Athens

Athens is one of the oldest and populated cities in the world, with a history going back 3400 years and a wealth of traditional buildings, ruins and archaeological remains.

Chief among these is the Parthenon, perched on top of the Acropolis which still dominates central Athens, while the traditional Agora, Church of Olympian Zeus and the Tower of the Winds are among many reminders of the ancient times of this unique town which continue to draw in masses of world travellers.

In the meantime , first-class museums like the Nationwide Archaeological Museum with its Mycenaean, Classical Greek, Hellenistic and Roman treasures, and many smaller museums like the Byzantine Museum with its collection of medieval art and the Greek People Art Museum, which homes traditional costumes, embroideries and woodcarvings, are on each visitor’s tick list.

Nonetheless Athens is not just about traditional history and monuments. Athens is a modern, colourful city with an energetic cultural scene, including many music, drama and dance holidays, and it’s a great spot to go do some shopping, whether you are looking for designer fashions in upmarket Kolonaki or perusing for bargains in the busy and always intriguing street markets.

Tavernas and restaurants in Athens serve some of the finest Greek cuisine in the world, and the city’s ouzeris the Greek equivalent of tapas bars are delightful places to try local specialities in an authentic setting. If you get bored with the busy speed of town life, the beach resort of Glyfada is simply a short distance along the coast from Athens, where you can luxuriate in a spot of swimming and sunbathing, and the pretty tiny island of Aegina is a short ferry ride across the Saronic Gulf.

Main Sights in Athens

Acropolis Still dominating the skyline of Athens 2500 years after it was built, the Acropolis is a really top flight sight that no visitor should miss. At the top stands the Parthenon, the wonderful marble church dedicated to the goddess Athena and dating from the fifth century B.C.

It’s the biggest Doric temple ever built in Greece. Also on the Acropolis is the Erectheion, another church devoted to Athena, Poseidon and the Athenian king Erecthonius, adorned with caryatids, or statues of young maidens, and the Church of Athena Nike, while below are the Theatre of Dionysos and the Roman-era Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which still hosts music and drama performances today.


Athens 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 9:00 PM EEST on May 21, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
82°/68°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 9:00 PM EEST on May 22, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
79°/68°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 9:00 PM EEST on May 23, 2013
Partly Cloudy
82°/63°
It is forcast to be Clear at 9:00 PM EEST on May 24, 2013
Clear
77°/63°
It is forcast to be Clear at 9:00 PM EEST on May 25, 2013
Clear
77°/66°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 9:00 PM EEST on May 26, 2013
Partly Cloudy
79°/66°

Nationwide Archaeological Museum Home to Greece’s most critical archaeological treasures, the nation’s Archaeological Museum displays a big number of finds from across the nation. You might spend days here without seeing everything. The Mycenaean antiquities on show include the famous Mask of Agamemnon. Also here are Cycladic manikins from the third century B. C, bronze and marble statues of gods and goddesses, Minoan frescoes from Santorini, Hellenistic and Roman sculpture and beautifully designed pottery from the Neolithic period onwards.

Benaki Museum Set up in 1931 to shelter the non-public collections of a rich Greek merchant, this museum displays a wide-ranging assemblage of artefacts from ecclesiastical silver and non secular icons to paintings including works by El Greco as well as textiles, woodcarvings, pottery, jewelry and a prominent collection of Greek regional people costumes. Traditional Agora This Agora, or market, was the heart of traditional Athens, and the buildings here have been punctiliously revived to their appearance in the Roman period.

The Stoa of Attalos, reconstructed in the 1950s, contains an engaging museum with artefacts in relation to normal life in traditional Athens while other notable buildings include the Church of Hephaestus, built in the fifth century B. C, the Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios, where Socrates delivered his speeches and the 10th century Church of the Holy Apostles, built to remember the visit of St Paul to the Agora in the first century Anno Domini. Museum of Cycladic Art This modern museum homes one of the best and most vital collections of traditional Cycladic art, dating from 3000-2000 BC and gathered from across Greece and its islands.

Also on show is traditional Cypriot art, pottery and Hellenistic and Roman sculptures. Countrywide Gardens Laid out behind the nation’s Parliament building, this lush park is a rare and much treasured area of greenery in central Athens. Made in the 1840s as a personal royal park, the gardens are criss-crossed with shady paths and dotted with pools and flowerbeds.

Plaka The historical centre of the old town, the Plaka is the primary traveller road in Athens. Unavoidably , it’s become really commercialized and crowded, but regardless of the expansion of tacky keepsake shops it keeps much of its unique charm. Rambling along its narrow lanes, you will find medieval churches including the wonderful 12 th century Panagia Gorgoepikoos – kooky small museums, traditional Greek and Roman remains and lots of cafeterias and tavernas where you can stop off for refreshment.

Prague

Having broken free from the shackles of communism quite recently in 1989, so determined was Prague to be known on the holiday maker map of Europe that UNESCO had to accommodate her name in its illustrious list of global heritage sites.Prague appeals to audiences of each age group, ethnic affiliation and taste.

There’s something for everybody in ever-thoughtful Prague. If youngsters are jubilant at the possibility of being amid the best toys from across the entire world in the planet’s 2nd largest toy museum or touring the town in lovable tiny kiddy trains, the most resolute of girls yield to their weakness on buying exquisite handicrafts in the old fashioned local bazaars of Prague.

If hopeful divas haunt Parizka Street, the fashion station of Prague, fans of classical music worship the ground on which their respected music maestros walked. Art lovers throng this undoubted cultural heaven across the year while honeymooners revel in the romantic mysticism of the place. Prague pumps the adrenaline of the most fervent sports fan, teases the palate of the most informed gourmand lover, entices the most fun-loving youth with her pulsating nightlife and gorges the thirst of the most hearty lager guzzler.

For those looking for tranquility, her silent and wonderful churches, synagogues, wooded parks and beautiful towns dotted with comfortable houses connected to one another by cobblestone trails do the job. For the vociferous, she lets her hair down for them. Really , no other town in Europe could afford a rewarding vacation experience than Prague.

“Prague never lets you to go… Franz Kafka, the famous Jewish writer from Prague announced this of his town. His words ring true nearly a century later on.

If you visit Prague once, you will discover his sensibilities behind his statement. You simply can’t tear your eyes off this wonderful maiden. Ten of the must-see attractions in Prague include : 1] Charles Bridge : Named after one of Prague’s celebrated ruler, King Charles IV, this 14th. Century masterwork of a bridge makes the town full by connecting what the Vltava dissected.

It offers a wonderful view of the churning brook below and of the beautiful town in the distance. Once renowned for its romanticism, it now is excellent for an easy going side by side stroll only in the diminutive hours of the morning or for a candlelight dinner late.

The hubbub of wild activity dominates the hours between dawn and dusk, what with the jostling crowds, street artists pleasing visitors with their clumsy sketches, entertainers brightening up the atmosphere and sellers furiously peddling their decorative wares. Charles Bridge is a sure winner with the devout as lifelike statues of Catholic saints flank each side of the bridge.

2] Petrin Hill Observatory Tower : A tiny of the celeb Eiffel Tower. Standing sixty m tall, this tower from 1891 is perched proudly on top of Petrin Hill ( 1043ft above sea level ) and offers an unique view of all of Prague which makes the effort of climbing 299 steps definitely worth it. In clear climate conditions, the tallest peak of the Czech Republic, the Snezka which is 150 kms away, is obviously detectable from this natural telescope.

Erected amidst the manicured gardens of the hill and trapped by orchards of fresh fruit, it’s a must-see for each nature lover.A clever yet funny maze of mirrors attached to this superb structure and an electrical toy train called the funicular to scale the hill make it a child-friendly option worth exploring. Food lovers will give a thumbs up to the hillside cafe, Nebozizek, located halfway down the peak known for its eclectic fare and fine views.


Prague 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
It is forcast to be Chance of a Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Chance of a Thunderstorm
18°/6°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
17°/4°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
14°/4°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
13°/1°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Partly Cloudy
12°/5°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
13°/6°

3] Old City & Square : Old city is the ideal coalition of history and modernity.Besides being a flourishing financial district, it is popular for its huge choice of cafes, cafeterias, bars, shops, markets, studios, museums and entertainment. In the center of the city lies the Old City Square where the flavor of centuries of dramatic history is nearly palpable. An automated fave then and now for staging rallies, political speeches, protests, for public gatherings and revelry. A must visit for all those that fancy an enchanting pony drawn carriage ride at twilight thru the cobblestone streets.

4] astronomic Clock : This medieval treasure situated in Old City is among the oldest, most complicated and complicated pieces of work ever made. In 1410, this wonder was conceived and made up of three parts : an astronomic dial with the sun, moon, stars and planets laid out as in space, an astrological calendar dial complete along with the twelve zodiac signs and a trapdoor from which Christ’s model marches out on the hour, each hour dutifully followed by His twelve Apostles. To understand the brilliance of this brilliant construction, climb it until you get to the roof. We guarantee the view of Prague from 69.5 m above the ground will leave you dumbfounded.

5] Prague Castle : This inspiring monument with a chateau-like feel to it was erected on a massive hill on the left bank of the Vltava and therefore, an impressive gem came to be inserted in Prague’s glittering crown in 1775. No tour of Prague can be whole without a trip to the fairy-tale like castle. An in depth tour would simply take up all day. Not to be missed are slow strolls in the lush green grasslands and a trip to the Castle’s Tower to understand the stunning collage below that’s Prague!

Berlin

Berlin, the united Capital of Germany since 1990, is now one of Europe’s most-visited towns. As it greets an ever-rising tide of visitors, this pretty, creative town is a great destination for every age and interests.

Once a geographical and cultural backwater, it’s now the center of the EU transport network and a creative centre, which is home to thousands of artists, writers and musicians.

Design, culture and fashion reflect the perspective of life in Berlin. The unfinished, the sense of moving forward, and relentless change induce artists to cutting edge and varied designs. Its humming nightlife, its many cafeterias, clubs, and bars attract many visitors but Berlin is best famous for its history and the reunification of Germany which can often be experienced at many sites. It also hosts countless museums, palaces and other sites of world historic interest.

In contrast to popular belief, Berlin is also home to several modern, high end shopping areas crammed with shops and little shops that offer the most recent in Western european trends and fashion. Berlin offers something for everyone. It’s food & drink offerings from local specialities eg the famous Currywurst and Buletten ( Sausage with curry sauce and meatballs ) or specialities from all over the world offer something for each taste and budget.

Main Sights in Berlin

Museum Island – The Museum Island as only ensemble of an educational landscape represents a hundred years of museum design in central Berlin. In 1999 UNESCO announced the Museum Island an international heritage preservation site. It homes archaeological collections and art of the 19th century. Developments of the building complicated started with the Altes Museum where King Frederick William III made art treasures accessible to the general public for the 1st time in 1830.


Berlin 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Chance of Rain
70°/54°
It is forcast to be Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Rain
57°/43°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
59°/45°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
61°/46°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
64°/46°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Chance of Rain
66°/50°

When the Pergamon Museum opened in 1930, it marked the completion of the Museum Island complicated. During the second World War just about seventy percent of the buildings were wrecked. A big reconstruction and modernisation program is continuing to beat the outcome of the war and division. Almost all of the first collections, which were split between west and east after the war, are now shown brought back together.

Bode Museum – The Bode Museum, at the north end of Museum Island in Berlin’s Mitte district, is in the old museum centre of Berlin. Frederick William IV saw the island in the Stream Frenzy as a ” Refuge of Art and Science”.Set up in 1904, the Bode Museum re-opened in 2006 after in depth restorations. It contains a wealth of art and artefacts from the Byzantine and Medieval periods, essentially from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Spain.

Designed by the head government-building officer Ernst von Ihne, the Bode Museum was built in the style known as “Wilhelminian Baroque” for Wilhelm II. It’s a stately, palatial building with its outer wings immediately overlooking the Stream Frenzy on either side of Museum Island. The northwest corner of the museum, which occupies the end of the island, is crowned with a big Baroque dome. At the other end, a smaller dome overlooks train tracks that run across the island. The inside is bright and roomy and finished with fine architectural details.

Neues Museum – Found on Museum Island, The Neues Museum was designed by Friedrich Aug Stler and built between 1841 and 1859. At the time it was built, the Neues Museum was one of the most aspiring building projects in Prussia. In depth bombing in the 2nd World War left the building in ruins, with whole sections missing absolutely and others seriously damaged. After more than 10 years of radical work, the completion of the reconstructed Neues Museum was celebrated in an official ceremony on five March 2009 and will reopen in October.

The Neues Museum will home the archaeological collections of the capital’s Egyptian Museum including the 3,400-year-old Egyptian bust of Nefertiti, which should have its own hall. Pergamon Museum The Pergamon Museum is found on the Museum Island This museum was designed by Alfred Messel and took 20 years to build ( 1910-1930 ). It’s a globally famous traditional history museum that contains a couple of superb artefacts , for example the gigantic Altar of Zeus and the famous Ishtar Gate from Babylon. The Pergamon contains 3 separate museums : the Collection of Classical Antiquities ( Antikensammlung ), the Museum of the traditional Near East ( Vorderasiatisches Museum ), and the Museum of Islamic Art ( Museum fr Islamische Kunst ).

Die Alte Nationalgalerie The Alte Nationalgalerie ( Old State Studio ) found on the Museum Island in Berlin, is a studio that boasts a collection of 19th-century art and a wide range of a decent range of a reasonable range of 20th-century German pieces. The gallery also owns major collections of French Impressionist works, including masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Czanne and Rodin. The Nationalgalerie was set up in 1861, after the donations of 262 paintings by banker Johann Heinrich Wagener. Originally, the collection was housed in the buildings of the Akademie der Knste.

Friedrich Aug Stler planned the present building in 1865, basing it on a sketch by King Frederick William IV of Prussia. Overseen by Heinrich Strack, its construction occurred between 1869 and 1876. The building was badly damaged in World War II air raids. It was partially re-opened in 1949, but reconstruction continued till 1969. Between 1998 and 2001, the museum was reconstructed totally. Some additional halls were added on the uppermost floor and now contain the Romantic works.

Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is excellent for a vacation or weekend break all year thanks because of the numerous events and carnivals that the town hosts. The massive range of classy clubs and restaurants , excellent theaters, and fine concert halls implies visitors will never be lost for something to do.

A town of art and culture, and Germany’s biggest varsity city, Munich is a place to have some jollies and revel in the relaxed way of living, the friendly ambience, and the wealth of activities, nightlife, sights, and events.

There are more than six thousand multinationals to choose between after the sun sinks. There are a good deal of activities to keep visitors in shape which include golfing, sailing on the Stream Isar, as well as cycling and hiking in the Alps. Those who need to meander round the town centre will be well placed to shop till they drop, and indulge in some of Europe’s best retail care. Transport links are excellent for those planning to go to other towns in Germany with a good road, train, and bus network. Munich actually is a German gem not to be missed and worth including on any check-list to the southern part of the country.

Main Sights in Munich – There’s lots for visitors to do, and Munich offers a good range of attractions, with the town boasting consequential design and museums, astounding and views. Residenz Palace The impressive Residenz Palace at Max-Joseph-Platz three, features crown jewels, a collection of Egyptian art works and treasures, as well as a big concert hall. The 14th century Residenz Palace also homes a bunch of attractions in the surrounding gardens ,eg grottoes and fountains.

Cosima Pool ( Cosimabad ) The Cosmabad is a well-liked family attraction where kids can enjoy the indoor wave pool, while adults can relax in the sauna, and Jacuzzi, among other facilities. There’s also a sunbathing area for those that want to top up their tan. The Cosimabad is open everyday between 07:30 to 22:00. Bavaria Film Studios ( Bavaria Filmgelnde ) Found on the southerly outskirts of Munich, in the Grnwald area, the Bavaria Film Studios is another popular family attraction.

Over time, many films and TV shows have been shot here, and visitors will enjoy the fast-action stunt shows, the breathtaking computer effects and the various range of German film memorabilia. This attraction is open from 10:00 to 15:00 Monday to Fri.

Bavarian State Library ( Bayerische Staatsbibliothek ) Munich’s Bavarian State Library features attention-grabbing design and several galvanizing attractions within. The states’s largest brick building, visitors frequently come here to simply witness the design and enormous staircase. The other literary attractions include millions of books, paintings, prints, and many critical local documents, as well as exhibitions. The Bavarian State Library is open Monday to Fri. from 09:00 to 19:30, and on Sat. from 09:00 to 16:30. Admission is free.

Forum der Technik The Forum der Technik boasts several science attractions including the sky simulator and star constellations in the planetarium, while older members of the family can enjoy films in the enormous IMAX theatre.The Forum der Technik is open between 09:00 to 23:00.


Munich 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Thunderstorm
61°/43°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
57°/43°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Chance of Rain
55°/37°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Chance of Rain
48°/34°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Chance of Rain
54°/39°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Chance of Rain
52°/39°

Hellabrunn Wildlife Park ( Mnchener Tierpark Hellabrunn ) The Hellabrunn Wildlife Park ( Tierpark Hellabrunn ) is a favored family attraction, and is frequently referred to as Munich’s ‘geo-zoo ‘, comprising distinct sections where animals are grouped according to continent.

In total, there are rather more than five thousand animal attractions and nearly five hundred different species. Lots of the enclosures are naturally landscaped and allow visitors to enjoy the animals without bars or cages. The park is open from 08:00 to 18:00 between Apr and Sep , and from 09:00 to 17:00 between October and March.

Copenhagen

Scandinavia’s much loved and colourful city, Copenhagen is home to a top class harbor, buzzing restaurants , a captivating art and culture scene and the oldest monarchy in the world.

Copenhagen is customarily voted as a town with the highest quality of life, and one of the most liveable towns in the world. It’s also considered one of the most eco friendly towns in the world on path to being the greenest capital.

Recognised by 3 distinct recreational lakes, utilised for cycling, walking, or folk watching, Copenhagen successfully balances its green areas with bustling city living. The harbour, an attraction in itself also provides the ideal setting to take in the ships, the Sound ( waterway between Denmark and Sweden ) and landmark Small Mermaid statue. In summer try going for a swim ( the harbor water is that clean ). Similarly provoking as the harbor is Copenhagen’s first class shopping. Visitors can walk along the Stroget, the longest pedestrian street in the world. No necessity to say this shopping refuge tends to all budgets and tastes.

Visitors can also head to the previous red light district Vesterbro, which is now one of the coolest places in Copenhagen with lounge bars, dives, retro-kitsch clothes shops and hip prize-winning design. Visitors will also enjoy the historical centre and first rate museums and studios including Denmark’s Nationwide Museum, and State Studio which is certain to pleasure. Copenhagen’s unique location also suggests that exploring the best of Denmark ( Helsingor, Roskilde and the beach coast ) is attainable.

Though it’s the biggest town in Denmark, Copenhagen is a modern town whose interesting maritime past coexists with a dedication to modern design, design and environmental friendly ways.In short Copenhagen is an inviting green city for all visitors.

Main Sights in Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s top sights can be simply reached by walking the cobblestone streets but taking a harbour tour is the simplest way to enjoy the waterways and canals. Between trendy neighbourhoods and eateries, an energetic nightlife, top class shopping, top-ranked museums and studios Copenhagen has many main sights sure to please even the most discriminating visitor.

Harbour Sights Copenhagen’s harbor features the landmark Tiny Mermaid, one of the most snapped girls in the world. The statue or Den Lille Havfrue as it is known is little but famous. Carl Jacobsen commissioned the statue in 1909, and impressed by his other half, Edvard Eriksen made the statue in 1913 which overlooks the ocean. Other highlights along the harbor include the Opera House, Black Diamond ( an extension of the Royal Library ), the Trekoner an eighteenth century fort and the numerous houseboats, boozers and cafes which make up the maritime culture of the area. Copenhagen boasts the longest ship pier outside Miami.


Copenhagen 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Rain
64°/52°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
55°/45°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Chance of Rain
55°/46°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
61°/48°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Chance of Rain
63°/50°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Chance of Rain
63°/48°

Tivoli – Tivoli is a fairytale entertainment park in the guts of Copenhagen. Renowned for its exotic buildings, extravagant gardens, cafes and entertainment Tivoli offers something enchanting and unexpected to visitors. Set up in 1843, Tivoli is said to be an undeniable source of inspiration for Walt Disney. The entertainment park features thrill rides, the planet’s tallest carousel, mild rides, dragon boats, a pantomime theatre, open air concerts and maybe the most distinct attraction : the Tivoli Palace.

The palace homes several restaurants and stands out with its green domes. At night the palace lights up with Chinese lanterns and thousands of fairy lights. Perfect for families.

Amalienborg Palace The royal couple’s winter residence situated in Copenhagen’s town center, Amalienborg Palace has been home to the Royals since 1794. Built in the 1750′s and named after 17th century Queen Sophie Amalie this compound of palaces ( 4 in total ) is among the best representations of Baroque design in Denmark. Of special interest are the 4 palaces : Christian VII’s, Christian VIII’s, Frederik VIII’s, and Christian IX’s, an equestrian statue of Frederik V, Colonnade, the Golden Axis, Amalie Gardens, and Marmorkirken ( the Marble Church ).Other royal places in the town are composed of Christiansborg Slot to the south of the center and Rosenborg Slot, right in the middle. Of these, the Baroque Rosenborg Slot is encircled by the Rosenborg Have, the Botanic Gardens and the Kongens Have, a threesome of inviting open spaces ideal for relaxed summer afternoons.

The nation’s Museum Offering Danish history from traditional times to the present time and exceptional archaeological discoveries, the nation’s Museum in Copenhagen is first class. Situated in a previous palace, the Museum boasts items e. G the Sun Chariot ( a 3400 year old artefact showing a pony pulling a sun disk ), Bronze-Age oak funeral coffins, Inuit displays from Greenland, and Denmark’s oldest coin. An excellent place to go so as to get a feeling of Danish culture and history.

The nation’s Studio Featuring Western european and Danish paintings and sculptures from the 14th century onwards, the nation’s Studio is electrifying. Set superbly in the public park of Ostre Anlaeg, and housed in 2 buildings the studio is connected by a rememberable extension known as sculpture street. The gallery’s highlight is its modern Danish art illustrating Danish artists like Asger Jorn, Michael Ancher and Peder S. Kroyer. There’s a bookshop and caf onsite.

The Latin Quarter and Strget One of the oldest areas in Copenhagen the Latin Quarter features the varsity and some of the few surviving medieval buildings ( usually churches ) in the town. The Strget the planet’s longest pedestrian street for patrons is located just off the Latin Quarter.

Copenhagen’s biggest shopping area is Denmark’s premier shopping street featuring top of the range names like Prada, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel as well as budget conscious shops where you’ll find fantastic price garments.A preferred student area, the Latin Quarter is busy and animated and street performers can be discovered along the Strget.For superb town perspectives head to the Round Tower, whose Observatory at the very top overlooks the old city, house roofs and church towers.

London City Breaks

Britain’s biggest city and its capital, London is really a world town. It is a town with a rich and heady mix of various cultures and influences that blend to form a dazzling collage of sights, sounds and smells that’s frequently spell-binding and often bemusing.

You may hear over three hundred different languages spoken on London’s streets, you can eat food from all the world’s great cuisines, or visit some of Britain’s most traditional historical buildings. London has all this and more.

While London is among the world’s most costly towns, you can still have a superb time on a small budget. There’s such a lot to do in London and many activities and events are free, or cost little. No matter what your budget, it is worth making the effort to perform a little research and planning previously. The actual number of opportunities which London provides means it is straightforward to miss out otherwise.

You’ll find getting around London straightforward, particularly if you’re prepared to use public transport. You may wish to select one of many steered tours of London, or explore for yourself. Either way, you’ll never be short of things to do and see. The choice when it comes down to dining out is gigantic, from Michelin star cafes serving up gastronome dishes to standard Cockney bars serving up pie and mash, to the numerous different ethnic restaurants , to bistros where you can eat and sip your fave drink as Londoners wend their trip home from work on the busy streets.

Oxford Street is London’s main shopping street and you may find some great places to buy there and in the encircling area, including Libertys and Selfridges and tax free shops for foreign visitors. Maybe a trip to Harrods is more your style? Well that is simply a short bus or taxi ride away in Knightsbrige. Then there are the thousands of places where you can pick up bargains, so London’s many street markets aren’t to be missed. London likes to spoil its visitors with unending choice, so when evening comes deciding on what to do isn’t straightforward. You may wish to take in a show, or see a film, well London’s West End supplies the absolute best the world has to offer in theatre and cinema entertainment.


London 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 10:00 PM BST on May 21, 2013
Chance of Rain
63°/50°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 10:00 PM BST on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
61°/43°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 10:00 PM BST on May 23, 2013
Chance of Rain
57°/41°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 10:00 PM BST on May 24, 2013
Chance of Rain
54°/43°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 10:00 PM BST on May 25, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
59°/46°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 10:00 PM BST on May 26, 2013
Chance of Rain
61°/48°

If you want a bite to eat before the meal, you can select from one of the various eateries in the area too. If music is your thing, then London has it all too, from classical to jazz, rock, pop and each sort of world music. If all this isn’t really enough for you, you can always take the Eurostar to Paris, which is only just over two hours away by train.

Main Sights in London, UK you will not be short of options for something to see or do in London. Your most important problem will be making an attempt to fit everything in, with no regard for how long you are staying there. London has a dazzling range of sights, attractions and events to suit all ages, inclinations and tastes. Wonder at the Royal splendour of Buckingham Palace, explore the superb Victoria and Albert Museum, or steep yourself in the history of Westminster Abbey.

These are just 3 of the countless first class treasures that London has to give. Buckingham Palace No trip to London would be completed without a trip to Buckingham Palace, the London official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Today, the Palace also serves as the Monarch’s executive HQ. While it is very much a workplace for the Queen and her Royal Household, the state Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to the general public on certain days between Jan and Apr and in Aug and Sep . A steered tour costs £65 per adult. In total, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including nineteen State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms alongside staff bedrooms and offices. The building is a magnificent 330 feet ( 108 metres ) across the front and 380 feet ( 120 metres ) deep including he yard.

Naturally, if you don’t wish to pay to go in, or the state Rooms are closed, you can always watch the Changing of the Guards, which happens outside Buckingham Palace on alternate days at 11.30 in the morning.

Please note it is mostly best to arrive by 11.15 am. Westminster Abbey Step within the nave of Westminster Abbey and marvel at the majestic position of its Gothic arches, the wealthy colors and splendour of its stained glass windows and the sense of hallowed custom its medieval architecture instils.

Originally started in the year 960, the Collegiate Church of St Peter Westminster, to give Westminster Abbey its correct name, is the place where the Kings and Queens of Britain , and lately Britain, are crowned. Not just that, it’s the last resting place for over 3.000 folk buried in its cloisters and crypt, including lots of England’s Kings, Queens and its most noted poets. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors on each day, except Sun.

, from 9.30am till 4.30pm. The exceptions to this are Wednesday, when it closes at 7.00pm and Saturday, when it closes at 2.30pm.

Admission costs £15 per adult. Please remember that the last visitors are admitted up to an hour before closing time. The Tower of London Transport yourself back in time to the age of William the Conqueror and visit London’s famous Tower. The Tower of London was initially a fortress and Royal Palace for the Norman and Medieval Kings. In the latter Middle Ages and in Tudor times it served as a jail, housing amongst other famous figures the 2 princes, purportedly murdered by Richard of York in his bid to become Richard III and Sir Walter Raleigh.

The Tower of London also turned into a place of execution for many a nobleman who slid out of favor with the Sovereign . Aside from human occupants, the Tower is home to a flock of ravens ( massive crows ), and legend has it that Britain will never fall to foreign conquest as long as ravens remain in the Tower. During WW2, PM Winston Churchill judiciously had ravens imported from Wales and Scotland and had their wings clipped to make sure that Britain stayed free from foreign conquest. The Tower of London is open from nine am till 5.30 pm each day of the week in summer, except Sundays and Mondays when it opens at 10 am.

In winter ( from the start of Nov till the end of Feb ), it closes each day at 4.30.

Single adult tickets cost £17 and tickets for youngsters under sixteen cost £9.50. Tickets are a little less expensive if you purchase them online.

Paris City Breaks

Paris is definitely a place you will fall in love with, as cliché as it sounds, trust me, you will. Its grand avenues, intersected with small cobbled streets, the patisseries, the smell of fresh croissants in the air, you need not search any further for a fantasy, you have come to the magical place.

Gertrude Stein said, “America is my home country and Paris is my hometown.” This quote is true on so many levels, for so many people. A visitor in Paris, even without knowledge of French, is prone to feel at home in at least one bit of Paris. And despite its bohemian feel, Paris is a bustling city where you can always find something to do.

Paris is separated by the Seine, parting it into the left and the right bank. The left bank refers to the city of artists, the old Paris. It could be said to be the cradle of bohemianism. The right bank contradicts it by being the center of elegance and sophistication. Whichever you prefer, or both, neither one will let you down on its reputation.

Paris may be the best city to explore by foot, as any road offers you a new variety. It’s suggested that you take a camera and explore, you never know what you will discover. For those however, who would like a more structured stay, here is a summary of things to do.

The Eiffel Tower is the most obvious choice, but also with reason.  This metal asparagus was built in 1889 and has stayed the monument of Paris since then. The queues are long, but the view is worth the wait. Musee de Louvre is the second obvious choice. A monster of a museum, meant in the best possible sense of the word. An amazing experience for any art lover, it is suggested that you take an entire day for a trip to the Louvre. Walk through the different eras of art and have a rest in one of the many cafes inside the museum.

Walking along the Champs-Elysees is a definite must if you are visiting Paris. It would be like going to New York and not stepping onto 5th Avenue. It offers a good combination of high streets shopping dispersed among more prestigious stores, such as Cartier and, of course, Louis Vuitton, the greatest attraction on the Champs-Elysees. The line to enter it could sometimes be compared to the entrances to Paris’s famous museums. If you are already at the Champs-Elysees, than not making a stroll along the Golden Triangle would be a shame. Known in French as Le Triangle d ‘Or it is made up of Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V and is known for its world-famous stores such as Dior, Celine, Chanel and Givenchy.


Paris 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Rain
61°/46°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
61°/45°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Chance of Rain
54°/39°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Chance of Rain
52°/43°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Partly Cloudy
57°/43°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Chance of Rain
59°/45°

Another must on Paris, once you are done with your shopping, is to visit its splendorous parks. Positioned next to the Louvre and Palais Royal are the Tuileries gardens, filled with students, intellectuals and tourists on warm sunny days. Sitting around and doing nothing is not an unusual thing in Paris. Once you are done with the sightseeing in the Louvre, take a sit among one of the finely shaped hedges or on a bench next to the water fountain, role up your sleeves and enjoy the sun.

Another park that is worth mentioning is the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is the largest public park in Paris and the head of the French Senate which is housed in the Luxembourg Palace itself.

If sitting around in parks is not really your thing and you have seen all the big museums (Louvre, Musee d’Orsay,…) than head down to the third arrondissement, the old Jewish quarter, which is filled with a selection of more independent shops and cafes.  From there it is only a short walk to the Notre Dame and the “literature” quarter. A stop at the famous Shakespeare and Company bookshop is not to be missed by booklovers.

If you are looking for another popular, yet not as typical part of Paris, than the artist’s quarter of Montmartre is just the place for you. Most known for being the red-light district and for the Moulin Rouge, it is probably one of the classiest red-light districts you will see. Apart from this, it is a beautiful quarter, with the Scare Coeur as its main piece shining at the hilltop. This white basilica, seen from every bit of Paris, will take your breath away, probably more so than any painting in a museum.

There is Paris in a nutshell. There is so much more of Paris to explore though, so get your walking shoes on and just walk the entire city. That would be my best advice.

New York Short Breaks

New York is 24 hours a day, 7 days each week of pure metropolis life. As the City that Never Sleeps, taxi cabs crisscross the busy streets, trek over huge bridges, and zip in & out of busy tunnels into many different neighbourhoods and boroughs each with their own unique character.

The city has something for everybody and irrespective of what you seek, Long Island is certain to have it.

About an enduring fixture as the background for so many preferred films and TV programs, it is not surprising Manhattan is overflowing with iconic sights familiar around the globe. Take the Staten Island ferry for a ride in NY Harbour where you can wonder at the Statue of Freedom , Ellis Island, and the unbeatable Long Island skyline. Head on over to Brooklyn and have an ideal summer day at Coney Island where you can enjoy the entertainment rides, boardwalk games, bright beach, and tasty Coney hot dogs. During baseball season, catch a Mets game over at the new CitiField in Queens or a classic Yankee’s game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

Families will enjoy a day out at the ever well-liked Bronx Zoo one of the very best town zoos in the country.
In Manhattan, frequently times called just The City, sounds and sights and flavours will shock even the most seasoned visitor. Take in a summer concert or play in Central Park. Shop till your heart’s content up and back down Madison Avenue. You can refuel at either famous Big Apple eateries, old fashioned local cafeterias, or grab a piece of pizza or a hotdog off a street seller. Take in the town view from high on top of the Empire State Building. And end your evening with the lights and shows on Broadway.

New York will still have more for you to do and see tomorrow! Top travel time to Long Island is in the spring and summer months when the northeast weather is at its best for sight-seeing and visitors can avoid the stormy, chillier temperatures of fall and winter. During summer, Long Island can be quite costly as it’s a very hot destination for international and US visitors alike.Spring is when all of NY blooms and the city awakens from its winter dormancy. It’s the best time to see the various botanical gardens round the town, walk Central Park, and visit the well-liked zoos. In addition, the time around Yuletide and New Year’s is particularly preferred since Manhattan hosts many vacation events and conventions.

Useful Information

- Get a map of the town streets and tube lines as quickly as possible if not online before travelling to the city. It’s the best way to become acquainted with which routes to take to your fave sites and activities. Many streets are one way. If you hail a taxi, be certain to do so at a place where the taxi driver is able to drive in the direction you plan to go otherwise you will be wasting fare on time and distance while maneuvering off the one-way traffic.


New York 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
It is forcast to be Chance of a Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 21, 2013
Chance of a Thunderstorm
29°/18°
It is forcast to be Chance of a Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 22, 2013
Chance of a Thunderstorm
31°/20°
It is forcast to be Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 23, 2013
Thunderstorm
25°/13°
It is forcast to be Chance of a Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 24, 2013
Chance of a Thunderstorm
19°/8°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM EDT on May 25, 2013
Chance of Rain
21°/7°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM EDT on May 26, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
20°/4°

- if you would like to visit the Statue of Freedom museum studio or pedestal observation level, you want to ask a monument pass otherwise you’ll only be permitted to go to the grounds of the twelve acre island the nation’s monument occupies. The monument pass is free and is merely a stamp on your exact pass to visit the Statue of Freedom but only a limited amount are given out daily and are on a first come, first served basis so book your visit ahead to make sure you get your passes.

- When walking in N. Y it is critical to keep a couple of rules under consideration : always walk to the right of paths, steps, and escalators. Walk less than 2 abreast unless there is a ton of path space and barely anyone around. Also, if you should stop to read a map, admire design, or marvel at tall buildings, move to one side out of the flow of traffic.This is particularly vital when exiting lifts also.

- Taxis available for service you can hail for a ride will have a lighted sign on the roof of the auto showing their taxi number. If the Off Duty portion of the sign is lit, then the taxi can not pick up passengers at that point. If the sign is fully dark or dark, the taxi has a passenger and isn’t available. – When riding the subway, don’t stand straight in front of the doors when it stops for boarding but simply to the swift side. The general rule is to let passengers off first, then board yourself making bound to get out of the way of the door so folks may board also. Desist from speaking loud on the tube and keep your belongs close to you and out of the way of other passengers.If having difficulty making room to exit, an easy scream of Getting Off should cause folks to quickly move out of your way.

- Tips and service charges aren’t added in to the bill unless you’re a party of eight or even more ( tip ) so be certain to figure the right tip when coughing up for services. NY services will be directly impacted by your tips so it is best to get a tip guide from either online or from your concierge to avoid any issues. It’s important that you tip your taxi, hotel house maid service and / or concierge, and wait staff.

Barcelona Short Breaks

One of Spain’s most loved resorts, Barcelona is high up on the destination list for many travellers, and is a really impressive and vibrant city which simply has it all.

Barcelona is famous for its internationally famous design and its old fashioned hamlet charm all wrapped into one. There are plenty of attractions to be explored including the Parc Gell, which features work by the world-famous Antoni Gaudi, and Las Ramblas, Spain’s most noted street coated with trees, shops and cafeterias.

For those searching for a hint of retail treatment, shopping is a total must in Barcelona, with everything from top designer outlets to markets, which are similarly electrifying. For sports fans, Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona’s football club, is a hub for any football fan, with the town boasting the largest stadium in Europe and the 7th biggest in the world. For people who just need to relax, there are a lot of open sandy beaches to choose between, with those of San Sebastin and Barceloneta being the most visited.

The town is well connected for those wanting to move on to other destinations on the Iberian Headland or to other towns in Europe, thanks to the good air and rail links. Barcelona is without any doubt, a major-league cultural and important town and worth a visit, whatever the time of the year. It is a gemstone of Spain which can’t be left off any check-list.

Barcelona offers a big assortment of cafes offering all sorts of food, not simply from Barcelona or Spain.For Spanish cuisine, there are some fantastic though dear restaurants along Diagonal and on Ramblas de Catalunya. Less expensive eateries can be found in the side streets, or in the Gothic area.

For Asian food, visitors should head for Gracia where there’s a good choice of Indian, Chinese, Lebanese and restaurants of other nationalties on Calle Verdi and on Placa del Sol. Lunch is mostly served from 2pm till 3.30pm, and most eateries provide a precise cost menu with a starter and main course together with the standard menu. The median price for a fixed menu goes from 7.50 to 15, dependent on the restaurant .An average cafe bill including wine should be around twenty to thirty per head. Tipping is predicted but usually the 7% IVA charge is included in the bill, so tips are customarily not more than an Euro Buck or two at most.


Barcelona 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
66°/55°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Partly Cloudy
70°/57°
It is forcast to be Clear at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Clear
72°/54°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Chance of Rain
63°/54°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Chance of Rain
66°/54°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Partly Cloudy
64°/55°

The high season is the most hectic visitor period of the year in Barcelona, when temperatures are also at their hottest. Nonetheless it is worth pointing out that around ten percent of shops and cafes are closed from mid-August to early Sep , when owners go on vacation.

This indicates that holiday-makers can pick up cheap accommodation and benefit from a much quieter town as a majority of Spaniards go on holiday in Aug. Thanks to the city’s warm all-year round Mediterranean climate, Barcelona is also a great destination off-peak and particularly in the winter months of Jan and Feb when temperatures average between nineteen to twenty-three degrees Celsius. For people that do not enjoy touring a town in the heat, this is among the best times to go to Barcelona.

Main Sights in Barcelona

There’s lots for visitors to do, and Barcelona offers a large range of attractions, with the town boasting historical design and museums, amazing views and golden beaches.

Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi

Sagrada Familia is among the most visited attractions in Barcelona, with over 2,000,000 folk coming to see it each year. It’s a giant church designed by the master designer Antonio Gaudi, that has been under assembly since 1882, with another thirty to eighty years left before it is finished, dependent on the funding available. Admission is around ten, and the attraction which opens at 09:00, can be discovered at Calle Mallorca 08034.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas, which is roughly 1.2 kilometres long, is Barcelona’s most noted street, and runs thru the town centre, stretching from Port Vell ( close to the cruise port terminal ) at the southern end and Placa Catalunya at the north end. This street, which is typically pedestrianised, homes countless attractions including the Wax Museum, Erotica Museum, the Christopher Columbus monument and the modernist Boqueria Market.

Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium, at Port Vell, is the ultimate destination for a family day out, and is a terrific way to entertain the youngsters.

It features 35 different tanks, eleven thousand animals and 450 different species, an underwater tunnel eighty metres long, 6,000,000 litres of water and an Oceanarium, the only one of its kind in Europe. The aquarium is open from 09:30, and costs seventeen per adult, twelve for kids aged from four to twelve years, and fourteen for adults over sixty.

Poble Espanyol de Montjuic

Poble Espanyol ( or Spanish Hamlet in English ), is a tiny Spanish hamlet featuring different quarters that duplicate the kind of homes and design from different parts of Spain. Poble Espanyol is also home to a whole crop of consultant craft shops and workshops where visitors may be able to see historically made Spanish products. Poble Espanyol is the place for the respected flamenco show at tablao de Carmen.

La Pedrera – Casa Mila by Antonio Gaudi

La Pedera ( or the quarry ) is another of Antonio Gaudi’s most renowned creations, and was pivotal in completing this building. His characteristic wavy brick work and colorful tiles are also obvious, and in the roof and attic room, visitors can see an exhibition on Gaudi and his works. The building was announced a world heritage preservation site by UNESCO in 1984, and is easily worth a visit as it also offers holiday makers an excellent vista of Barcelona.

Amsterdam Short Breaks

Whether you are a seasoned visitor or yet to sample one of the city’s famous cafes, Amsterdam is a place that infrequently disappoints. Its young, cool atmosphere seeps into each street corner creating a chilled and friendly vibe and visitors are basically welcomed so long as they’re prepared to behave.

The destination is perfect for those searching for a town break as well as visitors expecting to escape the nine-to-five grind and revel in the mythical nightlife on offer. Amsterdam is, above all, a town of culture and boasts numerous great exhibition spaces and art studios including the Rijksmuseum, Wagon Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. No trip to Amsterdam would be thorough without a few hours in one of the city’s famous coffee bars which are for many travellers the main reason for visiting.

Each cafe has its own vibe with some priding themselves on a calming atmosphere and others better suited to huge, loud groups who are searching for something more up-beat. Few Western european towns can party like Amsterdam and once the sun sinks the hub is changed into a reveller’s heaven.

From hedonistic club nights where hundreds flock enjoy the newest beats from Europe’s top DJs, to drinking sophisticated cocktails in posh bars, the town has something to suit each taste. The easiest way to experience Amsterdam is by foot so pull on strong pair of brogues, grab a map and start exploring. Regardless of what your experience of Amsterdam, one thing you will not be unhappy by is the selection of food. Visitors to the town are commonly stunned at the actual number of world cafes offering dishes to suit everybody’s taste.

Eating Out In Amsterdam

If you’re eating out in Amsterdam and need to slot in with the locals there are numerous cafeterias offering Dutch specializations from its famous croquets called ‘vleeskroketten ‘ to the common-or-garden pancake. Historically , Dutch dishes are based mostly on straightforward ingredients such as boiled potatoes, boiled veg and other farmed food products but heavy global influences have made modern meals a little more exotic.

A neat place to begin looking for decent eateries when dining out in Amsterdam are Korte Leidsedwarsstraat and Lange Leidsedwarsstraat which are found close to the Leidseplein. If you’re hungry but uncertain about what you want ramble though these streets and you will without doubt find something to fit your taste from the excess of restaurants on offer. Spuistraat, which runs parallel to Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, is also a good spot for dearer cafes.


Amsterdam 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Rain
55°/46°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
54°/43°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Chance of Rain
50°/39°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Chance of Rain
50°/45°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
54°/46°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Chance of Rain
55°/46°

Apparently a lot of the food in Amsterdam is significantly influenced by Indonesia and almost all of Indonesian eateries in Amsterdam serve Rijsttafel, a collection of little dishes composed of many different types of Indonesian foods. The service in Amsterdam is relaxed, often bordering on lazy, with travellers eating out in Amsterdam often fighting to get a menu or be served swiftly.

But this sometimes depends on the time you are eating and how much you are splashing out on your meal. Tips aren’t compulsory but are sometimes anticipated and salad munchers be warned, the Dutch like their beef and are no so good at catering for people who don’t.

Geographical Location

Amsterdam is the capital of Holland and found to the west of the country in the province of North Holland – next to the provinces of Utrecht and Flevoland. Land / Sea Boundaries . The town of Amsterdam is encircled by flat land and lies next to a man-made forest known as Amsterdamse Bos.It connects with the North Sea through the North Sea Canal.

Languages : Dutch is the official language of Amsterdam though pretty much everyone speaks English fluently and regularly German. French is also widely accepted and occasionally spoken.

When To Go

Amsterdam enjoys a relatively gentle climate with cool winters and mild summers.May to Aug is the ideal time to go if you’d like to catch a glance of the famous tulips. During these months the weather is most trustworthy though the town has been known to wash in sunlight thru Sep and even into early October. Rain is a commonplace occurrence so whatever the time of the year it is suggested that you take some waterproofs. Travelleing to Amsterdam between December and Feb is the coldest time and snow will infrequently fall.Often the city’s temperature dips so low the canals freeze seeing skaters take to the ice. The best prices for Amsterdam flights and accommodation has a tendency to be from late October to early March – bar the holiday season in December.

If it is a party you are after, head to Amsterdam in Apr when the town celebrates its largest holiday, Queen’s Day. – A Museumkaart ( Museum Card ) permits you to go to more than four hundred museums in Holland including twenty-nine in Amsterdam. It is valid for one year and it costs 39.95 ( 22.45 those under twenty-four ).

Things To Remember

- Always be wary to thieves who frequently milk beat visitors on the trains to and from Schiphol Global airfield and the town.

- although it is legal to buy and smoke marijuana in certain cafes it is dangerous and against the law to smoke in public. Consuming alcohol in the streets is also a no-no and may lead to a fine.

- Avoid taking photographs of the prostitutes underwater light district. If they catch you they are probably going to start roaring which can lead to a humiliating scene.

- Don’t walk in the bike lanes and if you hear a cycle bell behind you leap out of the way right away – or expect to be mowed down

.- do not forget to greet shop staff on entering and leaving stores as in Amsterdam it is considered rude to walk out and in without saying anything. – All costs in Holland by law include tax and tips so do not feel required to leave tips everywhere you go. It is unusual to tip taxis.

New York

New York is 24 hours a day, 7 days each week of pure metropolis life. As the City that Never Sleeps, taxi cabs crisscross the busy streets, trek over huge bridges, and zip in & out of busy tunnels into many different neighbourhoods and boroughs each with their own unique character.

The city has something for everybody and irrespective of what you seek, Long Island is certain to have it.

About an enduring fixture as the background for so many preferred films and TV programs, it is not surprising Manhattan is overflowing with iconic sights familiar around the globe. Take the Staten Island ferry for a ride in NY Harbour where you can wonder at the Statue of Freedom , Ellis Island, and the unbeatable Long Island skyline. Head on over to Brooklyn and have an ideal summer day at Coney Island where you can enjoy the entertainment rides, boardwalk games, bright beach, and tasty Coney hot dogs. During baseball season, catch a Mets game over at the new CitiField in Queens or a classic Yankee’s game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

Families will enjoy a day out at the ever well-liked Bronx Zoo one of the very best town zoos in the country. In Manhattan, frequently times called just The City, sounds and sights and flavours will shock even the most seasoned visitor. Take in a summer concert or play in Central Park. Shop till your heart’s content up and back down Madison Avenue. You can refuel at either famous Big Apple eateries, old fashioned local cafeterias, or grab a piece of pizza or a hotdog off a street seller. Take in the town view from high on top of the Empire State Building. And end your evening with the lights and shows on Broadway.

New York will still have more for you to do and see tomorrow! Top travel time to Long Island is in the spring and summer months when the northeast weather is at its best for sight-seeing and visitors can avoid the stormy, chillier temperatures of fall and winter. During summer, Long Island can be quite costly as it’s a very hot destination for international and US visitors alike.Spring is when all of NY blooms and the city awakens from its winter dormancy. It’s the best time to see the various botanical gardens round the town, walk Central Park, and visit the well-liked zoos. In addition, the time around Yuletide and New Year’s is particularly preferred since Manhattan hosts many vacation events and conventions.

Useful Information

- Get a map of the town streets and tube lines as quickly as possible if not online before travelling to the city. It’s the best way to become acquainted with which routes to take to your fave sites and activities. Many streets are one way. If you hail a taxi, be certain to do so at a place where the taxi driver is able to drive in the direction you plan to go otherwise you will be wasting fare on time and distance while maneuvering off the one-way traffic.


New York 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
It is forcast to be Chance of a Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 21, 2013
Chance of a Thunderstorm
29°/18°
It is forcast to be Chance of a Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 22, 2013
Chance of a Thunderstorm
31°/20°
It is forcast to be Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 23, 2013
Thunderstorm
25°/13°
It is forcast to be Chance of a Thunderstorm at 11:00 PM EDT on May 24, 2013
Chance of a Thunderstorm
19°/8°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM EDT on May 25, 2013
Chance of Rain
21°/7°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM EDT on May 26, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
20°/4°

- if you would like to visit the Statue of Freedom museum studio or pedestal observation level, you want to ask a monument pass otherwise you’ll only be permitted to go to the grounds of the twelve acre island the nation’s monument occupies. The monument pass is free and is merely a stamp on your exact pass to visit the Statue of Freedom but only a limited amount are given out daily and are on a first come, first served basis so book your visit ahead to make sure you get your passes.

- When walking in N. Y it is critical to keep a couple of rules under consideration : always walk to the right of paths, steps, and escalators. Walk less than 2 abreast unless there is a ton of path space and barely anyone around. Also, if you should stop to read a map, admire design, or marvel at tall buildings, move to one side out of the flow of traffic.This is particularly vital when exiting lifts also.

- Taxis available for service you can hail for a ride will have a lighted sign on the roof of the auto showing their taxi number. If the Off Duty portion of the sign is lit, then the taxi can not pick up passengers at that point. If the sign is fully dark or dark, the taxi has a passenger and isn’t available. – When riding the subway, don’t stand straight in front of the doors when it stops for boarding but simply to the swift side. The general rule is to let passengers off first, then board yourself making bound to get out of the way of the door so folks may board also. Desist from speaking loud on the tube and keep your belongs close to you and out of the way of other passengers.If having difficulty making room to exit, an easy scream of Getting Off should cause folks to quickly move out of your way.

- Tips and service charges aren’t added in to the bill unless you’re a party of eight or even more ( tip ) so be certain to figure the right tip when coughing up for services. NY services will be directly impacted by your tips so it is best to get a tip guide from either online or from your concierge to avoid any issues. It’s important that you tip your taxi, hotel house maid service and / or concierge, and wait staff.

Barcelona City Breaks

One of Spain’s most loved resorts, Barcelona is high up on the destination list for many travellers, and is a really impressive and vibrant city which simply has it all.

Barcelona is famous for its internationally famous design and its old fashioned hamlet charm all wrapped into one. There are plenty of attractions to be explored including the Parc Gell, which features work by the world-famous Antoni Gaudi, and Las Ramblas, Spain’s most noted street coated with trees, shops and cafeterias.

For those searching for a hint of retail treatment, shopping is a total must in Barcelona, with everything from top designer outlets to markets, which are similarly electrifying. For sports fans, Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona’s football club, is a hub for any football fan, with the town boasting the largest stadium in Europe and the 7th biggest in the world. For people who just need to relax, there are a lot of open sandy beaches to choose between, with those of San Sebastin and Barceloneta being the most visited.

The town is well connected for those wanting to move on to other destinations on the Iberian Headland or to other towns in Europe, thanks to the good air and rail links. Barcelona is without any doubt, a major-league cultural and important town and worth a visit, whatever the time of the year. It is a gemstone of Spain which can’t be left off any check-list.

Barcelona offers a big assortment of cafes offering all sorts of food, not simply from Barcelona or Spain.For Spanish cuisine, there are some fantastic though dear restaurants along Diagonal and on Ramblas de Catalunya. Less expensive eateries can be found in the side streets, or in the Gothic area. For Asian food, visitors should head for Gracia where there’s a good choice of Indian, Chinese, Lebanese and restaurants of other nationalties on Calle Verdi and on Placa del Sol. Lunch is mostly served from 2pm till 3.30pm, and most eateries provide a precise cost menu with a starter and main course together with the standard menu.

The median price for a fixed menu goes from 7.50 to 15, dependent on the restaurant .An average cafe bill including wine should be around twenty to thirty per head. Tipping is predicted but usually the 7% IVA charge is included in the bill, so tips are customarily not more than an Euro Buck or two at most.


Barcelona 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
66°/55°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Partly Cloudy
70°/57°
It is forcast to be Clear at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Clear
72°/54°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Chance of Rain
63°/54°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Chance of Rain
66°/54°
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Partly Cloudy
64°/55°

The high season is the most hectic visitor period of the year in Barcelona, when temperatures are also at their hottest. Nonetheless it is worth pointing out that around ten percent of shops and cafes are closed from mid-August to early Sep , when owners go on vacation. This indicates that holiday-makers can pick up cheap accommodation and benefit from a much quieter town as a majority of Spaniards go on holiday in Aug.

Thanks to the city’s warm all-year round Mediterranean climate, Barcelona is also a great destination off-peak and particularly in the winter months of Jan and Feb when temperatures average between nineteen to twenty-three degrees Celsius. For people that do not enjoy touring a town in the heat, this is among the best times to go to Barcelona.

Main Sights in Barcelona

There’s lots for visitors to do, and Barcelona offers a large range of attractions, with the town boasting historical design and museums, amazing views and golden beaches.

Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi

Sagrada Familia is among the most visited attractions in Barcelona, with over 2,000,000 folk coming to see it each year. It’s a giant church designed by the master designer Antonio Gaudi, that has been under assembly since 1882, with another thirty to eighty years left before it is finished, dependent on the funding available. Admission is around ten, and the attraction which opens at 09:00, can be discovered at Calle Mallorca 08034.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas, which is roughly 1.2 kilometres long, is Barcelona’s most noted street, and runs thru the town centre, stretching from Port Vell ( close to the cruise port terminal ) at the southern end and Placa Catalunya at the north end. This street, which is typically pedestrianised, homes countless attractions including the Wax Museum, Erotica Museum, the Christopher Columbus monument and the modernist Boqueria Market.

Barcelona Aquarium

Barcelona Aquarium, at Port Vell, is the ultimate destination for a family day out, and is a terrific way to entertain the youngsters.

It features 35 different tanks, eleven thousand animals and 450 different species, an underwater tunnel eighty metres long, 6,000,000 litres of water and an Oceanarium, the only one of its kind in Europe. The aquarium is open from 09:30, and costs seventeen per adult, twelve for kids aged from four to twelve years, and fourteen for adults over sixty.

Poble Espanyol de Montjuic

Poble Espanyol ( or Spanish Hamlet in English ), is a tiny Spanish hamlet featuring different quarters that duplicate the kind of homes and design from different parts of Spain. Poble Espanyol is also home to a whole crop of consultant craft shops and workshops where visitors may be able to see historically made Spanish products. Poble Espanyol is the place for the respected flamenco show at tablao de Carmen.

La Pedrera – Casa Mila by Antonio Gaudi

La Pedera ( or the quarry ) is another of Antonio Gaudi’s most renowned creations, and was pivotal in completing this building. His characteristic wavy brick work and colorful tiles are also obvious, and in the roof and attic room, visitors can see an exhibition on Gaudi and his works. The building was announced a world heritage preservation site by UNESCO in 1984, and is easily worth a visit as it also offers holiday makers an excellent vista of Barcelona.

City Breaks

Amsterdam

Whether you are a seasoned visitor or yet to sample one of the city’s famous cafes, Amsterdam is a place that infrequently disappoints. Its young, cool atmosphere seeps into each street corner creating a chilled and friendly vibe and visitors are basically welcomed so long as they’re prepared to behave.

The destination is perfect for those searching for a town break as well as visitors expecting to escape the nine-to-five grind and revel in the mythical nightlife on offer. Amsterdam is, above all, a town of culture and boasts numerous great exhibition spaces and art studios including the Rijksmuseum, Wagon Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. No trip to Amsterdam would be thorough without a few hours in one of the city’s famous coffee bars which are for many travellers the main reason for visiting.

Each cafe has its own vibe with some priding themselves on a calming atmosphere and others better suited to huge, loud groups who are searching for something more up-beat. Few Western european towns can party like Amsterdam and once the sun sinks the hub is changed into a reveller’s heaven.

From hedonistic club nights where hundreds flock enjoy the newest beats from Europe’s top DJs, to drinking sophisticated cocktails in posh bars, the town has something to suit each taste. The easiest way to experience Amsterdam is by foot so pull on strong pair of brogues, grab a map and start exploring. Regardless of what your experience of Amsterdam, one thing you will not be unhappy by is the selection of food. Visitors to the town are commonly stunned at the actual number of world cafes offering dishes to suit everybody’s taste.

Eating Out In Amsterdam

If you’re eating out in Amsterdam and need to slot in with the locals there are numerous cafeterias offering Dutch specializations from its famous croquets called ‘vleeskroketten ‘ to the common-or-garden pancake. Historically , Dutch dishes are based mostly on straightforward ingredients such as boiled potatoes, boiled veg and other farmed food products but heavy global influences have made modern meals a little more exotic.

A neat place to begin looking for decent eateries when dining out in Amsterdam are Korte Leidsedwarsstraat and Lange Leidsedwarsstraat which are found close to the Leidseplein. If you’re hungry but uncertain about what you want ramble though these streets and you will without doubt find something to fit your taste from the excess of restaurants on offer. Spuistraat, which runs parallel to Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, is also a good spot for dearer cafes.


Amsterdam 6 Day Weather Forecast


Today 22/05/2013 23/05/2013 24/05/2013 25/05/2013 26/05/2013
It is forcast to be Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 21, 2013
Rain
55°/46°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
54°/43°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 23, 2013
Chance of Rain
50°/39°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 24, 2013
Chance of Rain
50°/45°
It is forcast to be Mostly Cloudy at 11:00 PM CEST on May 25, 2013
Mostly Cloudy
54°/46°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 11:00 PM CEST on May 26, 2013
Chance of Rain
55°/46°

Apparently a lot of the food in Amsterdam is significantly influenced by Indonesia and almost all of Indonesian eateries in Amsterdam serve Rijsttafel, a collection of little dishes composed of many different types of Indonesian foods. The service in Amsterdam is relaxed, often bordering on lazy, with travellers eating out in Amsterdam often fighting to get a menu or be served swiftly.

But this sometimes depends on the time you are eating and how much you are splashing out on your meal. Tips aren’t compulsory but are sometimes anticipated and salad munchers be warned, the Dutch like their beef and are no so good at catering for people who don’t.

Geographical Location

Amsterdam is the capital of Holland and found to the west of the country in the province of North Holland – next to the provinces of Utrecht and Flevoland. Land / Sea Boundaries . The town of Amsterdam is encircled by flat land and lies next to a man-made forest known as Amsterdamse Bos.It connects with the North Sea through the North Sea Canal.

Languages : Dutch is the official language of Amsterdam though pretty much everyone speaks English fluently and regularly German. French is also widely accepted and occasionally spoken.

When To Go

Amsterdam enjoys a relatively gentle climate with cool winters and mild summers.May to Aug is the ideal time to go if you’d like to catch a glance of the famous tulips. During these months the weather is most trustworthy though the town has been known to wash in sunlight thru Sep and even into early October. Rain is a commonplace occurrence so whatever the time of the year it is suggested that you take some waterproofs. Travelleing to Amsterdam between December and Feb is the coldest time and snow will infrequently fall.Often the city’s temperature dips so low the canals freeze seeing skaters take to the ice. The best prices for Amsterdam flights and accommodation has a tendency to be from late October to early March – bar the holiday season in December.

If it is a party you are after, head to Amsterdam in Apr when the town celebrates its largest holiday, Queen’s Day. – A Museumkaart ( Museum Card ) permits you to go to more than four hundred museums in Holland including twenty-nine in Amsterdam. It is valid for one year and it costs 39.95 ( 22.45 those under twenty-four ).

Things To Remember

- Always be wary to thieves who frequently milk beat visitors on the trains to and from Schiphol Global airfield and the town.

- although it is legal to buy and smoke marijuana in certain cafes it is dangerous and against the law to smoke in public. Consuming alcohol in the streets is also a no-no and may lead to a fine.

- Avoid taking photographs of the prostitutes underwater light district. If they catch you they are probably going to start roaring which can lead to a humiliating scene.

- Don’t walk in the bike lanes and if you hear a cycle bell behind you leap out of the way right away – or expect to be mowed down

.- do not forget to greet shop staff on entering and leaving stores as in Amsterdam it is considered rude to walk out and in without saying anything. – All costs in Holland by law include tax and tips so do not feel required to leave tips everywhere you go. It is unusual to tip taxis.