Get Cheap Hotel Deals .com

Since the foundation of Rome about 2,700 years ago, the city has been a force in the European history; first as the center of the Roman Empire and later has the center of the Catholic Church. That means that you will see relics of the ancient Rome wherever you go.

The impressive amphitheatre Coliseum is one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Rome. It was originally build to house 55,000 spectators, who were entertained with fights against wild animals and gladiator fights.

Emperor Vespasian ordered the building of the Coliseum in 72 AD. Then there were a lot of other coliseums around the Roman Empire; from El Djem in North Africa to Arles and Nimes in France. Since there has been missing maintenance, destructions and even theft; but the Coliseum is still a must see sight.

Another must see sight in Rome is the St. Peter’s Basilica; also named the St. Peter’s Cathedral. This building is almost the definition of the Vatican State. Even though it just physical is the center of the smallest country in the world, it is the heart of the Catholic religious community.

It took more than one hundred years to build the St. Peter’s Basilica, and many famous architects have set their distinctive mark at the construction. There are many interesting sights in the cathedral, but the most impressive is the dome drawn by Michelangelo. From here you have a perfect view of most of the Vatican State.

You also have to see the Sistine Chapel; the main chapel of the Vatican Palace. The ornamentation was finished by Michelangelo with his famous fresco named Judgment Day in 1541. Today it is seen as his masterpiece from his mature years. The work took seven years, and two windows and an altar have to be removed to make room for Michelangelos work.

Since the beginning of the time Rome has been the center of international trade. Material from the remotest places in the Roman Empire was processed by the best craftsmen into masterpieces.

Today you can still find fine handicraft in Rome. The best designs from the famous, Italian designers are found in Palazzo delle Esposizioni. And the large, Italian fashion houses like Gucci, Prada and Giorgio Armani are around the Spanish Steps.

You can also find several markets in Rome. Food is found at Campo deFior and old books at Mercato delle Stampe. Everything else can be found at Porta Portese.

Tags: Catholic Church, Coliseum, fashion, markets, Michelangelo, Roman Empire, Rome, Rome Travel, shopping, sights, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Cathedral, Vatican State
Posted in Rome Travel | No Comments »

Paris is without doubt the Capital of Romance. The city is a great place for romantic vacation with your partner or even a honeymoon. In Paris you also find lovely food, great shopping and some of the most interesting sites in Europe.

The Eiffel Tower is seen as the landmark of Paris. It was created in 1889 for the World Exhibition. The plan was to demolish it after the exhibition, but because of the popularity, the plan was changed. The Eiffel Tower is 319 meter (1047 feet), and until 1931, when the Empire State Building was finished, the world’s highest building.

You must be patience, if you are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower; especially in the high season. Here the line can be very long, because the elevator has a limited capacity. Instead of waiting a couple of hours, you can also take the 1.665 stairs instead. No matter what you decide, you will be rewarded with an amazing view. If you are lucky, you can see as long as 70 kilometers (43 miles).

The Louvre Museum was made famous by Dan Brown in his book The Da Vinci Code. But the museum is more than a crime scene in a famous book. It is also the scene of one of the world’s most amazing art exhibitions. Look for the Mona Lisa painted by Leonardo da Vinci and the ancient Greek statue Venus from Milo.

But the exhibition in the old building from 1190 is much more than a statue and a painting. You can also experience ancient are from Greece and Egypt; or modern fashion and design. So if you are both to old and modern art, one day is not enough to see it all.

Other great sight in Paris are Champs-Elyses and Notre Dame Cathedral. You might also want to visit Versailles about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city centre. Disneyland will certainly also make yourself and your kids happy.

You can also do some heavy shopping in Paris. You can find all the famous luxury trademarks in the department stores. When it comes to haute couture fashion houses, Rue du Faubourg-St-Honor on the right side of the Seine is the place to go. Look for Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Pierre Cardin, Chanel, and Christian Dior.

Paris does also have great markets. Gourmet food can be found at the Rue Mouffetard market, while the March de la Porte de Vanves market has old books, postcards, porcelain, and musical instruments. If you are looking for cheap souvenir, you should visit Rue de Rivoli.

In the end of the day, you should spoil yourself with some great French food and red wine; or you could go on a sunset cruise on the Seine. After that, visit one of the many nightclubs to party all night.

Tags: art, Champs-Elyses, Da Vinci, Disneyland, Eiffel Tower, fashion, Louvre, markets, museums, Notre Dame, paris, Paris Travel, shopping, sights, Versailles
Posted in Paris Travel | No Comments »

Paris is without doubt the Capital of Romance. The city is a great place for romantic vacation with your partner or even a honeymoon. In Paris you also find lovely food, great shopping and some of the most interesting sites in Europe.

The landmark of Paris is the Eiffel Tower. The tower was build for the World Exhibition in 1889. The plan was to tear it down afterwards, but luckily enough the decision was changed. The tower is 319 meter (1047 feet) high, and until the Empire State Building was built in 1931, it was the highest building in the world.

You must be patience, if you are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower; especially in the high season. Here the line can be very long, because the elevator has a limited capacity. Instead of waiting a couple of hours, you can also take the 1.665 stairs instead. No matter what you decide, you will be rewarded with an amazing view. If you are lucky, you can see as long as 70 kilometers (43 miles).

Dan Brown made the Louvre Museum famous in The Da Vinci Code. But the museum is not just a scene of the crime in a famous book; it is also the house of an impressive art collection. Here you can see the Greek statue Venus from Milo and the famous painting Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

But the exhibition in the old building from 1190 is much more than a statue and a painting. You can also experience ancient are from Greece and Egypt; or modern fashion and design. So if you are both to old and modern art, one day is not enough to see it all.

Other great sight in Paris are Champs-Elyses and Notre Dame Cathedral. You might also want to visit Versailles about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the city centre. Disneyland will certainly also make yourself and your kids happy.

When you have seen all the sights, it is time for shopping. You can find all the luxury trademarks in Paris department stores, but if you are looking for haute couture fashion, you should visit Rue du Faubourg-St-Honor on the right bank of the Seine. Here you can buy clothes from Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.

If you are more into markets, Paris is a great city. You can find old postcards, porcelain, musical instruments and books at the March de la Porte de Vanves market. Superb food can be bought at the Rue Mouffetard market, while cheap souvenir is found around Rue de Rivoli.

Finish your day on one of the great restaurants with a typical French dish and a glass of red wine; or try a sunset cruise on the Seine. If you have more energy, you can party on all night in one of the many nightclubs.

Tags: art, Champs-Elyses, Da Vinci, Disneyland, Eiffel Tower, fashion, Louvre, markets, museums, Notre Dame, paris, Paris Travel, shopping, sights, Versailles
Posted in Paris Travel | No Comments »