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Sunday, July 31, 2011

Top 10 Places to Visit in Brussels

Manneken Pis is seen as a symbol of French and...Image via Wikipedia

By Krishan Chand


Brussels is a most popular city of Belgium and the most populous too. Brussels is the largest urban area of Belgium and also the capital city of European Union (EU). This city has grown from tenth century and today is one of the most fantastic places around the world. In Brussels you will experience an oceanic climate. Millions of people come around to this place in a year and enjoy themselves fully. The main language spoken in Brussels is Dutch. If you ever come across to Brussels, there is lot of fabulous and sensational places to visit and top 10 amongst them are -
1. Manneken Pis - As Eiffel Tower represented Paris and statue of Liberty represented New York, like these Manneken Pis is to Brussels. Although the tiny shape of a peeing boy is unmatched to the two enormous landmarks as far as size and spectacular effect, the Manneken Pis is just as dear to the hearts of residents of its home city.

Best Budget Hotels - Paris

ParisImage via Wikipedia

By Mike Leverency


Paris is known for its delicious food, luxurious hotels and all round decadence. But you do not have to break the bank to stay in luxury, here are the top five budget hotels in Paris:

Three Roman Adventures

Theater of Leptis Magna (2nd century BC), the ...Image via Wikipedia
By Matthew Talbot


The remnants of the Roman Empire are scattered across much of western and southern Europe, with small sites being dotted all over the place. However, there are a number of quite remarkable sites spread across the ancient superpower's territory that are still standing today.
Whether it is in Britain, Spain or Algeria, ancient structures continue to live on outside of Italy. Here are three of the top places to visit if you're interested in visiting some ancient sites:

Things to Do in Delphi Greece

The reconstructed Treasury of Athens, built to...Image via Wikipedia

By Nick Nikolis


There are so many things to do and see in Delphi that it will amaze even the most experienced traveler. The god Apollo had his sacred precinct located in Delphi, which was called the 'Pan-Hellenic Sanctuary'. Beginning in 586 B.C. the best athletes from the surrounding areas would come every four years to compete in the Pythian Games. These games were the forerunner of the modern-day Olympic Games. The original stadiums have been uncovered and preserved so they become the most fascinating thing to see when in Delphi Greece.
The location of Delphi Stadium and the ruins of Apollo's temple offer views of the valley that will literally take the observers breath away. It is no wonder the 'gods' chose this spot, which they considered to be the center of the Earth, as their primary sanctuary.

Bologna Travel Guide

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca BolognaImage via Wikipedia

By Matthew Talbot


Bologna

Ducati, Lamborghini, Ferrari and the La Cucina Bolognese are some of the reasons why most people keep on coming back to Bologna. A city between the Po and the Reno rivers, Bologna boasts of the oldest university of the Western world, the University of Bologna, founded as the Studio in 1088. Although it is not as popular to foreign visitors, Italians who carry the Eurail pass always find the opportunity to visit the place filled with Italy's historical and cultural past.
History Of Bologna

Friday, July 29, 2011

Traveling Through Europe With Style - A Trendy European Hotel for Every Destination

A panorama of 4 segments of an Amsterdam Canal...Image via Wikipedia
By Edo Jansen


If you're planning a trip around Europe, you most likely want to soak in as much of the culture as possible. No doubt you've got a long list of things you'd like to do and see upon your travels, but don't overlook your hotel stay as an important cultural experience. In every European city, there are a few hotel gems that truly capture the nuances of the city and make for a more culturally rich experience. We've searched though thousands of hotels, poured through visitor comments, and finally compiled a list of unique, stylistic European hotels that are certain to enhance the quality of your travel adventure.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The Feast of Saint Eulalia

Façana de l'església de Santa Maria del Mar. B...Image via WikipediaBy Harriet Freeman


This party is also known as the Parades of the Giants.
The feast of Saint Eullia or "Las fiestas de Santa Eullia" is the biggest annual festival for children in Barcelona. The festival is held in the days around February the 12th. February the 12th is a special day, namely Santa Eullia's day. Over 100 activities are being organized for children during this festival. Typical for this festival is the Catalan parade of giants or "gegants".
In this festival music plays an important role. There are several performances of music schools, choirs and children orchestras. Also every year a photography competition for children is held, called "Foto Laia".

Exploring Rome on a Budget

The river-god Ganges by Gianlorenzo Bernini (1...Image via WikipediaBy Joseph Z Williams


Rome has a reputation for being an expensive destination, but much of the city can be seen without spending a euro. From wonderful religious architecture and world-famous fountains to free museums and parks, Rome has plenty to offer those on a budget.
First up on many tourist itineraries is the 2nd century Pantheon at the historic heart of the city, which at almost two thousand years old still boasts the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. This impressive temple is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings still standing, with a portico of massive granite Corinthian columns. In continuous use ever since it was built, its current use as a Catholic church means it's open and free to visitors.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Seven Of The Best Tea Rooms in Edinburgh

Home to the initial writing of Harry PotterImage via Wikipedia

By Ian L Jamieson


There's a lot to see and do in Edinburgh and things can quickly become a little hectic for the visitor and local alike. However, for centuries, people in Edinburgh have found relaxation in a cup of tea, and perhaps a slice of cake, in one of the city's many tea rooms. Below is a list of seven of the best tea rooms and tea shops in Auld Reekie.

5 Places to Take Your Lover in Paris

By Ken Sand


Paris is known as the city of love. And if you want to take your sweetie on a nice, romantic getaway, Paris is the place to go. Here are 5 great places to take your lover in Paris.
#1 - The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is probably one of the most romantic places in the world. A good time to visit is at night when there will be less be around. Otherwise the atmosphere won't be so romantic. At the night the tower is lit up and it is an exceptional sight to see.
#2 Take A Cruise Along The Seine
Going on a cruise through the Seine is incredibly romantic. You will get to see all of the charming fine old buildings along the banks of the river. You'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the old Rail Building. This one is for lovers only.
#3 - The Cafe Terrace
The Cafe Terrace is a great place to hang out with your sweetheart. It is really cool because you basically can sit and observe everything. There will be plenty of couples smooching which means you won't feel unnatural if you should choose to smooch together with your honey too.
#4 - Go To The Parc des Buttes Chaumont
You will find great parks just about everywhere you go in Paris. But of these parks, Parc des Buttes Chaumont is certainly one of the most romantic. It has a lot of beautiful cliffs and a lot of great bridges that you can look over. It also has a grotto that is surrounded by a lake. Its the perfect place to just go sit and cuddle with the one you love.
#5 - Visit a Romantic Restaurants
There are plenty of romantic restaurants in Paris. Here are just a few. Les Ambassadeurs, Auberge Nicolas Flamel, Le Coupe Chou and Restaurant Maison Blanche.
I own a Paris budget travel guide where I try to give valuable and in-depth info to help you on your way. It contains extensive info on Paris prices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Sand


http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Places-to-Take-Your-Lover-in-Paris&id=5677768





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Via Dolorosa - A Way of Grief

Paris - Sacre-CoeurImage via Wikipedia


By Shrihari Pataskar


If you're planning a trip to Paris just for sake of seeing Eiffel tower, then you are definitely wrong. Apart from Eiffel Tower there are much more famous places located in Paris such as the very famous and worth place to be watched is Sacre Coeur on Monometer. It is basically a church located at the top of the hill which touches the skyline on the horizon. The foundation of the Sacre Coeur was started with a stone in 1875 and rest of the stones was bought by the donation from various pilgrims. The specialty of this church is that it is too white in color and gives a different look to Paris. Sacre Coeur is the heart of the Paris, majority of the visitors visit every year. To reach at Sacre Coeur there are number of ways to the top of hill. It is as per the choice whether you want to walk or hire a cab. By walking, you have to walk up to the top of the hill if you have enough time and energy to climb. One can either take three different ways to reach:-

A Florence Ghost Tour

Giotto's belltower (campanile) in Florence, Italy.Image via Wikipedia

The dark side of the Lily's city



Many European cities are famous not just for their fascinating beauty, but also for the air of mystery that surrounds them. There is no need to go as far as the Scottish castles; just think of the Golden Lane in Prague, a famous meeting point for alchemists, or of the city of York in England, which was long ago thought to be the most haunted city in Europe (and that is still thought to host a restless ghost in each of its apartments). Florence, the pearl of the Renaissance, cradle of the most armoniuos and rational art, seems to have little to do with witches and damned souls. But this is not exactly so. Even the home city of Dante and Michelangelo offers a large selection of dark alleys that will give the unaware passer-by goose bumps and shivers when suddenly perceiving the presence of some kind of supernatural powers… ghosts, poltergeists, the living dead, wizards... and vampires!


Friday, July 15, 2011

Italian wines conquer restaurants around the world

The DOCG seal on a bottle of Brunello di Monta...Image via Wikipedia
Author: Albapp

Italy is the country that produces the most wine in the world. Followed by France, Spain and the United States, it is one of the most recognized producers and a guarantee of quality that has earned its place in the best restaurants and wineries in the world.
Italian wines are actually one of the best options for restaurants all around the world when it is the time of composing a wine list since they are very food-friendly and has varieties for every kind of dish. Italy has, in fact, the largest range of wine varieties in the world, which means that almost any item in a restaurant menu can find a perfect match on an Italian wine. From French to Mexican cuisine, fine Italian wines are your safest bet.

Venetian gentlemen, once preferred them blondes

Cropped screenshot of Marilyn Monroe from the ...Image via Wikipedia
Author: Albapp

It is well known that beauty standards change. Marilyn Monroe's admired feminine curves have been replaced by the androgynous and thin Agyness Deyn and the big curly hairstyles of the 80's are now a distant (and often embarrassing) memory for women who now sport sleek straight hair like walls.
Italy has seen its perception of beauty change with the times too, while today's most desired Italian women are brunettes or black-haired with tanned skin and clear Latina traits, in the years of the Serenissima Republic, women worked hard on keeping their pale skin white as milk and their blond hair as rich as gold, both symbols of the high class delicate and prosperous women that attended the feasts, parties and events organized by the wealthy inhabitants of the city.
Women in ancient Rome started this tradition by brightening up their hair with a soap made of animal fat and birch ashes or with a mixture of chamomile flowers and the yellow of an egg.

Barcelona La Tomatina Tomato Festival

BUNOL, SPAIN - AUGUST 26:  Revellers pelt each...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Author: Rahul

Spain isn't short of festivals that border on madness - as anyone who has witnessed the running of the bulls in Pamplona, or the pyrotechnics of Las Fallas in Valencia will attest - but La Tomatina in Bunol, south of Barcelona is right up there!
La Tomatina tomato fight in Buñol near Valencia happens every year on the last Wednesday in August though the partying starts earlier in the week. The highlight of the festival is the tomato fight which takes place between 11am and 1pm on that day.
The event has become one of the highlights on Spain's summer festivals calendar with thousands of people flocking to this little Valencian town for this chaotic event. Most young visitors book Barcelona weekend breaks and take the train to Bunyol for the day.
Such are the numbers going to La Tomatina that the event has become a victim of its own success. The sheer number of people means that it's extremely difficult to get anywhere near the central area where the tomato lorries arrive so you may well find yourself a few streets away from the main action. Never mind, there are plenty people in the same boat and the street partying goes on no matter where you are.

Barcelona and its Hidden Holiday Gems

Overview of the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada...Image via Wikipedia
Author: Porsche Klinger

If you are up for a bit of history then schedule a HOLIDAY IN BARCELONA, more so to Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with ancient buildings which vary in style but for the most part they are Moorish in origin. This area is also well known for the famous personalities that once called this place their home such as Picasso and Joan Miro.
If you are familiar with the old Roman Colony of Barcino, you will find that it is about the same size as the Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona but it has a mixture of architecture from different periods that sit well with each other. Although changed to some extent, the Gothic Quarter remains almost intact as compared to other European cities' old sections.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Romantic European Jaunts for Honeymooners

Monte CarloImage by Trent Strohm via Flickr
By Austin Fales


Romantic European Destinations
Your honeymoon will be one of the most important trips you'll ever take, and that's one good reason to make it an excursion that builds memories that last a lifetime. Continental Europe offers some of the most romantic destinations in the world, so you can hardly go wrong looking to that part of the globe as you make your honeymoon plans.
Monte Carlo
Honeymooning in Monte Carlo, Monaco, would truly be a dream-come-true for any new husband and wife. Famous for its luxurious hotels, nightclubs and restaurants, as well as its famed casino of the same name, Monte Carlo is also the home of the Monaco Grand Prix Formula One Race. Other well-known attractions you'll enjoy while honeymooning in Monte Carlo are the Prince's Palace, the Monaco Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, to name but a few. Aside from these famous tourist spots,
Monaco derives a great deal of its character from both its residents and visitors, who add a touch of color that its physical surroundings don't naturally possess.Monte Carlo's Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel offers lovely three-night honeymoon accommodations, which feature a daily buffet breakfast, guaranteed room upgrade, third-night-free bonus and late checkout. Also included in the hotel's honeymoon package is a midsize car rental to give you the freedom to enjoy the sights of the city whenever you like.

What Are The Best European Honeymoon Destinations?

St. Tropez HarbourImage via Wikipedia

By Kalyan Kumar


The honeymoon! That sweet first journey of the newly-wed couple. All honeymooners want to make it special, interesting, memorable and as blissful as possible. Europe has always been in one of the top spots in the most preferred honeymoon destinations' charts because of its diverse culture, top-of-the-line hospitality standards, world famous traditions and prices suitable for any budget. There are so many European countries that can offer the experience of a lifetime that it can be quite a challenge for couples to choose one of them but nevertheless, the exquisite charm of the South has retained and proved its glory over the years for the some of the best European honeymoons.

Venice's Carnevale

Masquerade ball at the Carnival of VeniceImage via Wikipedia
By Cheryl Tieken


"A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale." Roughly translated, anything goes at carnevale. A great way to celebrate the coming of Lent is Mardi Gras, and an amazing place to experience all the festivities and grandiosity that come along with lavish celebrations such as this is at Venice's Carnevale. For almost two weeks every February before Lent, Venice celebrates with ornate parties, luxuriant masquerade balls and spontaneous parties in the streets. All the madness begins two Fridays before Ash Wednesday and finishes on Fat Tuesday.

Reasons To Love Paris

The Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Triumph), at the ...Image via Wikipedia

By Cheryl Tieken


Paris is bound to impress you no matter what you do while you're there. But there are some top spots that you absolutely cannot miss. We are sure you will agree:
1. Eiffel Tower. Of course, perhaps the biggest tourist attraction in the city and the place with the longest lines. But the wait is worth it. The views from the top are amazing. If you're not a good line patron, go at night. The lines are shorter.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

A Guide to Public Transport in Paris!

PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 19:  Heavy snow hits ...Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Author: Suze

It is very easy to get around the city during the day, as the means of transport abound. The public transport system in Paris and its surrounding area is generally very reliable. The public means of transport include the metro, taxis and buses.