What could be more attractive than spending your hard-earned holiday in Rome? Rome has been called many names through the ages such as the eternal city, and the city of the seven hills, but no name could capture Rome’s actual grandeur and splendor such as the romance in its actual name does. Being one of the few cities to have survived the devastating damage of World War II, Rome has many attractions dating to as early as the Ancient Roman times and Renaissance to as late as our modern times. This not only makes the city a top destination for everyone; whether you are a history aficionado or an urban pleasure seeker.

Rome Read the rest of Holidays in Rome »

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Comments: 2 Mar 11th, 2008
by Tahira Khan

A Christmas MarketChristkindlmarkts, literally ‘Christ child market’ in German, are a special holiday tradition in many parts of the world. Originating in Dresden, Germany around 1434, Christkindlmarkts, or Christmas Markets, are where local craftsmen sold their wares in the winter, giving townsfolk something to look forward to besides cold weather. When the tradition began, the markets only lasted a day or two, and unlike today, craftsmen laid their products out on the streets for citizens to peruse, deciding which of the handcrafted items they wanted to purchase, as well as affording the opportunity for villagers to mingle and share laughter, as well as food or drink, while they shopped. The markets were a bright spot in what could be an otherwise dreary winter.
Read the rest of Old World Charm at Christmas: Christkindlmarkts »

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Comments: 0 Dec 23rd, 2007
by Tahira Khan

 

 

Neuschwanstein CastleEver wondered about the Disney Castles? The castle of the sleeping beauty in Disney Land has a precedent in history itself. Nestled precariously on the side of a mountain, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria brings to mind fairy tales, stories of knights, princes, princesses and happily ever after. This fantasy-come-to-life was built by the King of Bavaria, Ludwig II, in 1869. Read the rest of Neuschwanstein Castle: An Architectural Feat »

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Comments: 0 Dec 6th, 2007
by Tahira Khan

CavesThe caves in Europe are some of the largest, deepest, and most unique caves in the world. So if you love to go caving to see the wonders that lie beneath, we’ve compiled a list of the most famous caves in Europe.

1. Lascaux Caves
The Lascaux cave system was discovered in 1940 in southern France. Lascaux is famous for its cave paintings. The cave was closed to the public in 1963 due to deterioration in the paintings from the excess carbon dioxide produced by the visitors. You can now only see a virtual tour of the many rooms and cave paintings. Read the rest of 10 Famous Caves in Europe »

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Comments: 0 Nov 21st, 2007
by E Cho

This huge cylindrical aquarium is located in Berlin at the Radisson SAS Hotel. It stands 25 meters and visitors are able to travel through the aquarium to the top where there is a restaurant and an open view of the city. Hotel rooms can also experience an underwater view from their windows. There are two full time divers monitoring and maintaining the large aquarium with 2600 fish of various species.

Largest cylinder shaped aquarium.  View of aquarium from a hotel room. Diver maintaining fish in aquarium

 A diver looking after the worlds largest cylindrical aquarium. View of aquarium from the base. View of aquarium from the top

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Comments: 3 Nov 7th, 2007
by E Cho

Europe is full of thriving cultures and vastly distinctive gastronomic experiences throughout the continent. From fine French food (look out for bourguignon de poulain if you’re a horse lover) to hearty Italian dishes to spicy Hungarian meals the food tourist can have a wealth of experiences trying novel flavors sure to tantalize.

Read the rest of Worst European Food Experience »

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Comments: 1 Aug 29th, 2007
by E Cho

The best European food experiences can be had at the smaller “mom and pop” restaurants commonly found in the countryside and at the larger restaurants located in cities not commonly on the itinerary for the international traveler. These restaurants are often owned by the same family for generations and offer local cuisine at its most authentic. One thing to look for when searching for an authentic European restaurant is a menu that is not in English.

Read the rest of Best European Food Experience »

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Comments: 0 Aug 22nd, 2007
by E Cho

With an account behind each brick of the old London city, it is hardly surprising that myths, past events, ghost tales and even supernatural phenomenon have come to be regarded as a part of the its history. For thrill seekers and those who love ghost stories, even real ones, the London Ghost Walks are a unique way to experience the supernatural, and the puzzling as well as simple historical facts. Read the rest of London Will Scare you to Death »

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Comments: 0 Aug 3rd, 2007
by E Cho

Catacombs of ParisEveryone who has ever visited Paris automatically thinks to visit the Eiffel Tower, enjoy art; the Louvre Museum, and even gaze upon the architect at Notre Dame, but few think of the vast underground quarries beneath the city. The Catacombs of Paris or quarries of Paris, are used limestone quarries that have been converted into a place to deposit the bones of millions of former citizens, a huge underground crypt. This famous burial ground has been depicted in books, movies, and even computer and video games. Parisian officials began moving remains due to scarce real estate, placing them inside the quarries in 1786, though they didn’t complete their relocation until 1860. The world underground is eerie, bones stacked upon bones as you walk through the passageways, the sound of water dripping off the walls in the dark tunnels almost surreal.

The entrance to the world beneath is an unassuming door, across from the Denfert-Rochereau Metro station exit. The sign on the door reads simply Entrée Des Catacombes, to many this is the Denfert-Rochereau Ossuary, or the Empire of the Dead. There are approximately 186 miles of underground tunnels, although only about a mile of this is open to the public. Entrance to the tunnels is a long spiral staircase made of stone, into a small gallery and the tunnels beneath the streets. The walls in the tunnels are covered in graffiti, dating from the 18 th century onwards. Bones make up another layer of wall. The distance from the actual wall and these bone walls usually measure six to twelve feet. These bones are not intact skeletons, though there seems to be a regular pattern of skulls at the top, giving the tunnels an even grislier appearance. Each stack of bones is marked with a plaque listing which cemetery they were moved from and in what year they were moved. This unique glimpse into what almost seems to be another realm will leave you reminded of your own mortality, while also giving you a sense of the unexpected history that can be found beneath the city.

De Crillon Hotel ParisIn contrast to the gloominess of the Catacombs, you will welcome the elegance of De Crillon Hotel Paris, ideally located near the major tourist attractions in Paris. The rooms offer unique panoramic views of the city, allowing you to soak in the beauty as you relax in comfort. Order room service, or take in the ambiance of the restaurant, where you will find a sumptuous buffet for lunch or dinner.

The hotel offer a fitness facility, conference room and great room service, ensuring your comfort for the duration of your visit. De Crillon hotel Paris is the perfect place to pamper yourself as you enjoy Paris to its fullest.

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Comments: 2 Jul 23rd, 2007
by E Cho