Looking to tour Europe this year? Excellent, because there’s so many amazing places to see and things to do. Right now, the hottest tourist destinations are Amsterdam, Paris and Rome.
Amsterdam: Tourists are flocking to the capital of the Netherlands and there’s good reason why: It’s absolutely beautiful. It has numerous canals and bridges, and buildings that are uniquely propped up on wooden poles. The country is filled with rich history, from Anne Frank, whose story of being a Jewish girl who went into hiding to escape the Nazis you can see at the Anne Frank Museum. There’s the Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh, who was born in the Netherlands and known for such paintings as Starry Night. You can tour the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy Museum Night every November. Amsterdam is also the home of the Heineken beer and, of course, the Royal Palace, which is active and can be toured. Last, but not least, is the government monument, The Vondelpark, named after a Dutch poet, Joost van den Vondel.
Paris, France: You’ll say oui, oui to Paris! Why? If you really need a reason, let’s start with the fact that France is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. It’s called “The City of Love” after all. You can toast your love by touring houses of such great champagne producers as Domaine Pommery, where you can tour the Elizabethan-style estate that includes an exhibition of contemporary art. Visit Moët & Chandon, one of the most popular champagnes in the world and take a 45-minute traditional tour followed by a tasting of Moët Impérial, a champagne that was created in 1869.
Nothing goes better with champagne than chocolate and the Salon du Chocolat, a three-day festival held in October at the Porte de Versailles in Paris, is a must-see. Paris is also one party town so enjoy some nightlife at Le Montana, The Buddha Bar, and the La Locomotive. If you aren’t a club hopper and prefer theater to happy hours, visit Moulin Rouge, a troupe of 80 artists and many international acts who perform to music. Of course, there’s the Eiffel Tower, too.
Rome, Italy: A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without stopping in its capital, Rome. Here you can visit the Colosseum, built around 75 A.D and originally called the Flavian Amphitheater. It served as a venue for bloody gladiator matches. After touring, make sure you sample some gelato, especially at Giolitti, a short walk from the Pantheon, which was founded in 1900.
Elite Travel Management Group, Inc
