Highlights of Western Europe

About London

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom and the most visited and loved by tourists from all over the world. The city is considered as an administrative region that comprises many smaller neighborhoods that once were small villages that over the centuries, were assimilated with the growing city.  The city of London is the historic center that was once walled and protected plus the 12 Inner London boroughs (including the City of Westminster) and the 20 Outer London boroughs.

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom and the most visited and loved by tourists from all over the world. The city is considered as an administrative region that comprises many smaller neighborhoods that once were small villages that over the centuries, were assimilated with the growing city.  The city of London is the historic center that was once walled and protected plus the 12 Inner London boroughs (including the City of Westminster) and the 20 Outer London boroughs.

London started as a Roman legion camp on the banks of river Thames called Lodonium, then grew to become an administrative and trade center. The city is almost a square mile in area and contains, besides the historic center, the business district of London. The city is based in City Hall, is administered s by the Greater London Authority is governed by the Mayor. The major attractions in The City are The Tower and St Paul Cathedral.  London is an international city with over 300 languages spoken by its habitants. This ensures wealth and diversity of culture, culinary choices, music and fashion. Each one of the city neighborhoods offer a different vibe and atmosphere. Shoreditch for example, once a working-class area in the East End of London and also a center of the Elizabethan Theatre, is today an entertainment hub with pubs and nightclubs built there and has become a fashionable neighborhood to boots!  Camden in the northwest of the city is known for its canals and railway terminal and was a trade hub where goods were transported into the city by workhorses. The area was full of stables and warehouses. Today Camden is known for its street markets and food stalls.  Most people can quickly identify some of the iconic London buildings and major attractions. On the UNESCO World Heritage list you have Saint Margaret’s Church and Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, which is the Palace of Westminster. There is also St. Paul Cathedral which is listed as Grade I building and the Tower Bridge (which is one of 35 bridges crossing the Thames River). Then you cannot leave London without checking the time on your watch with the Big Ben, which is really the moniker for “the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster”.   There are close to 200 museums in London and about ten percent of the major ones are free. Just to name a few - The Victoria and Albert Museum, with close to three million artifacts and objects, most probably the largest museum of applied arts in the world. Then there is the British Museum, The Natural History Museum and The Science Museum and more! Who doesn’t know the acclaimed author, Charles Dickens (1812-1870)? He wrote more than fifteen books and even if you have not ready any of them, you do know his two most popular works that were adapted as musical to the stage (both in London and on Broadway) - Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. The Charles Dickens Museum is in one of his dwellings where he wrote some of his novels including Oliver Twist. The museum is set up as if it was his home and you feel as if you are walking around in someone’s Victorian house! Like Broadway, London's West End offers the best of musicals, theaters and music. The city is well-known for its distinct shopping streets such as the popular Oxford Street, the more elegant Regent Street, The High-End Bond Street as well as many shopping malls, food markets and vintage and antique markets. It doesn't matter how long you will stay in London, there's always something new to discover and enjoy. 

About Paris

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

Stunning, magnificent Paris… here are just a few of the names used to describe the city: "The City of Lights", "The City of Love", "The City of Bridges", and "The City of Fashion." 

The special atmosphere in Paris is influenced not only by its vibrancy, places of entertainment, restaurants and cafes, theaters and cinemas, museums and historical sites, fashion houses and shops, but, first and foremost, by the architectural planning of the city which was implemented about 150 years ago and completely changed the face of the city. In the second half of the 19th century, France was ruled by Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. During his reign, he, together with his emissary, Baron Haussmann, transformed the overcrowded and neglected medieval Paris into a modern, beautiful city. Their massive urban renewal planning included wide, long boulevards connected by spacious squares, with each boulevard wide enough for a 6-horse chariot to maneuver easily. They built large public parks, theaters, opera houses, and public transportation lines, including the first Metro, which was inaugurated in 1900. They also installed underground sewage and water systems. The Place de l’Etoile (Star Square) is one the most famous squares in Paris. It surrounds the Arc de Triomphe, which was built during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte, and its gates include national symbols as well as the names of more than 500 officers who fought in the ranks of Napoleon's army. Beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Following the death of Charles de Gaulle, the square was renamed Place Charles de Gaulle. Concord Square is another of Paris’ most famous squares, and, at its center, there is an Egyptian obelisk. This was the location of the guillotine during the French Revolution. As the excavations for the city’s Metro were taking place, a new raw material was discovered - hard, cream-colored limestone. Baron Haussmann gave instructions that houses were to be built exclusively from this limestone, and the facades of the houses were to be uniform in style. As a result, the streets and boulevards in Paris have a special character - cream-colored stone with black slate roofs, and elaborate iron forges on the balconies. The city’s architecture fits in well with its huge range of attractions. Be sure to notice the decorations at the entrance to the Metro stations. At the beginning of the 20th century, artist Hector Guimard designed these entrances in the Art Nouveau style that dominated Europe at the time. The River Seine, which flows through the city and into the English Channel, has been the lifeblood of the city since Roman times. There are many bridges that cross the Seine, connecting its right bank to its left bank. Paris is surrounded by a ring road, known as the Boulevard Peripherique, which is almost 20 miles long and marks the city’s boundaries. The cities outside the ring road are not part of the Paris municipality but are part of a huge metropolis that is approximately six times the population of Paris itself with 2.2 million inhabitants. Because of the traffic congestion in Paris, it is best to visit the city by train or Metro rather than by a private car. The Metro lines are efficient and easy to navigate, including to the nearby international airports – Orly and Charles de Gaulle. Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements) that are arranged in a clockwise spiral starting from the center of the city. The first district is the heart of Paris, and it includes the Louvre Museum and the island: "Ile de la Cité," home to the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. A fire broke out in the cathedral in 2019, and it is still undergoing renovations.  Ile de la Cite is also home to the "Sainte- Chapelle", a renowned church with magnificent stained glass windows. Paris, also known as, "the City of Art," has a rich heritage of culture and art. The Louvre, the most famous museum in Paris, was founded over 200 years ago in what had formerly served as a palace. While the Mona Lisa, gifted to King Francois I by its painter, Leonardo da Vinci, at the beginning of the 16th century is one of the museum’s main highlights, the museum is home to many extraordinary collections of art of all types and includes magnificent gardens, as well. Other outstanding museums in Paris include the Musee d'Orsay, the Picasso Museum, the Musee de la Orangerie, and the Pompidou Center. Wandering through Paris, many visitors are inspired by the city’s romantic atmosphere – its parks, riverside promenades, the sidewalk cafes, and the many stores displaying beautiful clothing and objects- from the world’s most luxurious brands to more affordable options. As darkness falls, the city’s buildings and boulevards become illuminated, giving off a special aura. Be sure to see the daily light show at the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower has been a Paris icon since it was erected in preparation for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair celebrating 100 years since the French Revolution. Within 10 minutes of dusk, the tower shimmers with golden lights and beacons. The flashing hours vary according to the seasons, and you can check the current hours on the tower’s website, One simply cannot describe Paris without discussing its cuisine! French cuisine is, of course, renowned, and Paris offers exceptional culinary experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants to charming cafes and patisseries, you can indulge in some of the most delicious dishes, pastries, wines, and cheeses. If you are a foodie, do not miss the market tours – they are unforgettable! For good reason, Paris – the city of art, history, culture, lights, fashion, and cuisine – has been and continues to be one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations!

About Brussels

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium and the capital of the European Union. Brussels has grown from a 10C fortress town to a sizeable city. The architecture in Brussels is diverse, spanning from the medieval constructions on the Grand Place to the postmodern buildings of the EU institutions. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Laeken. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. The city has had a renowned artist scene for many years. Brussels is known for its local waffle, its chocolate, its French fries and its numerous types of beers.

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium and the capital of the European Union. Brussels has grown from a 10C fortress town to a sizeable city. The architecture in Brussels is diverse, spanning from the medieval constructions on the Grand Place to the postmodern buildings of the EU institutions. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Laeken. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. The city has had a renowned artist scene for many years. Brussels is known for its local waffle, its chocolate, its French fries and its numerous types of beers.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

The old city of Amsterdam, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a testament to its immense cultural heritage. Built along the banks of its iconic canals, the old city is home to rich cultural heritage full of artistic masterpieces. Renowned museums in the museum district, situated on the Singelgracht canal, showcase the best works of Dutch painters like Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh, Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and other luminaries of the art world. Amsterdam is known as one of the friendliest cities for cyclists, with cycling deeply ingrained in the local culture. Embrace the city's spirit by renting a bike and joining the vibrant atmosphere as you pedal along the bike paths, gaining a unique perspective on the picturesque canals, charming atria, and stunning buildings. When it comes to culinary delights, Amsterdam offers a diverse array of experiences. Savor the local delicacies and don't miss out on stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), bitterballen (meatballs), pannenkoeken (pancakes), and the delectable Gouda or Edam cheeses. The bustling food markets like Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen are a treat, serving up an enticing array of local and international dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing local beer or indulge in the distinctive flavor of Jenever, the local gin, for a truly immersive culinary experience. Amsterdam is home to a wealth of attractions- here are just a few to get you started: The Floating Flower Market, famously known as Bloemenmarkt, is a local gem. Throughout the city's history, flower merchants used to ply their trade from boats navigating the canals. As the 19th century progressed, trade flourished on floating rafts anchored in the Singelgracht canal. Today, it stands as the only floating flower market in the world, offering a stunning array of the finest blooms and flower seeds from the Netherlands. During the spring season, the market comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful tulips, making it a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts. The Anne Frank House is where Anne and her family hid during the horrors of World War II. The house has been converted into a museum that offers a deeply moving experience, showing where the family lived in a concealed space in her father’s office for over two years, evading the Nazi persecution that targeted the Jewish community in Amsterdam. Tragically, in 1944, they were discovered and sent to the Bergen-Belsen extermination camp, where Anne met her untimely and cruel end. Yet, her diary survived, and is a chilling testament that touches the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the vital significance of empathy and compassion. Begijnhof, a historical complex dating back to the early 14th century, was created as a religious community for women embracing a monastic way of life, dedicated to prayer and acts of kindness. Originally located outside the city walls, it was eventually relocated to its present position in the heart of the city center. Encircled by captivating historic buildings, the enclave boasts several remarkably well preserved wooden houses—a rare sight in Amsterdam, given the city's tumultuous history of fires. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are two squares that are famous for their vibrant nightlife, attracting visitors with an array of bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment options. In Rembrandt Square there is a monument to the painter’s memory with statues depicting characters from his well-known painting, "The Night Watch." Leidseplein is also home to the casino and the National Theatre. The Eye Film Museum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to photography. Situated along the city's waterfront, the building alone is an attraction with its distinctive and striking architecture! The museum contains a rich collection of films, photographs, posters, as well as other memorabilia related to cinema, and it features various exhibitions that celebrate the history, development, and meaning of filmmaking in the Netherlands and abroad. On the top floor of the museum, there is a panoramic balcony with an amazing view of the city and the waterfront. Amsterdam's rich history, captivating cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular and unforgettable tourist destination!