Travels and experiences

 

Madrid - Spain

It is the capital of Spain since 1562, it is also the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula. Its altitude, being on a plateau, and the proximity to the mountains that surround it, influence its climate, characterized by its hot summers and relatively cold winters. It is a city with a lot of history, monuments, elegant boulevards and large, well-kept parks, such as the Buen Retiro. Famous for its European art collections, with works by Goya, Velázquez and other masters at the Prado Museum. In its historic center, built at the time when the Habsburg dynasty reigned in Spain, the Plaza Mayor stands out, lined with porches and near the Royal Palace and the Armory. Attractive for its great cultural offer, gastronomy and lively nightlife with many bars, pubs, café-theaters, and discos. https://www.esmadrid.com/en

 

London - UK

One of the world's most visited cities, London has something for everyone: from history and culture to fine food and good times. Immersed in history, London's rich seams of eye-opening antiquity are everywhere. The city's buildings are striking milestones in a unique and beguiling biography, and a great many of them – the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben – are instantly recognizable landmarks. There’s more than enough innovation (the Shard, the Tate Modern extension, the Sky Garden) to put a crackle in the air, but it never drowns out London’s seasoned, centuries-old narrative. Architectural grandeur rises up all around you in the West End, ancient remains dot the City and charming pubs punctuate the historic quarters, leafy suburbs and river banks. Take your pick.  https://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/london

 

Paris - France

Paris' monument-lined boulevards, museums, classical bistros, and boutiques are enhanced by a new wave of multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, design shops, and tech start-ups. The cloud-piercing, wrought-iron Eiffel Tower, broad Arc de Triomphe guarding the glamorous avenue des Champs-Élysées, flying buttressed Notre Dame cathedral, lamplit bridges spanning the Seine and art nouveau cafes' wicker-chair-lined terraces are enduring Parisian emblems. Despite initial appearances, however, Paris’ cityscape isn’t static: there are some stunning modern and contemporary icons, too, from the inside-out, industrial-style Centre Pompidou to the mur végétal (vertical garden) gracing the Musée du Quai Branly, the glass sails of the Fondation Louis Vuitton contemporary-art center, and the gleaming steel egg-shaped concert venue La Seine Musicale. France’s reputation for its cuisine (the French word for ‘kitchen’) precedes it, and whether you seek a cozy neighborhood bistro or a triple-Michelin-starred temple to gastronomy. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/paris

 

Rome - Italy

Head of the World during the Roman Empire, after its fall, in 476 AC, the city underwent a slow decline and was invaded by barbarians. Capital of Italy since 1870, home of the Catholic Church and the Italian government, is placed on the banks of the Tiber river, there where the river, running weakly among the seven hills, creates vast meanders which originate little plains. 2.5+M inhabitants, Rome is today the biggest and most populous city in Italy. The Colosseum, Constantine’s Arch, The Imperial Forums, The Augustan Forum, and The Pantheon are the cultural patrimony highlights. https://www.rome.net/rome-capital-italy

 

Frankfurt am Main - Germany

Frankfurt am Main, an international financial and trade fair city with the most imposing skyline in Germany. This is the image that many visitors associate with the Main metropolis. But the city can offer many other facets and contrasting variety. Near to the skyscrapers, you can find cozy Ebbelwei pubs and at the heart of the bustling city center, you can find historical sights again and again. The city is proud of its most famous son, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, also The Kaiserdom (Cathedral) and the Paulskirche, the cradle of German democracy. The intl airport is Europe’s second-largest, with more than 50 million passengers a year, a real European hub. The city offers a large public transport network to moving around (subways, trams, commuter trains, and busses) Part of the unmistakable style of the city on the river are the museums on the Main banks, the bold high-rise architecture, the thinkers of the Frankfurt School as well as the Grüne Soße, Ebbelwei and Frankfurter sausages.  https://www.frankfurt.de/sixcms/detail.php?id=stadtfrankfurt_eval01.c.317693.en&template=hp_flash

 

Porto – Portugal

Porto, previously Cale, was a little Celtic hamlet located on the mouth of the Douro river. When the Romans (4th century) added a port, "Portus Cale", it not only gave its name to the Porto of today but the nation of Portugal. The city, old with great historical heritage, has over 230.000 inhabitants and metro area has over 2.0 M. Douro river on both banks, with its bridges and monuments, the tiles, the flowering balconies, and the shopping streets, are city postcards. The historic center of Porto and the Douro river on the Gaia side, where the Port Wine lodges are located, are classified as World Heritage. Public transport: Porto Metro, Tram, Busses, Funicular dos Guindais. Take a Rabelo Boats tour by the Douro is a great experience. The highlights: wines, shopping, gastronomy, nightlife, Praça da Liberdade, Rua de Santa Catarina, Douro River Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia, Cathedral, The Clérigos Church, Bolhão Market, The São Bento Railway Station, Palácio da Bolsa, Livraria Lello & Irmão book store, Café Majestic, The Casa da Música, Ponte Luiz I, The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. Sa Carneiro Intl Airport  https://www.oporto.net/