European Surprise

London, a city that brings forth images of power, royalty, history and grandeur, also reverberates with a cosmopolitan buzz. Stretching and then breaking its archetype, it goes further, and creates itself a new one. Contrasts are to be found in plenty, exhilarating and intimidating. Spectacular sights are found mixed with the seemingly ordinary, aristocracy mixed with the common folk. No stone is left unturned, the grubby underside exposed to the elements that polish it to a shine. It is hard not be suffused with the feeling of change within antiquity, and the need to reinvent oneself is felt everywhere in this old city with a new lease on life, timeless London.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-15 C
Summer: June to August 15-23 C
Autumn: September to November 11-16 C
Winter: December to February 5-8 C

Shopping:
London is a multicultural melting pot, and has a potpourri of products available that can meet the requirements of even the most eclectic shopping enthusiasts. From Saville Row suits to punk jewellery, Harrods hampers to Big Ben clocks, London has it all. There are over 83 major street markets, and market shoppers are very spoilt for choice. Try Portobello Road and Camden Market for huge antique emporiums, various foods, crafts and music; and try Brick Lane and Notting Hill for their funky street markets.

Must Do:
There is a lot to do in London, the city of many faces. Art galleries like Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Royal Academy and the National Gallery are some of the best in the world, and give a true glimpse at London's history and world art. Other than the Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, there is also the London Eye. This hi-tech marvel is a 135 metres high observation wheel that takes you for a 30 minute round allowing you to see over 55 landmarks. This experience combined with the Thames cruise, gives you a rewarding experience of London's spectacular sights. The city also has more parkland than most capitals of the world, and they are a splendid way to while away a lazy afternoon enjoying the local culture. You should also try to attend one of Shakespeare's plays at the Globe Theatre, or just see it and recreate the details with the excellent tour service available. Also try to visit the Windows on the World on the top floor of the Hilton, where you can get an unparalleled view of London's skyline. London has some of the best restaurants in the world, with varied cuisines, from Ethiopian to Japanese available. Fusion is always an alternative. Some relatively authentic Indian food can be found quite easily. If you have heard about it, and want to indulge in a hearty English breakfast, try it at The Wolseley. The nightlife of London is everything you want it to be: from wild to sedate to soothing. Whether it's dancing, drinking, listening or watching that really gets you going, London provides it all, with some of the best bars, pubs, operas, concerts, matches and stadiums in the world.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +44
Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) 1 GBP is approximately 75 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT 0:0 hours IST-5:30 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

The capital of Belgium, Brussels is a city full of history, and also has a confluence of people and technology. Known for its cosmopolitan diversity, it caters to every need, taste, and desire with a gusto not to be seen anywhere else in Europe. Belgian chocolates are the best in the world, the undisputed champions of culinary excellence. Its many, many seafood restaurants are also big crowd pullers, and are a speciality of Brussels, along with comics and art and gothic architecture. Brussels defines variety and has it all - cobblestone alleys, forests all around, baroque guildhalls, street side cafes, picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, spacious parks, the magnificent Grand Place, and an active cultural life - this city has to be experienced to be believed.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 6-14 C
Summer: June to August 13-22 C
Autumn: September to November 8-14 C
Winter: December to February 2-7 C

Shopping:
Brussels has all that Belgium has to offer and a lot more. There are thousands of varieties of beers, and hundreds of kinds of cheeses. There is no shortage of places where you can buy local goods: designer clothing, comics, souvenirs of the famous monuments, and truffles. Try Boutique Tintin in Lower Town for an unbelievable variety of comics. Visit De Biertempel in Ilot Sacre, which stocks over 550 brilliantly brewed Belgian beers, and all manner of beer paraphernalia. Indulge at A M Sweet in Lower Town, for exquisite Belgian chocolates, cakes, pastries, and pies.

Must Do:
Visit Sablon and Ilot Sacre, places with chic restaurants, antique buildings and delicious fare of traditional Belgian and truly international cuisines. There is much more to do in Brussels, and a tour of its architecture is a magnificent way to explore the city and understand its culture. In winter, head to Marche aux Poissons near the Grand Place and ice skate on one of the world's most picturesque ice skating rinks. There are many cultural events, held through out the year, mostly hosted in the Grand Place. These include the 16th-century-style procession, Ommegang, in early July; the annual Brussels Jazz Marathon held on the last weekend in May. Throughout the summer, The Grand Place, Sablon and Place Saint Catherine, host free open-air concerts. If you are in the mood for something cerebral, head down to Le Greenwich, a cafe known for its free for all chess tournaments.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +32
Currency: (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 63 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST-4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

Germany's oldest university town, Heidelberg has faced down the ravages of time and plunders of war, and has aged gracefully. An age old muse for painters, poets and intellectuals alike, Heidelberg's architecture is all baroque stonework, predominantly Gothic. The Heidelberg Castle, destroyed and rebuilt several times, is the main lure to this quaint and ancient little German town, and is known the world over. Heidelberg is also surrounded by some of the most unspoilt natural beauty that Germany has to offer.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 6-16 C
Summer: June to August 13-25 C
Autumn: September to November 7-14 C
Winter: December to February -1-4 C

Shopping:
Heidelberg has plenty of stores and stalls that sell everything from postcards to beer mugs. The best place for souvenirs is around the Heilig Geist Church in the old town's pedestrian precinct (Hauptstrasse). A great place to shop, Heidelberg also offers various types of liquors and jams, in several unique flavours, such as Heidelberger Blaue Perle, which is blueberry liquor. Heidelberg's wines are also very famous, producing some of the best dry white wines in world in nearby vineyards.

Must Do:
A city that is steeped in history, Heidelberg gives visitors plenty of opportunity to indulge. Simply walking the streets of this quaint little town has a splendid effect on your nerves, a refreshing blast from the past. Visit the Castle and the University for a look into Germany's history, and to appreciate their architecture and old-world magnificence. There is also a great variety of traditional German pubs and restaurants, which offer local and regional specialities in authentic settings, especially in the blocks around the Hauptstrasse and the Old City. Try the restaurants Zum Goldenen Schaf, Gasthaus Goldener Hecht, Goldener Anker, and Zum Ritter St. Georg. There are also many international cuisines available at various outlets in Heidelberg. Also try the renowned German beers, and most restaurants offer a large selection these, some even brew their own, such as Kulturbrauerei Brauhaus, and Zum Weißen Schwan. For a taste of Heidelberg's unique culture and history, visit museums like Antikenmuseum, the University-Museum, German Apothecaries' Museum, the Schlossmuseum, and the Kurpfälzische Museum.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +49
Currency: Euro (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 65 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST +4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

A summer snow paradise, Mount Titlis overlooks Engelberg in Central Switzerland, and at over 10,000ft (3020m), it is the highest viewpoint in the region. Offering snow and ice all year round, it is also an alpine-sports centre, where you can ski, snowboard, and skate. The Titlis Glacier is stunningly beautiful, and attracts tourists from all over Europe. It is in fact one of the most accessible snow paradises in Switzerland, only about 1.5 hours from Lucerne, Zurich, Basil, or Berne. There is a lot to do here even for those with no inclination towards alpine sports.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 5-14 C
Summer: June to August 13-23 C
Autumn: September to November 7-14 C
Winter: December to February -1-5 C

Shopping:
There is the usual Swiss set of things to be procured in Engelberg, including many varieties of excellent local cheese, springy wines, and exquisite local chocolates. Swiss souvenirs like cow bells, Swiss Army knives, and models of Mt. Titlis are also readily available.

Must Do:
There is much to do at Mt. Titlis other than indulge in the various alpine sports on offer. Must dos include hiking around the green fields of Lake Trubsee and kayaking there, enjoying a downhill ride on Devil Bikes from Jochpass to Trubsee, or taking a Trotti-Bike (scooter) ride from Gerschnialp to Engelberg. Then of course, is the world famous 'Rotair', the world's first revolving cable car. Take the Rotair, and enjoy the view at 3020 meters above sea level, slowly revolving to unfold a panorama. You can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany. Visiting the Titlis Glacier Park is a unique experience, where you can enjoy many fun packed rides on snow tubes, snow snakes, balancers, scooters and sledges. The park is open from May - October, and is very accessible via the moving walkways called the Magic Carpets. Another experience not to be missed is visiting the Glacier Grotto, a 150 metre long tunnel in the glacier where you can descend up to 20 metres below its surface. The cave is bathed in atmospheric lights that slowly change colour through the translucent ice, it is a surreal experience. The last and definitely not the least is the Ice Flyer Chairlift, a thrilling ride that allows you to truly experience the snow and ice on top of Mount Titlis, with the panoramic views over the glacier crevasses. The food available is up to international standards, and there is much to offer: Mamma Mia the Italian Pizzeria, Restaurant Chandra and its Indian delicacies, and Titlis - Stubli for its Swiss Cuisine.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +41
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) 1 CHF is approximately 43 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST - 4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V

Paris is a city like no other. The heart of Europe, it throbs its way into people's inner sanctums, romancing them, making them love it. Paris (Pah-Ree to the locals) makes you indulge; fulfilling your desires and stimulating your senses. There is something for everyone, throughout the year. Paris is a city that never sleeps, and you shall never get bored, not even for a minute. The city is a stunning contrast of decadence and vitality, of old-world charm and avant-garde restlessness.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 9-16 C
Summer: June to August 16-24 C
Autumn: September to November 10-16 C
Winter: December to February 4-8 C

Shopping:
With a shopping scene that is inviting and forbidding at the same time, Paris makes you want to eat your heart out, or rather, have your cake and eat it too. From lively flea markets to lofty boutiques, Paris has it all, giving you an impossibly good chance at finding something that appeals to you: which might be something you might treasure for the rest of your life or something you'll spread on your toast (for the lack of a croissant) back home. So, try the Champs Elysees for its massive range of shops, or Le Bon Marche and its massive range of shops! Visit the Boulevard Haussmann, where the rather enormous Galeries Lafayette store is located, where you can get anything from slippers to cars to cheeses. You can window-shop at the boutiques of Rue Etienne Marcel, be amazed at the antique clothes for sale in the Galerie de Montpensier (on Sundays). The most famous flea market in Paris is called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, or unofficially Les Puces (The Fleas). It is located at Porte de Clignancourt, where the rue des Rosiers is the main street, further radiating innumerable streets filled with many tiny flea markets. Last but not the least, visit the Monoprix Supermarket for various kinds pates, cheeses, and wines, all fairly cheap.

Must Do:
From museums to architecture, cafes to crepe stands, bars to cabarets, Paris has it all. The list is endless; however, we have narrowed it down to some must dos, to make your Paris experience truly unforgettable. A walk along the River Seine is incomparable in its tranquillity, and a cruise during night or day is one of the best ways to experience the lifeblood of the city of Paris. Let us start with the architectural wonders. No visit to Paris is complete without the Eiffel tower. It is visible from any point in the city, but a view from its top is a wonder by itself, revealing the most beautiful city in the world in all its splendour. The Champs Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Place de la Concorde are all stunning, and not to be missed. The definition of a museum for most people begins and ends with the Louvre in Paris. It was built in 1793, and is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world, housing over 300,000 unparalleled works of art, including the Mona Lisa. But other than the Louvre, do not forget to visit Fragonard Perfume Museum, the Centre Pompidou which houses modern art, and the Musee d'Orsay. Another must visit is the wonderful and fascinating science museum, the Cite des Sciences at de l'Industrie. If you are in Paris on a Friday (around 3 p.m.), visit the Galleries Lafayette department store for a free fashion show, getting a taste of the city's world famous fashion scene. As for food, Paris is known the world over for is culinary expertise, and you can sample it anywhere at the innumerable cafes, restaurants, bistros, and stalls. Good areas for great food are: Centre Pompidou, Forum des Halles, and Le Marais. A crepe at a crepe stand is a must try however, fast and cheap, and part of traditional French cuisine. They are thin pancakes made from wheat flour. Anything can be put inside such as meat, cheeses, creams and eggs for a main course of food, vegetables for appetizers, and for desserts sometimes fruits, ice cream and jellies. For entertainment, Paris has limitless options: visit the many bars, enjoy the opera, groove to the many jazz or rock concerts, or go to Disneyland! If you have time left over, visit the Moulin rouge, but not in the company of children.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +33
Currency: Euro (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 65 Indian Rupees (INR)
Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST -4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours
Voltage: 220V - 240V