Fall in love with the perennially romantic City of Light. Famed for its cuisine, style and attitude, Paris has captivated poets, philosophers, its own residents and the rest of the world. Food has been democratized substantially since World War II, making what used to be haute cuisine accessible to everyone. Paris is the culinary epicenter of the country with restaurants that are constantly evolving, driven by a distinctly French appreciation for cooking and eating. Mealtimes are longer; wine, baguettes, cheese and a good beef bourguignon are sacred. The tables of Paris reflect the greater style of the city. From Paris Fashion Week to the Louvre, the city is vibrant, cutting edge and regal. The incomparable Tour d'Eiffel lights up the night and, during the day, lovers lounge by the Seine with Notre Dame in the background. On top of all this, there are the Parisians themselves. They have been called rude, intellectual, fabulous, snobby, but love them or leave them, the people of Paris keep its heart beating. The energy, the humor, the seriousness combine to make them as complex as the city in which they live. Unlike anywhere else in the world, this iconic city promises an unforgettable visit.
The former "caput mundi" (world capital) now carries itself, in spite of its traffic jams and crowded streets, with a certain ease, born perhaps of the mellowed glamor and mystery of vanished empires. Lose yourself in a wealth of museums and take in some of the most important art in the world. Gaze at the splendor of Basilica di San Pietro. Rome is a city that combines world-class shopping with the hushed reverence of the Vatican City. Models, nuns and priests frequent the cafes. In the afternoon, the setting sun gilds the Colosseum where gladiators once fought to the death. Cats and tourists lurk at the gates daily. When night falls, eat like the Italians and make a late meal of pasta al dente. The culture and history of Rome are present in the very streets and architecture of this timeless city, even if Vespas do fly by in the foreground.
The classic imagery of London--the London Eye, the Tower Bridge, the Thames--is so familiar that this grand city feels quite approachable. While it is unmistakeably British, London has in recent years become increasingly diverse. Immigrants have built up exciting subcultures that have had a positive influence on the greater way of life. Once rather unimpressive in regards to cuisine, London now hosts some of the best restaurants in the world and turns out Michelin chefs one after the other. While fine dining has become much more innovative, a humble and delicious curry can be found with equal ease. London has a lot more to offer than cooking though; explore the fantastic markets and premier shopping districts that are entertainment unto themselves. The goods at Spitalfields Traders Market range from antique jewelry to children's books. In the surrounding area, restaurants and boutiques abound. The famous Portobello Road Market has attracted throngs of people since the beginning of the 19th century. To see other well-known sites, some travelers, for a laugh, climb aboard the red double-decker buses trundling around the city. Indulge in the newly synthesized culture of England's capital, hit the shops, take in a show and have a great time.
