Souvenirs

All over the city, there are different shops, stalls and kiosks where you can buy:

• books on Athens or the Acropolis
• postcards
• stamps
• pictures
• music CDs
• T-shirts with Greek motifs...

The best place to stay

I've never stayed in this hotel but I heard that it's the best place to stay. It's been number 1 place for all Heads of State since it was built in 1862 and it's 1 of the best-known hotels in the world.

Address: 17, Fillelinon, Athens

Directions: close to the Parliament building

Website: http://www.hotelsofgreece.com/athens/grandebretagne

The Hill of the Muses

This is where a monument to the Roman consul Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos, a benefactor of Athens, was erected in 115 A.D. Thus the name of the hill.
According to a myth, 9 muses used to live here, so the hill’s also known as the Hill of the Muses.

The small chapel of Agios Dimitrios, containing some fine frescoes, can be found there as well.

Directions: Philopappos Hill, opposite the Acropolis

The Statue Of Kolokotronis

In the same street where the 1st modern stadium is, you can find the statue of Kolokotronis, great commander and national hero who fought for the independence of Greece.

The statue's the work of Lazaros Sochos.

Directions: close to  Panathenaic Stadium

The 1st modern stadium

Ancient Greeks used to build stadiums, theatres and odeons, usually on the slopes of hills and mountains near cities. Those stadiums were made of wood.

But in 1894, Georgios Averof, built 1 of marble. It still exists. In fact, this is where the 1st modern Olympic Games took place in 1896.

So, don't miss visiting this 1st large modern stadium and seeing where the modern Olympic Games started.

The trek's 204 m long and 33,36 m wide here and the stadium accommodates about 60,000 spectators.

Constitution Square

This is the place where you can always find people walking, feeding the pigeons or just sitting on benches and cafés.

At the top, there's the Parliament building, formerly the King's Palace, built between 1836 and 1840 by King Otto of Bavaria, with the tomb of the unknown soldiers in front. The tomb's guarded by Evzones, the elite soldiers, who also guard the Palace.

Address: Syntagma Square, the border of Plaka

The Propylaea

This is the monumental entrance to the temple (therefore the name) that people usually just pass through, without stopping, on their way to the Parthenon.

It was completed in 432 just before the outbreak of the Peloponnesian wars, following the designs of Mnesicles, Phidias's colleague.

To the left is the Pinacotheca (the gallery of paintings) that got that name because it used to be decorated with beautiful paintings. To the right is the small Temple of Athena Nike (Athena of Victory) which commemorates the Athenian victory over the Persians.

Directions: Acropolis, City centre

The site you mustn't miss!

The Acropolis is the historical site you mustn't miss!

The name refers to the entire hill, crowned by the Parthenon. The Parthenon and other main buildings here were built by Pericles in the 5th century B.C. as a monument to the cultural and political achievements of the inhabitants of Athens.

And a visit to the Acropolis Museum is a must, too. You might find it small, but its holdings are truly remarkable!

Directions: City centre

Slot machines

The Casino was built in 1878 by Charles Garnier. There's marble, columns, sculptures, paintings and lamps everywhere. The 'gaming rooms' are numerous, with stained-glass windows.

Shall we?

Taking pictures inside is strictly forbidden!

Dress Code: A jacket and a tie required.

Rucksacks to be left in the cloakroom.

Address: Place du Casino
Directions: Monte Carlo
Phone: (+377) 92 16 20 00
Theme: Casino
Website: http://www.casino-monte-carlo.com

The Saint-Martin Gardens

Where next?

If you're looking for a pleasant, relaxing walk, the Saint Martin Garden's right for you. Here you can admire tall pines, aloes and agaves, fountains, bronze statues including a 1951 monument of Albert I, and listen to the sea.

Prince's Palace

a rainy afternoon

The Palace was built on the site of a fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. Here, you can see the Italian style Gallery, the Throne Room, the Louis XV Salon, the Salon Bleu, the Mazarin Salon, the Sainte-Marie Tower and the Main courtyard.

It's opened daily from 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM (June-Sept), that is, from 10 AM to 5 PM (Oct). It's closed from Nov. to May.

The admission fee's €6 (€3 children aged 8-14)
Address: Place du Palais
Directions: Monaco-Ville
Phone: ( +377 ) 93 25 18 31
Website: http://www.palais.mc

Monaco Cathedral

This white stone cathedral was built in 1875 on the site of a 13th century church dedicated to Saint Nicolas. You can admire the wall paintings, the Great Altar and the Episcopal throne, and pay respect to all the Princes of Monaco. 

Address: 4, Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro
Directions: Monaco-Ville
Phone: (+377 ) 93 30 87 70
Website: http://www.cathedrale.mc

A Fairytale Land

at night

If you still believe in fairytales, you shouldn't miss visiting Monaco. It's one of the smallest independent countries in the world. And also a country with a rich tradition and colourful history.

National historic monument

Unique Qualities: This privately owned Belle Epoque Palace was built in 1913. It's got richly furnished salons with pieces of contemporary art.

There's a multi-lingual staff, restaurant in hotel, health club, laundry/dry cleaning service, car rental...

Each room's got air conditioning, fridge, phone, TV, balcony or terrace...

Address: 37 Promenade Des Anglais Bp 1379 Nice Cedex
Price Comparison: most expensive
Phone: 33-4-9316-6400
Price: US$180 and up

Website: http://www.hotel-negresco-nice.com/

What to take?

at the beach

When I visited Nice in April, it was raining cats and dogs, and was freezing cold. The sea wasn't azure at all! So, we were all disappointed! Especially because some of us were there for the 1st time.

That's why warm clothes and umbrellas are advised in March/April and October/November.

Dali's Hometown

at the museum

If you like the works of Dali, or you're just curious about this great artist, you should definitely visit Dali's hometown and his museum.

Following the notes on the walls of the museum, you'll visit 22 rooms with the works of Dali (the Treasure Room, Peixateries Room, the Room of Dali d'Or, Rue Trajan corridor, Palau del Vent Room, Room of the Optical Illusions...) and other artists like El Greco or Duchamp, the interesting court and the tomb of Salvador Dali.

The museum's open from 10.30 to 18.00 (1 October-30 June) and from 9.00 to 20.00 (1 July-30 September). It's closed on 1 January, 25 December and every Monday between 10 October and 30 June.

Bear in mind that rucksacks and other shoulder bags aren't admitted and that no photos with flash may be taken inside!

Viva Barcelona

Barcelona- Such a beautiful horizon

Barcelona- Like a jewel in the sun

Por ti sere gaviota de tu bella mar

Barcelona- Suenan las campamas

Barcelona- Abre tus puertas al mundo

('Barcelona' lyrics by Freddie Mercury)

The Origin of the Name

a panoramic view

According to a legend, Barcelona was founded as Barcino about 230 B.C. by the Carthaginian General Hamilcar Garca. The region became part of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century B.C.

The region was known as the kingdom of Aragon for some time. And then Barcelona became very important political, commercial and shipping centre.

Flamenco Night

hacienda

La Siesta's a lovely 17th century Catalan farmhouse on a hillside between Lloret and the nearby town of Santa Susanna. Here you can enjoy dinner show with flamenco and traditional live Spanish music.

Directions: On the road to Santa Susanna.

All-night disco

Tropics is a nightclub close to the centre offering:
- 2 dance floors
- 5 bars
- laser shows
- DJs
- music for all tastes (house, trance, hip hop, hits from the past...)

Dress Code: Dress to impress

Montevista Cotursa

This is a 3-star hotel, a few minutes far from the beach. It looks very classy, with marble everywhere. The lobby's spacious and light and next to the reception desk you can find brochures of anything in or near Lloret you might visit during your stay.

The service's OK, although we had to wait for our keys a little bit longer than we expected.

the hotel card

All the rooms have TVs and balconies.

And there's a restaurant, where you can choose from a great variety of food. Breakfast's from 8.00 to 10.00, and dinner's from 19.00 to 21.30. 

Address: Avda Roca Grossa, 15
Phone: 972 36 52 08

Website: http://www.cotursahotels.com

The Castle on the Beach

The castle on the beach's not really a castle. It's a villa that some rich Spaniard built in 1935. Be prepared for an exhausting walk up the hill and up the stone steps!

Jardins de Santa Clautilde

the garden

Palm trees, the sound of the sea, fresh air... Just opposite the castle.

The Laurel of the Sea

Lloret de Mar's 1 of the Mediterranean's most popular resorts. With sandy beaches and clear sea it's a real paradise for practising all sorts of activities.

The opening picture's really 1 of few postcards showing all the landmarks of the place:

- top left - the monument of Sardana dancers (the Sardana dance is the traditional folk dance, the emblem of Catalonia )
- top right - the castle on the beach
- bottom left - the palm avenue
- bottom right - sandy beach
- centre - the English basilica

The name Lloret's believed by some historians to come from the Latin word Lauretum, meaning 'the place of the laurels.'

Don't miss the pizza!

The food's excellent and the atmosphere pleasant at Panpizza Mania. The service is friendly and fast.

Favourite Dish: Pizza's really better in Italy!

Address: Piazza Bra
Price Comparison: less expensive than average
Price: less than US$10

Basilica di Sant' Anastasia

This is the largest church in Verona, built by the Dominicans in 1290 and completed in 1481 (the front facade isn't finished).

Everything about it is impressive: the doors, a high brick bell-tower built in the 15th century, paintings of plants decorating the dome, famous holy water stoups (1 from 1495 carved by Gabriele featuring a hunchback that's said to bring good luck to all who touch his hump, and a slightly larger 1 from 1591 carved by Paolo Orefice), wonderful paintings and reliefs. It's really a must-see when you're in Verona.

The picture's showing the larger holy water stoup known as 'Pasquino' ('Pasqua' means 'Easter' in Italian) because it 1st appeared in the church at Easter in 1591.

Pasquino

You can also see a part of the original flooring (1444), made up of 3 colours-white, black (the Dominican habit) and red (the martyrdom of St. Peter of Verona to whom the Basilica's dedicated). 

Address: Corso S. Anastasia
Website: http://www.justitaly.org/italy/verona

Tomba Di Giulietta

the story

Visit the picturesque former Capuchin monastery, the place where the great love of Romeo and Juliet ended, and Juliet's Tomb there. You can even write a letter and leave it in the sarcophagus that lies in a dimly lit crypt.

You can also visit Frescoes Museum 'G.B.Cavalcaselle' and admire the wall paintings detached from old Veronese buildings, and the Church of San Francesco al Corso with interesting works of art from the 16th to the 18th century (both on the same ground).

The picture's showing the most important scenes from Shakespeare's tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet'. 

Directions: Go down Via Pallone towards the Ponte Aleardi, turn right at Via Pontiere, go down that street and Juliet's Tomb, the Church and the Museum are on the left.

Casa Di Giulietta

the famous balcony

Pretend to be Juliet and step out on the famous balcony of Juliet's house to talk to your Romeo!

This tall building from the 13th century is identified with the House of the Capulets, Juliet's family.

Opening Hours: 8.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun, 1.30pm-7.30pm Mon
Cost of Entry: €3
Address: Via Capello, 23
Directions: not far from Piazza delle Erbe
Phone: 045 803 43 03
Website: http://www.justitaly.org/italy/verona

Take a walk!

The best way to see Venice is on foot. In this way you can explore even its most hidden places and get to know the city better.

Take a boat ride!

Venice lies 4km from the mainland and 2km from the open sea.

Although you can get there by train or car, probably the best way is to approach Venice from the sea. This gives you an excellent opportunity to admire it from afar and prepare yourself for its many beauties.

What to take?

Luggage and bags: 

A rucksack

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: 

Layers of clothing
Comfortable walking shoes

Photo Equipment: 

A camera
Extra batteries

Sinking

Venice has sunk in the last 100 years, a result of mainland industries pumping water out of the aquifer below the city. As a consequence, ominously high tides that used to be a minor annoyance, have become a regular winter occurrence, particularly in low-lying areas like St Mark's Square.

Souvenirs

What to buy: postcards, books about Venice, drawings...

The Venice Carnival

The Carnival celebrations officially begin on 17 January.

Venetian craftsmen developed their characteristic forms of carnival mask, and today these remain 1 of the principal symbols of the city.

People who wear masks over their faces no longer belong to the everyday world, but are symbolically shifted to a different, spiritual world, returning only when the mask is removed.

Until the mask reveals their face, they live in the underworld through a personal transformation and regeneration.

It's symbolic that the carnival's celebrated in winter, when life itself is to be found underground, renewing itself for spring.

The Historical Regatta

Nobody can say for sure when and why the 1st regatta was held, but in the 13th and 14th centuries the race had become customary.

As is still the case today (4 September), the race was preceded by a procession of all kinds of boats, all decked out and bearing symbolic images. After the parade, the races began. Originally the boats were divided into categories according to the number of rowers (once even 20 or 50), but now there are only 2 per boat.

The route to be covered in the least possible time goes from the Motta to Castello and Santa Chiara on the Grand Canal and back to the Ca' Foscari where a floating pavilion marks the finish line.

The winning team's awarded with a banner while a piglet's jokingly 'conferred' on the loser.

San Giorgio Maggiore

Both the church and monastery on the island were built between 1559 and 1580. The church's also considered to be 1 of Andrea Pallado's finest works.

In the sanctuary of the church you can see 2 splendid works by Tintoretto, Last Supper and the Gathering of the Manna.

The church's open daily from 9AM-12.30PM and from 3PM-5.30PM.

The island's also become a conference centre for international conferences and exhibitions. 

Phone: 041.528.9900

Get away from the crowds!

If you want to get away from the crowds, head for the backwaters and boatyards of the quieter districts. To the east of San Marco is Castello, hard-working, lived-in and traffic-free; to the south, bohemian-chic Dorsoduro is crammed with artistic treasures; to the north, peaceful Cannavegio's churches are a delight; and in the eye of the lagoon, Santa Croce and San Polo are full of monuments and atmosphere.

Ponte dei Sospiri

'I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs;
A palace and a prison on each hand...
the exhaustless East pour'd in her lap
all gems in sparkling showers.'

Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Lord Byron

This is probably 1 of the most famous bridges here. It was built in about 1600 across a narrow canal to link the Doges' Palace and the so-called New Prisons (built between 1560 and 1614).

It took its name by the sighs of condemned prisoners glancing at Venice for their last time while led to the dungeons.

However, young lovers believe that if they kiss under this bridge (presumably in a gondola) their love will last forever.

Riva Degli Schiavoni

This has for a long time been 1 of the typical promenades here. So, try to elbow your way through the crowd and you'll be able to see a lot of monuments along the Riva; the Prigioni Nuove, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, the 15th-century Palazzo Dandolo, now Hotel Danieli, where even Wagner, Dickens and Balzac stayed, the former Monastery of the Santo Sepolcro, the 14th-century Palazzo Gabrieli, now a hotel...

Walking on Water

It's hard to believe that this city doesn't stand on firm ground. In fact, you get the feeling that the palaces and churches come out of water itself. But, after taking a closer look at its foundations, you realize that Venice doesn't stand on water but on solid ground.

The fabric of the city's formed by 140 sand banks, all strengthtened with countless wooden trunks driven into the bed of the lagoon. Builders sank numerous tree trunks 1 after another into the muddy sea bed. In this way Venice was able to grow like any other town built on solid ground. So, 150 churches, many palaces and around 500 stone bridges had been built.

The importance that water plays in the life of Venice is that the entire city has adopted the shape of a fish. The lines of communication flow into this fish shape.

Passing the San Marco Basilica the body of the fish narrows, and near the Arsenal expands again into a wide fish tail. This is where the Venetian navy used to lay anchor.

In a nutshell: No place like Venice!