Paris

Paris is probably the most romantic city in the world, it’s as if it wants couples to be in love here, and indeed fall in love. Every street corner has a story to tell.

Paris at night, France by agaw.dilim

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a magnificent sight 81 metres high and nearly 150 metres long, with an even more impressive interior, its vaulted ceiling disappearing 38 metres into the gloom.

The building is the famous location of Victor Hugo’s tragic tale The Hunchback of Notre Dame. You’ll have a tremendous view of the whole city from the dizzying heights of the Eiffel Tower’s observation deck more than 270 metres up. Did you know than a quarter of all European visitors to the tower live in France?

Some Parisians will argue that the better view of the city is from the steps of the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

On a hill in the north of the city the view on a nice day is spectacular, but the district is more famous as the hangout of artists and thinkers – most notably Renoir, Toulous Lautrec, Modigliani and Picasso.

And don’t forget the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, with pride of place in the Louvre.

There are Metro stops everywhere, so you’ll never have to walk to each stunning location.

Venice

It just wouldn’t right to go to Venice and not to take a ride on a gondola. It might be a bit of a stereotype, but can you think of a better way to see the world’s most famous canal city?You can even have your very own personal serenade as you glide along the water.

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy by admin

Some of Italy’s most important art is in Venice with works but the city’s great masters – including Titan, Carpaccio and Tintoretto – on display at the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

The evening is a beautiful time in the city, when at certain times of year the setting sun casts a pink glow over the city, as Venetians flock to their favourite bars for an evening aperitivo before a sumptuous meal.

Duck away from the major tourist spots, where you’ll pay a fortune for a slice of pizza of plate of antipasti, and you’ll come across some hidden gems where your taste buds will love you for the rest of your life.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is hugely popular with Brits skipping through the Channel Tunnel for a long weekend. It’s a vibrant city with the perfect mix of culture to keep you busy all day, and a nightlife that will exhaust you until morning.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Chris Yunker

Arriving at the Central Station you are right in the heart of the city, just a few steps from Dam Square, surrounded on all sides by the city’s most important buildings – the Royal Palace (which was briefly the home Napoleon Bonaparte when Amsterdam was the Third City of the Empire); the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), one of the most visited exhibition spaces in Holland, and the National Monument to commemorate the victims of World War Two.

The most famous of these victims is Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who hid for two years in with her family and four other people.

Canal tours are the best ways to see the city, with stops that include Van Gogh Museum.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to http://www.eurostar.com

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A Shoreline in Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Havis

Majorca’s Beaches

Majorca has more than its fair share of sun, sea and sand – in fact, it’s known for having some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The only problem for visitors is which beach to choose. Magaluf in the south west is every popular, with 900 metres of beach, a new promenade and lots of bars and restaurants. It’s great for singles and young couples as the area is known for its nightlife. In fact, it’s the island’s nightclub capital. Families may prefer somewhere a bit quieter.

You can find a great family beach at Alcudia. Not only is the sand as fine as that on a golf course, but there’s a children’s playground and shallow water. Lots of watersports and restaurants on the beach make this the perfect place for a day out. With three beaches, Palma Nova is another good option. If you’re not bothered about watersports then Cala Tuent in the north east and Calas de Mallorca in the south east both offer plenty of space for sun worshippers – and nice scenery too!

Palma Majorca, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by John Burke

Exploring the Capital

If you want to spend some time out of the sun, there’s still plenty to do in Majorca. Palma is a good place to start. You can pick up transport around the island from Plaça d’Espanya which is underneath a large park. Kids will enjoy the themed play areas while you wait. Included in Palma’s chequered history is a period of Moorish rule and one of its most famous sights, La Seu, is a cathedral built on top of what used to be a mosque. This heritage is also on show in the warren-like Old City whose narrow streets are well worth exploring and the Arab Baths, though in disrepair, are well worth a look.

Outside the capital are other historic and picturesque sights, so be sure to leave the beach for a sightseeing trip at some point during your stay.

Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers who offer transfers from Majorca airport to get your holiday off to a fabulous start.

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