The ultimate in song contests – Eurovision kicked off over the weekend and we just couldn’t get enough of the (slightly cringeworthy) spectacular!
Sweden claimed victory winning the music competition with our very own Guy Sebastian coming in 5th.
Here are some quirky facts about the performers themselves, as well as some travel experiences unique to each of the countries.
Australia
Of course we had to kick off with our home-grown hero Guy Sebastian. The Malaysian-born Australian-raised Sydneysider has spent time in Maroubra, Gerroa, Clovelly and calls the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney home with his young family. While Sebastian has said “Sydney isn’t a cheap place to live – you have to think outside the box”, he’s adept at finding the fun in our fair city. Family time at Centennial Park, surfing in Bronte, checking out some of the many free public events – like the popular Vivid Light Show – and you just can’t go past the beauty of the harbour on any level. If you’re looking for something a little edgier, take a trip down to Bondi and visit Guy’s favourite tattoo artist – Bondi Ink. For romance, Guy Sebastian says Matt Moran’s Chiswick restaurant in Woollahra sets the perfect setting with a gorgeous ambience and beautiful food.
He was the first winner of Australian Idol in 2003, and is a judge on Australia’s The X Factor. Guy was the Australian representative at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest with his single Tonight Again, which generated enormous positive buzz in the competition.
(Feature image courtesy of Instagram)
Austria
The Austrian capital of Vienna will play host to this year’s Eurovision song contest and we can’t think of a better city to host it. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sound of Music, Vienna’s artistic and intellectual legacy has also been shaped by its famous residences Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund. Spend three days discovering Vienna’s hidden streets with a Local Specialist on Trafalgar’s 10-day Sound of Music guided holiday. You’ll walk through the oldest parts of the city near ‘Am Hof’, indulge in local cuisines such as schnitzels and strudels, and travel to the city of Salzburg to view the Church in Mondsee where the marriage of Captain Von Trapp and Maria was filmed.
France
Everybody knows that the French are good at setting a passionate mood and 2015 will be no different. Coming with a background of performing in piano bars across the French Rivera, this year’s contestant, Lisa Angell will sing a song about “hope and peace, of courage and solidarity”. Capture the inspiration of what’s set to be a moving performance and discover the magic of Paris, Lyon, Avignon and the French Rivera on the nine-day Wonderful France guided holiday. Enjoy an evening of food and wine in the Provençal countryside with an authentic Be My Guest dinner hosted by a local family. Wander the playground of the rich and famous at St Tropez and journey through the Burgundy wine region en-route to witness the romantic city lights of Paris.
Germany
Referred to as a mix between an Amy Winehouse and Adele, German contestant, Ann Sophie, is bringing a sense of moodiness and darkness to the stage with her song Black Smoke. Follow in her footsteps and see a different side of Germany exploring the country’s traditional Christmas Markets in Dresden and Nuremburg and in offbeat places like Eisenach. Watch as the winter weather sets in and the build up to Christmas comes to life as you explore seven of Germany’s famous wintery markets, lighting up each city with their twinkling lights and displays. Drink mulled wine and smell the scent of stollen cake and gluhwein as you stroll among the rustic chalets on the eight-day German Christmas Markets guided holiday.
Italy
Il Volo is a powerhouse Italian pop opera trio featuring Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble. Having performed all over the world and even joining legendary songstress Barbra Streisand on tour, their unique style on stage will make you want to experience their Italian heritage for yourself. Become immersed in Italy’s art and cultural surroundings on the 13-day Best of Italy guided holiday where you’ll explore the essence of ‘la dolce vita’ in Rome, Sorrento, Venice, Florence and more. Meet local artisans in Sorrento for a Cultural Insight and watch them shape the delicate designs of inlaid woodwork. Ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante and stay in Authentic Accommodation at the Hotel Cencolo – an old Franciscan convent originally built for pilgrims visiting Assisi.
Spain
Think Spanish salsa, flamenco dancing and a little bit of Sandy Olsen…This year’s contestant, Edurne, will bring some Spanish sass to the stage and it won’t be the first time. Edurne has performed in a successful drama series in Spain and starred for seven years as Sandy in the Spanish production of Grease. Be inspired by Edurne energetic vibe and travel through Spain on the 9-day Spanish Wonderguided holiday. Watch a fiery flamenco show in Seville, gain a cultural insight into Spanish cuisine with a guided walk through the food stalls of La Boqueria Market and experience an authentic Be My Guest dining experience at a family ranch overlooking the Andalusian countryside.
United Kingdom
Electro Velvet is the ultimate duo to represent the UK at Eurovision. From touring as Mick Jagger in one of the biggest Rolling Stones tribute acts in the world to performing for Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Bianca Nicholas and Alex Larke will bring out the best of UK’s music scene in their performance, Still In Love With You. Fall in love with Alex and Bianca’s homeland on the 11-day Best of Britain guided holiday which mixes royalty and music into the one trip. Be treated to a special Be My Guest lunch in a 15th century Manor House in Somerset. Later, spend a day in Liverpool with Phil, a Local Specialist and bona fide friend of The Beatles, who will show you Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and local favourites loved by the ‘Fab Four’.
For more information on these travel experiences, visit www.trafalgar.com.
Where have you travelled to in Europe? Tell us below…
