The European Capitals

About the destination: Welcome to Madrid, the vibrant heart of Spain! As the capital city, Madrid is a mesmerizing blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone looking to experience the local lifestyle, Madrid offers a plethora of activities and sights that will undoubtedly captivate your senses. Begin your journey at the iconic Puerta del Sol, the bustling central square that serves as the perfect starting point for any exploration. From here, you'll find yourself just a short walk away from some of Madrid's most significant landmarks. Take a leisurely stroll to the Royal Palace, one of the largest and most opulent palaces in Europe, and marvel at its stunning architecture and lavish interiors. Don't forget to visit Almudena Cathedral, located right next to the palace, which offers an impressive contrast of modern and traditional architectural styles. Art lovers should not miss the "Golden Triangle of Art," which includes the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The Prado houses masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, while the Reina Sofía is home to Picasso's Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró. The Thyssen-Bornemisza offers an extensive collection that spans from the Renaissance to the modern era, providing a comprehensive overview of Western art history. No visit to Madrid would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Head to a traditional tapas bar and savor a variety of small plates, from patatas bravas to jamón ibérico. For a more substantial meal, try a cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea stew that's a local favorite. Top off your gastronomic adventure with a visit to one of the city's bustling mercados, such as Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and delectable pastries. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Madrid's dynamic spirit and endless attractions ensure an unforgettable experience.

About the destination: Paris, situated on the river Seine, is the capital and largest city in France. It is one of the most iconic cities in the world and it is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, so much so that is has been dubbed the City of Love. Paris offers historical sights, monuments, a pleasant atmosphere, lovely cafés, parks and museums to satisfy any traveler. A large part of this City of Light, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to some of the greatest old building in the world such as Le Tour Eiffel, Notre Dâme, Sacre Coeur, L´Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, the Moulin Rouge or the Hotel des Invalides. There is no ending of the list of things you have to see in this city, but Le Louvre, one of the finest museums in the world of art and culture, should not be missed. Paris remains vastly influential in the realms of art and design and is home to some of the most impressive modern buildings such as La Défense, the Centre Pompidou, the Institut du Monde Arabe or the Stade de France. Paris is a city of immense vitality and beauty and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. With its history and architectural patrimony, Paris is the city everyone wants to see.

About the destination: Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

About the destination: Capital city of Germany, Berlin is one of the most thrilling and the most historic place in Germany and in Europe. No other German city has more "visible" history to offer, despite all the scars of WW2 and the division during Cold War times. No other German city has such a rich cultural life. Berlin's architecture is quite varied. It is now possible to see representatives of many different historic periods in a short time within the city center, from a few surviving medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz. Because of its tumultuous history, Berlin remains a city with many distinctive neighborhoods. Belin has so many faces. It is attractive, cosmopolitan, multicultural and multiethnic city with very friendly locals and lots to do and see.