Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Patrick Nouhailler

Of course, there is nothing more symbolic of Paris than the Eiffel Tower.  If you are looking to create a romantic evening for you and that special someone, consider basing a dinner date and tour of Paris around the Eiffel Tower.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is an experience that no one will ever forget.  The tower boasts of two restaurants.  One is on the ground level and offers traditional French cuisine; plan ahead and make reservations because there is usually at least a two week wait.  The décor is eclectic, and the dress is somewhat formal.  Patrons should wear something nicer than jeans and trainers.

The second restaurant is located on the second level of the tower and is also a level higher in cost, atmosphere and attire than the ground floor restaurant.  Expect to pay a premium for everything from drinks to entrees.  However, if you are looking to create an unforgettable evening, it will be worth every penny.

The second level of the Eiffel Tower offers a view just as magnificent as the view from the top, yet you are protected from the strong winds and other elements that a visit to the top brings with it.  Not to mention, there is almost no wait to reach the second level, whereas the wait to attain the highest level can knock the romance out of the most elegant pair.  Therefore, visitors will not be missing out by staying closer to the ground.

Following your Eiffel Tower dinner, a lazy boat ride down the Seine will be the finishing touch to your night.  As the boat winds down the river, you will see locals dancing along the banks of the Seine as sumptuous music fills the air.  The dark river will stretch before you as you become ensconced in the atmosphere that is so uniquely Parisian.  As the boat winds back up toward the Eiffel Tower, the tower will erupt in lights that sparkle and twinkle before your eyes.  You will be breathless as you take in the symbol of love and romance that seems to light up just for you.

Nestling into the arms of someone you love will never feel as decadent as when you are gliding down the Seine on one of these Paris tours.  When your holiday is over, you can look back with joy and sigh, “We’ll always have Paris.”

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by agaw.dilim

The key to planning cheap city breaks, is to first identify what the major costs may be. These are normally to be found in transport, accommodation, and activities. By choosing the most economical way to go about each of these things, weekend city breaks anywhere in Europe become more affordable.

Airline Fares: Landing on the cheapest options

Depending on the destination, the cost of flights can quite often be the most expensive part of a weekend city break in Europe. There are several ways that one can go about reducing the cost though, and all that is needed is a little time and effort. The well-known budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet all have websites that can be browsed through, and from time to time, they also run worthwhile deals. Websites that compare the prices of different airlines can also be helpful in tracking down a cheap flight. Examples of such sites are skyscanner, Opodo, Expedia, Spa Travel, fare compare,etc.

Accommodation: Getting the best deals

After the flights, accommodation can be the next most expensive part when planning weekend city breaks in Europe. Fortunately, the internet can again be of assistance, and it is possible to both view and book hotels for a cheap city break in Paris online. Many hotels will offer some form of discount if staying more than two nights, and so the overall cost per person per night can be reduced.

Activities: Cheap and Cheerful things to do

The French capital has a wealth of things to see and do, and there are several ways to do this in the most economical way whilst not compromising on seeing the attractions themselves.

The first thing to do, is spend a little time in researching Paris, and visit those sites that are grouped together in order to avoid zig-zagging all over the city. Saving travel costs on taxis or other public transport goes a long way to make a cheap city break in Paris. Another idea is to pick the best day to see each attraction. Sundays in particular are a good time to see some places, as the Louvre is free one Sunday per month, and the Sunday organ recital at the Notre Dane Cathedral adds another dimension to the experience there. Paris also has many free museums, such as the Modern Art Museum, Fine Arts Museum and the Paris Fashion Museum. The Rodin Museum is also free on the first Sunday of every month.

Perhaps the most helpful piece of advice when planning cheap city breaks in Paris, or indeed any other city in Europe, is to be flexible. Whilst weekend city breaks might be the most desired choice, it is actually a lot less expensive to travel between Monday and Thursday than it is during the weekend. Early morning flights can also be cheaper than mid morning flights, and occasionally, leaving booking flights and hotels until the last minute can lead to price reductions.

Dave writes for Spa Travel an online travel agent dedicated to offering the cheapest Spa Breaks, flights, hotels and holiday packages for the UK outbound Traveller.

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Population
Original Luxemburgers make up about one third of the population. There are more than 180 thousand foreigners living here, mainly Portuguese, Italians, Frenchmen, Belgians and Germans. Over 7,500 residents are officials of the European Union. Most of the population is Catholic, however there are small Protestant and Jewish communities. The country has 100% literacy.

Economy
The country has well developed industry and service sector. An important source of funds is tourism. Industry is focused on the processing of metals and chemicals, which are major export items. Among the trading partners of Luxembourg are the surrounding states of European Union. The country is also doing well in the banking sector which is mainly due to political stability and liberal laws.

History and culture
History of Luxembourg started to count at the time when Lützelburg castle was built. It happened around the year 963. Then, around the castle, began to develop a medieval city that became the center of a small estate. Between 1659 to 1839 the territory of Luxembourg was several times reduced. Luxembourg gained independence in the 19th century. After World War II Luxembourg stood at the birth of NATO and the European Community (in 1993 renamed to the European Union).

Cuisine
Luxembourg cuisine is similar to Belgian, but you’ll find also a German influences – e.g. dumplings with cabbage, etc. Luxembourg National dish is “Judd mat gaardebounen” – it’s smoked pork served with cabbage or beans.

Other specialties include:

Ferkelsrippchen-grilled ribs
Liewekniddelen mat sauerkratu – liver balls with cabbage
Traipen – black pudding
Kuddelfleck – boiled tripe (intestine)
Kachkeis – cooked cheese

The most popular coffee in Luxembourg is “café au lathes” – coffee with boiled milk, as well as cappuccino and espresso.

Tips for trips

• The city of Luxembourg (its beautiful historical center and the walls on the slopes of the River Alzette
• Ardennes
• Moselle valley
• Müllerthal

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Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe, lies at the Iberian Peninsula in the subtropical zone. North and center of the country is very mountainous, forested and there are a number of rivers. This area is used mainly for mountain tourism. Generally, the northern climate is mild in winter and rains a lot here which keep the temperature almost the same throughout the year. For the Alentejo region, forming the middle part of Portugal, is characterized by hot, dry summers alternating with quiet winter. But the most popular tourist destination in Portugal is the south – Algarve region. Arab monuments are located here from the time of colonization. This part offers stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and warm climate. The country has the islands of the Azores and Madeira, which lies in the Atlantic west coast. Lisbon is the capital city, located on the west coast at the mouth of the River Tagus. Thanks to its location it is a major Portuguese port.

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