European Capitals

About the destination: Madrid moves to its own beat: The arid air of the Castilian plain vibrates with its international crowds. If the brightly lit shop displays along the Gran Vía, and the relentless sophistication of Paseo de la Castellana become too much, retreat to Old Madrid. Its maze of side streets south of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are what truly define Madrid. Dedicate half a day to the Prado Museum, then take a break on the steps leading down to the lake in the verdant Retiro Park. The city starts to come alive as soon as the sun sets. Madrid boasts the highest number of bars per person of any European city. Madrid is bustling with cultural events throughout the year. After a concert, play or movie, you can choose from hundreds of tapas bars and a limitless selection of nightlife spots. Madrid successfully blends its cosmopolitan sophistication with its most treasured local traditions, making it a fascinating city to explore.

About the destination: Paris, located on the Seine River, is the capital and largest city in France. It's one of the most iconic cities globally and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, earning it the nickname "City of Love." Paris provides historical sites, monuments, a pleasant atmosphere, charming cafes, parks, and museums to satisfy any traveler. A significant portion of this "City of Light," including the Seine River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city houses some of the world's most remarkable old buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, the Arc de Triomphe, the Palace of Versailles, the Moulin Rouge, and the Hotel des Invalides. The list of must-see attractions in this city is endless, but the Louvre, one of the world's finest art and culture museums, is a must-visit. Paris continues to have a significant influence in the fields of art and design and boasts some of the most impressive modern buildings like La Défense, the Centre Pompidou, the Arab World Institute, and the Stade de France. Paris is a city of immense vitality and beauty, making it an incredible and captivating destination. With its rich history and architectural heritage, Paris is the city everyone wants to visit.

About the destination: Among all European capitals, London holds the most profound place in the hearts of travelers. We become familiar with London even before we realize its existence, and when we finally visit the city, it never fails to meet our expectations. The iconic red double-decker buses, the police officers and stoic guards at Buckingham Palace, the historic Westminster Abbey, and the familiar chimes of Big Ben, all of which we've heard of before, greet us with a sense of satisfaction. However, London is full of surprises. It's not just a quaint city. It's not merely a museum, even though you could spend all your time hopping from one to another. It's a bustling, sprawling metropolis, filled with traffic jams, stores, and an incredibly diverse international population. Explore the numerous monuments that span nearly a thousand years of history, from Chaucer's grave to the pub where the Mayflower's captain drank, to Piccadilly Circus, one of London's most photographed locations. But don't overlook modern London, with its vibrant theatre scene, international cuisine, political protests, the latest in music and fashion, punks and aristocrats, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life," and this statement still holds true. There's something new to experience every day in London.

About the destination: The capital city of Germany, Berlin, is one of the most exciting and historically rich places in both Germany and Europe. No other German city offers as much "visible" history, despite the scars of World War II and the division during the Cold War era. No other German city boasts such a vibrant cultural life. The architecture in Berlin is incredibly diverse. It's now possible to see examples of many different historical periods in a short span of time within the city center, from a few remaining medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz. Due to its tumultuous history, Berlin remains a city with many unique neighborhoods. Berlin has many facets. It is a charming, cosmopolitan, multicultural, and multiethnic city with very friendly locals and a plethora of things to do and see.

About the destination: Modern and ancient, past and present coexist, constantly. Whether you're in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, be ready to step into the world's largest open-air museum. Rome will charm you and it will hardly leave you unaffected. It will astonish you, as it has so much to offer to any visitor, and its beauty has merely been slightly obscured by the passage of time. Rome is one of the world's most photogenic cities - not surprising when you consider what's here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum... Whether you spend your time sightseeing, or lounging in cafes watching the world pass by, it will be your turn to star in your very own Roman Holiday. If you can plan to stay for at least a week, you won't run out of things to do and you'll still feel like you're leaving too soon.

About the destination: Athens is named after the goddess of wisdom, Athena, and her grandeur is celebrated by the stunning Acropolis that towers over the modern, cosmopolitan city that Athens has become. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens is the cradle of western philosophy, democracy, and theater. Today, the Greek capital continues to be a significant global hub of culture, with its historic center, iconic classical sites, and museums brimming with artifacts from ancient Greece. The Acropolis, topped by the iconic Parthenon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cars are prohibited in the historic center, which has transformed into Europe's most impressive pedestrian walkway. In this archaeological park, visitors can experience the city's contrasting nature by visiting the New Acropolis Museum, a modern, high-tech building with bright, spacious exhibition areas, and the National Archaeological Museum, Greece's largest archaeological museum dedicated to ancient Greek art. The Acropolis and Mount Lycavittos, the city's highest points, serve as landmarks as they can be seen from most locations in the Plaka, the old historical neighborhood. The Plaka is located beneath the Acropolis and extends nearly to Syntagma, the location of the Greek Parliament. For a glimpse into the indulgent Athenian lifestyle, visit Monastiraki, a popular spot for locals to eat, drink, and socialize. The nightlife belongs to Psirri, a lively neighborhood known for its bars, live music venues, and thrilling nightclubs. Southeast of the city center, a beautiful stretch of coastline offers breathtaking views of the shimmering blue Aegean Sea. Few European capitals can boast of having sandy beaches and clean swimming waters so easily accessible. Athens thus provides the best of both worlds – an exciting city break and a relaxing beach vacation. Athenians are surprisingly friendly and outgoing, and their zest for life's pleasures is so contagious that even the most reserved traveler will find themselves taking time for leisurely coffees and evening walks, dining out late, and enjoying the city's nightlife long after the rest of Europe has retired for the night.