Lyon

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Lyon is nestled in the hills of Fourvière and the Croix-Rousse. The capital of the Rhone-Alpes region offers an unusual journey through time and cultures, with its old town declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, its narrow streets and traboules (passageways inside houses to move from one street other), its lively riverfront, the large squares of the Presqu'île. The night be amazed by the charm of over 200 sites, beautifully illuminated.

What to see

The Roman theaters

The Théâtres Romains de Fourviere sits atop the homonymous hill overlooking Lyon, from where you can admire one of the most beautiful views of the city. Together with two other ancient structures, the theater is part of an archeological complex UNESCO.
The work, built between the seventeenth and fifteenth centuries BC by order of Emperor Augustus, he was able to accommodate up to 4,700 spectators. In the second century, to the time of Emperor Hadrian, the structure was further expanded. With the passage of time, the theater was slowly abandoned until falling into disrepair. During the twentieth century, as a result of an important work of excavation, it was decided to renovate the entire complex. Today the theater hosts concerts, ballet, opera performances and other cultural events.

The old town

The "Old Town" is the historic heart of Lyon, the largest Renaissance district of Europe.
After years of decline, the "Old Lyon" has been fully restored and is now protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. On the Peninsula (Presqu'ile) formed in the centuries between the Rhone and Saone rivers winding alleys, small squares, secret passages (Traboules) three large churches (St Jean, St. Paul and St. George), old artisan shops.


The Basilica of Fourvière

I think it's worth taking the funicular and arrive at this beautiful basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church is full of mosaics and stained glass windows that make it very suggestive. Under the church there is another even more collecting church. It's an emotion to live and for others is a very beautiful example of baroque art, also from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the city. 





The district of the Croix-Rousse

La Croix-Rousse is a very lively district of Lyon, which contains an important part of the history of this city, its past, its great development and its international reputation resulting from industry of silk weaving and luxurious fabrics.
 But there's more, and this is the reason why for many years I wanted to come in Lyon, Lyon is the home of the famous inventor J.M. Jacquard, who invented precisely the so-called frame Jacquard, which revolutionized the world of weaving, greatly improving the productivity and quality of the process. The Jacquard memory is dedicated a statue, in the Croix-Rousse Square.

Rotterdam - Netherlands

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Rotterdam is a bustling city and slender with the vast, towering skyscrapers, a burst of energy, a mix of modern and sometimes curious architecture. Do not miss for anything in the world to climb the Euromast, which offers a stunning view of the 100-meter-high city.

What to see

OUDE HAVEN NEIGHBORHOOD OF AND CUBIC HOUSES

If you have been thinking of making a trip to Holland, one of the reasons to visit Rotterdam is the high number of modern buildings and super revolutionaries from an architectural point of view. Examples are the very special "Cubic Houses" (Kijk-Kubus) designed by Dutchman Piet Blom in the seventies and today one of
Main attractions of the city. Houses in the form of a cube, but reversed, a little 'upside down, which can be visited and which is a must shoot from every possible angle and special. It is actually inhabited houses, and a museum there will explain the history and characteristics. They lie in the Oude Haven neighborhood (Old Port), just in front of the exit of Markthal. Unmissable!

SPIDO - ERASMUS BRIDGE

You can not miss a boat trip to ammirarae the city skyline and the ability to pass under the beautiful
Erasmus bridge. Right below dell'Erasmusburg feet Spido a very modern boat leaves every day the port and set sail for a tour through the channels to the discovery of the beautiful buildings in Rotterdam, the Rem Koolhass skyscrapers, Renzo Piano and Álvaro Siza, and grand harbor. 75 minutes duration of the full tour with audio guide on board in English and many other languages. If you want to peek through the most modern buildings in the city, see the De Rotterdam, pass in front of the Hotel New York and photograph the magnificent bridge from one angle, climb aboard!





MARKTHAL

The first covered market in the Netherlands was inaugurated October 1, 2014 and is one of the projects on which Rotterdam tip lot for tourism (there are from 4.5 to 7 million visitors each year). It is near the Blaak station and a short walk from the square where is held every week a beautiful open-air market in fruit and vegetables. The large complex that houses it was designed by the agency of MVRDV architects and designers, is structured over 11 floors will come to accept about 100 stalls and up to 228 apartments.
The entrance vaulted, glass and steel, is only the prelude to a colorful world, which will welcome you as soon as you cross the threshold. Small kiosks of typical products, but also cheese, dried fruit, and crisp white from the east, delicious cakes, proposals for vegans, wines and every little culinary delight succeed even imagine, you can buy it here. Head down, you will not regret.

LUCHTSINGEL BRIDGE

Inspired by the famous High Line in New York City, this all yellow bridge over Rotterdam is one of the most beautiful walks to do in the city. Of course you'll get great photos for your memory albums. It was built by the citizens of Rotterdam, on the basis of an urban regeneration project, which has effectively combined two parts of the city before not as well connected.
Entirely of wood, it was built with private contributions from 25 to 1,250 Euros. The donors' names appear on the individual pieces that make up the bridge. Hilarious!

Fotomuseum

There had already spoken, and with good reason! The Fotomuseum is one of the most beautiful museums of photography in the world, and the largest of the Netherlands. Is located within walking distance dall'Erasmus bridge, the river Meuse, and is one of the must see museums in Rotterdam. The exhibits are spread over several floors and on the lower floor you can trace the history of photography in an interactive way. The staff is friendly and will help you in choosing a souvenir to take home. The shop is well stocked and between photography books, prints and various gadgets, you're spoiled for choice!

Best of Florence

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Florence is arguably the most famous Tuscan city in the world. Every year millions of people arrive in the "cradle of the Renaissance", visiting the main museums of the city, walk through its streets admiring the monuments, churches, palaces and places of interest. Florence has so much to offer.

What to see

Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria

 Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Florence. Here stands the magnificent Cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with the famous dome by Brunelleschi, the Baptistery with the bronze Gates of Paradise and Giotto's bell tower, from which you can enjoy incredible views of the city.

Also in Via Calzaiuoli you will find the beautiful Piazza della Signoria has been for centuries the center of the political life of Florence. 
Here is the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, now the ordinary citizen and museum. To the right of Palazzo Vecchio you can admire the charming Loggia dei Lanzi, where some famous statues, such as Benvenuto Cellini's Perseus are located. In Piazza della Signoria is the Fountain of Neptune by Ammannati and the equestrian statue of Cosimo I by Giambologna. Along the way, on Via Calzaiuoli, you will recognize the Church of Orsanimichele, the architectural structure and statues adorning its façade, works of great artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Verrocchio.

The Uffizi Gallery

A few steps from Palazzo Vecchio you will find the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited Italian museums and popular, known for extensive collection of Renaissance works such as the Allegory of Spring and the Birth of Venus by Botticelli, to name just two of the most famous masterpieces.
How not to be fascinating to such beauty! It remains open mouth in front of the wonderful architecture of the hotel overlooking directly over Florence. The works contained are among the most important in the world and in Italy, and you are amazed by the sheer size of the same. Its rooms are entirely decorated with grotesque, ancient statues and portraits and you will be astonished by how much art surrounds the visitor. Qualified and kind. On the top there is also a bar with a panoramic terrace. I recommend it to all who want to know a great piece of Italian history. The museum is a must for anyone visiting Florence!

Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the symbols of Florence, halfway between the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio (joined by the beautiful Vasari Corridor which passes right over the heads of tourists overlooking the Bridge).
Crossing the Ponte Vecchio, while admiring the spectacular windows of jewelers, reach the Oltrarno area and, first, the Pitti Palace where there are several museums, including cuila Palatine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Boboli Gardens.

If the Boboli gardens have not tired you too much, head to the nearby Piazza Santo Spirito and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Built by Brunelleschi, the church overlooking the square, standing out for the yellow façade, it hides inside of really precious treasures. Around you will find restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy excellent Tuscan dishes and wines, and enjoy a little 'relaxation.

View of Florence

If you want to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city at sunset, head to Piazzale Michelangelo, located on the first hill after the Oltrarno. From here you can see from far away places that you have visited in the historic center of Florence!
superb views of the city and panoramic photos postcard. There is a parking fee for cars (1 € for 1 hour) or there is a bus stop. The square is also full of stalls with tourist objects or cool drinks.

Vienna

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Hofburg Palace

Here comes one of the most magnificent palaces in Vienna, not coincidentally is just what imperial, between the walls of which are intertwined stories of the ups and downs of the Habsburg family.
The visit to the one that was the winter residence of the imperial family leads to the discovery of the 18 rooms of the Royal Apartments, which is the former private apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth in large part with the original furnishings; the Museum of Silverware of the Court with its sumptuous tableware, precious collections of oriental porcelain, Sevres and Meissen, the solid silver tableware; dedicated to Sissi Museum through numerous personal items (clothing, jewelry, portraits) he tells the story of the Empress of Austria, one of the most beautiful women of her time and discussed, by youth in Bavaria until death at the hands of an Italian anarchist in 1898. 

Inside the Hofburg (entrance from the courtyard of the Swiss), there is the Schatzkammer, ie the Chamber of Imperial Treasury that collects the sacred and the profane treasure of the Habsburgs. The museum contains priceless objects.



St. Stephen's Cathedral

The St. Stephen's Cathedral is a work of high gothic engineering. From the top of its bell tower you can admire the magnificent Vienna !. The roof is made up of decorated and colored tiles in 4 green shades white ocher and gray slate. Amazing the minute detail of the interior decorations from the pulpit to the balustrades finely chiseled. The complete tour can be made finished messa. 
Before you can visit the bell tower the only fee (children free) and once climbed as you can remember to print the price of 1 euro and a 5 cent coin with the image of the Cathedral .



Art History Museum

The museum, in addition to being a stunning masterpiece at the architectural level, exposes the inside works by Klimt, Bellini, Lotto, Tintoretto, Canova, Caravaggio, Mantegna and many other Italian and foreign artists. In addition to paintings they are also the eastern Egyptian collection and the Roman and Greek antiquities collection.
The prices are really optimal for students and youth. One thing that no one knows is that with the ticket bought at the museum is included in the price to the museum of armor / sculptures / ancient musical instruments in the area of ​​Imperial Palace, near the National Library!


Albertina Museum

Beautiful museum in the center of Vienna super recommended. He was given this name in 1921 in honor of Archduke Albert of Saxony, whose statue stands in the square outside, son of Maria Theresa, founder of the collection and a great lover of culture. Inside there are works by Picasso, Monet, Degas, Cesanne, Matisse and many other wonders. Very beautiful and interesting photo exhibition on the ground floor. Ticket price € .12,00; It closes at 18.00 and Wednesdays at 21.00. Crowning the collection recommend to visit the museum located in the exhibition spaces of the Belvedere!

The Prater 

All right, after all visits to museums and monuments of the city a nice ride in the Vienna Prater is not denied to anyone! The famous park in the center of the city so dear to the Viennese who throng its meadows and its tree-lined boulevards dotted with cafes, restaurants and kiosks is considered one of the ten most beautiful city parks in the world.
Once an imperial hunting ground, today the so-called "Green Prater" is the ideal place to passaeggiare, jogging, cycling or turn it up and down with the small train Liliputbahn. The initial part is occupied by Volksprater also said "Wurstelprater" (named after a popular Viennese mask), the largest amusement park with over 250 attractions (ranging from nostalgic rollercoaster all'ultamoderno flight simulator via the train of ' horror, the indoor roller coaster, the timeless puppet theater, and even a wax museum), on which "stands" the famous Riesenrad, the Giant Ferris wheel, opened in 1897 (and rearranged in 2008) and became one of the symbols of Vienna, which allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the city from a height of nearly 65 meters. You can not say they've been to Vienna if you step on the Big Wheel! Near the wheel is the Planetarium which thanks to the special laser image projector, grants to large and children's Travels in the starry sky.

The world of Hundertwasser

The construction work started in 'August 1983 and ended in October 1985, designed by' architect Hundertwasser. It 'easy to reach from the city center, metro station Schwedenplatz, tram them one direction Prater, Hetztgasse stop.
Council to see it because it is very special. Affects the presence of color, mosaic pieces and scattered here and there windows. On the roof you can see the so-called onion domes. A 'other feature of this house is the presence of trees located on the balcony and roof. Outside of it you can notice a English booth. An 'other feature is the ripple of the floor. In the same style you will also find the 'Spittelau incinerator. It is said that the style of Hundertwasser reminds a little Gaudi. I recommend you calculate that for the visit are enough just ten minutes. As the 'building is inhabited and you can not for this reason to visit the interior.

What to see in Scotland

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Edinburgh 

The capital and cultural center of Scotland for over 500 years, consists in reality of two cities: the castle, situated on a high basalt rock, overlooking the historic city or the Old Town with its narrow alleys, while large squares and wide boulevards characterize the Georgian New Town of the 18th century. Edinburgh is definitely and by far the most charming Scottish town especially thanks to its magnificent and well valued historic center.
Many, too many are the things to see and to list, so it islands and will suggest one: the "closes", the passages or alleys that branch off from the Royal Mile with an impressive charge no small feat.


The Highlands

The wildest part of Scotland, with stunning scenery, where nature shows its strong side and still not tamed by man, bears the name of the Scottish Highlands.
This land, where in the past legendary heroes who fought for freedom, where the freshwater loch alternate with ocean fjords and where the animals live in the wild, is a destination for many tourists who want to discover the most wild and scenic part Scotland.

Isle of Skye

The untamed beauty of the island of Skye has been known since the Victorian times, when the first European mountaineers came down here to explore its wild valleys and mountains.
The north-eastern part of the island is the most visited and the most interesting while the part of the Cuillin mountains, lost and lonely, is indicated for lovers of hiking and mountaineering.
Connected to the Mainland by a long arched bridge, this wonderful island will charm you with the variety of the landscape and for being one of the corners of Scotland where he keeps and handed down the culture and the Gaelic language.
Like a prehistoric monster Skye seems to emerge from the sea with its rugged coastline, its barren and almost inaccessible cliffs and the archaic charm of its valleys.
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Orkney Islands

Seventy enchanting islands inhabited by small and hospitable community. Orkney, to the north of
Scotland, are an archipelago with a sweet nature: green plains, fertile hills and coasts of rocks and sand are the predominant elements. And the cool waters of the North Sea complete one of the most beautiful landscapes of northern Europe.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to admire them, when the sun seems never to fade, the meadows are painted with plants and wild flowers and the beaches are frequented by thousands of seabirds.