Grand Tour of Europe

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

As all roads lead to Rome, this city does not need an introduction. Here is one anyway. The Eternal City will always overwhelm with its sheer imperial scale - packed full of temples, residences, basilicas, churches, squares, parks, museums and fountains - Rome is breathtaking. Whether it is the unbelievable opulence of the Vatican, or the simplicity of a trattoria serving humble fare, you will always feel the city's timelessness and millennia of rich history on the very ground you walk upon. The city has many layers that correspond to periods in its history: such as Ancient Rome, Medieval Rome, Christian Rome and Renaissance Rome to name a few. The capital of Italy, the Rome's modern layer is also quite evident, and it is dynamic and efficient, always blending the old with the new.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 9-19 C
Summer: June to August 18-28 C
Autumn: September to November 13-22 C
Winter: December to February 5-14 C

Shopping:
There is so much to do and see in Rome, that you would think shopping couldn't interrupt your epic journey through the city. That fortunately is not true, and the sheer variety and richness of commodities and products available quickly makes even the most ardent non-shopper reach for their wallet. With all the designer clothing, jewellery, books, souvenirs, fragrances, and antiques available, you will definitely find something that will appeal to you. Visit the areas of Centro Storico and Trastevere for souvenirs and antiques both. You can also shop at Bulgari, an extravagant world of gems, jewels, and leather goods, the prices varying from affordable to incredibly expensive. The world famous Italian leather can be found at Campanile, everything from shoes, bags, belts to jackets are among the many items available here. Also visit Cesare Lampronti for an extensive selection of 16th, 17th, and 18th century oil paintings, with framed or unframed prints available. Visit Nicola di Castro for antiques and discover a variety of chairs, tables, ceramics and chests to add character to your home.

Must Do:
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and let the city take over. You'll quickly find that there is not much you can't do in Rome. Other than visiting the gazillions of mind-numbingly old monuments, there is the opera, the amazing food, and wine that flows as if through aqueducts. If you're there for a short visit it's a good idea to be choosy with the monuments, as the sheer number can be exhausting. Try to definitely visit the famous Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, Ponte Fabricio, the Galleria Borghese, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Historic centres like Trastevere and Testaccio are hubs of activity, and also where the nightlife and bars are. Do as the Romans do, in short, visit the opera, play some soccer, or just go dancing. On a gastronomic note, the food in Italy is offered in 4 types of shops. A trattoria is a family-run concern that serves home-cooking. A ristorante is more formal, with a wider selection of dishes. The osteria is an inn, usually with only a few local dishes and endless wine. Pizzerias can serve antipasto, pasta, meat and vegetable dishes as well as pizza.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +39
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

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 metres 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

Innsbruck is perched high in the Alps, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks picturesquely frame its historic buildings. A home of classical music, art and story-book scenery in Austria, Innsbruck is also a world famous resort for skiers and hikers and has even hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Innsbruck is a city with a rich cultural heritage, as can easily be seen in the numbers of beautiful buildings. There are palaces, arches, monuments and museums, all stunning in their opulent grandeur of the Habsburg Dynasty.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 4-15 C
Summer: June to August 12-24 C
Autumn: September to November 5-15 C
Winter: December to February -4-4 C

Shopping:
There are many international and local brands at Innsbruck, selling everything from toothpaste to high-fashion. But to truly get a feel of the city's unique character, one must try the speciality shops that are exclusive to Innsbruck. Some of them are: Swarovski Haus Crystal Shop - a glittering display of crystals, Grassmayr - a metalwork shop that specializes in bells, and Klammer - a jewellery shop that stocks a wide range of gemstones and designer watches. The best places to buy such typical Austrian products as bacon and schnapps are the specialist shops in Stiftgasse. Speckschwemme sells bacon and sausage of exceptional quality and in prodigious varieties, while Spezialitaten in der Stiftgasse also keep a large selection of fine schnapps, wines, oils and other delicacies.

Must Do:
There is a lot to do in Austria, other than just taking in the sights. Alpine sports are very popular here in Innsbruck, and some of the best terrain is available for them. The food is great, with Austrian Sausages, Goulash Soup (Gulasch Suppe), Austrian Emperor Rolls (Kaisersemmel), tortes, and various spreads, all giving you the chance to sample Austrian cuisine in one of the many cafes or restaurants! The nightlife is also quite vibrant, and one can be sure of a night suited to your desires at any time of the year. Also visit the Alpenzoo, and check out all manner of alpine animals! Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a must behold sight, displaying beautifully cut crystal and artworks. There is also a two-storey shopping facility. One must also visit Schmetterlonghaus, an exotic butterfly house that also has beautiful flowers. Also visit the Grassmayr Bell Museum, a bell foundry and museum, which showcases the work of the world renowned Grassmayr family, who have been the industry leader for 400 years. One of the many historical sights in Innsbruck is the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) which was built by Duke Friedrich in 1420. The Triumphforte is another such example, built in 1765. The Cenotaph of Emperor Maximilian contains 32 beautiful statuettes and 20 busts, and is very impressive. Another must visit is Tyrol Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, a natural history museum founded in 1823. A trip to the Tyroler Volkskunst Museum (Folk-life Museum) is also a must. And finally, when on Innsbruck's main street Maria-Theresien-Strasse, observe the great rock wall edifice of the Nodrkette.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +43
Currency: (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

The towering snow-capped Alpine peaks are a perfect backdrop to the green valleys of the Swiss countryside. The charming city of Geneva like all other Swiss cities is rich in history and architecture with several world-famous structures finding a home here making it undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful cities. There are several cultures that come together in Geneva too, giving it a true international flavour. Politically lauded for being a neutral territory, Geneva is where many international treaties have been and many international organizations like the Red Cross and United Nations are headquartered. Visit the Horloge Fleurie, the famous flower clock's 20-ft face requires over 6,500 plants and features the worlds-largest second hand. Take a tour of the beautiful Swiss countryside and take in the fresh clean air of Alps. Geneva has the largest surface area of parkland in Switzerland. Admire the splendour of the 40,000 roses that bloom in the parks and along the promenades in the city. You can also visit the famous museums and the Botanical Gardens located below the United Nations building.

Florence (Firenze), the city that was the centre of the Italian Renaissance, is a place of beauty and splendour. Every street is a masterpiece of statues, cobblestones, and imposing edifices, all of which further cement the legendary Florentine love of display. There are rich galleries, even richer churches, impressive domes, corresponding to different periods of history, from early medieval, to neoclassical. It is hard to measure Florence's cultural and historical impact, and even the most conservative estimate concedes it a world-changing status. A visitor can be overwhelmed by this, and needs constantly to be reminded that the reason for such elegant opulence is that Florence was the hub of most activity during the rebirth of art, philosophy, and science in Europe, largely spurred on by the Medici family.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 9-20 C
Summer: June to August 18-31 C
Autumn: September to November 11-21 C
Winter: December to February 3-11 C

Shopping:
Florence, through its years of experience, has a very well developed sense of style and luxury, always insisting on superior craftsmanship of every aspect. There are innumerable shops, boutiques, and stalls, full to the brim with clothes, shoes, leather goods, ceramics, stationery, wine and decorative goods. Located around the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the San Lorenzo Market is one of the most important, and here you can find an excellent variety of clothing, leather products, and souvenirs. The Mercato Centrale is located in the San Lorenzo Central Market, and it is the best food market in the city. The Mercato Delle Cascine is also a great place to look for antiques, souvenirs, telephone cards, and shoes. There is the large and beautiful Parco Delle Cascine (park) located here. Mercato Delle Pulci is the famous flea market of Florence, where you can find various antiques, furniture, prints, jewellery, books, and coins.

Must Do:
It is nearly impossible for one to get bored in Florence, where delightful spectacles and spectacular delights await your every step. This medieval wonderland contains some of the best of truly stunning architecture and art in the entire world. The list of wonders is long, and what follows are just the most important. Gawk incredulously at the graceful Ponte (bridge) Vecchio, the Duomo's (cathedral) wondrous dome, the splendour of Basilica di San Lorenzo and the unbelievably rich Uffizi gallery. A Medici family institution, the Uffizi Gallery has many masterpieces, including works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo Da Vinci. The Boboli Gardens, with its sculpted paths amidst verdant greens give pleasant succour to the tired sightseer. A visit to the Piazza (Square) Della Signoria is a must, for it is there that Michelangelo's David resides. Churches like the fortified hulk of the Palazzo Vecchio, and ancient Palazzo dei Pazzi are also must visits. Florence's skyline is picturesque and uplifting, evincing the city's elegance against the sunset. On the food front, Florence is much like its Italian counterparts, and offers a wide variety of delectable fare at its trattorias, ristorantes, osterias and pizzerias. The local Tuscan and Enoteca cuisines are delightful, with fresh ingredients cooked in simple ways. The seafood and the Italian sandwiches are also must tries. Florence's nightlife also offers something for everyone, the classic taverns the best choice to experience local flavour, the Chiantis (wine).

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +39
Currency: (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

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

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

Often described as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Venice lives up to that appellation. However, this does not mean that the city is only for lovers. Somewhere between dream and reality, present and past, it is romantic in the imaginative sense, its beauty somehow more, and less than real. It is also one of the most historic cities in Italy, and its varied architecture and rich culture offer plenty to see and explore, even to the most intrepid traveller. A city of canals, it is literally on water, and people own boats instead of cars, and maybe flippers instead of boots! Venice is built on an archipelago of 118 islands formed by about 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. These islands are connected by about 400 bridges. The resulting waterways and walkways are the chief circulatory systems of beautiful Venice, and to facilitate smooth and ordered movement, certain speed limits are enforced on boats. Venice is one of the few European cities to remain largely unchanged with the turn of the century, and for this reason the feeling of displacement with reality never seems to quite fade away. Gothic, Roman, and Venetian architecture impose themselves on you, and the canals' coruscating light reflects magically on the edifices. World renowned for its superior and artfully created glass, Venice's masks are also a highlight, and they can be seen everywhere during the Carnival.

Weather:
Spring: March to May 8-17 C
Summer: June to August 18-27 C
Autumn: September to November 10-18 C
Winter: December to February 0-8 C

Shopping:
As with every major Italian city, there will be streets filled with all the major brands of high fashion and other luxury products. However, the city of Venice has many unique industries of its own, such as glassmaking, lace-making, and mask-making. Venetian glass, famous across the world, is best made in Murano, an island of Venice. Take a vaporetto (ferry or water bus as it is called) down to the island, and then a conducted tour of one of the factories. It is quite an educational and beautiful experience, seeing the artisans at work upon the sublime material. Souvenirs are of course, available. Lace-making can best be observed at Burano, another island of Venice. The intricate lace that is produced is sheer and priceless, desired across the world. Oil and watercolour paintings of the city can be found all over the place, often freshly produced by the artist, right in front of your eyes.

Must Do:
There is a lot to do and see in Venice, and what follows is a list of experiences that are definitely worth your while. Visit the opulent expanse of the St. Mark's Square (San Marco Square) and feed the pigeons. Take a gondola cruise to the beautifully designed Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), and the Bridge of Sighs, and truly enjoy the waterways the way the city's builders did. One should also visit the Galleria dell'Accademia, where famous works of art like Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man are displayed. Sample the fresh sparkling wine, and Venetian cuisine in one of the many cafes, inns and restaurants. Many restaurants serve excellent fish of the Adriatic including the sea bass, mackerel, mullet and soft-shelled crabs. For those who want to pick up a simple snack while they are making their way around the city to see all the sights then cichetti or bar snacks are highly recommended. On the nightlife front, Venice is a relatively quiet town in the early evenings, after which the party starts, centred around the many bars and cafes around the Piazza San Marco.

Travel Tools:
ISD Code: +39
Currency: (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