Barcelona, located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, is well-known for its beautiful beaches and late-night dance clubs. Be sure to visit the heart of the city, La Rambla, where you can view the Christopher Columbus monument, eat traditional Spanish Paella, and shop for souvenirs. Another one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic basilica that has been under construction since the late 19th century. Admission is eight euros, and guided tours are available for an additional €3.50.
Some Barcelona Tips…
- The people of Barcelona speak Catalan, which is a mix of Spanish and French. You may want to bring a travel book that includes some common phrases to help communicate with the locals.
- The major airport is Girona-Costa Brava Airport. Many discount flights actually land in another airport, Reus, which is located approximately 90 minutes outside the city. We recommend you fly into Girona. Cab fare from Reus can be quite pricey.
- If you’re looking for a good and inexpensive place to stay, we recommend Soho Apartments, a hostel located near both the beach and La Rambla.
- Pick-pocketing in the city is common. Keep your passports in a safe place and watch your wallets and purses, especially on the beach and in crowded streets.
ROME, ITALY
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” is a very true and applicable saying while visiting this metropolis. Due to Rome being mostly unharmed during World War II, the original Renaissance and Baroque character is still present. Like most major European cities, Rome offers a plethora of shopping sites, ranging from street markets to high-end fashion boutiques. If shopping isn’t your forte, visit one of Rome’s many museums, ranging from art to history, or enjoy a traditional Italian meal.
Must-see Attractions:
- The Vatican
- Saint Peter’s Basilica
- The Sistine Chapel
- The Fontana de Trevi
MILAN, ITALY
One of the largest cities in Italy and the most expensive in Europe, Milan is home to both things old and new. Known as one of the world’s capitals for high fashion, Milan houses the Piazza Duomo, the world’s oldest shopping mall. If shopping at one of the many luxurious designer stores is not your idea of fun, then discover Milan’s beauty through a variety of museums and churches. Besides Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, the other tourist attraction is the Duomo, the world’s third-largest church made out of marble. Entrance to the Cathedral is free and for a very small fee you can take a walk on the roof for a gorgeous view of the city.
Must-see Attractions:
- Teatro alla Scala
- The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (home of the Last Supper)
- Castello Sforzesco
Some Milan Tips…
- Not many people in Milan speak English. To ease the language barrier, it’s helpful to carry a translation guide. The majority of restaurants, cabs and small shops only accept cash. Make sure you have euros on hand, but be mindful of ATM transaction fees as well.
- Before you get to Milan, check out the bus and underground system online. They’re simple to navigate and a lot less expensive than taking cabs. We recommend buying a weekend pass, which can be used on both the bus and underground.
- If you want to see the Last Supper, reservations are needed. Call the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie at least one week before you plan on being in Milan to schedule a time.
PARIS, FRANCE
Known as the “City of Lights” and home to the croissant, Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Offering great shopping, breathtaking views and historical sites, this city offers a vibrant cultural experience. The best well-known site in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, situated beside the River Seine. For a spectacular view of the city, climb the Tower’s stairs or take its elevator for a very reasonable fee. For a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower itself, visit the monument between dusk and 2 a.m. to watch the light show, which occurs each hour on the hour for ten minutes. Another great site is the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and frequently visited art galleries and museums in the world. The Louvre, made famous in pop culture by Dan Brown’s The da Vinci Code, is home to prestigious works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Madonna of the Rocks. To avoid waiting in line, buy your ticket in advance online.
Must-see Attractions:
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Catacombs
- The Louvre Museum
Some Paris Tips...
- To get to Paris, we recommend the Eurostar. It’s about a 2 ½ hour train ride, and you get to see a lot of the countryside of England and France.
- The best way to see the city is to walk along the smaller side streets. Bring some comfortable walking shoes. Visit the major attractions early. They get swamped with tourists quickly.
- The metro is the best way to get around the city. If you’ll be in Paris more than three days, buy an orange card.
OUTSIDE OF LONDON
Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & the Cotswolds Tour
These three delightful sights in the Cotswolds present each individual with a great opportunity to experience the beauty and history England has to offer. Warwick Castle was constructed in the early 11th century and offers many different activities, including a walking tour, medieval activities and a peacock garden with at least 10 live birds. After this, you visit the Shakespeare Museum and cute shops in Stratford before having a traditional English pub lunch. Following lunch, you will travel to Oxford where you will see many different universities and visit the Christ Church Cathedral, where parts of Harry Potter were filmed. The tour is a great day trip and worth the money. For more information on booking details, please see the brochure located at the College.
CAMBRIDGE
An old English university town, Cambridge is said to be one of the only towns not destroyed in World War II because Hitler found the area so beautiful. Only an hour outside of London, Cambridge offers a great place to take a day trip. Go punting, the British version of a gondola ride, with local graduate students guiding you through the town. Be careful and don’t believe everything they tell you; these students are known for their tall tales. After the tour, wander through the quaint shops and visit the University of Cambridge among other historical sites. Although this town is beautiful, only a few hours are needed to go punting and walk around. Our recommendation is to go at your leisure and not to take a tour unless you want to do more sitting than sightseeing.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Must-see Attractions:
- The Van Gogh Museum
- The Anne Frank House
- The Rembrandt Museum
- “I am Amsterdam” sign
Recommended Web-sites:
o http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/
- Amsterdam Tourist Information and Travel Guide
o http://www.amsterdam.info
- Amsterdam Accommodation and Lodging
o http://www.amsterdam.info/accommodation
- Barcelona Hotel Accommodation and Lodging
o http://www.barcelona.com/
- The Web site of Barcelona City
o http://www.bcn.es/english/ihome.htm
- Italy – Tourism in Italy, Travel Tips and Information
o http://www.italiantourism.com/
- In Italy
o http://www.initaly.com/
- Web site of the City of Paris
o http://www.v1.paris.fr/EN/
- Paris – Time Out Travel
o http://www.timeout.com/paris/
- Paris Convention and Visitors Office
o http://en.pasrisinfo.com/
- www.expedia.co.uk
- www.ebookers.com
- www.easyjet.com
- www.hostels.com
- www.ryanair.com
- www.eurostar.com
- www.raileurope.com
