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Paris
So you've finally considered to spend a few weeks in an exotic location. Europe is a great option for your vacation, and planning holidays in France can end up being the best option.Visit tour operators and airline websites to get the best travel rates possible. As with any destination, there are peak times to travel to different locations, and be sure that your vacations in France don't end up costing you a fortune because you pick the wrong week to fly. Compare prices from airline to airline, and ask travel agencies to search for the best rates for vacations in France.When going on vacation in France, you'll find that a good chunk of the most important attractions and architectural structures there are in Paris the capital of France.The single most important attractions in Paris you must have seen:If you could see only one museum in Europe, The Louvre Museum should be it. The Venus de Milo and The Mona Lisa alone are enough reasons to brave the crowds here but the Louvre is houses priceless Egyptian, Oriental, Etruscan, Roman, and Greek artifacts.Next is The Eiffel Tower, constructed in 1889 for the International Exposition of Paris and named after Gustav Eiffel. That's the same engineer who constructed the Statue of Liberty. The Eiffel Tower stands at 317 meters. At the time of its opening it was the most marvelous construction in the world. You can find three observation platforms open to the public and each with sensational views of Paris.Rome
The capital of Italy remains unmatched when it comes to the sheer aesthetic domination of its antique structures and its impressive history. So it doesn't come as a surprise that Rome claimed the #2 spot on the Condé Nast Traveler's 2004 Reader's Choice Awards Top 10 European Cities.Today, Rome has a population of about 2.7 million citizens. Climate is hot and dry in the summer while mild to rainy in winter. Except for a specific list of European countries, every traveler need a passport to visit Italy. However, you do not need a Visa if you're only staying for 90 days or less. The best time to go to Rome is in the off-peak months between October and March so you won't lose your wits in the summertime mob. In choosing accommodations, try to book a hotel near, or better within the historic district or centro storico. On of the best situated places is the Hotel de Russie located between the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo. Before heading out to the major attractions these will apparently be the first places you should visit.The best way to take in artistic treasure trove of the city is on foot because you can play it by ear, taking quick side trips at your muse's prodding. Still, it's best to list down all the places you intend on visiting in advance to save money as things can add up without you observing it. Private guided tours are a comfortable way to go around and will be offered from your hotel's concierge. Another great idea to save is by taking the TramBus system, which circulates round the city and offers a fascinating tour of Rome's neighborhoods.No matter what your tourist dispositions may be, there are some places that certainly shouldn't be missed when sightseeing in Rome. Next to the Vatican, the Coliseum is probably at the very least the most recognizable structure in this city. You can join a conduct every hour by guides dressed as Gladiators or you can go on your own. Ensure to call ahead for admission details, because operating hours vary throughout the year.Around major tourist attractions you'll find a lot of restaurants and cafes, so there it will be no problem finding replenishment. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and carry around only the things you need. A bulky backpack will make it very hard for you to head through crowds. As always, the hotel concierge is the best reference for tourist information and specials so get to know yours well.Amsterdam
The best thing about vacationing in Amsterdam is that it's highly affordable if you're traveling on a budget. You can stay in hostels or budget-friendly hotels, but make sure you're able to find space during prime seasons like summer and Christmas.As a newcomer to the city, watch out for bicycle traffic if you're a pedestrian. Visitors have to be careful when maneuvering the roadways. If you're driving in a car, you'll want to keep an eye out for cyclists who ignore traffic laws.You may to take advantage of public transportation while visiting Amsterdam by getting a public transport ticket called a strippenkaart. They have a tram system that is very convenient for travelers, as long as you watch for pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting tourists.When you start heading out for some shopping excursions, make sure you understand the laws about drugs and alcohol. In many shops, drugs are sold in small quantities as long as they're not openly advertised or sold to kids under the age of 18, although by the age of 16, a person is allowed to drink beer and wine in Amsterdam.The money used in Amsterdam is the Euro. You'll tip between 5-10% in restaurants, bars, and for taxi rides - just as you would if you were visiting a major city in the United States. You wont have trouble understanding the people there, since most speak English fluently, even though you may hear some German or French dialect as well.While you're in Amsterdam, try to see some of the wonderful destination spots locals and tourists alike love, such as the Stedelijk Museum, which houses works of art by Picasso and Monet to name a few.If you're more into shopping, visit Damrak between Centraal Station and Dam Square. Here, you'll find endless shops and eateries to fill your day. If you're into the outdoors, then make sure you visit the Hortus Botanicus - a Botanical garden that includes pond, rock gardens, herbs and rosariums.London
London, the British capital resides a lot of powerful world leaders and has important influence in the world. For those who would like to go on a London trip, you will get a lot of things to see and experience in that metropolis.Residents and citizens of the United States of America, Canada and several other countries do not require visas to get into London. Americans and Canadians who consider to travel to London are able to stay in the UK for up to six months though, whenever you want to stay more long-lasting or have workplace in London, you must have to get right authorization. You can find many airfares to London from the United States and other important countries from all over the globe. Some European countries are linked to via railroads and roads.During your stay in London, you will be most pleased to recognize that the London subway is one of the most commodious ways of transportation in the country. This underground spans a lot of miles of the city and supplies to nearly all areas. Autobuses are even in place for those who want to go for the places of interest and go through a double deck bus in London traffic. You are also able to hire a car if you would like to drive around City of London on your vacation. Traffic isn't bad in the capital of the United Kingdom however you have to get a hold of a map to assist you find your route around the city streets.Big Ben and the Tower Bridge are two of the more outstanding sightseeings you should visit on your London trip. The Tower Bridge is able to open to give way to passing ships and people can also cross it even though it can be quite windy from time to time. Big Ben is the name of the bell in the clock tower of the British capital. Travelers are able to go up part of the way to the peak of the clock tower of Big Ben.The London Eye is among the newest points of interest of the capital of the United Kingdom. To complete your London trip, try out a ride in this gigantic Ferris wheel and get a panoramic view of Greater London. Some of the most popular places in London are the palaces of the royal family. You are able to actually go in a few of the palaces however there are private areas as well where visitors are not permitted. These wonderful palaces could be the highlights of your vacation to capital of the United Kingdom.Barcelona
Spain is one of the top holiday destinations in Europe and there are many amazing places to spend your holiday in. Among these places is Barcelona, the second largest city of Spain and the capital of Catalonia. Barcelona is probably the busiest place in the country. For many, nowadays Barcelona is the cultural capital of Spain which can fill your Spain holiday with beautiful memories and exciting pictures. Your holiday in Spain is never complete if you do not visit Barcelona.In these days Barcelona is home to one and half million people. Every year millions of visitors come to that place. However, amongst the hectic pace of day by day life is Barcelona, there are a lot of places of interest to visit and many activities to do. It may be always a good idea to start your visit by walking down the La Rambla, perhaps the most famous area of Barcelona, a street where people walk around in and experience the culture of the city. Try visiting the Sagrada Familia and then ending up to the Barcelona Cathedral. Because the heat is occasionally very oppressive, you can take breaks in one of the many cafes which you can find at the streets along these areas. Las Ramblas is renowned for its cafes, artists and nice shops that cater to many visitors and locals. You can find also a famous fountain in Las Ramblas where legend has it that those who drink from it are certain to come back to Barcelona. On your Spain vacation, you will absolutely need to go see the several works of Antoni Gaudi. Antoni Gaudi made various contributions to the beauty and variety of Barcelona. Some of these are the La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Palau Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, and Casa Batllo.Other places to go to and experience are the museums that abound in Barcelona. The cuisine in Barcelona is really excellent and definitely one of a kind. Include a visit to the more famous restaurant and tapas bars during your stay in Barcelona to make sure you savor some of the wines and local delicacies as you go along.Florence
Just like the lovely and serene city of Venice, Florence is also found in Italy. This is the capital city of Tuscany, large Italian region. Anyone who wants to see architectural magic or wonder should see Florence. This is home to the many minds that set intellectual fire in history like Niccolo Machiavelli. Any person who is looking for aesthetic value and intellectualism on political power will definitely not regret a visit here.Although the capital of Italy was already moved to Venice, Florence used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1865-1870. During the renaissance period, Florence flourished in its art and architectural heritage. It was even called the Athens of the Middle Ages.Its main landmark is the Historic Centre of Florence. This is a cultural heritage that was declared in 1982 as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Churches and buildings are the main attractions in Florence as this was due to its architectural flourish during the Renaissance. The domed cathedral city is one of the most magnificent domes in the world. It is also the largest dome in the world made of brick and mortar. It is 600 years old and it shelters the Santa Maria del Fiore. This cathedral is called the Duomo precisely because of its dome.The Old Bridge, called Ponte Vecchio, is a unique architectural wonder. This bridge is known for its stores standing on stilts and this is also popular because it is the only building that has survived World War II.Athens
If you are a fan or a believer of Greek mythology, Athens is the place you should visit. This is by far the largest city in Greece which also happens to be its capital. Very rich in historical events, it was named after a Greek goddess called Athena and it boasts of 3,000 years of historical data.The climate is quite rainy because Greece is in the Mediterranean part of Europe. However, it is considered much drier than its counterparts or neighboring countries. There may be thunderstorms but the temperature is lower most of the times. The air is clear and smog is not something that one should look forward to when in Athens.One person should not miss the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This is a stone theatre found in the Acropolis of Athens that can accommodate 5,000 people. This was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus. And this is where the Athens Festival occurs every yearAnother spot that every tourist goes to is the Zappeion. The Zappeion is a building in the National Gardens of Athens where official and private meetings are held. The reason this is a must see building is because of its grand architecture and its purpose. It was the first building to be erected whose sole goal is the revival of the Olympic Games. If one will remember, the first Olympic Games were held in 1896 and this was not followed until 100 years later. It was in 1874 that the first cornerstone was laid. It took 19 years before the building was first opened.Berlin
Separated between East and West Germany before, Berlin has made a comeback when the famous Berlin wall was destroyed in 1990. Just about 70 kilometers away from Poland, Berlin is the capital city of Germany and it is one of the most sought after tourist spots of the world due to its rich political and cultural heritage. Berlin played a major role in European politics and culture.Of course, part of the general culture here is soccer and it is always expected that the people will line up at streets to watch their national team battle against European competitors. Beer is normal during these highlights of soccer season.The city is rich in universities and institutes that support research and sports. Of course, beer in Germany is by far the best ever tasted by the human tongue. The lifestyle in Berlin is very urban and liberated. The cost of living is also very low and affordable.What Berlin today is different from its old nature. It was destroyed by the air raids in the Second World War and as such, there was a need to rebuild the city after the war. Of the buildings that survived the war, these were destroyed too in the 1950s to give way to new buildings.One of the must see buildings found here is the Fernsehturm. This building stands 368 meters or 1,207 feet. This is said to be the second tallest or highest building in all of European Union countries and this was built in 1969.Venice
Venice, as everyone knows, is one of the loveliest places in the world. It is a city that is found in the northern part of Italy, home of pasta and pizza. Considered as one of the most beautiful places and cities in the world, Venice is also known by different names such as city of Water and City of Bridges.This is because Venice is almost practically submerged in water. People take gondolas to travel to and fro. What tourists love about this is that the gondola driver sings while he manoeuvres the boat. This is very ideal for couples who want a serene time for themselves-away from the busy city life. In fact, one hotel in Las Vegas has emulated the entire concept of Venice. Lovers and couples can enjoy a serene moment where they can reminisce the old times and revive that passion once again.The reason these buildings do not fall is that because they are made of wood. Wood does not decay underwater because there is no oxygen. Or even if there is, it is not in its pure form.The place is a rich source of art and museums where one can feel the renaissance. A festival called Venice Art Biennale is one of the major attractions in Venice. It was founded in 1893 by a man called Riccardo Selvatico, a mayor of Venice.Another attraction here is the famous Piazza San Marcos and its pigeons. Hundreds and even thousands of pigeons flock in this plaza and it is just so exhilarating to look at.Stockholm
Stockholm is pride of Sweden. Being its capital and its largest city, it is also the top destination of tourists around the world. It is very rich in history and museums where people can take a look of its rich culture. Although the city suffered from the Black Plague or Black Death in the 1700s, it has remained strong as the political capital of the country. It has crawled its way to economic strength in the early 19th century and developed its technology as we see now. It is a very diverse city in terms of ethnicity and industry.Stockholm has a very lovely climate that is humid and extreme. There are times like the winter solstice in which the day only lasts for six hours and at times, daylight may reach 18 hours. Museums are dime-a-dozen in Stockholm. There are about 70 museums here and for the record, these museums receive about 9 million guests year by year.The official residence of the Royal Family is found in the Stockholm Palace. The Royal Palace referred to here is the Swedish monarch.The other thing that one should definitely not miss is Gamla Stan. This is very popular for it sold buildings and cultural points. The statue of St. Goren et Draken is also a very popular spot. The name stands for St. George and the Dragon. If one wants to have fun with intellectualism, the answer here is the Vasa Museum. This museum is entirely devoted about a boat that sank in its first voyage.
