Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Vacations in Europe - Suggestions For Places to Visit

European Vacations to Stockholm
Since Stockholm was founded more than 750 years ago, there has been a settlement in the Old City of Gamla Stan. Beginning way back 1252, pillaging raids proliferated the winding medieval alleys, the town squares, the old churches, and the Royal Palace. Nowadays, instead of horses or donkeys with carriages on the streets, you can find bus tours galore with tourists from all over the world. For a more relaxing tour of the city, try to avoid the main boulevards and stick to exploring the quaint side streets during your European vacations. Be amazed at how far Sweden has gone by taking a peek at City Hall, locally known as Stadshuset. It is Stockholm's most prominent landmark that hosts some of the world's most respected individuals at its annual Nobel Prize banquet. See the 10,000-piped organ, the impressive Golden Hall where Swedish history is depicted on wall mosaics with 18 million pieces in gold leaf, and the Council Chamber, which resembles the open roof of a Viking longhouse.
Enjoy a Barcelona Feast on European Vacations
What better way to start your European vacations than with a bang in Barcelona! The Festes de la Mercèe arrives in town in September. Through the years, this intimate religious parade has evolved into a weeklong party celebrating Catalan culture. Visitors are treated to a variety of choices, including fireworks displays on the beach, air shows on the seafront, performances and exhibitions, and free concerts of local music and hip hop genres. There are many activities tailored to various age groups, so kids won't be left out. Continue the celebrations with a taste of local cooking. For a delectable selection of Catalan classics, head to Cinc Sentits. House specialties include the mouthwatering suckling pig with apple compote, slow-braised pork belly on gingerbread, Catalan float coca bread with foie gras, and lamb cutlets with porcini dust. Or live dangerously and order all four dishes!Leave room for scrumptious desserts such as apple sorbet, maple quesada, or a plate of cheese paired with fine wine.
Monaco Honeymoon European Vacations
What better way to start off your honeymoon than with a stay in a fairy-tale setting such as Monaco? The Principality of Monaco is less than two square miles, but is definitely not short on elegant offerings -- the royal House of Grimaldi, the Paris Opera House, and the Monaco Grand Casino which is lavishly decorated with baroque-style rococo turrets, verdigris cupolas, and golden chandeliers. Monaco is an ideal harbor for the world's longest and most luxurious yachts since the city-state has a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Marvel at the architectural prowess of Old Town, which dates back to the medieval period. Navigate through the vaulted passageways and narrow streets branching off the main avenues. The Rock of Monaco houses the Prince's Palace, where his Serene Highness Prince Rainier III romanced Grace Kelly. For the heady fragrance of over 7,000 types of flowers, visit the Jardin Exotique where the exquisite Princess Grace Rose Garden continues to flourish.
European Vacations to Charming Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the most popular destinations for people on European vacations. Although it is very small compared to other capital cities, Lisbon in Portugal is equally quaint and charming. Cobblestone streets, rolling hills, and pastel-themed houses line the shores of this port city, its sidewalks accented with mosaics. The Art Nouveau cafes are a great place to relax, and the ride on an antique wooden streetcar offers a soothing experience. Head up to Barrio Alto for breathtaking views of the city; you can get there via a 1902 street elevator -- the Elevator de Santa Justa -- that departs from Baixa. Continue your path to spectacular scenes by traveling to the viewing platform at the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, an awesome 179-foot monument that marks the Age of Discoveries. After visiting the museum inside, head to the Belém Tower -- a four-story, 100-foot 16th century tower built from lioz limestone, which played a considerable role in the Portuguese maritime achievements of that time.

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