From Arctic Sunsets to Amalfi Coasts - SOTC Travel Is Redefining How Indians Do Europe

From Arctic Sunsets to Amalfi Coasts - SOTC Travel Is Redefining How Indians Do Europe

By Hariharan U

Published on March 6, 2026

Europe has always had a special place in the hearts of Indian travellers. But something has changed in recent years, people no longer just want to visit places, they want to feel them. And that's exactly the shift SOTC Travel has been tapping into.

SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, says their European journeys are now built around real moments, think sunrise over a glacial fjord, wine with a view, or wandering through a historic old town after dark. Less checklist, more experience.

Here's a look at the destinations SOTC is currently curating for Indian travellers heading to Europe:

Norway, Finland & Iceland - Where the Sun Doesn't Set The Midnight Sun is pulling a lot of aspirational travellers towards Lapland and Iceland's dramatic landscapes. With daylight stretching round the clock during summer, there's more time to take in fjords, glaciers, and geothermal terrain — all without rushing.

Greece - History Meets Island Magic Athens, Delphi, Olympia — and then the famous sunset views from Oia in Santorini. Greece balances deep history with laid-back Mediterranean charm, and Indian travellers are clearly loving that combination.

Switzerland - Train Journeys Worth the Trip Alone Switzerland is a classic for a reason. The Swiss Alps are stunning, but it's the scenic train routes winding through mountain passes and lakeside towns that really steal the show. The journey itself becomes part of the holiday.

Scotland - Castles, Highlands & a Loch Ness Cruise Scotland is for those who want their travels to come with a story. Rugged Highlands, ancient castles, and a cruise on Loch Ness make for the kind of trip that's hard to forget, and makes for great conversation back home.

France - Paris After Dark The Eiffel Tower lit up at night, a cruise on the Seine, vineyard visits,  France continues to be one of the most romantic stops on any European trip. SOTC's "Paris by Night" experience is a particular highlight for couples and first-timers alike.

Italy - Coastal Drives and Cultural Depth The Amalfi Coast's pastel villages and clear blue waters are a dream, and Italy's cities — Rome, Florence give travellers a deep cultural fix. The mix of art, history, and coastline makes Italy one of the most well-rounded destinations in Europe.

Portugal - The Underrated Favourite Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve are quietly becoming a top pick among travellers who've "done" the usual Europe circuit. Wine tastings in Porto, golden beaches down south, and Lisbon's buzzing food scene,  Portugal punches well above its weight.

Spain - Architecture, Food & Flamenco Barcelona's Sagrada Família, Granada's Alhambra, and flamenco evenings in Seville — Spain offers a heady mix of visual beauty and cultural richness. It's one of those destinations that keeps giving the more you explore it.

Croatia - Old Walls, Turquoise Waters Dubrovnik's ancient city walls, the cascading waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes, Croatia is a destination that surprises most travellers with just how much it offers. It's peaceful, beautiful, and deeply historic all at once.

Czech Republic - Fairy-Tale Vibes Prague's skyline and the cobblestoned charm of Český Krumlov make the Czech Republic feel like something out of a storybook. It's a great addition to any multi-country itinerary for travellers who want something a little different.

The bigger takeaway here is that Indian travellers are evolving and SOTC Travel is keeping pace. Whether it's Arctic daylight or Mediterranean beaches, the focus is now on crafting journeys that feel personal, immersive, and genuinely memorable.


Air France Enhances India Connectivity and Easier Transit Access via Paris

Air France Enhances India Connectivity and Easier Transit Access via Paris

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 24, 2026

Air France is further strengthening its connectivity between India, France and international destinations through its Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport hub. The airline currently operates daily direct summer services from Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, offering Indian travellers smoother access to more than 190 destinations worldwide.

The airline said India continues to remain an important market for its growth strategy, supported by increasing demand from both business and leisure travellers.

One of the major updates for Indian passengers comes from recent changes introduced by French authorities. Indian nationals travelling between India and non-Schengen destinations through French airports will no longer require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV), provided they hold valid travel documentation. The move is expected to simplify transit procedures and offer a more convenient travel experience through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Laure Daynie, Country Manager Air France-KLM India, said, "India is a key strategic market for Air France and continues to demonstrate resilience and strong growth potential in the current environment. We operate daily flights from three gateways, offering customers greater choice and flexibility in their travel options."

"The recent removal of the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirement for Indian nationals by the French authorities is a very welcome development, making transit through Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport simpler and more seamless."

"Along with Air France’s signature services and refined French hospitality, these developments further strengthen our commitment to elevating the customer journey and delivering smoother, more consistent, and a premium travel experience for our customers from India at every step."

Air France also highlighted enhancements to its passenger facilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, particularly within Terminal 2E at gates K, L and M. The redesigned Air France Lounge at Hall K now offers a three-level experience featuring relaxation areas, workspaces and wellness zones including the Clarins experience.

Travellers passing through Paris can also enjoy French dining experiences, selected wines and signature dishes created in collaboration with Ducasse Paris. Additional facilities include shower areas, high-speed Wi-Fi and seating spaces with views of the runway.

The airline also announced updates to Flying Blue, the loyalty programme of Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Through a limited-period Status Match programme, eligible frequent flyers in India can transfer their existing elite status from other airlines to Flying Blue.

Further adding to passenger benefits, Air France has renewed its Youth and Student fare programme, offering additional baggage allowance in Economy Class and greater ticket flexibility for eligible travellers.

With stronger connectivity and a focus on improving transit and passenger experiences, Air France continues to reinforce its commitment to the Indian travel market.


SWISS to Launch First-Ever Bengaluru Flights in Winter 2026/27

SWISS to Launch First-Ever Bengaluru Flights in Winter 2026/27

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 23, 2026

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is expanding its long-haul network with the launch of a new service to Bengaluru during its 2026/27 winter schedule. Marking a first for the airline, Bengaluru will become SWISS’s debut destination in Southern India and its third destination in the country after Delhi and Mumbai.

The new route will operate five times a week between Zurich and Bengaluru, strengthening travel connectivity between India and Switzerland. The 2026/27 winter schedule will run from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027.

Bengaluru, often recognised as India’s Silicon Valley, has grown into one of Asia’s leading technology and innovation hubs. The city is home to several global technology companies and has become a key destination for business travel as well as a gateway to Southern India.

Speaking on the expansion, Jens Fehlinger, CEO of SWISS, said, "We are delighted that, with Bengaluru, we will soon be providing our customers with another attractive and multi-faceted long-haul destination."

"India’s Silicon Valley has a lot to offer both leisure and business travelers, and is also a perfect gateway for exploring Southern India. Our new Bengaluru service is particularly aimed at meeting the growing demand among the business community for direct flights to this major technology hub."

Under the schedule, the eastbound LX 140 service will depart Zurich daily except on Mondays and Wednesdays at 13:20 and arrive in Bengaluru at 02:55 the next day. The return LX 141 flight from Bengaluru will operate daily except on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing at 04:50 and reaching Zurich at 10:50 on the same day.

Alongside its India expansion, SWISS is also increasing the reach of its new Airbus A350 fleet. Following routes to Boston and Seoul, the airline plans to introduce Airbus A350 operations on the Zurich–Johannesburg route during the winter schedule and on Zurich–Shanghai flights from September.

Passengers on these routes will also experience the airline’s new "SWISS Senses" cabin concept, designed to offer upgraded comfort and a more refined travel experience across all seating classes.

The airline expects its Airbus A350 fleet to grow to five aircraft by the end of the year, allowing more long-haul travellers to access the new onboard experience.

SWISS has also announced network changes in Geneva, where Berlin, Hamburg and Pristina services will not continue during the upcoming winter schedule due to ongoing global aircraft and engine parts availability challenges affecting its Airbus A220 fleet.

Overall, SWISS plans to serve 88 destinations worldwide from Zurich and Geneva during the 2026/27 winter season, including 60 European and 24 intercontinental destinations from Zurich.


FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

FLY91 has announced an additional weekday daily flight between Pune and Goa for May 2026 to meet increased passenger demand during the summer holiday season. The temporary addition comes as travel activity continues to rise due to vacations, family trips and seasonal travel movement.

The airline already operates daily weekday services on the Pune-Goa route, while weekend operations currently run twice daily. The newly introduced weekday frequency is expected to provide travellers with more options and greater convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to the airline, the decision was taken in response to increased movement from holidaymakers, students, families and business travellers. The Pune-Goa route has witnessed steady demand throughout the summer season, making it an important sector within the airline’s growing network.

By adding another service, FLY91 aims to improve schedule flexibility while increasing seat availability between the two destinations. The move is also expected to ease travel during the peak vacation period and support smoother passenger movement.

Pune continues to remain one of western India’s key educational and commercial centres, while Goa attracts a significant number of domestic travellers during the summer months. The additional service is expected to further strengthen connectivity between the two cities and support increasing regional travel demand.

FLY91 said the new flight also aligns with its broader objective of strengthening dependable and safe regional connectivity across underserved and high-demand sectors in India.

The airline currently operates flights across 12 destinations including Goa (GOX), Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Kochi, Agatti, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hubballi.

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