Situated on the famous River Thames in south-central England, London, the largest city in the United Kingdom, boasts an iconic skyline and dates back thousands of years to the Roman Empire. The capital city is home to world-class Michelin star restaurants, and four World Heritage sites: the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the Palace of Westminster, and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Other phenomenal attractions include Madame Tussauds; the London Eye; the West End Theatres; and premier shopping at several famous markets and iconic department stores. Visitors may also enjoy a river cruise along the Thames past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster, or visit the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and the Science Museum. Don’t miss a visit to the King's official residence at Buckingham Palace to view the world-famous changing of the guards.
Calvados is a beautiful department in northwestern France’s Normandy region, famous for its apple brandy and several other delicious culinary offerings. With agriculture at its heart, the town’s idyllic pastures and orchards produce award-winning cheeses, butter, and ciders too. A range of historic draw cards beg to be explored, and these include glorious cathedrals, manor houses and castles, including the grand 12th-century Château de Caen and the atmospheric Longues-Sur-Mer Battery, a collection of giant German artillery pieces. Several impressive museums and art galleries are also available; make sure to see the Le Mémorial – Un Musée pour la Paix, focusing on the Battle of Normandy, the exquisite Bayeux Tapestry, and the atmospheric Les Maisons Satie, which provides insight into the renowned composer.
With the River Seine gently meandering through this incredible city in northern central France, the captivating, romantic city of Paris has been described in just about every possible way and is a dream destination for people the world over, boasting many famous landmarks, a rich history and idyllic Parisian scenes at every turn. The city features monument-lined boulevards, fascinating museums, classical bistros, bohemian art nouveau cafes, creative wine bars, stylish boutiques, and art galleries. Must-see attractions include: the impressive Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe standing guard over the glamourous Champs Elysees Avenue. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample infamous French cuisine at an array of enticing ‘boulangeries’, ‘patisseries’, and ‘fromageries’.
Brussels, the capital city region in north-central Belgium, is known for its aesthetic and charming chaos. Walking through the city, you are likely to wander past a souk-like bazaar alongside a glitzy modern shopping mall, a medieval crow-step gabled house beside an elegant art deco building designed by Victor Horta himself, or shabby rows of tenements adjoining an upmarket square of expensive boutiques and restaurants. Add to this maelstrom a diverse culinary scene and a wide variety of multicultural locals and it is easy to see why Brussels is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities. Make sure to visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, a prestigious dual-gallery home to both ancient and modern art; and the legendary Music Village, a chic 100-seater jazz venue.
Situated on the banks of the picturesque river Rhine, Germany’s oldest metropolis, Cologne, offers an interesting combination of well-preserved heritage alongside extreme modernisation. This blend of old and new only adds to the appeal of this remarkable city where historical buildings stand in striking contrast to cutting-edge modern architecture and a host of world-class museums featuring masterpieces by the likes of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Pablo Picasso. The city is perhaps best known for its magnificent, grand cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has long held the title of Germany’s most-visited monument. Visitors can look forward to visiting an unlimited array of atmospheric beer gardens, sophisticated restaurants, trendy bars, dance clubs and discover its thriving contemporary art scene. Cologne always makes for inspiring, intriguing and invigorating travel.
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