND PRICES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/iceland-pricing/#Prices) #### **EXPLORE** ###### **HOME AT FIRST’s** ## **ICELAND** A modern Viking culture evolves on an island of fire and ice. # Explore Home At First’s ICELAND — Land of Fire & Ice #### Iceland surprises you with a great variety of landscapes and moonscapes. Although much of Iceland is green and growing, there remain great glaciated regions including Vatnajökull National Park, where Europe’s largest glacier below the Arctic Circle covers active volcanoes that reach more than a mile above sea level. Dozens of glacier tongues descend to Iceland’s south coast to deposit icy meltwater into the North Atlantic. Explore Home At First’s ICELAND Travel Program in a Nutshell: [ **Optional Itinerary 1:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland-Itinerary1) 3-Day Reykjavik STOPOVER with airport transfers. Combines with many European destinations. [ **Optional Itinerary 2:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland-Itinerary2) 7-Day Fly/Drive ROAD TRIP Explore Iceland by rental car. Combines with many European destinations. [ **Optional Itinerary 3:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland-Itinerary3) 10-Day Fly/Drive ROAD TRIP All around Iceland by rental car. Combines with many European destinations. [**Lodging Types:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland-Lodgings) Choice of Hotels, Inns, or Apartments Breakfast included at hotels & inns. **On-Site Costs: Fuel, Food, & Activities** $$$$ Some food, some labor, & all gasoline is imported. **Overall Trip Costs:** $$$ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **Languages Spoken Everywhere:** Icelandic & English [**Flight Length & Combinability:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland-Combinability) 5½ hours from Boston *Iceland’s* *airport hub is **¾**-way to Europ**e with ideal connecting flights**.* **Fa****mily Friendly?** ♥♥½ Kids love the activities, but may not enjoy the long drives of 4 to 8 hours. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Unique cuisine with fresh & locally sourced foods. Alcohol is expensive. **Unparalleled Scenery:** • Glaciers • Waterfalls • Volcanoes • Black beaches • Wild seacoasts • Geothermal fields & geysers **Adventure Activities** • Hiking • 4-Wheeling • Horse riding • Whale watching • Spa in natural hot-spring pools #### An Icelandic Gallery - ![Reykjavik's landmark Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland's largest church. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Reykjavik-Hallgrimskirkja-cathedral-010617-3312-874x1163-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-710x1000.jpg "Reykjavik's landmark Hallgrimskirkja, Iceland's largest church. Photo © Home At First.")###### Hallgrimskirkja church, Reykjavik - ![Reykjavik & harbor from Hallgrimskirkja church. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Reykjavik-and-harbor-from-Hallgrimskirkja-1407-600x800-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-568x800.jpg "Reykjavik & harbor from Hallgrimskirkja church. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.")Reykjavik from Hallgrimskirkja - ![Iceland — Akureyri Whale Watcher instructor. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Akureyri-Whale-Watcher-instructor-shadowed-030715-P1070816-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852700600-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Akureyri Whale Watcher instructor. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.")What to wear whale-watching. - ![Iceland — Whales Tail. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Whales-Tail-030715-P1070810-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852122666-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Whales Tail. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.")Moby Dick? - ![Iceland — Straddling the continental plates. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Straddling-the-continental-plates-040415-1332-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852204807-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Straddling the continental plates. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.")Mid-Atlantic fault line - ![Iceland — Museum photo of rugged early 20th century Icelanders. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Museum-photo-of-rugged-early-20th-century-Icelanders-010715-1371-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852292598-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Museum photo of rugged early 20th century Icelanders. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.")Icelanders a century ago. - ![Iceland — Mariners of the North Atlantic statue. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Mariners-of-the-North-Atlantic-statue-shadowed-110715-1384-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852375220-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Mariners of the North Atlantic statue. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.")Mariners statue, Reykjavik - ![Iceland — Lighthouse & fishing boat. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Lighthouse-and-fishing-boat-070715-P1080087-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852443233-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Lighthouse and fishing boat. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.")Never far from the sea. - ![Iceland — Hiking to the lava cave adventure. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Hiking-to-the-lava-cave-adventure-290615-P1070702-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852501818-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Hiking to the lava cave adventure. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.")Hiking to the lava caves. - ![Iceland — Crab Cake Sliders sign. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Crabcake-Sliders-sign-shadowed-110715-1388-1145x1616-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852559832-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Crab Cake Sliders sign. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.")Seafood is always on the menu. - ![Iceland — Behold a Pale Horse. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Behold-a-Pale-Horse-070715-P1080045-1146x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852642668.jpg "Iceland — Behold a Pale Horse. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.") - ![Iceland — Akureyri Whale Watcher instructor. John Mraz Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Akureyri-Whale-Watcher-instructor-shadowed-030715-P1070816-1145x1615-72dpi-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608852700600-709x998.jpg "Iceland — Akureyri Whale Watcher instructor. John Mraz Photo copyright Home At First.")What to wear whale-watching. - ![Iceland: rural church north Iceland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-rural-church-north-Iceland-080617-3545-750x1050-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-700x985.jpg "Iceland: rural church north Iceland. Photo © Home At First.")Rural church, northern Iceland. - ![Iceland - Geysir in Golden Circle. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Geysir-in-Golden-Circle-120617-3372-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-710x1000.jpg "Iceland - Geysir in Golden Circle. Photo © Home At First.")Geysir: in the Golden Circle - ![Iceland: boats in Husavik harbor. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-boats-in-Husavik-harbor-080617-3791-900x1350-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-710x1000.jpg "Iceland: boats in Husavik harbor. Photo © Home At First.")Husavik harbor, north Iceland. - ![Iceland: wooden church in Akureyri. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Akureyri-wood-church-040617-3750-900x1350-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-710x1000.jpg "Iceland: wooden church in Akureyri. Photo © Home At First.")Akureyri: wooden church #### Why You Should Explore Home At First’s ## ICELAND **•** Iceland is an Atlantic island ****easily reached and readily explored**.** **•** Iceland has **geothermal pools** for swimming and spa-ing, **glaciers and lava fields** to scramble over or 4-wheel across, **mountains to climb and volcanoes** to observe from the air, **horses to ride** in the fields or on the beaches, **caverns (& even a volcano!) to descend**, and **tectonic fault lines to straddle**. **•** Iceland’s **summer daylight** lasts up to 22 hours, providing visitors lots of extra time for exploring and activities May–August. **•** Iceland’s northern latitudes extend to the Arctic Circle, meaning chances are good to **see the Northern Lights** anytime from September through April. **•** **Icelanders** are as friendly & hospitable as they are hardy & handsome, known to be daring mariners and strong, independent women & men. When you explore Home At First’s Iceland you will meet modern **descendants of Viking explorers**. **•** Iceland is rated **one of the world’s happiest (and low-crime) nations**, and most democratic, receiving high marks for gender equality and LGBT tolerance. **•** Iceland’s **hardy people** and **noble horses** mirror its **rugged, photogenic geography**. It’s hard to put down the camera as you explore Home At First’s Iceland. **•** As you explore Home At First’s Iceland you discover **geothermal marvels** that educate us about the future prospects for this emerging form of green energy. **•** Iceland sets the table and lines the bar for played-out visitors. **Iceland’s fresh-food cuisine** includes superb seafood, farm-fresh produce, beef, and lamb plus Icelandic surprises like reindeer and *skyr*. [get a free quote](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#ContactForm) ### A GLANCE AT A FEW OF HOME AT FIRST’S ICELAND LODGINGS - ![Home At First's Akureyri Hotel near the Arctic Circle in northern Iceland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Lodging-Panoramas-Akureyri-Hotel-040617-3635-5477x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2-e1608933228697.jpg "Iceland — Akureyri Hotel. Photo copyright Home At First.")Home At First’s Akureyri Hotel near the Arctic Circle in northern Iceland. - ![Isolated Vatnajökull National Park Inn along Iceland's south coast. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Lodging-Panoramas-South-Coast-National-Park-Inn-070617-4144-4057x1481-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608933385679.jpg "Iceland — South Coast National Park Inn. Photo copyright Home At First.")Isolated Vatnajökull National Park Inn along Iceland’s south coast. - ![Höfn Inn guesthouse in a fishing village on Iceland's southeast coast. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Lodging-Panoramas-Hofn-Inn-SE-Iceland-060617-4038-5477x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608933490486.jpg "Iceland — Hofn Inn Southeastern Iceland. Photo © Home At First.")Höfn Inn guesthouse in a fishing village on Iceland’s southeast coast. - ![Reykjavik's Old Town Inn is a rare jewel in the capital city's pedestrian zone. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Lodging-Panoramas-Reykjavik-old-town-inn-030617-3449-5477x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608933621570.jpg "Iceland — Reykjavik old town inn. Photo copyright Home At First.")Reykjavik’s Old Town Inn is a rare jewel in the capital city’s pedestrian zone. ### EXPLORE ICELAND IN IMAGES - ![Iceland Landscapes: Northern Lights over Reykjavik. Photo Visit Iceland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Northern-Lights-over-Reykjavik-1480x800-72dpi-Photo-Visit-Iceland-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Northern Lights over Reykjavik. Photo Visit Iceland.")Northern Lights over Reykjavik - ![Iceland Landscapes: Reykjavik houses with Hallgrimskirkja church. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Reykjavik-houses-with-Hallgrimskirkja-010617-3278-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Reykjavik houses with Hallgrimskirkja church. Photo © Home At First.")Our Reykjavik neighborhood - ![Iceland Landscapes: Reykjavik restaurant Fish & More. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Reykjavik-restaurant-Fish-More-010617-3264-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Reykjavik restaurant Fish & More. Photo © Home At First.")Fish & More, Reykjavik - ![Iceland Landscapes: Gullfoss in the rain. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Gullfoss-in-the-rain-030617-3348-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Gullfoss in the rain. Photo © Home At First.")Gullfoss falls: ominous - ![Iceland Landscapes: Volcanic landscape with Icelandic flag. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Volcano-with-Iceland-flag-030617-3530-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Volcanic landscape with Icelandic flag. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Iceland Landscapes: Akureyri panorama from across Eyjafjörður Fjord. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Akureyri-panorama-from-across-Eyjafjordur-Fjord-050617-3766-67-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Akureyri panorama from across Eyjafjörður Fjord. Photo © Home At First.")Iceland’s 2nd city: Akureyri - ![Iceland Landscapes: Akureyri houses. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Akureyri-houses-040617-3746-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Akureyri houses. Photo © Home At First.")Akureyri houses - ![Iceland Landscapes: Husavik bay with invasive lupines. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Husavik-bay-with-invasive-lupines-050617-3775-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Husavik bay with invasive lupines. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Iceland Landscapes: Husavik harbor restaurant. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Husavik-harbor-restaurant-050617-3790-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Husavik harbor restaurant. Photo © Home At First.")Husavik harbor - ![Icelandic Horse. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Icelandic-Horse-portrait-2-Myvatn-Iceland-050617-3887-12x8in-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Ron-Fahnestock-863x576.jpg "Icelandic Horse. Photo © Home At First.")Nobility — the Icelandic horse. - ![Iceland Landscapes: - Hveraroend Geothermal Area. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Hveraroend-Geothermal-Area-050617-3906-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: - Hveraroend Geothermal Area. Photo © Home At First.")Exploring a geothermal field - ![Iceland Landscapes: Isolated east Iceland village. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-isolated-east-Iceland-village-060617-3997-1150x767-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Isolated east Iceland village. Photo © Home At First.")Eastern Iceland landscape - ![Iceland Landscapes: The rugged east coast. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-the-rugged-east-coast-060617-4030-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: The rugged east coast. Photo © Home At First.")Iceland’s rugged east coast. - ![Iceland Landscapes: Lunch at Höfn langoustine restaurant. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Lunch-at-Hofn-langoustine-restaurant-060617-4064-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Lunch at Höfn langoustine restaurant. Photo © Home At First.")Langoustine lunch in Höfn - ![Iceland Landscapes: Waterfall in the back yard. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Waterfall-in-the-back-yard-070617-4149-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1614186090880.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Waterfall in the back yard. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Iceland Landscapes: Farm in the shadow of Eyjafjallajokull volcano - erupted in 2010. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Farm-in-the-shadow-of-Eyjafjallajokull-volcano-2010-erupted-070617-4186-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Farm in the shadow of Eyjafjallajokull volcano - erupted in 2010. Photo © Home At First.") - ![Iceland Landscapes: Eldhraun lava field - group guided in fragile field of moss-covered lava pillows. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iceland-Landscapes-Eldhraun-lava-field-group-guided-in-fragile-field-of-moss-covered-lava-pillows-070617-4161-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Iceland Landscapes: Eldhraun lava field - group guided in fragile field of moss-covered lava pillows. Photo © Home At First.") ### **How HOME AT FIRST Helps You Explore ICELAND** **Home At First** **offers** **travel packages to Iceland that include:** ### #### AIRLINE RESERVATIONS and TICKETS ![Overflying Greenland en route to Iceland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Depart-Image-Greenland-from-Icelandair-en-route-to-KEF-1-310517-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Flying across Greenland’s arctic wilderness en route to Iceland. **HOME** **AT** **FIRST’s** Explore Iceland travel program comes with round-trip flights from Boston, New York, or Newark already built-in to its Full-Package prices. Through and connecting flights from all other airports are available at supplemental fares. We research your best flight itinerary, make your flight reservations, and issue your flight tickets. We work with you during the research, reservations, & ticketing process to be sure you are satisfied with our recommendations before your tickets are issued. ### #### UNIQUE LODGINGS ##### Inns, HOTELS, & apartments, TOO ![Home At First's Explore Iceland begins with a visit to the nation's capital city, Reykjavik.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Iceland-Reykjavik-old-town-from-the-Cathedral-290615-P1070635-450x369-John-Mraz-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Reykjavik’s colorful, walkable old town extends to the harbor. Explore Home At First’s Iceland begins here. **HOME** **AT** **FIRST’s** Explore Iceland program provides lodgings around Iceland for itineraries of 3, 7, or 10 nights. Lodgings may be inns, hotels, cottages, apartments, or condos located at key locations throughout Iceland: in the capital city of Reykjavik and at strategic points along the Ring Road that circumnavigates Iceland. Whenever possible, lodgings are close to shops, restaurants, activities, and services. Each lodging is unique, but, at a minimum, all our Iceland lodgings have/are: • English-speaking hosts, staff, or concierges. • Safe settings near shops, services, restaurants. • Central locations convenient for exploring Iceland. • Private bathrooms, & bedrooms with comfy beds. • Convenient parking for rental cars. • Non-smoking, no-pets lodgings. • Laundry facilities in Reykjavik and along the Ring. • Apartments with kitchens, living & dining space. • Near public transportation in Reykjavik. ### #### FIXED ITINERARIES & GROUND TRANSPORTATION ![Explore Home At First's Iceland -- Land of Fire & Ice](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ICELAND-rental-car-along-East-Coast-060617-4003-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1.jpg) Driving across eastern Iceland’s arctic wilderness.**** **3-, 7-, & 10-DAY ITINERARIES:** **HOME AT FIRST** offers visitors three pre-arranged itineraries to explore Iceland: • **THE 3-DAY ITINERARY:** a quick, intense introduction to the wonders of Iceland. Guests will be based in the capital city, Reykjavik, and will explore the city and take day-trips into the nearby countryside to see important Viking historic sites and explore an active geothermal region with geysers, hot springs, and major waterfalls. The 3-day itinerary is ideal for visitors with limited time to explore Home At First’s Iceland wanting to add a visit to Iceland to a journey to Britain, Scandinavia, or the Continent. Can be done independently with a rental car or by joining any of dozens of day-tours that pick-up & return guests from/to their Reykjavik hotels. #### **EXPLORE THE MARVELS** Iceland’s geography & geology invite independent touring. Explore **Home** **At** **First**‘s ICELAND — Choose a visit of 3, 7, or 10 days. Regardless of the length of your stay, you will have the time & opportunity to explore some of the best of Iceland. ## **— Home At First’s EXPLORE ICELAND —** #### ![Explore Home At First's ICELAND — Land of Fire & Ice](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Iceland-Map-2015-1150x862-150dpi-Map-copyright-Home-At-First.gif) • **THE 7-DAY ITINERARY:** a jam-packed road trip around the perimeter of Iceland on the famous Ring Road, starting at the capital city of Reykjavik and ending at Keflavik International Airport south of the capital. This trip is loaded with scenery: amazing waterfalls, otherworldly geothermal regions, wild, nearly uninhabited coastlines and vacant interiors, and dozens of glacial tongues descending from volcanoes (several active!) almost to the ocean. Expect 2 nights in Reykjavik, and 1- & 2-night stops in 3 or 4 other points along the way. The 7-day itinerary is ideal for visitors with a week to explore **Home At First**‘s Iceland, and is readily combinable as a stop en route to/from Britain, Scandinavia, or the Continent. This trip can only be done independently by rental car. Driving days are typically 4.5 to 8 hours in length.**** • **THE 10-DAY ITINERARY:** an expanded version of the 7-day itinerary following the Ring Road around Iceland, the 10-day itinerary covers the same ground but provides more leisure time to linger at stops en route or for activities like hiking, enjoying natural thermal spas, going whale watching, seeing the Northern Lights, exploring volcanic lava fields, caves, and calderas on foot, by overflight, or by special cross-country vehicles. Starts at the capital city of Reykjavik and ends at Keflavik International Airport south of the capital with the possible thermal spa stop at the famous Blue Lagoon. Expect 2-3 nights in Reykjavik, and 1-, 2-, & 3-night stops in 3 or 4 other points along the way. The 10-day itinerary is ideal for visitors who want to explore **Home** **At** **First**‘s ICELAND to experience the **incredible scenery** and **enjoy activities** in Iceland’s unique landscapes. The 10-day itinerary is readily combinable as a stop en route to/from Britain, Scandinavia, or the Continent and can only be done independently by rental car. **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME: Home At First continuously monitors all the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. As conditions change before or during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed.** ## ### Iceland readily combines with many other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608935695925.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales Cottage Vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Hiking in Switzerland' Bernese Oberland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Hiking in Switzerland' Bernese Oberland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ### ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [iceland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/iceland-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [New Zealand Prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/) **Published:** May 18, 2021 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) **[— NEW ZEALAND HOME PAGE —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/#NewZealand "NEW ZEALAND")** [— **NORTH ISLAND** — ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/north-island/#NorthIsland "North Island of New Zealand") [— **SOUTH ISLAND** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/south-island-of-new-zealand/#SouthIsland "South Island of New Zealand") ###### # **![Flag of New Zealand](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NZ-Flag-50x25-72dpi.jpg "Flag of New Zealand") 2026 ![Flag of New Zealand](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NZ-Flag-50x25-72dpi.jpg "Flag of New Zealand") [NEW ZEALAND PRICES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/#NewZealand)** ### **NEW ZEALAND** ### 14-NIGHT FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from Los Angeles USA (LAX) to Auckland, New Zealand (AKL). (Flights from all other airports available at supplemental fares.) • Full 14 Nights Occupancy in Home At First lodgings in New Zealand regions of your choice, selected from 6 North Island regions and 6 South Island regions. • Breakfast daily at each NZ lodging. • New Zealand domestic flight from the North Island to Nelson Airport, South Island. • New Zealand domestic flight from the South Island (Queenstown, Dunedin, or Christchurch) connecting in Auckland to your transpacific flight back to North America. • Car rentals for your use in New Zealand. Includes basic liability insurance. • Our exclusive New Zealand Activity Guide. **Low Season — $5,460/prs** LOW SEASON: MAY 22, 2026 – SEP. 18, 2026 **Mid-Season — $6,298/prs** MID-SEASON: SEP. 19, 2026 – OCT. 31, 2026 APR 3, 2026 – MAY 21, 2026 **High Season — $6,692/prs** HIGH SEASON: NOV. 23, 2025 – APR 2, 2026 ### **NEW ZEALAND** ### 14 NIGHTS LODGING ### & CAR RENTAL PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 14 Nights Occupancy in Home At First lodgings in New Zealand regions of your choice, selected from 6 North Island regions and 6 South Island regions. • Breakfast daily at each New Zealand lodging. • Car rentals for your use in New Zealand. Includes basic liability insurance. • Our exclusive New Zealand Activity Guide. **Low Season — $4,369/prs** LOW SEASON: MAY 22, 2026 – SEP. 18, 2026 **Mid-Season — $5,250/prs** MID-SEASON: SEP. 19, 2026 – OCT. 31, 2026 APR 3, 2026 – MAY 21, 2026 **High Season — $5,518/prs** HIGH SEASON: NOV. 23, 2025 – APR 2, 2026 ### **NEW ZEALAND** ### EXTRA DAYS OF LODGING & CAR RENTAL PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • Extra Nights Occupancy in Home At First lodgings in New Zealand regions of your choice, selected from 6 North Island regions and 6 South Island regions. • Breakfast daily at each New Zealand lodging. • Extended Car rentals for your use in New Zealand. Includes basic liability insurance. **Low Season — $361/prs/day** LOW SEASON: MAY 22, 2026 – SEP. 18, 2026 **Mid-Season — $382/prs/day** MID-SEASON: SEP. 19, 2026 – OCT. 31, 2026 APR 3, 2026 – MAY 21, 2026 **High Season — $439/prs/day** HIGH SEASON: NOV. 23, 2025 – APR 2, 2026 **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The New Zealand prices shown below are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **IMPORTANT: New Zealand requires USA & Canadian visitors to register for & print out an [Electronic Travel Authority (NZETA) ](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta)in lieu of a visa. Current fees for this mandatory filing total NZ$17 (if completed on the app) or NZ$23 (if completed on-line). New Zealand also requires every visitor to pay an [International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta) of NZ100/person. This tax is payable at the time you apply for your NZETA, which must be accompanied by a personal photo (like a passport photo).** #### **MORE TAXES: New Zealand requires visitors to pay departure taxes of between NZ$2.94 to NZ$25. These taxes are applied to your transpacific airline ticket & are included in the 14-Night Full Package Prices on this chart.** #### **NOTE 1: MINIMUM STAY POSSIBLE UNDER THIS PROGRAM: 10 NIGHTS. If you cannot manage two full weeks, please inquire for rates for shorter duration stays.** #### **NOTE 2: The Per-Person New Zealand Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 3: These New Zealand Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the New Zealand dollar (NZ$).** #### **NOTE 4: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage but may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 5: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 6: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 9: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/) **Published:** March 12, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **switzerland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) the overview ###### [— **the bernese oberland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) alpine heart of switzerland ###### [— **bernese oberland villages** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) **[kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/ "Kandersteg") • [mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/ "Mürren")** ###### [— **italian switzerland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) ticino – best of 2 cultures ###### [— **matterhorn &** **zermatt** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) iconic switzerland ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### # Alpine MÜRREN Village in the [Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) ###### ###### ###### **Looking across the rooftops of Alpine Mürren to the rooftops of the Bernese Alps: the Bernese Oberland World Heritage Site.** #### Photo looking southeast from the balcony at Chalet Jungfrau to the wall of north faces of the Bernese Alps copyright **Home At First**. ![Alpine Mürren is reachable by the Schilthorn cableway about one-half mile above the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor and one mile below the Schilthorn summit.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Muerren-image-140819-0147-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-781x1024.jpg) Mürren sits high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The village is accessible only by cablecar. ### **ALPINE MÜRREN** Not far southwest of the geographic center of Switzerland, mile-high (5,413′), perches chocolate box alpine Mürren. Visitors reach the village, on a steep cliff a vertical half-mile above the valley floor below — by aerial cablecars. Car-free Mürren — a village of alpine chalets — offers fantastic views of peaks and glaciers, and superb walking and hiking. Despite Mürren’s remote eagle’s nest setting, the village serves as a fine base for exploring the **[Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland)**. Mürren overlooks the region’s fabled alpine core, the **Jungfrau Region**. Its setting rightfully attracts visitors looking for the romantic Switzerland of *Heidi*. Alpine Mürren’s popularity with visitors has much to do with its location midway along the cablecar route to the **Schilthorn**. The pyramidal 9,742′ high mountain summit lures tourists with its revolving restaurant, *Piz Gloria*, and associations with James Bond and extreme downhill skiing. Mürren expects to be very busy during the ski season and during the high summer (July-August). But even at these times the village — lacking major hotels, bars, & shopping centers — quiets again at dusk. Mürren’s COOP grocery and dozen or so small family-owned restaurants handle the village’s busiest times graciously. Active guests choose from hiking, climbing, mountain-biking, or chancing Mürren’s unique *via ferrata*. Less active guests find Mürren ideal for a spa, strolling the traffic-free village streets. Every visitor enjoys a coffee, a beer, or a glass of wine at a Mürren café or in neighboring Allmendhubel, Birg, Gimmelwald, Grütschalp, and Winteregg. These latter map points celebrate grand views accessed by short cable-car or train rides. Regardless of the pace of your visit, alpine Mürren promises you peace. --- ## Home At First’s Swiss Mountain Homes in Mürren ![Mürren: Chalets Jungfrau & Silberhorn, each with two guest apartments. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Jungfrau-Uphill-less-than-5-minutes-from-Main-Street-with-text-010716-0997-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1-1024x682.jpg "Mürren: Chalets Jungfrau & Silberhorn, each with two guest apartments. Photo © Home At First.") Mürren: Chalets Jungfrau & Silberhorn **HOME AT FIRST** offers Swiss mountain home apartments in the village of Mürren. The village, set on a remote, cliff-top perch, is the highest town in the Bernese Oberland. While most apartments are decorated and comfortably furnished in traditional Swiss alpine style, a few feature modern furnishings. All apartments are clean, well cared for, and well-equipped. All are within reasonable walking distance to the stores, services, numerous restaurants. Home At First’s Mürren apartments lie short distances to the village’s three transportation stations. Although alpine Mürren is built on the east slope of the Schilthorn mountain, the hillside affects few of our chalet apartments. Even our steepest Mürren apartment requires a walk of 5-8 minutes from main street restaurants & shops, **SWISS MOUNTAIN HOME HOSTING:** Each apartment features a secure entry. Alpine Mürren provides a safe, prosperous, residential community environment. Importantly, all **HOME AT FIRST** Mürren apartments come with experienced, caring, English-speaking hosts. **VILLAGE SETTING & TRANSPORTATION:** Mürren, a compact village of 450 residents, occupies a high shelf a half-mile above the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor. Located in the center of the Bernese Oberland, Mürren sits at over a mile high, highest village in the region. Auto-free Mürren cannot be reached by public road. Two large aerial cableways carry passengers and freight between the valley floor and Mürren. One cableway ascends to Mürren from Stechelberg (via Gimmelwald) to the *Schilthornbahn* station on the south end of the village. A second large cablecar operates between Lauterbrunnen valley station and the alpine station at Grütschalp. At Grütschalp, passengers and freight connect to an isolated, narrow-gauge railway (the BLM). One-car trains make the slow, incredibly scenic, 15-minute journey to the BLM railway station on Mürren’s north end. Mürren’s third cableway station operates at the top of the village midway between Mürren’s two principal stations. The steep *Allmendhubelbahn* funicular — a rail vehicle that is pulled by a cable — climbs to Allmendhubel, an outcropping above the village. The hiking & skiing paradise of alpine Mürren’s cheese alps concentrates at Allmendhubel. Several major trails and pistes intersect here. Hikers and skiers enjoy a remarkable panorama of the Bernese Alps at Allmendhubel, which has a restaurant and a children’s playground. **VILLAGE SERVICES:** Despite Mürren’s small size, a dozen or so restaurants provide dining in town and on the surrounding cheese alps. Restaurants range from 4-star to snack bars to rustic *Berghaus* fare. Food choices include hearty alpine, traditional Swiss, Asian, Italian, and German. The village also has two churches — one Protestant and one Roman Catholic, very close to each other near the top of Mürren. Just above the churches is alpine Mürren’s *Sportzentrum* (Sports Center) which houses the well-staffed Tourist Information Office, an indoor pool, a spa, a gym and games room, and outdoor soccer and skating facilities. Mürren offers a handful of shops offering souvenirs, and sporting goods for sale & rental (including boots & poles for hiking and skiing, and mountain bikes). During the non-skiing months of the year, Mürren has no town doctor, no police, and no bank or currency exchange. The closest banking, physicians, and bakery are available in the valley town of Lauterbrunnen 30 minutes from Mürren. **![BLM "train" nearing Mürren. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Muerren-BLM-train-arriving-in-Muerren-070916-2070-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-781x1024.jpg "BLM "train" nearing Mürren. Photo © Home At First.")** BLM “train” nearing Mürren. ### **HIKING IN MÜRREN’S AMAZING ALPINE SETTING** Alpine hiking permits immersion in the magnificence of Swiss Nature. Miles of hiking trails surround Mürren, and begin right outside your chalet apartment’s door. Trails range from easy to very challenging, from short to long, from meadows, to forests, to treeline and above. Many trails offer rest and sustenance at mountain cafés and *Berghaus* restaurants. Cold drinking water from standpipes at mountain springs is commonplace. You will see (& hear) animals: mostly cows, some sheep and goats, and, if you watch closely, eagles, marmots, chamois, and ibex. Almost always, Mürren’s trails lead to [**ADVENTURE**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/murren-close-encounter-at-wassenegg-ridge/#Wassenegg). [https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210918\_145057-41-3.mp4](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210918_145057-41-3.mp4) Hiking in the meadows above Mürren, your senses are delighted by the sweetness of the alpine air, the majesty of the Bernese Alps, and the music of cowbells. This region ranks with Switzerland’s most glorious cheese country, and the mountain cheese produced here is among Switzerland’s best. --- ### Home At First’s Alpine Mürren Lodgings **What are Home At First’s Mürren Swiss mountain home chalet apartments like?** **SEE SAMPLES: [CHALET SILBERHORN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#ChaletSilberhorn) • [CHALET JUNGFRAU](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#ChaletJungfrau) •** [CHALET EIGER](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#ChaletEiger) ![Chalet Eiger, Mürren: balcony view. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Eiger-I-2-bdrm-apt-balcony-view-w.-BLM-train-and-Eiger-Monch-070916-2141-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x200.jpg) Chalet Eiger, Mürren: balcony view Each **Home At First** Mürren chalet apartment is unique. They come in all sizes and shapes. Almost all feature Swiss Swiss mountain home chalet-style furnishings — lots of blond spruce — although some are traditional and others modern interpretations. Some have several bedrooms and baths; others may have a single bedroom and bathroom. Almost all have terraces or balconies. Many feature balconies with very impressive alpine views. Many have balconies and windows with window boxes full of blooming geraniums in a rainbow of bright colors. (You will be invited to water the plants!) Others may have furnished patios or gardens. All are secure private quarters with private bathrooms, and all must meet **Home At First** standards of quality and equipment: **•** **HOSTING:** All **Home At First** chalet apartments in alpine Mürren have friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, accessible hosts. Hosts may be the lodging owners or their representatives. Most live in their independent apartment in the same chalet or a neighboring chalet. Hosts will welcome you, show you around the apartment, explain its workings, and be on-call if questions, problems, or emergencies arise. Otherwise, you can expect to see a familiar, friendly face from time-to-time during your stay, working in the garden or stopping by your apartment to see how you are getting on. **•** **KITCHENS:** Full kitchens or practical kitchenettes with at the very least: fridge, coffee maker, tea kettle, stove top range, oven and/or toaster oven and/or microwave. Most have additional counter appliances. Many have dishwashers as well as clothes washer/dryers. All kitchen and bath towels & linens provided. **•** **BEDROOMS:** Most bedrooms have twin beds. Some twin beds can be secured and made-up together to form a large double bed. A few multi-bedroom lodgings may have a queen-size or king-size bed in one of the bedrooms, but these are rare. Larger family-size lodgings often have one bedroom with bunk beds. **•** **BATHROOMS:** Most bathrooms have a shower stall or a bathtub with overhead shower. Some few bathrooms may have a bathtub with hand-held shower, or a bathtub for bathing only. **•** **LAUNDRY FACILITIES:** Those apartments without clothes washer/dryers will have a common laundry room in the chalet you may use or a laundromat nearby in the village. **•** **PARKING:** Alpine Mürren is not accessible by car. We recommend that guests coming to Mürren travel by public transportation using a Swiss Travel Pass or a regional Berner Oberland Pass. Visitors traveling by car will necessarily need to park in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg at the base of the cablecars leading up to Mürren. Such parking is quite limited and rather expensive. **•** **ELECTRONICS:** Apartments have televisions, usually the flat-screen, cable variety. Most have free WiFi, although service can be spotty away from the chalet. Few apartments come with telephones. Bring or rent a cell phone for your trip, but remember that service can be spotty in the Swiss Alps. NOTE: WiFi service is available on some trains. **•** **PROXIMITY TO STORES & SERVICES:** All Home At First Swiss mountain home chalet apartments in alpine Mürren are within short walking distance to stores and services, and transportation. Opening times for stores varies by season, with long opening hours most days during the high seasons. --- ## Mürren LODGINGS #### **SAMPLE SWISS MOUNTAIN HOME APARTMENTS** Detailed descriptions of seven of our favorite Swiss mountain home chalet apartments in the Bernese Oberland village of Mürren. To see the illustrations in larger format on your PC, “right click” on the image, then click on the “View Image” menu item in Firefox or click on the “Open image in new tab” menu item in Chrome. #### Chalet Jungfrau ##### **MÜRREN – SOUTH • BERNESE OBERLAND** --- Two Swiss-quality apartments with premier balcony views ###### **TWO 3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH apts.** **on the 2nd & 3rd floors** **Each with a balcony providing exceptional views of the Bernese Alps** - ![Chalet Jungfrau - exterior facade](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Ch-Jungfrau-exterior-facade-070916-2020-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Ch Jungfrau - exterior facade - Photo copyright Home At First")CHALET JUNGFRAU, MÜRREN - ![Chalet Jungfrau, Mürren - Uphill less than 5-minutes from Main Street](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Jungfrau-Uphill-less-than-5-minutes-from-Main-Street-with-text-010716-0997-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Uphill less than 5-minutes from Main Street - Photo copyright Home At First")CHALET JUNGFRAU & CHALET SILBERHORN - ![Chalet Jungfrau: Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-Kitchen-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Kitchen with large fridge & lots of cabinet space - ![Chalet Jungfrau, Mürren - kitchen and dining area](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Jungfrau-kitchen-and-dining-area-020916-1744-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - kitchen and dining area - Photo copyright Home At First")Open-plan Kitchen & Dining - ![Chalet Jungfrau: Living room, dining area, and kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-Livingroom-dining-kitchen-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Livingroom-dining-kitchen - Photo © Home At First")Open-plan living room, dining area, & kitchen - ![Chalet Jungfrau - living room with balcony view - Photo copyright Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Jungfrau-living-room-with-balcony-view-020916-1746-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - living room with balcony view - Photo copyright Home At First")Living Room with balcony access - ![Chalet Jungfrau: Living room with Balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-Living-room-with-balcony-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Living room with balcony - Photo © Home At First")Living room with TV and balcony access - ![Chalet Jungfrau, Mürren - Balcony view fine day](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Jungfrau-Balcony-view-fine-day-020916-1753-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Balcony view fine day - Photo copyright Home At First")Balcony view: across Mürren east to the Eiger - ![Chalet Jungfrau, Mürren — Balcony view with rainbow](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Jungfrau-Balcony-view-with-rainbow-150819-0288-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Balcony view with rainbow - Photo copyright Home At First")Balcony view: rainbow over Mürren - ![Eiger viewed from Chalet Jungfrau balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-Eiger-viewed-from-Chalet-Jungfrau-balcony-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Eiger viewed from Chalet Jungfrau balcony - Photo © Home At First")The Eiger from the Chalet Jungfrau balcony - ![Chalet Jungfrau - twin bedroom with balcony view - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Jungfrau-twin-bedroom-w.-balcony-view-020916-1741-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - twin bedroom with balcony view - Photo copyright Home At First")Twin Bedroom with balcony access - ![Chalet Jungfrau: north Twin Bedroom with Balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-Twin-Bedroom-north-with-balcony-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Twin Bedroom north with balcony - Photo copyright Home At First")Twin bedroom (north) with balcony access - ![Chalet Jungfrau: trip bedroom with 3 twin beds and no balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-Triple-Bedroom-no-balcony-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - Triple Bedroom - no balcony - Photo © Home At First")Triple bedroom (3 twin beds) without balcony access - ![Chalet Jungfrau - 2nd bathroom w. shower - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-2nd-bathroom-w.-shower-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - 2nd bathroom w. shower - Photo © Home At First")Smaller 2nd bathroom with shower - ![Chalet Jungfrau - smaller 2nd bathroom w. shower - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-smaller-2nd-bathroom-w.-shower-Photo-©-Home-At-First-800x480.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - smaller 2nd bathroom w. shower - Photo © Home At First")Smaller 2nd bathroom with shower - ![Chalet Jungfrau - 2nd bathroom w. shower - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-2nd-bathroom-w.-shower-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - 2nd bathroom w. shower - Photo © Home At First")Smaller 2nd bathroom with shower - ![Chalet Jungfrau: exterior showing walkways. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Jungfrau-exterior-with-walkways.-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1736x1042.jpg "Chalet Jungfrau - exterior with walkways. Photo copyright Home At First")Chalet Jungfrau exterior showing walkways ##### CHALET JUNGFRAU APARTMENTS ###### **MÜRREN SOUTH • BERNESE OBERLAND** **Nearest Transit: Schilthornbahn Cablecar Station, Mürren (5min.)** **CHALET JUNGFRAU** is a large Swiss mountain home (renovated 2009) with two identical spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom chalet apartments on the 2nd floor and 3rd floor of the 4-story chalet. Each apartment has a furnished balcony with an outstanding view of the Bernese Alps, including the Jungfrau, the region’s third highest peak and most prominent along the north wall of the Bernese Alps. The two identical 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartments are comprised of: • One apartment on 2nd floor (entry door by the entry hall); one apartment on the 3rd floor (up 16 stair steps from the entrance hall). Capacities of each apartment: 2-7 persons. • Each apartment has a balcony accessed from the living room and from two of the three twin-bedrooms. The balconies feature grand views of Eiger, Mönch, & Jungfrau and the imposing wall of North Faces included within UNESCO’s Bernese Oberland World Heritage Site. We think these balcony views the finest of any apartment we offer in the Bernese Oberland. • Two identical twin-bedrooms have 2 twin beds each, with window views and balcony access. All bedrooms have wardrobes with clothes-hanging space, shelf space, and drawers. All bedrooms have end tables with reading lamps, shelves, and drawers for valuables. • A third bedroom has 3 twin beds ideal for children — with window views but without balcony access. • The spacious living room is in a large open-plan configuration with the fully-equipped kitchen (large fridge/freezer, microwave, oven, range, dishwasher, coffeemaker, & lots of cupboard and counter space) and dining area that seats six. The living area is furnished with upholstered sofas and chairs, and a flat-screen, satellite TV that includes CNN, Bloomberg, and BBC channels. • Both bathrooms are accessed from the common hallway. The larger master bath features a double vanity and a full tub-shower, toilet, linen closet, shelves, and a storage cabinet. The smaller second bathroom has a shower stall, vanity with cabinet, and toilet. • The apartments have central heating with individual room registers. However, the well-insulated chalet is not heated during the summer months, and holds its comfortable interior temperatures day and night during the warm months of the year. --- Your English-Speaking Hostess at Chalet Jungfrau ![Chalet Jungfrau - Annemarie, hostess](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Jungfrau-Annemarie-hostess-portrait-120716-0963-1291x1800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1582578743232.jpg) *Annemarie, the English-speaking hostess of the two Chalet Jungfrau apartments, lives on-site in her own apartment in the chalet. In addition to being the owner and hostess at Chalet Jungfrau, the very busy Annemarie is also a working mother whose day job takes her away from the chalet a few days each week. However, she is normally at home in the evening and available for questions. She enjoys getting to know her guests and visits you occasionally to see how you are enjoying your stay and ask if you need any assistance.* --- **THE LOCATION:** Chalet Jungfrau is 5-minutes mildly-steep uphill from Mürren’s main street, a walk requiring reasonable fitness that rewards guests with unforgettable balcony views. Chalet Jungfrau is 5-minutes walk from the Schilthorn cablecar station on Mürren’s south end. Stores, shops (including Mürren’s COOP grocery), and several restaurants are 3-8 minutes walking distance. A charming forest path leads uphill from the chalet past a waterfall to a playground and family picnic ground 5-minutes away. Alpine Mürren’s Allmendhubel funicular station is 5-minutes walk from the chalet. Here frequent cablecars climb to a restaurant with a children’s playground, a terrific view of the Bernese Alps, and a broad selection of hiking paths that lead through Mürren’s cheese alps dotted with mountain restaurants. --- **ARRIVAL NOTE:** there is no taxi service in car-free alpine Mürren. Guests, therefore, must be prepared to walk their luggage up to Chalet Jungfrau (5-8 minutes from the Schilthornbahn cablecar station — mostly uphill in mile-high Mürren, often after a long travel day). Pack lightly so you don’t have so much to lug up the hill! Your hostess or her representative will normally meet guests at the chalet at an appointed arrival time. **OCCUPANCY NOTE:** capacity of each apartment: 2-to-7-persons. A supplement may apply for under 4-person occupancy. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** once you reach Chalet Jungfrau, the chalet’s entry hall is reached via approx. 12 partially-covered stair steps up from street level. **ELECTRONICS:** Chalet Jungfrau provides flat-screen satellite TV and secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** there are no laundry facilities at Chalet Jungfrau. Mürren’s town laundromat is 5-minutes walk from the chalet. --- #### Chalet Silberhorn ##### **MÜRREN – SOUTH • BERNESE OBERLAND** --- Two classic chalet apartments with outstanding balcony views ##### **TWO MULTI-BEDROOM, 1-BATH apts.** **on the 2nd & 3rd floors** **Each with a balcony providing outstanding views of the Bernese Alps** - ![Chalet Silberhorn — Chalet exterior showing setting](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Silberhorn-Exterior-showing-setting-w.-text-010716-0995-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Exterior showing setting - w. text - Photo copyright Home At First")CHALET SILBERHORN - ![Chalet Silberhorn: exterior showing garden, patio, balconies, and steps to the house entry. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-exterior-with-balconies-garden-patio-and-steps-to-entry-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - exterior with balconies-garden-patio and steps to entry - Photo © Home At First")Exterior with balconies, garden patio, entry steps - ![Chalet Silberhorn: front view with balconies and neighborhood. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-front-view-with-neighborhood-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - front view with neighborhood - Photo © Home At First")Chalet Silberhorn: neighborhood setting - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt - Panoramic Balcony View of Murren and Alps. Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Upper-Apt-Panoramic-Balcony-View-of-Murren-and-Alps.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt - Panoramic Balcony View of Murren and Alps. Photo © Home At First")Upper Apt.: Balcony View of Murren & the Bernese Alps - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Balcony view south to Cablecar and Breithorn. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Silberhorn-Balcony-view-south-to-Cablecar-and-Breithorn-290616-0706-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-2000x1200.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Balcony view south to Cablecar and Breithorn. Photo © Home At First")Upper Apt.: Balcony view south to Cablecar & Breithorn - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt. Kitchen with view. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Upper-Apt-Eat-in-Kitchen-with-view.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt - Eat-in Kitchen with view. Photo © Home At First")Upper Apartment: Eat-in Kitchen with a view. - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt. - Living room with balcony access. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Upper-Apt.-Living-room-with-balcony-access.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt. - Living room with balcony access. Photo © Home At First")Upper Apt.: Living room with balcony access - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt: Twin Bedroom with Garden View. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Upper-Apt-Twin-Bedroom-with-garden-view.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt - Twin Bedroom with garden view. Photo © Home At First")Upper Apt: Twin Bedroom; Garden View - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt. - Twin bedroom with Balcony View. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Upper-Apt.-Twin-bedroom-with-Balcony-View.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt. - Twin bedroom with Balcony View. Photo © Home At First")Upper Apt: Twin bedroom with Balcony View. - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt - Bunk bedroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Upper-Apt-Bunk-bedroom.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt - Bunk bedroom. Photo © Home At First")Upper Apt: Bunk bedroom. - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt.: Bathroom with shower and twin vanity. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Upper-Apt-Bathroom-with-shower-and-twin-vanity.-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg.-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Upper Apt - Bathroom with shower and twin vanity. Photo © Home At First.jpg.")Upper Apt.: Bathroom with shower & twin vanity. - ![Chalet Silberhorn: bathroom with shower. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Bathroom-with-shower.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Bathroom with shower. Photo © Home At First")Lower Apartment: Bathroom with Shower - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Middle Apartment: Eat-in Kitchen. Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Eat-in-Kitchen.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Eat-in Kitchen. Photo © Home At First")Lower Apartment: Eat-in Kitchen - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Middle Apartment: Living room with dining and balcony access. Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Living-room-with-dining-and-balcony-access.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Middle Apartment: Living room with dining and balcony access. Photo © Home At First")Lower Apt.: Living/dining room with Balcony access - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Lower Apartment: Master Bedroom with Balcony access. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Master-Bedroom-with-Balcony-access.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Middle Apartment: Master Bedroom with Balcony access. Photo © Home At First.")Lower Apt.: Master Bedroom with Balcony access. - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Middle Apartment: 2nd twin bedroom with large wardrobe. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-2nd-twin-Bedroom-with-wardrobe.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - 2nd twin Bedroom with wardrobe. Photo © Home At First")Lower Apt.: 2nd twin bedroom with wardrobe - ![Chalet Silberhorn - Middle Apartment - Furnished Balcony with Eiger view. Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Middle-Apartment-Furnished-Balcony-with-Eiger-view.-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Middle Apartment - Furnished Balcony with Eiger view. Photo © Home At First")Lower Apartment: Furnished Balcony with Eiger view - ![Panorama from behind Chalet Silberhorn with Mürren and the Bernese Alps. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-Panoramic-view-from-behind-the-chalet-Photo-©-Home-At-First-1200x720.jpg "Chalet Silberhorn - Panoramic view from behind the chalet - Photo © Home At First")Alps Panorama with Chalet Silberhorn ##### CHALET SILBERHORN APARTMENTS ###### **MÜRREN SOUTH • BERNESE OBERLAND** **Nearest Transit: Schilthornbahn Cablecar Station, Mürren (2min.)** **CHALET SILBERHORN** is a large Swiss mountain home with two guest apartments with outstanding balcony views. Located on the southern end of alpine Mürren, the chalet is slightly above the main street of the village, away from the foot traffic but still very close to the several shops, restaurants, cafés, grocery store, and the Schilthornbahn cablecar station. **• THE UPPER APARTMENT** offers superb views plus size flexibility with capacity for 2-6 persons on the third (top) floor of the chalet. The apartment has 3 bedrooms: one twin bedroom with balcony access, one twin bedroom with a delightful garden view, plus a bunk-bedroom with space for two children. Also opening off the main hallway is a full bathroom with shower and twin-basined vanity. The apartment’s large, well-equipped, eat-in kitchen features a lovely garden view from large windows. A comfy living room with an upholstered chair & sofa suite opens on the balcony. The unforgettable views across Mürren’s rooftops and Main Street extend to the imposing north wall of the Silberhorn and its neighboring Bernese Alps, making the 28 stair steps up to the apartment entrance well worth the effort. **• THE LOWER APARTMENT** occupies the second floor of the chalet — up 14 stair steps (2 flights of 7 steps) from the ground floor chalet entry. It sleeps 2-4 persons in two twin bedrooms. There is one bathroom (shower & twin-basined vanity), a well-equipped, eat-in kitchen, and a large living/dining room with comfy upholstered chair & sofa suite, and flat-screen TV. One bedroom and the living room open onto the large, furnished balcony, big enough to sit, snack, dine, recline, and always enjoy the sumptuous view of the Bernese Alps. **NOTE ABOUT HEATING:** The apartments have central heating with individual room registers. However, the well-insulated chalet is not heated during the summer months, and holds its comfortable interior temperatures day and night during the warm months of the year. --- Your Hosts at Chalet Silberhorn ![Chalet Silberhorn hosts Kurt & Sabrina. Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Silberhorn-hosts-Kurt-and-Sabrina-0708223804-600x900-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-200x300.jpg) **YOUR HOSTS AT CHALET SILBERHORN:** *Sabrina & Kurt — shown here in the traditional dress of their Swiss home region — are the owner/hosts of the two Chalet Silberhorn apartments. They reside in the chalet’s ground floor apartment with their teenage son. Both are employed in Mürren and are readily accessible, especially after work in the evenings. English-speaking Sabrina serves as the primary host for North American visitors. Kurt is a native of Mürren. Sabrina’s roots are in Switzerland’s beautiful, remote Lötschental valley, as well as in the capital city of Bern. Both are active members of the community. They have outstanding local knowledge and can make recommendations for activities, restaurants, and day-trips. They enjoy getting to know their guests and are eager that you enjoy your visit to their hometown of Mürren.* --- **THE LOCATION:** Chalet Silberhorn is a 2-3-minute walk from the Schilthorn cablecar station on Mürren’s south end. Stores, shops, and several restaurants are 2-8 minutes walking distance, with the town’s COOP grocery store about 3 minutes distant. Alpine Mürren’s Allmendhubel funicular station is 5-minutes walk from the chalet. Here frequent cablecars climb to a restaurant with children’s playground, a terrific view of the Bernese Alps, and a broad selection of hiking paths that lead through Mürren’s cheese alps dotted with mountain restaurants. --- **ARRIVAL NOTE:** there is no taxi service in car-free alpine Mürren. Guests, therefore, must be prepared to walk their luggage up to Chalet Silberhorn (2-3 minutes from the Schilthornbahn cablecar station — slightly uphill for the last 50 yards). Your host meets incoming guests at the chalet at an appointed arrival time. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** once at the Chalet Silberhorn, the chalet’s entry hall is reached via approx. 8 uncovered stair steps up from street level. The Lower Apartment entry is up 14 indoor stairs above the chalet entrance. The Upper Apartment entry is up a further 14 indoor stairs above the Lower Apartment. **OCCUPANCY NOTE:** minimum capacity limits at Chalet Silberhorn’s two apartments may apply. Supplemental fees may be charged for under 4-person occupancy. **ELECTRONICS:** Chalet Silberhorn’s two apartments provide flat-screen cable TV and secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** laundry facilities at Chalet Silberhorn are shared by guests of both apartments, and are located on the basement floor. --- #### Chalet Eiger **MÜRREN – NORTH • BERNESE OBERLAND** --- 3 classic Swiss apartments with top alpine views ###### **ONE FOUR-BEDROOM, 2-BATH & TWO 2-BEDROOM, 1-BATH APTS** **2nd & 3rd Floor Apartments featuring balconies with superb views** **CHALET EIGER** is a large, classic Bernese Oberland Swiss mountain home at the north end of alpine Mürren with three vacation apartments furnished in traditional chalet style. **• THE LARGE 4-BEDROOM, 2-BATH APARTMENT** offers superb views plus size flexibility with capacity for 4-8 persons on the third (top) floor of the chalet. This very large apartment has two balconies: one along the front of the chalet accessed off the livingroom, and one on the south side of the chalet accessed off the kitchen. Each balcony provides superb views of the Bernese Alps, and especially of the 3 signature peaks of the region: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The upper apartment’s 4 twin bedrooms include 3 along the front of the chalet with terrific views of the Alps, and especially of the notorious Eiger. One twin bedroom is across the main hallway from the other three, and lacks a view. Also opening off the main hallway are the two full bathrooms, each with a combined tub/shower, a toilet, and a vanity. The apartment’s very large, well-equipped, eat-in kitchen features two dining tables, all the appliances one could want (including a large fridge), plus its own south-facing balcony with a fine view of the North Faces of the Bernese Alps, a World Heritage Site. Although the large kitchen can serve as a livingroom (TV!), there is a very comfortably furnished livingroom with large L-shaped upholstered sofas, a larger TV. Opening off the living room is the balcony on the front of the chalet, with sensational views of the Eiger, Mönch, & Jungfrau, a view that makes the 40 stair steps up to the apartment entrance well worth the effort. **• TWO IDENTICAL 2-BEDROOM, 1-BATH APARTMENTS** — one on the 2nd floor (up 2 flights of 10 stairs); one immediately above on 3rd floor (up 4 flights of 10 stairs). Capacity of each: 2-5 persons. Each apartment has a balcony accessed off the living room and one twin-bedroom with superb views of the Big Three peaks of the Bernese Oberland: Eiger, Mönch, & Jungfrau. The bedrooms have twin beds, a sink & mirror, two un-upholstered chairs, bed stands, and reading lights. The living rooms are furnished with upholstered chairs & sofa, and have a 5th twin bed, making maximum apartment capacity 5 persons. The apartments’ single bathrooms open off the main halls, and are equipped with toilet, basin, and tub/shower. The kitchens are well-equipped and practical, with ranges, ovens, dishwashers, coffee makers, but small fridges. Opening off the kitchen is the dining room with a table for four and a large window with a view to the north. --- ![Jessica, hostess at Chalet Eiger](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Eiger-Jessica-hostess-portrait-100919-1420-1291x1800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1582578872642.jpg) Your English-Speaking Hostess at **Chalet Eiger** *Jessica, the Australia-born, English-speaking hostess at Chalet Eiger, does not live on-site, but about 30-minutes away. She is the daughter-in-law of the owner, who lives next door to the chalets. Jessica visits you occasionally to see how you are enjoying your stay and ask if you need any assistance. When not on-site, she is available by telephone. Jessica is quite fond of her adopted Switzerland. Having lived in alpine Mürren for several years, she is quite knowledgeable about the village and the region, and eager that you get to know and enjoy this remarkable, delightful place.* --- CHALET EIGER APARTMENTS ###### **MÜRREN NORTH • BERNESE OBERLAND** **Nearest Transit: BLM Railway Station, Mürren (5min.)** - ![Chalet Eiger: a classic Bernese chalet](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Eiger-exterior-title-photo-3006160873-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Chalet Eiger. Photo © Home At First.")CHALET EIGER — A CLASSIC BERNESE CHALET - ![Chalet Eiger: exterior showing two 2-bedroom apartment on 2nd and 3rd floors. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Eiger-I-2-x-2-bdrm-apts-exterior-300616-0870-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - 2 x 2-bdrm apts exterior. Photo © Home At First.")Chalet Eiger: two 2-bedroom apts 2nd & 3rd floors - ![Chalet Eiger: twin bedroom w. balcony access. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-I-twin-bedroom-w.-balcony-access-070916-2144-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - twin bedroom w. balcony access. Photo © Home At First.")2-Bedroom Apt: twin bedroom with balcony access - ![Chalet Eiger: 2nd floor 2-bedroom apartment - bedroom with balcony access. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Eiger-I-2nd-floor-2-bdrm-apt-bedroom-with-balcony-access-070916-2147-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - 2nd floor 2-bedroom apartment - bedroom with balcony access. Photo © Home At First.")2nd floor, 2-bedroom apt: bedroom with balcony - ![Balcony view of the Bernese Alps from the living room of a 2-bedroom apartment. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Eiger-2-bedroom-apt-livingroom-w.-balcony-0709162141-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Chalet Eiger - 2-bedroom apt livingroom w. balcony - 0709162141 - 1200x800 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")2-bedroom apt. living room with balcony access - ![Chalet Eiger: 2-bedroom apartment balcony view with BLM train and Eiger/Mönch. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-I-2-bdrm-apt-balcony-view-w.-BLM-train-and-Eiger-Monch-070916-2141-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - 2-bdrm apt balcony view w. BLM train and Eiger-Monch. Photo © Home At First.")2-Bedroom Apt balcony view: BLM train & the Alps - ![Chalet Eiger: balcony view of Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Eiger-1-Balcony-view-of-Eiger-Monch-Jungfrau-070916-2149-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Balcony view of Eiger-Monch-Jungfrau. Photo © Home At First.")2-Bedroom Apt: view of Eiger/Mönch/Jungfrau - ![Chalet Eiger: 2nd floor, 2-bedroom apartment - balcony view with BLM train. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Chalet-Eiger-I-2nd-fl-2-bdrm-apt-balcony-view-w.-BLM-train-070916-2140-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - 2nd fl 2-bdrm apt - balcony view w. BLM train. Photo © Home At First.")2nd floor, 2-bedroom Apt: balcony view w/ BLM train - ![The back twin bedroom of the 2-bedroom apartments lacks a balcony or even a grand view. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chalet-Eiger-2-bdrom-apt-2nd-twin-bedroom-w-out-balcony-0709162129-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Chalet Eiger - 2-bedroom apt - 2nd twin bedroom without balcony. Photo © Home At First.")2-Bedroom Apt: 2nd bedroom: sink yes, balcony no - ![Chalet Eiger: 2-bedroom apartment - dining & kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-I-2-bdrm-apt-dining-and-kitchen-070916-2143-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - 2-bdrm apt dining and kitchen. Photo © Home At First.")2-Bedroom Apartment: dining & kitchen - ![Chalet Eiger: 2-bedroom apartment kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Kitchen-070916-2153-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.")2-Bedroom Apartment Kitchen - ![Chalet Eiger: Bathroom with tub/shower in 2-bedroom apartment. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Bathroom-with-tub-shower-in-2bdrm-apt-070916-2155-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Bathroom with tub shower in 2bdrm apt. Photo © Home At First.")Bathroom with tub/shower in 2-bedroom apt. - ![Chalet Eiger - Exterior Facade showing Entry plus front balconies of the 3 apartments. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Exterior-Facade-showing-Entry-plus-front-balconies-of-the-3-apts.-100818-7886-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Exterior Facade showing Entry plus front balconies of the 3 apts. Photo © Home At First.")Exterior entry plus front balconies of the 3 apts. - ![Chalet Eiger: Large Apartment - Twin Bedroom #3. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-Apartment-Twin-Bedroom-3-070916-2086-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large Apartment - Twin Bedroom 3. Photo © Home At First.")Large Apartment: Twin Bedroom #3 - ![Chalet Eiger: Large Apartment - View from 1 of 4 bedrooms. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-Apt-View-from-1-of-4-bedrooms-070916-2094-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large Apt - View from 1 of 4 bedrooms. Photo © Home At First.")Large Apt: view from twin bedroom #3 - ![Chalet Eiger: Large Apartment - Twin Bedroom #2 with wardrobes. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-Apartment-Twin-Bedroom-2-070916-2105-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large Apartment - Twin Bedroom 2. Photo © Home At First.")Large Apt: Twin Bedroom #2 with wardrobe - ![Chalet Eiger: large apartment - 1 of 4 twin bedrooms. Photo © Home At First..](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-apartment-1-of-4-twin-bdms-070916-2079-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First--1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large apartment - 1 of 4 twin bdms. Photo © Home At First.")Large Apt: twin bedroom #1 with picture window - ![Chalet Eiger - Large Apartment - Living room with Balcony access -- Who chooses watching TV? Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-Apartment-Living-room-with-Balcony-access-070916-2117-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large Apartment - Living room with Balcony access. Photo © Home At First.")Large Apt: Living room with balcony access - ![Chalet Eiger - Large apartment: view south from the east balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-apt-view-south-from-the-east-balcony-070916-2124-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large apt - view south from the east balcony. Photo © Home At First.")Large Apt: view south from the front balcony - ![Chalet Eiger - Large apartment: 1 of 2 full bathrooms with tub-shower. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-apt-1-of-2-full-bathrooms-w-tub-shower-070916-2084-2000x1333-72-dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large apt - 1 of 2 full bathrooms w tub-shower. Photo © Home At First.")Large Apt: 1 of 2 full bathrooms with tub-shower - ![Large Apartment: the kitchen's side balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Large-Apt-Kitchen-Side-Balcony-070916-2083-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Large Apt - Kitchen Side Balcony - Photo © Home At First.")Large Apartment: the kitchen’s own side balcony - ![Large Apartment: very spacious Kitchen-Dining. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Eiger-1-Kitchen-Dining-in-the-4-bdrm-apt070916-2076-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Eiger - Kitchen-Dining in the 4-bdrm apt - Photo © Home At First.")Large Apt: very spacious kitchen & dining room **THE LOCATION:** From Chalet Eiger on the north end of Mürren it is a relatively flat walk to most of the stores and restaurants of the village. The BLM railway station is a quick, flat, 3-minute walk from the chalets. The closest restaurant is under 1-minute away, and 5 restaurants are within 6-minutes flat walk. Hiking trails lead in three directions from just outside the chalet, and mountain biking is popular along the marked roadway cycle path that parallels the railway in front of the chalet. It is a 15-minute walk to Mürren’s other transport station, the Schilthornbahn cable system, on the south end of the village. --- **NOTE ON THE SETTING:** the BLM railway and the north end of Mürren’s main street both pass by the front of Chalet Eiger. The road sees very few vehicles, but walkers & cyclists do pass frequently, especially in fair weather. Nearly silent electric, one-car BLM passenger trains trundle slowly by like narrow-gauge trolley cars, twice hourly between 6:15AM and 9PM. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** Sharing the building entrance on the ground floor is an engineering firm’s office, open 8AM-5PM Mo-Fr, but with few comings and goings. **NOTE:** Chalet Eiger’s secure entrance is at street level. A common indoor stairwell leads up to all three individual apartment entries. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen cable TVs. Secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** Chalet Eiger’s shared laundry facilities are located on the ground floor. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** there is no taxi service in car-free alpine Mürren. Guests, therefore, must be prepared to walk (mostly flat; slightly downhill) their luggage to Chalet Eiger 3-5 minutes from the BLM railway station, often after a long travel day. Pack lightly so you don’t have so much to lug up the (20 to 40) stairs to your apartment at your chalet. Your hostess or her representative will normally meet guests at the chalet at an appointed time. ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [switzerland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Central Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/) **Published:** May 1, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### [— scotland prices —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) ###### [— **scotland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [— **the central highlands** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central) best scotland touring base ###### **[— historic edinburgh —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/#Edinburgh)** apts. in scotland’s capital ###### [— **inverness & the north** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/inverness-and-northern-scotland/#Inverness) city apts. & highland cottages ###### **— special request regions —** glasgow • borders • islands ###### #### The Scottish Heartland # The Highlands of Central Scotland **Balquhidder Glen in Scotland’s Central Highlands. Rob Roy Macgregor — Highland Scotland’s favorite son — lived, died, and is buried here. Poets Robert Tannahill and Sir Walter Scott romanced this venerable landscape with immortal words. Filmmakers from Hitchcock to Monty Python to Mel Gibson have mixed fact & fiction in this land of majesty, myth, and mystery.** ## Explore Scotland from the Central Highlands #### Mountainous Land of Lochs & Glens between the Ocean & the Sea **Home At First’s Central Scotland** destination is set in a romantic landscape of stunning beauty: the lochs, glens, and mountains of the heart of Scotland. You have your own cottage or apartment in the heart of Scotland. Driving your rental car and using our exclusive *Scotland Activity Guide*, you explore Scotland from the Central Highlands independently, taking driving day-trips and returning to your cozy Scottish lodging each evening. Our accommodations are cottages in or near picture-postcard villages and towns still largely undiscovered by tourist throngs, places you will quickly feel at home in, where you will happily return after each day’s adventures. --- ### Home At First’s Central Scotland — How it Works: Locations & Lodgings - ![With Balquhidder village directly below this vantage point, Balquhidder Glen stretches ten miles west. Photo by Niamh Barber.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Balquhidder-Glen-AUG16-775x374-72dpi-Photo-by-Niamh-Barber-copyright-Home-At-First-724x374.jpg "Balquhidder Glen - Photo by Niamh Barber copyright Home At First")BALQUHIDDER GLEN with Loch Voil & Loch Doine. Photo by Niamh Barber. - ![Balquhidder Kirk has become a pilgrimage church in the Central Highlands.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Balquidder-Kirkyard-260914-2895-1504x711-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140407713-709x366.jpg "Central Scotland - Balquidder Kirkyard - Photo copyright Home At First")BALQUHIDDER KIRK, site of the family grave of Rob Roy Macgregor. - ![Main Street, Killin, with two of Scotland's highest mountain peaks in the background.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Killin-main-street-with-Beinn-Ghlas-and-Ben-Lawers-260406-0428-2000x948-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140445186-711x367.jpg "Central Scotland - Killin main street with Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers - Photo copyright Home At First")KILLIN: Main Street with the distant summits of Beinn Ghlas & Ben Lawers. - ![Home At First Lodging in Killin Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Vacation-Cottage-Lodging-in-Killin-230905-R5-006-1A-1790x735-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140492533-616x318.jpg "Central Scotland - Vacation Cottage Lodging in Killin - Photo copyright Home At First")KILLIN. Home At First’s 2-bedroom, 2-bath Dochart Cottage. - ![At its eastern end the River Dochart drops dramatically as it enters the town of Killin and flowing a final mile to Loch Tay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Killin-Falls-of-the-Dochart-260406-0432-2000x982-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140514482-738x381.jpg "Central Scotland - Killin - Falls of the Dochart - 260406-0432 - 2000x982 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")KILLIN. The Falls of the River Dochart at the western end of Killin. - ![Home At First Lochearnhead Lodging — Castleview Cottage.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Lochearnhead-HAF-Cottage-270914-3024-1504x7000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140548983-699x361.jpg "Central Scotland - Lochearnhead - HAF Cottage - Photo copyright Home At First")LOCHEARNHEAD: Home At First’s 4-bedroom, 2-bath Castleview Cottage. - ![The view south across Loch Earn from Home At First's Castleview Cottage in Lochearnhead.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Lochearnhead-View-south-across-Loch-Earn-from-cottage-terrace-270914-3019-1491x672-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140570637-676x349.jpg "Central Scotland - Lochearnhead - View south across Loch Earn from cottage terrace - Photo copyright Home At First")LOCHEARNHEAD. View from Castleview Cottage across Loch Earn. - ![Home At First's Golf View Apartments are just off the 18th green of the Callander Golf Club.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Calendar-Golf-View-Apts-260914-2807-1357x648-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140593124-716x370.jpg "Central Scotland - Callander - Golf View Apts - Photo copyright Home At First")CALLANDER. Home At First’s Golf View Apartments are in this large house. - ![The landmark mountain Ben Ledi guards the southeastern entrance to the Highlands of Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Ben-Ledi-from-NW-Callendar-101003-R4-012-4A-1536x631-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140343737-616x318.jpg "Central Scotland - Ben Ledi from NW Callander - Photo copyright Home At First")CALLANDER. Ben Ledi is the southeastern portal to the Central Highlands. - ![Home At First Lodging in Callander, Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Ailsas-Bungalow-exterior-facade-260914-2798-1504x818-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608140256413-775x400.jpg "Central Scotland - Ailsas Bungalow exterior - Photo copyright Home At First")CALLANDER. Home At First’s 3-bedroom, 2-bath Ailsa’s Cottage. **From your vacation cottage apartment you explore Scotland from the Central Highlands.** **Home At First** has vacation cottages and vacation apartments in towns and villages near the geographic center of Scotland, inside or just outside the scenic grandeur of Scotland’s first national Park, **Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park**. Here the Highlands of Central Scotland are the romantic, mountains, glens, and lochs of historical novels and adventure films, a region sprinkled with castles and castle ruins, populated more by sheep and Highland & Angus cattle than people. **Where are the cottages & apartments? What are they like?** **Home At First’s** vacation cottages and apartments are located in several towns and villages along the eastern border of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, including: ![Home At First Lodging in Callander, Central Scotland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Central-Scotland-Ailsas-Bungalow-exterior-facade-260914-2798-200X109-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) **Ailsa’s Cottage, Callander** **• CALLANDER** — gateway town on the eastern entrance of the **Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park**. Market town with numerous shops, restaurants, groceries, outfitters, and other services. Closest Central Scotland town to the Lowlands, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Big enough to offer nightlife at one or two hotels on its main street. Offers 18-holes of parkland golf at its respected **Callander Golf Club**. Hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking are popular activities. Callander’s central location, quick access to the national park and the Highlands, and easy access to Stirling and points southeast and southwest (including Edinburgh and Glasgow) give the town high marks as a touring base for Scotland. ![With Balquhidder village directly below this vantage point, Balquhidder Glen stretches ten miles west. Photo by Niamh Barber.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Balquhidder-Glen-AUG16-2000x964-72dpi-Photo-by-Niamh-Barber-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608151655169.jpg) **Balquhidder Glen & Loch Voil** **• BALQUHIDDER** — tiny, scenic, and historic, Balquhidder is a Highland hamlet located inside the confines of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, a pristine gem set among the Braes o’ Balquhidder at the head of Balquhidder Glen. Best known as the final home and eternal rest of bad-boy Highlander icon **Rob Roy Macgregor**, Balquhidder offers beauty and peace, hiking, biking, and fishing in an authentic Highland setting. However, Balquhidder has no stores, shops, restaurants, or any services. Two fine restaurants (one a perennial UK award-winner) are within 5-minutes drive of Balquhidder. Otherwise, the nearest town with a variety of shopping choices, groceries, services, petrol stations, restaurants, and cafés is a 20-minute drive south, at Callander. ![Home At First Lochearnhead Lodging — Castleview Cottage.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Central-Scotland-Lochearnhead-HAF-Cottage-270914-3024-200x109-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) **Castleview, Lochearnhead** **• LOCHEARNHEAD** — village on the western end of picturesque **Loch Earn** and on the eastern edge of the national park. Two restaurants, a village shop, & petrol station provide local services. A greater selection of stores, restaurants, and services are a 20-minute drive north to Killin, or a 20-minute drive south to Callander. Fine walking, including the **Rob Roy Way** through Glen Ogle and trailheads to two Munros (Ben Vorlich & Stuc a’Chroin), is accessed just outside Lochearnhead, and fishing, boating, and waterskiing are possible from the shore of Loch Earn right in the village. Importantly, Lochearnhead is the junction of two major routes through Central Scotland — one north/south, and one east — giving the village a very good setting as a touring base. ![Home At First Lodging in Killin Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Central-Scotland-Vacation-Cottage-Lodging-in-Killin-230905-R5-006-1A-200x109-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) **Dochart Cottage, Killin** **• KILLIN** — Highland town and northeastern gateway to **Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park**. Located in the historic Breadalbane district, Killin’s setting at the confluence of two wild Highland rivers (Lochay and Dochart) at the west end of 15-mile-long **Loch Tay** is scenic and central — an ideal base for touring the Highlands as far north as Inverness, to the Cairngorms (east), and to the Inner Hebrides (especially Mull and Iona) to the west. The town is bordered north and south by sizable mountains, including several **Munros** that attract hikers to Killin. Loch Tay and its tributary rivers are known for excellent salmon & trout fishing. Killin — about 20 miles from any town its size or larger — offers a surprisingly large number of shops, restaurants, pubs, and services. **What are Home At First’s Central Scotland lodgings like?** Each is unique. They come in all sizes, shapes, and styles. Some are modern. Some are traditional. Some have several bedrooms and baths; others may have a single bedroom and bathroom. Some have terraces or balconies. Others may have furnished patios or gardens. All are secure private quarters with private bathrooms, and must meet certain standards of quality and equipment: **•** **HOSTING:** All **Home At First** lodgings in Central Scotland have friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, accessible hosts. Hosts may be the lodging owners or their representatives. Hosts will welcome you, show you around the cottage or apartment, explain its workings, and be on-call if questions, problems, or emergencies arise. Otherwise, you can expect to see a familiar, friendly face from time-to-time during your stay, when your host stops by to see how you are getting on. **•** **KITCHENS:** Full kitchens or practical kitchenettes (in studio apartments) with at the very least: fridge, coffee maker, tea kettle, stove top range, oven and/or toaster oven and/or microwave. Most have additional counter appliances. Many have dishwashers as well as clothes washer/dryers. All kitchen and bath towels & linens provided. **•** **BEDROOMS:** Most bedrooms have twin beds. Some twin beds can be secured and made-up together to form a large double bed. Multi-bedroom lodgings often have a queen-size or king-size bed in one of the bedrooms. Larger family-size lodgings often have a bedroom with bunk beds. Studio apartments (these are few) may have a convertible bed (sofa bed or Murphy bed) in the multi-purpose living/dining room. **•** **BATHROOMS:** Most bathrooms have a shower stall or a bathtub with overhead shower. Some few bathrooms may have a bathtub with hand-held shower, or a bathtub for bathing only. **•** **LAUNDRY FACILITIES:** Those lodgings without clothes washer/dryers will have a serviced launderette in the town (a laundromat where you leave your clothes with staff to be cleaned and folded, thereby not needing to trade vacation time to do laundry). **•** **PARKING:** Usually (with rare exceptions) 1 or 2 designated private guest parking spaces, most commonly off-street. **•** **ELECTRONICS:** Lodgings have televisions, usually the flat-screen, cable variety. Most have free WiFi, although service can be spotty in the Highlands. Few come with telephones. Bring or rent a cell phone for your trip, but remember that service is spotty in the Highlands of Scotland. **•** **PROXIMITY TO STORES & SERVICES:** All in-town lodgings in Callander & Killin are within walking or short-driving distance to stores and services. Lodgings in villages (like Lochearnhead) or in rural settings (like Balquhidder) require driving 5-20 minutes to get to town for shopping and services. --- ### Home At First’s Central Scotland — How it Works: Touring Scotland - ![Glen Coe river canyon, western Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Glen-Coe-canyon-250406-0397-2000x984-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156528776-738x381.jpg "Central Scotland - Glen Coe canyon - Photo copyright Home At First")GLEN COE: some of the best scenery in the Central Highlands is accessible by car. - ![Doune Castle — an impressive ruin dating from the 14th century, an easy day-trip just 8 miles from Callander.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Doune-Castle-4-101003-R1-030-13A-1531x657-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156566510-645x333.jpg "Central Scotland - Doune Castle - Photo copyright Home At First")DOUNE CASTLE, between Callander & Stirling. Central Scotland is castle country. - ![The Callander & Oban Railway line between Dunblane and Crianlarich closed in 1965. The most scenic portion of the line — between Callander and the Glen Ogle Pass — now carries hikers and cyclists across this landmark viaduct.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Calendar-and-Oban-Rwy-viaduct-in-Glen-Ogle-240503-R1-004-0A-1536x688-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156591373-672x347.jpg "Central Scotland - Callander and Oban Rwy viaduct in Glen Ogle - Photo copyright Home At First")GLEN OGLE VIADUCT: hikers & bikers use this former railway to cross the Highlands. - ![Wool production continues to be a major segment of Central Scotland's dominant industry: agriculture.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Border-Collie-at-Work-at-Aberfoyle-140505-0979-1597x662-72dpi-Shirley-Barnes-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156609774-621x321.jpg "Scottish Wool Centre, Aberfoyle - Photo copyright Home At First")GATHERING WOOL. Border collie doing his job at the Scottish Wool Centre, in Aberfoyle. - ![Hulking, medieval Stirling Castle remains intact, much as it was when Mary was crowned Queen of Scots here.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Stirling-Castle-060605-0926-1997x831-72dpi-Shirley-Barnes-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156634973-623x322.jpg "Stirling Castle - Photo by Shirley Barnes copyright Home At First.")STIRLING CASTLE, at the nation’s crossroads: Scotland’s most strategic fortress. - ![Central Scotland - arched 1774 Kenmore bridge over River Tay - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-arched-1774-Kenmore-bridge-over-River-Tay-090909-6150-2000x970-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156658857-728x376.jpg "Central Scotland - arched 1774 Kenmore bridge over River Tay - Photo copyright Home At First")ARCHED BRIDGE, KENMORE. Most Central Scotland roads are scenic by-ways. - ![Dahlwhinnie Whisky Distillery, northern Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Dalwhinnie-Distillery-101003-1-R4-030-13A-1487x658-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156681893-664x343.jpg "Central Scotland - Dalwhinnie Distillery - Photo copyright Home At First")DAHLWHINNIE DISTILLERY. About 20 of the region’s whisky producers welcome visitors. - ![Glen Lyon — Scotland's loneliest glen?](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Glen-Lyon-cottage-landscape-250406-0375-2000x930-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608156705761-697x360.jpg "Central Scotland - Glen Lyon cottage landscape - Photo copyright Home At First")GLEN LYON. Walter Scott called it “the longest, loneliest, and loveliest glen in Scotland.” **Explore Scotland from the Central Highlands independently by rental car.** Public transport exists in Scotland, but, excepting the long-distance and commuter trains to/from Glasgow and Edinburgh, train services are too slow and spotty to be used for any significant exploration of Scotland. And, while local and national buses do travel throughout the country, their services to non-cities are infrequent, slow, and inefficient. That makes exploring Scotland done best by car. And, as a driving trip, exploring Scotland is best done from its geographic center — **the Highlands of Central Scotland**. **What’s the driving like?** To explore Scotland from the Central Highlands means car touring that is both challenging and fun. Central Scotland roads — mostly two-lane, but many one-lane (“single-track”) roads, and the occasional three-lane road — follow the profiles of the glens (valleys), hugging the shores of the lochs (Scottish lakes, sounds, and fjords), and occasionally climbing mountain passes to reach the next glen. With few people traffic congestion is rare, except on some key mountain pass routes, and on the busy streets of market towns and the winding, narrow streets of antique villages. **How far can we day-trip by driving?** Despite the absence of high-speed motorways, Central Scotland’s Highlands make a great base for exploring its fascinating region and well-beyond into neighboring regions, two coasts, the larger towns of **Stirling**, **Oban**, **Ft. William**, **Crieff**, and **Falkirk,** as well as the small cities of **Perth, Dundee, St. Andrews, and Dunfermline**. Scotland’s biggest cities, **Edinburgh** and **Glasgow**, are within day-trip reach but done best by driving to a commuter rail station then taking a train into the city. (We tell you how to do this in our **“Scotland Activity Guide”.**) **Can we hire a driver or even a driver/guide?** Driving on the left side of mountain roads and along narrow village streets where finding parking can be challenging is not right for every visitor to Scotland. **Home At First** has experienced, qualified **drivers and driver/guides** available who can be contracted to drive you in your rental car or in their vehicle as you explore Scotland from the Central Highlands. You may hire a driver or driver/guide for all of your days in Scotland, or for just some. Our drivers know the scenic back roads, the shortcuts, and the quickest way home. Our driver/guides also know the history, geography, and cultural importance of the places you will visit. For complete information, including rates, contact us via email or telephone. --- ### The Highlands of Central Scotland — Rob Roy Country - ![Hiker atop the Braes of Balquhidder. Rob Roy walked here.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Freddie-on-Irishmans-Leap-wide-876x454-72dpi-e1558628733976-518x301.jpg "Central Scotland - The Braes of Balquhidder - Photo copyright Home At First")ATOP THE BRAES o’ BALQUHIDDER, a trail known to Rob Roy. - ![Dressing for church — local resident Ian Blaine at Balquhidder Kirk.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Balquhidder-Ian-at-Balquhidder-Kirk-2000x1097-72dpi-Mike-Mullen-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608242232128-731x425.jpg "Balquhidder - Ian at Balquhidder Kirk - Mike Mullen Photo copyright Home At First")BALQUHIDDER KIRK. Resident Ian Blaine visits Rob Roy’s church. - ![Rob Roy's grave at Balquhidder Kirk.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Balquhidder-Rob-Roys-Grave-230905-R5-044-20A-1792x951-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608242277256-707x411.jpg "Central Scotland - Balquhidder - Rob Roy's Grave - Photo copyright Home At First")ROB ROY’S GRAVE flanked by those of his wife & his son. - ![Paying homage to Rob Roy at Balquhidder Kirk.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Kilted-Clansman-decorating-Rob-Roys-Grave-220708-0365-2000x817-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608242322706-545x317.jpg "Central Scotland - Kilted Clansman decorating Rob Roys Grave - 220708-0365 - 2000x817 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")A MODERN HIGHLANDER decorates Rob Roy’s grave. - ![Rob Roy's defiant epitaph draws loyal Highlanders to Balquhidder Kirk.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Kilted-Clansman-photographing-Rob-Robs-Grave-220708-0364-2000x955-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608242354661-637x370.jpg "Central Scotland - Kilted Clansman photographing Rob Robs Grave - Photo copyright Home At First")“MacGREGOR DESPITE THEM” is Rob Roy’s defiant epitaph. - ![The Rob Roy Way walking path shares its right-of-way with National Route 7 Cycling Trail as the trail passes Balquhidder Glen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Rob-Roy-Way-and-National-Cycle-Route-7-near-Balqudder-Glen-260914-2866-1504x661-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608242405851-587x341.jpg "Central Scotland - Rob Roy Way and National Cycle Route 7 near Balquhidder Glen - Photo copyright Home At First.")HIKERS & CYCLISTS take the Rob Roy Way across the Highlands. - ![Hiking ("hill walking") is a delightful way to explore much of the best scenery of Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Balquhidder-Hiking-Signs-for-Brig-o-Turk-130599-0044-2000x977-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608242454293-652x379.jpg "Central Scotland - Balquhidder - Hiking Signs for Brig o Turk - Photo copyright Home At First")THE TRAIL Rob Roy may have used for cattle rustling. - ![Highland cows — icons of Highland Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Highland-Cows-100505-0873-1531x661-72dpi-Photo-Shirley-Barnes-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608242495357-576x335.jpg "Highland cow and calf - Photo by Shirley Barnes copyright Home At First.")HIGHLAND COWS. Rob Roy may have “borrowed” a few of these. **Rob Roy Country —** The Highlands of Central Scotland is a region of great history, where Britain’s civilized south clashed with the Celtic clans of the north. Here you can explore Scotland the brave, Scotland the beautiful. This is the home of Scotland’s bad-boy hero **Rob Roy Macgregor**, and the setting for Scotland’s rugged, scenic **Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park**. Rob Roy Macgregor’s family gravesite is at **Balquidder Kirk (church)**, with Rob Roy’s final rest flanked by the graves of his wife and one of his sons. Because of the Macgregor gravesite, Balquhidder Kirk has become a pilgrimage church for Scottish nationalists, members (real or imagined) of Highland clans, and the readers of historical novels. Even **Queen Victoria** visited Rob Roy’s grave back in 1869. **“MacGregor Despite Them”** is the family’s famously defiant epitaph. When the ruling Highland **Clan Campbell** forbade Clan Macgregor from using its family name, Rob Roy went underground and thumbed his nose at the Campbell chiefs by keeping his Macgregor surname. Eventually cleared of wrongdoing, Rob Roy became the local sheriff in **Balquhidder Glen** in the shadow of the **Braes o’ Balquhidder**, but never forgot his clan’s exile. Highlanders from around the world come to Balquhidder Kirk to witness — and photograph — the defiant epitaph of the Macgregors for themselves. **Home At First**’s **Hiking & Biking Guide** suggests dozens of interesting walks of all lengths and degree of challenge here in Rob Roy country. Some of these walks are on trails that Rob Roy would have known, and some that he may have used when, as an outlaw, he rustled the Campbell’s cattle. --- ### Explore Scotland from the Central Highlands. ### Discover History Amidst Grand Scenery from an Unparalleled Touring Base - ![Atlantic weather pushes against the barrier Munros of Glen Coe in western Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Glen-Coe-Peaks-2-250406-0409-2000x872-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608245943114-1046x523.jpg "Central Scotland - Glen Coe Peaks 2 - Photo copyright Home At First")GLEN COE. Is there anywhere in the Highlands as terrifyingly beautiful? Remote and high, surrounded by boggy moorland, and often powder-dusted by Atlantic weather pushing in from the nearby coast, Glen Coe can be difficult to reach, unless you have a rental car and a Central Highlands cottage. - ![Taymouth Castle, home of the Campbells of Breadalbane, the clan chiefs who oversaw much of the Highlands of Central Scotland for 500 years.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Taymouth-Castle-090909-6194-2000x975-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246042531-1170x585.jpg "Central Scotland - Taymouth Castle - Photo copyright Home At First")GRAND, 19th CENTURY TAYMOUTH CASTLE — final edifice serving as the seat of the Campbells of Breadalbane, the clan chiefs who oversaw much of the Highlands of Central Scotland for 500 years. The castle hosted Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on their first visit to Scotland, in 1842. Taymouth Castle is currently closed, its future uncertain. - ![Central Scotland - 15th century Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-15th-century-Kilchurn-Castle-on-Loch-Awe-230406-0270-2000x864-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246095444-1036x518.jpg "Central Scotland - 15th century Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe - Photo copyright Home At First")KILCHURN CASTLE on the shore of Loch Awe at the western end of the Breadalbane lands. Another historic residence of the Clan Campbell, Kilchurn Castle was built in the 1400s and occupied until the Campbells relocated to Taymouth Castle in 1740. Today the once great castle is a spooky, romantic relic of former glory. - ![Central Scotland - Breadalbane East - View east from Ben Lawers summit - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Breadalbane-East-View-east-from-Ben-Lawers-summit-070909-6016-2000x977-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246124629-1172x586.jpg "Central Scotland - Breadalbane East - View east from Ben Lawers summit - Photo copyright Home At First")BEN LAWERS — The highest mountain along Loch Tay (1214m, 3,983′) marks the high point of eastern Breadalbane. This view from the summit of Ben Lawers looks east, with Loch Tay quite visible in the valley below. Ben Lawers is high, but accessible, and one of the most-summitted of Scotland’s Munros. - ![Thatched cottages at Fortingall village, Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Fortingall-Thatched-Cottages-250406-0386-2000x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246160821.jpg "Central Scotland - Fortingall Thatched Cottages - Photo copyright Home At First")A WEE BIT OF ENGLAND — While rude crofters’ cottages across the Highlands commonly had basic thatched roofs, more elegantly stylized thatched cottages are rare north of England. This striking group of thatches is found in the planned village of Fortingall, a wee part of Central Scotland built in the architectural style of Devonshire in England’s south. - ![Highland harbour seals on Loch Etive on the west coast of the Highlands of Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Loch-Etive-seal-island-with-Ben-Cruachan-230406-0310-2000x773-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246206746-928x464.jpg "Central Scotland - Loch Etive seal island with Ben Cruachan - 230406-0310 - 2000x773 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")HIGHLAND SEALS! This colony of harbour seals basks in the Central Scotland Highlands on an islet in Loch Etive between the rugged mountains of Glen Coe and its exit into Ardmucknish Bay at the Falls of Lora. These seals share habitat with red deer, the only larger mammals found on Scotland. - ![Edinburgh Castle in the fog above New Town.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Scotland-Edinburgh-Castle-in-fog-from-New-Town-2000x1075-72dpi-Mike-Mullen-photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246244189-1200x600.jpg "Scotland - Edinburgh - Castle in fog from New Town - Mike Mullen photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: A day-trip to Edinburgh presents a very different look at Scotland. For visitors, Edinburgh is very walkable, but neither driving friendly or parking easy. We tell you how to day-trip to Edinburgh by train, avoiding driving in urban congestion. Photo of Edinburgh Castle above the spires of New Town by Mike Mullen. - ![Oban harbor on the west coast of Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Oban-harbour-front-with-Folly-100505-0866-2000x942-72dpi-Shirley-Barnes-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246275703-1130x565.jpg "Oban Harbour Front with Distillery & Folly.")OBAN: sizable town on the west coast of Central Scotland and primary gateway to the Inner Hebrides. Oban’s harbor frontage is notable for its brightly colored buildings, the Oban Whisky Distillery in the town center, and the fanciful folly, McCaig’s Tower, atop the hill looming over the town. Shirley Barnes Photo. - ![Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness, within day-trip reach of Home At First's Central Scotland lodgings.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Loch-Ness-and-Urquhart-Castle-101003-11-R2-008-2A-1371x669-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608246305465-1172x586.jpg "Central Scotland - Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle - Photo copyright Home At First")LOCH NESS — BRITAIN’S DEEPEST LAKE has twice the volume of water of all the lakes of England & Wales combined. But is it enough water to hide a sea serpent? Is this the wake of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster? Monster hunters often scan the loch from the vantage provided by Urquhart Castle. **From your Central Scotland vacation cottage, explore Scotland from the Central Highlands by Independent Day-trips —** Begin your discovery of Scotland by exploring your home region, **the Highlands of Central Scotland**. The extraordinary beauty of its hills, glens, and loch will show you why this region was selected to become **Scotland’s first national Park**. **Explore Scotland north of the Central Highlands.** Discover the wild, lonesome **Munros** (peaks above 3,000′ high, including **Ben Nevis**, at 4,411′ Britain’s highest mountain) and moors of the Highlands create a legendary landscape. Visitors explore this majestic, lonesome region hoping to discover the legends and secrets of **Highland Clans**, **Celts, Picts, Scots, Druids**, and that greatest of Highland mysteries, **Nessie,** the reluctant dragon of Scotland’s deep, black **Loch Ness.** **Explore Scotland south of the Central Highlands.** The great cities of **Edinburgh** and **Glasgow** are each as close as 90 minutes away, and most easily visited by driving to an outlying commuter railway station, parking your car for the day and taking a frequent commuter train into the city center while avoiding driving and parking in city congestion — we will show you exactly how to do this. Midway between Scotland’s two grandest cities is the handsome, small city of **Stirling**, castle-crowned crossroads of Scotland, and site of many important military battles. Stirling is permanently tied to many of Scotland’s great historic characters including: **Mary Queen of Scots**, **King James VI & I** (of Scotland and of England & Ireland), **William Wallace (“Braveheart”)**, and **Robert the Bruce**. **Explore Scotland east of the Central Highlands.** Two hours to the east, golf’s great foundation links courses, including the **Old Course**, line the **Fife Coast** north and south of the historic university town of **St. Andrews**. **Explore Scotland west of the Central Highlands.** Two and a half hours west, the closest of **the Inner Hebrides islands** — picturesque **Mull** and tiny, ecclesiastically important **Iona**, its early medieval abbey the font of Scottish Christianity — are reached by ferry from Central Scotland’s primary coastal ferry port of **Oban**. --- ### Central Scotland — A Wealth of Activities Indoors and Out - ![Castle Stalker's romantic setting on Loch Linnhe, western Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Castle-Stalker-on-Loch-Linnhe-230406-0337-1946x1000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608311665893-1200x600.jpg "Central Scotland - Castle Stalker on Loch Linnhe - Photo copyright Home At First")COLLECTING CASTLES. Castle Stalker occupies a romantic setting on an islet in Loch Linnhe, a sea loch along the rugged western coast of Central Scotland. The castle can be visited on specific dates from April through September. Castle collectors will find Central Scotland a treasure trove of castles. Finding them makes for adventurous touring. - ![Loch Tay with Ben Lawers in the distance.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-eastern-shore-of-Loch-Tay-with-Ben-Lawers-090909-6107-2000x887-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608311756574-1064x532.jpg "Central Scotland - eastern shore of Loch Tay with Ben Lawers - Photo copyright Home At First")WATER SPORTS. Looking west along Loch Tay toward Ben Lawers, eastern Breadalbane’s highest mountain. The loch and its tributary streams are famous for salmon fishing. Hire a fishing guide (ghillie) for a day for a uniquely Scottish sporting experience. Nearby by there is water-skiing on Loch Earn, and whitewater rafting on the Rivers Tay, Tummel, & Orchy. - ![Piper at Blair Castle, ancestral home of Clan Murray and seat of the Duke of Atholl. Melody Thornton Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Central-Scotland-Piper-at-Blair-Castle-VB34141700-1200x591-72dpi-Melody-Thornton-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-1182x591.jpg "Central Scotland - Piper at Blair Castle - Melody Thornton Photo copyright VisitBritain.")VISIT A DUKE’S CASTLE. A Highland piper in traditional dress plays bagpipes in front of Blair Castle, Central Scotland. The castle — historic seat of the Dukes of Atholl — is open to the public: a fortified house that has its own private army and hosts a Highland Games annually in late-May. Melody Thornton Photo © VisitBritain. - ![Challenging golf courses are found scattered across Central Scotland's Highlands.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Central-Scotland-Golf-in-the-Highlands-with-Ben-Lawers-090909-6181-1200x591-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1182x591.jpg "Central Scotland - Golf in the Highlands with Ben Lawers - 090909-6181 - 2000x788 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")GOLF IN THE HIGHLANDS. Scottish Golf isn’t all played on classic links courses along the coasts. Golf is everywhere in Scotland, with some excellent courses (including top parkland courses at Gleneagles and Loch Lomond) conveniently located in the Central Scotland Highlands. - ![The Highlands of Central Scotland offers hill walking to several of the highest summits in Britain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Hikers-on-the-saddle-btw-Beinn-Ghlas-and-Ben-Lawers-070909-5977-2000x993-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608311953768-1191x596.jpg "Central Scotland - Hikers on the saddle btw Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers - 070909-5977 - 2000x993 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")BAGGING MUNROS (peaks above 2,999′). Hillwalkers at the saddle between Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers. With summits above 1,100 meters (3,609′), these two peaks are among the highest in Central Scotland. Climbing them requires stamina, a good map, rain gear, some food & water, and about 7 hours of time. No guide or technical equipment required. - ![The Jacobite steam train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands. Photo copyright VisitBritain-VisitScotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Jacobite-Steam-Train-on-Glenfinnan-Viaduct-Loch-Shiel-Lochaber-VB34163055-2000x992-72dpi-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-VisitScotland-e1608311987760-1190x595.jpg "Central Scotland - Jacobite Steam Train on Glenfinnan Viaduct - Loch Shiel Lochaber - Photo copyright VisitBritain-VisitScotland")HARRY POTTER WAS HERE! The Jacobite steam train passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct at the head of Loch Shiel, in the Highlands northwest of Central Scotland. Our “Scotland Activity Guide” tells you how to do this day-trip from your Central Scotland lodging. Photo copyright VisitBritain-VisitScotland. - ![A lonesome crofter's cottage in Glen Coe, Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-Glen-Coe-Crofters-Cottage-250406-0417-2000x935-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608312074373-1122x561.jpg "Central Scotland - Glen Coe Crofters Cottage - Photo copyright Home At First")SEARCHING FOR FAMILY ROOTS. Following the failed Jacobite rebellions of the 18th century, the “Highland Clearances” forced many suspected sympathizers to leave Scotland, for North America and elsewhere. Descendants of those exiles can learn much about the lives of their Highland Scottish ancestors from places like this empty croft cottage. - ![Ascending the Devil's Staircase — highest point on the famed West Highland Way across western Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-The-Devils-Staircase-on-the-West-Highland-Way-at-Glen-Coe-110909-6259-2000x927-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608312136166-1112x556.jpg "Central Scotland - The Devils Staircase on the West Highland Way at Glen Coe - 110909-6259 - 2000x927 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")HIKING THE WEST HIGHLAND WAY. Hikers come from around the world to walk the West Highland Way through the Central Scotland Highlands. Intrepid Home At First guests walk sections of the 96-mile-long track, and sleep in their own beds back in their Central Scotland vacation cottages. - ![Hammer throw at the Inveraray Highland Games. Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Central-Scotland-Inveraray-Highland-Games-hammer-throw-VB34144407-2000x1071-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608318811862-1116x558.jpg "Central Scotland - Inveraray Highland Games hammer throw - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")ATTENDING A HIGHLAND GAMES like this one at Inveraray Castle. Highland Games operate something like traveling carnivals: visiting towns on a regular circuit at the same time each year. Killin, Lochearnhead and Balquhidder have annual Games each summer. Pageantry! History! Strong men in Kilts! Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain. - ![Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Loch-Ness-and-Urquhart-Castle-170505-1041-2000x1087-72dpi-Shirley-Barnes-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608312250863-1200x600.jpg "Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness")MONSTER CHASING. Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, where visitors flock with hopes of solving the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster. Loch Ness is reachable as a day-trip from Home At First’s Central Scotland lodgings. And, although you may not see Nessie, the scenic drive is among the best circle trips through the Central Highlands. - ![North of the Devil's Staircase the West Highland Way crosses the wild moorland of remote western Central Scotland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Central-Scotland-West-Highland-Way-btw-Glen-Coe-and-Kinlochleven-110909-6274-2000x794-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608312287542-952x476.jpg "Central Scotland - West Highland Way btw Glen Coe and Kinlochleven - 110909-6274 - 2000x794 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")FINDING BRITAIN’S HIGHEST MOUNTAINS. Looking north from the top of the Devil’s Staircase, the West Highland Way crosses wild moorland then descends to sea level at Kinlochleven village. Several of Britain’s highest peaks rise from the mist to the north, within comfortable day-trip reach by car. - ![Edinburgh shops offer a prime selection of Scottish fashions in wool and cashmere.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Cashmere-Outlet-Shop-on-the-Royal-Mile-121218-9120-2000x1099-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608312325502-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Cashmere Outlet Shop on the Royal Mile - Photo copyright Home At First")SHOPPING! Shops across Scotland offer Scottish fashions — traditional and modern versions — in Scotland’s prized fabrics of wool, tartan, cashmere, and Harris tweed. Wearable for dressy affairs including weddings, college gatherings, and at the golf club. This cashmere and Harris tweed boutique is on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile near the castle. - ![Mary Queen of Scots spent her young childhood in Stirling Castle and return often as an adult.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Stirling-Castle-Battlements-110505-0891-2000x993-72dpi-Shirley-Barnes-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608312353998-1191x596.jpg "Stirling Castle")CHASING HISTORY. Stirling Castle was the site of much of Scotland’s royal history, violent or otherwise. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here as an infant and resided here through the age of 6. As an adult Mary returned to Stirling Castle often, and tales of castle intrigues that occurred during her infamous reign abound. Shirley Barnes Photo. - ![Aboard the Mull ferry in Oban harbour.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Central-Scotland-Oban-waterfront-from-Mull-Ferry-190505-1122-1905x769-72dpi-Shirley-Barnes-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608312382155-967x484.jpg "Oban sea front. Photo by Shirley Barnes.")SAILING TO THE INNER HEBRIDES. The western Central Scotland town of Oban is the nearest launch point for ferry trips to the closest Inner Hebrides, the isles of Mull and Iona. Other Inner Hebridean Islands, including Islay, Jura, Bute, & Arran, are served by ferries from elsewhere in Argyll & Bute, Inverclyde, and North Ayrshire. Shirley Barnes Photo. **Explore Scotland from the Central Highlands while pursuing your favorite activities —** Central Scotland is a **golfer’s paradise**, and a **fisherman’s nirvana**. **Hike the hills and glens**. **Trace family roots**. Attend a **Highland Games**. **Cycle** on dedicated, marked bike routes. **Explore dozens of castles** and discover historic architecture in cities, railways, churches, palaces, and pubs. **Shop for tartans and tweeds**. **Cruise mysterious lochs**. **Rail-cruise across the moors** from the Highlands to the sea. Taste test at single malt **scotch distilleries on the Whisky Trail**. **Enjoy eating & drinking** at fine restaurants, cozy pubs, and intimate cafés throughout Central Scotland. **Home At First** guests in Central Scotland receive our exclusive **“Scotland Activity Guide”**. They find it full of suggestions and maps for day trips and other activities keyed for their visits. #### Scotland’s Central Highlands readily combines with all other Home At First #### Scottish regions as well as with most other Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [scotland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Bermuda Prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/bermuda-prices/) **Published:** August 6, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # **![Flag of Bermuda](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Bermuda-Flag-50x25-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Bermuda") 2026 ![Flag of Bermuda](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Bermuda-Flag-50x25-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Bermuda") [BERMUDA](https://homeatfirst.com/home/bermuda-independent-travel/#Bermuda) PRICES** ###### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY: The Bermuda prices shown below are among the lowest anywhere, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** ### **BERMUDA** ### 1-WEEK FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Bermuda L.F Wade International Airport (BDA). (Flights from all other airports available at supplemental fares.) • 1-Week Occupancy at a Cottage, Apartment, or Inn in the Bermuda location of your choice. • Round-trip airport-to-lodging transfers by pre-arranged taxi. • 1-Week Transportation Pass for use on Bermuda buses & ferries. (Mini e-cars, mopeds, & scooters available at extra cost.) • Our exclusive Bermuda Activity Guide. **Low Season — $2,701/prs** LOW SEASON: NOV. 1, 2025 – MAY 13, 2026 & SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **High Season — $3,606/prs** HIGH SEASON: MAY 14, 2026 – SEP. 8, 2026 ### **BERMUDA** ### **Add 1 Extra Week** ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at the Bermuda Cottage, Apartment, or Inn you have been staying in. • 1-Week Transportation Pass for use on Bermuda buses & ferries. (Mini e-cars, mopeds, & scooters available at extra cost.) **Low Season — $1,915/prs** LOW SEASON: NOV. 1, 2025 – MAY 13, 2026 & SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **High Season — $2,052/prs** HIGH SEASON: MAY 14, 2026 – SEP. 8, 2026 ### **BERMUDA** ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a Cottage, Apartment, or Inn in the Bermuda location of your choice. • Round-trip airport-to-lodging transfers by pre-arranged taxi. • 1-Week Transportation Pass for use on Bermuda buses & ferries. (Mini e-cars, mopeds, & scooters available at extra cost.) • Our exclusive Bermuda Activity Guide. **Low Season — $2,161/prs** LOW SEASON: NOV. 1, 2025 – MAY 13, 2026 & SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **High Season — $2,260/prs** HIGH SEASON: MAY 14, 2026 – SEP. 8, 2026 ### **BERMUDA** ### 1 WEEK ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a Cottage, Apartment, or Inn in the Bermuda location of your choice. • Round-trip airport-to-lodging transfers by pre-arranged taxi. • No transportation items • Our exclusive Bermuda Activity Guide. **Low Season — $1,799/prs** LOW SEASON: NOV. 1, 2025 – MAY 13, 2026 & SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **High Season — $2,197/prs** HIGH SEASON: MAY 14, 2026 – SEP. 8, 2026 #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: Per-Person Bermuda Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 3: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 4: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 5: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend you take Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect yourself from non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 7: BERMUDA ARRIVAL CARD REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Bermuda requires all visitors arriving by air (or by yacht) to complete a Bermuda Arrival Card. The form can be completed upon arrival at Bermuda’s airport, or (recommended) on-line before departing for Bermuda. The Bermuda Arrival Card is informational only. IT’S FREE: no fee is charged. If completed on-line in advance of your Bermuda arrival, you can download the Bermuda Arrival Card onto your mobile phone, which will help speed you through Bermuda’s airport when you arrive. You can register on-line at [BERMUDA ARRIVAL CARD](https://www.gotobermuda.com/bermuda-arrival-card?utm_campaign=Bound%20-%20Travel%20Form%20Fly-in&utm_content=Travel%20Form&utm_medium=Website%20Personalization&utm_source=Bound "BERMUDA ARRIVAL CARD").** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Iceland Pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/iceland-pricing/) **Published:** January 3, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # **![Flag of Iceland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Flag-of-Iceland-50x36-200dpi.jpg "Flag of Iceland") 2026 ![Flag of Iceland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Flag-of-Iceland-50x36-200dpi.jpg "Flag of Iceland") [ICELAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) PRICES** ### **ICELAND** ### **7-DAYS** **FULL PACKAGE** PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Iceland. • **7 nights** **Occupancy** at a standard class Inn or Hotel Lodging with Breakfast Daily or Vacation Apartments with Kitchens. • **7 day** **Car rental** • Our exclusive Iceland Activity Guide keyed for your destination **Winter — $2,899/prs** **Add Extra Days $259/prs/day** WINTER: 1NOV25 – 15DEC25 & 6JAN26 – 11MAR26 **Spring/Fall — $3,398/prs** **Add Extra Days $296/prs/day** SPRING & FALL: 16DEC25 – 5JAN26 12MAR26 – 13MAY26 9SEP26 – 31OCT26 **Summer — $3,792/prs** **Add Extra Days $339/prs/day** SUMMER: 14MAY26 – 8SEP26 ### **ICELAND** ### **10-DAYS** **FULL PACKAGE** PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Iceland. • **10 nights** **Occupancy** at a standard class Inn or Hotel Lodging with Breakfast Daily or Vacation Apartments with Kitchens. • **10 day** **Car rental** • Our exclusive Iceland Activity Guide keyed for your destination **Winter — $3,686/prs** **Add Extra Days $259/prs/day** WINTER: 1NOV25 – 15DEC25 & 6JAN26 – 11MAR26 **Spring/Fall — $4,199/prs** **Add Extra Days $296/prs/day** SPRING & FALL: 16DEC25 – 5JAN26 12MAR26 – 13MAY26 9SEP26 – 31OCT26 **Summer — $4,463/prs** **Add Extra Days $339/prs/day** SUMMER: 14MAY26 – 8SEP26 ### **ICELAND** ### **7-DAYS ICELAND +** ### **7-DAYS [ENGLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/)** PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to London with a 7 day stopover in Iceland. • **7 nights** **Occupancy** at a standard class Inn or Hotel Lodging with Breakfast Daily in Iceland or Vacation Apartments with Kitchens in Iceland. • **7 nights** **Occupancy** at a standard class Vacation Apartment with Kitchen in [**London**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/) or [**Cotswolds**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#Cotswolds), England. • 14 day Car rental or 7 day car rental and 7 day transportation pass. • Our exclusive Iceland and London or Cotswolds Activity Guides keyed for your destinations **Winter — $4,586/prs** WINTER: 1NOV25 – 15DEC25 & 6JAN26 – 11MAR26 **Spring/Fall — $5,170/prs** SPRING & FALL: 16DEC25 – 5JAN26 12MAR26 – 13MAY26 9SEP26 – 31OCT26 **Summer — $6,237/prs** SUMMER: 14MAY26 – 8SEP26 ### **ICELAND** ### 7-DAYS ICELAND + ### 7-DAYS [SCANDINAVIA](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/) PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Scandinavia with a 7 day stopover in Iceland. • **7 nights** **Occupancy** at a standard class Inn or Hotel Lodging with Breakfast Daily in Iceland or Vacation Apartments with Kitchens in Iceland. • **7 nights** **Occupancy** at a standard class Inn or Hotel Lodging or Vacation Apartment with Kitchen in **[Scandinavia](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/)**, • 14 day Car rental or 7 day car rental and 7 day transportation pass. • Our exclusive Iceland and Scandinavia Activity Guide keyed for your destination **Winter — $5,904/prs** WINTER: 1NOV25 – 15DEC25 & 6JAN26 – 11MAR26 **Spring/Fall — $6,476/prs** SPRING & FALL: 16DEC25 – 5JAN26 12MAR26 – 13MAY26 9SEP26 – 31OCT26 **Summer — $6,896/prs** SUMMER: 14MAY26 – 8SEP26 ### **ICELAND** ### 3-DAY STOPOVER ADD-ON PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • Applies to transatlantic airlines from (JFK/EWR/BOS) to British, Irish, Scandinavian, or European destinations offering an intermediate stop in Iceland. • **3 nights** **Occupancy** at a standard class Apartment or Hotel Lodging with Breakfast • No transportation items • Our exclusive Iceland Activity Guide keyed for your destination **Winter — $886/prs** WINTER: 1NOV25 – 15DEC25 & 6JAN26 – 11MAR26 **Spring/Fall — $955/prs** SPRING & FALL: 16DEC25 – 5JAN26 12MAR26 – 13MAY26 9SEP26 – 31OCT26 **Summer — $996/prs** SUMMER: 14MAY26 – 8SEP26 #### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Iceland prices shown above are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: The Per-Person Iceland Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: These Iceland Prices are for 3-day, 7-day, or 10-day Independent, Fly/Drive Travel Packages with Flights, Lodgings, & Ground Transportation. For stays in Iceland of other lengths, or for Ground Arrangements Only (no flights included) — request custom pricing [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/).** #### **NOTE 3:** **These Iceland Prices subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major currency fluctuation in the Icelandic Króna (Íkr).** #### **NOTE 4: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 5: Included Airfares are based on New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and Boston (BOS) Departures. Flights from all other Canadian and USA airports are available at supplemental cost. Please inquire about the cost from your home airport [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/).** #### **NOTE 6: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 7: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 9: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 10: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend you take Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect yourself from non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 11: ADVANCE PAYMENT OF ICELAND’s ETIAS VISITOR FEE: Member nations of the Schengen States (the EU + Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, & Liechtenstein) may require 2026 visitors to pre-register on-line and pay an ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) entry fee. Visitors of all ages must apply for the authorization, The ETIAS is expected to apply only to visitors older than 17 and younger than 71. ETIAS entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) that may be in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s 2026 prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees will be the travelers’ responsibility and should be done before departing home. HOME AT FIRST will be able to advise you about any requirements, once they have officially been announced.** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Paris pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/paris-pricing/) **Published:** February 11, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # **![Flag of France](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/French-Flag-45x30-72dpi.jpg "Flag of France") 2026** ![Flag of France](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/French-Flag-45x30-72dpi.jpg "Flag of France") **[PARIS](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) PRICES** ### PARIS ### **1-WEEK FULL PACKAGE** PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Paris, France (CDG/ORY) • Transfer from the Paris airport to your Paris apartment • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class Paris Apartment in central Paris, France • 5-Day Paris *Visite* Pass for transport on the Métro & RER • Paris Activity Guidebook **• ADDITIONAL WEEKS IN THE SAME LODGING: SEE NEXT COLUMN** **• ADD A WEEK IN A LONDON APARTMENT: SEE LAST COLUMN** 2-Person Occupancy — $4,061/prs 3-Person Occupancy — $3,999/prs 4-Person Occupancy — $3,535/prs 5+ Person Occupancy — $3,301/prs High Season Supplement: +$399/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$261/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 7, 2025 & JANUARY 6 – MARCH 17, 2026 ### PARIS ### Add 1 Extra Week ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy Extension at your current standard class Paris Apartment Lodging in central Paris • 1-Week Extension of your Paris *Visite* Transit Pass for use on the Métro and the RER 2 Persons: $2,102/prs 3 Persons: $1,901/prs 4 Persons: $1,880/prs 5+ Persons: $1,710/prs High Season Supplement: +$280/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### PARIS ### 1 WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Apartment in central Paris, France • 1-Week Paris *Visite* Transit Pass for the Métro & RER • Paris Activity Guidebook • No flights or airport or railway station transfers 2 Persons: $2,301/prs 3 Persons: $2,323/prs 4 Persons: $2,002/prs 5+ Persons: $1,803/prs High Season Supplement: +$280/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### PARIS ### 1 WEEK ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Apartment in central Paris, France • Paris Activity Guidebook • No flights, transfers, or ground transportation items 2 Persons: $2,099/prs 3 Persons: $1,990/prs 4 Persons: $1,888/prs 5+ Persons: $1,702/prs High Season Supplement: +$280/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 ### Following 1-Week in ### PARIS ### Add 1 Week in ### [LONDON](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/) PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a Home At First Apartment in central [**London**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/), UK • Eurostar train tickets from Paris to London • 1-Week London Transit Pass for use on London Underground, buses, certain rail lines, & certain riverboats • Our “London Activity Guide” • Fare Differential for flight home from London (LHR or LGW) UK to New York (JFK/EWR) USA 2 Persons: $2,666/prs 3 Persons: $2,330/prs 4 Persons: $2,191/prs 5+ Persons: $1,960/prs High Season Supplement: +$280/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 #### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Paris prices shown above are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) & [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** **NOTE 1: The Per-Person Paris Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** **NOTE 2: These Paris Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the euro (€).** **NOTE 3: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, &/or baggage fees.** **NOTE 4: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** **NOTE 6: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** **NOTE 7: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** **NOTE 8: ADVANCE PAYMENT OF PARIS’s ETIAS VISITOR FEE: Member nations of the Schengen States (the EU + Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, & Liechtenstein) may require 2026 visitors to pre-register on-line and pay an ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) entry fee. Visitors of all ages must apply for the authorization, The ETIAS is expected to apply only to visitors older than 17 and younger than 71. ETIAS entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) that may be in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees will be the travelers’ responsibility and should be done before departing home. HOME AT FIRST will be able to advise you about any requirements, once they have officially been announced.** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Italy Pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/) **Published:** November 16, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) [— **italy home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [— **tuscany: urban** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) renaissance siena estate [— **tuscany: rural** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) alta maremma estate [— **the glory that is rome** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) eternal city apartments [**— other destinations —** by special request](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-SpecialRequestDestinations) [**— italy** **prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) ###### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### **![Flag of Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Italy-Flag-50x33-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Italy") 2026** ![Flag of Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Italy-Flag-50x33-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Italy") # **[ITALY](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) PRICES** **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Italy prices shown below are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** ### ITALY ### 1-WEEK FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP), Italy • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class Italy Apartment or Estate Lodging in Rome, Siena, or rural Tuscany • 1-Week Italy Car Rental or TransPass/Transfers appropriate for your destination • An Italy Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2-Person Occupancy — $3,494/prs 3-Person Occupancy — $3,223/prs 4-Person Occupancy — $3,111/prs 5+ Person Occupancy — $2,998/prs High Season Supplement: +$442/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEPT. 8, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$347/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 5, 2025 & JANUARY 9 – MARCH 11, 2026 ### ITALY ### Extra Week ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Extension at your current standard class Italy Apartment or Estate Lodging • 1-Week Extension of your Italy Car Rental or TransPass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $1,196/prs 3 Persons: $1,098/prs 4 Persons: $1,020/prs 5+ Persons: $915/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEP. 8, 2026 ### ITALY ### Extra Week ### DIFFERENT LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a different standard class lodging in Siena, rural Tuscany, or Rome • 1 Additional Week of Italy Car Rental or TransPass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $1,397/prs 3 Persons: $1,341/prs 4 Persons: $1,132/prs 5+ Persons: $1,093/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEP. 8, 2026 ### ITALY ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class lodging in Rome, Siena, or rural Tuscany • 1-Week Italy Car Rental or TransPass/Transfers correct for your destination • An Italy Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,659/prs 3 Persons: $1,380/prs 4 Persons: $1,221/prs 5+ Persons: $1,173/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEP. 8, 2026 ### ITALY ### 1 Week ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class lodging in Rome, Siena, or rural Tuscany • No transportation items • An Italy Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,502/prs 3 Persons: $1,209/prs 4 Persons: $1,098/prs 5+ Persons: $1,081/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEP. 8, 2026 #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: The Per-Person Italy Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: These Italy Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the euro (€) in Italy.** #### **NOTE 3: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 4: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 9: ADVANCE PAYMENT OF ITALY’s ETIAS VISITOR FEE: Member nations of the Schengen States (the EU + Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, & Liechtenstein) may require 2026 visitors to pre-register on-line and pay an ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) entry fee. Visitors of all ages must apply for the authorization, The ETIAS fee is expected to apply only to visitors older than 17 and younger than 71. ETIAS entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) that may be in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees will be the travelers’ responsibility and should be done before departing home. HOME AT FIRST will be able to advise you about any requirements, once they have officially been announced.** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Switzerland Prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/) **Published:** July 29, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **switzerland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) the overview ###### [— **the bernese oberland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) alpine heart of switzerland ### [— **italian switzerland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino "italian switzerland") ticino – best of 2 cultures ###### [— **matterhorn &** **zermatt** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) iconic switzerland ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### # **![Swiss Flag](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Swiss-Flag.gif) 2026** ![Swiss Flag](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Swiss-Flag.gif) **[SWITZERLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) PRICES** ### SWITZERLAND ### 1-WEEK FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Zürich Switzerland (ZRH) • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class Swiss Apartment or Chalet Lodging • 1-Week Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Regional Pass appropriate for your destination • Our exclusive “New Swiss Dream Book” Activity Guide keyed for your destination **• ADD WEEKS** in the **SAME LODGING:** See **2nd Column** **• ADD WEEKS** in a **DIFFERENT LODGING:** See **3rd Column** 2-Person Occupancy — $3,289/prs 3-Person Occupancy — $3,197/prs 4-Person Occupancy — $2,998/prs 5+ Person Occupancy — $2,810/prs High Season Supplement: +$442/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$347/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 5, 2025 & JANUARY 9 – MARCH 11, 2026 ### SWITZERLAND ### Add 1 Extra Week ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Extension at your current standard class Swiss Apartment or Chalet Lodging • 1-Week Extension of your Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Regional Pass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $1,299/prs 3 Persons: $1,188/prs 4 Persons: $1,061/prs 5+ Persons: $1,010/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEPT. 8, 2026 ### SWITZERLAND ### Add 1 Extra Week ### DIFFERENT LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a different standard class Swiss Apartment or Chalet Lodging • 1 Additional Week of Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Regional Pass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $1,373/prs 3 Persons: $1,367/prs 4 Persons: $1,153/prs 5+ Persons: $1,080/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEPT. 8, 2026 ### SWITZERLAND ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Swiss Apartment or Chalet Lodging • 1-Week Swiss Travel Pass or Regional Pass appropriate for your destination • Our exclusive “New Swiss Dream Book” Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,799/prs 3 Persons: $1,599/prs 4 Persons: $1,523/prs 5+ Persons: $1,459/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEPT. 8, 2026 ### SWITZERLAND ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class Swiss Apartment or Chalet Lodging • No transportation items • Our exclusive “New Swiss Dream Book” Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,489/prs 3 Persons: $1,349/prs 4 Persons: $1,270/prs 5+ Persons: $1,249/prs High Season Supplement: +$320/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 14 – SEPT. 8, 2026 #### **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Switzerland prices shown above are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) & [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: The Per-Person Switzerland Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: These Switzerland Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the Swiss franc (CHF).** #### **NOTE 3: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, &/or baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 4: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 8: ADVANCE PAYMENT OF SWITZERLAND’s ETIAS VISITOR FEE: Member nations of the Schengen States (the EU + Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, & Liechtenstein) may require 2026 visitors to pre-register on-line and pay an ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) entry fee. Visitors of all ages must apply for the authorization, The ETIAS is expected to apply only to visitors older than 17 and younger than 71. ETIAS entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) that may be in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees will be the travelers’ responsibility and should be done before departing home. HOME AT FIRST will be able to advise you about any requirements, once they have officially been announced..** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [The Matterhorn & Zermatt](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/) **Published:** July 29, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **switzerland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ###### [— **the bernese oberland** — ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) alpine heart of switzerland ###### [— **italian switzerland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) ticino – best of 2 cultures ## [ — **the matterhorn &** **zermatt** — ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) [iconic switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### ###### ### The Matterhorn & Zermatt The Matterhorn & Zermatt: the Matterhorn is the reason Zermatt has grown into a nearly urban alpine village. The View — the reason most Zermatt chalet balconies face southwest. # **The Matterhorn & Zermatt:** ### Explore Iconic Switzerland, a Region of Alpine Giants #### Zermatt without the Matterhorn would still be a world-class ski resort, hiking destination and mountaineering center. But the Matterhorn matters. The world’s most photographed mountain is the Swiss icon supreme. Walt Disney chose the Matterhorn as a major theme for his first theme park. Most people think of the silhouette of Matterhorn whenever the category is “mountain”. More than chocolate, cheese, and cowbells, seeing the Matterhorn tops most Swiss visitors’ must-experience lists. #### In the Mountains #### & In Zermatt - ![Zermatt - looking north down the Mattertal (Matter Valley).](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-looking-north-along-the-Mattertal-150806-0940-1676x1123-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - looking north along the Mattertal - Photo copyright Home At First")Zermatt — looking north down the Mattertal (Matter Valley). The pyramid is not the Matterhorn, rather the Zinalrothorn (4222m). - ![Zermatt - The Matterhorn from Furi.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-The-Matterhorn-from-Furi-230905-R7-016-6A-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - The Matterhorn from Furi - Photo copyright Home At First")The view from Furi cablecar station above Zermatt. Note the Hörnlihütte climbers’ hotel on the ridge in the center of the photo. - ![Zermatt - Gondola between Furi and Trockener Steg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Gondola-between-Furi-and-Trockener-Steg-230905-R7-048-22A-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Gondola between Furi and Trockener Steg - Photo copyright Home At First")Going up! Above Zermatt on the gondola between Furi (1867m) and Trockener Steg (2939m). - ![Cablecar departing Trockener Steg for Klein Matterhorn.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Cablecar-departing-Trockener-Steg-for-Klein-Matterhorn-230905-R7-026-11A-1483x792-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1188x792.jpg "Zermatt - Cablecar departing Trockener Steg for Klein Matterhorn - Photo copyright Home At First")Cablecar departing Trockener Steg for Klein Matterhorn pinnacle (3882m). The adjacent 4000m high peaks line the Italian border. - ![Above Zermatt - ascending the Breithorn from Klein Matterhorn.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Above-Zermatt-ascending-the-Breithorn-from-Klein-Matterhorn-150806-0937-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Above Zermatt - ascending the Breithorn from Klein Matterhorn - Photo copyright Home At First")Guided hikes up the Breithorn (4164m) depart the Klein Matterhorn on most good weather days. Fitness required. - ![Breithorn - crowds make the top the danger zone.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Breithorn-crowds-make-the-top-the-danger-zone-150806-0943-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Breithorn - crowds make the top the danger zone - Photo copyright Home At First")With the popularity of guided ascents of the Breithorn (4085m), crowding at the summit can be the riskiest part of the journey. - ![Train arriving at Gornergrat station (3090m).](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Gornergrat-Train-arriving-at-the-top-140806-0900-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Gornergrat - Train arriving at the top - Photo copyright Home At First")Train from central Zermatt arriving at Gornergrat station (3090m; 10,138′) having climbed nearly a vertical mile in a half-hour. - ![Above Zermatt: Sunnegga — the classic Matterhorn view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sunnegga-the-classic-Matterhorn-view-180806-0976-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Sunnegga - the classic Matterhorn view - Photo copyright Home At First")Sunnegga (2278m; 7,474′) provides the classic Matterhorn view and the start point for hikes of all kinds. - ![Matterhorn with Local Trail Signs - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Matterhorn-with-Local-Trail-Signs-180806-1007-1705x1136-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Matterhorn with Local Trail Signs - Photo copyright Home At First")A crossroads in hiking paradise: the Matterhorn with local signs for trails in the Sunnegga & Blauherd cablecar region. - ![Edelweiss, usually found in remote habitats above treeline.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Above-Zermatt-Edelweiss-170806-0961-1705x1137-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Above Zermatt - Edelweiss - Photo copyright Home At First")Edelweiss is the wild flower synonymous with the Swiss Alps. Rare & protected, it grows in remote habitats high above treeline. - ![Matterhorn with Findeln alpine hamlet.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Matterhorn-with-Findeln-alpine-hamlet-180806-1002-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Matterhorn with Findeln alpine hamlet - Photo copyright Home At First")The Matterhorn dwarfs the alpine hamlet of Findeln between Sunnegga & Zermatt. Some noted restaurants are in Findeln. - ![Zermatt - The Matter-Vispa River channeled thru town.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-The-Matter-Vispa-River-channeled-thru-town-180806-0975-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - The Matter-Vispa River channeled thru town - Photo copyright Home At First")The Matter-Vispa River channeled thru Zermatt. - ![Zermatt - Hinterdorfstrasse in the old town.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Hinterdorfstrasse-in-old-town-030716-1279-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Hinterdorfstrasse in old town - Photo copyright Home At First")300 year old farm buildings preserved and occupied on Hinterdorfstrasse in old Zermatt. - ![Colorful hiking boots in Zermatt sporting goods shop.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Colorful-hiking-boots-in-sporting-goods-shop-030716-1295-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Colorful hiking boots in sporting goods shop - Photo copyright Home At First")Colorful hiking boots in Zermatt sporting goods shop. - ![Dewey lupins thriving in a Zermatt garden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Dewey-lupins-030716-1315-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Dewey lupins - Photo copyright Home At First")Dewey lupins thriving in a Zermatt garden. - ![Fuchs Bakery - Early AM - Taking Orders for Fresh Bread and Pastries.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Fuchs-Bakery-Early-AM-Taking-Orders-030716-1309-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Fuchs Bakery - Early AM - Taking Orders - Photo copyright Home At First")Fuchs Bakery, Zermatt – Early AM – Taking Orders for Fresh Bread & Pastries. - ![Mountainbikes for rent at Zermatt sport shop.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Mountainbikes-for-rent-030716-1310-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Mountainbikes for rent - Photo copyright Home At First")Mountainbikes for rent. They will not be quite so shiny at the end of the day. - ![Zermatt - Window box geraniums.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Window-box-geraniums-260717-4750-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Window box geraniums - Photo copyright Home At First")Despite its international resort status, Zermatt maintains its Swiss village traditions, including window box geraniums. - ![Swiss watches on display along the Bahnhofstrasse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Swiss-watches-on-display-along-the-Bahnhofstrasse-030716-1311-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Swiss watches on display along the Bahnhofstrasse - Photo copyright Home At First")Swiss watches on display along the Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt’s fashionable main street. - ![Zermatt - The Mattertal from the train.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-The-Mattertal-from-the-train-260717-4730-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - The Mattertal from the train - Photo copyright Home At First")Approaching Zermatt by rail — looking back (north) down the scenic Mattertal from the train. - ![Glacier Express - readying the galley for departure from Zermatt.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Glacier-Express-readying-the-galley-for-departure-from-Zermatt-030716-1318-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Glacier Express - readying the galley for departure from Zermatt - Photo copyright Home At First")Glacier Express – readying the galley for the luxury train’s morning departure from Zermatt for St. Moritz. - ![Taxis lined up at Zermatt's railway station square.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Taxis-lined-up-at-Zermatts-railway-station-square-030716-1312-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Taxis lined up at Zermatt's railway station square - Photo copyright Home At First")Awaiting morning train arrivals, electric taxis line up at Zermatt’s Bahnhofplatz (railway station square). - ![Morning Goat Parade on Zermatt's Bahnhofstrasse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Morning-Goat-Parade-on-Bahnhofstrasse-260717-4771-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Morning Goat Parade on Bahnhofstrasse - Photo copyright Home At First")The morning goat parade on Zermatt’s Bahnhofstrasse happens before most day-visitors arrive, but still draws a crowd. - ![The Bahnhofstrasse — busy by mid-morning](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-Bahnhofstrasse-busy-by-mid-morning-260717-4749-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "The Bahnhofstrasse - busy by mid-morning - Photo copyright Home At First")Zermatt’s Bahnhofstrasse: busy by mid-morning with overnight guests and day-trippers. - ![Bahnhofstrasse on a summer evening.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Bahnhofstrasse-on-a-summer-evening-010716-1182-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Bahnhofstrasse on a summer evening - Photo copyright Home At First")The Bahnhofstrasse is less busy in the evening when day visitors have departed Zermatt. - ![Gornergrat train departing congested Zermatt.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Gornergrat-train-departing-congested-Zermatt-270717-4948-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Gornergrat train departing congested Zermatt - Photo copyright Home At First")Train for Gornergrat threading through congested Zermatt at the start of its journey to the frozen heights. - ![Electric local bus at zum Steg bridge stop en route to the Klein Matterhorn valley station.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Ortsbus-at-zum-Steg-bridge-stop-270717-5003-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Ortsbus at zum Steg bridge stop - Photo copyright Home At First")Electric local bus at zum Steg bridge stop en route to the Klein Matterhorn valley station. - ![Zermatt - Klein Matterhorn valley station - Gondolas for Furi.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Klein-Matterhorn-valley-station-Gondolas-for-Furi-270717-4985-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Klein Matterhorn valley station - Gondolas for Furi - Photo copyright Home At First")At the south end of Zermatt, the Klein Matterhorn valley station for Matterhorn Express gondolas up to the next level, Furi. - ![Zermatt - Hiking Signs.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Hiking-Signs-260717-4781-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Hiking Signs - Photo copyright Home At First")Zermatt – Hiking Signs showing routes in all directions to destinations near and far. - ![Zermatt - Twilight on the Matterhorn.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-Twilight-on-the-Matterhorn-260717-4850-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Zermatt - Twilight on the Matterhorn - Photo copyright Home At First")Dusk blankets Zermatt. A few rays of sunset illuminate the Matterhorn. #### To see any of the above slides in larger format on your PC, “right click” on the image, then click on the “View Image” menu item in Firefox or click on the “Open image in new tab” menu item in Chrome. ### Home At First’s The Matterhorn & Zermatt **ZERMATT** is the southernmost German-speaking community in Switzerland. Occupying the highest fertile land in the north-south ***Mattertal*** (Matter Valley), Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s highest farming regions. Although fine mountain cheese is crafted on the grassy slopes southwest of town, Zermatt’s farmers produce more crops than dairy. But no one comes to Zermatt for the cheese and potatoes. Zermatt’s big draw looms high above those same grassy slopes southwest of town. And that big draw is iconic: the unmistakable twisted pyramid of the **Matterhorn** (4,478m; 14,692′). Zermatt is mile-high (1,608m; 5,276′) but lies deep in a valley. The village-cum-alpine-city straddles the **Matter-Vispa River** at the bottom of the Mattertal, a glacially-carved side valley of the **Rhone River**. Over the last century Zermatt changed from a rustic, alpine village of traditional wooden chalets and small, family-run hotels. Zermatt evolved into a bustling, commercial, car-free town blanketed with dozens of modern, chalet-style apartment buildings. More apartments appear every year. And each new apartment building jockeys for an unobscured view of the Matterhorn from its balconies. The Matterhorn & Zermatt can be very busy during the ski season (December-April) and during the high summer (July-August). But even at these times the town quiets somewhat at dusk when day-visitors depart. Zermatt’s supermarkets, shops, and dozens of restaurants — many still owner-operated by local families — handle even its busiest times graciously. **ACTIVITIES:** Active guests choose from **hiking**, **climbing**, **mountainbiking**, or man-made **adrenaline adventures** at Zermatt’s Forest Fun Park and challenging *via ferrata*. Less active guests find Zermatt ideal for a **spa**, **strolling and window-shopping** the traffic-free streets, and nursing a coffee, a beer, or a glass of wine at any of dozens of cafés. For active adventure or for gawking at the scenery, visitors have several easy ways to ascend the surrounding alps: by fast underground funicular up to **Sunnegga** (2,278m; 7,474′) for the classic view of the Matterhorn, or higher to heavily glaciated **Gornergrat** (3,135m; 10,285′) via Europe’s highest open-air railway , and — highest of all — by aerial cablecar to the **Klein Matterhorn** (on the Swiss-Italian border where summer skiing is possible) at 3,883m (12,740′) the highest point in Europe reached by public transport. Traveling to the heights requires little effort, but does require warm clothing, and — for some open-air high points — no vertigo. **HISTORICAL SETTING**. Surrounding The Matterhorn & Zermatt on three sides are some **38 peaks of 4,000 meters** (13,120 feet) or higher, the greatest agglomeration of “four-thousanders” in the Alps, including most of the highest mountains in Switzerland. With so many peaks and glaciers offering superb walking, hiking, and mountain biking in warm months (late June into October) and **skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports in winter** (Christmas to Easter), Zermatt has become **one of the world’s most popular alpine playgrounds**. Zermatt owes its international popularity to the sport of **mountaineering** which captured the world’s attention when the Matterhorn was first successfully climbed more than 150 years ago. although mountaineering continues to be a risky activity, more climbers flock to the Matterhorn & Zermatt every year. Zermatt’s mountain guides instruct and lead all comers — from novices to experts. **TOURING:** Open only to the north, the 25-mile-long Mattertal does not offer a quick exit. Its wonderfully scenic — but not very rapid — railway requires a full hour to reach connecting mainline trains at the town of **Visp**, gateway to the Mattertal in the **Rhone Valley**. Despite its remote location, the Matterhorn & Zermatt can be used as a base for exploring much of the **Canton of Wallis** (we use the French name, **the Valais**, in English) from **Montreux** in the west to **the Rhone Glacier** in the east, to **Lake Thun (in Canton Bern)** and the Swiss capital, **Bern**, in the north, and south via the **Simplon Pass or Tunnel** to **Domodossola** and nearby points in **Lombardy, northern Italy**. ![Zermatt - The View from old central Zermatt from the zum Steg bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-The-View-from-old-central-Zermatt-from-zum-Steg-bridge-270717-4956-1333x1937-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) **View** **of old central Zermatt** looking southwest from the *zum Steg* bridge over the Matter-Vispa River. Note the pedestrians, cyclists, and the red electric taxi. Except for permitted electric taxis and electric local buses, Zermatt is car-free, and very walkable. Good walking shoes & boots are necessary here. **SERVICES IN ZERMATT:** Despite Zermatt’s small size (population about 5,800), there are **more than 100 restaurants** in town and on the surrounding alpine slopes, ranging from snack bars to 4-star dining, including several that have been awarded Michelin stars. Zermatt’s restaurants are tempting, but using your apartment’s kitchen can be practical and money-saving. Importantly, Zermatt has at **three very good supermarkets and numerous small food shops**, including bakeries, cheese shops, meat markets, and specialty food shops. Zermatt has **two churches** — one Protestant (the “English Church”) and one Roman Catholic (the Parish Church of St. Mauritius), both near the town center. (Zermatt, like most communities in Canton Wallis, is primarily Roman Catholic.) At the Bahnhofplatz (Railway Plaza) in the town center the well-staffed **Tourist Information Office** is a busy resource for answers, recommendations, and for booking all kinds of activities. For **activities, Zermatt** has an indoor pool, several spas, fitness centers, and gaming & amusement venues, as well as tennis courts, and adrenaline courses (the **Forest Fun Park**, and the ***via ferrata***). Between Furi and the south Zermatt neighborhood of Winkelmatten a scenic downhill trail through the **Gorner Gorge** draws walkers and mountainbikers. In addition to its high-end shops for fashions, watches, perfume, and jewelry, Zermatt has myriad shops offering inexpensive souvenirs, and many offering sporting goods for sale & rental (including boots & poles for hiking and skiing, and mountain bikes). Zermatt has **doctors, dentists, and pharmacies**, but no hospital — the cantonal hospital at Visp is closest, There are several **banks and other locations in town to get and exchange money**. In addition to **two train stations and two cablecar stations**, the Matterhorn & Zermatt also has a highly respected **helicopter services** providing scenic flights, heli-skiing, emergency rescue and evacuation, and private transport. The Matterhorn & Zermatt’s **mountaineering and ski schools** are world class, and — along with the town’s professional mountain guides — maintain the great traditions that are the foundation reasons for the town’s evolution as a resort. --- ### Home At First’s The Matterhorn & Zermatt — How it Works: Locations & Lodgings ****![Zermatt - The View from Home At First Apt Balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Zermatt-The-View-from-Home-At-First-Apt-Balcony-260717-4823-1333x1900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)**** **The View of the Matterhorn &** **Zermatt** from a Home At First Swiss mountain home apartment balcony. The higher the balcony, the mightier the view. ****Commune with the Matterhorn from your own Swiss mountain home apartment in car-free Zermatt.** Home At First** guests in the German-speaking alpine town of Zermatt have their own Swiss mountain home chalet apartments. Sizes vary from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Almost all come with balconies that have **The View**. One has a balcony with a fine alpine view, but not The View. (This apartment has other advantages, however.) All apartments come with friendly, English-speaking hosts on-site or available nearby remain on-call throughout your stay for questions, information, recommendations, and help should a problem or emergency arise. Although a few apartments are decorated and comfortably furnished in traditional Swiss alpine style, most have modern furnishings. All apartments are clean, well cared for, and well-equipped. The apartments are scattered across Zermatt. All are within reasonable walking distance to one or more restaurants. Some apartments are as close as a 3-minute walk from Zermatt’s ***Bahnhofstrasse*** main street central district with shops, restaurants, and the town’s two railway stations. Others may be as far as a 14-minute walk — of which half is uphill — or even a bus ride away from the *Bahnhofstrasse*. There is a trade-off: the closer your apartment is to the *Bahnhofstrasse*, the easier the walking but the more obscured The View. The further away from the Bahnhofstrasse — and the higher up the eastern side of the valley — the longer & steeper the walk home but the better The View. Zermatt is car-free. Its electric buses (ride free with your Swiss Travel Pass Pass) and taxis (never free) provide transportation across Zermatt. If you want an apartment with the best View available, be fit enough to walk uphill at the end of the day, or be ready to pay for a taxi home. We know you are coming to Zermatt in large part to see the Matterhorn. Remember that on cloudy days the Matterhorn may not be visible at all. On good days The View can be enhanced by taking any of the Matterhorn & Zermatt’s many lifts into the Alps south and east of town. --- ### Home At First’s Swiss Mountain Homes: the Matterhorn & Zermatt Lodgings **What are Home At First’s Zermatt apartments like?** Each is unique. They come in all sizes and shapes. Many feature Swiss chalet style furnishings — lots of blond spruce — although some are traditional and others modern interpretations. Some have several bedrooms and baths; others may have a single bedroom and bathroom. All have terraces or balconies, most with very impressive alpine views. All are secure private quarters with private bathrooms, and all must meet **Home At First** standards of quality and equipment: **•** **HOSTING:** All **Home At First** chalet apartments in Zermatt have friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, accessible hosts. Hosts may be the lodging owners or their representatives. Some live in their independent apartment in the same chalet or a neighboring chalet. Others reside elsewhere in Zermatt. Hosts will welcome you, show you around the apartment, explain its workings, and be on-call if questions, problems, or emergencies arise. **•** **KITCHENS:** Full kitchens or practical kitchenettes with at the very least: fridge, coffee maker, tea kettle, stove top range, oven and/or toaster oven and/or microwave. Most have additional counter appliances. Many have dishwashers as well as clothes washer/dryers. All kitchen and bath towels & linens provided. **•** **LAUNDRY FACILITIES:** Those apartments without clothes washer/dryers will have a common laundry room in the chalet you may use or a laundromat nearby in the town. ![Winkelmatten Meadows Apartments - exterior](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Winkelmatten-Meadows-Apts-exterior-270717-4974-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1024x682.jpg) **A 10-minute bus ride south from the train stations in central Zermatt, this chalet-style apartment building houses two multi-bedroom, multi-bath Home At First apartments with patio views of the Matterhorn. This location is the furthest from central Zermatt that we offer. The upside? This location is closest to the Matterhorn and the trailheads.** **•** **BEDROOMS:** Most bedrooms have twin beds. Some twin beds can be secured and made-up together to form a large double bed. A few multi-bedroom lodgings may have a queen-size or king-size bed in one of the bedrooms, but these are less common. Larger family-size lodgings often have one bedroom with bunk beds. **•** **BATHROOMS:** Most bathrooms have a shower stall or a bathtub with overhead shower. Some few bathrooms may have a bathtub with hand-held shower, or a bathtub for bathing only. **•** **LAUNDRY FACILITIES:** Those apartments without clothes washer/dryers will have a common laundry room in the chalet you may use or a laundromat nearby in the town. **•** **PARKING:** Zermatt is not accessible by car. We recommend that guests coming to the Matterhorn & Zermatt travel by public transportation using a Swiss Travel Pass or a regional pass. Visitors traveling by car will necessarily need to park in the parking village of Täsch and take the train south one stop to Zermatt. Driving from Täsch to other parts of the region is not necessarily faster or more convenient than touring by public transport. Add to the cost of a rental car the cost of parking in Täsch and commuting back and forth from Zermatt by train and it’s obvious that traveling by car in this region is is both restricted and rather expensive. **•** **ELECTRONICS:** Apartments have televisions, usually the flat-screen, cable variety. Most have free WiFi, although service can be spotty away from the apartment in this region of ultra-high mountains. A few apartments come with telephones, some with free international calling. Bring or rent a cell phone for your trip, but remember that service is spotty in the Swiss Alps. NOTE: WiFi service is available on some trains. **•** **PROXIMITY TO STORES & SERVICES:** All apartments in Zermatt are within 2-15 minutes walking distance to restaurants, stores, services, and transportation. Opening times for stores varies by season, with long opening hours most days during the high seasons. --- ### The Matterhorn & ZERMATT #### **SAMPLE SWISS MOUNTAIN HOME APARTMENTS & SETTINGS** Detailed descriptions of four of our favorite chalet apartments in Zermatt. We have many different apartments to choose from across Zermatt, in different sizes, styles, and locations. Contact Home At First for availability information for apartments right for your occupancy dates and numbers. To see any one of the slides in larger format on your PC, “right click” on the image, then click on the “View Image” menu item in Firefox or click on the “Open image in new tab” menu item in Chrome. **The Matterhorn & Zermatt: Sample Lodging** #### Lower Matten Maisonette **NORTH-CENTRAL** --- 2-Story Plus-Quality apartment; central location & The View - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Exterior](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Exterior-260717-4793-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Exterior - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - lower floor viewed from upper floor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-livingrm-kitchen-bdrm-balcony-from-above-270717-4859-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - livingrm-kitchen-bdrm-balcony from above - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Bathroom with tub/shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Bathroom-with-tub-shower-270717-4876-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Bathroom with tub-shower - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Living room with fireplace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Living-room-with-fireplace-270717-4879-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Living room with fireplace - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Eat-in Kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Eat-in-Kitchen-270717-4883-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Eat-in Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Double Bedroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Double-Bedroom-270717-4899-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Double Bedroom - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Twin Bedroom with skylight.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Twin-Bedroom-with-skylight-270717-4902-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Twin Bedroom with skylight - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Balcony view with Matterhorn.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Balcony-view-with-Matterhorn-270717-4922-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Balcony view with Matterhorn - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Lower Matten Maisonette - Twin day-beds in the Loft.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Lower-Matten-Maisonette-Twin-day-beds-in-the-Loft-270717-4861-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Lower Matten Maisonette - Twin day-beds in the Loft - Photo copyright Home At First") **2-BEDROOM, 2-BATH apt.** **on the TOP floor & LOFT** **Balcony with exceptional Matterhorn views** **north-central zermatt** --- **THE LOWER MATTEN MAISONETTE APARTMENT** is a spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment on the top (5th) floor with an upstairs loft. Large furnished balcony with an outstanding view of the Matterhorn & Zermatt. The apartment is comprised of: • **5th floor** **plus-quality apartment** accessed by elevator. The apartment has central heating with individual adjustable room registers. • **Apartment capacity: 2-6 persons**. Suitable for a family or for two couples. A supplement may apply for under 4-person occupancy. • **The main (lower) floor** has a well equipped eat-in kitchen (large fridge/freezer, microwave, oven, range, dishwasher, coffeemaker, & lots of cupboard and counter space) and dining area that seats six. The spacious, comfy living room features overstuffed sofas and chairs and a large, flat-screen TV. Off the hall are a master double bedroom and a twin bedroom and a master bathroom with tub/shower and built-in washing machine. • **Furnished balcony** accessed from the open-plan living room/kitchen/dining area. The sweeping balcony view across neighboring rooftops is one of the better glimpses of the slightly obscured Matterhorn from central Zermatt. • **A loft** overlooking the main floor living room, kitchen, and dining area is furnished loft accessed by spiral staircase of 14 steps. The loft includes two convertible day-beds with storage and a bathroom with shower. The loft might best serve children between 12-16. **• THE OWNER/HOST** The pleasant and very knowledgeable **English-speaking owner/hostess** lives nearby and is reachable by telephone during day-time hours, and 24/7 for emergencies. **• THE LOCATION** The apartment building is 5-minutes (steady but not steep) downhill from Zermatt’s main street, the *Bahnhofstrasse*, at the town’s main ***Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn*** **railway station** where guests arrive and depart at the start and end of their visit. Clustered along/near the *Bahnhofstrasse* in the town center, **supermarkets, shops, and restaurants** are 5-10 minutes walking distance from the Lower Matten Maisonette’s apartment building. The building is 7-minutes walk from the **Gornergrat Railway station**, and less than ten minutes walk from the Zermatt station of the **Sunnegga Express fast underground funicular**. A 1-2 minute flat walk leads to a bus stop serving the Zermatt’s electric buses for the 10-minute Green Line trip to the valley station of the **Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at *Zen Stecken*** on Zermatt’s south end. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** your hosts meet you at an appointed time at the apartment building after you take an electric taxi with your luggage on the short journey from the main railway station. **ENTRANCE NOTES:** once at the apartment building entrance, your hosts will direct you to the elevator and show you the apartments and its details. **ELECTRONICS:** flat-screen cable TV. Secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** the Lower Matten Maisonette has its own clothes washer built into the master bathroom on the lower floor. **The Matterhorn & Zermatt: Sample Lodging** #### Highview Apartment **NORTHEAST** --- Large Premium-Quality apartment with superior Matterhorn views - ![Highview Apt — Exterior with balcony and entry level.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Exterior-with-balconies-and-entry-level-260717-4818-2000x1333-72-dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Exterior with balconies and entry level - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt — Main Balcony with The View](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Balcony-with-The-View-020716-1212-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Balcony with The View - Photo © Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — open-plan living room, dining area, & kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-open-plan-living-dining-kitchen-020716-1214-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - open plan living-dining-kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — Living room with fireplace.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Living-room-with-fireplace-020716-1211-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Living room with fireplace - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — Kitchen with range island and dining area.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Kitchen-with-range-island-and-dining-area-020716-1213-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Kitchen with range island and dining area - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — Double Bedroom #1 with window view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Double-Bedroom-1-with-window-view-020716-1215-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Double Bedroom 1 with window view - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — Bathroom #1 with Walk-in Shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Bathroom-with-Walk-in-Shower-020716-1217-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Bathroom with Walk-in Shower - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — Double Bedroom 2 with Balcony View.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Double-Bedroom-2-with-balcony-view-020716-1218-2000x1333-72dpi-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Double Bedroom 2 with balcony view - 2000x1333 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — Bathroom #2 with tub-shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Bathroom-with-tub-shower-020716-1222-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Bathroom with tub-shower - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt. — Triple Bedroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-Triple-Bedroom-020716-1221-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - Triple Bedroom - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Highview Apt - The View from the main balcony - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Highview-Apt-The-View-from-the-main-balcony-260717-4820-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Highview Apt - The View from the main balcony - Photo copyright Home At First") **3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH APT.** **ON THE TOP (4th) FLOOR Balconies with outstanding Matterhorn views** **NORTHEAST ZERMATT** --- **THE HIGHVIEW APARTMENT** is a spacious, near-luxury, 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment on the upper floor of a 4-story chalet-style apartment building. The building is set on a steep hillside which provides it a commanding view of the Matterhorn & Zermatt. **IMPORTANT: Because of its uphill location, this apartment is not right for those who cannot walk steadily and partly steeply uphill for 6-10 minutes unless willing to pay for electric taxi service.** The apartment is a premium quality lodging: a supplemental charge applies even at maximum occupancy of 7 persons. The apartment features tastefully modern décor: • **4th floor premium-quality apartment** with 3-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, and two balconies with grand views of the Matterhorn & Zermatt. Large open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living room. Entrance to the apartment building is at the 3rd floor level by the neighborhood street accessible by electric taxi. An entry elevator serves the building, making arrival and departure with luggage convenient from/to the taxi. • **Apartment capacity: 4-7 persons**. Suitable for a family or for two couples. As a premium lodging, a supplemental per person charge applies for all occupancy numbers. • **Apartment furnishings include:** a well equipped eat-in kitchen (large fridge/freezer, microwave, oven, convection oven, food prep island with electric range, dishwasher, coffeemaker, & lots of cupboard and counter space) and dining area that seats six. The spacious, comfy living room features overstuffed chairs, leather sofas, a large, flat-screen TV twinned with a black-glass fireplace. • **Bedrooms with views:** Off the hall are two double bedrooms (queen beds) and a triple bedroom (twin beds). One double bedroom has its own balcony with a western view and a glimpse of the Matterhorn & Zermatt. The second double bedroom and the triple bedroom each have a large faux balcony floor-to-ceiling windows with fine views. • **Bathrooms:** Two large bathrooms open off the main hall by the bedrooms. One features a large walk-in shower. The other has a large tub/shower. Both have large, double-basin sinks. • **Furnished balcony** accessed from the open-plan living room/kitchen/dining area. The eagle’s eye view across Zermatt provides one of the finest views of the Matterhorn & Zermatt available from inside the town limits. **• THE OWNER/HOST** The pleasant and very knowledgeable **English-speaking owner/hostess** lives nearby and is reachable by telephone during day-time hours, and 24/7 for emergencies. **• THE LOCATION** The apartment building is 10-15 minutes (first downhill to the river bridge, then uphill steep) from Zermatt’s main street, the *Bahnhofstrasse*, at the town’s main ***Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn*** **railway station** where guests arrive and depart at the start and end of their visit. Clustered along/near the *Bahnhofstrasse* in the town center, **supermarkets, shops, and restaurants** are 10-15 minutes walking distance from the Highview Apartment. The building is 13 minutes walk from the **Gornergrat Railway station**, and less than ten minutes walk from the Zermatt station of the **Sunnegga Express fast underground funicular**. A 7-minute downhill walk leads to a bus stop serving the Zermatt’s electric buses for the 10-minute Green Line trip to the valley station of the **Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at *Zen Stecken*** on Zermatt’s south end. **NOTES ON THE SETTING:** The walk from the riverside up to the apartment is a steep and steady 8 minutes, all on paved, traffic-free narrow residential streets. Two local neighborhood restaurants and a take-out shop are within 3-5 minutes of the apartment. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** your hosts meet you at an appointed time at the apartment building after you take an electric taxi with your luggage on the journey from the main railway station. **ENTRANCE NOTES:** once at the apartment building entrance, your hosts will direct you to the elevator and show you the apartments and its details. **NOTE:** The apartment’s secure entrance is at street level. A common indoor stairwell leads to all four individual apartment entries. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen cable TV. Secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** The apartment building’s shared laundry facilities are located on the ground floor. **The Matterhorn & Zermatt: Sample Lodging** #### Chalet Barbara **NORTH-CENTRAL** --- Classic Swiss chalet; 1-2 persons studio; ideal central location - ![Chalet Barbara — exterior showing balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Chalet-Barbara-exterior-showing-balcony-260717-4790-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Barbara - exterior showing balcony - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Barbara — Sleeping area w. twin beds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Chalet-Barbara-Sleeping-area-w.-twin-beds-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Barbara - Sleeping area w. twin beds - Photo courtesy the owners") - ![Chalet Barbara Studio — living and sleeping areas with balcony access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Chalet-Barbara-Studio-living-and-sleeping-areas-with-balcony-access-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Barbara Studio - living and sleeping areas with balcony access - Photo courtesy the owners") - ![Chalet Barbara — Eat-in Kitchen with skylight.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Chalet-Barbara-Eat-in-Kitchen-w.-skylight-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Barbara - Eat-in Kitchen w. skylight - Photo courtesy the owners") - ![Chalet Barbara — Furnished balcony with Matterhorn glimpse.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Chalet-Barbara-Balcony-with-Matterhorn-glimpse-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-1200x800.jpg "Chalet Barbara - Balcony with Matterhorn glimpse - Photo courtesy the owners") **3rd FLOOR STUDIO APARTMENT Balcony with Obscured View** **Quiet Family Residence Extremely convenient location** **NORTH-CENTRAL ZERMATT** --- **THE CHALET BARBARA STUDIO APARTMENT** occupies the 3rd floor under the sloping eaves of a lovely, traditional Zermatt family chalet home. This 1-2 person guest apartment is above the family residence on the chalet’s lower two floors. The apartment’s furnished balcony has window boxes full of colorful geraniums, but, sadly, an obscured view of the Matterhorn. The apartment is comprised of: • **3rd floor** **standard-quality apartment** accessed by stairs in a common stairway leading from the chalet entrance to the secure front door of the apartment. The apartment has central heating with individual room registers. • **Apartment capacity: 1-2 persons**. Suitable for a couple or for a single guest. (Singles should inquire about applicable rates.) • **The main room** is a combination of twin-bedded sleeping area, and living area with upholstered sofa, chair, plus small table and flat-screen cable TV. Furnishings are simple, solid, and practical. There is adequate storage space for clothing and suitcases. • **Furnished balcony** accessed from the open-plan living room & sleeping area. The view across the chalet’s garden to neighboring chalets and apartment houses is pleasant, private, quiet, but, except for a glimpse of the peak Matterhorn, lacks a dramatic vista of the Alps. However, the colorful geraniums of the balconies three window boxes add an unmistakable Swiss-ness to the balcony. (Guests are encouraged to water and tend the geraniums, just like local residents.) • **The eat-in kitchen:** the apartment’s small, complete, eat-in kitchen includes a fridge, electric oven & range, and coffee maker, and lots of cupboard space, but no dishwasher or microwave. A small table with seating for two fits nicely in the kitchen. A large, openable skylight with alpine exposure adds natural light and fresh air on demand to the room. • **The bathroom:** the apartment’s private bathroom has a tub/shower positioned beneath a large skylight with a view of the Alps. **• THE LOCATION** Chalet Barbara is 4-minutes (not steep) downhill from Zermatt’s main street, the *Bahnhofstrasse*, at the town’s main ***Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn*** **railway station** where guests arrive and depart at the start and end of their visit. Clustered along/near the *Bahnhofstrasse* in the town center, **supermarkets, shops, and restaurants** are 4-10 minutes walking distance from the chalet. Chalet Barbara is 6-minutes walk from the **Gornergrat Railway station**, and less than ten minutes walk from the Zermatt station of the **Sunnegga Express fast underground funicular**. A 1-2 minute downhill walk leads to a bus stop serving the Zermatt’s electric buses for the 10-minute Green Line trip to the valley station of the **Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at *Zen Stecken*** on Zermatt’s south end. **![Chalet Barbara Apartment — owner-hostess Barbara herself!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Hosting-Barbara-from-Zermatt-1245-235x348-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Chalet Barbara Apartment — owner-hostess Barbara herself!")** **• THE OWNER/HOST** Barbara — the eponymous owner/hostess of both Chalet Barbara and the nearby Riverview Apartment (1-2 minutes below Chalet Barbara) — resides with her family on the lower two floors of the chalet. Barbara and her husband, Jules, a Zermatt native, operate a noted restaurant in town. Both are fluent in English, German, and French. Barbara is a delightful, experienced hostess who is usually at home when not at the restaurant. Guests can expect to see Barbara often at the chalet, but can always reach her in the event of problems or emergencies. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** your hosts expect your arrival at the chalet at an appointed time determined by your train arrival in Zermatt. From the train station it is an easy 4-minute walk slightly downhill to the chalet. Nevertheless, you may wish to hire an electric taxi to bring you and your luggage on the short first journey from the main railway station to Chalet Barbara. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** once at Chalet Barbara, if your hostess, Barbara, is at the family restaurant, there will be written instructions and apartment keys waiting for you in the chalet’s ground floor entry hall. The 3rd floor guest apartment is reached via approx. 20 stair steps up from the ground floor entry. Whether or not your hostess is at home when you arrive, she will meet with you to explain the workings of the apartment, answer your questions, and make recommendations for activities, shopping, dining, etc. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen cable TV. Secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** there are no available laundry facilities at Chalet Barbara. Guests should take laundry to the local laundromat 6 walking minutes away in the town center. **The Matterhorn & Zermatt: Sample Lodging** #### Riverview Apartment **NORTH-CENTRAL** --- Quality 2-bedroom apartment in quiet central location - ![Riverview Apartment — Exterior with Matterhorn.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-Exterior-with-Matterhorn-260717-4808-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apt - Exterior with Matterhorn - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Riverview Apartment — external view from the river bridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-External-view-from-the-river-bridge-260717-4798-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apartment — external view from the river bridge - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Riverview Apt — Twin Bedroom #1 w. sink and balcony access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-Twin-Bedroom-1-w.-sink-and-balcony-access-020716-1237-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apt - Twin Bedroom 1 w. sink and balcony access - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Riverview Apartment — Bathroom with tub/shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-Bathroom-with-tub-shower-020716-1230-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apt - Bathroom with tub-shower - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Riverview Apartment — Twin Bedroom #2.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-Twin-Bedroom-2-020716-1239-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apt - Twin Bedroom 2 - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Riverview Apartment — Living room with balcony access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-Living-room-with-balcony-access-020716-1231-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apt - Living room with balcony access - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Riverview Apartment — Kitchen with eat-in dining and balcony access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-Kitchen-with-eat-in-dining-and-balcony-access-020716-1232-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apt - Kitchen with eat-in dining and balcony access - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Riverview Apartment — Electric Bus for Matterhorn Express.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-Electric-Bus-for-Matterhorn-Express-260717-4797-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Riverview Apt - Electric Bus for Matterhorn Express - Photo copyright Home At First") **2-BEDROOM, 1-BATH APARTMENT 2nd Floor • Large Balcony** **but lacks Matterhorn view** **Very convenient location** **NORTH-CENTRAL ZERMATT** --- **THE RIVERVIEW APARTMENT** is on the 2nd floor of a 6-story apartment building. This 2-4 person apartment is reached by stairs or elevator. The apartment’s large, wrap-around balcony is accessed from one bedroom, the living room, and the kitchen, with fine views east and south, but, unfortunately, not of the Matterhorn. The apartment is comprised of: • **2nd floor** **standard-quality apartment** accessed by stairs or elevator from a secure lobby entrance. The apartment has central heating with individual room registers. • **Apartment capacity: 2-4 persons**. Two bedrooms, each with twin beds. One fully-tiled bathroom with tub/shower. Suitable for 1 or 2 couples, 3 individuals, or for family up to 4 persons with adequate storage space for clothing and suitcases. • **The main room** is a combination of living area with balcony access, and eat-in kitchen with balcony access. The living area has an upholstered sofa & love seat set, plus small table and flat-screen cable TV. The kitchen has electric range & stove, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, and coffee maker. The dining table seats 4. Quality furnishings are used throughout. **• THE LOCATION** The Riverview Apartment is along the channeled Matter-Vispa River, 5-minutes (not steep) downhill from Zermatt’s main street, the *Bahnhofstrasse*, at the town’s main ***Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn*** **railway station** where guests arrive and depart at the start and end of their visit. Clustered along/near the *Bahnhofstrasse* in the town center, **supermarkets, shops, and restaurants** are 4-10 minutes walking distance from the apartment building. Riverview Apartment is 7-minutes walk from the **Gornergrat Railway station**, and 8-minutes walk from the Zermatt station of the **Sunnegga Express fast underground funicular**. Just 75 yards from the apartment building entry is a bus stop serving the Zermatt’s electric buses for the 10-minute Green Line trip to the valley station of the **Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at *Zen Stecken*** on Zermatt’s south end. **![Riverview Apartment — owner-hostess Barbara](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Riverview-Apt-owner-hostess-Barbara-020716-1240-241x348-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Riverview Apartment — owner-hostess Barbara")** **• THE OWNER/HOST** Barbara — the owner/hostess of both the Riverview Apartment and the nearby Chalet Barbara (1-2 minutes up the street from the Riverview Apartment Chalet Barbara) — resides with her family on the lower two floors of Chalet. Barbara and her husband, Jules, a Zermatt native, operate a noted restaurant in town. Both are fluent in English, German, and French. Barbara is a delightful, experienced hostess who is usually at home when not at the restaurant. Guests can expect to find Barbara often available at the chalet, but can always reach her in the event of problems or emergencies. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** your hosts expect your arrival at the apartment at an appointed time determined by your train arrival in Zermatt. From the train station it is an easy 5-minute walk steady (but not steep) downhill to the apartment building. Nevertheless, you may wish to hire an electric taxi to bring you and your luggage on the short first journey from the main railway station to the Riverview Apartment. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** Your hostess or her representative will meet you at the appointed time to let you in and explain the workings of the apartment, answer your questions, and make recommendations for activities, shopping, dining, etc. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen cable TV. Secure WiFi (free). Telephone. **LAUNDRY:** there are no available laundry facilities at the Riverview Apartment. Guests should take laundry to the local laundromat 7 walking minutes away in the town center. ### **THE MATTERHORN & ZERMATT readily combines with all other Home At First Swiss regional destinations as well as most Home At First European destinations.** #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### **SWITZERLAND** + ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [switzerland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) ###### **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [CUSTOM-MADE EUROPEAN TRAVEL](https://homeatfirst.com/home/custom-made-european-travel/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### ###### #### HOME AT FIRST’s # Independent Custom-Made EUROPEAN TRAVEL Custom-Made European Travel individually planned to fit your travel dreams of visiting: BRITAIN • DENMARK • FINLAND FRANCE • GERMANY • GREECE HOLLAND • ICELAND •IRELAND ITALY • NORWAY • PORTUGAL SPAIN • SWEDEN • SWITZERLAND ALL OTHER EUROPEAN NATIONS Discover Europe on your own: your budget, your timing, your pace, your lifestyle. ## **HOME AT FIRST’s** ## Custom-Made European Travel Program. ### How Custom-Made European Travel works: • **Tell us about your dream of travel to Europe:** the British Isles; the Continent; Scandinavia; Iberia. Ask for a Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate. • **We prepare an itinerary & cost estimate** with all the lodgings & transportation you need. We send it to you via email and/or postal mail. • **You review our proposal;** accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • **Once accepted, we request an initial payment** by check along with your signed acceptance. • **We begin putting your plans in place,** securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, CAR RENTALS, and/or any TRAIN TICKETS OR TRANSPORTATION PASSES required. • **Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure,** or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. • **All travel documents for your trip** — including a **guidebook** appropriate for your destination — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. [get a free quote](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) - ![Italy's dramatic Amalfi Coast delights all five senses.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Continental-Europe-Page-Images-Italy-Amalfi-coast-800x558-0307-2243-Photo-copyright-Home-At-FIrst-800x533.jpg "Custom-Made Continental Europe Destinations: Italy's Amalfi coast. Photo © Home At First.")Italy’s dramatic Amalfi Coast delights all five senses. - ![Gaudi's fanciful architecture in Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Continental-Europe-Page-Spain-Barcelona-Gaudis-Park-Guell-11.11x7.39in-72dpi-0913-2238-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-798x532.jpg "Custom-Made Continental Europe Destinations: Barcelona, Spain — Gaudi's Park Guell. Photo © Home At First.")Gaudi’s fanciful architecture in Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain. - ![Bacharach: Medieval Wine Village on Germany's Middle Rhine.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Continental-Europe-Page-Germany-Bacharach-am-Rhein-town-square-11.11x7.111in-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-768x512.jpg "Custom-Made Continental Europe Destinations: Town square, Bacharach am Rhein, Germany. Photo © Home At First.")Bacharach: Medieval Wine Village on Germany’s Middle Rhine. - ![The Scottish Borders have great history and subtle beauty.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Scotland-the-Borders-Jedburgh-Abbey-1150x862-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First--900x600.jpg "Scotland - the Borders - Jedburgh Abbey. Photo © Home At First.")The Scottish Borders have great history and subtle beauty. - ![England: Oxford and Cambridge are architectural treasuries.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/England-Oxford-the-Radcliffe-Camera-1204R3050-23A-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "England - Oxford - the Radcliffe Camera. Photo © Home At First.")England: Oxford and Cambridge are architectural treasuries. - ![Arctic Scandinavia: midnight sun in summer; Northern Lights in winter.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Scandinavia-the-Arctic-Midnight-Sun-030600-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Scandinavia - the Arctic - Midnight Sun. Photo © Home At First.")Arctic Scandinavia: midnight sun in summer; Northern Lights in winter. - ![Eastern Switzerland: the Bernina Alps, St. Moritz, & Romansh culture.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Eastern-Switzerland-The-Bernina-Alps-260808-5296-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Eastern Switzerland - The Bernina Alps. Photo © Home At First.")Eastern Switzerland: the Bernina Alps, St. Moritz, & Romansh culture. - ![England: Mermaid St., Rye, Sussex. England's prettiest street?](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/England-Rye-Mermaid-St-210501-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "England - Rye - Mermaid Street. Photo © Home At First.")England: Mermaid St., Rye, Sussex. England’s prettiest street? - ![SW Wales's Pembrokeshire Coast Path: headlands, beaches, & villages.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SW-Wales-Pembrokeshire-Coast-Path-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "SW Wales: Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Photo © Home At First.")SW Wales’s Pembrokeshire Coast Path: headlands, beaches, & villages. - ![Italy: Riomaggiore Harbor, Cinque Terre. Becca Fahnestock Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Cinque-Terre-Riomaggiore-Harbor-120721175203-1200x775-72dpi-Becca-Fahnestock-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Italy: Riomaggiore Harbor, Cinque Terre - 1200x775 72dpi. Becca Fahnestock Photo © Home At First.")The cozy harbor at Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy. Home At First offers independent travel to continental European destinations with the lodgings, ground transport, and flights you need in a personalized, custom-made package We know Europe. Let the pro’s at Home At First put YOUR TRIP together for you. ###### **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME:** **Home At First helps all its travelers complete the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. And, if conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions and provide any assistance needed.** HOME AT FIRST Tell us your European travel dream. We’ll propose a trip design with the key elements you’ll need: ### UNIQUE LODGINGS for your custom-made European travel package ##### At **HOME** **AT** **FIRST,** we specialize in apartments, cottages, villas, and other self-contained accommodations that provide space, comfort, cleanliness, and a unique hominess rarely found in hotels. At minimum, our unique lodgings have: ##### • English-speaking hosts who welcome you and remain accessible during your stay. ##### • Safe settings near shops, services, restaurants. ##### • Central locations convenient for exploring the destination. ##### • Private, secure entrances. ##### • Private bathroom(s) with toilet, sink, and shower, tub, or tub/shower. ##### • A well-equipped kitchen. ##### • Bedroom(s) with comfortable bed(s). ##### • Living & dining space. Television — yes; WiFi — often; telephone — sometimes. ##### • Convenient parking for those traveling by car. ##### • Close proximity to public transportation for those traveling by rail/bus/boat. ##### • Laundry facilities: either in the lodging, nearby at a laundromat, or via the landlord. ##### • Non-smoking, no-pets lodgings are standard. Exceptions by special request. ##### HOTELS, TOO ##### Some trips may require hotel lodgings en route to or from your destination (e.g. near the airport). Some custom-made European travel with short stays (usually less than one week in any location) may only be possible using short-stay lodgings (hotels, bed & breakfasts, guesthouses, etc.). And, while we admit that we are not hotel specialists, we will find appropriate hotels for your budget, location, and date requirements. ### AIRLINE RESERVATIONS & TICKETS for your custom-made European travel package ![Home At First air planning experts will recommend the most convenient flights at the best fares for your custom-made European travel itinerary.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/BoldGrid-Web-Continental-Europe-Page-Images-Aer-Lingus-at-Cork-Airport-480x324-72dpi-040502-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First air planning experts will recommend the most convenient flights at the best fares for your custom-made European travel itinerary.") ##### Home At First will research, propose, reserve, and ticket the best flight arrangements for your needs on your next European trip. ##### **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** does all the flight research for your trip — international & domestic — makes your flight reservations, and issues the airline tickets you require for your custom-made European travel. ##### Our expert in-house airline booking team has dozens of years of experience planning international and domestic travel. We are not exclusively aligned with any airline or airline consortium, and we will get the best flight arrangements for your trip at the best available fares using the best available airlines. ##### We work with you during the research, reservations, & ticketing process to be sure you are satisfied with our recommendations before tickets are issued. ### GROUND TRANSPORTATION for your custom-made European travel package ##### **HOME** **AT** **FIRST** studies your trip goals, makes recommendations, and will arrange the best ground transport for your custom-made European travel. **CAR RENTALS:** In rural destinations a rental car can be an efficient and relatively safe way to get around. In European cities parking congestion, traffic congestion, and narrow, one-way streets can make driving maddening, inefficient, and risky. ##### ![TrenItalia's high-speed Pendolino trains serve Italy and Switzerland, stopping at big cities and small towns in both countries. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TrenItalia-Pendolino-at-Domodossola-Italy-310718-7630-360x174-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "TrenItalia's high-speed Pendolino trains serve Italy and Switzerland, stopping at big cities and small towns in both countries. Photo © Home At First.") ##### Rail service can be excellent at smaller destinations across Europe as well as cities. **RAIL TICKETS & TRANSPORTATION PASSES:** Europe is rightly known for quality public transportation. Many cities offer comprehensive transportation passes. Many city passes include free entry to principal attractions. Intercity rail provides excellent long-distance express trains frequently across Europe. National and regional rail networks are good to excellent throughout western Europe. Regional, national, and continental rail passes are available. Service can be so reliable, fast, and pervasive that rail passes are recommended even for many rural European destinations. ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [request information](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) ###### **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [WALES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/) **Published:** February 11, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### ###### [— WALES PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/wales-prices/#Prices) ##### **BRITAIN’S BEST-KEPT SECRET—** #### WALES ### **WALES COTTAGE VACATIONS REGIONS:** #### [**MID-WALES**](#Mid-Wales) #### [**SNOWDONIA**](#NW-Wales) ###### - ![NW Wales: Conwy Castle with old and new road bridges. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-Conwy-Castle-with-old-and-new-road-bridges-101003-R505224A-1500x750-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "NW Wales: Conwy Castle with old and new road bridges. Photo copyright Home At First.")13th century Conwy Castle — a World Heritage Site on the North Wales coast — viewed from between its two road bridges, including the architecturally matching Thomas Telford bridge. - ![Snowdonia: sunset by Mt. Snowdon from Nant Gwynant. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Snowdonia-sunset-by-Mt-Snowden-from-Nant-Gwynant-101003-R205224A-1550x775-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Snowdonia: sunset by Mt. Snowdon from Nant Gwynant. Photo copyright Home At First.")Snowdonia: sunset by Mt. Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Snowdon is also the most summitted — a “great little train” carries thrilled passengers to the mountaintop from nearby Llanberis. - ![NW Wales: the Pont Fawr bridge across the River Conwy at Llanrwst. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-bridge-and-Red-House-wide-101003-1550x775-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "NW Wales: the Pont Fawr bridge across the River Conwy at Llanrwst. Photo copyright Home At First.")In Wales, natural beauty isn’t only found in the mountains. And historic architecture isn’t only found in medieval castles. Case in point: Pont Fawr bridge across River Conwy at Llanrwst, North Wales. - ![Welsh village with road signs. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-village-houses-with-Welsh-roadsigns-101003-1600x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Welsh village with road signs. Photo copyright Home At First.")Despite the challenges of left-side driving and pronouncing Welsh place names, exploring by rental car is the best way to discover Wales. - ![Snowdonia: Caernarfon Castle. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Snowdonia-Caernarfon-Castle-101003-R203013A-1550x775-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Snowdonia: Caernarfon Castle. Photo copyright Home At First.")King Edward I built Snowdonia’s Caernarfon Castle to suppress Welsh independence. Since the 14th century the castle oversees investitures of Princes of Wales, first-in-line for the British Crown. - ![Snowdonia: looking west from Capel Curig. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Snowdonia-Looking-west-from-Capel-Curig-101003-R20208A-1600x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Snowdonia: looking west from Capel Curig. Photo copyright Home At First.")Snowdonia National Park: looking west the length of Llynnau Mymbyr lake to the park’s high country. The mountains here are Britain’s highest south of the Scottish Highlands. - ![Ffestiniog Railway steam engines at Porthmadog's Harbour Station and Cob, SW Snowdonia. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-Ffestiniog-Rwy-train-in-steam-with-credit-line-NVW-C15-1920-0039-Photo-copyright-Hawlfraint-y-Goron-Crown-copyright-2019-Cymru-Wales.jpg "Ffestiniog Railway steam engines at Porthmadog's Harbour Station and Cob, SW Snowdonia. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.")Wales has a dozen or more preserved passenger railways, many narrow-gauge & steam-powered, like the Ffestiniog Railway passenger train above, departing Porthmadog station, Snowdonia. - ![NW Wales - 3rd green on Nefyn GC Yellow Front Nine. Photo copyright VisitBritain - Harry Williams.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-3rd-green-on-Nefyn-GC-Yellow-Course-w.-credit-line-1550x775-72dpi-VB34140185-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-Harry-Williams.jpg "NW Wales - 3rd green on Nefyn GC Yellow Front Nine. Photo copyright VisitBritain - Harry Williams.")Wales is a terrific golf destination with excellent links & inland courses. Pictured is the 3rd green (Yellow Nine) at Nefyn & District G.C, looking north to The Rivals mountains just west of Snowdonia. - ![Hay-on-Wye, Mid-Wales. The sleepy town comes alive each May/June for the Hay Festival. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mid-Wales-Hay-on-Wye-w.-credit-line-1600x800-72dpi-SVW-C08-1718-0010-Photo-copyright-Hawlfraint-y-Goron-Crown-copyright-2019-Cymru-Wales.jpg "Hay-on-Wye, Mid-Wales. The sleepy town comes alive each May/June for the Hay Festival. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.")Handsome, quirky Hay-on-Wye — “town of books” — has 20+ bookshops, a medieval castle, rushing rivers, and 2 mountain ranges. Home At First’s Mid-Wales lodgings are in the town and nearby. - ![Mid-Wales: Hay-on-Wye bookshop sign. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2019) Cymru Wales.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mid-Wales-Hay-on-Wye-Bookshop-facade-detail-w.-credit-line-1600x800-72dpi-SVW-C08-1718-0044-Photo-copyright-Hawlfraint-y-Goron-Crown-copyright-2019-Cymru-Wales.jpg "Mid-Wales: Hay-on-Wye bookshop sign. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2019) Cymru Wales.")Each May/June Hay-on-Wye, the Mid-Wales town of used bookshops on the English border, hosts the Hay Festival. President Bill Clinton called the festival “the Woodstock of the mind.” - ![Brecon Beacons National Park in Mid-Wales: hikers for Pen y Fan peak. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mid-Wales-Brecon-Beacons-NP-hikers-for-Pen-y-Fan-w.-credit-line-1450x725-SVW-C06-1213-0095-Photo-copyright-Hawlfraint-y-Goron-Crown-copyright-2019-Cymru-Wales.jpg "Brecon Beacons National Park in Mid-Wales: hikers for Pen y Fan peak. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.")Brecon Beacons National Park is the focus of outdoor activity in mountainous Mid-Wales. Four hikers are pictured on the ridge trail to Pen y Fan, highest peak in the Beacons. - ![Caerphilly Castle: visitors crossing the drawbridge. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Caerphilly-Castle-visitor-on-drawbridge-w.-credit-line-1600x800-72dpi-SVW-C06-1617-0042-Photo-copyright-Hawlfraint-y-Goron-Crown-copyright-2019-Cymru-Wales.jpg "Caerphilly Castle: visitors crossing the drawbridge. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown copyright Cymru Wales.")Wales has the greatest density of castles in Britain. Visitors are quick to add that most Welsh castles look like castles should, e.g. 13th century Caerphilly Castle (above), easily reached from Mid-Wales. #### **AN INDEPENDENT DRIVING HOLIDAY USING QUALITY VACATION COTTAGES** # **Wales Cottage Vacations — Discover Britain’s Best-Kept Secret** ****M**uch more than superb scenery, hearty food, and legendary castles:** Probably the most overlooked British travel destination, Wales offers some of the best food in the U.K. as well as its own distinct music, art, history, and language. Rarely noted is the superb variety of unspoiled scenery of Wales, including three distinct regions worthy of national park status. Here in the Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Parks, among the highest mountains south of Scotland, cozy, undiscovered villages lie like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Home At First’s Wales Cottage Vacations lets you discover Britain’s best-kept secret. Wales is wedged between England and the sea. A Celtic nation, Wales became a bastion of ancient Britons who retreated into the rugged, mystical mountains and vales of the Welsh landscape to defend against invasions of Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. Because of this history many Welsh are both nationalistic and culturally separatist. Today the Welsh variety of Gaelic is alive and growing while most other Gaelic languages are disappearing. Welsh cuisine, custom, religion, music, and mentality all can be said to be more than just dialectical versions of their English, Scottish and Irish relatives, and each is maintained with the prideful caring due national treasures. ### **Wales cottage vacations invite your independent discovery of Britain’s best-kept secret.** --- **Home At First’s WALES, BRITAIN’S BEST-KEPT SECRET Travel Program in a Nutshell:** [**Fu**ll**-Package** **Destination:**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/wales-prices/#Prices) Home At First’s Wales cottage vacations Include trans-atlantic flights, cottage or apartment lodgings, & rental car. Ground-only & Lodging-only options available. Combinable with Home At First destinations throughout Britain, Ireland, Continental Europe, Iceland, & Scandinavia. **Itinerary Character:** 1-Week in RURAL WALES Wales cottage vacations lets you explore Wales independently by rental car from your own vacation cottage. Discover Britain’s Best-Kept Secret in your own traditional village or town and by touring the regional countryside. **Lodging Types:** Weekly Cottage & Apartment Rentals Wales cottage vacations has lodgings in two regions of Wales: Mid-Wales and in Northwest Wales (Snowdonia). Lodgings are in/near traditional towns & villages near restaurants, shops, & services. **On-Site Costs: Food & Activities** $$—$$$$ Living high or modestly is very possible throughout Wales. The best way to stick to a limited budget is to use your Wales cottage vacations’ well-equipped kitchen to prepare some meals. [**Overall Trip Costs:** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/wales-prices/#Prices) $$+ *Excellent Value, thanks to Home At First’s low Full-Package prices.* **Combinable** with many Home At First destinations throughout the British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, & Iceland. **Language Spoken Everywhere:** English Expect **English** from everyone. However, expect to hear Welsh in some of the regions you visit, perhaps especially in rural NW Wales. **Non-Stop Flight Length from North America** 6.5+ hrs from East Coast 9+ hrs from West Coast North American flights arrive at London (LHR) & Manchester (MAN). Driving from LHR to Mid-Wales requires about 3hrs. Driving from MAN to NW Wales: 2.25hrs. **Family Friendly?** ♥♥♥♥ Kids love having their own Wales vacation cottages family home. They also love the activities, the castles, the animals, and the little trains. Happily, it’s possible to do many different things every day including numerous adventure parks. **Foodie Friendly?** ♥♥♥ Traditional Welsh food is farm fresh or catch of the day. Welsh restaurants come in all flavors: French, Italian, Asian, West Indian, Chinese, Japanese, American, as well as English favorites: tea, fish & chips, scones, cakes, and meat pies. **Very Walkable** The Welsh network of walking & hiking paths is extensive, with walks of all lengths and challenge, including some of Britain’s most difficult climbs. Books, maps, and apps are available for planning your walks and taking with you on the trails. **Activities** • Touring scenic Wales. • Strolling through villages and along canal towpaths. • Hiking National Parks. • Exploring castles. • Golf: parkland & links. • Museums and galleries. • Riding steam railways — there are 12 or more! • Going to the beach. • Shopping & Eating! **The Best Times to Go****:** April, through October, and at Christmas. Wales is at its busiest at festival times and during the peak visitor months of July & August when the best-known villages & tourist attractions draw crowds especially on weekends. A cozy Christmas in Wales vacations cottages is unforgettable! --- ### **HOW HOME AT FIRST’s WALES VACATION COTTAGES PROGRAM WORKS**— ## **Discovering Britain’s Best-Kept Secret —** **Independent Travel from Wales Vacation Cottages.** #### First — Request a Free Trip Proposal • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your travel dream of discovering Wales, Britain’s Best-Kept Secret. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love our authentic Wales vacation cottages & locations!), and how best to get around (by rental car, and occasionally by riding great little trains, and by walking in the striking landscape). — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to Wales with a visit to another part of Wales, [England](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England), [Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland), [Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland), or to any **Home At First** destination in Continental Europe ([Paris ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris), [Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), or [Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland)), [Scandinavia](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#Scandinavia) ([Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark), [Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway), [Sweden](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden)), or even to [Iceland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland). — Ask for a [Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal). ### WALES VACATION COTTAGES — THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER WALES, BRITAIN’S BEST-KEPT SECRET ![Car touring is the best way to explore Britain's best-kept secret during your Wales cottage vacation. Photo Cymru Wales - Crown Copyright.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wales-Car-Touring-SE-Snowdonia-with-credit-line-775x516-72dpi-M127-192-D-Photo-Cymru-Wales-Crown-Copyright.jpg "Car touring is the best way to explore Britain's best-kept secret during your Wales cottage vacation. Photo Cymru Wales - Crown Copyright.") ### **Car touring is the best way to DISCOVER Britain’s best-kept secret FROM YOUR WALES VACATION COTTAGE.** #### Second — We Design Your Dream Trip for You • We prepare a proposed itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need to discover Wales, Britain’s Best-Kept Secret, independently using a quality Wales vacation cottage. We send our individualized itinerary proposal to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, RENTAL CAR VOUCHERS and/or any TRAIN TICKETS required. Most **Home At First** Wales Vacation Cottages guests arrive by air at London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airports; many others come from elsewhere in the British Isles or from locations in Europe by air. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. #### Third — Departure Day Finally Arrives • All travel documents for your trip — including our exclusive **“Wales Activity Guide”** — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • You follow our driving directions for your transfer from your arrival point to your Wales vacation cottage, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you the cottage, explain its workings, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. If you have not already done so, get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now as you begin to discover Wales, Britain’s best-kept secret independently from your authentic Wales vacation cottage home. ![NW Wales: Conwy — The Smallest House in Britain and much to small for Home At First's Wales cottage vacations. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-Conwy-Smallest-House-in-Britain-400x700-72dpi-101003-R10166A-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "NW Wales: Conwy — The Smallest House in Britain and much to small for Home At First's Wales cottage vacations. Photo © Home At First.") #### WALES: LIKE BRITAIN’S SMALLEST HOUSE (IN CONWY, NORTH WALES), UNEXPECTED DELIGHTS ARE TO BE EXPECTED IN BRITAIN’S SMALLEST COUNTRY & BEST-KEPT SECRET. ###### **REAL PEOPLE PROVIDING REAL HELP IN REAL TIME: Home At First helps all its travelers complete the steps necessary to officially enter, efficiently move about, and properly return home from their international destinations. If conditions change during your travels, our support staff remains on-call to answer your questions & provide any assistance needed.** --- ### **Wales Cottage Vacations Are Perfect Bases for Exploring Britain’s Best-Kept Secret** #### ![Wales is Britain's best-kept secret — here's a treasure map for Home At First's Wales cottage vacations © Home At First ](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Wales-Map-with-text-and-titles-1300x1554-72dpi-underlay-contains-Ordnance-Survey-data-copyright-Crown-copyright-and-database-right-License-creativecommons.org-licenses-by-sa-3.0-legalcode-857x1024.jpg "Wales is Britain's best-kept secret — here's a treasure map for Home At First's Wales cottage vacations © Home At First ") #### WHAT YOU NEED TO FIND WALES, BRITAIN’S BEST-KEPT SECRET: HOME AT FIRST BUILDS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL PACKAGES TO WALES THAT INCLUDE: • **Quality Lodgings:** Finding Britain’s best-kept secret begins with a Wales vacation cottages and townhouse apartments in two rural regions of Wales: **Mid-Wales** & **Northwest Wales**. All lodging locations are near shops, restaurants, cafés, and other services. All Wales vacation cottages come with hosts on-site or on-call during your stay for questions, suggestions, problems, or emergencies. • **Round****-trip Flights:** Our airline experts plan your round-trip flights to Britain from your home airport. Full-package prices include round-trip fares based on flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to London (LHR or LGW) or to Manchester (MAN). Flights from/to all other airports available for fare supplements or reductions. • **Car Rental (for rural destinations):** Quality rental cars right for the size of your party. Pick-up your car at your arrival airport and drive to your Wales vacation cottage. Return the car to the same airport one week later prior to flight departure from Britain. Arrivals to airports other than London or Manchester or at Irish Sea ferry ports (Holyhead or Fishguard in Wales; Liverpool in England) can have rental cars arranged, usually for a supplemental price. Picking-up a rental car at one location and dropping at a different location usually incurs a supplemental fee. ![NW Wales: Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis Pass, & Mt. Snowdon. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2019) Cymru Wales.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-Dolbadarn-Castle-and-Llanberis-Pass-with-credit-NCX-SC01-1516-0523-500x775-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Hawlfraint-y-Goron-copyright-Crown-copyright-2019-Cymru-Wales-e1606174171260.jpg "NORTHWEST WALES: DOLBADARN CASTLE, LLYN PERIS LAKE, LLANBERIS PASS, & MT. SNOWDON. Photo © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2019) Cymru Wales.") NORTHWEST WALES: DOLBADARN CASTLE, LLYN PERIS LAKE, LLANBERIS PASS, & MT. SNOWDON. **• Our ‘Wales Activity Guide’ Keyed for Your Welsh Destination:** Includes suggestions for touring, walking, restaurants, pubs, shopping, museums, galleries, castles & prehistoric sites, train excursions, golf, day-trips throughout your Welsh home region and beyond, and much more. • **Extend Your Vacation Options:** Add a week (or more) at your current Wales vacation cottage, or try a different Welsh region. Drive to other parts of Britain to experience any of our many locations in [England](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) (including [London](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London)), and/or [Scotland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland). Take the passenger ferry or fly across the Irish Sea to experience **Home At First**‘s [Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland). Longer flights bring you to **Home At First** locations in Europe: [Paris](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris), [Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), [Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland), or Scandinavia ([Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark), [Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway), [Sweden](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden)). Or, add a convenient stopover visit to [Iceland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) on your way to/from Wales. **Home At First** will handle all the arrangements: transportation between destinations, lodging at your extension destinations, and appropriate ground transportation at all your destinations. All **Home At First** destinations come with English-speaking hosting, and you receive a guidebook keyed for exploring each of your destinations. [**WALES PRICING**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/wales-prices/#Prices) **BRECON BEACONS • BLACK MTS • WYE VALLEY** ###### MID-WALES #### POWYS & MONMOUTH countIES ![Mid-Wales: Hay-on-Wye bookshops. Photo © Home At First. Hay-on-Wye is popular for guests of Home At First's cottage vacations. Wales is Britain's best-kept secret and Hay-on-Wye is one of its hidden gems!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/137_0_501_500_Mid-Wales-Hay-on-Wye-bookshops-street-scene-775x500-72dpi-20201117-16100144-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Mid-Wales: Hay-on-Wye bookshops. Photo © Home At First. Hay-on-Wye is popular for guests of Home At First's cottage vacations. Wales is Britain's best-kept secret and Hay-on-Wye is one of its hidden gems!") BOOKSHOPS — HAY-ON-WYE BRECONSHIRE, POWYS, MID-WALES #### MID-WALES Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. **LOTS OF WALES, PLUS A BIT OF OLDE ENGLAND** **Home At First**‘s Mid-Wales vacation cottages are in the midst of superb scenery between the mountains of **Brecon Beacons National Park** and the English border. Nearby is scenic wilderness inviting discovery on foot, on horseback, or by car. Search for King Arthur and Merlin here. Cross the border into England to visit Shakespeare country and the Cotswolds — easy days away. Another secret: the Welsh may be the friendliest people in Britain. **Home At First**’s Mid-Wales vacation cottages are within the Brecon Beacons National Park, in the midst of superb scenery to the north and the south of the **Black Mountains**, in & near the town of **Hay-on-Wye** (to the north, on the **Wye River** & the English border) and **Crickhowell** (to the south in the **Usk River** valley between the sizeable town **Abergavenny** and regional center of **Brecon**). The nearby Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park are scenic Welsh wilderness playgrounds ideal for exploration on foot, on horseback or by car. Welsh cakes, **Cardiff** (the Welsh capital city), quirky, nostalgic steam passenger **trains**, medieval **castles**, splendid **mountains**, valleys full of **fairies & witches**, prehistoric monuments, **Dylan Thomas**‘s simply poetic boatshed cabin, **open-air markets** full of Welsh crafts, **coal tipples & iron works** from the early industrial age, **coastal resorts** well-known & anonymous, ancient **Celtic traditions**, **golf** at classic seaside links & challenging parkland courses, and the mysteries of **King Arthur & Merlin** all draw you to Wales. On the English side of the border **Bath**, **Stratford-on-Avon**, the **Cotswolds**, and **Ironbridge**, Shropshire, all are within reach as day trips. ![Mid-Wales: Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mid-Wales-Monmouthshire-and-Brecon-Canal-545x775-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1606163440992.jpg "Mid-Wales: Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Photo © Home At First.") NARROW BOATS ON THE MONMOUTHSHIRE & BRECON CANAL, NEAR CRICKHOWELL, MID-WALES There is much more to do in Mid-Wales: • Trace **family roots**, especially if your family name is Davies, Williams, Jones, Lewis, or Morgan. • Attend a **rugby** match or **football** (soccer) game. • **Mountainbike** on dedicated, bike routes. • Explore dozens of **castles**. especially Caerphilly, biggest in Wales. • Shop for **woolens, specialty foods, & crafts**. • Walk a portion of the towpath along the **Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal**. Stop at a canal-side pub for lunch. • Visit **open-air markets** in local towns. • Enjoy **traditional Welsh music** in a local pub, festival, church, or concert hall. • Attend food festivals, music festivals, the Hay Festival, or regional ***eisteddfods***. **NORTH WALES COAST • SNOWDONIA** ###### NORTHWEST WALES #### conwy & gwynedd counties ![NW Wales: Betws-y-Coed railway station plaza. Photo © Home At First. Betws-y-Coed is a popular town for guests of Home At First's cottage vacations. Wales is Britain's best-kept secret and Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia is one of its hidden gems!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NW-Wales-Betwys-y-Coed-railway-station-plaza-101003-R204420A-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "NW Wales: Betws-y-Coed railway station plaza. Photo © Home At First. Betws-y-Coed is a popular town for guests of Home At First's cottage vacations. Wales is Britain's best-kept secret and Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia is one of its hidden gems!") RAILWAY STATION PLAZA — BETWS-Y-COED SNOWDONIA, ConWY, NORTHWEST WALES #### northwest WALES Lodgings: RURAL COTTAGES & TOWNHOUSE APTS. **WHERE THE HIGH MOUNTAINS MEET THE SEA** **Home At First**‘s Northwest Wales vacation cottages are in or near **Snowdonia National Park**, where Britain’s highest mountains south of Scotland rise sharply from the sea. Snowdonia’s folded landscape offers rugged hiking, expansive beaches, great little steam trains, challenging seaside golf courses, impregnable medieval castles, and friendly villages with unpronounceable names. **Home At First**’s Northwest Wales vacation cottages are in the midst of superb scenery and ancient history, in & near the ruggedly handsome town of **Betws-y-Coed**, at the northern edge of Snowdonia National Park, a scenic wilderness ideal for exploration on foot, on a mountainbike, on horseback, or by car. Our Northwest Wales vacation cottages have all the comforts of home, and are perfectly located as bases for day trips into the national park, and throughout northern & northwestern Wales. **Home At First**’s Northwestern Wales vacation cottages are surrounded by the superb scenery of Snowdonia National Park, a scenic Welsh wilderness with Britain’s highest mountains south of Scotland, topped by **Mt. Snowdon** at 1085m (3,560′) above sea level. The northwestern corner of Wales rises sharply from the sea. Its folded landscape is home to great mountains with great hiking, expansive beaches, challenging inland and seaside golf courses, impregnable medieval castles, and friendly villages with unpronounceable names. ![Ffestiniog Steam Train departing Porthmadog for Blaenau Ffestiniog. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Ffestiniog-Steam-Train-departing-Porthmadog-for-Blaenau-775x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ffestiniog Steam Train departing Porthmadog for Blaenau Ffestiniog. Photo © Home At First.") STEAM TRAIN DEPARTING PORTHMADOG FOR BLAENAU-FFESTINIOG, SNOWDONIA, NW WALES The “**great little trains of Wales**” reach into the heights of Snowdonia, into the misty vales of legend and myth, into tortured landscapes of slate and coal. Little trains aren’t the only big surprises in Britain’s smallest country — Wales is proof that good things come in little packages. Northwestern Wales has had a long and often contentious history with invaders from the east and from the sea. The Welsh and the English built great fortified castles here. Eventually, the English monarchy honored the Welsh by naming their crown heirs **Princes of Wales**. Four great 13th century English castles at **Caernarfon**, **Conwy**, **Beaumaris**, and **Harlech** stand today along the coastal perimeter of northwest Wales have been designated a combined **World Heritage Site**. The coast of North & Northwest Wales offers a lot more than world-class castles. Nearly every coastal community features a beach or some seaside activities: **surfing**, **sailing**, **diving**, **fishing**, and **links golf.** Britons still flock to traditional Victorian North Wales cold-water sea resorts at **Llandudno**, **Rhos-on-Sea**, **Colwyn Bay**, and **Rhyl** as well as to campgrounds and that curious British institution of “holiday camps” that are scattered along the Northwest Wales coast south of Caernarfon. Numerous golf courses occupy prime links land along the coasts of Conwy and Gwynedd. The best of these — including **Royal St. David’s** in Harlech, **Nefyn & District G.C.** on the Llyn Peninsula, and **Maesdu G.C.** between Conwy & Llandudno — rank among the best courses in Wales. --- ### **Quality Wales Vacation Cottages: Home Bases for Discovering Britain’s Best-Kept Secret.** **Minimum lodging time is 7 nights for rural destinations. Weekly occupancy period typically begins Friday or Saturday.** ![Crows Nest Cottage is a large, historic residence in eastern Mid-Wales, and a favorite lodging for Home At First's cottage vacations.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Clyro-by-Hay-The-Crows-Nest-1094x730-72dpi-20201117-16381064-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Crows Nest Cottage is a large, historic residence in eastern Mid-Wales, and a favorite lodging for Home At First's cottage vacations.") #### Pictured above is **Crows Nest Cottage**, a classic 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom **Home At First** Wales vacation cottage in Clyro village 2-minutes drive from the town of Hay-on-Wye in Mid-Wales on the English border. The village shop and pub/restaurant are 1-2 minutes walk from the cottage. Full details in the next section. #### **Home At First’s** Wales vacation cottages and apartments range in size — from studios to 4-bedrooms — sleeping anywhere from 1 person to 8 persons. Lodgings vary in location from rural towns and villages to farm country settings. All of our Wales vacation cottages meet high standards for cleanliness and are comfortable, interesting, safe, well-equipped, convenient bases for exploring their locale or region. Rural lodgings come with hosts on-site or close-by, who meet you when you arrive and are available throughout your stay. Most rural lodgings have usable outdoor space — balconies, patios, or terraces — ideal for snacking, light meals, or relaxing during fine weather. #### **Care & Cleanliness:** Wales vacation cottages & apartments are thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival, but are not maid-serviced during your stay. #### Nearly all lodgings are equipped with laundry machines. Accommodations are non-smoking. Most do not permit pets. Basic starter kitchen and bathroom supplies are provided. #### **Well-Equipped:** As with lodgings at any **Home At First** destination, our Wales vacation cottages and apartments have, as a minimum, bedrooms, private bathrooms, living and dining areas/rooms, and well-equipped kitchens. Some multiple-bedroom accommodations come with multiple bathrooms, often *en suite* with the bedrooms. Some few studio apartments or smaller cottages have open-plan living-dining-sleeping space and/or kitchenettes without ovens. Bed and bath linens and a hair-dryer are provided. Flat-screen cable TVs and free internet WiFi are almost universal. --- ### **Sample Wales Vacation Cottages & Locations** Shown and described below is a selection of popular **Home At First** Wales vacation cottages at three varied locations in Wales. They are shown here as **representative examples** of different sizes and capacities of lodgings we provide our guests. While the full range of our available Welsh lodgings and locations to choose from is extensive, the standard of accommodations quality and personalized hosting is the same regardless of apartment or location. Any of these authentic Wales vacation cottage apartments makes an ideal base from which to find Wales, Britain’s best-kept secret. **NOTE — FOR BEST VIEWING:** each of the following Wales vacation cottage descriptions begins with a slide show. These slide shows do not advance automatically. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). --- #### **IN CLYRO VILLAGE, NEAR HAY-ON-WYE** **POWYS, BRECON BEACONS NAT’L. PARK** **EASTERN MID-WALES** - ![Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage's family triple bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Clyro-by-Hay-Crows-Nest-Cottage-Family-Triple-Bedroom-240313-1648-667x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage's family triple bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First.")Crows Nest Cottage sleeps up to 5 persons in a triple bedroom and a twin bedroom. This is the family triple bedroom. - ![Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage has a small but full-equipped kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Clyro-by-Hay-Crows-Nest-Cottage-Kitchen-at-Tea-Time-240313-1630-667x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage has a small but full-equipped kitchen. Photo copyright Home At First.")It’s tea time at in Mid-Wales, and the small-but-well-equipped kitchen at Crows Nest Cottage is ready for action. - ![Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage's living-dining room with working fireplace. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Clyro-by-Hay-Crows-Nest-Cottage-Living-dining-room-with-working-fireplace-240313-1640-667x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage's living-dining room with working fireplace. Photo copyright Home At First.")Crows Nest Cottage’s large, comfy living/dining room has a working fireplace. - ![Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage's twin bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Clyro-by-Hay-Crows-Nest-Cottage-Twin-Bedroom-240313-1656-667x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Crows Nest Cottage's twin bedroom. Photo copyright Home At First.")The second bedroom has twin beds at Crows Nest Cottage in Clyro by Hay-on-Wye. - ![Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Interior of the local pub-restaurant. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Clyro-by-Hay-Interior-of-the-local-pub-restaurant-240313-1698-667x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Clyro by Hay-on-Wye: Interior of the local pub-restaurant. Photo copyright Home At First.")A quick two-minute walk from Crows Nest Cottage is the local pub/restaurant in the village of Clyro. crows NEST COTTAGE **In the village of Clyro, 3 minutes drive to Hay-on-Wye.** **CROWS NEST COTTAGE:** **Home At First‘s Crows Nest Cottage** is a two-bedroom, two-story cottage that sleeps up to 5 persons comfortably in traditional Welsh country style. The **ground floor** has a mud room by the entrance for boots and packs. A large refrigerator/freezer is set in the pantry between the small, well-equipped kitchen and the spacious livingroom/dining room, which has an operating fireplace and a flat-screen TV. **Upstairs** are two bedrooms — one with a double bedroom and a single bed, and one with twin beds. Along the hall between the bedrooms is the bathroom with a tub/shower. Private parking for one guest car is by the cottage. **The owner/hosts** live next door in their large, historic home. They take an active interest in their guests and are happy to talk about their region of Wales and make recommendations for activities, restaurants, day-trips, and shopping. **THE VILLAGE OF CLYRO:** **Clyro** — population under 800 persons — is small enough to seem another sleepy Welsh place where nothing happens, and nothing ever has happened. But the village of Clyro has some surprises in store for visitors. At first glance Clyro has late-medieval origins, based on the first historic mention of the parish church, **St. Michael and All Angels**, around which the village is circles. But Clyro once had its own castle (built in the 12 century?), and 1,000 years earlier its own Roman fort. But it is the village church, the aforementioned St. Michaels, that has earned Clyro fame and notoriety far greater than its size would normally warrant. In the 1700s Clyro was visited several times by Methodism founder **John Wesley**, whose sermons there helped introduce the Nonconformist faith to Wales, spearheading a major religious & cultural movement in the country, one that still resonates today. A century later **Francis Kilvert**, the Anglican curate of St. Michaels, began writing diaries detailing rural life in Victorian Wales and England. Published just prior to World War II, *Selections from the Diary of Rev. Francis Kilvert*, became a popular wartime read for a populace nostalgic for simpler times. Kilvert’s subsequent popularity resulted in the region of eastern Mid-Wales and western Hereford often being referred to as **“Kilvert Country”**. Located a minute’s walk from the church, **Home At First‘s Crows Nest Cottage** bore witness to Wesley’s visits and Kilvert’s tenure. The property is walled and the house is built of stone with four prominent chimneys. Formerly the village vicarage (but not Kilvert’s residence) the cottage gets its name from the several large crows nests that occupy the treetops along the back of the property. Outside the cottage door you will likely hear crows cawing, but rarely the sound of automobiles. ![Hay-on-Wye is the quirky Mid-Wales town of second-hand books. Several lodgings in & near Hay-on-Wye are used for Home At First's cottage vacations.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Clyro-Road-sign-at-Clyro-for-Hay-on-Wye-667x241-72dpi-Visit-Wales-Photo-SVW-C08-1718-0021-Crown-Copyright-Licencing-Agreement-300x108.jpg "Hay-on-Wye is the quirky Mid-Wales town of second-hand books. Several lodgings in & near Hay-on-Wye are used for Home At First's cottage vacations.") **THE COTTAGE’S SETTING:** Set near the village center, its setting is quiet, open and nearly traffic-free, as the Clyro is 200 yards removed from **the A438 main trunk road** which connects the Brecon Beacons with the M6 motorway near Tewksbury, England, on the western edge of the Cotswolds. Clyro has a small village shop and post office, and a classic pub/restaurant at the historic **Baskerville Arms Hotel**. Clyro is 1½ miles (3min drive) from **Hay-on-Wye**, the important Mid-Wales market town on the English border. Hay offers shops, a supermarket, several pubs and restaurant, a medieval castle ruin, and more than twenty bookshops — most selling used books — the feature that gives the town international fame and draws tens of thousands each May/June to **the Hay Festival** that President Bill Clinton called the “Woodstock of the mind”. Clyro is at the northeastern corer of **Brecon Beacons National Park**. South and west of Clyro & Hay-on-Wye Wales rises with two mountain ranges (the **Black Mountains** and **the Brecon Beacons**), a region of challenging hills, wild, whitewater rivers, and delicious scenery, with few villages to interrupt the wilderness. Two other towns of size are in the National Park region. About 30min drive southwest is the market town of **Brecon** near the center of the National Park. Some 45min drive south leads to the large town of **Abergavenny** on the park’s eastern edge. ![The junction of major Mid-Wales touring routes not far from Clyro.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Mid-Wales-junction-of-major-touring-routes-btw-Hay-and-Brecon-Visit-Wales-Photo-SVW-C08-1718-0004-Crown-Copyright-Licencing-Agreement.jpg "The junction of major Mid-Wales touring routes not far from Clyro.") The junction of major Mid-Wales touring routes not far from Clyro. **ACTIVITIES & TOURING:** Clyro and vicinity offer much to do: horseback riding, walking & hiking, kayaking, cycling, horseback riding, and golf lead the list. Many guests choose Clyro for their holiday because of its central location. As a touring base, Clyro offers excellent day-trip coverage of much of Wales plus western England as far as Shakespeare country and the northern Cotswolds. Here’s a partial list of driveable destinations: • London Heathrow Airport: 3-3½ hrs. SE • Manchester Airport: 3 hrs. NE • Aberystwyth on the west coast: 1¾ hrs. NW • Builth Wells Golf Club: 30 min. NW • Chirk Castle & Llangollen canal viaduct & steam railway: 2 hrs. N • Stratford-on-Avon (Shakespeare’s town): 1¾ hrs. E • Chipping Campden, northern Cotswolds: 1¾ hrs. E • Bath Spa, England: 2 hrs. SE • Tintern Abbey (romantic medieval ruin): 80 min. SE • Abergavenny (large town, east edge of Brecon Beacons): 45 min. SE • Monmouthshire Golf Club: 55 min. SE • Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club: 80 min. SE • Crickhowell (town btw the high Beacons & Black Mts.): 35 min. S • Blaenavon World Heritage town (early Industrial Age): 1 hr. S • Caerphilly Castle: 75 min. S • Cardiff Castle: 85 min. S • Brecon Mountain steam tourist railway: 50 min. SW • Brecon (market town in central Brecon Beacons N.P.): 25 min. SW Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Clyro is a friendly, happy, and welcoming Welsh village to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to find some of Britain’s best-kept secrets. --- #### **IN BETWS-y-COED, conwy** **snowdonia national park** **NORTHWEST WALES** - ![Llugwy Bridge Cottage: rear approach above cottage and Betwys-y-Coed main street. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Llugwy-Bridge-Cottage-rear-approach-above-cottage-and-Betwys-main-st-buildings-667x500-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llugwy Bridge Cottage: rear approach above cottage and Betwys-y-Coed main street. Photo courtesy the owners.")Llugwy Bridge Cottage: rear approach above cottage and Betwys-y-Coed’s main street. - ![Llugwy Bridge Cottage: exterior showing entry. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Llugwy-Bridge-Cottage-exterior-entry-667x500-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llugwy Bridge Cottage: exterior showing entry. Photo courtesy the owners.")Llugwy Bridge Cottage: exterior showing the entry door of this authentically Welsh cottage. - ![Llugwy Bridge Cottage: living room with TV and working fireplace. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Llugwy-Bridge-Cottage-living-room-with-TV-and-fireplace-667x500-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llugwy Bridge Cottage: living room with TV and working fireplace. Photo courtesy the owners.")Llugwy Bridge Cottage: comfortably furnished living room with TV and working fireplace. - ![Llugwy Bridge Cottage kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Llugwy-Bridge-Cottage-kitchen-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llugwy Bridge Cottage kitchen. Photo courtesy the owners.")Llugwy Bridge Cottage kitchen: well-equipped with dining area for 4 persons (not shown). - ![Llugwy Bridge Cottage garden dining area. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Llugwy-Bridge-Cottage-garden-dining-area-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llugwy Bridge Cottage garden dining area. Photo courtesy the owners.")Llugwy Bridge Cottage also has garden dining area for 4 guests whenever the weather is fine. LLUGWY BRIDGE cottage **In the Snowdonia National Park gateway village of Betws-y-Coed.** **LLUGWY BRIDGE COTTAGE:** Located in the center of the Northwest Wales village of Betws-y-Coed, **Home At First‘s Llugwy Bridge Cottage** sits behind a row of stone shops lining the main street. Built in the 18th century, the thick-walled, whitewashed, two-story cottage is one of the town’s oldest houses. The cottage — which is the right size for 2-persons up to 5-person families — is near its namesake road bridge carrying the B5106 across the rushing **Llugwy River**. **Access to the cottage** is from above and behind the cottage by means of about twenty descending, uncovered steps. Inside the cottage six steps lead to the upper floor and four steps down to the ground floor. With so many steps, this cottage is not the best for guests with limited mobility. **Upstairs** is an upholstered living room with working wood-burning stove set inside the original Inglenook fireplace and a flat-screen TV. The kitchen — equipped with electric oven, range, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, & washing machine — has a built-in dining area. **Downstairs** on the ground floor are 3 bedrooms — 2 double bedrooms & 1 single — and the cottage’s bathroom, equipped with tub/shower. **Inside**, the cottage is warmed with gas central heat and connected to the world with free WIFI. **Outside** the cottage is a private, enclosed garden terrace with chair and tables perfect for outdoor dining in fine weather. **Parking** is on-street or in one of village pay-to-park lots. A two-minute walk from the cottage leads to the main street shops, restaurants, cafés, and services of downtown Betws-y-Coed. **BETWS-Y-COED** may have begun in the 13th century as a place involved in lead mining. However, it wasn’t until 1815, when the noted British civil engineer **Thomas Telford** constructed **the “Waterloo Bridge”** across the **River Conwy** to carry the A5 trunk road — the primary mail route between London and Holyhead, Wales, for the ferries to Ireland — that Betwys became a growing village easily reached from afar. **The A5 — the Holyhead Road — is the main street of Betws-y-Coed**, and the main street of Snowdonia National Park. Betws is the eastern gateway to the park. The A5 follows the River Llugwy west to **Capel Curig** then northwest over a pass before descending to Bangor, the Menai Strait, and Anglesey. Telford’s 1826 Menai bridge — a great British engineering landmark — daringly still suspends the A5 high across the Menai Strait. Betws is laid out along the A5, following River Conwy north and the Llugwy River west with the town center in the flats between the rivers. Numerous stores, hotels, B&Bs, cafés, and restaurants crowd this area, as do 3 parking lots, the train station, and the **golf course**. Betws is mid-way along **the Conwy Valley Line** secondary branch. **Betws train station** sees passenger trains 4-6 times a day (about every three hours) north to **Llandudno Junction** (by Conwy) and south to **Blaenau Ffestiniog**. The **Conwy Valley Railway Museum**, which operates a miniature steam railway, is opposite the Betws-y-Coed station. West of Betws the Llugwy is wild, with sections of rapids, especially the dramatic **Swallow Falls** two miles west of town. Similarly, the River Conwy follows a scenic, twisting route from its headwaters east of Blaenau Ffestiniog, especially 2-3 miles southeast of Betws where the scenery takes on a mystical Welsh aspect in places like **Fairy Glen**, **Fairy Falls**, **Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd waterfall**, and the **“Roman Bridge”** and vestigial **Roman road** at the remote hamlet of **Penmachno**. [![Betws-y-Coed Snowdonia — Footbridge at Swallow Falls. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Betwys-y-Coed-Footbridge-at-Swallow-Falls-101003-R1-028-12A-667x452-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Betws-y-Coed Snowdonia — Footbridge at Swallow Falls. You can walk here and on many other trails from Home At First's Wales vacation cottages in Betws-y-Coed. Photo © Home At First.")](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Betwys-y-Coed-Footbridge-at-Swallow-Falls-101003-R1-028-12A-667x452-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS RIVER LLUGWY AT SWALLOW FALLS. **ACTIVITIES & TOURING:** There is much to do in Northwest Wales: walking & hiking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, mountaineering, riding tourist passenger railways, exploring medieval castles, and playing golf lead the list. As a touring base, Northwest Wales offers great landscapes (high mountains rising from the seacoast), great density of historic sites (especially medieval castles), and undiscovered villages that have preserved rich Welsh heritage, food, and language. Here’s a partial list of driveable destinations: • London Heathrow Airport: 4½ hrs. SE • Manchester Airport: 2 hrs. ENE • Ffestiniog steam tourist railway: 20 min. (car) or 26 min. (rail) SW • Zip World Slate Caverns adventure park, Blaenau Ffestiniog: 20 min. SW • Portmeirion Italianate village: 40 min. SW • Harlech (for Harlech Castle & Royal St David’s Golf Club): 45 min. SW • Talyllyn Railway steam tourist trains: 85 min. SSW • Porthmadog — Welsh Highland Railway station: 40 min. SW • Bala Lake steam tourist railway: 50 min. SSE • National White Water Centre — rafting & canyoning: 35 min. SSE • Llangollen Railway Station — steam heritage railway: 1 hr. E • Pontcysyllte Canal Aqueduct — amazing World Heritage Site: 1 hr. E • Ruthin: historic town with half-timbered buildings, craft center: 40 min. E • Chester medieval walled city: 85 min. E • Llandudno Victorian seaside resort town: 40 min. (car); 63 min. (rail) N • Conwy World Heritage Castle & town: 40 min. (car); or 60 min. (rail) N • Maesdu Golf Club links: 35 min (car); or 60 min. (rail) N • Menai Suspension Bridge, Menai Strait: 40 min. NW • Beaumaris World Heritage Castle, Beaumaris, Anglesey: 45 min. NW • **Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch**e, Anglesey — longest British railway station name: 40 min. NW • Holyhead, Anglesey — ferry port for Dublin, Ireland: 60 min. NW • Caernarfon Castle World Heritage Site: 45 min. WNW • Caernarfon — Welsh Highland Railway station: 45 min. WNW • Pen-y-Pass car park for Mt Snowdon trailhead access: 20 min. W • Llanberis: for Llanberis Lake Rwy, Snowdon Mt. Rwy, & Dolbadarn Castle: 30 min. W • Castell Cricieth, Cricieth on Ceredigion Bay: 50 min. WSW • Nefyn & District Golf Club links, Llyn Peninsula: 80 min. WSW Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Betws-y-Coed is a friendly, happy, and welcoming Welsh village to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to find some of Britain’s best-kept secrets. --- #### **IN llangattock, powys** **brecon beacons national park** **SOUTHERN MID-WALES** - ![Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse - exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-Usk-Valley-Townhouse-exterior-260313-1864-667x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse - exterior. Photo copyright Home At First.")Usk Valley Townhouse (blue door) is a classic Welsh townhouse in a traditional & charming Mid-Wales village. - ![Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse - Kitchen with garden terrace access. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-Usk-Valley-Townhouse-Kitchen-with-garden-terrace-access-260313-1856-667x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse - Kitchen with garden terrace access. Photo copyright Home At First.")Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse – handsome, well-equipped kitchen with garden terrace access. - ![Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse — dining room set for 8. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-UskValley-Townhouse-Dining-room-set-for-8-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse — dining room set for 8. Photo courtesy the owners.")Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse sleeps 4-5 but has a lovely dining room service for 8. - ![The Usk Valley Townhouse features a comfortably furnished living room with working fireplace and large flat-screen TV (not shown). Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-Usk-Valley-Townhouse-Living-room-with-working-fireplace-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "The Usk Valley Townhouse features a comfortably furnished living room with working fireplace and large flat-screen TV (not shown). Photo courtesy the owners.")The Usk Valley Townhouse features a comfortably furnished living room with working fireplace. - ![Usk Valley Townhouse — double bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-Usk-Valley-Townhouse-double-bedroom-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Usk Valley Townhouse — double bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.")The Usk Valley Townhouse has 2 bedrooms and a single loft bed. This is the elegant double bedroom. - ![Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse - twin bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-Usk-Valley-Townhouse-twin-bedroom-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse - twin bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.")The second bedroom at the Usk Valley Townhouse is a twin bedroom. - ![Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse — garden dining table with umbrella. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-UskValley-Townhouse-garden-dining-table-with-umbrella-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Llangattock: Usk Valley Townhouse — garden dining table with umbrella. Photo courtesy the owners.")Enjoy outdoor dining at the Usk Valley Townhouse using the garden dining table with umbrella. - ![Llangattock village with Crickhowell. Photo Philip Halling Llangattock Church CC BY-SA 2.0.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-village-with-Crickhowell-667x500-72dpi-Photo-Philip-Halling-Llangattock-Church-CC-BY-SA-2.0.jpg "Llangattock village with Crickhowell. Photo Philip Halling Llangattock Church CC BY-SA 2.0.")Llangattock village with Crickhowell in the distance. Photo Philip Halling – CC BY-SA 2.0. usk valley townhouse **In Llangattock village across River Usk from Crickhowell, between the high Black Mountains & the higher Brecon Beacons.** **USK VALLEY TOWNHOUSE:** This handsome, well-equipped, 2-bedroom townhouse sleeps four in comfort. Located on a narrow side street in **Llangattock village**, this charming stone house was formerly an inn (pub) with a notorious innkeeper. But that sordid chapter ended 150 years ago. Today, Llangattock is a quiet, peaceful satellite of the busy town of **Crickhowell** across the **River Usk** a mile to the northeast. **Upstairs**, the two-story lodging has two bedrooms with garden views — one with a king-size bed, and one with twin beds — and the bathroom with tub/shower. **Downstairs**, comfortable, overstuffed furniture enhances the sunken living room (working wood stove; flat-screen TV). A modern, fully-equipped kitchen (gas range, electric oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, & clothes washer) opens onto a large dining room that seats up to 8 persons. The kitchen’s back door opens to the enclosed garden, where a table for four invites breakfast or dinner during fine weather. The lodging has free WIFI, and decent cell phone reception. Walled off-street **parking** is about fifty yards from the townhouse’s front door. **THE VILLAGE OF LLANGATTOCK:** **Llangattock** — population under 700 persons — is classically Welsh: prim, tidy, modest, and quiet. The village occupies a broad space in the Usk Valley extending from the southwestern bank of the **River Usk** gradually uphill to the historic **Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal**. The lower part of the village — where Usk Valley Townhouse is located — is the older portion, and dates at least from the early Middle Ages. The tower of **St. Catwg’s Church** — 100 yards from Usk Valley Townhouse — was built during the reign of **King Stephen** (1135-54), grandson of **William the Conqueror**. St. Catwg himself may have been Llangattock’s first recorded resident when he established a cell here early in the 6th century. Many legends are tied to Catwg, including associations with **King Arthur** and the **Holy Grail**. Llangattock has a neighborhood pub/restaurant (**The Horse Shoe Inn**) a couple of minutes walk from the Usk Valley Townhouse, and two fancier restaurants: the posh 16th century **Old Rectory Country Hotel** (also near the Usk Valley Townhouse), and the snazzy **Vine Tree**, an updated 19th century coaching inn along the River Usk near the Crickhowell bridge. Several more restaurants, a fine local grocery, a convenience store, and numerous other shops and services are a mile away from Llangattock, across the bridge in Crickhowell. ![Llangattock village with Crickhowell. Home At First has several Wales vacation cottages in this part of Mid-Wales. Photo Philip Halling Llangattock Church CC BY-SA 2.0.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Llangattock-village-with-Crickhowell-667x500-72dpi-Photo-Philip-Halling-Llangattock-Church-CC-BY-SA-2.0.jpg "Llangattock village with Crickhowell. Home At First has several Wales vacation cottages in this part of Mid-Wales. Photo Philip Halling Llangattock Church CC BY-SA 2.0.") LOOKING NORTH ACROSS LLANGATTOCK TO CRICKHOWELL & THE BLACK MTS. **THE LOCATION:** The Usk Valley at Llangattock separates the two primary mountain ranges of Mid-Wales. Rising quickly south and west of the village are the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, with the Llangattock Mountain elevating 400m (a quarter-mile) up the **Llangattock Escarpment** to the **Llangattock Plateau**. Across the River Usk, the land elevates again, as the **Black Mountains** ascend north of Crickhowell as high as 800m (2,625′). The Usk Valley separates these two ranges of mountains from **Abergavenny** 7.5 miles SE of Llangattock), to **Brecon** 15.25 miles NW of Llangattock. Abergavenny is a large market town and the southeastern gateway to Mid-Wales and the Brecon Beacons. Just 15min by car from Llangattock, Abergavenny offers major regional services: shopping centers, supermarkets, a hospital, even a train station. Abergavenny is also the access point for motorways to **South Wales** (including **Cardiff**), the **Welsh Marches** (borderlands with England, including the **Wye Valley**), and across the broad **Severn River** to **England (Bristol, Bath, and the Southern Cotswolds)**. Brecon is a the regional market town in the center of Brecon Beacons National Park, and as rural in character as Abergavenny is urbane. Like Abergavenny, Brecon has a noted food culture, with good restaurants and an annual food festival. Its covered **market hall** is open 5 days a week and regularly hosts farmers’ markets and craft fairs. But the big attractions are **the highest mountains of the Beacons** which begin their climbs just south of Brecon. Because the town draws many visitors for hiking, and other outdoor activities, it has several **specialty shops and outfitters**. South of the Brecon Beacons Mid-Wales ends and **South Wales** begins. In this region a series of parallel north-south valleys (**“The Valleys”**) have played an oversized role in the history of Wales. It was here in the 18th and 19th centuries that iron and coal deposits combined with relatively short transportation routes created one of the earliest centers of the **Industrial Revolution**. Great wealth was mined, processed, and transported in this region, but with the wealth came many of the ills of industrialization: poverty, disease, and civil strife. The historic and social legacy of The Valleys can be experienced at **Blaenavon** where a **World Heritage Centre**, the **Big Pit Coal Museum**, the **Blaenavon Ironworks**, and the **Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway** tourist line provide an excellent, albeit somewhat sanitized, overview. **ACTIVITIES & TOURING:** Llangattock, Crickhowell, and vicinity offer much to do: horseback riding, walking & hiking, kayaking, mountain biking & road cycling, and golf lead the list. Visitors find Llangattock & Crickhowell centrally located: ideal for scenic and cultural touring. As a touring base, Llangattock offers excellent day-trip coverage of much of Mid-Wales and South Wales, plus western England including Bristol, Bath, and the Cotswolds. Here’s a partial list of driveable destinations: • London Heathrow Airport: 2¾ hrs. ESE • Manchester Airport: 3 hrs. NNE • St David’s, Pembrokeshire, on the west coast: 2½ hrs. W • Burton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds, England: 1¾ hrs. E • Bath Spa, England: 1½ hrs. SE • Tintern Abbey, Wye Valley (romantic medieval ruin): 50 min. SE • Raglan Castle (impressive medieval ruin): 25 min. SE • Abergavenny (large town, east edge of Brecon Beacons): 16 min. ESE • Monmouthshire Golf Club: 20 min. SE • Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club: 40 min. SSE • Hay-on-Wye (NE gateway town to Brecon Beacons N.P.): 38 min. N • Blaenavon World Heritage town (early Industrial Age): 25 min. SSE • Caerphilly Castle: 50 min. SSW • Cardiff Castle: 55 min. S • Royal Porthcawl Golf Club (#1 links in Wales): 80 min. SW • Brecon Mountain steam tourist railway: 25 min. SW • Brecon (market town in central Brecon Beacons N.P.): 25 min. NW Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Llangattock & Crickhowell are friendly, happy, and welcoming Welsh hometowns to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to find some of Britain’s best-kept secrets. --- #### **JUST OUTSIDE HAY-ON-WYE** **herefordshire, england** **EASTERN MID-WALES BORDER** - ![Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apt. - Bathroom with power-shower. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Apt-Bathroom-with-power-shower-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apt. - Bathroom with power-shower. Photo courtesy the owners.")Both Wye River Farm Cottage apartments have bathrooms with power-showers. - ![Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apt. — Double bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Apt-Double-bedroom-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apt. — Double bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.")Wye River Farm Cottage Upper Apartment’s king-sized double bedroom. - ![Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage — exterior showing apartment entries and stairs. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Exterior-showing-apt.-entries-and-stairs-terrace-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage — exterior showing apartment entries and stairs. Photo courtesy the owners.")Cottage exterior showing both apartment entries & stairs. Parking is across from the apartment. - ![Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apartment — furnished upper level terrace. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Apt-Furnished-upper-level-terrace-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apartment — furnished upper level terrace. Photo courtesy the owners.")The Upper Apartment’s furnished terrace patio overlooks farm fields and sheep pastures. - ![Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apartment — living area with TV. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Apt-Living-area-with-TV-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apartment — living area with TV. Photo courtesy the owners.")The Upper Apartment’s living area with TV is perfect for two persons. - ![Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apartment — open-plan kitchen-living-dining area. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Apt-Open-plan-kitchen-living-dining-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Hay-on-Wye: Wye River Farm Cottage Apartment — open-plan kitchen-living-dining area. Photo courtesy the owners.")The Upper Apartment’s open-plan kitchen-living-dining area provides plenty of usable space. - ![Wye River Farm Cottage Lower Apartment: king bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Lower-Apt-King-bedroom-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Wye River Farm Cottage Lower Apartment: king bedroom. Photo courtesy the owners.")Wye River Farm Cottage Lower Apartment: king bedroom. This apartment has no stairs. - ![Wye River Farm Cottage Lower Apartment: kitchen with dining area. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-Wye-River-Farm-Cottage-Lower-Apt-Kitchen-dining-667x500-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Wye River Farm Cottage Lower Apartment: kitchen with dining area. Photo courtesy the owners.")Attractive, well-equipped, eat-in kitchen in the Lower Apartment. wye river farm COTTAGE apartmentS **On the English side of the River Wye 1km — 2min by car; 13min walking — north of Hay-on-Wye Wales.** **WYE RIVER FARM COTTAGE APARTMENTS** are **two stylish, one-bedroom apartments in a converted two-story barn**: one on the ground floor; one on the upper floor. Each apartment sleeps 1-2 persons comfortably in contemporary style. Both apartments have king beds, tiled bathrooms with showers, kitchens well-equipped with electric oven & range, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and clothes washer/dryer. Private parking is by the cottage. Free WIFI is included. Cell reception is admittedly somewhat “iffy”. Neither apartment accepts pets or permits smoking. **The owner/hosts** live next door in their large farmhouse. They take an active interest in their guests and are happy to make recommendations for activities, restaurants, day-trips, and shopping. The **ground floor apartment** is accessed through a front door. The living room includes a wood-burning stove and flat-screen TV. French doors from the living room open onto a private furnished patio with BBQ. The **upper floor apartment** is accessed by an uncovered flight of stone stairs that lead to the entry door and the furnished patio/terrace with BBQ. Whenever necessary, heat is supplied by electric heaters. **THE COTTAGE’S SETTING:** Wales is not all mountains, valleys, seacoasts, and mining & manufacturing. Wales is still remarkably agricultural, and its arable land is a patchwork of small, family farms. Dairy, sheep, and beef cattle are the focus of the agricultural economy, with organic farming a growing segment of Welsh agronomy. As it meanders across Mid-Wales and western England, **the Wye River** basin is largely agricultural country on both sides of the border. **Home At First’s Wye River Farm Cottage** is situated on a small farm in a pretty setting on the banks of the Wye River on the English side of the border one kilometer outside of Hay-on-Wye. The farm raises organic produce, sheep, and free-range ducks & chickens for eggs. Guests can purchase fresh farm produce from their hosts, if they wish. The nearest grocery store is on the way to Hay, a 1-minute drive or 6-minute walk. The nearest restaurants are in Hay, 2-minutes by car or 12-minutes walk along the riverside trail. En route you cross the border into Wales. ![It's easy to get lost in the maze of alleys in Hay-on-Wye. Home At First offers Wales vacation cottages in this quirky Mid-Wales town. Visit Wales Photo - Crown Copyright Licencing Agreement.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Hay-on-Wye-lost-in-the-maze-of-alleys-in-Hay-667x453-72dpi-Visit-Wales-Photo-SVW-C08-1718-0246-Crown-Copyright-Licencing-Agreement.jpg "It's easy to get lost in the maze of alleys in Hay-on-Wye. Home At First offers Wales vacation cottages in this quirky Mid-Wales town. Visit Wales Photo - Crown Copyright Licencing Agreement.") Getting lost in the maze of alleys is part of the fun of visiting Hay-on-Wye. **HAY-ON-WYE:** **Hay-on-Wye (or, just Hay)** — population about 1,600 persons — is a small town with an outsized history. Its first recorded mention coincided with the arrival of the **Normans** shortly after The Conquest. Its strategic placement where the **Black Mountains** descend to the **River Wye** at **the Wales-England border** made Hay a logical setting for a castle, or two. The Normans never missed an opportunity to build castles, and two separate fortresses were built in Hay as early as 1070. Whatever remains of one now lies buried under a parking lot along the river. But significant remains of the other castle — including what might be the original 1070 AD tower, the oldest in Wales — still dominate the southern leg of the triangular town of Hay-on-Wye. The other two sides of Hay’s triangle are water barriers: the Wye forms the left leg, and the right leg is **Dulas Brook** — the border with England for about 5 miles southeast. With water barriers on two sides of the town and a fortress blocking the only land approach, Hay was hemmed in and well defended. It needed to be. From the arrival of the Normans through the War of the Roses — some 400 years — battles ebbed and flowed in and around Hay, as Welsh fought Normans, Barons fought each other, and, finally, Lancastrians fought Yorkists. At least once (1231) Hay was burned and rebuilt. Today, Hay, still built on a meandering street plan of a fortified medieval village, has some 150 listed historic buildings, including **Hay Castle** and numerous market buildings dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. Visitors find Hay easy to become lost in despite its small size. In the 20th century Hay became **“the town of books”**, with many of the shops inside the village triangle being taken over by booksellers. In 1977, one of these, **Richard Booth**, sought to bring attention to Hay-on-Wye by declaring independence from the United Kingdom and establishing **the Kingdom of Hay** with himself as king. The stunt went viral, and the world flocked to Hay. The town’s eccentric focus on books and reading caught the public fancy. Two major annual festivals were established for spring. The **HowTheLightGetsIn festival** of philosophy and music happens each May. The literary-cum-all-things-intellectual **Hay Festival** draws participants from all over the world for two weeks at the cusp of each May/June. After he attended, **President Bill Clinton** called the Hay Festival famously called the “Woodstock of the mind”. Hay-on-Wye is at the northeastern corner of **Brecon Beacons National Park**. South and west of Hay-on-Wye rise two mountain ranges (the **Black Mountains** and **the Brecon Beacons**), a region of challenging hills, wild, whitewater rivers, and delicious scenery, with few villages to interrupt the wilderness. Two other towns of size are in the National Park region. About 30min drive southwest is the market town of **Brecon** near the center of the National Park. Some 45min drive south leads to the large town of **Abergavenny** on the park’s eastern edge. **ACTIVITIES & TOURING:** There is much to do around Hay-on-Wye: horseback riding, walking & hiking, kayaking, cycling, horseback riding, and golf lead the list. Many guests choose Hay for their holiday because of its border-straddling location offering excellent day-trip touring across much of Wales plus western England as far as Shakespeare country and the northern Cotswolds. Here’s a partial list of driveable destinations: • London Heathrow Airport: 3-3½ hrs. SE • Manchester Airport: 3 hrs. NE • Aberystwyth on the west coast: 1¾ hrs. NW • Builth Wells Golf Club: 30 min. NW • Chirk Castle & Llangollen canal viaduct & steam railway: 2 hrs. N • Stratford-on-Avon (Shakespeare’s town): 1¾ hrs. E • Chipping Campden, northern Cotswolds: 1¾ hrs. E • Bath Spa, England: 2 hrs. SE • Tintern Abbey (romantic medieval ruin): 80 min. SE • Abergavenny (large town, east edge of Brecon Beacons): 45 min. SE • Monmouthshire Golf Club: 55 min. SE • Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club: 80 min. SE • Crickhowell (town btw the high Beacons & Black Mts.): 35 min. S • Blaenavon World Heritage town (early Industrial Age): 1 hr. S • Caerphilly Castle: 75 min. S • Cardiff Castle: 85 min. S • Brecon Mountain steam tourist railway: 50 min. SW • Brecon (market town in central Brecon Beacons N.P.): 25 min. SW Regardless of whether you stay close to home or choose to day-trip far and wide, Hay is a friendly, happy, and welcoming village to return to, to dine in, to stroll around, and to find some of Britain’s best-kept secrets. --- ### **All regional WALES cottage vacations readily combine with all other Home At First destinations in Wales, England, Scotland, & Ireland as well as most Home At First European destinations.** #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ###### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ##### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg "London: Tower Bridge") ##### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ##### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ##### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage 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Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ##### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ##### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ##### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney 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view")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [wales package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/wales-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Lakeside Locations in Italian Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/) **Published:** July 29, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip 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](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino "italian switzerland") ticino – best of 2 cultures ###### [— **matterhorn &** **zermatt** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) iconic switzerland ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### MARKET DAY IN LOCARNO’S OLD CITY. HOME AT FIRST’S ITALIAN SWITZERLAND LODGINGS IN LOCARNO ARE AS CLOSE AS 1-MINUTE’S WALK FROM HERE AND ARE CONVENIENT TO SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, CAFES, CULTURE, HISTORY, & TRANSPORTATION. LAKE MAGGIORE IS 5-MINUTES’ WALK AWAY. THE NEAREST MOUNTAIN TOP — CIMETTA 5,480′ — IS ABOUT 40 MINUTES ABOVE, VIA CABLEWAYS THAT BEGIN JUST 3-MINUTES’ WALK FROM HERE. #### Discover the best of two cultures in # TICINO – ITALIAN SWITZERLAND ### **In Ticino — Italian Switzerland — visitors discover the surprising Italian-speaking south of Switzerland, separated from the German-speaking north by the snowcapped Alps and sharing an international border with northern Italy. Here the alpine beauty and reliable order of Switzerland meets the Italian charms of Lombardy and Piedmont, especially along shared Lake Maggiore. Imagine the possibilities of the melding of Swiss scenery, Italian cuisine, Swiss quality, Italian fashion, and a climate ranging from Mediterranean to alpine.** **Home At First’s Ticino — Italian Switzerland Region of Switzerland** is the southernmost region of Switzerland bordered on the north by the Lepontine Alps and on the south by the lakes of Maggiore, Lugano, and Como. Several steep north-south river valleys carry the melting snows and glaciers of the Alps on a rapid 2-mile descent to the lakes. While upper Ticino is characterized by rugged, narrow river valleys dropping away from the high Alps, sunny lower Ticino has a different variety of geography: mountains, lakes, and plains, deltas. Upper Ticino is covered with steep chestnut forests, while lower Ticino is arable: planted with corn, wheat, fruit trees, and — importantly for this region — grapes. Ticino is justifiably proud of its Merlot and White Merlot wines — among the best produced in Switzerland. Ticino’s wines happen to accompany its other major native cuisine components: bread, salami and other dried meats, and mountain cheese. The best place to enjoy the food and wine of Ticino is in a *grotto* (rustic tavern). Dining in Italian Switzerland offers much more than Ticinese cuisine. *Ristorantes*, *tavernas*, and *osterias* throughout the canton offer traditional Italian dishes as well as German-Swiss favorites, ensuring that visitors have a broad, varied choice. - ![Ascona waterfront on Lake Maggiore](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Ascona-waterfront-280717-5073-2000x1183-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Ascona waterfront - Photo copyright Home At First")Ascona waterfront on Lake Maggiore. Palm trees advertise the Mediterranean climate of sub-alpine Ticino. Life’s pace here is relaxed. History, culture, food, and art are constants in Ascona’s Borgo old town. - ![Bavona Valley - Post Bus at San Carlo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Bavona-Valley-Post-Bus-at-San-Carlo-1747x1176-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First001-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Bavona Valley - Post Bus at San Carlo - Photo copyright Home At First")Bavona Valley – Post Bus at San Carlo. At the foot of the Robiei hydro power complex, San Carlo is the only village in the rugged, rural Bavona Valley that has electricity. - ![Ticino - Bellinzona - Castello Montebello from Castello Grande](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Bellinzona-Castello-Montebello-from-Castello-Grande-1758x1168-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First001-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Bellinzona - Castello Montebello from Castello Grande - Photo copyright Home At First")World Heritage Sites in Bellinzona, Ticino’s Capital: Castello Montebello viewed from Castello Grande. Historic Bellinzona has been a critical crossroads of alpine commerce since Roman times, or earlier. - ![Ticino - Colorful Ascona balconies](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Colorful-Ascona-balconies-280717-5115-2000x1284-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Colorful Ascona balconies - Photo copyright Home At First")Colorful Italianate balconies in Ascona tell you you are in Italian Switzerland. - ![Ticino - Gelateria selection](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Gelateria-selection-040919-1845-1248x967-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Gelateria selection - Photo copyright Home At First")Gelato! - ![Ticino - Grotto in Ascona old town](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Grotto-in-Ascona-old-town-040716-1454-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Grotto in Ascona old town - Photo copyright Home At First")Grotto in old town Ascona. Grottoes are rustic taverns serving local specialties: typically salamis, cheeses, bread, and wine in traditional, informal settings. Watch for them! - ![Ticino - Hiking Signs at Ascona Debarcadero](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Hiking-Signs-at-Ascona-Debarcadero-cutout-280717-5087-2000x1288-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Hiking Signs at Ascona Debarcadero - Photo copyright Home At First")Hiking signs at Ascona — marking the lowest altitude in Switzerland: 196m (643′). From here you can trace the Maggia River northwest 30 miles to reach its source at the Basòdino Glacier nearly 2 miles (10,000′) higher. - ![Ticino - Local specialty sandwiches](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Local-specialty-sandwiches-040919-1846-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Local specialty sandwiches - Photo copyright Home At First")Tempting sandwiches filled with Ticinese salami and cheese on Ticinese bread. Such local delicacies make it difficult not to gain weight when visiting Italian Switzerland. - ![Ticino - Locarno - MS Milano passenger ferry moored at Locarno Debarcadero](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Locarno-MS-Milano-passenger-ferry-moored-at-Locarno-Debarcadero-030716-1407-2000x1072-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Locarno - MS Milano passenger ferry moored at Locarno Debarcadero - Photo copyright Home At First")The Italian lakeboat MS Milano readying for passengers at Locarno Debarcadero. Passenger boats depart Locarno for other points in Switzerland and Italy, including the exotic gardens of the Isle of Brissago (Switzerland) and the Italian market towns of Luino and Cannobio. - ![Ticino - Locarno - Piazza Sant'Antonio with namesake church](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Locarno-Piazza-SantAntonio-w.-namesake-church-030716-1358-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Locarno - Piazza Sant'Antonio with namesake church - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno old town — Piazza Sant’Antonio with its namesake church dating from the 14th century. Città Vecchia (Old Town) Locarno has considerable medieval architecture along its narrow streets and squares, and is largely traffic-free. With many shops, cafés, and restaurants, Città Vecchia is delightful for strolling. - ![Ticino - Lord Byron hydrofoil approaching Ascona quay](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Lord-Byron-hydrofoil-approaching-Ascona-040716-1442-2000x1064-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Lord Byron hydrofoil approaching Ascona - Photo copyright Home At First")The Lord Byron fast hydrofoil ferry approaching Ascona after crossing the length of Lake Maggiore in 90 minutes making possible day trips to the Borromean Islands and the resort town of Stresa in the Italian portion of the lake. - ![Ticino - Muralto waterfront on Lake Maggiore](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Muralto-waterfront-on-Lake-Maggiore-030716-1379-2000x1188-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Muralto waterfront on Lake Maggiore - Photo copyright Home At First")The waterfront at Muralto just east of Locarno. The Swiss portion of Maggiore is the upper one-sixth of the lake. An idyllic walkway follows the lake shore, inviting leisurely strolling. - ![Ticino - Swiss postal bus departing Muralto and entering Locarno.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Postal-bus-departingMuralto-entering-Locarno-040919-1550-2000x1254-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Ticino - Swiss postal bus departing Muralto and entering Locarno - Photo copyright Home At First")Swiss postal bus leaving Muralto after departing the Locarno train and bus station. Swiss postal buses take passengers places where trains and boats cannot go, including areas of outstanding beauty in the high, rugged, remote valleys north and west of Locarno. - ![Ticino wine shop specials](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Ticino-wine-shop-specials-040716-1462-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino wine shop specials - Photo copyright Home At First")Ticino wine shop specials, including local Merlot. Because almost all Swiss wine is consumed in Switzerland, you should try Merlot del Ticino in Italian Switzerland and not expect to find it at your wine shops back home. - ![Ticino - TILO S20 regional train arriving in Locarno](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-TILO-S20-regional-train-arriving-in-Locarno-040919-1540-2000x1124-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - TILO S20 regional train arriving in Locarno - Photo copyright Home At First")TILO S20 regional train arriving in Locarno. Journey times to Lugano, Milan, and Milan’s Malpensa International Airport have been significantly shortened with the completion of the Ceneri Base Tunnel between Locarno/Bellinzona and Lugano. - ![Ticino - Verzasca Valley - Sonogno](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Verzasca-Valley-Sonogno-131094-1758x1175-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First001-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Verzasca Valley - Sonogno - Photo copyright Home At First001")Rustic, charming Sonogno village in the remote upper Verzasca Valley reached by a scenic postal bus trip from Locarno. Visit the valley museum & stop for a Ticinese lunch. - ![Ticino - Verzasca Valley - Twin Arched Bridge at Lavertezzo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Verzasca-Valley-Twin-Arched-Bridge-at-Lavertezzo-1188x744-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Verzasca Valley - Twin Arched Bridge at Lavertezzo - Photo copyright Home At First")The romantic, twin-arched Ponte dei Salti stone bridge carries hikers across the Verzasca River at Lavertezzo. On warm summer days the daring few jump from the bridge into the ice-clear rushing river. - ![Ticino - Verzasca Valley swing bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Verzasca-Valley-swing-bridge-101003-R3-014-5A-1536x1037-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Verzasca Valley swing bridge - Photo copyright Home At First")Another hikers’ bridge in the Verzasca Valley — this one of the suspension variety. Hiking from Sonogno down the Verzasca Valley can be done in longer or shorter segments, thanks to the availability of postal bus stops along the hiking route. - ![Ticino - Zeling Milano fashion shop on Locarno's Piazza Grande](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Zeling-Milano-fashion-shop-Piazza-Grande-040919-1563-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "Ticino - Zeling Milano fashion shop Piazza Grande - Photo copyright Home At First")Italian fashions fill numerous boutiques in Locarno and Lugano as well as in easily-reached, nearby Italian towns like Luino, where similar fashions may cost less because of the favorable euro/Swiss franc exchange rate. **Ticinese Cuisine** **—** At the intersection of northern Italy and German Switzerland, Ticino — Italian Switzerland — not surprisingly, produces foods influenced by the cuisine of both cultures. In Ticino — Italian Switzerland — expect lots of dried cured meats, especially salamis. Expect mountain cheese, too, from small artisanal dairy farms in the alpine heights of northern Ticino. Pizza? Everywhere in the region. Beer? You bet. Breads & rolls of all kinds? Pasta? Noodles? Veal? Of course. And for dessert gelato, pastries, confections, and, always, chocolate. The coffee is excellent, and comes as *milchkaffee* (latte), espresso, or cappuccino, accompanied with or without *schnapps* or *grappa*. But the best-kept-secret of Ticino cuisine may well be its original, prize-winning local wines, especially *Merlot del Ticino*, the complex red that comprises about 80% of the wine produced in the canton. Because the Swiss consume nearly 100% of their wine production themselves and export virtually none, you have probably never heard of Merlot del Ticino that accompanies beautifully so much of Italian-Swiss cuisine, or the rare, delicious *Bianco di Merlot Ticino* (white Merlot) aperitif/dessert wine. Ticino — Italian Switzerland — is a region full of delightful surprises, perhaps perfectly exemplified by its broad, varied, natural cuisine. ![Ticino - Italian Switzerland - Ripe Wine Grapes on the vine](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Ripe-Wine-Grapes-on-the-vine-030311-0006-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-224x300.jpg) ONE OF TICINO’S BEST-KEPT-SECRETS COMES IN BUNCHES & BOTTLES --- ### Home At First’s Ticino — Italian Switzerland How it Works: Locations & Lodgings ![Ticino - Italian Switzerland - Window shopping in Ascona's Borgo old town](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-Window-shopping-in-Ascona-Borgo-old-town-040716-1456-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) WINDOW SHOPPING IN ASCONA’S BORGO OLD TOWN. HOME AT FIRST’S LODGINGS IN ITALIAN SWITZERLAND ARE FOUND IN LOCATIONS CONVENIENT TO SHOPPING, CULTURE, HISTORY, AND TRANSPORTATION. ****Explore Ticino and parts of Northern Italy from your own vacation apartment in Italian Switzerland.** Home At First** guests in Ticino — Italian Switzerland — have their own apartments in the historic small city of Locarno or in neighboring satellite communities, especially: Ascona, Minusio, and Muralto. Located in the middle of Ticino — Italian Switzerland — these lodgings make excellent bases for exploring Italian Switzerland and beyond into portions of northern Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. Equipped with our exclusive ***New Swiss Dream Book*** activity guide and using the regional ***Ticino Pass*** or the (extra-cost) national **Swiss Travel Pass** — valid, respectively, for transport throughout Ticino or all of Switzerland on intercity trains, postal buses, city transit, even some lake boats, as you explore Switzerland independently, taking day-trips throughout Italian Switzerland and even into areas of northern Italy, returning to your cozy Ticino apartment each evening. Our Locarno-area lodgings are in convenient locations you will quickly feel at home in, where you will happily return after each day’s adventures. **Where are the apartments? What are they like?** **Home At First’s** vacation apartments in Ticino — Italian Switzerland — are located in **Locarno**‘s historic ***città vecchia*** old town as well as in **Locarno**‘s modern ***nuovo quartiere*** (new town), and in neighboring satellite communities, especially: **Ascona**, **Minusio**, and **Muralto**. All locations are urban, near stores, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping, cafés, and public transport: trains, buses, and within walking distance of Lake Maggiore passenger boats landings. All **Home At First** Ticino — Italian Switzerland — apartments have **English-speaking hosts** either on-site or available nearby for questions, information, recommendations, and help should a problem or emergency arise. While all lodging locations share many characteristics, there are some key differences, too. See the following section for a selection of **Home At First** Ticino lodgings and details of their locations. --- ## ticino — ITALIAN SWITZERLAND #### **SAMPLE APARTMENTS & THEIR SETTINGS** ### Detailed descriptions of several of our favorite Italian Switzerland apartments. To see the illustrations in larger format on your PC, “right click” on the image, then click on the “View Image” menu item in Firefox or click on the “Open image in new tab” menu item in Chrome. #### ASCONA ##### borgo ###### Old Town ![Ascona - Italian Switzerland: Borgo View Apartment with Maggiore lakefront. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Ascona-Borgo-View-Apt-with-lakefront-280717-5079-1000x1326-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1672873376863.jpg) Ascona — Home At First’s Borgo View Apartment by the Lake Maggiore harbor. **Home At First**‘s Ascona vacation apartments are in or very near Ascona’s ***Borgo*** old town and the town’s lively, picturesque harbor. The modern apartments sleep from 1 to 6 persons and are well-equipped with appliances, TVs, and WiFi. They are located no more than 10 minutes walk from 2 supermarkets, and are 5-7 minutes walk to transportation. Stores, shops and restaurants are as close as 1-2 walking minutes. Apartments have secure, private entries. Some on upper floors are accessible by elevator. The English-speaking host does not live on site, but is available by telephone during daytime and for emergencies at all times. Laundry services vary from apartment to apartment — please inquire. Ascona’s Borgo old town is 1-2 minutes walk from **Home At First**‘s vacation apartments. Borgo’s **broad promenade** hugs the chestnut-lined harbor and is often busy with strollers and diners at the several café restaurants across from the private boat quays and **the passenger ferry** ***debarcadero***. During the year jazz and rock music festivals as well as Ascona’s October Chestnut Festival draw crowds to this delightful setting. Several narrow alleys wander upwards from the promenade into the historic Borgo, creating a maze of medieval facades housing boutiques, grottoes, specialty shops, some offices, and enviable residences. Two landmarks anchor the Borgo: the 14th century Parish **Church of Saints Peter & Paul**, and the 14th century **Church of S. Maria della Misericordia** on the walled grounds of the ***Collegio Papio***, Ascona’s prime venue of the annual ***Settimane Musicali Ascona*** (Classical Music Weeks). At the top of the hill the Borgo ends and modern Ascona begins. Here are clustered two supermarkets, two banks, several shops, and the post office with its ***Posta*** **bus stop** offering frequent connections to the region’s principal rail station in Locarno-Muralto. --- **Home At First’s ASCONA** **POPULATION: 5,500** **ALTITUDE: 643′** This former fishing village occupies a picturesque setting on Lake Maggiore southwest of Locarno across the delta of the River Maggia. Its medieval Borgo is the charming remnant of the original fishing village, and is largely traffic-free. Outside of Borgo, modern Ascona is a busy semi-urban town and satellite of Locarno. Ascona has nearly all the services visitors might ever require: stores, shops, pharmacies, restaurants, supermarkets, churches, museums, galleries, and transportation. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is 15 minutes away in Locarno. Ascona is connected by public transit — bus and passenger boat — to the regional transportation center at Locarno-Muralto. Boats depart at Ascona’s *Debarcadero* on the Borgo waterfront. Buses depart from Ascona *Posta* bus stop at the upper end of the Borgo. **Home At First**‘s Ascona guests walk 5 minutes to reach the *Debarcadero* quay or the *Posta* stop. Ascona’s long-standing reputation as a resort for the rich and famous still applies. There are high-end shops, expensive art galleries, and exclusive yacht and golf clubs. But Ascona also attracts visitors of all ages and economic stations to enjoy its music and chestnut festivals, and dine in its many café-restaurants and grottoes. The Borgo’s laid-back, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere offers all visitors a peaceful, relaxing stay in a location of uncommon beauty and charm. - ![Ascona - cafe-restaurants on Piazza Giuseppe Motta.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ascona-cafe-restaurants-on-Piazza-Giuseppe-Motta-280717-5096-1333x1811-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Cafe-restaurants on Piazza Giuseppe Motta - Photo copyright Home At First")Lakeside Cafes - ![Ascona - 14th century Church of Saints Peter and Paul.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ascona-Church-of-Sts-Petery-and-Paul-280717-5084-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Ascona - Church of Sts Petery and Paul - Photo copyright Home At First")14th c. Belltower - ![Ascona - Collegio Papio with S. Maria della Misericordia Church,](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ascona-Collegio-Papio-w.-S.-Maria-della-Misericordia-280717-5109-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Ascona - Collegio Papio with S. Maria della Misericordia Church - Photo copyright Home At First")Collegio Papio - ![Ascona - via Borgo shoppers.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ascona-via-Borgo-shoppers-040716-1461-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Ascona - via Borgo shoppers - Photo copyright Home At First")Ascona Shopping - ![Buses waiting at Ascona Post Bus Stop.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Buses-waiting-at-Ascona-Post-Bus-Stop-040716-1409-1333x1842-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Buses waiting at Ascona Post Bus Stop - 040716-1409 - 1333x1842 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Ascona’s Posta Stop --- #### LOCARNO ##### CITTÀ VECCHIA ###### Old CITY - ![Locarno Città Vecchia apartment — Dining & Kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ticino-SubSection-Locarno-Citta-Vecchia-apartment-interior-040919-1795-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Locarno Città Vecchia apartment — Dining & Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Città Vecchia apt. - ![Città Vecchia Apartments - interior courtyard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Citta-Vecchia-Apts-interior-courtyard-040919-1712-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Città Vecchia Apartments - interior courtyard - Photo copyright Home At First")Mediterranean courtyard - ![Home At First Città Vecchia apartment - view looking north up the mountain toward Cardada.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HAF-Citta-Vecchia-apartment-view-looking-north-toward-Cardada-040919-1715-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "HAF Citta Vecchia apartment - view looking north toward Cardada - Photo copyright Home At First")Mountain View - ![Home At First Città Vecchia 1-bedroom apartment — twin bedroom with view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HAF-Citta-Vecchia-2p-apt-twin-bedroom-with-view-040919-1745-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Home At First Città Vecchia 1-bedroom apartment — twin bedroom with view - Photo copyright Home At First")Bedroom with view - ![Home At First 1-bedroom apartment — bathroom with shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HAF-2p-apt-bathroom-w.-shower-040919-1788-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Home At First 1-bedroom apartment — bathroom with shower - Photo copyright Home At First")Bathroom with Shower - ![Home At First 1-bedroom apartment — Kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HAF-2p-apt-kitchen-040919-1791-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Home At First 1-bedroom apartment — Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Well-equipped Kitchen - ![Città Vecchia Apartments - Twin Bedroom 3rd floor with skylight.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Citta-Vecchia-Apts-Twin-Bedroom-3rd-floor-with-skylight-040919-1779-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Città Vecchia Apartments - Twin Bedroom 3rd floor with skylight - Photo copyright Home At First")Bedroom with Skylight - ![Città Vecchia Apartments - Mediterranean courtyard from ground floor patio.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Citta-Vecchia-Apts-Mediterranean-courtyard-from-ground-floor-patio-040919-1769-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-533x800.jpg "Città Vecchia Apartments - Mediterranean courtyard from ground floor patio - Photo copyright Home At First")Ground Floor Patio **Home At First**‘s delightful Città Vecchia vacation apartments are in the heart of Locarno’s ***Città Vecchia*** old city, clustered along a narrow, pedestrians-only street leading uphill from the historic cultural center of Locarno, ***Piazza Grande***. The several apartments sleep 1-4 persons in modern comfort, with modern appliances, TVs, and free WiFi. The apartments occupy 3 floors (no elevator) surrounding an interior courtyard in classical Mediterranean style, planted with palms and lush semi-tropical plants. Apartments have secure, private entry, and entry phones. The concierge office is open throughout the day. The English-speaking hosts live on site and are reachable at most times. The complex has a laundry room available for guest use. An optional breakfast service is available at a neighboring café. One-minute’s walk leads to the city’s great square, Piazza Grande, the site of August’s annual **Locarno Film Festival** and numerous outdoor concerts of all types of music during the year. Lined with arcaded shops, boutiques, pizzerias, café restaurants, and a few hotels, the broad, cobble-stoned piazza extends nearly from Locarno’s transportation center southwest to Locarno’s medieval ***Castello Visconteo***. The castle — already Locarno’s most important historic site — has recently gained international attention when architectural historians suggested that its unusual round tower battlement may have been designed by **Leonardo da Vinci**. Città Vecchia’s convolution of ancient streets harbor three medieval churches. One, the 16th century **Church of San Francesco**, is Locarno’s prime venue of the annual ***Settimane Musicali Ascona*** (Classical Music Weeks held in September/October). Nearby is Locarno’s ***Casa Rusca*** museum of contemporary art. Boutiques, galleries, cafés, and fine restaurants are scattered among Città Vecchia’s warren of alleys. --- ##### **Home At First’s LOCARNO** ###### Old CITY **POPULATION: 15,800** **ALTITUDE: 643′** **CITTÀ VECCHIA** — Lakeside Locarno has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was part of the Roman Empire, and, during the Middle Ages, it was under the control of the feudal church and nobility until becoming part of the original Swiss Confederation in the early 16th century. At this time Locarno — a market town growing in regional importance and influence — extended from the lake shore at Piazza Grande uphill through today’s Città Vecchia. Città Vecchia is connected by public transit from two main bus stops at ***Piazza Castello*** and ***Cinque Vie*** (“5 Points”), offering frequent service to Locarno’s bus-rail-boat transport center as well as city, regional, and Swiss postal bus connections to Ascona and to the fascinating northern and western valleys of the River Maggia and its tributaries. Many **Home At First** guests choose to walk the 10-15 minutes to/from the transport center via the shopping arcades of Piazza Grande, stopping for groceries, take-out food, or a gelato en route. Città Vecchia is the charming remnant of the medieval market town of Locarno, and is largely traffic-free. Beyond Città Vecchia, modern Locarno is a busy small city and regional capital with all the services visitors might ever require. Città Vecchia’s historic, pedestrian-friendly district offers all visitors a peaceful, relaxing stay in a captivating location of cultural importance with superb access to services and transportation for touring throughout Ticino — Italian Switzerland. - ![Città Vecchia alley.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Citta-Vecchia-alley-030716-1369-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Città Vecchia alley - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno Città Vecchia - ![The 16th century baroque New Church of S. Maria Assunta](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/16th-c.-baroque-New-Ch.-of-S.-Maria-Assunta-030716-1354-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "16th c. baroque New Ch. of S. Maria Assunta - Photo copyright Home At First")New Church belltower - ![Sculpture on New Church facade.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sculpture-on-New-Church-facade-030716-1362-1333x1636-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Sculpture on New Church facade - Photo copyright Home At First")New Church facade - ![The possibly da Vinci designed tower of the Castello Visconteo in Locarno's Città Vecchia.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-possible-da-Vinci-designed-tower-of-the-Castello-Visconteo-040919-1631-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "The possible da Vinci designed tower of the Castello Visconteo - Photo copyright Home At First")Da Vinci tower? - ![16th century Church of San Francesco, Locarno Città Vecchia](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Church-of-San-Francesco-040919-1636-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Church of San Francesco - Photo copyright Home At First")San Francesco Church - ![Casa Rusca contemporary art museum in Locarno's Città Vecchia.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Casa-Rusca-contemporary-art-museum-040919-1649-1333x1859-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Casa Rusca contemporary art museum - Photo copyright Home At First")Casa Rusca art museum - ![FLMS funicular Locarno Old City station entry.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/FLMS-funicular-Locarno-station-entry-040919-1546-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "FLMS funicular Locarno station entry - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno’s funicular - ![The Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso, Orselina above Locarno](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sanctuary-of-Madonna-del-Sasso-290717-5146-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso - Photo copyright Home At First")Madonna del Sasso - ![Sunset brings diners to Piazza Grande](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Sunset-brings-diners-to-Piazza-Grande-040919-1559-1333x2000-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Sunset brings diners to Piazza Grande - Photo copyright Home At First")Piazza Grande sunset - ![Diners on Piazza Grande at sunset](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Diners-on-Piazza-Grande-at-sunset-040919-1573-1333x1752-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Diners on Piazza Grande at sunset - Photo copyright Home At First")Piazza Grande diners - ![COOP supermarket Piazza Grande](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COOP-supermarket-Piazza-Grande-040919-1572-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "COOP supermarket Piazza Grande - Photo copyright Home At First")Piazza Grande grocery - ![Shopping in Locarno's open-air market.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Ticino-SubSection-Shopping-at-Open-air-Market-040919-1834-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Ticino SubSection - Shopping at Open-air Market - 040919-1834 - 915x1200 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Piazza Grande market --- #### LOCARNO ##### nuovo quartiere ###### NEW TOWN - ![New Town - Balcony view over Locarno harbor and Muralto to the Verzasca Valley.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Balcony-view-over-Locarno-harbor-and-Muralto-to-Verzasca-040716-1465-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Balcony view over Locarno harbor and Muralto to Verzasca - Photo copyright Home At First")New Town Apartments - ![New Town - Standard Apartment Building.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Standard-Apartment-Building-040716-1470-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Standard Apartment Building - Photo copyright Home At First")More New Town Apts. - ![New Town — Standard Apartment — Dining Table with Balcony Access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Standard-Apt-Dining-Table-w.-Balcony-Access-040716-1466-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Standard Apt Dining Table w. Balcony Access - Photo copyright Home At First")Dining & balcony access - ![New Town - Plus-quality Apartment Building.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Plus-quality-Apartment-Building-040716-1473-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Plus-quality Apartment Building - Photo copyright Home At First")More New Town Apts. - ![New Town - Plus Apartment Dining and Kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Plus-Apartment-Dining-and-Kitchen-040716-1476-1333x1900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Plus Apartment Dining and Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Apartment Interior - ![New Town - Plus Apartment living room & furnished balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Plus-Apartment-living-room-and-furnished-balcony-040716-1475-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Plus Apartment living room and furnished balcony - Photo copyright Home At First")Interior with balcony - ![New Town - Plus Apartment — Balcony with lake view.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Plus-Apartment-Balcony-with-lake-view-040716-1477-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Plus Apartment — Balcony with lake view - Photo copyright Home At First")Balcony & lake view - ![New Town - Plus Apartment — Double Bedroom with Balcony access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Plus-Apartment-Double-Bedroom-with-Balcony-access-040716-1483-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Plus Apartment — Double Bedroom with Balcony access - Photo copyright Home At First")Bedroom & balcony access - ![New Town - Premium Apartment — 2nd Bathroom with shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Premium-Apartment-2nd-Bathroom-with-shower-040716-1488-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Premium Apartment - 2nd Bathroom with shower - Photo copyright Home At First")Multiple bathrooms - ![New Town - Premium Apartment — Living and Dining open space.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Premium-Apartment-Living-and-Dining-open-space-040716-1493-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Premium Apartment — Living and Dining open space - Photo copyright Home At First")Premium Lodgings - ![New Town - Premium Apartment — Living and Dining open space with twin bedroom .](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Premium-Apartment-Living-Dining-Bedroom-040716-1495-1333x1797-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Premium Apartment — Living and Dining open space with twin bedroom - Photo copyright Home At First")Top Quality - ![New Town - Premium Apartment — Twin bedroom with balcony access.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Premium-Apartment-Twin-bedroom-with-balcony-access-040716-1496-1333x1797-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Premium Apartment — Twin bedroom with balcony access - Photo copyright Home At First")Premium Views **Home At First**‘s New Town vacation apartments are in the heart of Locarno’s ***Nuovo Quartiere*** New Town, close to the water’s edge of Lake Maggiore between the passenger boat Debarcadero and Locarno’s extravagant Lido public swimming and recreational facility. The apartments are in three different modern apartment blocks located close together, two 7 stories high, and one 5-stories tall. Each building offers apartments of differing sizes and qualities. All offer east and southeast facing balconies, with at least partial lake views. Two of the buildings are a city block from the lakeshore, their balcony views partially obscured. These two buildings have apartments of basic quality (we call **“standard”**) and better quality (we call **“plus”**), respectively. The third building, one block east with unobscured lake views, offers top-quality apartments (we call **“premium”**). All three apartment buildings offer one and two bedroom apartments. Standard-quality apartments are somewhat smaller than plus and premium apartments, with smaller balconies. Kitchens and bathrooms are good and equipped sufficiently if basically. Plus-quality apartments offer more open-space, larger rooms, even larger, more usable balconies. Premium-apartments are very well appointed, verging on luxury, and feature fine lake views from covered balconies. All apartments have TVs and WiFi. Basic and plus apartments have laundry rooms in the building basements. Premium apartments have laundry facilities in each apartment. All three buildings provide free parking (one space per apartment) for guests with cars. Buildings have secure entrances and elevators. The concierge office is open throughout the day, but is not on-site. The English-speaking hosts are reachable at most times for emergencies. --- **Home At First’s LOCARNO** ###### NEW TOWN **POPULATION: 15,800** **ALTITUDE: 643′** **NUOVO QUARTIERE** — Locarno’s *Nuovo Quartiere* (New Town) largely emerged in the 20th century as the railway and road system brought agricultural prosperity to central Ticino and Locarno’s importance as a commercial center blossomed. Locarno gained international importance in 1925 when 7 agreements known as the Treaties of Locarno helped determine the make-up of post World War I Europe. In the years following the treaties Locarno and Lake Maggiore became vacation destinations for German-speaking Swiss, Germans, Italians, and other Europeans looking for the combination of Mediterranean climate and access to the Alps offered by the central part of Ticino — Italian Switzerland. The Treaties of Locarno are commemorated by the ***Via della Pace*** (Avenue of Peace) that connects New Town with the Piazza Grande. Locarno New Town is connected by public transit from two main bus stops 3-4 minutes waling distance from all three apartment buildings. The ***Via Luini*** and ***Via della Pace*** bus stops offer frequent service to Locarno’s bus-rail-boat transport center as well as city, regional, and Swiss postal bus connections to Ascona and to the fascinating northern and western valleys of the River Maggia and its tributaries and into the Verzasca Valley to the northeast. Many **Home At First** guests choose to walk the 10 minutes to/from the transport center to stop for groceries, take-out food, or a gelato en route. Locarno New Town is a busy mix of residential and commercial buildings, with lots of car traffic and all the services visitors ever need, including a well-respected hospital, numerous grocery stores, shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, cafés, parks, Locarno’s Lido swimming & recreation center, and Locarno’s large casino. - ![New Town — Scooters and Palms.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Scooters-and-Palms-040919-1848-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town — Scooters and Palms - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno New Town - ![New Town — MS Capriolo preparing to sail at Locarno Debarcadero.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-MS-Capriolo-preparing-to-sail-at-Locarno-Debarcadero-290717-5157-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - MS Capriolo preparing to sail at Locarno Debarcadero - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno Debarcadero - ![New Town — Hiker arriving at Locarno transport center.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Hiker-arriving-at-Locarno-transport-center-030716-1372-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Hiker arriving at Locarno transport center - Photo copyright Home At First")Bus & Train Station - ![New Town — Trader at Locarno Thursday market.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Trader-at-Locarno-Thursday-market-040919-1835-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Trader at Locarno Thursday market - Photo copyright Home At First")Open-air Market - ![Locarno — View from Cimetta.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Locarno-View-from-Cimetta-528x1168-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-778x1168.jpg "Locarno — View from Cimetta - Photo copyright Home At First")Locarno’s Mountain - ![New Town - Balcony view over Locarno harbor and Muralto to the Verzasca Valley.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/New-Town-Balcony-view-over-Locarno-harbor-and-Muralto-to-Verzasca-040716-1465-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "New Town - Balcony view over Locarno harbor and Muralto to Verzasca - Photo copyright Home At First")New Town Apartments - ![Locarno — New Town and Debarcadero viewed from Muralto.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Locarno-New-Town-and-Debarcadero-viewed-from-Muralto-766x1150-72di-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-764x1146.jpg "Locarno — New Town and Debarcadero viewed from Muralto - Photo copyright Home At First")New Town Lakefront - ![Locarno — aerial view of Old City and New Town - detail - Photo by Ozonski CC BY 3.0 commons.wikimedia.org](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Locarno-aerial-view-of-Old-City-and-New-Town-detail-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-by-Ozonski-CC-BY-3.0-commons.wikimedia.org_-800x1200.jpg "Locarno — aerial view of Old City and New Town - detail - Photo by Ozonski CC BY 3.0 commons.wikimedia.org")New Town Overview --- #### MURALTO & MINUSIO ###### on lake maggiore - ![Muralto Park Apartment - building exterior.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Muralto-Muralto-Park-Apartment-building-exterior-290717-5182-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Muralto Park Apartment - building exterior - Photo copyright Home At First")Muralto Park Apts. - ![Muralto - Casa Bocolino exterior.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Muralto-Casa-Bocolino-exterior-290717-5130-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Muralto - Casa Bocolino exterior - Photo copyright Home At First")Casa Bocolino Apts. **Home At First**‘s vacation apartments in Muralto & Minusio are at once close to the water’s edge of Lake Maggiore (east of Locarno) and within 5-8 minutes walk of the Locarno transportation center in Muralto. For guests looking for the absolute best public transportation options for touring throughout Ticino and into parts of northern Italy and German-speaking Switzerland, our Muralto & Minusio lodgings are unbeatable. The apartments are in several different modern apartment blocks — see samples in the slide show above. Apartments differ in size and style. Nearly all offer south-facing balconies with at least partial lake views. All apartments have TVs and most have free WiFi. Most apartments have laundry machines or access to laundry rooms in the building basements. Buildings have secure entrances and elevators. Their concierge office in Minusio is open throughout the day. The English-speaking hosts are reachable at most times for emergencies. --- **Home At First’s MURALTO & MINUSIO** ###### on Lake Maggiore **POPULATION: 9,727** **ALTITUDE: 643′** **MURALTO & MINUSIO** are two suburban satellite communities along the north shore of Lake Maggiore just east of Locarno. Muralto is the smaller community and is wedged between Locarno and Minusio. It is home to **Locarno’s transportation center**. The main railway station has frequent **TILO** (TIcino-LOmbardy regional railway) and Swiss Federal Railway train connections to Bellinzona, Biasca, Lugano, Milan, Zürich, Luzern, and Basel. The transport center also has the underground FART (embarrassing acronym for Ticino Regional Railway and Bus Lines) railway station, the eastern terminal of **the extraordinarily scenic Centovalli railway** west from Locarno to Domodossola, Italy. Importantly, the bus platforms at the transportation center offer **frequent city bus and Swiss Postal Bus services** throughout the Locarno district, east to Bellinzona, and into the scenic, remote valleys northeast, west, and northwest of Locarno. Surrounding the transport center are many popular restaurants, cafés, shops, boutiques, and hotels extending into Locarno and to the ***Viale Verbano*** roadway along the shoreline of Lake Maggiore. East of Muralto, the larger Minusio has been a settlement since prehistoric times. Served by frequent buses from the Locarno transport center, its central plaza, ***Minusio Piazza***, has 3 supermarkets and several restaurants. Closer to the lake — reachable via the lovely, tranquil ***Via alla Riva* lakeside walking & cycle path** extension of Muralto’s *Viale Verbano* — the important medieval **Church of San Quirico** — dating from the early 14th century or earlier — contains several frescoes dating from the 13th century onward and is one of the important historic and cultural treasures of Ticino — Italian Switzerland. - ![Minusio - 13th c. church of San Quirico by the lakeshore path.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Minusio-13th-c.-church-of-San-Quirico-by-the-lakeshore-path-030716-1391-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Minusio - 13th c. church of San Quirico by the lakeshore path - Photo copyright Home At First")Minusio: San Quirico - ![Muralto - boats moored on Lake Maggiore.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Muralto-boats-moored-on-Lake-Maggiore-030716-1379-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Muralto - boats moored on Lake Maggiore - Photo copyright Home At First")Muralto: Lake Maggiore - ![Minusio - Piazza Minusio.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Minusio-Piazza-Minusio-290717-5117-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Minusio - Piazza Minusio - Photo copyright Home At First")Piazza Minusio - ![Centovalli train arrival at underground station in Muralto.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Muralto-Centovalli-train-arrival-at-FART-station-040919-1519-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Centovalli train arrival at underground station in Muralto - Photo copyright Home At First")Centovalli train station - ![Swiss Post Bus departing Muralto's transport center.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Muralto-Swiss-Post-Bus-departing-Muralto-station-040919-1547-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Muralto - Swiss Post Bus departing Muralto station - Photo copyright Home At First")Muralto: Post Bus - ![Muralto - TILO S20 train for Biasca boarding at Locarno station.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Muralto-TILO-S20-train-for-Biasca-boarding-at-Locarno-station-040919-1544-1333x2000-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x1200.jpg "Muralto - TILO S20 train for Biasca boarding at Locarno station - Photo copyright Home At First")Muralto: TILO trains --- ### More about Home At First’s Ticino — Italian Switzerland — Lodgings **What are Home At First’s apartments in Italian Switzerland like?** Each is unique. They come in all sizes and shapes. Furnishings range from Italian traditional to modern to eclectic. Some have multiple bedrooms and baths; others may have a single bedroom and bathroom. There are a few studio apartments that provide economic lodging for single travelers. Most apartments have terraces or balconies, some with impressive views of Lake Maggiore. All apartments are secure private quarters with private bathrooms, and all must meet **Home At First** standards of quality and equipment: **•** **HOSTING:** All **Home At First**‘s Ticino apartments have friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, accessible hosts. Hosts may be the lodging owners or their representatives. Some live on-site. Some have offices on-site or nearby. Hosts will welcome you, show you around the apartment, explain its workings, and be on-call if questions, problems, or emergencies arise. **•** **KITCHENS:** Full kitchens or practical kitchenettes (in studio apartments) with at the very least: fridge, coffee maker, tea kettle, stove top range, oven and/or toaster oven and/or microwave. Most have additional counter appliances. Many have dishwashers, and some come equipped with clothes washer/dryers. All kitchen and bath towels & linens provided. **•** **BEDROOMS:** Although some apartments come with queen or king double beds, most bedrooms have twin beds. Some twin beds can be secured and made-up together to form a large double bed. Some apartments may have a sofa bed in the multi-purpose living/dining room in addition to the bedroom(s). **•** **BATHROOMS:** Most bathrooms have a shower stall or a bathtub with overhead shower. Some few bathrooms may have a bathtub with hand-held shower, or a bathtub for bathing only. **•** **LAUNDRY FACILITIES:** Those apartments without clothes washer/dryers will have a common laundry room in the basement of the building for guest use. **•** **PARKING (Locarno New Town, Muralto, & Minusio):** Usually (with rare exceptions) 1 designated private guest parking space per apartment, often in the apartment building’s underground garage. **NOTE:** We recommend taking advantage of the excellent public transportation service available in Switzerland and avoiding the difficulties of driving on mountain roads in alpine weather conditions and of finding parking in small villages with medieval streets. **•** **PARKING (Ascona Borgo & Locarno Città Vecchia):** Ascona Borgo and Locarno Città Vecchia are not readily accessible by car. We recommend that guests coming to to these locations travel by public transportation using a Swiss Travel Pass or a regional Ticino Pass. **•** **ELECTRONICS:** Apartments have televisions, usually the flat-screen, cable variety. Most have free WiFi, although service can be spotty due to the proximity to the mountains. Few apartments come with telephones. Bring or rent a cell phone for your trip, but remember that telephone service is spotty in as you travel through the Swiss Alps. NOTE: WiFi service is available on some trains. **•** **PROXIMITY TO STORES & SERVICES:** All Ticino apartments are within walking or short-driving distance to stores and services, and transportation. Opening times for stores varies by season, with longer opening hours most days during summer months. --- ### TICINO — Italian Switzerland readily combines with all Home At First Swiss destinations as well as most Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship 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Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### **SWITZERLAND** + ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [switzerland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) ###### **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Alpine Villages in the Heart of Switzerland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/) **Published:** July 29, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **switzerland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) the overview ###### [— **the bernese oberland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) alpine heart of switzerland ###### [— **bernese oberland villages** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) **[kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/ "Kandersteg") • [mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/ "Mürren")** ###### [— **italian switzerland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) ticino – best of 2 cultures ###### [— **matterhorn &** **zermatt** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) iconic switzerland ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### **The Lauterbrunnen Valley: regional geographic centerpiece of the Bernese Alps Switzerland — the Heart of Switzerland, and part of the Bernese Oberland World Heritage Site.** #### Photo looking south up the Lauterbrunnen Valley to the wall of north faces of the Bernese Alps copyright **Home At First**. # **The Bernese Oberland** #### Explore Switzerland from Your Swiss Mountain Home in the ## **Heart of Switzerland — The Bernese Oberland** **In this central Swiss region visitors encounter the daunting north faces of the imposing Bernese Alps, glistening mountain lakes, alpine meadows alive with the music of cowbells, and chocolate box villages of geranium-jeweled wooden chalets.** **Home At First’s Bernese Oberland Region of Switzerland** (the “Highlands of Bern”) is a mountainous region just west of the geographic center of Switzerland. The region is bordered on the south by an impressive range of vertical mountain walls fronting famous climbing peaks including Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Blüemlisalp. This line of glaciated high peaks with forbidding north faces comprise the **Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site**, a UNESCO-designated landscape of awe-inspiring natural beauty: the formidable 4,000-meter-high **Bernese Alps**. **Home At First’s Swiss Mountain Home Lodgings in The Bernese Oberland** are set in two “chocolate box” villages surrounded by snowcapped Alps: • [**KANDERSTEG**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#kandersteg): Easy-walking flat village surrounded on 3 sides by imposing Alps. Its train service makes it an ideal base for touring far & wide, but Kandersteg’s stunning setting encourages you to settle in. • **[MÜRREN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#muerren)** — Car-free alpine village set on a shelf with unmatched views of the great North Faces of the Bernese Alps. Mürren’s amazing location provides jaw-dropping views & tranquility. - ![Eiger, Mönch, & Jungfrau — iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps north wall.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Big-3-with-pink-wildflowers-Mtn-View-Trail-above-Winteregg-250819-1156-200x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND: Eiger, Mönch, & Jungfrau — iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps north wall. Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND: Eiger, Mönch, & Jungfrau — iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps north wall, viewed from the Mountain View Trail above Winteregg. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND: The almost traffic-free alpine village of Mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Almost-traffic-free-Muerren-250819-1275-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND: The almost traffic-free alpine village of Mürren - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND: The (almost) traffic-free alpine village of Mürren. A few diesel-powered farm vehicles and electric service carts are occasionally seen on Mürren’s otherwise pedestrians-only streets. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND: Alpine panorama from Bachalpsee lake above Grindelwald.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Bachalpsee-Panorama-050917-5745-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Bachalpsee Panorama - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND: Alpine panorama from Bachalpsee lake above Grindelwald. The elusive, needle-tipped Finsteraarhorn — highest peak in the Bernese Oberland — is glimpsed in the far distance, right of center. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - The Bernese Alps & Lauterbrunnen Valley from Männlichen above Wengen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Bernese-Alps-and-Lauterbrunnen-Valley-from-Mannlichen-030916-1835-2000x867-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Bernese Alps and Lauterbrunnen Valley from Männlichen - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – The Bernese Alps & Lauterbrunnen Valley from Männlichen above Wengen. The village of Mürren is seen atop the Lauterbrunnen Valley wall in the lower right center of the photo. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - The Bernese Alps reflected in the geranium-jeweled windows of a traditional alpine chalet.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Bernese-Alps-reflected-in-chalet-window-w.-geraniums-010716-0985-2000x1252-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First--900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - The Bernese Alps reflected in the window of a traditional alpine chalet - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – The Bernese Alps reflected in the geranium-jeweled windows of a traditional alpine chalet. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Steam-powered, cog-rail, Brienzer Rothorn train mountain climbing above treeline.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Brienzer-Rothorn-train-above-treeline-200811-0007-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Brienzer Rothorn train above treeline - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Steam-powered, cog-rail, Brienzer Rothorn train mountain climbing above treeline. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Bernese Flag Swinger pauses at Allmendhubel Chilbi (alpine festival) above Mürren.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Flag-Swinger-at-Allmendhubel-Chilbi-280718-7421-2000x1112-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Flag Swinger at Allmendhubel Chilbi - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Bernese Flag Swinger pauses at Allmendhubel Chilbi (alpine festival) above Mürren. Flag-swinging is a traditional folk entertainment, along with yodeling, and alphorn playing. In this case the flag is that of the Canton (state) of Bern, but can be local or national. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Open-car of the Gelmerbahn funicular descending to Handegg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Gelmerbahn-descending-130910-6990-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Open-car of the Gelmerbahn funicular descending to Handegg - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Open-car of the Gelmerbahn funicular descending to Handegg. With thrill-rides like this one, it is difficult to argue that the Bernese Oberland is not a theme park. Perhaps. But it is so much more. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Interlaken viewed from the Louchera ridge by Schynige Platte.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Interlaken-from-Schynige-Platte-Louchera-ridge-170819-0452-2000x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Interlaken viewed from the Louchera ridge by Schynige Platte - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Interlaken set between Lake Thun (left) and Lake Brienz (right), viewed from the Louchera ridge by Schynige Platte. Interlaken is the gateway to the Y-shaped valleys of the Jungfrau Region and the resort towns of Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Lazy cows on Chrinnenboden Alp above First with the Eiger North Wall.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Lazy-cows-on-Chrinnenboden-with-Eiger-080916-2215-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Lazy cows on Chrinnenboden Alp with Eiger - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Lazy cows on Chrinnenboden Alp above First with the Eiger North Wall looking like an arrowhead in the shade. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Alpine dairy at Schiltalp (above Mürren) with self-service sales of mountain cheese and dried meats.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Schiltalp-alpine-cheesery-w.-self-service-sales-130819-0211-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Schiltalp alpine cheesery with self-service sales - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Alpine dairy at Schiltalp (above Mürren) with self-service sales of mountain cheese and dried meats. Getting there requires hiking at least 2 hours round-trip. But what a round-trip! And the cheese is worth every calorie it takes to find, and much more than the approximately CHF5-7/lb it costs here at the source. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Piz Gloria revolving restaurant atop Schilthorn 600m above heedless cows.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Schilthorn-II-with-cows-220819-0896-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Schilthorn II - Piz Gloria above heedless cows - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Piz Gloria revolving restaurant atop Schilthorn 600m above heedless cows. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Sheep flocking into Kandersteg.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Sheep-flocking-into-Kandersteg-010716-1126-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Sheep flocking into Kandersteg - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Sheep flocking into Kandersteg. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - The glaciated Jungfraujoch with the Aletschhorn viewed from Mönchsjochhütte — technically in Canton Wallis.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-the-glaciated-Jungfraujoch-from-Monchsjochhutte-210811-0039-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - The glaciated Jungfraujoch from Mönchsjochhütte - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – The glaciated Jungfraujoch with the Aletschhorn viewed from Mönchsjochhütte — technically in Canton Wallis but most readily reachable by train from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald in Canton Bern. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Piz Gloria revolving restaurant atop Schilthorn looking south to the north walls of the Bernese Alps.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-The-Schilthorn-I-070818-7782-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Piz Gloria revolving restaurant atop Schilthorn looking south to the Bernese Alps - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – Piz Gloria revolving restaurant atop Schilthorn (upper left) looking south to the north walls of the Bernese Alps. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - The Trift Suspension Bridge — 170m long and 100m high — tests the courage of hikers.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Trift-Suspension-Bridge-230905-R6-034-15A-1215x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Trift Suspension Bridge - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – The Trift Suspension Bridge — 170m long and 100m high — tests the courage of hikers. - ![THE BERNESE OBERLAND - The daring Cliff Walk at First above Grindelwald with the Schreckhorn peaks tests the courage of tourists from around the world.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/B-O-Cliff-Walk-at-First-with-Schreckhoerner-050917-5758-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-900x600.jpg "THE BERNESE OBERLAND - Cliff Walk at First with Schreckhoerner - Photo copyright Home At First")THE BERNESE OBERLAND – The daring Cliff Walk at First above Grindelwald with the Schreckhorn peaks tests the courage of tourists from around the world. --- ![In the Heart of Switzerland — the Bernese Alps are the quintessential Cheese Alps.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Cheese-Alps-image-250819-1082-915x1200-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) THE BERNESE ALPS ARE CHEESE ALPS. THESE MIGHTY HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC — COWBELLS. **Swiss Cheese** **—** The mountains of the Bernese Oberland are **cheese alps**. Their grassy slopes are the prime meadows for grazing *Braun Swiss* and *Simmental* cows that famously roam the heights, filling the valleys with the cacophony of their large bells, and producing fat-rich milk that alpine farmers transform into richly-flavored cheese: alpine alchemy. The cheese, potatoes, pork, veal, beef, and vegetables of many small alpine farms make up the staple cuisine of the Bernese Oberland and the hearty, delicious fare found on restaurant menus through the region. Cheese is made throughout alpine Switzerland. Here in the Bernese Alps the local mountain cheese can be purchased in local dairy stores and groceries. Visitors also enjoy buying fresh mountain cheese at the source when hiking past alpine dairy farms. --- ## Home At First’s Heart of Switzerland — The Bernese Oberland — How it Works: Locations & Lodgings in Alpine Villages ****![Home At First offers traditional & modern lodgings in the Heart of Switzerland — the Bernese Oberland — like these Chalet Apartments in Kandersteg!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Ch-Apt-Lodgings-image-160819-0324-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)**** HOME AT FIRST’S BERNESE OBERLAND LODGINGS: CLASSIC CHALET APARTMENTS WITH FABULOUS BALCONY VIEWS, LIKE THESE IN KANDERSTEG. ### ****Explore Switzerland from your own Swiss mountain home in the Heart of Switzerland — The Bernese Oberland.**** **Home At First** guests in the Bernese Oberland have their own chalet apartments in either of two chocolate-box-pretty alpine villages. Located in the heart of Switzerland, these villages make excellent bases for exploring the Bernese Oberland and beyond into other regions of Switzerland. Equipped with our exclusive ***New Swiss Dream Book*** activity guide and using the **Swiss Travel Pass** (valid for transport throughout Switzerland on intercity trains, postal buses, city transit, the lake boats of the Bernese Oberland), you explore Switzerland independently, taking day-trips throughout much of Switzerland and even into northern Italy. After full days of exploring and activity, you return to your cozy Swiss chalet apartment in your delightfully homey Swiss village each evening. Our two Bernese Oberland lodging locations are picture-postcard villages providing peace, beauty, transportation, and all the services you need for a safe, independent, relaxing visit to Switzerland. ### **Where in the Heart of Switzerland are the chalet apartments? What are they like?** **Home At First**‘s vacation chalet apartments are located in two chocolate-box-pretty alpine villages in two different areas of the Bernese Oberland in two picture postcard alpine villages sequestered from tourist throngs: [**Kandersteg**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg) and [**Mürren**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren). Both locations are outdoorsy: deservedly popular with skiers, hikers, and climbers. Both villages are also cheese producing, their alpine meadows alive with the joyful noise of cowbells and small cheese farms where you can see cheese made traditionally, and buy cheese from the producers. All **Home At First** Bernese Oberland apartments have **English-speaking hosts** either on-site or available nearby for questions, information, recommendations, and help should a problem or emergency arise. **While both villages share many characteristics, there are some key differences that may make one more appealing to you than the other. Click on [MÜRREN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren) or [KANDERSTEG](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg) for greater detail and to see a selection of Swiss mountain home lodgings in each village:** ### ** home at first alpine village in the heart of switzerland — the bernese oberland** #### [MÜRREN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren) Mürren — perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley with dramatic alpine views — is accessible only by cablecar. - ![BERNESE OBERLAND — Mürren!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Muerren-image-140819-0147-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "BERNESE OBERLAND — Mürren - Photo copyright Home At First")Cablecar descending from the Schilthorn to Mürren (south end). - ![BLM train arriving in Mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-BLM-train-arriving-in-Muerren-070916-2070-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - BLM train arriving in Mürren - Photo copyright Home At First")BLM one-car passenger train arriving in Mürren (north end) pulling a freight trailer. - ![Mürren - cablecar arriving from Gimmelwald](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-cablecar-arriving-from-Gimmelwald-030917-5598-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - cablecar arriving from Gimmelwald - Photo copyright Home At First")Cablecar ascending from Gimmelwald arriving at Mürren (south) - ![Home At First's Chalet Jungfrau in Mürren.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Chalet-Jungfrau-exterior-facade-230811-0004-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Muerren - Chalet Jungfrau exterior facade - Photo copyright Home At First")Home At First’s Chalet Jungfrau in Mürren. - ![Mürren - Major crossroads in town.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Major-crossroads-in-town-300616-0881-915x1200-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Major crossroads in town - Photo copyright Home At First")Mürren – major intersection along Mürren’s Main Street. - ![Mürren - Shopping on Main St.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Shopping-on-Main-St-290616-0691-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Muerren - Shopping on Main St. - Photo copyright Home At First")Main St. Shopping - ![Mürren - COOP grocery store](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-COOP-grocery-store-290616-0692-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - COOP grocery store - Photo copyright Home At First")Mürren – COOP grocery store - ![Mürren - Lunching on Main Street](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Lunching-on-Main-Street-290616-0685-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Lunching on Main Street - Photo copyright Home At First")Mürren – the lunch rush on Main Street - ![Mürren - Afternoon tea at a cliffside café](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Afternoon-tea-at-a-cliffside-cafe-290616-0673-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Afternoon tea at a cliffside café - Photo copyright Home At First")Afternoon tea in Mürren - ![Restaurant menu blackboard in Mürren.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-restaurant-menu-blackboard-290616-0689-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - restaurant menu blackboard - Photo copyright Home At First")There’s more than cheese & potatoes on the menu in Mürren. - ![Mürren - Sportzentrum](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Sportzentrum-facade-290616-0757-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Sportzentrum facade - Photo copyright Home At First")Mürren – Sportzentrum, Spa, & Tourist Office - ![Mürren - Summer folklore evening](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Summer-folklore-evening-290616-0806-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Summer folklore evening - Photo copyright Home At First")Traditional music evening at Mürren’s Sportzentrum. - ![Mürren - Swiss folk dancer in traditional costume](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Swiss-folk-dancer-in-trad-costume-290616-0815-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Swiss folk dancer in trad costume - Photo copyright Home At First")Mürren – Swiss folk dancer in traditional costume. - ![Mürren - Funicular en route to Allmendhubel](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Funicular-en-route-to-Allmendhubel-100918-8111-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Funicular en route to Allmendhubel - Photo copyright Home At First")Funicular climbing 740′ from Mürren (station in upper center of village) to Allmendhubel (1900m) - ![Mürren - Allmendhubel alpine playground](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Allmendhubel-alpine-playground-300718-7584-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Allmendhubel alpine playground - Photo copyright Home At First")Allmendhubel alpine playground above Mürren - ![Mürren - Hiking and Biking Signpost](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Hiking-and-Biking-Signpost-290616-0683-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Hiking and Biking Signpost - Photo copyright Home At First")Hiking, mountain biking, and via ferrata trail signs posted in Mürren - ![Parasailing over Mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Parasailing-over-Muerren-030917-5560-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Parasailing over Mürren - Photo copyright Home At First")Parasailing over Mürren - ![Mürren - Young accordionist in Swiss trad band](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Young-accordianist-in-Swiss-trad-band-290718-7359-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Young accordionist in Swiss trad band - Photo copyright Home At First")Young accordionist in Swiss trad band - ![Mürren - Concertina player in Swiss trad band](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-Concertina-player-in-Swiss-trad-band-290716-7356-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - Concertina player in Swiss trad band - Photo copyright Home At First")Concertina player in Swiss trad band - ![Mürren - The happy yodeler](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Muerren-The-happy-yodeler-290718-7412-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Mürren - The happy yodeler - Photo copyright Home At First")The happy yodeler **• [MÜRREN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/#Murren)** — Not far southwest of the geographic center of Switzerland, mile-high (5,413′), chocolate box Mürren is reachable only by aerial cablecars. A car-free village of alpine chalets on an alpine shelf a vertical half-mile above the valley floor below, Mürren offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers and features superb walking and hiking possibilities. Mürren is ideal for those looking for the romantic Switzerland of *Heidi*. Despite Mürren’s remote eagle’s nest setting, the village makes a fine base for exploring the Bernese Oberland and its alpine core, the **Jungfrau Region**. Mürren’s popularity as a day-trip destination has much to do with its location along the cablecar route to the 9,742′ high summit of the **Schilthorn**. With its tourist-magnet revolving restaurant, *Piz Gloria*, and associations with James Bond and extreme downhill skiing, the Schilthorn ranks with Switzerland’s most popular attractions. Mürren can be very busy during the ski season and during the high summer (July-August). But even at these times the village — lacking major hotels, bars, & shopping centers — quiets again at dusk. Mürren’s town grocery and dozen or so small restaurants — all owned and operated by local families — are sufficient to handle its busiest times graciously. Active guests choose from hiking, climbing, mountain-biking, or chancing Mürren’s unique *via ferrata*. Less active guests find Mürren ideal for taking a spa, strolling the traffic-free village streets, or nursing a coffee, a beer, or a glass of wine and enjoying a meal at any of several cafés in the village or along its alpine trails. Regardless of the pace of your visit, Mürren promises exceptional beauty and revitalizing peace. ### ** home at first alpine village in the heart of switzerland — the bernese oberland** #### [KANDERSTEG](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg) Kandersteg — an important stop on the Lötschberg Railway Line — offers hourly express trains between northern Switzerland & Italy. - ![Kandersteg - The Church](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-The-Church-010716-1100-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - The Church - Photo copyright Home At First")Church in the very center of Kandersteg - ![Chalet Apartments in Kandersteg!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Ch-Apt-Lodgings-image-160819-0324-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Bernese Oberland — Chalet Apartments in Kandersteg - Photo copyright Home At First")Home At First Chalet Balmhorn Apartments in Kandersteg. - ![Lötschberger regional express arriving at Kandersteg station](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Lotschberger-regional-express-arriving-at-Kandersteg-station-260717-4688-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Lötschberger regional express arriving at Kandersteg station - Photo copyright Home At First")Lötschberger regional express arriving at Kandersteg station - ![Kandersteg - Bahnhofstrasse Village Center](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Bahnhofstrass-Village-Center-010716-1098-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Bahnhofstrasse Village Center - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg village center: COOP market and Hari Cheese Shop on Bahnhofstrasse. - ![Hari's Cheese Shop, Kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Hari-Cheese-Shop-260717-4659-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Hari's Cheese Shop - Photo copyright Home At First")Extolling the virtues and variety of Swiss cheeses at Hari’s Cheese Shop, Kandersteg. - ![Kandersteg - Swiss music evenings poster](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Swiss-music-evenings-poster-260717-4606-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Swiss music evenings poster - Photo copyright Home At First")Poster advertising traditional Swiss Music on summer evenings in Kandersteg. - ![Town center hiking signs.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Town-center-hiking-signs-010716-1101-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Town center hiking signs - Photo copyright Home At First")Sign tree in central Kandersteg showing hiking routes, the station, & the ice rink. Plus, the circus is in town! - ![Kandersteg - Tourist Office](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Tourist-Office-010716-1065-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Tourist Office - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg’s Tourist Information Office is in the town center. - ![Kandersteg - Main Street Sport and Fashion shop](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Main-Street-Sport-and-Fashion-shop-010716-1066-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Main Street Sport and Fashion shop - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg – Main Street Sport and Fashion shop with the cliff face of Howang (2520m). - ![Kandersteg - Looking SE: across the Kander River to the Fründenhorn & Doldenhorn](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Looking-SE-Kander-River-Fruendenhorn-Doldenhold-010716-1093-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Looking SE - Kander River - Fruendenhorn - Doldenhorn - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg: Looking southeast across the Kander River to the alpine peaks Fründenhorn & Doldenhorn - ![Kandersteg!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Kandersteg-image-160819-0300-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "BERNESE OBERLAND - Kandersteg - Photo copyright Home At First")Bire (2502m) — sentinel mountain at the northeast corner of Kandersteg. - ![Kandersteg - River Kander and Bire peak](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-River-Kander-and-Bire-010716-1086-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - River Kander and Bire - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg – glacial Kander River and Bire peak (8,209′) - ![Kandersteg - Swimming pool with Blüemlisalp](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Swimming-pool-with-Bluemlisalp-010716-1088-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Swimming pool with Blüemlisalp - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg – public swimming pool with Blüemlisalp (12,012′) lording above. - ![Kandersteg - Mountaineers nearing the summit of Blüemlisalphorm - Photo swiss-image.ch Christof Sonderegger copyright Switzerland Tourism](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Mountaineers-nearing-the-summit-of-Bluemlisalphorm-020811-stw7799-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-zwiss-image.ch-Christof-Sonderegger-copyright-Switzerland-Tourism-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Mountaineers nearing the summit of Blüemlisalphorm - Photo swiss-image.ch Christof Sonderegger copyright Switzerland Tourism")Mountaineers nearing the summit of Blüemlisalphorm above Kandersteg – Photo swiss-image.ch Christof Sonderegger copyright Switzerland Tourism - ![Kandersteg - Gasterntal deep below the Lötschenpass](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Gasterntal-deep-below-the-Loetschenpass-101003-R3-048-22A-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Gasterntal deep below the Lötschenpass - Photo copyright Home At First")Kandersteg’s secret valley, the Gasterntal, seen here deep below the Lötschenpass. - ![Kandersteg - Oeschinensee - Photo swiss-image.ch Kevin Wildhaber copyright Switzerland Tourism](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Oeschinensee-230818-sto0051348_1-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-swiss-image.ch-Kevin-Wildhaber-copyright-Switzerland-Tourism-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Oeschinensee - Photo swiss-image.ch Kevin Wildhaber copyright Switzerland Tourism")OESCHINENSEE LAKE ABOVE KANDERSTEG – Photo swiss-image.ch Kevin Wildhaber copyright Switzerland Tourism - ![Kandersteg - Hiking the Via Alpina - Rainbow over the Kander Valley - Photo swiss-image.ch Kevin Wildhaber copyright Switzerland Tourism](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kandersteg-Hiking-the-Via-Alpina-Rainbow-over-the-Kander-Valley-230818-sto0050347_1-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-swiss-image.ch-Kevin-Wildhaber-copyright-Switzerland-Tourism-610x800.jpg "Kandersteg - Hiking the Via Alpina - Rainbow over the Kander Valley - Photo swiss-image.ch Kevin Wildhaber copyright Switzerland Tourism")Hiking the Via Alpina west of Kandersteg with a rainbow over the Kander Valley – Photo swiss-image.ch Kevin Wildhaber copyright Switzerland Tourism **• [KANDERSTEG](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/#Kandersteg)** — Deep in the Bernese Alps near the western end of the Bernese Oberland, Kandersteg village sits on a high (3,852′), flat plain at the southern end of a “hanging valley” carved by Ice Age glaciers. Surrounded on three sides by snow-capped peaks, Kandersteg is the end of the line for auto traffic driving south from the Swiss capital of Bern. But the village’s setting is greatly enhanced by its placement on a major railway that connects Germany to the north with Italy to the south. Hourly modern trains provide passenger service to destinations on both sides of the Alps and throughout much of Switzerland, making Kandersteg **Home At First**‘s top lodging location as a base for exploring Switzerland. But Kandersteg is no mere base camp for day-trips throughout Switzerland. Visitors enjoy exploring Kandersteg’s dramatic alpine setting, framed on three sides by 10,000′ high peaks. Guests soon learn that Kandersteg is blessed with some of the finest grazing alps (and best mountain cheese!) in the Bernese Oberland. And they discover that just outside of the village is one of Switzerland’s most stunning alpine lakes, **Oeschinensee**, and one of its most extraordinary, hidden, natural glacial side valleys, the **Gasterntal**. Kandersteg offers excellent walking, hiking, climbing, exploring, and cheese-tasting. The village features a wide range of restaurants, plus two just-large-enough groceries. A sports center, a *via ferrata*, and, wonderfully, one of the region’s finest cheese shops reward visitors in significant ways. These attractions combine with excellent rail service to other parts of Switzerland (and into Northern Italy) make Kandersteg the ideal alpine destination for independent travelers looking to see the most and the best of Switzerland. ### THE HEART OF SWITZERLAND — THE BERNESE OBERLAND readily combines with all Home At First Swiss destinations as well as most Home At First European destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### **[SCOTLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland)** [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-002-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-150x150.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage 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Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### **SWITZERLAND** + ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [switzerland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain 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Early morning visitors arrive at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s premier visitor sites.** # Discover Scotland in Edinburgh ### Edinburgh: Scotland’s political, cultural, and historical capital **Discover Scotland in Home At First’s Edinburgh:** Occupying a dramatic natural setting since prehistoric times, Edinburgh, Scotland, is both an ancient and historic royal city and a vibrant, culturally experimental, modern city. Home to the **Scottish Parliament**, the Queen’s residence at the **Palace of Holyroodhouse**, the massive, imposing **Castle atop Castle Hill**, a curious cluster of mixed **monuments on Calton Hill**, and the venerable, often grand northern architecture of the adjoining **Old Town and New Town** combined as a recognized **World Heritage Site**. Overlooking all of Edinburgh is its own unique demi-mountain in **Holyrood Park**, complete with the near-vertical basaltic prisms of the **Salisbury Crags**, three mini lochs, and crowned with **Arthur’s Seat**. ![Edinburgh Castle Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Castle-Guard-220899-1050x1209-72dpi-Mike-Mullen-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-261x300.jpg)Edinburgh Castle Guard This fractured landscape has been inhabited since long before western writing. Its hills offer defensive protection. Its proximity to the **North Sea** sheltered **Firth of Forth** promised transportation and fishing, and an invitation to **Vikings**, who recognized a fjord when they found one. But the Vikings were only some of Edinburgh’s invaders. The **Romans** were here, although they retreated behind Hadrian’s Wall to England. **The English** came and were repulsed a number of times, with the consequence of Edinburgh becoming more a *British* city than strictly Scottish. It is this tension that has provided Edinburgh its greatest triumphs, calamities, intrigues, shames, and individual achievements. It is no surprise that you can discover Scotland in Edinburgh, the center of Scottish culture, history, and politics. A list of prominent individual achievers born, resident, or associated with Edinburgh, Scotland, ranks with any similar list from world cities far larger. Consider this severely culled listing: **Tony Blair** (popular UK Prime Minister), **Alexander Graham Bell** (inventor who ranks with Edison), **David Hume** (pillar philosopher), **Adam Smith** (pillar economist), **Mary Queen of Scots** (Queen), **John Knox** (theologian, Presbyterianism founder), **Charles Darwin** (evolutionary theory), **Robert Louis Stevenson** (novelist of *Treasure Island* and *Kidnapped*), **Sir Walter Scott** (novelist & poet and writer of the *Waverley* novels after which Edinburgh’s Waverley Railway Station is named), **J. K. Rowling** (*Harry Potter* novels), **Sir Arthur Conan Doyle** (*Sherlock Holmes* novels), **Thomas Carlyle** (philosopher and writer), **Sir James Matthew Barrie** (author: *Peter Pan*), **Sir Henry Raeburn** (portraitist), **Sean Connery** (the real *James Bond*), and **James Craig** (homegrown architect designer of Edinburgh New Town). For Edinburgh — and for Scotland — the historical tension with **England** continues. Should Scotland stand independent, free to leave the **United Kingdom**, free to join the **European Union**, free of the U.K. Parliament’s imposition of taxes, regulations, and restrictions? Or, should Scotland — irrevocably part of the island of **Britain** — be an intrinsic part of the United Kingdom, a full partner, come hell or Brexit? Or — and this is the current (2021) trend — should Scotland reside in a national purgatory, neither fully British fish, nor independent Scottish fowl, with major say over internal Scotland matters, but subject to Parliament in London for all matters not wholly Scottish? Scotland’s place — in Britain, in Europe, in the world — will to some extent be decided in Brussels and in Westminster, but, increasingly, building like seismic rumblings, within the venerable, **Craigleith sandstone** walls of **Old and New Edinburgh**. Come to the Scottish capital — discover Scotland in Edinburgh. --- ## **HOW IT WORKS**— ## Home At First’s Edinburgh: Independent Travel with Quality Vacation Apartments. - ![Classic Old Town building facades line West Bow street at Grassmarket.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Building-facades-in-Grassmarket-121218-9195-2000x1243-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608569315525-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Building facades in Grassmarket - 121218-9195 - 2000x1243 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: A row of classic Old Town facades at Grassmarket below Castle Hill. - ![A collection of largely unrelated monuments occupies Edinburgh's Calton Hill on the east end of Princes Street.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Calton-Hill-Monuments-from-North-Bridge-131218-9272-2000x1073-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608569421398-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Calton Hill Monuments from North Bridge - 131218-9272 - 2000x1073 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: A menagerie of monuments atop Calton Hill overlooking the Old Town. - ![Street signs atop the Royal Mile at Castle Hill](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Castle-Hill-Royal-Mile-Street-Signs-121219-9170-2000x961-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608569467294-1153x577.jpg "Edinburgh - Castle Hill Royal Mile Street Signs - 121219-9170 - 2000x961 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: Street signs along the Royal Mile on Castle Hill. - ![Edinburgh: Glengoyne whisky barrels — sadly empty.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Glengoyne-whisky-barrels-cutout-shadowed-121218-9173-2000x976-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608569987787-1172x586.jpg "Edinburgh - Glengoyne whisky barrels - cutout shadowed - 121218-9173 - 2000x976 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: Glengoyne whisky barrels — sadly empty. No worries — they’ll make more. - ![Pipe Band performing at the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle. Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Edinburgh-Military-Tattoo-at-the-Castle-VB34148180-2000x1077-72dpi-Andrew-Pickett-Photo-copyright-VisitBritain-e1608569581967-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Military Tattoo at the Castle - VB34148180 - 2000x1077 72dpi - Andrew Pickett Photo copyright VisitBritain")EDINBURGH’s annual Military Tattoo is a bombastic spectacle held at The Castle. Andrew Pickett Photo © VisitBritain. - ![Cashmere Outlet Shop on the Royal Mile](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Cashmere-Outlet-Shop-on-the-Royal-Mile-121218-9120-2000x1099-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1-e1608569823864-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Cashmere Outlet Shop on the Royal Mile - 121218-9120 - 2000x1099 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH SHOPPING! Cashmere & Harris tweed boutique is on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile near the castle. - ![Edinburgh - Whisky shop shelves](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Whisky-shop-shelves-111218-8989-2000x1033-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608570082778-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Whisky shop shelves - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: Whisky shop shelves take shoppers on a miniature Whisky Trail without needing to drive. - ![The Scottish National Gallery is Scotland's foremost art museum.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-National-Gallery-of-Scotland-111218-8968-2000x997-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - National Gallery of Scotland - 111218-8968 - 2000x997 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: The Scottish National Gallery boasts an impressive collection of Scottish-themed works. - ![Edinburgh - Old City Silhouette behind festive East Princes Street Gardens.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Old-City-Silhouette-behind-festive-East-Princes-Street-Gardens-111218-8973-2000x875dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608570315897-1050x525.jpg "Edinburgh - Old City Silhouette behind festive East Princes Street Gardens - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH is lively at all times of year, including winter with Christmas & Hogmany (New Year’s) celebrations. - ![Edinburgh - Sightseeing Buses line up on Princes Street.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Sightseeing-Buses-line-up-on-Princes-Street-111218-8978-2000x1091-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608572077269-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Sightseeing Buses line up on Princes Street - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: Sightseeing Buses line up on Princes Street. They are useful, fun ways to get an overview of the city. - ![Edinburgh - Kilts for sale at tourist tartan shoppe](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Kilts-for-sale-at-tourist-tartan-shoppe-111218-8984-2000x1039-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608572205703-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - Kilts for sale at tourist tartan shoppe - Photo copyright Home At First")IN EDINBURGH traditional Scottish dress appears primarily in store windows and on guards up at the Castle. - ![Edinburgh: commuters waiting for their train at Waverley Station.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-ScotRail-commuters-waiting-on-Platform-19-111218-9016-2000x1020-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608572324304-1200x600.jpg "Edinburgh - ScotRail commuters waiting on Platform 19 - Photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: Evening rush hour at Waverley Station. Edinburgh has excellent rail service, largely absent in rural Scotland. - ![Edinburgh Castle in the fog above New Town.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Castle-in-fog-from-New-Town-2-2000x1075-72dpi-Mike-Mullen-photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608572477363-1200x600.jpg "Scotland - Edinburgh - Castle in fog from New Town - Mike Mullen photo copyright Home At First")EDINBURGH: the fogbound Castle hulking high above the spires of New Town. **Explore Edinburgh, Scotland, from your own vacation cottage apartment in the historic heart of the city. Home At First** has vacation apartments in the center of Edinburgh, Scotland: in Old Town and New Town, all walking-close to Castle Hill, the Royal Mile, Waverley Station, and Princes Street. On foot and using the city’s trams and buses you explore Edinburgh. With your ScotRail or BritRail Pass you travel by train from nearby Waverley Station to destinations in Scotland or in northern England, following day-trip suggestions found in our exclusive *Scotland Activity Guide*. --- ## Edinburgh Apartments ## Sample Edinburgh City Apartments Shown and described below are two popular Edinburgh City Apartments enjoyed by **Home At First** guests. They are shown here as samples of different sizes and capacities, and to illustrate the standard of quality that comes with all apartments regardless of design, size, style, and location. While the range of apartments to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment or location in central Edinburgh, Scotland. EDINBURGH SAMPLE APARTMENT GRASSMARKET CLOSE FLAT - ![Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat - King Double Bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Grassmarket-Close-Flat-Double-Bdrm-121218-9056-2000x1061-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608576963746-524x354.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Grassmarket Close Flat - Double Bdrm - Photo copyright Home At First")Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat – King Double Bedroom - ![Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat — Kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Grassmarket-Close-Flat-Kitchen-121218-9074-2000x1252-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608577720673-619x418.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Grassmarket Close Flat - Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat — Kitchen - ![Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat — Living & Dining Area](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Grassmarket-Close-Flat-Living-and-Dining-area-121218-9064-2000x1079-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608577775422-533x360.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Grassmarket Close Flat - Living and Dining area - Photo copyright Home At First")Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat — Living & Dining Area - ![Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat - Bathroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Grassmarket-Close-Flat-Bathroom-121218-9091-2000x1222-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608577804367-604x408.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Grassmarket Close Flat - Bathroom - Photo copyright Home At First")Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat – Bathroom - ![Edinburgh: Grassmarket below The Castle](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Grassmarket-square-121218-9110-2000x1018-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608577904932-503x340.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Grassmarket square - Photo copyright Home At First")Edinburgh: Grassmarket, 8-minutes walk below The Castle Located at trendy, historic Grassmarket below and to the south of The Castle in Edinburgh’s Old Town, this modern, second floor apartment is stylish, practical, and wonderfully located. The apartment’s window views are of the “close” — the inner courtyard with a gated access from the street. One well-lighted flight of stairs leads to the flat’s entry door. A small entry hall has an entry phone and a utility closet. The apartment’s full bathroom (with tub/shower) is accessed from the entry hall. The flat’s spacious, open-plan kitchen, living, & dining areas comprise its main room. A large flat-screen TV is visible from everywhere in this room. The dining area seats four. Free WiFi is provided. Maximizing apartment capacity to 3 (or a couple with 1 or 2 children), the sofa converts into a very usable bed that sleeps 1 (or two small children). The very well-equipped kitchen has a large refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, gas range, oven, toaster, coffee maker, microwave, & washer/dryer. ![Edinburgh: Grassmarket Close Flat — Hostess Fiona](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Grassmarket-Close-Flat-Hostess-Fiona-121218-9102-412x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)FIONA The stylish double bedroom features a king-sized bed and plenty of closet space. The apartment is non-smoking only, and heated throughout. The delightful hostess, Fiona, is welcoming and informative — ready with suggestions for activities, shopping, and eating. She is also on-call in the event of questions, emergencies, or (unlikely) problems. The Grassmarket Close Flat is roughly midway between two of Edinburgh’s most visited landmarks: The Castle (5 minutes northwest, walking uphill) and Greyfriars Kirkyard (2-minutes walk southeast), final rest of Greyfriars Bobby, local Skye Terrier whose supreme loyal dedication to his owner is the stuff of Edinburgh fact and Hollywood legend. Likewise, 10-minutes walk in any direction leads to remarkable history, fashionable boutiques, over-the-top souvenir shops, fine restaurants, cafés for the young tattooed, regal churches (some still practicing religion), and important cultural landmarks — including Scotland’s National Library and National Museum. Waverley Station is nearly in the 10-minute walking circle — Edinburgh’s principal railway station (and modern shopping center) is 11 minutes walking from the very convenient Grassmarket Close Flat. Using the Grassmarket Close Flat as your comfortable home base, it’s easy to Discover Scotland in Edinburgh. EDINBURGH SAMPLE APARTMENT HEATHER’S PENTHOUSE FLAT - ![Edinburgh: Heather's Penthouse Flat — Master King Bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Heathers-Penthouse-Flat-Royal-Mile-Master-Bedroom-121218-9224-2000x1078-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608580585807-533x360.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Heathers Penthouse Flat - Royal Mile - Master Bedroom - Photo copyright Home At First")Heather’s Penthouse Flat — Master King Bedroom - ![Edinburgh: Heather's Penthouse Flat — Living room with TV](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Heathers-Penthouse-Flat-Royal-Mile-Living-room-121218-9211-2000x1096-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608580631133-542x366.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Heathers Penthouse Flat - Royal Mile - Living room - Photo copyright Home At First")Heather’s Penthouse Flat — Living Room - ![Edinburgh: Heather's Penthouse Flat — Kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Heathers-Penthouse-Flat-Royal-Mile-Kitchen-121218-9245-2000x1190-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608580785775-588x397.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Heathers Penthouse Flat - Royal Mile - Kitchen - Photo copyright Home At First")Heather’s Penthouse Flat — Eat-in Kitchen - ![Edinburgh: Heather's Penthouse Flat — Bathroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Heathers-Penthouse-Royal-Mile-Bathroom-1-121218-9200-2000x1096-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608580687837-542x366.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Heathers Penthouse - Royal Mile - Bathroom - Photo copyright Home At First")Heather’s Penthouse Flat — Bath with Tub/Shower - ![Edinburgh: Heather's Penthouse Flat — Double Bedroom #2](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Heathers-Penthouse-Flat-Royal-Mile-Bedroom-2-121218-9235-2000x1179-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608580728853-582x393.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Heathers Penthouse Flat - Royal Mile - Bedroom 2 - Photo copyright Home At First")Heather’s Penthouse Flat — Queen Bedroom - ![Edinburgh: Heather's Penthouse Flat — Dining & Living area](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Heathers-Penthouse-Flat-Royal-Mile-Living-dining-room-121218-9204-2000x1096-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1608580757254-542x366.jpg "Edinburgh - Lodging - Heathers Penthouse Flat - Royal Mile - Living and dining room - Photo copyright Home At First")Heather’s Penthouse Flat — Dining Room Halfway along Royal Mile, midway between The Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Heather’s Penthouse Flat is situated in the epicenter of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Located 100 yards south of the Royal Mile on a quiet side street, the apartment is within close walking distance (2-15 minutes) of all major Edinburgh attractions, myriad restaurants, shops, and services. This central location is an ideal base from which to discover Scotland in Edinburgh. Heather’s Penthouse Flat occupies the fourth floor of a nondescript building. A secure, unmarked exterior door opens to a small foyer with elevator access to upper floor apartments. The apartment entry opens onto a hallway that runs the length of the flat, with doors to each room lining the way. An entryphone in this hallway lets guests permit entry to visitors. The decor, colors, and furnishings found throughout the flat — even in the entry hall — reflect an understated Scandinavian style: high quality, yet practical and stylishly sold. The spotless single bathroom includes a bathtub with shower. Two double bedrooms (one King, one Queen) provide sleeping for 4 persons — optimal occupancy for this spacious apartment. For families with young children, a single bed can easily be added to the large master bedroom. The master bedroom offers excellent storage with large built-in closets and shelves. A sizable wardrobe provides storage space in the second bedroom. Large, flat-screen TVs are mounted on the walls of both bedrooms. ![Edinburgh: Heather's Penthouse Flat — Hostess Heather](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Edinburgh-Lodging-Heathers-Penthouse-Flat-Royal-Mile-Hostess-Heather-121218-9256-412x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)HEATHER A delightful livingroom-diningroom provides space and comfort for lounging and dining at home. A large, flat-screen TV also hangs on a livingroom wall. The comfy L-shaped sofa converts if necessary to a double bed, giving the flat the possibility of sleeping 6-7 persons. (With a single bathroom, optimal capacity is 4 persons at this apartment.) The solid wood dining room table seats 6 without crowding. The apartment’s eat-in kitchen comes very well-equipped with gas range, oven, large refrigerator-freezer, dishwasher, clothes washer, and breakfast table for four. A utility closet hides the flat’s clothes dryer, cleaning supplies, and infant’s high chair. For extra safety, a secure fire door permits exit from the apartment into an adjacent building. The apartment is non-smoking, and heated throughout. The charming hostess, Heather, is welcoming and informative — ready with suggestions for activities, shopping, and eating. She is also on-call in the event of questions, emergencies, or (very rarely) problems. --- ### Home At First’s Edinburgh — The Lodgings **What are Home At First’s Edinburgh, Scotland, lodgings like?** Each is unique. They come in all sizes, shapes, and styles. Some are modern. Some are traditional. Some have several bedrooms and baths; others may have a single bedroom and bathroom. Flat-screen TVs are ubiquitous — expect multiple TVs in larger apartments. A few apartments have terraces or balconies. A few others have furnished patios or gardens. All are secure private quarters with private bathrooms, and must meet certain standards of quality and equipment: **•** **HOSTING:** All **Home At First** lodgings in Edinburgh, Scotland, have friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, accessible hosts. Hosts may be the lodging owners or their representatives. Hosts will welcome you, show you around the cottage or apartment, explain its workings, and be on-call if questions, problems, or emergencies arise. Otherwise, you can expect to see a familiar, friendly face from time-to-time during your stay, when your host stops by to see how you are getting on. **•** **PARKING:** Some Edinburgh apartments come with designated on-street or off-street parking spots. However, we encourage you NOT to drive in Edinburgh, Scotland. You will only add to the traffic chaos by driving and trying to park in Edinburgh. **• FLOORS & ENTRIES:** Although reaching some of our apartments requires climbing a flight or two of stairs, apartments 3rd floor and higher are reached by elevator. All are well-located, safe, and very livable. Building and apartment entries are secure. **• CARE & CLEANLINESS:** The apartments have been thoroughly cleaned prior to your arrival, but are not maid-serviced during your stay. Most come equipped with laundry machines. Apartments are non-smoking and do not permit pets. Basic starter kitchen and bathroom supplies are provided. **•** **BEDROOMS:** Most bedrooms have twin beds. Some twin beds can be secured and made-up together to form a large double bed. Multi-bedroom lodgings often have a queen-size or king-size bed in one of the bedrooms. Larger family-size lodgings often have a bedroom with bunk beds. Studio apartments (these are few) may have a convertible bed (sofa bed or Murphy bed) in the multi-purpose living/dining room. All bed linens are provided. **•** **KITCHENS:** Full kitchens or practical kitchenettes (in studio apartments) with at the very least: fridge, coffee maker, tea kettle, stove top range, oven and/or toaster oven and/or microwave. Most have additional counter appliances. Many have dishwashers as well as clothes washer/dryers. All kitchen and bath towels & linens provided. **•** **BATHROOMS:** Most bathrooms have a shower stall or a bathtub with overhead shower. Some few bathrooms may have a bathtub with hand-held shower, or a bathtub for bathing only. Bath towels & linens — although not always face cloths, which Europeans often consider a personal hygiene item — are provided. **•** **LAUNDRY FACILITIES:** Those lodgings without clothes washer/dryers will have a serviced launderette nearby. (A serviced launderette is a laundromat where you leave your clothes with staff to be cleaned and folded, thereby not needing to trade vacation time to do laundry. You go on vacation. Your clothes will be ready to be picked up at the end of the day.) **•** **ELECTRONICS:** All Edinburgh, Scotland, apartments have televisions, usually the flat-screen, cable variety. Most have free WiFi. Few come with telephones. Bring or rent a cell phone for your trip. Cell phone service is good to excellent throughout Edinburgh, but may be spotty in rural areas of Scotland. **•** **PROXIMITY TO STORES & SERVICES:** All Edinburgh lodgings are within short walking distance of restaurants, cafés, pubs, stores and services. You may come to Edinburgh, Scotland, with plans to utilize your kitchen for most meals. We predict you will eat out more often than you had imagined you would. The restaurant choice is that good. --- #### Edinburgh combines with other Scotland regions & other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**ENGLAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [ **IRELAND** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) [![Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Iceland-Waterfall-in-the-backyard-2-070617-4149-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Iceland — Backyard Waterfall!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/#Iceland) ### [**NORWAY**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**DENMARK**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**SWEDEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**ITALY** ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [![Italy: iconic Vespa scooter](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Siena-Estate-The-Owners-Vespa-2307174231-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy: iconic Vespa scooter")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [scotland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/scotland-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Rural Tuscany](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/) **Published:** February 1, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **italy home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ###### [— **tuscany: urban** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) renaissance siena estate [— **tuscany highlands: rural** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) alta maremma estate ###### [— **the glory that is rome** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) eternal city apartments ###### [**— other destinations —** by special request](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-SpecialRequestDestinations) ###### [**— italy** **prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) #### # The Highlands of **RURAL TUSCANY** #### Rural Tuscany’s Alta Maremma Highlands — Midway between Siena and the Beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea Olive groves lie at the foot of the hill town. In the distance, volcanic *Monte Amiata* marks the top of Tuscany near its regional boundaries with neighboring Lazio & Umbria. ## Discover the Highlands of Tuscany ### from the Alta Maremma Estate **Rural Tuscany Highlands:** The rugged landscape of the southern Tuscan province of Grosseto appears very different from the prosperous, agricultural, rolling Tuscany plains often portrayed in the sumptuous backgrounds of classical Renaissance paintings. Dotted with walled medieval hill towns and agricultural villages, and noted for its meandering river valleys and high volcanic mountains, eastern Grosseto provides a more dramatic Tuscan landscape than the gentler, pastel farmlands of neighboring Siena province. **Home At First**‘s Alta Maremma Estate apartment lodgings in rural southern Tuscany may appear isolated and remote, yet they are ideal touring bases within day-trip reach of Pisa, Lucca, and Assisi (just over 2 hours); Florence, the Chianti region, Arezzo, the wine town of Montepulciano, and Perugia (under 2 hours); [**Siena**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena), Montalcino (hill town famed for its *Brunello* wines), and some of Italy’s finest west coast beaches near Grosseto on the Tyrrhenian Sea (under 1 hour). **Tuscany** is easily explored from **Home At First**‘s rural Alta Maremma Estate in eastern Grosseto province. A stay of a week (or longer) in the rural Tuscany highlands may be readily combined with visits to other locations in Italy and with many other **Home At First** European destinations. --- #### **HOME AT FIRST’s** ### Rural Tuscany — How it works: ![The pool at Alta Maremma Estate comes with a grand view of the Highlands of rural Tuscany. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Tuscany-Estate-pool-with-hill-town-view-230717-4359-1728x891-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1676322598339.jpg) ### **Olive groves separate a classic rural Tuscany hill town from the Alta Maremma Estate. Getting there requires a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.** • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your dream of travel to Italy’s rural Tuscany highlands. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love this place!), and how best to get around — via rental car. — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a stay in Rural Tuscany with a visit to another part of Italy or to any other **Home At First** destination in Continental Europe, Scandinavia, or the British Isles. — Ask for a Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate. • We prepare an itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need. We send it to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, CAR RENTALS, and/or any TRAIN TICKETS OR TRANSPORTATION PASSES you might need. Most **Home At First** Rural Tuscany guests come with rental cars from their point of entry, usually Rome or Milan airports. Some travel by train to Florence and pick-up their rental car in Florence or at Florence Airport. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. • All travel documents for your trip — including a **guidebook** ideal for your exploration of Tuscany — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • After you arrive in Italy, you follow our directions from your arrival point to your lodging on the Alta Maremma Estate, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you around, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Meet at poolside. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now. [get a free quote](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) --- ![Converted Tuscan farm buildings are now comfortable Alta Maremma estate cottages in rural Tuscany.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Weg-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Panoramic-view-of-Tuscany-Estate-buildings-230717-4367-1728x660-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1676322704930.jpg) ### Traditional Tuscan farm buildings have been converted to guest residences on the Alta Maremma Estate in Rural Tuscany. ### The Alta Maremma Estate in Rural Tuscany **Alta Maremma Estate Apartments: Home At First‘s Rural Tuscany apartments are located on an authentic Tuscan estate in the highlands of southwestern Tuscany, approximately 45-minutes drive south of World Heritage city of Siena and 45-minutes drive northeast of the coastal city of Grosseto on the Tyrrhenian Sea.** **Home At First offers holidays of a week or longer at a hilltop farm that has been converted into a comfortable southern Tuscany holiday estate. Here are three comfortable vacation apartments in two former traditional stone farm buildings.** **The estate‘s 144 acres include olive groves, forest, and a wild creek with waterfalls, hot springs, and swimming holes. Guests need not hike to the stream to go swimming, however. The estate’s kidney-shaped swimming pool is for guest use just a few yards from the three estate apartments. Importantly, all Home At First Alta Maremma apartments come with caring, accessible English-speaking hosts on-site or very close by.** - ![Garden view of the estate's cottages](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Cottages-with-Flowers-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-800x600.jpg "Alta Maremma Estate cottages from the front garden.")Alta Maremma Estate cottages - ![Open-air dining in the estate gardens.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Cottages-with-Dining-Table-under-awning-in-the-Garden-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-800x600.jpg "Alta Maremma Estate - al fresco dining in the garden.")Secluded al fresco dining - ![Secluded outdoor dining in the garden](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Garden-Dining-Table-under-awning-with-fireplace-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-800x600.jpg "Secluded garden dining area.")Garden dining area - ![The owner/hosts enjoy a glass of Tuscan wine in the estate gardens.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Owner-Hosts-in-the-Estate-Garden-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-800x600.jpg "Alta Maremma Estate's owner-Hosts enjoy the estate's garden.")The estate’s owner/hosts - ![Rural Tuscany: View from the Alta Maremma Estate of the Tuscany Highlands. Photo courtesy Alta Maremma Estate.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Patio-view-of-Tuscany-Highlands-from-Apartment-C-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-800x600.jpg "Rural Tuscany: View from the Alta Maremma Estate of the Tuscany Highlands. Photo courtesy Alta Maremma Estate.")View: the Tuscany Highlands - ![The estate's pool beckons guests during the heat of the Tuscan summer.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Cottages-with-Pool-1366x918-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-800x600.jpg "The Estate's pool at sunset. The patio terrace of Apartment C overlooks the pool.")Apt. C overlooks the pool. - ![The inviting pool set among the hills of Tuscany](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Pool-with-Tuscany-Highlands-from-Apartment-C-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-800x600.jpg "View of the estate's pool with the Tuscan Highlands.")View: the pool & Highlands --- ## The Apartments **Home At First** offers three vacation apartments on an expansive (144 acres) forested estate in the rugged hill country of southeastern Tuscany. A rental car is necessary here. Short drives of 5-10 minutes or so are required to reach stores, services, and the local restaurants. The converted farm estate is accessed only by a private lane leading uphill from a rural secondary road. Each apartment has secure entry and reserved parking. The three apartments are of different sizes, capacities, and characters. The Alta Maremma estate apartments are homey, clean, comfortable, quality lodgings which, while not opulent, are thoughtfully furnished with the understated elegance of authentic Tuscan style. All come with private views of the estate, and all have use of the pool and the grounds. Discover more about each apartment via the following three slide shows with descriptions: **NOTE** — FOR BEST VIEWING: each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). APARTMENT ‘A’ - ![Three steps lead up from the kitchen-dining-living room to the bathroom & bedroom of Apartment A.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-A-living-dining-steps-hall-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589491055245.jpg "Three steps lead up from the kitchen-dining-living room to the bathroom & bedroom of Apartment A.") - ![Apartment A's bedroom effuses Tuscan style.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-A-bedroom-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589491096277.jpg "Apartment A's bedroom effuses Tuscan style.") - ![The Kitchen-Dining-Living room of Apartment A](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-A-kitchen-living-dining-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589491623788.jpg "Apartment A — Open-plan kitchen-dining-living room.") - ![Apartment A: Bathroom in pretty blue tile.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-A-bathroom-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-1-e1589491678467.jpg "Apartment A: Bathroom in pretty blue tile.") **APARTMENT A:** 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom bi-level apartment on the ground floor (sleeps 2-3) of the converted farmhouse. • **Lower level:** The open-plan kitchen, living & dining room with flat-screen TV, sofa-bed for a third person (by request), WiFi, & small furnished outdoor dining area. The kitchen has refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, and oven. • **Upper level:** Up 3 steps are the bedroom (with twin beds put together as a double) and bathroom with shower. Guests share the laundry facilities in a common area with guests of Apartment B . APARTMENT ‘B’ - ![Apartment B's bedroom is classically Tuscan](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-B-bedroom-1-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589492296728.jpg "The classic Tuscan decor of the bedroom in Apartment B.") - ![Apartment B's bathroom has a shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-B-bathroom-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589492356199.jpg "Apartment B — Bathroom with shower.") - ![Apartment B — Bedroom 2 is also classically Tuscan.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-B-bedroom-2-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589492464533.jpg "The second bedroom at Apartment B is also classically Tuscan.") - ![Kitchen, dining, and living are open-plan at Apartment B.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-B-kitchen-living-dining-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589492512433.jpg "Apartment B features a large open-plan kitchen/dining/living room.") **APARTMENT B:** 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment on the ground floor (sleeps up to 5) of the converted farmhouse. Open-plan kitchen, dining, & living room. Kitchen has oven, fridge/freezer, & dishwasher. The living/dining area has a flat-screen TV, and table for up to six persons. The two double bedrooms have twin beds put together as double. An extra single bed is available by request. The bathroom has a shower. The apartment has free WiFi and outside seating and dining near the apartment entry. Its laundry facilities are shared by with Apartment A guests in a common area. APARTMENT ‘C’ - ![The Highlands of Tuscany from the terrace of Apartment C.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Patio-view-of-Tuscany-Highlands-from-Apartment-C-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589492998161.jpg "The Highlands of Tuscany from the terrace of Apartment C.") - ![Bedroom #1 at Apartment C](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-C-bedroom-1-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589493074185.jpg "Apartment C: Bedroom #1 with twin beds set together.") - ![Bathroom 1 (with show) at Apartment C.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-C-bathroom-1-with-shower-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589493181826.jpg "First of two bathrooms with showers at Apartment C.") - ![Bedroom 2 of Apartment C — light and airy.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-C-bedroom-2-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589493254770.jpg "Light floods Bedroom #2 of Apartment C on the second story of the main cottage.") - ![Apartment C - bathroom #2 with twin basins.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-C-bathroom-2-with-twin-basins-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-1-e1589493346541.jpg "Apartment C - bathroom #2 with twin basins.") - ![Apartment C's third bedroom has an open-beam ceiling.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-C-bedroom-3-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589493475255.jpg "Apartment C: Bedroom #3 has an open-beam ceiling.") - ![Apartment C's well-appointed living room.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-C-living-room-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589493428557.jpg "The comfortable living room at Apartment C.") - ![Elegant dining room with fireplace at Apartment C.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Tuscany-Alta-Maremma-Estate-Apt-C-dining-fireplace-1366x919-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Alta-Maremma-Estate-e1589493561275.jpg "Apartment C's elegant dining room shares open-plan space with the kitchen.") **APARTMENT** **C:** 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment on the second floor of the converted farmhouse (sleeps up to 6). Spacious open living-dining-kitchen with large TV, fireplace, sofa , open-beamed ceiling, dining table that seats six; fully-equipped kitchen (oven, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher). Three double bedrooms with twin beds put together. Two bathrooms with showers. An extra single bed can be added by special request to increase apartment capacity to 7 persons. WiFi. Private laundry facilities. Guests have private outside seating on the covered terrace with superb views. ### Rural Tuscany readily combines with these other Home At First destinations. #### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [TUSCANY COMBINES READILY WITH ALL **other italy locations**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), as well as — ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ### [**COPENHAGEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**OSLO**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**STOCKHOLM**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-003-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [italy package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Rome, Italy](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/) **Published:** February 7, 2019 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **italy home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) [the overview](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy) ###### [— **tuscany: urban** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-siena/#Siena) renaissance siena estate ###### [— **tuscany: rural** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rural-tuscany/#Maremma) alta maremma estate ### [— **the glory of rome italy** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/rome-italy/#Rome) eternal city apartments ###### [**— other destinations —** by special request](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy-SpecialRequestDestinations) ###### [**— italy** **prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) #### #### Piazza Navona, Rome. 500 years before today’s visitors, Renaissance Romans came here to enjoy Bernini’s fountains. A millennium earlier, Romans crowded this square for the thrill of chariot racing. # Explore Rome Italy — The Eternal City #### Fountain of Western Civilization **Rome Italy —** **The** **Eternal** **City** occupies its 7 hills on the River Tiber a few miles southwest of Italy’s geographic center. Few places on earth have as long and as significant an importance to human culture as does Rome. With more than 4.4 million residents, metropolitan Rome is western Europe’s fourth largest city and third most visited. Most visitors come to see the famed 2,000-year-old relics of the Roman Empire and 400-year-old late-Renaissance architectural glories of Vatican City. ![The Pantheon of Rome. Its unreinforced concrete dome remains the largest of its kind after nearly 2,000 years.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Pantheon-MotoG4-IMG_20170724_175518634_HDR-2000x1100-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) #### The Pantheon — Roman temple in continuous use for nearly 2,000 years — is one of the best-preserved structures remaining from the Roman Empire. Every year millions of visitors pass through Rotunda Square *(Piazza della Rotonda)* to see the Pantheon and its impressive fountain. The Pantheon is as close as a 1-minute walk (or as far as 15 minutes walk) from **Home At First**‘s Rome Italy apartment locations. ##### **HOME AT FIRST’s** ### Rome Italy — The Eternal City. How it works: • Contact **Home At First**. Tell us about your dream of travel to Rome Italy — The Eternal City. We will tell you about getting there, where we stay (you’ll love the locations!), and how best to get around (via public transport, taxi, or by walking). — Tell us how many people will be with you, and their ages. — Tell us when you would like to travel, and for how long. — Tell us if you would like to combine a visit to Rome with a visit to another part of Italy or to any other **Home At First** destination in Continental Europe, Scandinavia, or the British Isles. — Ask for a Free Trip Proposal with Cost Estimate. • We prepare an itinerary & cost estimate with all the lodgings & transportation you need. We send it to you via email and/or postal mail. • You review our proposal; accept it, reject it, or revise it until we have it just right for you. It is, after all, your dream trip, to be done the way you wish. • Once accepted, we request an initial payment by check along with your signed acceptance. • We begin putting your plans in place, securing your LODGINGS, FLIGHT RESERVATIONS & TICKETS, CAR RENTALS, and/or any TRAIN TICKETS, TAXI TRANSFERS, OR TRANSPORTATION PASSES required. Most **Home At First** **Rome Italy — The Eternal City** guests arrive by air; some come from other parts of Italy with rental cars; some get here by train. Full-Package or Lodging & Ground Transport guests have a choice of included round-trip taxi transfers from Rome’s FCO International Airport or a 1-week Rome Transpass valid for the city’s buses, métro, and airport trains. • Payment in full is due 90 days prior to departure, or when you are ready to lock in your included airfares, whichever comes first. • All travel documents for your trip — including a **guidebook** appropriate for your destination — will be sent to you by 30 days prior to your trip departure date. • You follow our directions from your arrival point to your Rome lodging, where you will be met at a pre-set time by your lodging’s host, who will show you around, see to your comfort, and let you get some rest. • Have a nap. Get some groceries for your kitchen. Make supper or go out for a meal. The fun begins now. **SCENES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF HOME AT FIRST’S ETERNAL CITY APARTMENTS** - ![The Forum of Trajan, or Trajan's Market, in central Rome. Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Forum-of-Trajan-1307212640-800x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy - Rome - Forum of Trajan - 800x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")The Forum of Trajan - ![Vatican City at dusk reflected in the River Tiber.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Tiber-River-bridge-with-Vatican-1280x847-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-NOS-Rome-used-with-permission-e1589574681827-705x529.jpg "The great dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican reflects in the Tiber River.")St. Peter’s Basilica - ![The Colosseum — as much an icon of Italy as pizza and Ferraris. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Colosseum-1207212656-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - Colosseum - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")The iconic Colosseum - ![The Spanish Steps are one of Rome's most popular visitor destinations. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Spanish-Steps-1207212590-800x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy - Rome - Spanish Steps - 800x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")The Spanish Steps - ![The towers of Sant' Agnese in Agone Church are examples of Rome's high Baroque architecture.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-the-Baroque-towers-of-Sant-Agnese-in-Agone-Church-20170724-173626570-1591x895-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589575353297-600x450.jpg "The towers of Sant' Agnese in Agone Church are examples of Rome's high Baroque architecture.")Baroque architecture - ![Tourists flock to the Trevi Fountain for selfies and to toss coins into the water. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Trevi-Fountain-tourists-1207212621-1200x900-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - Trevi Fountain tourists - 1207212621 - 1200x900 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Tourists at Trevi Fountain - ![Photobombing Gucci, Rome, Italy. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Gucci-Photobomb-1207212608-800x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy - Rome - Gucci Photobomb - 1207212608 - 800x600 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First")Photobombing Gucci - ![Rome — The Eternal City Apartments are located on narrow, cobbled streets, with minimal traffic.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Apartment-bldg-location-in-old-city-2407174502-1500x1074-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589581360138-764x573.jpg "Rome — The Eternal City Apartments are located on narrow, cobbled streets, with minimal traffic in Rome's Old City.")Eternal City Apartments - ![Pizza Roman-style may not have tomato sauce.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Cucina-Romana-Pizza-20170724-163928292-2000x1135-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589581508632-605x454.jpg "Pizza Roman-style may not have tomato sauce.")Cucina Romana: Pizza - ![Cafés abound across Rome. Many open early to serve rich Italian morning coffee. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Cafe-society-1207212627-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy - Rome - Café society - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")Open early for morning coffee - ![The neoclassical Victor Emmanuel II Monument dedicated to the Italian nation occupies a prominent place by the Piazza Venezia in the center of Rome. Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Victor-Emmanuel-II-Monument-1307212634-800x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Italy - Rome - Victor Emmanuel II Monument - 800x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")Victor Emmanuel II Monument - ![The ruins of the Roman Empire extend from the Colosseum to the Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Colosseum-Archeological-Park-and-the-Roman-Forum-1207212665-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - Colosseum Archeological Park and the Roman Forum - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")Ruins of the Roman Empire - ![High Baroque buildings and fountains are found at Rome's Piazza Navona. Bernini's Neptune wrestles a dolphin as the centerpiece of the Fontana del Moro. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Piazza-Navona-Fontana-del-Moro-1007212416-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - Piazza Navona - Fontana del Moro - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")Rome’s Piazza Navona - ![The streets of old central Rome are a maze of narrow alleys that invite exploring. At some intersections, like here at Piazza di Pasquino, the space opens enough to let the Roman sun shine in. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Piazza-di-Pasquino-1007212420-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - Piazza di Pasquino - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")The streets of old Rome - ![Some Roman café-restaurants even open for coffee and breakfast Sunday mornings. - 900x600 72dpi. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Even-open-Sunday-morning-1007212434-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - Even open Sunday morning - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")Café near the Vatican - ![Rome's Castelo Sant'Angelo is reached by an historic footbridge across the River Tiber. 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-The-Sant-Angelo-Bridge-and-Castle-1007212437-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - The Sant Angelo Bridge & Castle - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")Rome’s Castelo Sant’Angelo - ![St Peter's Square & Basilica with Vaticano Obelisk. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-St-Peters-Square-and-Basilica-with-Obelisk-1007212489-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - St Peters Square & Basilica with Vaticano Obelisk - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")The Vatican - ![Rome - Ferrari - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Ferrari-1007212500-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - Ferrari - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")Roman red Ferrari - ![Rome - River Tiber at the Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge - 900x600 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-River-Tiber-at-the-Vittorio-Emanuele-II-Bridge-1007212520-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - River Tiber at the Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge - 900x600 72dpi - Photo copyright Home At First.")The River Tiber - ![Alley in historic central Rome - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-alley-in-historic-central-Rome-II-1007212531-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Alley in historic central Rome - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")Historic Central Rome - ![Rome: Balcony with flag & flowers - 900x600 72dpi - Photo Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Balcony-with-flag-and-flowers-1007212564-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Rome: Balcony with flag & flowers - 900x600 72dpi - Photo Home At First.")Flag-colored flowers - ![Rome: Café Society - 1007212573 - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-Cafe-Society-1007212573-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Rome: Café Society - 1007212573 - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")People-watching - ![Rome - The Waiters - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Italy-Rome-The-Waiters-1007212586-900x600-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x600.jpg "Italy - Rome - The Waiters - 900x600 72dpi - Photo © Home At First")The vitality of Romans [Get a Free Quote](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) --- ## Rome Italy Apartments **Home At First’s Rome Italy — The Eternal City Apartments** are superbly located in the heart of historic Rome on the east bank of the **River Tiber**, where they are within 10-15 minutes walking distance west to **St. Peter’s Square** at **the Vatican**. Located close to the spectacular **Piazza Navona** and the 1,900-year-old **Pantheon**, our apartments are within walking distance (or a short cab ride) of the **Trevi Fountain**, the **Spanish Steps**, the **Roman Forum**, and the iconic **Coliseum**. Our lodging locations are within legions of restaurants and street cafés lining the historic district’s largely traffic-free streets, alleys, and plazas. Numerous shops, activities, museums, and galleries are conveniently close by. **Minimum lodging in Rome: 3 nights.** **Getting Around Rome Italy:** Because driving and parking in Rome are notoriously daunting challenges, we recommend guests plan to walk to shops and restaurants, and use taxis or public transport only for distant destinations. As part of their full package, Full-Package or Lodging & Ground Transport guests staying in Rome receive their choice of round-trip, pre-arranged **taxi transfers** to their apartments from Rome’s FCO International Airport, **or a Rome transpass** valid on the Metro, buses, streetcars, & certain trains for the week they will be staying at our Rome lodgings. ### Three Sample Rome Italy City Apartments Shown and described below are three popular Rome Italy Eternal City Apartments used by **Home At First** guests. They are shown here as samples of different sizes and capacities. While the range of apartments to choose from is extensive, the standard of quality and service is the same regardless of apartment or location. **NOTE** — FOR BEST VIEWING: each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). SAMPLE APARTMENT ‘A’ #### TIBER - ![The sleeping area of Rome's stylish Tiber Apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Tiber-Apt-Sleeping-Area-overhead-shot-2407174477-1500x995-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589818592895.jpg "The sleeping area of Rome's stylish Tiber Apartment.") - ![The sleeping area at the Tiber Apartment](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Tiber-Apt-Sleeping-Area-2407174485-1500x1025-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589821959266.jpg "The double bed at the Tiber Apartment") - ![Comfort, style, and convenience make the Tiber Apartment ideal for 2 persons in Rome's old city.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Tiber-Apt-Sleeping-Kitchen-Stairs-2407174475-1500x1016-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589821993578.jpg "Comfort, style, and convenience make the Tiber Apartment ideal for 2 persons in Rome's old city.") - ![The Tiber Apartment's well-equipped kitchenette is tucked under the stairs leading to the mezzanine bathroom.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Tiber-Apt-Kitchen-Dining-Stairs-2407174487-1500x1021-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589822101231.jpg "The Tiber Apartment's well-equipped kitchenette is tucked under the stairs leading to the mezzanine bathroom.") - ![The Tiber Apartment: stone and tile mezzanine bathroom with shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Tiber-Apt-Bathroom-vert-2407174482-1000x1500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589823866504.jpg "The Tiber Apartment: stone and tile mezzanine bathroom with shower.") Located near the Tiber River mid-way between the Vatican and the Pantheon, this modern, 2-level, ground floor apartment is stylish & practical, but lacks any view from its two small windows. • **Lower Level:** The flat’s open-plan kitchenette, sleeping, living, & dining areas are on the lower lever. There are a flat-screen TV, WiFi, & a small dining area. The large double bed sleeps two. The very well-equipped kitchenette has a large refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, gas range, oven, toaster, coffee maker, microwave, & washer/dryer. • **Upper Level:** A 10-step stair-case climbs to a handsome stone and tile mezzanine bathroom with shower. The apartment is non-smoking, air-conditioned, and heated as needed. SAMPLE APARTMENT ‘B’ #### PANTHEON - ![The entrance to the Pantheon Apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Pantheon-Apt-Entrance-door-detail-2407174465-800x550-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The entrance to the Pantheon Apartment.") - ![The sleeping area of the Pantheon Apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Pantheon-Apt-Sleeping-and-Living-Areas-2407174458-1500x984-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589824619302.jpg "Pantheon Apartment living room, bedroom, and entrance.") - ![Large double bed in the Pantheon Apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Pantheon-Apt-Bedroom-2407174459-800x550-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Large double bed in the Pantheon Apartment.") - ![The large galley kitchen can be isolated behind sliding doors.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Pantheon-Apt-Kitchen-2407174455-1500x1039-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589835040297.jpg "The large galley kitchen can be isolated behind sliding doors.") - ![Living/Dining areas at Rome's Pantheon Apartment](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Pantheon-Apt-Dining-and-Living-Areas-2407174457-1500x1033-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-e1589835083896.jpg "Pantheon Apartment - dining and living areas.") - ![The attractive enclosed, tiled shower is a feature of the Pantheon Apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Pantheon-Apt-Bathroom-detail-2407174463-800x550-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "The attractive enclosed, tiled shower is a feature of the Pantheon Apartment.") A comfortable, solidly-furnished, studio suite on the 2nd floor, this conveniently-located family apartment is a 10-15-minute walk to the 1,900-year-old Pantheon via pedestrian streets lined with café-restaurants & shops. • Its sleeping/dining/living room sleeps 2-4 persons on an extra-long double bed & a convertible sofa double bed. • The enclosable kitchenette has oven, refrigerator, dish-washer, microwave, coffee maker, & washing machine. • There is a large, flat-screen TV & 4-person dining table. • The bath has a tiled shower, toilet, bidet, & hairdryer. • The apartment has with WiFi, air conditioning, & heat as needed, plus windows overlooking a historic street. **Note:** Access is via an indoor staircase (12 steps) — no lift. . SAMPLE APARTMENT ‘C’ #### VATICAN - ![The Vatican Apartment is a large, well-appointed, 3rd floor studio flat.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Vatican-Apt-Living-Dining-Kitchen-Sleeping-1-1168x757-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Eternal-City-Apts-e1589834092748.jpg "The Vatican Apartment is a large, well-appointed, 3rd floor studio flat.") - ![The Vatican Apartment has a small, well-equipped galley kitchen.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Vatican-Apt-Kitchen-1090x720-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Eternal-City-Apts-e1589834058577.jpg "The Vatican Apartment has a small, well-equipped galley kitchen.") - ![The Vatican Apartment bathroom comes with a small washing machine.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Vatican-Apt-Bathroom-with-sink-bidet-toilet-washer-2-1166x720-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Eternal-City-Apts-e1589834135647.jpg "The Vatican Apartment bathroom comes with a small washing machine.") - ![The Vatican Apartment's large double bed.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Vatican-Apt-Sleeping-Area-869x645-Photo-courtesy-Eternal-City-Apts-e1589834268451.jpg "The Vatican Apartment's large double bed.") - ![The Vatican Apartment is comfortable, stylish, and practical. The sofa converts into a double bed.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Vatican-Apt-Living-Dining-Kitchen-2-1253x902-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Eternal-City-Apts-e1589834408726.jpg "The Vatican Apartment is comfortable, stylish, and practical. The sofa converts into a double bed.") - ![The Vatican Apartment bathroom with shower.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Italy-Rome-Vatican-Apt-Bathroom-with-shower-detail-800x550-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Eternal-City-Apts.jpg "The Vatican Apartment bathroom with shower.") This handsome apartment is on the third floor with window views of the building’s historic Roman neighborhood just 15-minutes walk from St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Its large open-plan kitchen sleeping/dining/living room is quite comfortable for two persons. The bed is an extra-long double. The couch becomes a double sofa bed, able to sleep 1-2 kids. The well-equipped kitchenette has an oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, & washing machine. There is a large flat-screen TV & dining table for four. Its private bath includes a tiled shower, toilet, bidet, & hairdryer. This apartment has WiFi, air conditioning, and on-demand heat. **Note:** Access is via an indoor staircase (28 steps) — no lift. ### Rome Italy — The Eternal City readily combines with other Home At First destinations. ##### Achieve more than one European travel goal for just one transatlantic airfare. [Request Free Proposal for a Custom-Made Combination Trip with Price Quote Here](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [ROME COMBINES READILY WITH ALL **other italy locations**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/#Italy), as well as — ### [**LONDON**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) [![London: Tower Bridge](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-London-Tower-Bridge-early-AM-3-square-181217-5956-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "London: Tower Bridge")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London) ### [**PARIS**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) [![Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-from-the-rooftops-of-St-Germaine-221218-9891-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Paris, France: Eiffel Tower amid Chimney Pots.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/paris/#Paris) ### [**SWITZERLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) [![Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Switzerland: hiking in the Bernese Oberland.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) ### [**COPENHAGEN**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) [![Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Denmark-Copenhagen-Nyhavn-4-square-detail-261200-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Copenhagen, Denmark — Nyhavn Harbor")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) ### [**OSLO**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) [![Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Destinations-Norway-Oslo-Viking-Ship-Museum-250616-0371-450x450-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Norway: Viking Ship Museum, Oslo.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) ### [**STOCKHOLM**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) [![Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Sweden-Stockholm-Royal-Palace-Guard-portrait-square-130910-6793-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Stockholm, Sweden — Royal Palace Guard")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ### [**ENGLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) [![England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-England-Cotswolds-Chipping-Campden-Thatch-2-square-160409-8576-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "England: thatched cottage in the Cotswolds.")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#England) ### [**SCOTLAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) [![Scotland: Highlanders!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BoldGrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Scotland-Young-Highlanders-square-280500-2-003-354x354-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Scotland: Highlanders!")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/#Scotland) ### [**WALES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) [![Home At First's Wales cottage vacations](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Wales-Snowdonia-Llanrwst-Pont-Fawr-Bridge-with-Red-Ivy-Cottage-2-square-101003-R2-004-0A-328x328-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Home At First's Wales cottage vacations")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/wales-cottage-vacations/#Wales) ### [**IRELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) [![Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Boldgrid-Web-Home-Page-Destinations-Ireland-Adare-Blue-Door-thatch-restaurant-3-268x268-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Ireland: thatched café restaurant in Adare, Central Ireland")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/ireland/#Ireland) ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [italy package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/italy/italy-pricing/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Contact Us](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [— **CONTACT HOME AT FIRST** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) Information Request Form [— HOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TRIP —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy) Contacting Our Expert Planners [— GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) With a Detailed Cost Estimate [— GET AN INSTANT DISCOUNT —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) For the Lowest Price Available ### Designing & Purchasing Your Trip OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! [SWITZERLAND](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/ "SWITZERLAND"): Train at Bernina Diavolezza on the World Heritage Site Bernina Line, highest intercity railway crossing of the Alps. # ◊ Contact [Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/) Information Request Name \*First Last Email \* Postal Address \* City / Town / Locale \* State / Province \*Alabama (AL)Alaska (AK)Alberta (AB)American Samoa (AS)Arizona (AZ)Arkansas (AR)British Columbia (BC)California (CA)Colorado (CO)Connecticut (CT)Delaware (DE)District of Columbia (DC)Florida (FL)Georgia (GA)Guam (GU)Hawaii (HI)Idaho (ID)Illinois (IL)Indiana (IN)Iowa (IA)Kansas (KS)Kentucky (KY)Louisiana (LA)Maine (ME)Manitoba (MB)Maryland (MD)Marshall Islands (MH)Massachusetts (MA)Michigan (MI)Micronesia (FM)Minnesota (MN)Mississippi (MS)Missouri (MO)Montana (MT)Nebraska (NE)Nevada (NV)New Brunswick (NB)New Hampshire (NH)New Jersey (NJ)New Mexico (NM)New York (NY)Newfoundland & Labrador (NL)North Carolina (NC)North Dakota (ND)Northern Marianas (MP)Nova Scotia (NS)Ohio (OH)Oklahoma (OK)Ontario (ON)Oregon (OR)Palau (PW)Pennsylvania (PA)Prince Edward Island (PE)Puerto Rico (PR)Quebec (QC)Rhode Island (RI)Saskatchewan (SK)South Carolina (SC)South Dakota (SD)Tennessee (TN)Texas (TX)Utah (UT)Vermont (VT)Virginia (VA)Virgin Islands (VI)Washington (WA)West Virginia (WV)Wisconsin (WI)Wyoming (WY)Yukon Territory (YT)OtherSelect… ZIP / Postal Code \* Country \* Telephone \* Service Requests- Send a Free Trip Proposal - Quote an ‘Instant Discount’ - Send “Travel Bargain Alerts” Destinations of Interest for this inquiry- London - England - Scotland - Wales - Ireland - Paris - France - Switzerland - Italy - Iceland - Denmark - Norway - Sweden - Portugal - Bermuda - New Zealand - Custom-made Europe - Other Add Any Details, Preferences, &/or Requirements \*Tell us your destination(s) of interest, travel dates, originating airport, numbers of people traveling, special needs, and/or other requests. How did you learn about Home At First? \*We are eager to hear how the word is spreading! Stay Connected to Home At First- Get our “Travel Bargain Alerts” email newsletter Send Your Request to Home At First ### #### ◊ How to Purchase your Trip Instead of buying on-line, why must I contact Home At First by phone or email? - Since 1987 we have been turning international travel dreams into exciting realities and treasured memories. - After shopping this website for ideas and prices, contact us to request your Free Trip Proposal, Instant Discount pricing and to order your trip. - We design quality independent travel at top-value prices. - We know our destinations and our overseas suppliers personally. - You communicate with our experienced professionals — real people; no pushy salesmen — and get the personal attention needed to make your travel plans ideal to achieve your travel goals. - Only when our proposal and pricing meet your approval do you make your commitment to buy. - Most importantly, you get your trip — not ours — designed by travel experts to be efficient, cost-effective, and personalized to fit your dreams. #### ◊ Ask for a Free Trip Proposal If you have a list of destinations and approximate dates in mind for your dream trip, use [the form on this page](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) to contact [Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/) for a Free Trip Itinerary Proposal. We’ll design a personalized travel plan for you complete with a suggested flight itinerary, lodging locations, and ground transportation recommendations. A price analysis (Cost Estimate, or Quote) accompanies this proposal. Once you accept our proposal and send your initial deposit we begin putting all necessary trip reservations — for flights, lodgings, ground transportation, and any prearranged activities you may have requested — in place for you. #### ◊ Request an Instant Discount ![Contact Home At First for an Instant Discount for your next Home At First trip!](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Instant-Discounts-Page-Title-Image-Jax-shopping-543APR12-585x254-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Contact Home At First for an Instant Discount for your next Home At First trip!") If you have exact destinations and precise flight dates in mind for your dream trip, ask us for an “Instant Discount” price quote. We scour the airlines for their best current fares for flight itineraries that meet your needs. Then we combine the lowest available airfares with available lodgings and appropriate ground transportation. We price this “full-package” trip for you. Because it includes short-term discounted airfares, this current market price is often lower than our published full-packaged prices, providing an “instant discount” that can save you 10%-35%, but will probably require an “instant purchase” to lock in the price and the savings. [Contact Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InfoRequestForm) for your “Instant Discount” quote. HOME AT FIRST ![Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-Color-Logo-transparent-bkgrnd-438x208-59dpi-Logo-copyright-Home-At-First-1-300x142.png "Home At First") **INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FOR THE GLOBAL CITIZEN** **P.O. Box 193, Springfield, PA 19064 USA** ## **PHONE HOME AT FIRST** 800-523-5842 (USA & Canada) +1 610 543 43 48 (worldwide) --- ### **EMAIL HOME AT FIRST** --- ### [Our Services](https://homeatfirst.com/home/our-services/) **Published:** June 22, 2018 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ## [Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/) # Home At First — Our Services #### LONDON, UK: British Airways jets line up under dramatic skies at Heathrow Airport. ###### #### At Home At First — Our Services are the steps necessary to accomplish our mission. #### Mission Statement Helping create global citizens through international travel is our mission. Home At First has adopted this short standard as the guiding motto of our business: “International Travel for the Global Citizen.” While we do not intend its use to be especially evangelical or political, we do wish to tell you a little about the concept. We still get excited the moment we start packing our bags for our next trip overseas. Despite the travel complications of added health & security protocols, we agree with George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) in Frank Capra’s classic movie *It’s A* *Wonderful Life:* “You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are? Anchor chains, plane motors & train whistles.” Who is a Global Citizen? Someone *unafraid* of international travel’ someone who welcomes the newness of international travel and its unrelenting teaching. The Global Citizen brings back newly-learned lessons in alternative realities and often applies them to their own realities at home We have the option to choose to become citizens of Planet Earth. We know some will choose not to. We here at Home At First have chosen to become Global Citizens. So, in the spirit of our guiding principle, we promise to help make international travel an affordable place to learn, to enable others to become Global Citizens, too. — Judi Taussig Fahnestock & Ron Fahnestock Co-Owners of **[Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/)** ![Tour buses don't come here. But you can. Home At First's guidebooks tell you how.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hikers-silhouetted-against-Jungfrau-060916-1995-585x585-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg) #### Independence, Freedom, Self-Discovery, Serendipity ## Home At First — Our Services: #### Our Travel Style At Home At First we love the individual freedom and serendipity possible with independent international travel. Bus tours, guided group travel, multi-day cruises, and structured single-activity vacations (like golf, cycling, trekking, or culinary itineraries) just aren’t our thing. We prefer exploring the world on our own terms. ![London: tea time overlooking the Tower Bridge and the Shard.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-London-St-Kats-Boleyn-Dining-room-with-a-view-2-with-in-lays-2470-09-16-502x502-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg) #### Location, comfort, style, space, and often a memorable view ### Home At First — Our Services: #### Personalized Lodgings Whenever possible, we select lodgings that let you feel at home at your destination. For most Home At First destinations we use apartments, cottages, chalets, villas, estates, even some farmhouses. For our few “moving itinerary” destinations (New Zealand, Iceland, Scandinavia) we use upscale B&B’s, small inns, and boutique hotels. ![Judi Taussig Fahnestock, founder & very-active leader at Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Judi-Portrait-for-Facebook-230905-R5-070-33A-405x542-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-224x300.jpg "Judi Taussig Fahnestock, founder & very-active leader at Home At First") #### Judi Taussig Fahnestock, founder & very-active leader at Home At First ## Home At First — Our Services: #### We help you before you travel. We research, book, and ticket the best flights at the lowest fares. We help you choose the right lodging locations, and the correct ground transport for your trip. Need help planning activities? Unsure how to accomplish your trip goals? We have decades of experience researching international travel. Maybe you’ll stump us. Probably not. ![Two delightful hosts who introduce you to Siena and Tuscany, and help you learn all about good food, and good wine.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Hosts-in-Siena-Italy-230717-4405-500x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg) #### Co-Hostesses at Home At First’s Tuscan Estate in Siena, Italy #### Home At First — Our Services: #### English-speaking hosts help you on-site. All Home At First lodgings come equipped with English-speaking hosts. They welcome you, show you the workings of your accommodations, tell you a little about your neighborhood, suggest where to shop, make restaurant recommendations, and inform you of any local events that might interest you. ![Iain Campbell — our man in Central Scotland, and a favorite of Home At First travelers.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-Scotland-Iain-Campbell-in-Lochearnhead-in-kilt-260406-0474-500x500-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x300.jpg) #### Iain Campbell, Home At First’s representative in Central Scotland #### Home At First — Our Services: #### On-Site Support • Don’t want to drive on the left? We offer qualified driver/guides in the British Isles as an extra-cost option. • Illness, Accident, & Emergency: we help if you fall ill, have an accident, or are needed back home. Your hosts help find doctors, dentists, even hospitals. We help rearrange flights, car rentals, & hotel bookings, and advise you with insurance claims. You’re traveling independently, but you’re not traveling alone. ![Several covers from the extensive destinations library of Home At First Activity Guides.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/BoldGrid-Web-Our-Services-Page-HAF-Guidebooks-composite-half-round-Image-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) #### Several Home At First Activity Guides from its extensive library. #### Home At First — Our Services: #### Our On-Site Guidebooks For most Home At First destinations we produce guidebooks keyed specifically for our independent travelers. Topics covered include touring, walking & hiking, shopping, museums, restaurants, churches & cathedrals, rail trips & boat excursions, pubs, golf, fishing, festivals and local customs & traditions. (Note: guests at a few destinations get excellent commercial guidebooks.) [Contact Us](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/) --- ### [Scandinavia Pricing](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/scandinavia-pricing/) **Published:** February 26, 2021 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### ##### [![Flag of Denmark](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DenmarkFlag-16x12-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Denmark")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark)[DENMARK](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark) | [![Flag of Norway](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/NorwayFlag-16x12-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Norway")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway)[NORWAY](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway) | [![Flag of Sweden](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SwedenFlag-16x12-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Sweden")](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden)[SWEDEN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden) ###### #### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # **2026 [SCANDINAVIA](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#Scandinavia) PRICES** **HOW TO SAVE MONEY: The Scandinavia prices shown below are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** ### **SCANDINAVIA** À LA CARTE ### **7-DAYS** ### **FULL PACKAGE** PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** **• Round-Trip Transatlantic Flights** from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Scandinavia: Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm. (Yes, you can fly into one of these 3 cities and back from another.) **• 7-Day Itinerary:** your choice of Home At First’s classic destinations across Scandinavia. (If unsure of choosing destinations, please ask us for recommendations that meet your goals.) **• 7 Nights Lodging** at inns or hotels with breakfast daily or (for select destinations) in a vacation apartment with a kitchens. **• 7 Days of Transportation in Scandinavia:** Can be car rental, public transport (in cities), or intercity trains. (Flights or ferry connections between many destinations available at extra cost.) **• Scandinavian Activity Guides** keyed for your itinerary destinations. Includes suggestions for sightseeing, touring, activities, restaurants, museums and other attractions. **Winter — $3,379/prs** **FOR A 7-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **Extra Days Lodging + Transport @ $439/prs/day** WINTER TRAVEL DATES: NOV. 1 – DEC. 13, 2025 and JAN. 9 – MAR. 11, 2026 FALL RATES APPLY TO THE HOLIDAYS: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 **Spring/Fall — $3,992/prs** **FOR A 7-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **Extra Days Lodging + Transport @ $499/prs/day** SPRING TRAVEL DATES: MAR. 12 – MAY 13, 2026 FALL TRAVEL DATES: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 and SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **Summer — $5,306/prs** **FOR A 7-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **Extra Days Lodging + Transport @ $547/prs/day** SUMMER TRAVEL DATES: MAY 14–SEP. 8, 2026 ### **SCANDINAVIA** À LA CARTE ### **10-DAYS** ### **FULL PACKAGE** PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** **• Round-Trip Transatlantic Flights** from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Scandinavia: Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm. (Yes, you can fly into one of these 3 cities and back from another.) **• 10-Day Itinerary:** your choice of Home At First’s classic destinations across Scandinavia. (If unsure of choosing destinations, please ask us for recommendations that meet your goals.) **• 10 Nights Lodging** at inns or hotels with breakfast daily or (for select destinations) in a vacation apartment with a kitchens. **• 10 Days of Transportation in Scandinavia:** Can be car rental, public transport (in cities), or intercity trains. (Flights or ferry connections between many destinations available at extra cost.) **• Scandinavian Activity Guides** keyed for your itinerary destinations. Includes suggestions for sightseeing, touring, activities, restaurants, museums and other attractions. **Winter — $4,606/prs** **FOR A 10-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **Extra Days Lodging + Transport @ $439/prs/day** WINTER TRAVEL DATES: NOV. 1 – DEC. 13, 2025 and JAN. 9 – MAR. 11, 2026 FALL RATES APPLY TO THE HOLIDAYS: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 **Spring/Fall — $5,190/prs** **FOR A 10-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **Extra Days Lodging + Transport @ $499/prs/day** SPRING TRAVEL DATES: MAR. 12 – MAY 13, 2026 FALL TRAVEL DATES: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 and SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **Summer — $5,900/prs** **FOR A 10-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **Extra Days Lodging + Transport @ $547/prs/day** SUMMER TRAVEL DATES: MAY 14–SEP. 8, 2026 ### **SCANDINAVIA + ICELAND** ### 7-DAYS ICELAND + 7-DAYS SCANDINAVIA PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** **• Round-Trip Transatlantic Flights** from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Scandinavia via Reykjavik, Iceland, (KEF), with a 7 day stopover in [**ICELAND**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/iceland/). **• 7-Day Iceland Itinerary:** your choice of Home At First’s destinations in Iceland. (If unsure choosing destinations, ask for recommendations that meet your goals.) **• 7-Day Scandinavia Itinerary:** your choice of Home At First’s Classic Destinations in Scandinavia: [**Denmark**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark), [**Norway**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway), &/or [**Sweden**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden). (If unsure of choosing destinations, ask us for recommendations.) **• 7 Nights Iceland Lodging** at inns or hotels with breakfast daily in Iceland or (where available) vacation apartments with kitchens in locations around Iceland. **• 7 Nights Scandinavia Lodging** in qualifying inns, hotels, or (where available) vacation apartments with kitchens in Classic Destinations across Scandinavia, (Special Request Destinations available, but prices will be custom-quoted.) **• 7 Days of Car Rental in Iceland.** **• 7 Total Days of Appropriate Ground Transport in Scandinavia:** car rental, city transit passes, connecting rail tickets, even some boats. **• Our exclusive Activity Guides** for Iceland and Scandinavia, keyed for your destinations. **Winter — $5,904/prs** **FOR A 14-DAY FULL PACKAGE:** **7 Days in Scandinavia + 7 Days in Iceland** WINTER TRAVEL DATES: NOV. 1 – DEC. 13, 2025 and JAN. 9 – MAR. 11, 2026 FALL RATES APPLY TO THE HOLIDAYS: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 **Spring/Fall — $6,476/prs** **FOR A 14-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **7 Days in Scandinavia + 7 Days in Iceland** SPRING TRAVEL DATES: MAR. 12 – MAY 13, 2026 FALL TRAVEL DATES: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 and SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **Summer — $6,896/prs** **FOR A 14-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **7 Days in Scandinavia + 7 Days in Iceland** SUMMER TRAVEL DATES: MAY 14–SEP. 8, 2026 ### **SCANDINAVIA + BRITAIN** ### 7-DAYS SCANDINAVIA + 7-DAYS BRITAIN PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** **• Round-Trip Transatlantic Flight Itinerary:** from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Scandinavia (Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm), a one-way flight from Scandinavia to Britain (London or Edinburgh), and a transatlantic flight from Britain (London, Edinburgh, or Glasgow) back to the USA (JFK or EWR). **• 7-Day Scandinavia Itinerary:** your choice of Home At First’s Classic Destinations in Scandinavia: [**Denmark**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#denmark), [**Norway**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#norway), &/or [**Sweden**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scandinavia/#sweden). (If unsure of choosing destinations, please ask us for recommendations.) **• 7 Nights Scandinavian Lodging** in qualifying inns, hotels, or (where available) vacation apartments with kitchens in Classic Destinations across Scandinavia, (Special Request Destinations available; prices are custom-quoted.) **• 7 Total Days of Appropriate Scandinavia Ground Transport:** car rental, city transit passes, rail tickets, even some boats. **TO BE FOLLOWED BY A FLIGHT TO BRITAIN** **• 7-Day Britain Itinerary:** your choice of Home At First’s destinations in Britain: [**London**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/), the **[Cotswolds](https://homeatfirst.com/home/england/#Cotswolds)**, [**Edinburgh**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/edinburgh/), or [**Scotland’s Central Highlands**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/scotland/central-highlands/#Central). (If unsure of choosing destinations, please ask us for recommendations.) **• 7 Nights British Lodging** at Home At Firsts superbly-located city apartments or country cottages in the destination of your choice. **• 7 Total Days of Appropriate Ground Transport in Britain:** London transport passes; car rental in the Cotswolds or Scotland’s Central Highlands. **• Our exclusive Activity Guides** for Scandinavia & Britain, keyed for your destinations. **Winter — $5,222/prs** **FOR A 14-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **7 Days in Scandinavia + 7 Days in Britain** WINTER TRAVEL DATES: NOV. 1 – DEC. 13, 2025 and JAN. 9 – MAR. 11, 2026 FALL RATES APPLY TO THE HOLIDAYS: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 **Spring/Fall — $5,584/prs** **FOR A 14-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **7 Days in Scandinavia + 7 Days in Britain** SPRING TRAVEL DATES: MAR. 12 – MAY 13, 2026 FALL TRAVEL DATES: DEC. 14, 2025 – JAN. 8, 2026 and SEP. 9 – OCT. 31, 2026 **Summer — $6,597/prs** **FOR A 14-DAY FULL PACKAGE** **7 Days in Scandinavia + 7 Days in Britain** SUMMER TRAVEL DATES: MAY 14–SEP. 8, 2026 #### **for payment details, See Home At First’s “prices & paying” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: Per-Person Scandinavia Prices shown below are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for family/child/single occupancy rates.** #### **NOTE 2: The above Scandinavia Prices are for Classic Destinations in Scandinavia for 7-day, 10-day, or 14-day Independent, Fly/Drive Travel Packages with Flights, Lodgings, & Ground Transportation. For stays of other lengths, or to visit Special Request Destinations in Scandinavia, or for Ground Arrangements Only (no flights included) — request custom pricing [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/).** #### **NOTE 3: These Scandinavia Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in Scandinavian currency (kroner): DKK-Denmark, NOK-Norway, SEK-Sweden..** #### **NOTE 4: The Rental Cars included in the above Scandinavia prices come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 5: Included Airfares are based on New York (JFK), and Newark (EWR) Departures. Flights from all other Canadian and USA airports are available at supplemental cost. Please inquire about the cost from your home airport [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/).** #### **NOTE 6: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, &/or baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 7: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 9: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 10: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 11: AADVANCE PAYMENT OF SCANDINAVIA’s ETIAS VISITOR FEE: Member nations of the Schengen States (the EU including Denmark & Sweden + Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, & Liechtenstein) may require 2026 visitors to pre-register on-line and pay an ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) entry fee. Visitors of all ages must apply for the authorization, The ETIAS is expected to apply only to visitors older than 17 and younger than 71. ETIAS entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) that may be in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees will be the travelers’ responsibility and should be done before departing home. HOME AT FIRST will be able to advise you about any requirements, once they have officially been announced.** #### **See Home At First’s “Cancellations & Insurance” policies, [HERE](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [Portugal Prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/portugal-prices/) **Published:** June 15, 2023 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### [THE NORTH: P**ORTO REGION**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#PortoRegion) #### [WEST-CENTRAL: **LISBON REGION**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#LisbonRegion) #### [SOUTH COAST: **THE ALGARVE**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/#AlgarveRegion) #### [**PORTUGAL PRICES**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/portugal-prices/#Prices "PORTUGAL PRICES") ###### #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### **![Flag of Portugal](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Flag-50x33-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Portugal") 2026** ![Flag of Portugal](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Portugal-Flag-50x33-72dpi.jpg "Flag of Portugal") # **[PORTUGAL](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/ "Portugal") PRICES** **HOW TO SAVE MONEY:** **The Portugal prices shown below are among the lowest in the travel industry, but they can probably be beaten — by us! Sign up for [TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1), and always [Ask for a Free Proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) and [Request an Instant Discount.](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts)** ### [PORTUGAL](https://homeatfirst.com/home/portugal/) ### 1-WEEK FULL PACKAGE PRICES PER PERSON **— Full Package Includes —** • Round-Trip Flights from New York City USA (JFK/EWR) to Lisbon (LIS), Portugal. Connecting flights to Porto (OPO) &/or Faro (FAO) for supplement fares. • 1-Week Occupancy at a standard class Portugal Lodging in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, or the Algarve • 1-Week Portugal Car Rental or Portugal 6-in-8-Day Flexi Rail Pass appropriate for your destination • A Portugal Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2-Person Occupancy — $3,112/prs 3-Person Occupancy — $2,993/prs 4-Person Occupancy — $2,809/prs 5+ Person Occupancy — $2,653/prs High Season Supplement: +$428/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEPT. 11, 2026 Low Season Reduction: –$303/prs LOW SEASON: NOV. 1 – DEC. 7, 2025 & JANUARY 6 – MARCH 17, 2026 ### PORTUGAL ### Extra Week ### SAME LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Extension at your current standard class Portugal lodging in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, or the Algarve • Extension of your Portugal Car Rental or Flexi Rail Pass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $1,127/prs 3 Persons: $1,099/prs 4 Persons: $1,071/prs 5+ Persons: $969/prs High Season Supplement: +$310/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEP.11, 2026 ### PORTUGAL ### Extra Week ### DIFFERENT LODGING PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy at a different standard class lodging in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, or the Algarve • Extension of your Portugal Car Rental or Flexi Rail Pass appropriate for your destination 2 Persons: $1,241/prs 3 Persons: $1,191/prs 4 Persons: $1,126/prs 5+ Persons: $1,101/prs High Season Supplement: +$310/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEP.11, 2026 ### PORTUGAL ### 1-WEEK ### LODGING & GROUND TRANSPORT PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class lodging in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, or the Algarve • 1-Week Portugal Car Rental or Flexi Rail Pass appropriate for your destination • A Portugal Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,837/prs 3 Persons: $1,591/prs 4 Persons: $1,501/prs 5+ Persons: $1,323/prs High Season Supplement: +$310/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEP.11, 2026 ### PORTUGAL ### 1 Week ### LODGING ONLY PRICES PER PERSON **— Includes —** • 1-Week Occupancy in a standard class lodging in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, or the Algarve • No transportation items • A Portugal Activity Guide keyed for your destination 2 Persons: $1,382/prs 3 Persons: $1,313/prs 4 Persons: $1,202/prs 5+ Persons: $1,193/prs High Season Supplement: +$310/prs HIGH SEASON: MAY 18 – SEP.11, 2026 #### **for payment details, See [HOME AT FIRST’S “PRICES & PAYING” POLICIES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Prices-Paying).** #### **NOTE 1: The Per-Person Italy Prices shown above are based on a minimum of 2 persons sharing. Inquire for single rates.** #### **NOTE 2: These Portugal Prices are subject to adjustment in the event of unexpected major fluctuations in the euro (€) in Portugal.** #### **NOTE 3: Included Rental Cars come with basic liability insurance coverage and may be subject to age limits and on-site local charges.** #### **NOTE 4: Airfares can change until tickets are issued. Airfares may be subject to local taxes, seat selection fees, & baggage fees.** #### **NOTE 5: NON-REFUNDABLE AIRFARES. Once flight tickets are issued, included airfares are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 6: NON-REFUNDABLE INITIAL DEPOSITS. Once paid, your initial deposit payments are non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 7: TRAVEL PACKAGE NON-REFUNDABILITY. Within 90 Days of Travel, all your trip payments are normally non-refundable.** #### **NOTE 8: CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE. We recommend Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance to protect against the loss of non-refundable trip costs.** #### **NOTE 9: ADVANCE PAYMENT OF PORTUGAL’s ETIAS VISITOR FEE: Member nations of the Schengen States (the EU + Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, & Liechtenstein) may require 2026 visitors to pre-register on-line and pay an ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) entry fee. Visitors of all ages must apply for the authorization, The ETIAS is expected to apply only to visitors older than 17 and younger than 71. ETIAS entry fees (often called “tourist visas”) that may be in effect during the times of your planned trip are not included in Home At First’s prices. Completing any required forms and paying any required fees will be the travelers’ responsibility and should be done before departing home. HOME AT FIRST will be able to advise you about any requirements, once they have officially been announced.** #### **See [HOME AT FIRST’S “CANCELLATIONS & INSURANCE” POLICIES](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/#Cancellations).** --- ### [North Island of New Zealand](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/north-island/) **Published:** May 27, 2021 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### [— **NEW ZEALAND HOME PAGE** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/#NewZealand) #### [— **SOUTH ISLAND** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/south-island-of-new-zealand/#SouthIsland "South Island of New Zealand") #### **[— NEW ZEALAND PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices "New Zealand Prices")** ### Your New Zealand Road Trip Explores — #### # New Zealand’s **NORTH ISLAND** **AUCKLAND, NORTH ISLAND:** Ferry crossing Waitemata Harbour displays New Zealand’s maritime flag, the Red Ensign, or (colloquially) the Red Duster. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, home to about half the population of the North Island and a quarter of the population of New Zealand. With its superb harbors on two oceans (!), and the country’s largest international and domestic airports, Auckland is where most visits to New Zealand begin and end. ###### **NEW ZEALAND’S UPPER HALF** ## THE NORTH ISLAND ###### LODGINGS: Unique, Upscale B&B’s & Boutique Inns ##### **6 REGIONS OF REMARKABLE CULTURAL & SCENIC VARIETY** New Zealand’s North Island competes relentlessly with the South Island. Although only 3/4 the size of the South Island, the North Island has 3.3 times the population of its rival. It has more and bigger cities, more arable land, longer beaches, milder winters, and many more miles of roadways. When the South Island claims better scenery, North Islanders argue that its geothermal center clusters of active volcanoes, geysers, and trout-filled caldera lakes are unlike anything in the south, and are nearly unique in the world. When South Islanders brag about vast mountain ranges and high plateau farm stations populated with millions of sheep, northerners counter with their cultural diversity, art, dozens of yacht clubs, and hundreds of golf courses. During your exploration of New Zealand you will doubtless make caparisons as you move across both main islands. Moreover, as you drive the 600-plus miles length of the North Island, you will compare the regions you pass through. In New Zealand, and especially on the North Island, as you drive from region to region everything changes. Prepare to enjoy the ride. **NORTH ISLAND REGION 1: NORTHLAND** - ![North Island: Kerikeri - Surf Shop with palm trees. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/North-Island-Kerikeri-Surf-Shop-with-palm-trees-2702084093-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Kerikeri - Surf Shop with palm trees. 1200x800 72dpi - Photo © Home At First.")New Zealand’s Northland region is subtropical in climate and laid-back in attitude. Here golf, fishing, sailing, snorkeling & surfing are major pastimes. - ![North Island: Northland — Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Northland-Bay-of-Islands-1303110149-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Northland — Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.")The Bay of Islands is the Northland Region’s favorite playground, offering empty beaches, deep-water fishing, whale-watching, and dolphin spotting. - ![Northland: Fishing boat on Pekepeke Bay. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Northland-Fishing-boat-on-Pekepeke-Bay-2802084225-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Fishing boat on Pekepeke Bay. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Fishing boat on Pekepeke Bay. With coasts on two oceans, Northland is a subtropical haven for sport and commercial fishers. - ![Northland: World Famous Mangonui Fish Shop. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Northland-Mangonui-Fish-Shop-2802084239-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Mangonui Fish Shop. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: The World Famous Mangonui Fish Shop is a popular restaurant & take-out shop on sheltered Mangonui Harbour, where returning fishing boats deliver the fresh catch of the day. - ![Northland: volcanic headlands, black sand beaches, turquoise waters, and deep blue skies. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Northland-rowboats-on-black-sand-beach-at-Matauri-Bay-130305R707636A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland — rowboats on black sand beach at Matauri Bay. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: volcanic headlands, black sand beaches, turquoise waters, and deep blue skies. Some are so sequestered they resemble desert islands, but can be reached by car. - ![Northland: Karikari Peninsula - Beach at Maitai Bay. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Northland-Karikari-Peninsula-Beach-at-Maitai-Bay-2702084187-2000x925-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-1200x800.jpg "Northland: Karikari Peninsula - Beach at Maitai Bay. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Karikari Peninsula – Beach at Maitai Bay. Northland’s convoluted coastline provides scores of beaches, most of which are rarely crowded. - ![Northland — car rental agent at Kerikeri Airport. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Northland-car-rental-agent-at-Kerikeri-Airport-130305R70145A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland — car rental agent at Kerikeri Airport. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: car rental agent at Kerikeri Airport. The subtropical far north of New Zealand reminds North American visitors of Hawaii and the Caribbean. - ![North Island: Young Maori men teach flax weaving at Waitangi. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/North-Island-Young-Maori-men-teach-flax-weaving-at-Waitangi-2702084118-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Young Maori men teach flax weaving at Waitangi. 1200x800 72dpi. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands area is a place where Maori culture is open to international visitors. Here two young Maori men teach flax weaving. - ![Northland: Waitangi - carved ceremonial shed covers the waka war canoe. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Northland-Waitangi-waka-carved-ceremonial-shed-2602084130-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland - Waitangi - waka carved ceremonial shed - Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Waitangi Treaty Grounds — this ornate carved ceremonial shed covers the Ngātokimatawhaorua, the largest Maori waka war canoe. - ![North Island: Northland — Maori churchyard and chapel. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Northland-Maori-churchyard-and-chapel-1203110002-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Northland — Maori churchyard and chapel. Photo © Home At First.")Northland — A Maori churchyard and chapel are set on a peaceful hilltop. The setting is less somber than it is a celebration of the union of man and Nature. **1.** **NORTHLAND:** **Home At First**‘s Northland lodgings are upscale B&B’s with personable hosting located in the vibrant towns of **Pahia** and **Kerikeri** in the subtropical **Bay of Islands**. Nearby is **Waitangi Treaty Grounds**, the preserved historic site where colonial New Zealand began in 1840. Northland is a region known for kiwi orchards, expansive & secluded beaches, and great kauri trees. The weather in Northland is often sunny and warm, and can get hot in January & February. With two ocean fronts, Northland is frequently washed by showers, like Hawaii and the Caribbean. ![Northland: Dolphin sighting on the Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Northland-Dolphin-sighting-on-the-Bay-of-Islands-09030114022022-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-200x300.jpg)Dolphin sighting on the Bay of Islands. Car touring in Northland explores its two coastlines and crosses a hilly, forested interior. Driving north the route passes **90-Mile Beach** and reaches New Zealand’s northernmost point near the lighthouse at **Cape Reinga**. Activities include day hikes, swimming & snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, boat excursions, and golf. Visitors can experience **Maori culture** and interact with native New Zealanders at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This experience introduces the nation’s parallel communities — indigenous and Pakeha (non-Maori New Zealanders) — at the historic place where the two very different societies first agreed to form a nation and overcome (or, perhaps, institutionalize) the tensions of colonialism. GETTING THERE: For fresh-off-the-airplane New Zealand arrivals, the Bay of Islands in Northland is best reached by domestic connecting flight from Auckland Airport to Whangarei or Kerikeri. Pick-up your rental car here for the short (15-45 minutes) drive in minor traffic to your Northland lodging. Those wanting to drive from Auckland should plan for 3-5 hours drive to the Bay of Islands, Northland, depending upon the route taken. The first hour of this trip involves some motorway driving and some urban driving. Expect the heaviest traffic congestion of your trip in/near Auckland. **NORTH ISLAND REGION 2: AUCKLAND** - ![Auckland: harbour view at night. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Auckland-skyline-at-night-180305R80229A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland's skyline at night viewed from the harbour. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland’s lively Central Business District (CBD) skyline at night viewed from the harbour. Sky Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. - ![Auckland: Air NZ at Auckland Domestic Terminal. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Auckland-Air-NZ-at-Auckland-Domestic-Terminal-2602083980-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Air NZ at Auckland Domestic Terminal. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland Airport: Air NZ turbo-prop commuter plane preparing for loading at Auckland Domestic Terminal. Air NZ operates regular service to regional airports throughout New Zealand. - ![Auckland: City of Sails on a cloudy day. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Auckland-City-of-Sails-on-a-cloudy-day-180305R16-074-35A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: City of Sails on a cloudy day. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: the City of Sails on a cloudy day. As the home port of defending yachting world champions, Auckland has hosted the America’s Cup sailboat racing series three times in recent years. - ![Auckland: Waitemata Harbour with NZ sailing flag. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Auckland-Waitemata-Harbour-with-NZ-sailing-flag-1003014022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Waitemata Harbour with NZ sailing flag. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: Ferry crossing Waitemata Harbour displays New Zealand’s maritime flag, the Red Ensign (or “Red Duster”). Visitors staying in Devonport use the ferry to access Auckland’s CBD. - ![Auckland: Waitemata Harbour Whale Watching. Photo Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Auckland-Waitemata-Harbour-Whale-Watching-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Auckland-Whale-and-Dolphin-Safari.jpg "Auckland: Waitemata Harbour Whale Watching. Photo Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari.")Whale watching on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. New Zealand’s waters are home to numerous whale species. Photo credit Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari. - ![Auckland: View of Devonport from Mt Victoria. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Auckland-View-of-Devonport-from-Mt-Victoria-180305R80082A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: View of Devonport from Mt Victoria. Photo © Home At First.")Across Waitemata Harbour from Auckland, suburban Devonport offers slower pace, local shops, good restaurants, & a view from Mt. Victoria. A 12-minute cross-harbor ferry runs half-hourly. - ![Auckland Region: Waiheke Island - Tantalus Estate Winery - tastings and restaurant - NZ Tourism Photo © Camilla Rutherford.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NZ-North-Island-Auckland-Region-Waiheke-Island-Tantalus-Estate-Winery-tastings-and-restaurant-NZ-Tourism-Photo-copyright-Camilla-Rutherford.jpg "Auckland Region: Waiheke Island - Tantalus Estate Winery - tastings and restaurant - NZ Tourism Photo © Camilla Rutherford.")Waiheke Island — a 30-min ferry ride from Auckland — is home to several boutique wineries that offer private tastings & gourmet dining, like here at Tantulus Estate. Photo © Camilla Rutherford. **2.** **AUCKLAND:** Auckland is New Zealand’s cultural and economic center. Auckland is the country’s, and its largest city, as well as Polynesia’s most populous city. With a population of 1.66 million, Auckland is home to more than one-quarter of all New Zealanders with more residents than all of the South Island. Perennially mentioned on “world’s most livable cities” lists, Auckland is blessed with a pleasantly warm maritime climate that makes it ideal for a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle. Aucklanders are dedicated golfers, avid beachgoers, enthusiastic barbecue chefs, obsessive flower gardeners, fashionable café society participants, and nouveau wine connoisseurs. Most of all, though, Aucklanders are sailors — among the best in the world — with a location ideal for their passion. Straddling the North Island’s isthmus with **dual harbors** on the South Pacific and the Tasman Sea, Auckland is home base for New Zealand’s superb **America’s Cup** team. This world champion team has won 4 of the last 8 America’s Cup challenges, including the 2021 race series. The 2021 championship — held in Auckland’s **Hauraki Gulf** — makes Auckland the current world’s sailing capital. **Home At First**‘s Auckland lodgings are upscale B&B’s with delightful hosts set in locations in Auckland neighborhoods. Others are a 12-minute ferry ride across the **Waitetmata Harbour** in charming **Devonport village**. All are close to an assortment of fine restaurants and make excellent bases from which to explore downtown. **Auckland’s CBD** (Central Business District) features the iconic **Sky Tower** (tallest in the Southern Hemisphere), several important **museums & galleries**, New Zealand’s largest concentration of **shops**, and the city’s lively **waterfront restaurant row** by the historic **Ferry Terminal**. From here ferries depart regularly to cross the harbor for Devonport. Other ferries sail to further destinations in the Hauraki Gulf, especially the nature preserve of volcanic **Rangitoto Island** and the boutique **wine-producing Waiheke Island** with multiple wine tours. GETTING THERE: Auckland is 3-5 hours drive from the Bay of Islands, Northland, depending upon the route taken. The last hour of this trip involves some motorway driving and some urban driving. Expect the heaviest traffic congestion of your trip as you enter Auckland. **NORTH ISLAND REGION 3: THE COROMANDEL** - ![North Island: Coromandel — Pauanui Beach and Tairua Harbour. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Coromandel-Pauanui-Beach-and-Tairua-Harbour-1103110071-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Coromandel — Pauanui Beach and Tairua Harbour. Photo © Home At First.")On the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the white sands of Pauanui Beach feel the South Pacific surf while protecting the boat moorings of Tairua Harbour. - ![Coromandel: beach wedding near Cathedral Cove. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coromandel-beach-wedding-near-Cathedral-Cove-1803051405827A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: beach wedding near Cathedral Cove. Photo © Home At First.")Beach wedding near Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove, considered one of New Zealand’s most romantic beaches. At nearby geothermal Hot Water Beach visitors dig “hot tubs” in the sand to reach hot springs. - ![North Island — Links Golf at Matarangi - The Dunes - Coromandel. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/North-Island-Golf-at-Matarangi-The-Dunes-Coromandel-0199-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island — Links Golf at Matarangi - The Dunes - Coromandel. Photo © Home At First.")New Zealand golf courses range from local nines to world class resorts, from geothermal inland courses to coastal black sand links. This links is Coromandel’s Dunes Resort course. - ![Coromandel: looking west across Coromandel town toward Auckland. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Coromandel-Mountain-lookout-of-Hauraki-Gulf-1803051403616A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel — Mountain lookout of Hauraki Gulf. Photo © Home At First.")The view from atop Coromandel’s spine looking west across Coromandel town over the Hauraki Gulf toward Auckland. Only a couple of roads cross this mountainous barrier. - ![North Island: Coromandel Peninsula — boatyard. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Coromandel-boatyard-1103110074-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Coromandel Peninsula — boatyard. Photo © Home At First.")On the peninsula’s west coast, a small boatyard in Coromandel town services fishing boats and pleasure craft on this inlet on the Hauraki Gulf. From here it can be quicker to sail to Auckland than to drive. **3.** **COROMANDEL PENINSULA:** East of Auckland 34 miles across the Hauraki Gulf is the sunny counterculture paradise of the Coromandel Peninsula. About 50 miles long and 25 miles wide, the Coromandel shelters Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the South Pacific. The peninsula’s north-south **spine of mountains** rises nearly 3,000 feet above the peninsula’s twin coasts: the **South Pacific** on the east and the **Firth of Thames/Hauraki Gulf** on the west. These mountains dominate the peninsula. Crossable by twisting, partially-paved roads in only a couple of places, the forested spine is too rugged for habitations other than isolated homes. Most Coromandel towns and villages cling to its rugged shorelines, and none have populations greater than 7,500. The torturous peninsular roads ensure the pace of life is slow here. ![North Island: Coromandel — High Tide at Hot Water Beach. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Coromandel-High-Tide-at-Hot-Water-Beach-180305R14-050-23A-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-200x300.jpg)Dig your own hot tub at Hot Water Beach. The Coromandel has long attracted folks who want to get away from it all. Its inviting beach communities and remote mountainsides have welcomed hippies, recluses, retirees, summer residents, and Auckland weekenders to a **relaxed lifestyle** extreme even by New Zealand standards. Arts & crafts galleries abound. There are a couple of **golf** courses squeezed onto limited coastal acres. **Deep sea fishing** boats hire out from several Coromandel towns. Seafood and fresh local produce ensure **quality dining**. Digging your own temporary hot tub during low tide at **Hot Water Beach** competes with the strolling the seductive **Cathedral Beach** as the Coromandel’s best-known activities. **Home At First**‘s unique B&B’s are on both Coromandel coasts. All feature fine views, superb breakfasts, excellent hosting, and relaxed getaways. GETTING THERE: The Coromandel requires less than 3 hours drive time from Auckland. Once on the Coromandel roads become narrow, winding, and very scenic. ![New Zealand — North Island](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/609_14_919_1161_2021-NZ-Map-1543x1947-72dpi-3-Map-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) **NORTH ISLAND REGION 4: ROTORUA/TAUPO** - ![Rotorua: Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Rotorua-Pohutu-Geyser-at-Whakarewarewa-Thermal-Reserve-120301-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua: Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Photo © Home At First.")Rotorua: Pohutu Geyser is a main attraction at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Spouting nearly hourly on average, the big exhale can reach up to 100 feet above its sulfurous crater. - ![Rotorua Region: Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland - Lady Knox Geyser entertains visitors at set times daily. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/North-Island-Rotorua-Waiotapu-Thermal-Wonderland-Lady-Knox-Geyser-0103084386-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua Region: Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland - Lady Knox Geyser entertains visitors at set times daily. Photo © Home At First.")The Lady Knox Geyser entertains visitors at set times daily at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland commercial geothermal park between Rotorua & Taupo in the center of the North Island. - ![North Island: Rotorua-Taupo Region — Geothermal River. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/North-Island-Rotorua-Taupo-Region-geothermal-river-0103084395-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Rotorua-Taupo Region — Geothermal River. Photo copyright Home At First.")The Rotorua-Taupo Region has a concentration of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, including this actively steaming, sulfur-edged river looking like a pre-historic landscape. - ![Rotorua: Lake Rotorua at Waiteti Stream. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-at-Waiteti-Stream-0103084460-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rotorua: Lake Rotorua at Waiteti Stream. Photo © Home At First.")Rotorua: Lake Rotorua at Waiteti Stream. Trout fishing is excellent in the Rotorua/Taupo Region’s lakes and their tributaries, attracting anglers from around the world. - ![North Island: Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens - bowling green. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Rotorua-Rotorua-Museum-and-Government-Gardens-bowling-green-03950026-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens - bowling green. Photo © Home At First.")Bowling on the green in front of the Rotorua Museum. Built in 1908 as Rotorua’s Bath House, it attracted visitors to take its “healing” waters, effectively beginning tourism in New Zealand. - ![North Island: Rotorua - Lake Rotorua fishing creek. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-fishing-creek-1103110001-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Rotorua - Lake Rotorua fishing creek. Photo © Home At First.")Sunrise on Lake Rotorua brings out fishermen to its tributary streams. Trout in the region’s lakes average more than 5lbs, with 10lb brown trout not uncommon at the mouths of tributaries. - ![North Island: Taupo Region — Lake Taupo with volcanoes. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Taupo-Region-Lake-Taupo-with-volcanoes-03950032-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Taupo Region — Lake Taupo with volcanoes. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Taupo, the center of the North Island, is New Zealand’s largest lake and the waterfilled caldera of a supervolcano. On the southern horizon are two active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. **4. ROTORUA & TAUPO:** New Zealand tourism began when visitors first came to Rotorua for the “baths” (**geothermal spas**) in the late 1800’s. In the ensuing 130-plus years, tourism has been more responsible for the economic development of Rotorua/Taupo than any North Island region. Most of the principal attractions of Rotorua/Taupo are geo-thermal related. Now a nationally important producer of energy and tourism dollars, this tectonic region features hot springs, bubbling mud, geyser fields, trout-filled caldera lakes & other **geothermal oddities**. Rotorua/Taupo was once viewed as New Zealand’s Bad Lands — an ideal concession for “primitive” Maori. Since the 19th century Rotorua/Taupo’s attractions have expanded. Visitors come to fish its many **lakes & streams**, to play **golf** at several fine courses (including one that is geothermally active), and to go **kayaking** on its lakes, **rafting** on its rushing streams, & **mountain biking** (Rotorua is a world-class mountain-biking destination). Of course, visitors still flock to the spas. Rotorua offers several spas, including some that pamper lavishly. ![Rotorua: Maori warrior with staff at Tamaki hangi. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Rotorua-Maori-warrior-with-staff-and-tongue-at-Tamaki-hangi-white-bckgrnd-110301-800x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-200x300.jpg)Maori warrior at Tamaki hangi. When tourism prospered, **Rotorua/Taupo’s Maori** cashed in. Among the most visited visitor sites in New Zealand are at Rotorua’s **Whakarewarewa** and **Waiotapu** thermal reserves. Both are owned by local Maori groups. Walking through these geothermal parks offers experiences (**geysers, glopping hot mud, steaming technicolor ponds**) found in few other places on earth. Whakarewarewa also offers entry to a **Maori village** and the chance to interact with Maori craftsmen, artists, & food-producers. Reserving an authentic **Maori *hangi* supper** at the nearby **Tamaki Maori Village** is another popular way to experience Maori life. These commercial interfaces in Rotorua (as in Waitangi in Northland) provide the best opportunities for visitors to encounter New Zealand’s original settlers. Here visitors gain a fuller understanding of the land the Maori call **Aotearoa**. **Home At First**‘s Rotorua/Taupo lodgings are upscale B&B’s in homes and lodges in locations around Lake Rotorua and Lake Taupo. All have attentive, friendly, knowledgeable hosts, provide delicious breakfasts, and are close to key regional attractions. GETTING THERE: Rotorua/Taupo Region is 3 hours drive south from the Coromandel Peninsula or from Auckland. En route a convenient stop is at the permanent Hobbiton set installation from the *Lord of Rings* movies near Matamata 1 hour northwest of Rotorua. **NORTH ISLAND REGION 5: HAWKE’S BAY** - ![Hawkes Bay: Touring Hawkes Bay wine country by car. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hawkes-Bay-Touring-Hawkes-Bay-wine-country-by-car-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Venture-Hawkes-Bay.jpg "Hawkes Bay: Touring Hawkes Bay wine country by car. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.")Tracing the Hawke’s Bay wine trail by car. - ![Hawkes Bay: Two couples wine tasting at a vineyard. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hawkes-Bay-Two-couples-wine-tasting-by-vineyard-800x534-72dpi-Photo-Venture-Hawkes-Bay-800x533.jpg "Hawkes Bay: Two couples wine tasting at a vineyard. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.")Two couples wine tasting at a Hawke’s Bay vineyard. - ![Hawkes Bay - Art Deco Days Napier car. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hawkes-Bay-Art-Deco-Days-Napier-car-3-1000x667-72dpi-Photo-Venture-Hawkes-Bay-1000x666.jpg "Hawkes Bay - Art Deco Days Napier car. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.")The 1920’s roar again at Napier’s Art Deco Days. - ![Hawkes Bay winery: tasting in the wine cellar. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hawkes-Bay-Winery-tasting-in-the-wine-cellar-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-Venture-Hawkes-Bay.jpg "Hawkes Bay winery: tasting in the wine cellar. Photo Venture Hawkes Bay.")Hawke’s Bay: a tasting in a wine cellar. - ![Hawkes Bay: Cape Kidnappers G.C. Hawkes Bay Tourism Photo by Gary Lisbon.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hawkes-Bay-Cape-Kidnappers-G.C.-0130-1200x800-72dpi-Hawkes-Bay-Tourism-Photo-by-Gary-Lisbon.jpg "Hawkes Bay: Cape Kidnappers G.C. Hawkes Bay Tourism Photo by Gary Lisbon.")Hawke’s Bay ‘s Cape Kidnappers G.C., ranked #51 in the world. - ![Hawkes Bay: Catch of the Day & Chardonnay. Photo Hawkes Bay Tourism New Zealand.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Hawkes-Bay-Salmon-and-Chardonnay-H131-1200x800-72dpi-Hawkes-Bay-Tourism-New-Zealand.jpg "Hawkes Bay: Catch of the Day & Chardonnay. Photo Hawkes Bay Tourism New Zealand.")Hawke’s Bay: Catch of the Day & Chardonnay. **5. HAWKE’S BAY:** One of the hot-button debates between the North & South Islands is about wine. Hawke’s Bay is the **North Island’s largest wine region** and second only to the South Island’s Marlborough overall. Built on its **excellent Chardonnay**, Hawke’s Bay has diversified, now producing a wide variety of wines, including some distinctive reds. Visitors interested in wine will find a stop at Hawke’s Bay a convenient addition to any North Island itinerary. Just 3 hours drive southeast of Rotorua/Taupo, Hawke’s Bay’s 3 principal cities — **Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North** — are clustered together on/near the South Pacific coast at Hawke Bay. **Home At First**‘s Hawke’s Bay lodgings — upscale B&B’s or boutique inns — are set near these three small cities. The **Hawke’s Bay Wine Trail** leading to dozens of regional wineries is accessed here, and may be done by organized tour, or independently by bicycle or car. With Hawke’s Bay a lush agricultural region on the South Pacific coast, expect lots of **fresh food & seafood** available to accompany your wine. GETTING THERE: Napier is 3 hours drive southeast from Rotorua/Taupo. The route crosses a small, rugged range separating the coastal plain from the central plateau. **NORTH ISLAND REGION 6: WELLINGTON** - ![North Island: Wellington townhouses. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Wellington-townhouses-0903110088-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Wellington townhouses. Photo © Home At First.")Wellington, the nation’s capital, is set at the southern extremity of the North Island. Its hilly, peninsular location & wooden townhouses remind American visitors of San Francisco. - ![North Island: Wellington — Te Papa Natl Museum of NZ. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Wellington-Te-Papa-Natl-Museum-of-NZ-0903110102-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Wellington — Te Papa Natl Museum of NZ. Photo copyright Home At First.")Wellington’s Te Papa, the National Museum, ranks with New Zealand’s best. It includes action experiences for families, as well as art, engineering, history, Maori culture, & natural history. - ![North Island: Wellington Region - Martinborough - The Village Café. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/North-Island-Wellington-Region-Martinborough-The-Village-Cafe-0903110050-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "North Island: Wellington Region - Martinborough - The Village Café. Photo © Home At First.")Not far inland from Wellington the farming town of Martinborough produces top-quality wines. Visitors can sample them in restaurants & cafés along the main street, like here at The Village Café. - ![Wellington: Tasting Room outdoor café. Photo by Nick Servian Tourism New Zealand.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Wellington-Tasting-Room-outdoor-cafe-848x565-72dpi-Photo-by-Nick-Servian-Tourism-New-Zealand-847x565.jpg "Wellington: Tasting Room outdoor café. Photo by Nick Servian Tourism New Zealand.")In fine weather, café society draws Wellingtonians outdoors. Sheltered by mountains on 3 sides, Wellington has a surprisingly friendly climate for the world’s southernmost national capital. - ![Wellington: sailboats moored at Lambton Quay. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Wellington-sailboats-moored-at-Lambton-Quay-180305R203817A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Wellington: sailboats moored at Lambton Quay. Photo © Home At First.")Sailboats moored at Wellington’s Lambton Quay by the city center. Protected Lambton Harbour opens onto the broad, nearly circular Wellington Harbour, 6.5mi x 5.5mi, and often quite windy. - ![Wellington: Oriental Bay promenade. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Wellington-Oriental-Bay-promenade-180305R204420A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Wellington: Oriental Bay promenade. Photo © Home At First.")Wellington’s Norfolk pine lined Oriental Bay promenade invites sunners, strollers, and swimmers. Food trucks and ice cream vendors compete with bayside cafés for hungry visitors. - ![Wellington: City view at Dusk from Mt. Victoria. Photo by Ian Trafford Tourism New Zealand.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Wellington-City-view-at-Dusk-from-Mt.-Victoria-1020x680-72dpi-Photo-by-Ian-Trafford-Tourism-New-Zealand.jpg "Wellington: City view at Dusk from Mt. Victoria. Photo by Ian Trafford Tourism New Zealand.")View of Wellington at Dusk from atop Mt. Victoria. The twisting drive up & down the mountain is at least as thrilling as the rewarding 360º view of Wellington Harbour. - ![Wellington: Tasting Room outdoor café. Photo by Nick Servian Tourism New Zealand.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Wellington-Tasting-Room-outdoor-cafe-848x565-72dpi-Photo-by-Nick-Servian-Tourism-New-Zealand-847x565.jpg "Wellington: Tasting Room outdoor café. Photo by Nick Servian Tourism New Zealand.")In fine weather, café society draws Wellingtonians outdoors. Sheltered by mountains on 3 sides, Wellington has a surprisingly friendly climate for the world’s southernmost national capital. **6. WELLINGTON:** **New Zealand’s capital city** is at the bottom of the North Island, in the center of New Zealand, and — oddly — about 50 miles *east* of the top of the South Island. Built on the shore of nearly circular **Wellington Bay**, the city is protected by a range of hills from the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands. The Wellington region is the nation’s second most-populated area. New Zealand’s government centers here, the world’s southernmost national capital. American visitors point out similarities between Wellington and San Francisco: hilly, bayside cities lined with painted, wood-framed houses; quick access to the ocean; strong youth cultures; lively arts, food, & music scenes. Wellington offers excellent museums — especially the **Te Papa national museum**, probably New Zealand’s best. Wellington combines both **sophisticated/urban chic** and a cutting-edge counter-culture vibe. The city’s biennial **New Zealand Festival of the Arts** celebrates high culture while its **New Zealand Fringe Festival** presents a very irreverent look at culture annually. Walking along **Oriental Bay** shore in the center of Wellington reveals that sailing is nearly as important here as it is in Auckland. Driving up to **Mt. Victoria** overlook displays the city’s geography. Taking the **old-time cable car** from the city center up to its **Kelburn end-station** travels through the terraces of classic wooden Wellington houses and leads to the exceptional **Botanical Garden and Carter Observatory/Planetarium**. Wellington also attracts visitors as New Zealand’s film production capital, **Wellywood** — a magnet for fans of the *Lord of the Rings* & *Hobbit* trilogies, and the *Narnia* fantasies — which offers tours of production facilities film locations. Driving excursions north from Wellington access the beaches and golf courses of **the Kapiti Coast**, plus the wildlife preserve on **Kapiti Island**. Inland the frontier-style town of **Martinborough**, charms visitors as the sleepy-cool center of a boutique wine region featuring surprising Pinot Noir bottles. GETTING THERE: Depending on the route taken and intermediate stops made, Wellington is 6-9 hours drive south from Rotorua/Taupo. South of Lake Taupo the route crosses through New Zealand’s largest volcanic region, with three recently-active volcanoes reaching up to 9,200′. Optional flights from Rotorua require an hour to reach Wellington. From Hawke’s Bay, the drive to Wellington takes 5-6 hours depending upon the route taken. ### Sample Home At First North Island Lodgings Shown and described below is a selection of popular **Home At First** lodgings in four different regions of New Zealand’s North Island. They appear here as **examples** of different sizes and capacities and illustrate the uniqueness of our individual lodgings & locations and the uniform standard of quality and service found in all **Home At First** North Island lodgings. All have bedrooms with private bathrooms, use of public spaces (lounges, dining rooms, terraces & balconies), private parking, and come with a delightful breakfast daily. All **Home At First** lodgings in New Zealand have welcoming, knowledgeable, accessible hosts who see to your comfort, answer your questions, make recommendations for what to see and do in their region, and can help with reservations for dining and activities. The high quality of the lodgings and the hosting ensure the success of your visit to each New Zealand region on your itinerary. **NOTE — FOR BEST VIEWING:** each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. These slide shows do not advance automatically. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). #### **NORTHLAND** BOUTIQUE INNS IN/AROUND THE BAY OF ISLANDS **Towns: Kerikeri, Pahia. Nearest Airports: Kerikeri, Whangarei.** - ![Northland: Boutique inn bedroom suite. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Boutique-Inn-bedroom-suite-1303110033-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Boutique Inn bedroom suite. Photo copyright Home At First.")Northland: Boutique inn bedroom suite. - ![Northland: Furnished Deck view of Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Furnished-Deck-view-of-Bay-of-Islands-1303110137-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Furnished Deck view of Bay of Islands. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Furnished Deck View of Bay of Islands. - ![Northland: Boutique inn bedroom suite. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel..](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Boutique-bedroom-suite-1303110120-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Boutique inn bedroom suite. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Boutique inn bedroom suite. - ![Northland: Boutique Inn near Kerikeri. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Boutique-Inn-near-Kerikeri-180305R16-030-13-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Boutique Inn near Kerikeri. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Boutique Inn near Kerikeri. - ![Northland: Breakfast included. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Breakfast-included-2702084084-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Breakfast included. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Breakfast included. - ![Northland: Furnished Deck with Bay of Islands view. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Furnished-Deck-with-Bay-of-Islands-view-1303110113-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Furnished Deck with Bay of Islands view. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Furnished Deck with Bay of Islands View. - ![Northland: Hot tub with an ocean view at a boutique inn. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Hot-tub-w.-view-at-Boutique-inn-1303110126-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Hot tub with an ocean view at a boutique inn. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Hot tub with an ocean view at a boutique inn. - ![Northland: Pahia boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Pahia-Boutique-Inn-1303110129-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Pahia boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Pahia boutique Inn. - ![Northland: Pahia town center. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Pahia-town-center-2702084095-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Pahia town center. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Pahia town center. - ![Northland: Wet rose in the garden of a boutique inn. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Wet-Rose-1303110076-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Wet rose in the garden of a boutique inn. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Boutique inn rose garden. - ![Northland: Breakfast room & lounge. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Northland-Lodgings-Breakfast-room-lounge-1303110043-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Northland: Breakfast room & lounge. Photo © Home At First.")Northland: Breakfast room & lounge. --- #### **AUCKLAND** BOUTIQUE INNS ON/AROUND WAITEMATA HARBOUR **Auckland neighborhoods & suburbs. Nearest Airports: Auckland.** - ![Auckland: Sky Tower & Central Business District. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Sky-Tower-and-CBD-180305802812A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Sky Tower & Central Business District. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: Sky Tower & Central Business District. - ![Auckland: Mt. Victoria overlooking Devonport & Waitemata Harbour. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Mt-Victoria-overlooking-Devonport-and-Waitemata-Harbour-18030580061A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Mt. Victoria overlooking Devonport & Waitemata Harbour. Photo © Home At First.")Mt. Victoria overlooking Devonport & Waitemata Harbour. - ![Auckland: Devonport village square. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Devonport-town-square-18030580040A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Devonport village square. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: Devonport village square. - ![Auckland: boutique Inn, Devonport. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Devonport-Boutique-Inn-setting-180305804018A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Devonport boutique inn setting. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: Devonport boutique inn exotic garden setting. - ![Auckland: double bedroom suite with terrace at a boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Devonport-boutique-inn-double-bedroom-suite-1803051603817A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Devonport boutique inn double bedroom suite with terrace. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: boutique inn double bedroom suite with terrace. - ![Auckland: double bedroom suite at a boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Devonport-boutique-inn-double-bedrom-suite-1803051604822A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Devonport boutique inn double bedroom suite. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: Devonport boutique inn double bedroom suite. - ![Auckland: Breakfast on the terrace at a boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Devonport-boutique-inn-breakfast-porch-180305804621A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Devonport boutique inn breakfast terrace. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: Devonport boutique inn breakfast terrace. - ![Auckland: Breakfast dining room & terrace at a boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First, creators of Independent Fly/Drive New Zealand Travel.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Auckland-Boutique-inn-breakfast-room-and-porch-18030580145A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Auckland: Boutique inn breakfast room and porch. Photo © Home At First.")Auckland: boutique inn breakfast room & terrace. --- #### **THE COROMANDEL** BOUTIQUE INNS ON THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA **Towns: Coromandel, Matarangi, Whitianga, Tairua. Nearest Airport: Auckland.** - ![Coromandel: Pauanui & Tairua from Mt Paku lookout. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Pauanui-and-Tairua-from-Mt-Paku-lookout-1103110064-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Pauanui & Tairua from Mt Paku lookout. Photo © Home At First.")Coromandel: Pauanui & Tairua from Mt Paku lookout. - ![Coromandel: View from Tairua Boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-View-from-Boutique-Inn-Tairua-1103110011-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: View from Tairua Boutique Inn. Photo © Home At First.")Coromandel: view from Tairua Boutique Inn. - ![Coromandel: Tairua Boutique Inn — Exterior Entry. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Tairua-Boutique-Inn-Exterior-Entry-1103110051-1200x800-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Tairua Boutique Inn — Exterior Entry. Photo © Home At First.")Coromandel: Tairua Boutique Inn — Exterior Entry. - ![Coromandel: Tairua Boutique Inn — Double Bedroom with Sun Terrace. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Tairua-Boutique-Inn-Double-Bedroom-with-Sun-Terrace-1103110045-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Tairua Boutique Inn — Double Bedroom with Sun Terrace. Photo © Home At First.")Tairua Boutique Inn — double bedroom with sun terrace. - ![Coromandel: Tairua Boutique Inn — Master bathroom with jacuzzi tub. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Tairua-Boutique-Inn-Master-bathroom-with-jacuzzi-tub-1103110042-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Tairua Boutique Inn — Master bathroom with jacuzzi tub. Photo © Home At First.")Tairua Boutique Inn — master bathroom with Jacuzzi tub. - ![Coromandel: Hauraki Bay sunset from Treehouse Inn. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Hauraki-Bay-sunset-from-Treehouse-Lodge-1203110028-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Hauraki Bay sunset from Treehouse Inn. Photo © Home At First.")Coromandel: Hauraki Bay sunset from Treehouse Inn. - ![Coromandel: Treehouse Inn exterior. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Treehouse-exterior-1203110005-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Treehouse Inn exterior. Photo © Home At First.")Coromandel: Treehouse Inn exterior. - ![Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — lounge and dining room. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Treehouse-Inn-Lounge-and-Dining-room-1203110008-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — lounge and dining room. Photo © Home At First.")Treehouse Inn — lounge and dining room. - ![Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — dining room. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Treehouse-Inn-Dining-room-1203110014-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — dining room. Photo © Home At First.")Treehouse Inn — dining room. - ![Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — double bedroom with terrace. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Treehouse-Inn-Double-Bedroom-w.-terrace-1203110025-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — double bedroom with terrace. Photo © Home At First.")Treehouse Inn — double bedroom with terrace. - ![Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — wine on the terrace. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Coromandel-Treehouse-Inn-Wine-on-the-Terrace-1203110018-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Coromandel: Treehouse Inn — wine on the terrace. Photo © Home At First.")Treehouse Inn — wine on the terrace. --- #### **ROTORUA/TAUPO** BOUTIQUE INNS ON/AROUND LAKE ROTORUA **Rotorua & Taupo neighborhoods & suburbs. Nearest Airport: Rotorua.** - ![Lake Rotorua Lodge exterior. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-Lodge-exterior-1103110003-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lake Rotorua Lodge exterior. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Rotorua Lodge exterior. - ![Lake Rotorua Lodge: breakfast dining rooms and lounge. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-Lodge-Breakfast-dining-rooms-and-lounge-2902084317-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lake Rotorua Lodge: breakfast dining rooms and lounge. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Rotorua Lodge: breakfast dining rooms and lounge. - ![Lake Rotorua Lodge:- double bedroom with balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-Lodge-double-bedroom-with-balcony-2902084298-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lake Rotorua Lodge:- double bedroom with balcony. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Rotorua Lodge:- double bedroom with balcony. - ![Lake Rotorua Lodge: guest lounge. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Lake-Rotorua-Lodge-Guest-Lounge-2902084310-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Lake Rotorua Lodge: guest lounge. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Rotorua Lodge: guest lounge. - ![Rainbow Lodge exterior with palms. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Rainbow-Lodge-exterior-with-palms-0103084435-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rainbow Lodge exterior with palms. Photo © Home At First.")Rainbow Lodge exterior with palms. - ![Rainbow Lodge: lounge & patio. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Rainbow-Lodge-Lounge-and-patio-0103084425-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rainbow Lodge: lounge & patio. Photo © Home At First.")Rainbow Lodge: lounge & patio. - ![Rainbow Lodge: bathroom #1 with jacuzzi tub. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Rainbow-Lodge-Bathroom-with-jacuzzi-tub-0103084413-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rainbow Lodge: bathroom #1 with jacuzzi tub. Photo © Home At First.")Rainbow Lodge: bathroom #1 with jacuzzi tub. - ![Rainbow Lodge: indoor/outdoor dining. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Rainbow-Lodge-indoor-outdoor-dining-0103084431-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rainbow Lodge: indoor/outdoor dining. Photo © Home At First.")Rainbow Lodge: indoor/outdoor dining. - ![Rainbow Lodge: bathroom 2 with tub and shower. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Rainbow-Lodge-Bathroom-2-0103084428-1200x80-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rainbow Lodge: bathroom 2 with tub and shower. Photo © Home At First.")Rainbow Lodge: bathroom #2 with tub & shower. - ![Rainbow Lodge: furnished terrace. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Rotorua-Rainbow-Lodge-Furnished-Terrace-0103084456-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Rainbow Lodge: furnished terrace. Photo © Home At First.")Rainbow Lodge: furnished terrace. --- ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [new zealand prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices "New Zealand Prices") [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) • info@homeatfirst.com** --- ### [South Island of New Zealand](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/south-island-of-new-zealand/) **Published:** March 21, 2022 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) #### [— **NEW ZEALAND HOME PAGE** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/#NewZealand) #### [— **NORTH ISLAND** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/north-island/ "North Island of New Zealand") #### **[— NEW ZEALAND PRICES —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices "New Zealand Prices")** ## Your New Zealand Road Trip Explores — #### ###### # New Zealand’s **SOUTH ISLAND** **PARADISE, SOUTH ISLAND:** One could argue that much of the South Island qualifies as paradise. But the broad, isolated, Paradise mountain valley north of Queenstown, east of Milford Sound, and west of Wanaka seems to us to be especially well-suited as the idealized South Island paradise. The mountains are glorious here, and the grazing land nearly lush. Not too far to the east in Otago the rain shadow of the Southern Alps guarantees arid conditions. To the west the rainforests of Fiordland drip with rainfall. But here in this protected place the Dart River irrigates the landscape with the snowmelt off the nearly surrounding mountains, making this place a paradise for sheep. The extraordinary scenery attracts film makers, too. Parts of the Paradise valley and nearby Glenorchy were used as sets in *The Lord of the Rings* and the *Hobbit* movies. ###### **NEW ZEALAND’S BETTER HALF** ### THE SOUTH ISLAND ###### LODGINGS: Unique, Upscale B&B’s & Boutique Inns #### **6 MORE REGIONS OF REMARKABLE CULTURAL & SCENIC VARIETY** New Zealand’s South Islanders bristle at comparisons with the North Island. One-third larger than the North Island, the South Island is home to fewer than a quarter of the Kiwis, has fewer and smaller cities, colder and more extreme weather, less farmland, and vastly fewer paved roads. South Islanders revel in these facts. They mean their island has more mountains for skiing, climbing, hiking, and hunting. Streams are wilder, fishing more challenging, the scenery vaster and more dramatic on the South Island. Fewer roads and people impact the South Island’s incomparable natural environment (or bother you while you enjoy exploring). The South Island can be wild. The wild Tasman Sea pounds its narrow West Coast, hemmed in by the great glaciated barrier of the Southern Alps. The wild Southern Ocean lets Antarctic waters invade the far South Coast. East of the Southern Alps nearly unpopulated, arid rain shadow land borders swaths of completely unpopulated rain forest that ranks among the wettest places on earth. Most know the South Island has Mt. Cook — highest mountain in New Zealand, where Sir Edmund Hillary trained before the first ascent of Everest. Here to are huge, high plateau farm stations populated with millions of sheep. One of the world’s great adventure resort towns, Queenstown; and the Milford Track (“the finest walk in the world”) draw visitors from everywhere. Fewer know about New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region, Marlborough, or the country’s French colonial history at Akaroa near Christchurch. Visitors are surprised by the gold mining region from Arrowtown (near Queenstown) into Central Otago. More surprises include two accessible, temperate zone glaciers — Fox and Franz Josef — along the West Coast. There’s a “Scottish city”, Dunedin with rare birds. And several other of New Zealand’s “great walks” — Routeburn, Heaphy, Kepler, Abel Tasman, Paparoa, and Rakiura — are found on the South Island. Then there are the little wonders unmatched on the North Island: the albatross colony on the Otago Peninsula; parrots and penguins in the same ecosystem (Fiordland); whale watching, including deep-water sperm whales (Kaikoura Coast); and the Dark Sky Reserve with some of the world’s darkest, clearest night skies for stargazing (Mackenzie Country). On the South Island, as on the North Island, as you drive from region to region everything changes. Prepare to be amazed. **SOUTH ISLAND REGION 1: NELSON** - ![Nelson Region: Air Nelson boarding at Nelson. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nelson-Region-Air-Nelson-boarding-at-Nelson-0303084526-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Air Nelson boarding at Nelson. Photo © Home At First.")Boarding the 35min flight from Nelson (South Island) to Wellington (North Island). Flying between the islands eliminates the time-consuming, often uncomfortable ferry crossing of the Cook Strait. - ![Nelson: traffic-free Trafalgar Square by the cathedral. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nelson-Region-Nelson-traffic-free-Trafalagar-St-by-the-cathedral-180305304018A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson: traffic-free Trafalgar Square by the cathedral. Photo © Home At First.")Nelson: traffic-free Trafalgar Square at the foot of historic Christ Church Cathedral. Nelson has a broad assortment of restaurants, including a row of fine seafood houses along the waterfront. - ![Nelson area vineyard landscape. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nelson-area-vineyard-landscape-1803053-052-24A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson area vineyard landscape. Photo © Home At First.")The Nelson region of northwestern South Island produces some of New Zealand’s finest wines. The region is not large, but the wine quality is quite good. - ![Nelson Region: Tasman Bay - Mapua Inlet with Kahurangi NP mountains. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nelson-Region-Tasman-Bay-Mapua-Inlet-with-Kahurangi-NP-mountains-0703084658-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Tasman Bay - Mapua Inlet with Kahurangi NP mountains. Photo © Home At First.")Tasman Bay – Mapua Inlet with Mt. Owen & the Kahurangi National Park mountain range. In between the mountains and the sea are the 2 dozen or more vineyards of the excellent Nelson wine region. - ![Nelson Region: Mapua's Smokehouse row. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nelson-Region-Mapua-Smokehouse-row-0703084653-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Mapua's Smokehouse row. Photo © Home At First.")Mapua’s Smokehouse row, where diners enjoy fresh fish and superb local wines. Mapua is a convenient stop after a day in Abel Tasman National Park or following the Nelson Wine Trail. - ![Nelson Region: Tasman Bay beach couple. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nelson-Region-Tasman-Bay-beach-couple-0403084570-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Tasman Bay beach couple. Photo © Home At First.")Nelson Region: couple enjoying an isolated beach on Tasman Bay. A 90-minute drive from Nelson reaches Kaiteriteri Beach and the start of the Abel Tasman National Park. - ![Nelson Region: Abel Tasman Coast Track hiking on the beach. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nelson-Region-Abel-Tasman-hiking-on-the-beach-0403084591-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Abel Tasman Coast Track hiking on the beach. Photo © Home At First.")The Abel Tasman Coast Track includes some easy hiking on remote beaches as well as more demanding crossings of headlands and following trails inland through the rain forest. - ![Nelson Region: Fern trees in Abel Tasman National Park. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nelson-Region-Fern-trees-Abel-Tasman-NP-0603084628-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Fern trees in Abel Tasman National Park. Photo © Home At First.")Fern trees in Abel Tasman National Park. The Abel Tasman’s important pristine environment is carefully controlled and development is very restricted inside the national park. - ![South Island: Nelson Region — sea kayaking on Torrent Bay Able Tasman N.P. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/South-Island-Nelson-Region-sea-kayaking-on-Torrent-Bay-A.T.N.P.-0403084571-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Nelson Region — sea kayaking on Torrent Bay Able Tasman N.P. Photo copyright Home At First.")South Island: Nelson Region — sea kayaking on Torrent Bay Abel Tasman National Park. Kayaking is a popular — and more physically demanding — alternative to hiking the scenic Abel Tasman coast. - ![Nelson Region: Abel Tasman NP - Kaiteriteri Beach Water Taxis. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Nelson-Region-Abel-Tasman-NP-Kaiteriteri-Beach-Water-Taxis-0603084652-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Nelson Region: Abel Tasman NP - Kaiteriteri Beach Water Taxis. Photo © Home At First.")The end of another glorious day in Abel Tasman National Park. Day-trippers and overnight hikers disembark water taxis at Kaiteriteri Beach to catch the bus or drive back to their Nelson-area lodgings. **1.** **NELSON:** **Home At First**‘s Nelson lodgings are boutique inns and upscale B&B’s with personable hosting located in the attractive small university city of **Nelson** at the top of the South Island. Nelson is youthful, with several fine restaurants, many lively cafés, and an active night life. The town is very walkable, with the portions of town center traffic-free. The Nelson region features **the sunniest weather in New Zealand** and a warmer climate than most of the South Island and Wellington at the southern extreme of the North Island. The region is ideal for outdoor activities, and offers some of New Zealand’s best: **• New Zealand’s Most Popular National Park:** **Abel Tasman National Park** offers guided & catered sea kayaking as well as day and multi-day hiking. **• A Superb Wine Region** with numerous wineries offering tastings (and some with light meals) a short drive into the hills to the west of Nelson city. **Wine Trail maps** are available on-line and at the Nelson Tourist Information Office. **• Sunbathing & Swimming** in New Zealand’s on some of its best — and emptiest — **beaches on Tasman Bay and Golden Bay**. **• The Marlborough Sounds** offer organized multi-day hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking along the long-distance **Queen Charlotte Track**, and day cruising with the **Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat**. **• Car touring from Nelson** puts the wineries of New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region, **Marlborough**, within day-trip reach to the east. Driving northwest from Nelson along the coast leads to the striking Tasman Bay beaches, the laid-back small town of Collingwood, and the curious sand peninsula, **Fairwell Spit** at the northernmost point of the South Island. **• A&P Shows:** Watch for regional & local ![Nelson Region: A&P Show cowgirl. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/South-Island-Nelson-Region-AP-cowgirl-portrait-0195-200x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg)**Cowgirl at a Nelson Region A&P Show****Agricultural & Pastoral (A&P) Shows** as you drive throughout New Zealand. These Kiwi country fairs are great fun and excellent opportunities to see New Zealanders at play. Several weekend A&P Shows are held in/near the Nelson Region each year: at **Blenheim** (Marlborough Region) and **Richmond** (by Nelson) in November; **Motueka** (by Abel Tasman) in December; **Takaka** (Golden Bay) in January; and **Murchison** (south Nelson Region) in February. GETTING TO NELSON: Coming from the North Island is possible by taking the interisland ferry across the Cook Strait from Wellington, but the journey takes most of a day and the strait is notoriously rough. It is our opinion that Nelson is best reached by domestic flight from Wellington (35min.), or Auckland (90min.) airports. Pick-up your rental car here for the short (15min.) drive in minor traffic to your Nelson lodging. **SOUTH ISLAND REGION 2: WESTLAND** - ![Westland: The Tasman Sea whipped white near Punakaiki. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Westland-Tasman-Sea-whipped-white-near-Punakaiki-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: The Tasman Sea whipped white near Punakaiki. Photo © Home At First.")Northern Westland: The wild Tasman Sea whipped white near Punakaiki. Storms frequent this part of the South Island contributing to the region’s nickname, Wild Westland. - ![South Island: Paparoa NP - Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Paparoa-NP-Punakaiki-Pancake-Rocks-03950040-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Paparoa NP - Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks. Photo © Home At First.")Near Punakaiki the unusual Pancake Rocks geological formation is tunneled with vertical tubes called blowholes. Here, breaking waves of the Tasman can spew upwards like geysers. - ![Westland: Landscape by Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Westland-Landscape-by-Fox-Glacier-0803084689-1200x800-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: Landscape by Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.")Westland: The Southern Alps are often “cloud-catchers”, and may not be visible even in good weather. However, you see them close-up while crossing the Haast Pass to Queenstown Region. - ![Westland: Heli-Hikers landing on Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Westland-Heli-Hikers-landing-on-Fox-Glacier-15030114022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: Heli-Hikers landing on Fox Glacier. Photo © Home At First.")Heli-Hikers landing on Fox Glacier, Westland. Fox Glacier & nearby Franz Josef Glacier descend from alpine heights into the temperate rain forest ending about 200m (656′) above the Tasman Sea. - ![Westland: Mt Cook from Lake Matheson. Photo newzealand.com.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/South-Island-Westland-Mt-Cook-from-Lake-Matheson-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-newzealand.com_.jpg "Westland: Mt Cook from Lake Matheson. Photo newzealand.com.")Mt Cook mirrored in Lake Matheson on a clear day. The elevation rise is nearly 2 vertical miles. Home At First Westland lodgings are nearby. Photo newzealand.com. - ![Westland: Driftwood beach on the Tasman Sea. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Westland-Driftwood-beach-on-the-Tasman-Sea-0803084710-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: Driftwood beach on the Tasman Sea. Photo © Home At First.")South Island’s Westland: The thin strip of West Coast wedged between the wild Tasman Sea & the Southern Alps catches ocean storms, leaving driftwood piled high on remote beaches. - ![Westland: Jackson Bay - The Cray Pot lobster shack. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Westland-Jackson-Bay-The-Cray-Pot-0803084724-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: Jackson Bay - The Cray Pot lobster shack. Photo © Home At First.")The Cray Pot lobster shack at the end of the road is as far south as you can drive along the west coast of New Zealand. The coastal views and the fresh seafood make the drive well worthwhile. **2.** **WESTLAND:** Much like California’s coastal ranges and the Andes in Chile, the great spine of **the Southern Alps** separates a narrow temperate maritime region — Westland — from the rest of the South Island. Westland is the southern portion of New Zealand’s **Wild West Coast**: frequently lashed by incoming storms from the churning Tasman Sea, storms that fill is dozens of coastal rivers and plaster the Southern Alps with deep snow, keeping many peaks permanently snowcapped and feeding rare temperate zone glaciers that nearly reach the sea. Westland has a frontier reputation like America’s Wild West. Learning from the Maori of the region’s mineral wealth, British and European prospectors and miners rushed to Westland to strike it rich. Few did and few stayed very long. Those who did often tried farming the few tractable acres scattered between the rivers rushing from the mountains to the sea. There are few communities. Towns are rare. **Greymouth**, at the western end of the one railway and one of three roads that cross the Southern Alps, is the West Coast’s biggest town, with around 8,300 residents. Originally a Maori stronghold, much of Greymouth and most of Westland passed into the hands of European settlers in 1860. Almost immediately fortune seekers flooded Westland hunting coal, gold, and other valuable minerals. Although coal and cement continue to be economically important in the northern West Coast, the region’s enduring treasures are the extraordinary wonders of its natural setting: **Attractions from North to South in Westland:** **• Buller Gorge:** the rugged earthquake fault canyon entrance to Westland from Nelson offers New Zealand’s longest suspension footbridge, jet boating, gold panning, walking, and zip line thrill rides. **• The Wild Tasman Sea Coast:** the cold ocean churns into milky foam by currents and winds: great for surfers and driftwood. **• Paparoa National Park & the Pancake Rocks:** northern Westland’s own coastal park with views of the strange Punakaiki (Pancake) Rocks. **• Greenstone Jade Jewelry & Crafts:** the wild rivers of Westland are a great natural source for Maori greenstone jade. Find it in craft shops up and down the coast, and especially in shops in the town of Hokitika. **• Glow Worm Forests:** giving the whole family a new reason to take an after-dinner walk together. **• The White Herons of Okarito Lagoon:** eco-tours by boat or on foot through this singular habitat for *kotuku* — great white herons. ![Westland - Fox Glacier Helihiking. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Fox-Glacier-Helihiking-150301-200x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)**Fox Glacier Heli-hiking****• Westland/Tai Poutini National Park and the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers:** two great glaciers fall from between the highest alpine peaks west into the rain forest and almost to the Tasman Sea. See them, fly over them, land on them, hike and climb them from the sub-alpine villages of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef. Westland National Park is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. **• The High Southern Alps:** the great spine of the Southern Alps separates Westland from the rest of the South Island. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft offer scenic flights up, over, and on to these snowcapped coastal giants, including Mt. Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak (12,218′). **• Haast Pass:** Only 3 road routes cross the Southern Alps to reach the West Coast. The highest and most dramatic road crossing of the Southern Alps takes Highway 6 south from Westland across the Haast Pass to Wanaka, Central Otago, and Queenstown. **• Jackson Bay:** the coast road ends at this lonely outpost of far South Westland on a grand natural harbor backed by the peaks of Mt. Aspiring National Park. While there’s not much to Jackson Bay beyond the grand scenery, the end of the road is graced with the Lobster Pot seafood diner that adds a delicious goal to making the trip. **Activities in Westland:** In addition to car touring, visitors come for the outstanding hiking, mountaineering, fishing, hunting, shopping for crafts, bird watching, and gold panning. **Home At First‘s Westland lodgings** are quality B&B’s with delightful hosts set in rural locations near Hokitika (30min south of Greymouth) and near Fox Glacier (2hrs south of Hokitika). Restaurants are few and far between in Westland, but guests will find restaurants in Hokitika and Fox Glacier. GETTING THERE: From Nelson, two routes lead to Westland at Greymouth. Both routes require about 4 hours of driving, and both cross the Southern Alps via the very rugged (and earthquake prone) Upper Buller Gorge. After Buller, one route (using Route 6) heads due west for the Tasman Coast via the Lower Buller Gorge. Route 6 follows the coast — sometimes dramatically — and passes the Punakaiki (Pancake) Rocks, a geological landmark worth a stop 35 minutes before reaching Greymouth. Meanwhile, Route 69 diverges from Route 6 just after the Upper Buller Gorge and heads southwest on an inland diagonal that joins Route 7 at Reefton and follows the Grey River valley to Greymouth where it ends at Route 6. After Greymouth, Route 6 hugs the Tasman Coast for 25 minutes to Home At First‘s Hokitika area lodgings. Total drive time Nelson to Hokitika: 4-4½ hours non-stop, but more realistically 6-7 hours with stops. Guests pushing on to Home At First’s Fox Glacier lodgings continue south another 2+ hours non-stop. This section of Route 6 is less coastal and more inland, as it must cross the myriad drainage rivers of the highest of the Southern Alps just to the east. Total drive time Nelson to Fox Glacier: 6½-9 hours depending upon route taken and intermediate stops. **SOUTH ISLAND REGION 3: QUEENSTOWN** - ![Queenstown - Paragliding-from-Bobs-Peak (6) - Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Queenstown-Paragliding-from-Bobs-Peak-6-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-QueenstownNZ.co_.nz_.jpg "Queenstown - Paragliding-from-Bobs-Peak (6) - Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz")Set in a region of outstanding natural beauty, Queenstown has become New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital, attracting adrenaline junkies from around the world. - ![Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu in a windstorm. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Queenstown-Region-Lake-Wakatipu-in-a-windstorm-0903084812-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu in a windstorm. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu in a windstorm. Natural forces — climatic, seasonal, & geothermal — are very much a part of the daily drama across New Zealand. - ![South Island: Queenstown - TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/South-Island-Queenstown-TSS-Earnslaw-on-Lake-Wakatipu-1803051205928-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown - TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.")The TSS Earnslaw has plied Lake Wakatipu from its berth in Queenstown since 1912. The coal-fired passenger steamer is the largest ever built in New Zealand. - ![South Island: Queenstown — Pinot Noir grapes at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/South-Island-Queenstown-Pinot-Noir-grapes-at-Gibbston-Valley-Winery-0303110006-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown — Pinot Noir grapes at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.")Pinot Noir grapes ripening at Gibbston Valley Winery. The Queenstown/Central Otago region is the world’s southernmost producer of fine pinot noir wines. - ![South Island: Queenstown Region - Barrel stack at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/South-Island-Queenstown-Region-Barrel-stack-at-Gibbston-Valley-Winery-0403110004-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown Region - Barrel stack at Gibbston Valley Winery. Photo copyright Home At First.")Barrels stacked at Gibbston Valley Winery near Queenstown. The wines of Central Otago — especially the pinot noir — have earned an international reputation. - ![South Island: cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-cyclists-on-the-Otago-Central-Rail-Trail-0603110014-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Photo © Home At First.")Cyclists on the Otago Central Rail Trail. Day trippers from Queenstown can ride the best portions. Long-distance riders can do all 150km in 3-4 days with guides, lodging, & meals. - ![South Island: Queenstown — Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-Lake-Wakatipu-0203110095-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown — Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.")South Island: Queenstown is set in the arid rain shadow of the high Southern Alps, but is blessed with Lake Wakatipu, third largest lake in New Zealand. - ![South Island: Queenstown — TSS Earnslaw steaming on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-TSS-Earnslaw-steaming-on-Lake-Wakatipu-03950067-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island: Queenstown — TSS Earnslaw steaming on Lake Wakatipu. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown’s TSS Earnslaw steaming on Lake Wakatipu. The Earnslaw operates 11 months a year, taking visitors on scenic 90-minute lake cruises from its Queenstown base. - ![South Island - The Kingston Flyer steams again. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-The-Kingston-Flyer-steams-again-03950087-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "South Island - The Kingston Flyer steams again. Photo © Home At First.")The Kingston Flyer tourist railway steams again between Fairlight & Kingston on the southern end of Lake Wakatipu, midway between Queenstown and Te Anau. - ![Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu from Bennett's Point. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/South-Island-Queenstown-Lake-Wakatipu-and-Southern-Alps-from-Bennetts-Point-16019914022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Region: Lake Wakatipu from Bennett's Point. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Region – Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps viewed from Bennett’s Point along the road north from Queenstown to Glen Orchy. - ![Queenstown - Al fresco dining on Steamer Wharf - Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Queenstown-Al-fresco-dining-on-Steamer-Wharf-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-QueenstownNZ.co_.nz_.jpg "Queenstown - Al fresco dining on Steamer Wharf - Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz")Queenstown has a great selection of restaurants & cafés, from simple to elegant, with cuisines from around the world. There’s al fresco dining, too, as here at Steamer Wharf. - ![Queenstown - Lake Wakatipu beach. Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Queenstown-Lake-Wakatipu-beach-1200x800-72-dpi-Photo-QueenstownNZ.co_.nz_.jpg "Queenstown - Lake Wakatipu beach. Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz")Among the many outdoor adventures possible in Queenstown, perhaps the least extreme is enjoying the town’s beach on Lake Wakatipu. - ![Queenstown Golf Course in spring. Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Queenstown-Queenstown-Golf-Course-in-spring-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-QueenstownNZ.co_.nz_.jpg "Queenstown Golf Course in spring. Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz")Queenstown Golf Club’s course is challenging & distractingly beautiful. The region boasts 3 other scenic courses: Jack’s Point G.C., Arrowtown G.C., & Millbrook Resort G.C. - ![Queenstown - the original - Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Queenstown-the-original-Kawarau-Bridge-Bungy-02-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-QueenstownNZ.co_.nz_.jpg "Queenstown - the original - Kawarau Bridge Bungy. Photo QueenstownNZ.co.nz.")Bungy-jumping — and other extreme adventures — are among the best-known New Zealand exports. A.J. Hackett’s original Kawarau Bridge Bungy remains a major Queenstown attraction. **3.** **QUEENSTOWN:** Vibrant, trendy, wonderfully walkable, large town in a fabulous setting wedged between a stunning, turquoise lake and rugged, photogenic mountains. Queenstown is New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital: home of extreme and not-so-extreme sport. People come to Queenstown to encounter challenge, dare fate, accept risk, and test limits in an improbably beautiful environment that is challenging, daring, risky, and limitless. More than any other population center on the South Island, Queenstown exists for tourism. Expect lots of visitors, and expect an ever-expanding infrastructure with new things to see and do. The original home of bungy jumping has spawned an extreme sport industry second to none. But while Queenstown tantalizes serious adrenaline junkies, it offers much more than extreme adventure. Here’s a partial listing of local activities: **EXPLORING QUEENSTOWN ON FOOT:** Downtown Queenstown is big enough to provide hundreds of shops, restaurants, and other services, and small enough to be walked easily. Its lakeside park has a beach & a commercial pier. Things to do include: **• Shopping:** especially for local crafts & fashions in boutiques throughout Queenstown. **• Restaurants, Bars, & Night Life:** Downtown Queenstown offers restaurants and night life for every age, taste, and budget. **• Ride the Skyline Gondola:** Take the enclosed cable car that rises steeply from Queenstown to the Skyline complex (restaurant, scenic viewpoints, walking paths, luge runs) on **Bob’s Peak** 1/4 mile above town. **• Sailing Lake Wakatipu:** Depart Queenstown’s pier on the historic **steamship SS Earnslaw** for a nostalgic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. **OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & EXTREME SPORTS:** Operators of all manner of regional activities have storefront booking offices in downtown Queenstown. Sign up for your adventure and join the group for the bus/van ride to the activity location. Organized commercial activities include: **• Bungy Jumping & Aerial Swinging:** more than a half-dozen heart-stopping leaps to choose from. **• Day Hikes:** The **Routeburn Track**, others. **• Flights & Bus Tours to Milford Sound** can eliminate the need of the long drive &/or overnighting in Fiordland. **• Horse Trekking** amid amazing scenery used in **“Lord of the Rings”** movies. **• Jet Boating:** **Shotover Jet**, **Dart River Jet**. **• Cycling:** Mountain Biking & touring; day & multi-day trips, like the **Otago Central Rail Trail**. **• Multiple Day Walking (Trekking):** Outfitters and Guided Groups for several of **New Zealand’s “Great Walks”** (Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Hollyford Track & others) operate from Queenstown. **• Parasailing:** Suspended from a parachute tethered to a boat on Lake Wakatipu. From Queenstown pier. **• Skiing:** Snow is expected on the 4 regional slopes during winter months (July-September). **LESS EXTREME ACTIVITIES IN/AROUND QUEENSTOWN:** **• Golf:** Four courses — **Queenstown Kelvin Heights** and **Jack’s Point** in greater Queenstown, and **Arrowtown Golf Club** and **Millbrook Resort** in Arrowtown — welcome visitors with friendly members & challenging golf. **• Wine Tasting:** Some of the world’s southernmost vineyards produce delightful wines within thirty minutes of Queenstown. **Gibbston Valley Wines** on Rt. 6 east of Queenstown offers wine tours, wine tastings, purchase of fine wines, and delightful luncheons. **• Walking the Routeburn Track:** Although the complete trek requires three days and two nights, it is possible to walk the eastern portion of this famous hiking trail as a day-hike across swing bridges and through the temperate rain forest to Routeburn Flats and back (4-5 hours). GETTING THERE: Queenstown is an unforgettably scenic 6-8hrs drive across the Haast Pass from Westland. Queenstown is just over 2hrs drive southwest to Te Anau in Fiordland, and 3.5hr drive from Milford Sound, which, although west of Queenstown, requires driving 270º clockwise: east, south, then northwest. **•** Similarly, Queenstown is just over 3.5hrs west of Dunedin on the Pacific Coast (via the sparsely-settled, frontier-like Central Otago region). **•** To the north, Mount Cook is a very scenic 3+ hours from Queenstown, and Tekapo (a little further north past the turn-off for Mt. Cook) is just over 3hrs from Queenstown. **•** To reach Tekapo with an intermediate stop at Mt. Cook, you will drive at least 4.5hrs. **•** Those wanting to drive to Christchurch or Christchurch Airport from Queenstown need to plan for at least 6hrs in the car. **•** Roads in all directions to/from Queenstown are among the most scenic in New Zealand, with little traffic congestion except around Dunedin, Christchurch, and Queenstown itself. ![NZ South Island. Map © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2021-NZ-South-Island-Map-1543x1947-72dpi-Map-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) **SOUTH ISLAND REGION 4: FIORDLAND** - ![Fiordland - Milford Sound shore w. palms and Mitre Peak. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Milford-Sound-shore-w.-palms-and-Mitre-Peak-180305-R12-019-8-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland - Milford Sound shore w. palms and Mitre Peak. Photo © Home At First.")Milford Sound: palm trees & Mitre Peak. - ![Fiordland: penguins on the rocks at Milford Sound. Southland NZ - Credit Videocopter.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NZ-Fiorland-penguins-on-the-rocks-at-Milford-Sound-1200x800-72dpi-Southland-NZ-Credit-Videocopter.jpg "Fiordland: penguins on the rocks at Milford Sound. Southland NZ - Credit Videocopter.")Penguins on the rocks at Milford Sound. - ![Fiordland - Milford Sound in the mists. Credit Destination Taupo - NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Milford-Sound-in-the-mists-1018x679-72dpi-credit-Destination-Taupo-NZ-Tourism-1018x678.jpg "Fiordland - Milford Sound in the mists. Credit Destination Taupo - NZ Tourism.")Fiordland’s Milford Sound in the mists. - ![Fiordland: seal on the rock at Milford Sound. Credit Videocopter Southland New Zealand.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NZ-Fiordland-seal-on-the-rock-at-Milford-Sound-1200x800-72dpi-Credit-Videocopter-Southland-New-Zealand.jpg "Fiordland: seal on the rock at Milford Sound. Credit Videocopter Southland New Zealand.")Seal on the rocks at Milford Sound. - ![Fiordland - Milford Sound - explore by boat. Credit Tourism Holdings - NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Milford-Sound-explore-by-boat-920x614-72dpi-credit-Tourism-Holdings-NZ-Tourism-920x613.jpg "Fiordland - Milford Sound - explore by boat. Credit Tourism Holdings - NZ Tourism.")Exploring Milford Sound explore by boat. - ![Fiordland - Cleddau Valley on the way to Milford Sound. NZ Tourism Photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Cleddau-Valley-on-the-way-to-Milford-Sound-1023x682-72dpi-NZ-Tourism-Photo-1022x682.jpg "Fiordland - Cleddau Valley on the way to Milford Sound. NZ Tourism Photo.")Cleddau Valley on the roadway to Milford Sound. - ![NZ Fiordland: Air Milford. Credit Air Milford.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NZ-Fiordland-Air-Milford-1200x800-72dpi-Credit-Air-Milford.jpg "NZ Fiordland: Air Milford. Credit Air Milford.")Air Milford taking a scenic Fiordland flight. - ![Fiordland - Te Anau on Lake Te Anau aerial. Southland NZ - Credit Graham Dainty.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NZ-Fiordland-Te-Anau-on-Lake-Te-Anau-aerial-1200x800-72dpi-Southland-NZ-Credit-Graham-Dainty.jpg "Fiordland - Te Anau on Lake Te Anau aerial. Southland NZ - Credit Graham Dainty.")Aerial view of Te Anau town on Lake Te Anau. - ![Fiordland - Kepler Track and Lake Te Anau. NZ Tourism Photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Kepler-Track-and-Lake-Te-Anau-1200x800-72dpi-NZ-Tourism-Photo.jpg "Fiordland - Kepler Track and Lake Te Anau. NZ Tourism Photo.")Fiordland: Kepler Track & Lake Te Anau. - ![Fiordland - Kea and Hiker on the Kepler Challenge. Southland, New Zealand - Photo Credit Great South.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Kea-and-Hiker-on-the-Kepler-Challenge-1200x800-72dpi-Southland-New-Zealand-Photo-Credit-Great-South.jpg "Fiordland - Kea and Hiker on the Kepler Challenge. Southland, New Zealand - Photo Credit Great South.")Hiker encounters alpine parrot (kea) on the Kepler Challenge. - ![Routeburn Track - Mitch on Swing bridge. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Routeburn-Track-Mitch-on-Swingbridge-100199-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Routeburn Track - Mitch on Swing bridge. Photo © Home At First.")Routeburn Track: Mitch on swing bridge. - ![Fiordland - Hikers on Harris Saddle. Photo credit Stewart Nimmo - NZTourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NZ-Fiordland-Hikers-on-Harris-Saddle-Conical-Hill-1200x80-72dpi-2548-Photo-credit-Stewar-Nimmo-NZ-Tourism-1.jpg "Fiordland - Hikers on Harris Saddle. Photo credit Stewart Nimmo - NZTourism.jpg")Routeburn Track hikers on Harris Saddle. - ![Fiordland - Southern Alps from Conical Hill above Routeburn Track. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Southern-Alps-from-Conical-Hill-above-Routeburn-Track-2303014022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland - Southern Alps from Conical Hill above Routeburn Track. Photo © Home At First.")Southern Alps from Conical Hill above Routeburn Track. - ![Fiordland: Cheeky Kia at Routeburn Falls Hut. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Cheeky-Kia-at-Routeburn-Falls-Hut-2303014022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland: Cheeky Kia at Routeburn Falls Hut. Photo © Home At First.")Fiordland: Cheeky Kia at Routeburn Falls Hut. - ![Fiordland - North to Hollyford Alps from Key Summit above Greenstone Track. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-North-to-Hollyford-Alps-from-Key-Summit-above-Greenstone-Track-2203014022022-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland - North to Hollyford Alps from Key Summit above Greenstone Track. Photo © Home At First.")View from Key Summit above Greenstone Track. - ![Fiordland - Doubtful Sound from above. Photo credit Rob Suisted - NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Doubtful-Sound-from-above-1021x681-72dpi-Photo-credit-Rob-Suisted-NZ-Tourism-1021x680.jpg "Fiordland - Doubtful Sound from above. Photo credit Rob Suisted - NZ Tourism.")Fiordland: Doubtful Sound from above. - ![Fiordland crested penguins nest in the rain forest. Photo Gilbert van Reenen NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-crested-penguin-nests-in-rain-forest-1022x682-72dpi-Photo-Gilbert-van-Reenen-NZ-Tourism-1022x681.jpg "Fiordland crested penguins nest in the rain forest. Photo Gilbert van Reenen NZ Tourism.")Fiordland’s crested penguins nest in the rain forest. - ![Fiordland: Sheep Farming. Southland,New Zealand - Credit Dusky Ridges.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NZ-Fiordland-Sheep-Farming-1200x800-72dpi-SouthlandNew-Zealand-Credit-Dusky-Ridges.jpg "Fiordland: Sheep Farming. Southland,New Zealand - Credit Dusky Ridges.")Sheep Farming in Fiordland. - ![Fiordland: Lake Te Anau Downs - Departing for Milford Track. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Lake-Te-Anau-Downs-Departing-for-Milford-Track-130305R11-004-0A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland: Lake Te Anau Downs - Departing for Milford Track. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Te Anau Downs: Departing for Milford Track. - ![Fiordland - Milford Track - Clinton Valley. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Milford-Track-Clinton-Valley-120305R11-066-31A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland - Milford Track - Clinton Valley. Photo © Home At First.")Milford Track: scenic Clinton Valley. - ![Fiordland - Milford Track - Solo hiker atop Mackinnon Pass. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Milford-Track-Solo-hiker-atop-Mackinnon-Pass-130305R9-038-17A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland - Milford Track - Solo hiker atop Mackinnon Pass. Photo © Home At First.")Milford Track: solo hiker atop Mackinnon Pass. - ![Fiordland - Milford Track swing bridge. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Fiordland-Milford-Track-swing-bridge-120305R11-032-14A-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Fiordland - Milford Track swing bridge. Photo © Home At First.")Milford Track swing bridge. **4. FIORDLAND:** Experience a unique national park landscape worthy of World Heritage status. Fiordland is the protected, pristine habitat where parrots meet penguins, where deep, clean fingers of the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean invade the 10,000 foot high Southern Alps. Fiordland is a land of unexpected juxtaposition: jungles, oceans, and snowcaps. Here several famed walking tracks explore the mountains and the fiords. Most people come to Fiordland for one or both of the two Milfords: Milford Sound and the Milford Track. But many people depart Fiordland having discovered something else: the challenge of modern eco-tourism — protecting the most fragile of environments while sharing its rich treasures with the world. Fiordland gives New Zealand its greatest environmental test: can this fragile, unique region be the nation’s biggest attraction and not become overwhelmed by the pressures of tourism? **Attractions in Fiordland:** Here’s a partial listing of local activities that keep travelers from around the world making pilgrimages to the far southwestern corner of New Zealand’s South Island: **• Exploring Fiordland by car or bus:** For visitors, all Fiordland roads ultimately lead to the water’s edge at **Milford Sound**. Highway 94 travels north 60 miles from Te Anau town to Milford Sound. En route it parallels **Lake Te Anau**, and passes the trailheads of the **Routeburn and Hollyford Tracks**. Climactically Highway 94 descends steeply out of the Darran Mountains via the rough-hewn **Homer** **Tunnel** from alpine conditions to sea-level at Milford Sound. **• Exploring Fiordland by boat:** Visitors to Milford Sound can board cruise boats for trips onto the fjord lasting from an hour to overnight. Day cruisers also sail Lake Te Anau. Some take walkers to the trailhead of the **Milford Track**. An unusual cruise-bus-cruise combination takes visitors across **Lake Manapouri** by boat, across the **Wilmot Pass** by bus, then onto **Doubtful Sound** for day or overnight cruises. **• Exploring Fiordland on foot:** Fiordland is the region of New Zealand with the highest concentration of **Great Walks**. Four of these “tracks” — **Milford, Routeburn, Hollyford, and Kepler** — require multiple days to be experienced in their entirety. Visitors with limited time, energy, or funds can get a glimpse of each of these walks by taking day hikes: commercially organized or on their own. **• Exploring Fiordland by air:** Numerous flight-seeing options enable visitors to see the varied terrain of Fiordland from the air by helicopter or small, fixed wing aircraft. Long-distance walkers of the **Hollyford Track** have an option of flying out from **Martin’s Bay** to Milford Sound. **Activities in Fiordland:** **Hiking** the Milford, Kepler, Routeburn, Greenstone, and Hollyford Tracks. **Cruising** the region’s great fiords: Milford, Doubtful and Dusky. **Riding the Kingston Flyer**, one of the last great legacies of New Zealand’s glorious national steam narrow-gauge rail system. **Home At First’s Lodgings in Fiordland:** Quality bed and breakfast lodgings in **Te Anau**, the largest town and activity center for Fiordland. GETTING AROUND FIORDLAND: Use of a rental car is essential here. Except for occasional bottlenecks at the historic Homer Tunnel near Milford, roads in Fiordland are usually lightly traveled. GETTING TO/FROM FIORDLAND: Home At First guests arrive in Fiordland by rental car, normally coming south and west from Queenstown in 2.5-3 hours. Most depart Te Anau for Queenstown, or further northeast to Mt. Cook/Lake Tekapo in 5-6 scenic hours, or east 3-4.5 hours to Dunedin. **SOUTH ISLAND REGION 5: AORAKI MT. COOK & MACKENZIE COUNTRY** - ![Mackenzie Country - Late Autumn in Mt Cook NP. Photo Credit Rob Suisted - NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Late-Autumn-in-Mt-Cook-NP-1023x614-72dpi-Photo-Credit-Rob-Suisted-NZ-Tourism-878x614.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Late Autumn in Mt Cook NP. Photo Credit Rob Suisted - NZ Tourism.")Autumn colors Lake Pukaki in Mt Cook N.P. - ![Mackenzie Country - metal road nearing Lake Tekapo. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-metal-road-nearing-Lake-Tekapo-R4-034-15A-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Mackenzie Country - metal road nearing Lake Tekapo. Photo © Home At First.")Metal (gravel) road nearing Lake Tekapo. - ![Mackenzie Country - the Lord of the Rings road. Photo southcanterburynz.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-the-Lord-of-the-Rings-road-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-southcanterburynz.jpg "Mackenzie Country - the Lord of the Rings road. Photo southcanterburynz.")Mackenzie Country: the Lord of the Rings road. - ![Mackenzie Country - Mt Cook from Hooker Glacier Lake. Photo credit Tourism NZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Mt-Cook-from-Hooker-Glacier-Lake-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-credit-Tourism-NZ.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Mt Cook from Hooker Glacier Lake. Photo credit Tourism NZ.")Mt. Cook viewed from Hooker Glacier Lake. - ![Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-and-the-Southern-Alps-R4-030-13A-1023x691-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-988x691.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Tekapo & the Southern Alps. - ![Mackenzie Country - night falls on Mt Cook village and the Southern Alps. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-night-falls-on-Mt-Cook-village-and-the-Southern-Alps-3701-1023x715-72dpi-NZ-Tourism-Photo-by-Miles-Holden.jpg "Mackenzie Country - night falls on Mt Cook village and the Southern Alps. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.")Night falls on Mt Cook village & the Southern Alps. - ![Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - stargazing from the spa. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-stargazing-from-the-spa-1023x715-72dpi-MHR_0494-NZ-Tourism-Photo-by-Miles-Holden.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - stargazing from the spa. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.")Lake Tekapo: stargazing from the spa. - ![Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - Mt John Observatories. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-Mt-John-Observatories-R4-016-6A-1023x691-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-988x691.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - Mt John Observatories. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Tekapo: Mt. John Observatories at sunset. - ![Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - Church of the Good Shepherd. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-Church-of-the-Good-Shepherd-R4-050-23A-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - Church of the Good Shepherd. Photo © Home At First.")Mackenzie Country – Lake Tekapo: Church of the Good Shepherd. - ![Mackenzie Country - Fly Fishing at Lindis Pass. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-2842-Lindis-Pass-1023x715-72dpi-NZ-Tourism-Photo-by-Miles-Holden.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Fly Fishing at Lindis Pass. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.")Fly fishing for big trout in Mackenzie Country. - ![Mackenzie Country Skiing. Chris McLennan Photo NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Skiing-Canterbury-1023x614-72dpi-Chris-McLennan-Photo-NZ-Tourism-968x677.jpg "Mackenzie Country Skiing. Chris McLennan Photo NZ Tourism.")Mackenzie Country Skiing. - ![Mackenzie Country - Hooker Valley Track swing bridge - Mt Cook NP. Photo credit NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Hooker-Valley-Track-swing-bridge-Mt-Cook-NP-1023x685-72dpi-Photo-credit-NZ-Tourism-980x685.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Hooker Valley Track swing bridge - Mt Cook NP. Photo credit NZ Tourism.")Mackenzie Country – The Hooker Valley Track in Mt. Cook N.P. - ![Mackenzie Country - Hooker Valley hikers on swing bridge - Mt Cook NP. Photo credit Fraser Gunn - NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Hooker-Valley-hikers-on-swing-bridge-Mt-Cook-NP-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-credit-Fraser-Gunn-NZ-Tourism-1022x714.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Hooker Valley hikers on swing bridge - Mt Cook NP. Photo credit Fraser Gunn - NZ Tourism.")Hiking in Hooker Valley, Mt. Cook National Park. - ![Mackenzie Country - Aoraki Mt Cook - Tasman Glacier Explorers. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Aoraki-Mt-Cook-Tasman-Glacier-Explorers-1073x715-72dpi-NZ-Tourism-Photo-by-Miles-Holden.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Aoraki Mt Cook - Tasman Glacier Explorers. NZ Tourism Photo by Miles Holden.")Aoraki Mt Cook: Tasman Glacier Explorers. - ![Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - Scottish Collie Sheepdog Statue. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-Scottish-Collie-Sheepdog-Statue-R4-046-21A-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Lake Tekapo - Scottish Collie Sheepdog Statue. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Tekapo: Scottish Sheepdog statue. - ![Mackenzie Country - Haldon Rd entrance to Black Forest Sheep Station. Photo southcanterburynz.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Haldon-Rd-entrance-to-Black-Forest-Sheep-Station-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-southcanterburynz.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Haldon Rd entrance to Black Forest Sheep Station. Photo southcanterburynz.")Traffic jam at the entrance to Black Forest Sheep Station. - ![Mackenzie Country - Burkes Pass - Three Creeks Service Station. Photo southcanterburynz.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Mackenzie-Country-Burkes-Pass-Three-Creeks-Service-Station-1023x715-72dpi-Photo-southcanterburynz.jpg "Mackenzie Country - Burkes Pass - Three Creeks Service Station. Photo southcanterburynz.")Three Creeks Service Station, Burkes Pass. **5. MACKENZIE COUNTRY: MT. COOK & LAKE TEKAPO.** The highest **Southern Alps** and remotest sheep stations meet on the high **Canterbury** plain in **Mackenzie Country**. Arid high plains, rugged alpine mountains, and glacier-fed lakes converge to form the extraordinarily scenic, largely unpopulated outback of Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Mackenzie Country is named in honor of the alleged Scottish sheep rustler who first dared to graze his purloined flock on this immense, grassy range. The independent frontier spirit of James Mckenzie (as his name was then spelled) is still found among the residents of New Zealand’s outback. With only a few small settlements in the region, meeting the locals is not easy. But staying at a **Home At First** lodging in **Mt. Cook village** or **Lake Tekapo village** does promise encounters with at least a few rugged individuals who relish the challenges of life in Mackenzie Country. Explore these wide-open expanses by car, by walking, and by alpine flights. **Attractions in Mackenzie Country:** Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps and the region’s many lakes with their surprising turquoise color. **• Lake Pukaki, Mt. Cook, & the Hooker Valley:** New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt. Cook, lords over a turquoise lake and a remarkable glacier valley that invites walking and other outdoors activities. **• Lake Tekapo & Mackenzie Country:** the broad expanses of New Zealand’s remotest ranch country include dramatic vistas day and night from atop Mt. John. A drive up the mountain promises views of Lakes Alexandrina, McGregor, and Tekapo, with the snowcapped main spine of the Southern Alps and the rugged Two Thumb Range lining the horizon. **Activities in Mackenzie Country:** challenging hiking, excellent fishing, the country’s top-ranked mountaineering, scenic flights, mountain biking, horseback riding, stargazing. Stargazing? Lake Tekapo and the neighboring Mt. John Observatory offer the clearest skies in New Zealand. This area has become the centerpiece of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. **Home At First‘s Mackenzie Country lodgings** are quality B&B’s and small inns set in the villages of Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo. Although restaurants are few and far between in Mackenzie Country, guests will find restaurants in their home village. GETTING AROUND MACKENZIE COUNTRY: Use of a rental car is essential here. If you explore the back country on its many miles of unpaved roads, expect your car to be covered in road dust, and watch for rabbits (especially) and sheep (occasionally) on these dusty tracks. GETTING TO MACKENZIE COUNTRY: Guests travel to Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo by rental car, normally coming northeast from Queenstown — a very scenic 3-4 hour drive. Most depart Mackenzie Country — the Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo region — for Christchurch, a drive of 3-4.5 hours. **SOUTH ISLAND REGION 6: THE EAST COAST** - ![East Coast: Dunedin region - Balclutha sheep farm. Photo credit David Wall NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-region-Balclutha-sheep-farm-1023x682-72dpi-Photo-credit-David-Wall-NZ-Tourism-1022x682.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin region - Balclutha sheep farm. Photo credit David Wall NZ Tourism.")Southeastern corner of the South Island: Balclutha sheep farm. - ![East Coast: Dunedin city viewed from Larnach Castle. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-city-viewed-from-Larnach-Castle-0803110040-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin city viewed from Larnach Castle. Photo © Home At First.")Dunedin city & harbour viewed from Larnach Castle. - ![East Coast: Dunedin - Gingerbread George city setting. Photo credit DunedinNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Gingerbread-George-city-setting-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-001-credit-DunedinNZ.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin - Gingerbread George city setting. Photo credit DunedinNZ.")Dunedin’s rail station, “Gingerbread George”, in its grand setting. - ![East Coast: Dunedin Railways Taieri Gorge excursion train. Photo 027 credit DunedinNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Dunedin-Railways-Taieri-Gorge-excursion-train-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-027-credit-DunedinNZ.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin Railways Taieri Gorge excursion train. Photo 027 credit DunedinNZ.")Dunedin Railways Taieri Gorge excursion train. - ![East Coast: Dunedin - Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula. Photo 003 credit DunedinNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Larnach-Castle-on-the-Otago-Peninsulva-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-003-credit-DunedinNZ.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin - Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula. Photo 003 credit DunedinNZ.")Dunedin: Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula. - ![East Coast: Dunedin - Otago Peninsula - 13-mile-long Dunedin Harbour. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Otago-Peninsula-13-mile-long-Dunedin-Harbour-0803110019-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin - Otago Peninsula - 13-mile-long Dunedin Harbour. Photo © Home At First.")Otago Peninsula: 13-mile-long Dunedin Harbour. - ![East Coast: Otago Peninsula - Albatross chick. Photo credit DunedinNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Otago-Peninsula-Albatross-chick-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-credit-DunedinNZ.jpg "East Coast: Otago Peninsula - Albatross chick. Photo credit DunedinNZ.")Otago Peninsula: Royal Albatross chick testing the wind. - ![Dunedin Harbour: Royal Albatross buzzes a Monarch Wildlife Cruise boat. Photo 023 credit DunedinNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Harbour-Royal-Albatross-buzzes-a-Monarch-Wildlife-Cruise-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-023-credit-DunedinNZ.jpg "Dunedin Harbour: Royal Albatross buzzes a Monarch Wildlife Cruise boat. Photo 023 credit DunedinNZ.")Dunedin Harbour: albatross buzzes a Monarch Wildlife Cruise. - ![East Coast: Dunedin region - Otago Peninsula - Yellow-Eyed Penguin. Photo credit Chris McLennan NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-region-Otago-Peninsula-Yellow-Eyed-Penguin-996x664-72dpi-Photo-credit-Chris-McLennan-NZ-Tourism-995x664.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin region - Otago Peninsula - Yellow-Eyed Penguin. Photo credit Chris McLennan NZ Tourism.")Dunedin region: Otago Peninsula: Yellow-Eyed Penguin. - ![East Coast - Dunedin - Takahe seen at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary - Photo 043 credit DunedinNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Takahe-seen-at-the-Orokonui-Ecosanctuary-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-043-credit-DunedinNZ.jpg "East Coast - Dunedin - Takahe seen at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary - Photo 043 credit DunedinNZ.")Dunedin: endangered Takahe at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. - ![East Coast: Dunedin - Aramoana Beach Surfing. Photo credit DunedinNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Dunedin-Aramoana-Beach-Surfing-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-004-credit-DunedinNZ.jpg "East Coast: Dunedin - Aramoana Beach Surfing. Photo credit DunedinNZ.")Dunedin: Surfers on Aramoana Beach. - ![East Coast: Balloon over Canterbury Plain. NZ Tourism Photo.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Balloon-over-Canterbury-Plain-1020x680-72dpi-NZ-Tourism-Photo.jpg "East Coast: Balloon over Canterbury Plain. NZ Tourism Photo.")Balloon over Canterbury Plain with the Southern Alps. - ![East Coast: Christchurch - Canterbury - Tranzalpine excursion train. Photo NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Christchurch-Canterbury-Tranzalpine-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-NZ-Tourism.jpg "East Coast: Christchurch - Canterbury - Tranzalpine excursion train. Photo NZ Tourism.")Tranzalpine train in Canterbury approaching Arthur’s Pass. - ![Christchurch Landscape with the Southern Alps. Photo 4052 Copyright Neil Macbeth ChristchurchNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Christchurch-Landscape-with-the-Southern-Alps-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-4052-credit-ChristchurchNZ.jpg "East Coast - Christchurch Landscape with the Southern Alps. Photo 4052 Copyright Neil Macbeth ChristchurchNZ.")Christchurch Landscape with the Southern Alps. - ![East Coast: Christchurch Tram on New Regent Street pedestrian zone. Photo 2 ChristchurchNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Christchurch-Tram-on-New-Regent-Street-pedestrian-zone-1149x766-72dpi-Photo-2-ChristchurchNZ-1148x766.jpg "East Coast: Christchurch Tram on New Regent Street pedestrian zone. Photo 2 ChristchurchNZ.")Christchurch Tram on colorful New Regent Street. - ![East Coast: Christchurch Botanic Gardens forest path. Photo ChristchurchNZ.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Christchurch-Botanic-Gardens-forest-path-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-ChristchurchNZ.jpg "East Coast: Christchurch Botanic Gardens forest path. Photo ChristchurchNZ.")Christchurch Botanic Gardens forest path in Hagley Park. - ![East Coast: Christchurch Airport - Spitfire in the Garden. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Christchurch-Airport-Spitfire-in-the-Garden-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "East Coast: Christchurch Airport - Spitfire in the Garden. Photo © Home At First.")Christchurch Airport: so English there’s a Spitfire in its Garden. - ![East Coast - Kaikoura - Seals with Kaikoura Range. Photo by Kyle Mulinder NZ Tourism.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Kaikoura-Seals-with-mountains-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-by-Kyle-Mulinder-NZ-Tourism.jpg "East Coast - Kaikoura - Seals with Kaikoura Range. Photo by Kyle Mulinder NZ Tourism.")Kaikoura Coast: Seals with the Seaward Kaikoura Range. - ![Kaikoura whale watching tour.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Kaikoura-Whale-watching-tour-1023x683-72dpi-NZ-Tourism-Photo-1023x682.jpg "East Coast: Kaikoura Whale watching tour. NZ Tourism Photo.")Whale watching tour off the Kaikoura Coast. - ![East Coast: Kaikoura Coast - Nins Bin lobster shack 20min n of Kaikoura. 3 - HIGH RES - Cumulus.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Kaikoura-Coast-Nins-Bin-lobster-shack-20min-n-of-Kaikoura-1200x800-72dpi-3-HIGH-RES-Cumulus.jpg "East Coast: Kaikoura Coast - Nins Bin lobster shack 20min n of Kaikoura. 3 - HIGH RES - Cumulus.")Nins Bin lobster shack 20min north of Kaikoura. - ![Marlborough: Wine & food tasting at Spy Valley Wines west of Blenheim. Photo 13 credit Spy Valley Wines.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Marlborough-Wine-and-food-tasting-at-Spy-Valley-Wines-west-of-Blenheim-920x613-72dpi-Photo-13-credit-Spy-Valley-Wines-919x613.jpg "Marlborough: Wine & food tasting at Spy Valley Wines west of Blenheim. Photo 13 credit Spy Valley Wines.")Marlborough: Wine & food tasting at Spy Valley Wines by Blenheim. **6. THE EAST COAST OF THE SOUTH ISLAND** extends 500 miles from the Southern Ocean at the island’s southeastern corner to the Cook Strait at its northeastern corner. This region is the most populous portion of the South Island, and home to its two largest cities, **Christchurch** and **Dunedin**. Unlike the island’s rugged west coast along the Tasman, the east coast is relatively devoid of inlets caused by major glaciation. **New Zealand Highway 1** parallels the ocean, often hugging the coastline of **the western South Pacific** nearly the length of the South Island. Its journey starts near the town of **Balclutha** near the Southland Region in the island’s southeast. Ultimately, the route reaches **Blenheim** in the northeastern Marlborough Region across the Cook Strait 50 miles southwest of Wellington. En route Highway 1 passes through long stretches of the South Island’s fertile, productive coastal plain, visits Dunedin and Christchurch and numerous smaller habitations lining the South Pacific shore. It traverses the eastern limits of **Otago and Canterbury regions**. Approaching **Marlborough**, Route 1 dramatically avoids the high **Kaikoura Range** by crowding the northern Canterbury coast. After the exciting landscapes of Nelson & the Abel Tasman, the West Coast, Queenstown, Fiordland, and Mackenzie Country & the Southern Alps, the East Coast of the South Island can seem subdued, even anti-climactic. And, for many of you, a driving trip through this region will have the singular purpose of reaching your departure airport in Christchurch or Dunedin. Nevertheless, the sheer size of the East Coast promises a number of worthwhile places to visit: **Attractions along the East Coast from South to North:** **• Catlins Forest Park:** spread across the southeastern corner of the South Island, this sparsely populated, heavily wooded section is a scenic region with nearly unique flora, fauna, and geography. Yellow-eyed penguins and other rare birds are found here in this protected habitat. **• Dunedin, Otago:** The South Island’s second city (pop. about 130,000) has **associations with Scotland** that stem from its original British colony, including its name. A university town on scenic, deep-water **Otago harbor**, protected by equally scenic **Otago Peninsula**. Dunedin features some grand stone buildings, none more beloved locally than **“Gingerbread George”** the city’s signature railway station. But the major attractions of Dunedin lay outside of town, especially on the Otago Peninsula where visitors seek out expansive **sand beaches**, quirky **Larnach Castle**, New Zealand’s only breeding colony of **Royal Albatross**, and tours to see **yellow-eyed penguins** in their seaside habitat. **Dunedin Railways** offers several scenic tourist round-trips from Gingerbread George to points north of town and, especially, inland through the rugged **Taieri Gorge**, reachable only by rail. ![Christchurch Cricketeers at Hagley Park. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/East-Coast-Christchurch-Cricketeers-at-Hagley-Park-213x300-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg)**Christchurch Cricketeers****• Christchurch, Canterbury:** Some 225 miles northeast of Dunedin is New Zealand’s “most English” city, Christchurch. Named after Oxford University’s Christ Church college and church, the **largest city (pop. 380,000) of the South Island** is second in population only to Auckland. Originally chartered in 1856, Christchurch is New Zealand’s oldest city. Established by a company of resolute and religious Englishmen, Christchurch was deemed to be **a piece of England in the South Pacific**. In significant ways Christchurch maintains ties to its English roots. Many **Cantabrians** (Christchurch-ers) are keen-to-passionate-even-competitive gardeners. **Cricket** is still played in the city’s properly-English **Hagley Park**. **Punting on the River Avon** is as vital a ritual in central Christchurch, as it is in Oxford or Cambridge, England. Very traditional **Christchurch Golf Club** (1873) claims to be the 7th oldest outside of the U.K. Curiously, the harborside town of **Akaroa** on the volcanically-formed **Banks Peninsula** 1½ hours drive southeast of Christchurch has French roots. The little town is a vestige of an attempt by the **Kingdom of France** to establish its own New Zealand colony only days after the United Kingdom annexed the islands. Charming Akaroa maintains its provincial French-ness to draw visitors, which it does with great success. A fine harbor on the South Pacific at nearby **Lyttleton** has welcomed immigrants to the South Island for 180 years, and, more recently, cruise ships full of tourists. **Lyttleton Harbour** — which separates greater Christchurch from the Banks Peninsula — also serves as a main export port for the wealth of agricultural products of the fertile **Canterbury Plain** that extends inland for more than 5,000 square miles. Christchurch expanded outward from its historic central district centered on 120-year-old **ChristChurch Cathedral**. **Christchurch Airport** — which some years offers direct flights to/from North America — was New Zealand’s first international airport. Christchurch has been an important rail hub, with lines running south to Dunedin and **Invercargill**, north to the **Cook Strait ferries at Picton** via the Kaikoura Coast, and west through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass to **Greymouth on the Tasman Sea in Westland**. The line to Greymouth hosts the famed-for-its-scenery ***Tranzalpine* train**, a daily round-trip passenger excursion. Christchurch and its surrounding region underwent a series of **devastating earthquakes between 2010-2012**. The quakes badly damaged the regional infrastructure, killed upwards of 200 people, and required the demolition of over 1,500 buildings, including many in the center of Christchurch city. Indeed, after being previously damaged by 5 earthquakes, the tower of ChristChurch Cathedral was destroyed by the February, 2011, earthquake. After more than a decade the city’s population and economy have stabilized. But the city center, including the cathedral, is still rebuilding. While we are not advocates of “tragedy tourism”, a visit to Christchurch does let one see the resilience of its residents who live in one of the world’s most geologically active places. The fresh memories of the Christchurch earthquakes remind us of **the challenging realities of living in New Zealand**, where earthquakes, volcanoes, and other geothermal forces can suddenly affect life, much like tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, drought, wildfires, pandemics, and war do in other parts of the world. **• The Kaikoura Coast & Marlborough:** North of Christchurch the Canterbury Plain narrows, becoming wedged between the Kaikoura Mountain ranges and the sea. New Zealand Highway 1 is squeezed east. Eventually the highway traces the scenic coastline starting a dozen miles south of Kaikoura, the last town along the Canterbury coast. **Kaikoura** is a tourist trap, but one with a nearly unique major attraction: **deep-water whale-watching**. Stopping here permits the possibility of observing rarely-seen toothed sperm whales close to shore. Observing dolphins and seals in the wild is also on the tourist menu here, but much less unique, as dolphins can be readily seen in the Bay of Islands in the North Island, and seals can be seen at strategic oceanside pullover points along the Highway 1 between Kaikoura and the Marlborough Region. Once in **Marlborough**, Highway 1 turns inland for the regional capital of Blenheim. Here Highway 1 turns north for **Picton**, the embarkation port for **Cook Strait ferries to Wellington**. Blenheim is also the start of **NZ Highway 6 west for Nelson and the Abel Tasman**. For oenophiles, Blenheim is the central market town of New Zealand’s largest and most important wine region, **Marlborough, home of world-famous New Zealand white wines**, especially Sauvignon Blanc. The Blenheim area has a **Wine Trail** connecting wineries open to visitors. GETTING THERE: Depending on the route taken and intermediate stops made, Dunedin is 4-6 hours drive east from Queenstown or from Te Anau in Fiordland (via Balclutha). **•** The drive from Queenstown to Christchurch requires 6 hours (non-stop). **•** Dunedin to Christchurch is a 5-hour drive. **•** Christchurch is 4 hours from Mt Cook, 3 hours from Lake Tekapo. **•** Christchurch to Blenheim requires 4 hours. **•** Blenheim to Nelson is another 2 hours in the car. **•** Alternatively, the scenic, mountainous inland route from Christchurch to Nelson (via Lewis Pass) is a 5½ hour drive. ### Sample Home At First South Island Lodgings Shown and described below is a selection of popular **Home At First** lodgings in four different regions of New Zealand’s South Island. They are shown here as **examples** of different sizes and capacities and illustrate the uniqueness of our individual lodgings & locations and the uniform standard of quality and service found in all **Home At First** South Island lodgings. All have bedrooms with private bathrooms, use of public spaces (lounges, dining rooms, terraces & balconies), private parking, and come with a delightful breakfast daily. All **Home At First** lodgings in New Zealand have welcoming, knowledgeable, accessible hosts who see to your comfort, answer your questions, make recommendations for what to see and do in their region, and can help with reservations for dining and activities. The high quality of the lodgings and the hosting ensure the success of your visit to each New Zealand region on your itinerary. **NOTE — FOR BEST VIEWING:** each of the following apartment descriptions begins with a slide show. These slide shows do not advance automatically. You can move from slide to slide (forward or reverse) by clicking on the direction arrows below each slide. To see any slide in large format on a PC, “right click” on the selected slide and click on the “Open image in new tab” (Chrome) or “View Background Image” (Firefox). #### **NELSON REGION** BOUTIQUE INNS IN/AROUND NELSON **Towns: Nelson & Richmond. Nearest Airport: Nelson.** - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn exterior aerial view. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-exterior-aerial-view-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn exterior aerial view. Photo courtesy the owners.")Aerial view of Nelson’s Victorian Inn. - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-exterior-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners-1.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn exterior. Photo courtesy the owners.")Exterior of the Victorian Inn, Nelson - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn - furnished balcony with view overlooking Nelson. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-furnished-balcony-with-view-overlooking-Nelson-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn - furnished balcony with view overlooking Nelson. Photo courtesy the owners.")Victorian Inn: furnished balcony with view over Nelson. - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn - guest lounge. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-guest-lounge-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn - guest lounge. Photo courtesy the owners.")Guest lounge at Nelson’s Victorian Inn. - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn - Kitchen and dining rooms. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-Kitchen-and-dining-rooms-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn - Kitchen and dining rooms. Photo courtesy the owners.")Nelson’s Victorian Inn: kitchen & dining rooms. - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn - King bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-King-bedroom-1-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn - King bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.")Nelson’s Victorian Inn: king bedroom #1. - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn - king bedroom 2. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-king-bedroom-2-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn - king bedroom 2. Photo courtesy the owners.")Nelson’s Victorian Inn: king bedroom #2. - ![Nelson: Victorian Inn - king bedroom 3 with 4-poster bed. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Nelson-Victorian-Inn-king-bedroom-3-with-4-poster-bed-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Nelson: Victorian Inn - king bedroom 3 with 4-poster bed. Photo courtesy the owners.")Nelson’s Victorian Inn: king bedroom #3 with 4-poster bed. --- #### **WESTLAND REGION** B&B’s & INNS BETWEEN GREYMOUTH & HAAST **Near the towns of Hokitika & Fox Glacier. Nearest Airport: Hokitika.** - ![Westland Lodge: aerial overview. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-aerial-overview-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Westland Lodge: aerial overview. Photo courtesy the owners.")Westland Lodge: aerial overview looking west to the sea. - ![Westland Lodge: double bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-Double-Bedroom-1-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Westland Lodge: double bedroom 1. Photo courtesy the owners.")Westland Lodge: double bedroom 1. - ![Westland Lodge: double bedroom #2. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-Double-Bedroom-2-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Westland Lodge: double bedroom #2. Photo courtesy the owners.")Westland Lodge: double bedroom #2. - ![Westland Lodge: Jacuzzi shower-bath with garden view. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-Jacuzzi-shower-bath-with-garden-view-0703084668-900x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland Lodge: Jacuzzi shower-bath with garden view. Photo © Home At First.")Westland Lodge: Jacuzzi shower-bath with garden view. - ![Westland Lodge: common guest dining room & lounge. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-guest-common-dining-room-and-lounge-0703084682-900x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland Lodge: common guest dining room and lounge. Photo © Home At First.")Westland Lodge: common guest dining room & lounge. - ![Westland Lodge: common breakfast and dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-Common-breakfast-and-dining-room-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Westland Lodge: common breakfast and dining room. Photo courtesy the owners.")Westland Lodge: breakfast & dining room. - ![Westland Lodge: Patio for guests' use. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-Patio-for-guests-use-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Westland Lodge: Patio for guests use. Photo courtesy the owners.")Westland Lodge: Patio for guests’ use. - ![Westland Lodge: exotic garden. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-Lodge-exotic-garden-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Westland Lodge: exotic garden. Photo courtesy the owners.")Westland Lodge: exotic garden with South Island plantings. - ![Westland: wild Tasman Sea beach with driftwood. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Westland-wild-Tasman-Sea-beach-with-driftwood-0803084709-900x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Westland: wild Tasman Sea beach with driftwood. Photo © Home At First.")Wild Tasman Sea beaches with driftwood are nearby. --- #### **QUEENSTOWN** BOUTIQUE INNS IN/AROUND QUEENSTOWN **Towns: Queenstown & nearby towns. Nearest Airport: Queenstown.** - ![Queenstown Inn: exterior. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-exterior-0203110087-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: exterior. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: exterior facade with parking. - ![Queenstown Inn: Bedroom Suite 1. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-Bedroom-Suite-1-0203110001-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: Bedroom Suite 1. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: Bedroom Suite 1. - ![Queenstown Inn: Bedroom Suite 2. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-Bedroom-Suite-2-0203110017-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: Bedroom Suite 2. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: Bedroom Suite 2. - ![Queenstown Inn: Lower Apartment Living-Dining-Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-Lower-Apartment-Living-Dining-Kitchen-0203110003-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: Lower Apartment Living-Dining-Kitchen. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: Lower Apartment Living-Dining-Kitchen. - ![Queenstown Inn: Lower Apartment Double Bedroom 1. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-Lower-Apartment-Double-Bedroom-1-0203110013-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: Lower Apartment Double Bedroom 1. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: Lower Apartment Double Bedroom 1. - ![Queenstown Inn: Upper Apartment Livingroom. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-Upper-Apartment-Livingroom-0203110026-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: Upper Apartment Livingroom. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: Upper Apartment Livingroom. - ![Queenstown Inn: Upper Apartment Double Bedroom 1. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-Upper-Apartment-Double-Bedroom-1-0203110035-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: Upper Apartment Double Bedroom 1. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: Upper Apartment Double Bedroom 1. - ![Queenstown Inn: view from upper apartment balcony. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Queenstown-Inn-view-from-upper-apartment-balcony-0203110039-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Queenstown Inn: view from upper apartment balcony. Photo © Home At First.")Queenstown Inn: view from upper apartment balcony. --- #### **MACKENZIE COUNTRY** B&B’s & INNS IN AORAKI MT COOK & LAKE TEKAPO **Nearest Airports: Mt Cook, Queenstown, & Christchurch.** - ![Lake Tekapo B&B: exterior. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-BB-exterior-030540103A-900x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Lake Tekapo B&B: exterior. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Tekapo B&B: exterior showing private drive & parking. - ![Mackenzie Country: Lake Tekapo B&B - breakfast table. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-BB-breakfast-table-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Mackenzie Country: Lake Tekapo B&B - breakfast table. Photo courtesy the owners.")Breakfast table ready for guests at Lake Tekapo B&B. - ![Mackenzie Country: Lake Tekapo B&B - exterior showing balconies. Photo courtesy the owners.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Tekapo-BB-exterior-showing-balconies-900x600-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-the-owners.jpg "Mackenzie Country: Lake Tekapo B&B - exterior showing balconies. Photo courtesy the owners.")Lake Tekapo B&B: exterior showing balconies. - ![Mackenzie Country: Lake Alexandrina. Photo © Home At First.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Mackenzie-Country-Lake-Alexandrina-18030540208A-900x600-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First.jpg "Mackenzie Country: Lake Alexandrina. Photo © Home At First.")Lake Alexandrina, a fishing lake west of Lake Tekapo. --- ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [new zealand prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/new-zealand/new-zealand-prices/#Prices "New Zealand Prices") [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) • info@homeatfirst.com** --- ### [Mürren — Close Encounter at Wassenegg Ridge](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/murren-close-encounter-at-wassenegg-ridge/) **Published:** January 24, 2025 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **switzerland home** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) the overview ###### [— **the bernese oberland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) alpine heart of switzerland ###### [— **bernese oberland villages** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) [kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/) • **[mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/)** ### [— **italian switzerland** — ](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino "italian switzerland") ticino – best of 2 cultures ###### [— **matterhorn &** **zermatt** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) iconic switzerland ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### # [MÜRREN](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/) ## **ADVENTURES WHILE WALKING** ##### Skiing. Snow boarding. Mountaineering. Ice climbing. Base Jumping. Parasailing. Wing-suit flying. Mürren attracts all kinds of extreme daredevils to its challenging alpine geography. We’ve been adventuring in Mürren for years and have never left the ground except to travel in the regional cablecars. There are dozens of less-risky adventures available to walkers who venture forth from Mürren. True enough, there are challenging hikes possible in the Mürren area that by themselves qualify as adventures. But there are also fairly tame walks that lead to memorable adventures, including chance encounters with wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, and amazing panoramas of Switzerland’s Bernese Alps. Some walks are best done in hiking boots. You might want have hiking poles for some of the longer, steeper trails. A backpack is always helpful. Sunscreen, a hat, & rain gear offer weather protection. Bring a picnic. Bring a camera. **Bring a sense of Adventure.** **ADVENTURE #1 — Close Encounter at Wassenegg Ridge** - ![1. At the end of a day hiking above Mürren, Switzerland, I stopped on Wassenegg Ridge to photograph the thunderheads.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-1-3008244846-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 1 - Photo © Home At First")1. At the end of a day hiking above Mürren, Switzerland, I stopped on Wassenegg Ridge to photograph the thunderheads. - ![2. I noticed something moving along the horizon from right to left silhouetted against the clouds and the Bernese Alps.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-2-3008244848-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 2 - Photo © Home At First")2. I noticed something moving along the horizon from right to left silhouetted against the clouds and the Bernese Alps. - ![3. Centered above U-shaped Sefinenfurgge pass, the object was easily identified: a parasail on a late-afternoon flight.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-3-3008244849-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 3 - Photo © Home At First")3. Centered above U-shaped Sefinenfurgge pass, the object was easily identified: a parasail on a late-afternoon flight. - ![4. Having already descended 700m south from the Schilthorn, the parasail turned east toward me. I had my camera ready.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-4-3008244852-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 4 - Photo © Home At First")4. Having already descended 700m south from the Schilthorn, the parasail turned east toward me. I had my camera ready. - ![5. I wondered if the pilot could see me, a solo figure standing on the narrow ridge in the fading light.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-5-3008244856-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 5 - Photo © Home At First")5. I wondered if the pilot could see me, a solo figure standing on the narrow ridge in the fading light. - ![6. As he flew closer, it became obvious that he not only saw me, but that he might attempt to buzz me.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-6-3008244863-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 6 - Photo © Home At First")6. As he flew closer, it became obvious that he not only saw me, but that he might attempt to buzz me. - ![7. Now he was close enough to see I had a big Nikon lens trained on him, and he decided to show off his skills.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-7-3008244865-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 7 - Photo © Home At First")7. Now he was close enough to see I had a big Nikon lens trained on him, and he decided to show off his skills. - ![8. As he passed overhead, I zoomed in to keep him in the viewfinder. I yelled: "Where should I send the photos?"](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-8-3008244867-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 8 - Photo © Home At First")8. As he passed overhead, I zoomed in to keep him in the viewfinder. I yelled: “Where should I send the photos?” - ![9. He clearly heard me as he swooshed passed and began to descend the south side of Wassenegg Ridge.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-9-3008244869-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 9 - Photo © Home At First")9. He clearly heard me as he swooshed passed and began to descend the south side of Wassenegg Ridge. - ![10. He suddenly swung around counter-clockwise and, riding an updraft along the slope, came back up to me.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-10-3008244873-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 10 - Photo © Home At First")10. He suddenly swung around counter-clockwise and, riding an updraft along the slope, came back up to me. - ![11. He passed within a few yards of me. Later when I reviewed my photos I saw how young (& possibly female) the pilot was.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-11-3008244877-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 11 - Photo © Home At First")11. He passed within a few yards of me. Later when I reviewed my photos I saw how young (& possibly female) the pilot was. - ![12. Dressed warmly & tucked in an aerodynamic cocoon, the pilot circled left to begin the descent into the Sefinental.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-12-3008244878-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 12 - Photo © Home At First")12. Dressed warmly & tucked in an aerodynamic cocoon, the pilot circled left to begin the descent into the Sefinental. - ![13. The aerial maneuver was as silent as it was graceful. The pilot never spoke despite having come so close.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-13-3008244879-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 13 - Photo © Home At First")13. The aerial maneuver was as silent as it was graceful. The pilot never spoke despite having come so close. - ![14. Setting a course for the open end of the hanging Sefinen Valley, the pilot still had a kilometer of altitude to lose.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-14-3008244883-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 14 - Photo © Home At First")14. Setting a course for the open end of the hanging Sefinen Valley, the pilot still had a kilometer of altitude to lose. - ![15. With thunderstorms building & fewer lift-producing thermal updrafts, the pilot descended straight down the valley.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-15-3008244885-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 15 - Photo © Home At First")15. With thunderstorms building & fewer lift-producing thermal updrafts, the pilot descended straight down the valley. - ![16. After our Close Encounter at Wassenegg Ridge, the parasail flew into Lauterbrunnen Valley before beginning the 15-minute approach to landing in Stechelberg. I still had a 90-minute hike (with 500m of descent) back to Mürren and supper.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Switzerland-Wassenegg-Parasailer-16-3008244886-1200x800-72dpi-Photo-©-Home-At-First-2.jpg "Switzerland - Wassenegg Parasailer 16 - Photo © Home At First")16. After our Close Encounter at Wassenegg Ridge, the parasail flew into Lauterbrunnen Valley before beginning the 15-minute approach to landing in Stechelberg. I still had a 90-minute hike (with 500m of descent) back to Mürren and supper. [**Mürren**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/) is a wonderful place to experience chance adventures. But it is not the only place for such exciting serendipity. Every Home At First [**Switzerland**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/) location offers a different combination of Nature and Culture ready for exploration and discovery. For that matter, [**all Home At First locations**](https://homeatfirst.com/) provide the possibility for adventure. **Adventure**, it turns out, is the natural companion of **Independent Travel**. --- ### [Kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/) **Published:** March 13, 2020 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### [— **switzerland home page** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/#Switzerland) the overview ###### [— **the bernese oberland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) alpine heart of switzerland ###### [— **bernese oberland villages** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) **[kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/kandersteg/ "Kandersteg") • [mürren](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/alpine-murren/ "Mürren")** ###### [— **italian switzerland** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/lakeside-locations-in-italian-switzerland/#Ticino) ticino – best of 2 cultures ###### [— **matterhorn &** **zermatt** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/zermatt-the-matterhorn/#Zermatt) iconic switzerland ###### [— **switzerland prices** —](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) ###### # Alpine KANDERSTEG Village in The [Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland) HOME AT FIRST’S Kandersteg — extraordinarily scenic alpine village set on a flat, broad river valley, high in the Bernese Alps. **Looking east across the flat valley floor at Kandersteg to the snowcapped Blüemlisalp massif range of the Bernese Alps.** Photo view east from the Kander River by Kandersteg railway station showing a portion of the Bernese Oberland World Heritage Site copyright **Home At First**. ![COOP grocery store and Hari's Cheese Shop, Station Street, Kandersteg](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Kandersteg-Bahnhofstrass-Village-Center-010716-1098-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)COOP grocery store and Hari’s Cheese Shop, Kandersteg.**Home At First’s Kandersteg** — a pristine alpine village high in the Bernese Alps — offers hourly express trains between northern Switzerland & Italy, with connections throughout much of Switzerland. We recommend Kandersteg as our top location for visitors looking to experience alpine Switzerland while being able to tour widely throughout the country. Deep in the Bernese Alps near the western end of the **[Bernese Oberland](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/alpine-villages-in-the-heart-of-switzerland/#BerneseOberland)**, Kandersteg village sits on a high (3,852′), flat plain at the southern end of a “hanging valley” carved out of the Alps by Ice Age glaciers. Surrounded on three sides by snow-capped peaks, the village marks the end of the line for auto traffic driving south from the Swiss capital of Bern. Stationed on a major railway between Germany and Italy enhances Kandersteg’s visitor appeal. Hourly modern trains provide passenger service to destinations on both sides of the Alps and throughout much of Switzerland. Home At First ranks Kandersteg our top Swiss mountain home location for exploring Switzerland. But Home At First’s Kandersteg is no mere base camp for day-trips throughout Switzerland. Ten-thousand-feet-high snowcapped peaks surround the village on three sides, providing stunning scenery. Some of the finest cheesemaking alps in the Bernese Oberland bless Kandersteg’s outskirts. The village’s eastern flank offers access to one of Switzerland’s most stunning alpine lakes, **Oeschinensee**. Kandersteg’s southern limit hides one of its most extraordinary, hidden, natural glacial side valleys, the **Gasterntal**, Home At First’s Kandersteg offers excellent walking, hiking, climbing, exploring, and cheese-tasting. The village features a wide range of restaurants, plus two just-large-enough groceries, a sports center, a *via ferrata*, and, wonderfully, one of the region’s finest cheese shops. --- ## Home At First’s Kandersteg **HOME AT FIRST** offers Swiss mountain home vacation apartments in several locations in the alpine village of Kandersteg high in the Bernese Oberland. Although most apartments are decorated and comfortably furnished in traditional Swiss alpine style, a few have modern furnishings. All apartments are clean, well cared for, and well-equipped. All are within reasonable (5-8min) walking distance to the stores, services, numerous restaurants, and to Kandersteg’s train and bus stations. Home At First’s Kandersteg is surrounded by steep walls of the Bernese Alps on three side and is open only to the north as a classic major U-shaped “hanging” valley carved by repeated glaciations during the Ice Ages. The glaciers scooped out the softer rock of the valley floor, leaving the **Kander River Valley** at Kandersteg high, broad, and surprisingly flat. Guests to a few chalet apartments in Home At First’s Kandersteg must climb stairs to the second (or even the third) floor, but walking around the village and to and from the village’s five transportation stations is not at all hilly. Flat walks of 15-30min lead in three direction to the lower stations of aerial cableways from the valley floor on the outskirts of Kandersteg: east to the modern gondola cablecars for **Oeschinensee**; west to the small aerial cablecar for **Allmenalp**; and south to the large cablecar for **Sunnbüel** and historic, north-south, alpine crossing via the imposing **Gemmi Wall**. **CHALET APARTMENT HOSTING:** Each Swiss mountain home apartment has secure entry. Home At First’s Kandersteg is a safe, prosperous, residential community. All **HOME AT FIRST** Kandersteg apartments come with experienced, caring, English-speaking hosting on-site or very close by. **VILLAGE SETTING & TRANSPORTATION:** Home At First’s Kandersteg is a compact village of just 1,250 permanent residents set at the upper reaches of the north-flowing Kander River Valley high in the Bernese Oberland. The village is served by the excellent rail services of the BLS Railway’s scenic *Lötschberg* *Line*, operating modern, rapid inter-regional express trains between Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, and southern Switzerland′s Rhone Valley at Brig, and through the Simplon Tunnel to and the northern Italian state of Piedmont at Domodossola, Italy. ![In which country would you find the Balmhorn? Guests at Kandersteg's Chalet Balmhorn learn the answer indelibly, as they see the mighty Balmhorn and other majestic Bernese Alps in panorama from their balcony.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Bernese-Oberland-SubSection-Ch-Apt-Lodgings-image-160819-0324-915x1300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg "In which country would you find the Balmhorn? Guests at Kandersteg's Chalet Balmhorn learn the answer indelibly, as they see the mighty Balmhorn and other majestic Bernese Alps in panorama from their balcony.")Kandersteg’s Chalet Balmhorn, with 3 guest apartments. ![Kandersteg is served by excellent north-south railway service connecting Bern with Brig hourly in both directions. ](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Kandersteg-Lotschberger-regional-express-arriving-at-Kandersteg-station-260717-4688-915x1200-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg)Hourly southbound express for Brig, Switzerland, arrives at Kandersteg. The Lötschberg Line offers smooth, comfortable, modern north-south trains hourly in both directions connecting at major Swiss Rail junction points 45min south in Brig (connections to Italy, *The Glacier Express*, St. Moritz, Zermatt, the Valais, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, and France); 30min north in Spiez (trains to Gstaad, Montreux, Interlaken, Mürren & the Jungfrau Region, Brienz, Meiringen, Luzern, and Zürich); and 70min north in Bern (trains to Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, Alsace & Paris France, Germany, Holland, Zürich, eastern Switzerland, Münich, and Austria). Home At First’s Kandersteg offers one of Switzerland’s finest locations for visitors wanting a Swiss mountain home in a village in the Swiss Alps without limiting touring opportunities throughout Switzerland and beyond. **VILLAGE SERVICES:** Despite Kandersteg’s small size, there are a dozen or so restaurants in town and on the surrounding cheese alps (Oeschinensee, Allmenalp, Sunnbüel) and in the wild, romantic **Gastern Valley**, ranging from snack bars to 4-star dining. The village also has two churches — one Protestant and one Roman Catholic (small chapel). Near the rail and bus stations is Kandersteg’s Alpine Center, focusing on mountain sports: climbing, skiing, biking, & snowshoeing The Alpine Center offers training, equipment rental, and guiding services. A modern chalet just north of the town center house Kandersteg’s well-staffed Tourist Information Office, where reservations can be made, inquiries can be answered, and information can be gathered in paper and verbal forms. Kandersteg has a handful of shops offering souvenirs, and sporting goods and fashions for sale & rental (including boots & poles for hiking and skiing, and mountain bikes). Among these is the Kandersteg train station, part of the Swiss-Rent-a-Bike network which makes cycling in Switzerland easy: coast & brake downhill and bring the bike home on the train. Visitors can swim at the large village pool. Kandersteg has year-round doctor’s and physicians, and a small drugstore. Prescriptions will need to be ordered from a larger locale: Spiez, Thun, Interlaken, or Bern. Kandersteg’s branch of the BKB (Cantonal Bank of Bern) has banking hours 6 days a week. For currency exchange, the ticket window at the train station offers good rates 7AM-6PM daily (7 days a week!). **Hourly Southbound Express Arriving at Home At First’s Kandersteg** — Touring Hint: If one day the weather isn’t perfect in Kandersteg, take a southbound express through the Lötschberg Tunnel 15-45 minutes to the south side of the main spine of the Bernese Alps. On the south side, the weather can be sunny and warm when the north side of the Alps is cloudy, cool, and wet. ### Home At First’s Swiss Mountain Homes in Kandersteg **What are Home At First’s Kandersteg chalet apartments like?** ![Balcony view from a Home At First Kandersteg chalet apartment.](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Balmhorn-Balcony-view-south-of-Bernese-Alps-010716-1145-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-300x200.jpg)Balcony View: the Alps & geraniums.Each is unique. They come in all sizes and shapes. Almost all feature Swiss chalet style furnishings — lots of blond spruce — although some are traditional and others modern interpretations. Some have several bedrooms and baths; others may have a single bedroom and bathroom. Almost all have terraces or balconies. Many feature balconies with very impressive alpine views. Many have balconies and windows with window boxes full of blooming geraniums in a rainbow of bright colors. (You will be invited to water the plants!) Others may have furnished patios or gardens. All are secure private quarters with private bathrooms, and all must meet **Home At First** standards of quality and equipment: **•** **HOSTING:** All Swiss mountain home chalet apartments in Home At First’s Kandersteg have friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, accessible hosts. Hosts may be the lodging owners or their representatives. Most live in their independent apartment in the same chalet or a neighboring chalet. Hosts will welcome you, show you around the apartment, explain its workings, and be on-call if questions, problems, or emergencies arise. Otherwise, you can expect to see a familiar, friendly face from time-to-time during your stay, working in the garden or stopping by your apartment to see how you are getting on. **•** **KITCHENS:** Full kitchens or practical kitchenettes with at the very least: fridge, coffee maker, tea kettle, stove top range, oven and/or toaster oven and/or microwave. Most have additional counter appliances. Many have dishwashers as well as clothes washer/dryers. All kitchen and bath towels & linens provided. **•** **BEDROOMS:** Most bedrooms have twin beds. Some twin beds can be secured and made-up together to form a large double bed. A few multi-bedroom lodgings may have a queen-size or king-size bed in one of the bedrooms, but these are rare. Larger family-size lodgings often have one bedroom with bunk beds. **•** **BATHROOMS:** Most bathrooms have a shower stall or a bathtub with overhead shower. Some few bathrooms may have a bathtub with hand-held shower, or a bathtub for bathing only. **•** **LAUNDRY FACILITIES:** Those apartments without clothes washer/dryers will have a common laundry room in the chalet, or you may use your host’s laundry room. **•** **PARKING****:** Home At First’s Kandersteg Swiss mountain home lodgings usually (with rare exceptions) have 1 or 2 designated private guest parking spaces, most commonly off-street by the chalet. **NOTE:** Although Kandersteg can be reached by road from the north, the only way to cross to the south side of the Alps from Kandersteg by car is via the auto carrier trains that operate several times daily. We recommend taking advantage of the excellent public transportation service available in Switzerland and avoiding driving on mountain roads in alpine weather conditions. **•** **ELECTRONICS:** Apartments have televisions, usually the flat-screen, cable variety. Most have free WiFi, although service can be spotty away from the chalet. Few apartments come with telephones. Bring or rent a cell phone for your trip, but remember that service can be spotty in the Swiss Alps. NOTE: WiFi service is available on some trains. **•** **PROXIMITY TO RESTAURANTS, STORES & SERVICES:** All Swiss mountain home apartments in Home At First’s Kandersteg are within short walking distance to stores, services, and transportation. Opening times for stores varies by season, with long opening hours most days during the high seasons. ### CHALET APARTMENT LODGINGS #### **SAMPLE SWISS MOUNTAIN HOME APARTMENTS in KANDERSTEG** Detailed descriptions of several of our favorite chalet apartments in the Bernese Oberland village of Kandersteg. To see the illustrations in larger format on your PC, “right click” on the image, then click on the “View Image” menu item in Firefox or click on the “Open image in new tab” menu item in Chrome. #### Chalet Altels **Home At First’s KANDERSTEG** --- Two Swiss-quality apartments that make ideal touring bases - ![Chalet Altels - exterior facade](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-exterior-facade-150819-0316-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - exterior facade - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn and Chalet Altels with Blüemlisalp](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-and-Chalet-Altels-with-Bluemlisalp-150819-0322-1852x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn and Chalet Altels with Blüemlisalp - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Altels - Geraniums in window boxes](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-Geraniums-in-window-boxes-150819-0317-2000x1333-72dpi-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - Geraniums in window boxes - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Altels - exterior facade 3](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-exterior-facade-3-150819-0311-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - exterior facade 3 - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Altels - East Apt - eat-in kitchen and living room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-North-Apt-eat-in-kitchen-and-living-room-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - East Apt - eat-in kitchen and living room - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - West Apt living room with balcony access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-West-Apt-living-room-with-balcony-access-1900x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - West Apt living room with balcony access - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - East Apt - furnished balcony](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-South-Apt-furnished-balcony-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - East Apt - furnished balcony - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - East Apt - living room w. fireplace](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-South-Apt-living-room-w.-fireplace-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - East Apt - living room w. fireplace - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - East Apt - living room w. antique wardrobe](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-North-Apt-living-room-w.-antique-wardrobe-2000x1333-72di-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - East Apt - living room w. antique wardrobe - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - East Apt - eat-in kitchen and living room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-North-Apt-eat-in-kitchen-and-living-room-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - East Apt - eat-in kitchen and living room - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - East Apt - eat-in kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-North-Apt-eat-in-kitchen-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - East Apt - eat-in kitchen - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - West Apt bathroom with shower](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-West-Apt-bathroom-with-shower-1777x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - West Apt bathroom with shower - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - West Apt Kitchen-dining-balcony access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-West-Apt-Kitchen-dining-balcony-access-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - West Apt Kitchen-dining-balcony access - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - West Apt living room with balcony access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-West-Apt-living-room-with-balcony-access-1900x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - West Apt living room with balcony access - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") - ![Chalet Altels - West Apt - living room with fireplace and kitchen access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-West-Apt-living-room-with-fireplace-and-kitchen-access-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Altels-800x533.jpg "Chalet Altels - West Apt - living room with fireplace and kitchen access - Photo courtesy Chalet Altels") ##### **TWO 1-BEDROOM, 1-BATH, 3rd Floor Apartments CENTRAL KANDERSTEG BERNESE OBERLAND** --- Chalet Altels offers two 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments with geranium-bejeweled balconies on its third (top) floor. The western third of this attractive chalet is of rounded, white masonry with bay windows. This rounded architecture graces the balcony of the western guest apartment, while the eastern guest apartment is traditionally rectangular. Both apartments have single twin bedrooms. Both use blond spruce for walls and ceilings. The bathroom of the east apartment has a shower only, while that of the west apartment has a tub/shower combination. Kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas, while laid out differently, are furnished in similar style. Both apartment living rooms have working fireplaces, and both balconies are furnished with sitting areas to enjoy the sensational alpine views south toward the main spine of the Bernese Alps, which includes Altels, at 3630m (11.910′) one of the principal peaks on the horizon, and the namesake of the chalet. Capacity of each apartment is 1-2 persons. Chalet Altels is 6-8 minute flat walk to Kandersteg’s railway and bus stations. Kandersteg’s 3 cablecar stations are 10-20 walking minutes from the chalet. Local bus service to the Sunnbüel (for Gemmi) cableway is reached at a stop two minutes away. Buses for the Oeschinesee cablecar and the remote Gasterntal valley are boarded at Kandersteg bus station at the train station plaza. A popular pizzeria and tea room/bakery are the closest eateries to Chalet Altels: a 1-minute walk, just around the corner on the lower main street of Kandersteg. At least a dozen restaurants are within walking distance of Chalet Altels. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** Guests arriving in Kandersteg by train will be picked up by their host/hostess at the train station at a set arrival time and transported with their luggage by car to the chalet. At the end of their stay, guests and their luggage will be taken by car back to the railway station. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** The common chalet entrance is on the north side of the house. Two sets of approximately 15 stair steps (30 total) lead to the individual apartment entries on the third floor. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen cable TV. Secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** Guests may use the hostess’s laundry facilities at Chalet Altels. --- Your Hostess at Chalet Altels ![Chalet Altels - Owner-hostess Franziska](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Altels-Owner-hostess-Franziska-260717-4601-215x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Franziska, the English-speaking owner-hostess of the two Chalet Altels apartments, lives on-site in her own apartment in the chalet. In addition to being the owner and hostess at Chalet Altels, the very busy Franziska holds down a day job with her husband that takes her away from the chalet several days each week. Franziska is normally at home in the evening and available for questions. She enjoys getting to know her guests and visits you occasionally to see how you are enjoying your stay and ask if you need any assistance. #### Chalet Balmhorn **Home At First’s KANDERSTEG** --- Three Swiss-quality apartments that are great touring bases - ![Chalet Balmhorn - exterior](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-exterior-010716-1114-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - exterior - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - Chalet exterior head-on](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Chalet-exterior-head-on-150819-0306-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - Chalet exterior head-on - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - Large Apt - Living room with Loft Stairs](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Large-Apt-Living-room-with-Loft-Stairs-010716-1143-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - Large Apt - Living room with Loft Stairs - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - Bathroom with tub-shower](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Bathroom-with-tub-shower-010716-1161-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - Bathroom with tub-shower - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - Kitchen with dining](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Kitchen-with-dining-010716-1157-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - Kitchen with dining - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - Large Apt - living room - study - balcony](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Large-Apt-living-room-study-balcony-010716-1144-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - Large Apt - living room - study - balcony - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - Balcony view south of Bernese Alps](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Balcony-view-south-of-Bernese-Alps-010716-1145-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - Balcony view south of Bernese Alps - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - Bathroom with shower](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Bathroom-with-shower-010716-1160-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - Bathroom with shower - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bedroom, 2nd floor apt - kitchen, dining room with balcony access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-1-bdrm-2nd-floor-apt-kitchen-dining-and-balcony-1600x1200-Photo-courtesy-Ch-Balmhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bdrm 2nd floor apt - kitchen dining and balcony - Photo courtesy Ch Balmhorn") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bedroom, 2nd floor apartment - balcony](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-1-bdrm-2nd-floor-apt-balcony-1824x1024-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Ch-Balmhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bdrm 2nd floor apt - balcony - Photo courtesy Ch Balmhorn") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bedroom 2nd floor apartment - living room and balcony](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-1-bdrm-2nd-floor-apt-living-room-and-balcony-1578x1026-Photo-courtesy-Ch-Balmhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bdrm 2nd floor apt - living room and balcony - Photo courtesy Ch Balmhorn") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bedroom 2nd floor apartment - Balcony view SW with Gross Loner](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-1-bdrm-2nd-floor-apt-Balcony-view-SW-with-Gross-Loner-1413x710-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Ch-Balmhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bdrm 2nd floor apt - Balcony view SW with Gross Loner - Photo courtesy Ch Balmhorn") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bedroom 3rd floor apartment - twin bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-1-bdrm-3rd-floor-apt-twin-bedroom-974x563-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Ch-Balmhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bedroom 3rd floor apartment - twin bedroom - Photo courtesy Chalet Balmhorn") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bedroom 3rd floor apartment - Balcony view SW with Gross Loner](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-1-bdrm-3rd-floor-apt-Balcony-view-SW-with-Gross-Loner-1824x1024-Photo-courtesy-Ch-Balmhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - 1-bdrm 3rd floor apt - Balcony view SW with Gross Loner - Photo courtesy Ch Balmhorn") - ![Chalet Balmhorn - 3-bedroom, 3rd floor apartment - twin bedroom](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-3-bdrm-3rd-floor-apt-twin-bedroom-1512x1188-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Ch-Balmhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn - 3-bdrm 3rd floor apt - twin bedroom - Photo courtesy Ch Balmhorn") - ![Chalet Balmhorn and Chalet Altels with Blüemlisalp](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-and-Chalet-Altels-with-Bluemlisalp-150819-0322-1852x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Balmhorn and Chalet Altels with Blüemlisalp - Photo copyright Home At First") ##### **TWO 1-BEDROOM, 1-BATH APTS. on the 2nd & 3rd FLOORS CENTRAL KANDERSTEG BERNESE OBERLAND** --- ##### **ALSO: ONE 3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH APT. on the 3rd FLOOR & LOFT CENTRAL KANDERSTEG** Large modern duplex chalet with two identical 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments on the 2nd floor and 3rd floor of the smaller, east portion of the chalet. A spacious, 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment occupies the 3rd floor and loft of the adjacent west portion of the duplex chalet. All 3 apartments have furnished balconies with an outstanding views looking south into the high Bernese Alps, including the Balmhorn (3699m; 12,136′), after which the chalet is named. The delightful, English-speaking host couple own the chalet, and reside in the lower two floors of the larger portion of the duplex. This chalet is 3-5 minutes flat walk from the center of Kandersteg, its two grocery stores, shops, and several restaurants. Capacity of each of the one-bedroom apartments is two persons. Capacity of the 3-bedroom apartment — which is ideal for families — is 4-7 persons, employing 2 twin bedrooms, and a triple bedroom. Chalet Balmhorn is 6-8 minute flat walk to Kandersteg’s railway and bus stations. Kandersteg’s 3 cablecar stations are 10-20 walking minutes from the chalet. Local bus service to the Sunnbüel (for Gemmi) cableway is reached at a stop two minutes away. Buses for the Oeschinesee cablecar and the remote Gasterntal valley are boarded at Kandersteg bus station at the train station plaza. A popular pizzeria and tea room/bakery are the closest eateries to Chalet Balmhorn: a 1-minute walk, just around the corner on the lower main street of Kandersteg. At least a dozen restaurants are within walking distance of Chalet Balmhorn. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** Guests arriving in Kandersteg by train will be picked up by their host/hostess at the train station at a set arrival time and transported with their luggage by car to the chalet. At the end of their stay, guests and their luggage will be taken by car back to the railway station. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** once at the Chalet Balmhorn, the chalet’s entry hall provides indoor access to the 3 apartment entries. Please note that there are approx. 15 stair steps to the 2nd floor apartment, and approx. 30 stair steps leading to the 3rd floor apartment entries from the ground floor main entrance. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen cable TV. Secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** Guests may use the hostess’s laundry facilities at Chalet Balmhorn. --- Your Hostess at Chalet Balmhorn ![Chalet Balmhorn - Owner-hostess Petra](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Balmhorn-Owner-hostess-Petra-2-250717-4591-215x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Petra, the English-speaking owner/hostess of the three Chalet Balmhorn apartments, lives on-site in her own apartment in the duplex chalet. In addition to being the owner and hostess at Chalet Balmhorn, the very busy Petra is also a working mother whose day job takes her away from the chalet a few days each week. However, she is normally at home in the evening and available for questions. She enjoys getting to know her guests and visits you occasionally to see how you are enjoying your stay and ask if you need any assistance. #### Chalet Doldenhorn **Home At First’s KANDERSTEG** --- 2-bedroom chalet apartment in the quiet center of Kandersteg - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - Exterior facade with the Doldenhorn](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Doldenhorn-Exterior-facade-with-Doldenhorn-010716-1056-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - Exterior facade with Doldenhorn - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - Balcony view south of Bernese Alps](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Doldenhorn-Balcony-view-south-of-Bernese-Alps-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Doldenhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - Balcony view south of Bernese Alps - Photo courtesy Chalet Doldenhorn") - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - dining room with balcony access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Doldenhorn-dining-room-with-balcony-access-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Doldenhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - dining room with balcony access - Photo courtesy Chalet Doldenhorn") - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - full kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Doldenhorn-kitchen-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Doldenhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - full kitchen - Photo courtesy Chalet Doldenhorn") - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - living and dining room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Doldenhorn-living-and-dining-room-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Doldenhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - living and dining room - Photo courtesy Chalet Doldenhorn") - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - living room](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Doldenhorn-living-room-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Doldenhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - living room - Photo courtesy Chalet Doldenhorn") - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - twin bedroom 1](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Doldenhorn-twin-bedroom-1-1862x1282-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Doldenhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - twin bedroom 1 - Photo courtesy Chalet Doldenhorn") - ![Chalet Doldenhorn - twin bedroom 2](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Doldenhorn-twin-bedroom-2-1807x1333-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Doldenhorn-800x533.jpg "Chalet Doldenhorn - twin bedroom 2 - Photo courtesy Chalet Doldenhorn") ##### **ONE 2-BEDROOM, 1-BATH APT. 3rd Floor West • Furnished Balcony CENTRAL KANDERSTEG BERNESE OBERLAND** --- Spacious two-bedroom, 1-bath apartment on 3rd floor of small chalet-style apartment building. Twin beds in each bedroom means 4-person capacity. Well-equipped kitchen with dishwasher. Bathroom has a tub/shower. Sizable, open-plan living room and dining area has access to the furnished balcony with fine view south of the main spine of the Bernese Alps. The very pleasant English-speaking owner/hostess lives nearby in her own chalet. Chalet Doldenhorn is 5-minutes flat walk uphill from Kandersteg’s main street, the town Tourist Information Office, the nearest grocery store, and several restaurants. Kandersteg’s busy railway station — with excellent hourly train service on a very scenic, important secondary main line — is 10-12 minutes flat walk from the apartment, making Chalet Doldenhorn an ideal base for conveniently exploring much of Switzerland and even parts of northern Italy. Chalet Doldenhorn is 10-15-minutes walk (or free 5-minute local bus ride) from the Oeschinensee cablecar station on Kandersteg’s southeast end. Stores, shops, and restaurants are 3-8 minutes walking distance. A charming forest path leads to a playground and family picnic ground 5-minutes away. Kandersteg’s other aerial cableways — to Allmenalp (20 minutes walk) and to Sunnbüel (30 minutes flat walk or 10-minute bus ride) — and its private bus service into the remote, romantic Gasterntal valley add dozens of hiking possibilities through through local cheese alps dotted with mountain restaurants. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** Guests arriving in Kandersteg by train will be picked up by their host/hostess at the train station at a set arrival time and transported with their luggage by car to the chalet. At the end of their stay, guests and their luggage will be taken by car back to the railway station. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** once at the entry hall of Chalet Doldenhorn, approx. 24 indoors stair steps lead up from street level to the apartment entrance door. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen cable TV. Secure WiFi (free). **LAUNDRY:** common laundry facilities are available on the ground floor at Chalet Doldenhorn. --- Your Hostess at Chalet Doldenhorn ![Chalet Doldenhorn - Owner-hostess Franziska](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Altels-Owner-hostess-Franziska-260717-4601-215x300-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First.jpg) Franziska, the English-speaking owner-hostess of the Chalet Doldenhorn apartment, lives nearby in her own Kandersteg chalet. In addition to being the owner and hostess at Chalet Doldenhorn, the very busy Franziska holds down a day job with her husband that takes her away from the chalet several days each week. Franziska is normally at home in the evening and available for questions. She enjoys getting to know her guests and visits you occasionally to see how you are enjoying your stay and ask if you need any assistance. #### Chalet Blüemlisalp **Home At First’s KANDERSTEG** --- 2-bedroom chalet apartment in the quiet town center - ![Chalet Blüemlisalp - Exterior facade with Bire](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-Exterior-facade-with-Bire-010716-1081-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - Exterior facade with Bire - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - chalet facade showing furnished patio and apartment entry](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-chalet-facade-showing-furnish-patio-and-apt-entry-1161x882-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Bluemlisalp-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - chalet facade showing furnished patio and apartment entry - Photo courtesy Chalet Bluemlisalp") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - dining room and living room with TV and Franklin stove](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-dining-room-and-living-room-with-tv-and-franklin-stove-1365x1024-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Bluemlisalp-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - dining room and living room with TV and Franklin stove - Photo courtesy Chalet Bluemlisalp") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - Exterior facade showing furnished patio](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-Exterior-facade-showing-furnished-patio-010716-1082-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - Exterior facade showing furnished patio - Photo copyright Home At First") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - open-plan dining and kitchen](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-open-plan-dining-and-kitchen-1365x1024-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Bluemlisalp-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - open-plan dining and kitchen - Photo courtesy Chalet Bluemlisalp") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - open-plan dining and kitchen with patio and BBQ access](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-open-plan-dining-and-kitchen-with-patio-and-bbq-access-1262x877-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Bluemlisalp-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - open-plan dining and kitchen with patio and BBQ access - Photo courtesy Chalet Bluemlisalp") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - twin bedroom 1](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-twin-bedroom-1-1364x992-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Bluemlisalp-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - twin bedroom 1 - Photo courtesy Chalet Bluemlisalp") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - bathroom - Jacuzzi tub with Scandinavian shower](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-bathroom-jacuzzi-tub-with-scandinavian-shower-959x691-72dpi-Photo-courtesy-Chalet-Bluemlisalp-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - bathroom - Jacuzzi tub with Scandinavian shower - Photo courtesy Chalet Bluemlisalp") - ![Chalet Bluemlisalp - short cut trail from the chalet to railway station](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Chalet-Bluemlisalp-short-cut-trail-from-the-chalet-to-railway-station-150819-0356-2000x1333-72dpi-Photo-copyright-Home-At-First-800x533.jpg "Chalet Bluemlisalp - short cut trail from the chalet to railway station - Photo copyright Home At First") ##### **ONE 2-BEDROOM, 1-BATH APT. Ground Floor with Furnished Patio CENTRAL KANDERSTEG BERNESE OBERLAND** --- Traditional wooden Bernese chalet (built 1905) with a spacious, modern 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment on the ground floor. The apartment comes with a furnished patio with a fine view south to the snowcapped peaks of the Bernese Alps, and a glimpse to the east of the Blüemlisalp, king of Kandersteg’s high alps, after which this chalet is named. The apartment has a large, open-plan main room comprised of the modern kitchen, large family dining table, and comfy living room with satellite TV and an operating Franklin-style wood stove. There are electric heat registers in all rooms. Capacity of the Chalet Blüemlisalp apartment is 2-to-6 persons and is ideal for couples or families. The two bedrooms are: one twin-bedded double, and one family room with twin beds and two bunk beds. A single large bathroom features a Jacuzzi spa tub and a Scandinavia-style shower. The semi-covered patio is furnished with a second dining table ideal for dining al fresco in the warm twilight of summer and early autumn. Across the way from the patio is a private terrace with a BBQ cooker for outdoor cookouts. The delightful native-English-speaking owner/hostess lives in her own apartment in the upper floors of the chalet with her family, and is often available for guest questions. She takes an active interest in seeing to the comfort and enjoyment of her guests, and offers suggestions for day-trips, hikes, restaurants, activities, and how to get the most out of their Swiss holiday based in Kandersteg. Chalet Blüemlisalp is a 2-minute flat walk from Kandersteg’s main street with two groceries, Kandersteg’s Tourist Information Office, and at least five restaurants within 5 minutes walk. Kandersteg’s busy railway station — with excellent hourly train service on a very scenic, important secondary main line — is 5 minutes flat walk along a scenic, cinder, riverside trail from the apartment, making Chalet Blüemlisalp an ideal base for conveniently exploring much of Switzerland and even parts of northern Italy. Chalet Blüemlisalp is 10-15-minutes walk (or free 5-minute bus ride) from the Oeschinensee cablecar station on Kandersteg’s southeast end. Almost all of Kandersteg’s stores, shops, cafés, and restaurants are 3-8 minutes walking distance. Families will enjoy swimming at Kandersteg’s large public pool (2-minutes from the chalet), and taking a charming forest path leading to a playground and family picnic ground 8-minutes away. Kandersteg’s other aerial cableways — to Allmenalp (20 minutes walk) and to Sunnbüel (30 minutes flat walk or free 10-minute local bus ride from the train station plaza) — and its private bus service into the remote, romantic Gasterntal valley add dozens of hiking possibilities through through local cheese alps dotted with mountain restaurants. **ARRIVAL NOTE:** Your hostess or her representative normally meet guests at the chalet at an appointed arrival time. New arrival pick-up service at Kandersteg train station by special request. **ENTRANCE NOTE:** once at the Chalet Jungfrau, the chalet’s entry hall is reached via approx. 12 uncovered stair steps up from street level. **ELECTRONICS:** Flat-screen satellite TV. Secure WiFi (free). **WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE:** the entire apartment is on the ground floor and is wheelchair friendly. **LAUNDRY:** the apartment comes equipped with a clothes washer and a line to hang dry the wash. ##### **HOW TO BUILD, PRICE, AND BOOK YOUR TRIP —** [switzerland package prices](https://homeatfirst.com/home/switzerland/switzerland-prices/#Prices) [get a free trip proposal](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal) [“instant discounts”](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts) [get “travel bargain alerts”](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1) **Contact HOME AT FIRST: (800) 523-5842 (toll-free USA & Canada) • +1 610 543 4348 (worldwide) •** --- ### [Outreach — Help A Traveler in Need: Refer A Friend](https://homeatfirst.com/home/outreach-help-a-traveler-in-need-refer-a-friend/) **Published:** April 14, 2022 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) # Help A Traveler in Need: Refer A Friend ## Know someone who may benefit from a conversation with a travel professional? Refer A Friend. Refer A Friend. Why not share your knowledge with others? You know all the advantages of planning international travel with the help of the expert travel professionals at [Home At First](https://homeatfirst.com/). Why not share your knowledge with others? Maybe you know someone we can help. If so, please send us a referral. We will contact your referral and offer to begin a conversation about realizing their international travel dreams. ![Refer A Friend — You know the advantages of planning international travel with the professionals at Home At First. 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Your Name \*First Last Your Email \* Your Friend-in-Need's Name \*First Last Your Friend-in-Need's Email \* Your Friend-in-Need's Travel Goals or Interests Additional Comments Phone Send to Home At First --- ### [London Flyover Video 1033089-215](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/london-flyover-video-1033089-215/) **Published:** July 30, 2024 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** Search for:Search Button ###### [How to Buy Your Home At First Trip](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#HowToBuy "HOW TO BUY") ###### [**Get a Free Home At First Trip Proposal**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#FreeProposal "GET A FREE TRIP PROPOSAL") ###### [**Get a Home At First ‘Instant Discount’**](https://homeatfirst.com/home/contact-us/#InstantDiscounts "GET AN 'INSTANT DISCOUNT' QUOTE") ###### [**Subscribe for ‘Travel Bargain Alerts’**](https://homeatfirst.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=aebef112797b015939c87db99&id=b7b8f1f3c1 "SUBSCRIBE FOR 'TRAVEL BARGAIN ALERTS'") ###### [![TO HOME](https://homeatfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HAF-COTTAGE-no-white-transparent-background-84x44-150dpi-Logo-Image-©-Home-At-First.png "TO HOME")](https://homeatfirst.com/) ###### ###### Where Are Home At First’s Preferred [London](https://homeatfirst.com/home/london/#London "LONDON") Apartments Located? Tower Bridge & northeast. Video credit: VisitBritain/Randall Films --- ### [Post-Trip Questionnaire](https://homeatfirst.com/home/essentials/post-trip-questionnaire/) **Published:** January 12, 2022 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** #### [HOME AT FIRST](https://homeatfirst.com/) # HOME AT FIRST’S WELCOME HOME POST-TRIP QUESTIONNAIRE WELCOME HOME! --- ## Posts ### [Attribution](https://homeatfirst.com/attribution/) **Published:** December 10, 2024 **Author:** ronhomeatfirstcom **Content:** This site has been created with the help of many different people and companies. --- This site was built on a powerful, Inspirations based web builder called [BoldGrid](http://www.boldgrid.com). It is running on [WordPress](http://wordpress.org), the most popular content management software online today. 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