Paris: A City Immersed in History

Paris:

Much more than just the Eiffel Tower and picture-perfect sidewalk cafes, Paris, France is a city immersed in history, literature and swirling romance. The cosmopolitan capital is influential in cuisine, art, high fashion and design, and has the reputation for being one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Located in the north of the country on the river Seine, Paris brims with a certain magic and charm that intoxicates all of its guests.

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Danube Cruise, AmaWaterways

Discover The Danube! Reserve your stateroom soon and save up to $1,500 on select dates listed below. Art, history and cultural treasures emerge from the land surrounding the Danube River. On The Legendary Danube, Blue Danube Discovery and Melodies of the Danube itineraries, you’ll explore some of Europe’s most impressive destinations – like Budapest, Vienna and many more.

Art, history and cultural treasures emerge from the land surrounding the Danube River. On The Legendary Danube, Blue Danube Discovery and Melodies of the Danube itineraries, you’ll explore some of Europe’s most impressive destinations – like Budapest, Vienna and many more.     Fisherman’s Bastion Visit one of Budapest’s most famous structures that offers spectacular views of the city.     Melk Abbey This 900-year-old Benedictine abbey overlooks the splendid scenery of the Danube.     Wachau Valley Austria’s Wachau Valley boasts a breathtaking landscape framed by lush vineyard, rolling hillsides and medieval castle ruins.     St. Stephen’s Cathedral See Vienna’s main Roman Catholic church and its remarkable 137-meter-high spire.     Reserve your stateroom soon and save up to $1,500 on select dates listed below.       Blue Danube Discovery 7-night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg River(s): Danube 2015 Embarkation Dates: October 27; November 10 Rates starting from: $2,799 $2,049 Aboard the AmaDolce       The Legendary Danube 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest River(s): Danube 2015 Embarkation Dates: November 3, 10 Rates starting from: $2,799 $2,049 Aboard the AmaLyra or AmaDolce         Melodies of the Danube 7-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen River(s): Danube 2015 Embarkation Dates: November 9, 11, 14 Rates starting from: $2,799 $2,049 Aboard the AmaPrima,  AmaSonata or AmaBella           For reservations please contact: info@eTravelCruise.com

Geneva, Switzerland, Sight Seeing, Tour, Travel, Vacation Packages, Alps, Lake, Rhone, Cruises, Hotels

Jets of water shooting 140 meters high out of its eponymous lake define the city of Geneva, Switzerland, which is nestled between the Alps and the hilly terrain of the Jura mountains. Situated on the bay where the Rhone leaves Lake Geneva, the city may be small as cities go--fewer than half a million people live here--but it’s cosmopolitan and lovely.

Many major hotels and restaurants capitalize on the lake’s beauty with shorefront locations; on the opposite bank lies the Old Town, which is Geneva’s heart as well as the shopping and business quarter. Its center is the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city, perhaps the most distinguishing part of the old town’s skyline is St. Peter’s Cathedral. The Old Town is eminently walkable (which is true of most Swiss cities); you’ll want to wander along quays, lakeside promenades, countless parks, lively side streets and in and out of elegant shops. You can take mouettes or water taxis across the lake or enjoy a lake cruise aboard a larger ship.

Geneva is an international city—it’s the headquarters of the Red Cross and European seat of the United Nations; the Palace of the United Nations is an important landmark. It’s also a major center for special congresses and trade fairs. It’s a major center for the watch industry, the big flower clock in the city’s English garden symbolizes that industry. It’s a cultural center, with more than 30 museums, theaters and galleries. Internationally known artists perform at the Grand Theatre and Geneva Opera House. There’s a watch museum, the International Museum of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

Come hungry to Geneva; it has more than a thousand restaurants. It is a bit of a jet-set destination, which means some restaurants can be prohibitively expensive, but you can always turn to Genevois cafés and inexpensive diners. French restaurants in Geneva might get the most attention, but there are many excellent Swiss restaurants, especially in the Old Town.

Geneva has excellent public transportation but is an ideal city for walking. It has a major international airport; it takes minutes to get from the airport to city center on the train. Geneva is a gateway to the Alps and ski country.

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Switzerland, Tour, Vacation Packages, Sights, Places To Visit, Alps, Lush Green Valleys, Waterfalls, Lakes

Switzerland is a world capital of one of humanity’s great indulgences: chocolate. At the same time it epitomizes discipline and punctuality with its watches and trains. You can battle nature’s elements to ascend some of the most challenging mountains in the world; or simply ride a train to get a great view of it. It’s a land of flower-filled mountain meadows and sophisticated cities, world economic and science summits and the art of blowing the ludicrously long alpenhorn used to call cows.

The beauty of its Alps define Switzerland. It’s not just their snow-capped peaks, it’s also their tumbling waterfalls, lush, green valleys and awe-inspiring vistas. But there’s a softer side--picturesque Alpine villages with little cottages adorned with flower boxes and the tinkling of cowbells in mountain pastures. It is packed with famous peaks; the Bernese Oberland is home to three major mountains, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, alone. But it’s not all mountains--there are palm trees in some parts of Switzerland and it’s as famed for its beautiful lakes as for its mountains.

Switzerland is made up of 26 regions, or cantons, some of which speak German, some French, some both and one that speaks Italian. In general, the west of Switzerland is Francophone, while north and center are Germanic, and include the capital of Bern, and Lucerne and Zurich. The south speaks Italian.

It’s a year round destination--a mecca for hiking, biking, boating, hang-gliding, you name it, the sport is here -- for summer. Winter there’s skiing, both downhill and cross country, climbing, glaciers to walk on and cities to enjoy. Flowers start blossoming in early spring; fall colors are mellow. Its resort towns are icons like St. Moritz, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Verbier and Davos--and have long been the getaway for the the rich and famous. Its major cities are destinations in and of themselves. Geneva has quaint old town, beautiful lake (you can catch and fish and have a chef prepare it for you that night) and great shopping. Zurich, too, has a beautiful old town as well as a much more urbane and sophisticated side.

There’s more to dining out in Switzerland than chocolate and fondue--although both are great. Swiss cuisine incorporates much of its neighbors and its multiple heritage-French, Italian and German. One thing about the Swiss, however, is that they are passionate about their food, so you should try regional specialities, recognizing that they’ll feature the best of local produce, be it fish, sausage, meat, pastries, cheeses, tarts or other foods.

Switzerland is easy to get to; both Zurich and Geneva are major air gateways and the airports are integrated into the much vaunted Swiss rail system. Both cities are also linked by high-speed rail to nearly a dozen countries. But what you really must do in Switzerland is enjoy its great transportation system. Traveling by train in Switzerland is very picturesque. You can take the famed Glacier Express, a vineyard express and even a chocolate train. Trains connect you to major cities and to remote villages easily and conveniently. There’s also its postal bus system and lake ferries to travel about on
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Vilnius, Lithuania: Travel, Tour Packages, Europe River Cruises, Air & Hotel Bookings, Car Rentals

Chosen as the 2009 “European Capital of Culture,” Vilnius, Lithuania, is a charming and uniquely enchanting medieval city. The mainly Baroque architecture is coupled together with Gothic and Renaissance buildings that have sprouted up over the centuries, making for a diverse and distinctive skyline. Alive with culture and romance, travelers to Vilnius will be captivated by the historical beauty and dense artistic inspiration that runs throughout the city. From the medieval stone archways above narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful towering churches, to shiny modern galleries and glowing nightclubs, Lithuania’s capital city is a sundry of old and new.

Located in southeastern Lithuania, Vilnius sits at the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris rivers and is said to be the geographical center of Europe. A city that is steeped in rich history and in contemporary culture, Vilnius has both UNESCO World Heritage-protected buildings and churches, as well as a bronze statue of psychedelic musician Frank Zappa. A mix of traditionalists and dreaming bohemians, the city has great appeal to travelers in search of European whimsy.

One of Vilnius’ 40 breathtaking churches, St. Anne’s Church stands out in the city’s Old Town section as a beautiful Gothic church which Napoleon himself wished to take back with him to Paris. Just beyond Old Town is a section called Uzupis. Considered an independent republic, Uzupis is where artists, writers and revolutionaries came to settle and open up galleries, shops and riverside restaurants and pubs. A city unlike any other, Vilnius has an easy, soulful atmosphere and eccentric charm that travelers yearn for.

In addition to Lithuanian staples like dark rye bread, potatoes and borscht, the cuisine of Vilnius has slowly been expanding into international and fusion fare. An example of this step into international flavors is Pegasus. The restaurant’s minimalist décor allows the French, Italian and Iraqi cuisine speak for itself. For a unique treat, Tores, located in the Uzupis district, is a restaurant, wine cellar and art gallery all in one. At Zemaiciai, patrons can have their meals while sitting on thrones or giant beds as they dine in this medieval-looking restaurant with vaulted brick ceilings and hearty Lithuanian food and beer.

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is Lithuania’s largest airport and serves several domestic and international carriers including airBaltic, Aerosvit Airlines, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus. While there is no main public transportation system in Vilnius, buses and trolleys run routes all over the city, with a single ticket costing 2 to 2.50 LTR, depending on if they're purchased at a kiosk or from the driver. There are discounts for students and the elderly. Taxis are another option for navigating throughout the city, as they are more efficient than buses but are a little more expensive. Walking is the most recommended way to travel around parts of the city like Old Town, as it is very pedestrian-friendly and can easily be explored on foot.

Vilnius has a continental, maritime climate, which means there is a vast difference between the cold winter and warm summer temperatures. In summer months, temperatures can reach as high as 86° F (30° C), though the average temperature from June through August typically remains in the low 70s. Mid-summer is the rainiest time of year, though large amounts of precipitation can fall during the winter as well, which sees an average temperature of 26° F (-3.3° C). It is not uncommon for temperatures to reach far below freezing for large stretches in winter months, bringing bitter cold winds, frozen lakes and snowfall. The best time of year to visit is in the late spring and summer, as this is the time of year when the nightlife and daytime festivities are in full swing, with outdoor bars, cafes, restaurants and concerts.

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Travel Europe: Tour Packages, Air, Hotel, Cruises, River Cruises, Rail Travel, Car Rental

As a whole, Europe offers a strong ethno-cultural, linguistic and historical heritage with diverse nationalities, 35 official languages and an abundance of UNESCO-protected castles, monuments and ancient sites. This cornucopia of heritage has given rise to a spectacular wealth of people, traditions and cultures. Although they live harmoniously side by side, the 36 member countries of the European Travel Commission are distinctive, such as Germany, France, Italy and Poland.

Travelers can visit as few or as many nations as they want. Just hop on a train – the most seamless and picturesque way to traverse the continent. Looking for romance? Why not experience the changing landscapes by a river or canal boat? Europe is a roadmap of grand waterways, such as the Rhine and Danube, which flow through big cities such as Frankfurt, and small countryside hamlets. Cyclo-tourism is also gaining in popularity.

The capitals of Europe offer culture through world-class museums, music concerts and theater. Be sure to try the local cuisine, wine and make sure to grab a pint of beer with the locals. Every region and city holds endless treasures: remains of the Greek and Roman empires, entire districts built in medieval times, typical homes, covered markets, belfries, city walls and cathedrals. Natural attractions abound as well, from Mediterranean beaches to the rugged Arctic beauty of the north to the mountain ranges such as The Alps.

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Belgrade, Truly a Feast for Eyes

Draped with classical antiquities, the city of Belgrade, Serbia is truly a feast for the eyes.  The cobblestone streets are exquisitely decorated with magnificent architectural gems presented in the forms of cathedrals, museums, palaces, and fountains.  It is quite easy to fall in love with a city, whose vibrancy and splendor can be seen lurking on every corner.  Its charismatic spirit glistens on the faces of its proud citizens, which explains why this ancient city remains young at heart.  Whether you are observing the exotic animals at the Belgrade Zoo, or strolling the busy streets and squares, there is plenty to discover.  So retrace the steps of Belgrade’s ancestors and visit a destination which overflows with the fragrances of history and beauty.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, still manages to keep its old charm after suffering much adversity due to its location on the Danube River.  However, its beauty seems untouched and remains a significant attribute that magnetizes many tourists to its diverse landscape.  Populated with approximately 1,700,000 people, Belgrade is richly blessed with boastful citizens, who cannot wait to introduce visitors to their amazing city.  It is surrounded by many museums and historic jewels, which will guide you on a tour to its colorful past.  You also cannot miss the dazzling statues peering on the majestic buildings and sidewalks.  Constructed in the early 1900s, the White Palace contains a royal library filled to the brim with over 30,000 books.  Make a wish at the historic fountains or capture a bird’s eye view of the Belgrade’s majestic sceneries at the Fortress.  No matter what your interest may be, the activities of Belgrade are endless.

With the Belgrade pass, the city’s adventures are closer than you think.  Valid for 72 hours, that gives you plenty of time to discover many of Belgrade’s attractions freely or at a discounted price. 

Take a break from sightseeing and head to the local shopping areas.  Everything from malls to souvenirs shops are within arm’s length.  With such a variety of merchandise, fashionistas can indulge in Europe’s finest products while mingling with the friendly locals.  Dress to kill and dance the night away at the local hot spots blazing with the latest hits.  For a quieter night, watch talented comedians tickle your funny bone, or try your luck at the casino.

Let your nose lead you to the scents of delicious foods flowing throughout the city’s restaurants.  The culinary temptations are a cultural phenomenon.  From hard to pronounce dishes like isdimljena vešalica (grilled pork) to multicultural specialties, chefs are masters at preparing authentic regional cuisines drenched in locally grown ingredients.  Avid food lovers get ready to savor the tastes of Serbia’s finest meals with a glass of Europe’s finest wines.

Belgrade experiences a temperate continental climate.  During the months of May to October (warm season) the temperatures average from a high in the low 80s to the low 60s. In November to March (cold season) the weather ranges between the 40s and lower to the 20s.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport is the city’s main gateway to the rest of Europe and other international destinations.  Belgrade’s public transportation of bus, trams, and trolleys are available to help you navigate throughout the city.  Serbian Railways also services rides throughout Belgrade and its neighboring towns.  A bright blue sign makes it easy for tourists to catch a taxi along the bustling streets.  In addition, with a valid driver’s license, car rentals are accessible for those who prefer to travel flexibly. Belgrade is also a great place to explore by foot.

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