Hiring a Car in France and Italy
August 18, 2009 by Lost in Europe
Filed under Restaurants
Touring France and Italy can be wonderful thing to do but you should have some knowledge before you decide to do so try have a idea of the weather at the time you are planning to visit. To gather all this information you can use the internet and find out more about the sites one can visit and what is expected of you while in that place. By knowing where to visit and what to do, you are able to organize yourself and even avoid overspending or falling short of money.
Touring France
For years now, France has been commonly referred to as the country of love, its capital city Paris being the most romantic city. While in France you get a chance to visit attractive sites such as cemeteries, monuments, beaches ,hotels either on foot, cycling or by hire car.
Touring Italy
When one mentions Italy the first thing to hit your mind is the famous Rome city. While on holiday in Italy you can visit famous cities such as Rome with the Vatican, and it’s beautiful lakes. The Ligunia and Sicily regions are also a must see. You also have a chance to visit famous football clubs, visit Italys museums, stay in great hotels and get a chance to sun bathe and eat delicious food. Tourists are also allowed to have a chat with the pope on Wednesdays during his weekly briefing. Besides that if one is a singer or interested in musical arts, one can get a chance to improve their singing skills by attending music classes.
Car hire as the best way to get to sites when on tour
Car hire is believed to be the best transportation tool to used to visit different sites while on tour. This is simply because it is so easy and fast as compared to when using buses or cabs. By using a rental car there is no time limit on when and where to tour. Buses can be difficult as a bus cannot leave before it is full and you may imagine this takes time.
A car enables you to reach places on your list and spend more time without the worry of how to get back. It is also cheap because the different car hire companies involved rent out cars at low rates. The best thing with car hire is that they provide privacy and luxury for its user. The car hire agencies are easy to find online and with employees ready anytime to book reservations according to your transport needs.
What you should have in mind when renting a car
Compare the rates charged by different car hire firms and pick the best one that has low rates to enable you save some money. Be well aware of the the rules and regulations of an agency before you request its services. Some agencies might not be able to offer services in some locations and it is important for you to note of this since you might end up paying penalties.
A Romantic Weekend in Paris
May 1, 2009 by Lost in Europe
Filed under Tourists Attractions
With thirty million visitors each year, Paris is one of the most visited places in the world. This is not surprising as it is the leading cultural, business and political centre and holds influence in fashion and gastronomy.
It has also been described as the most romantic city in the world with many couples enjoying honeymoons, anniversaries or just a romantic weekend. Paris evokes images romance and bohemian lifestyle. Paris is a haven for artists and street performers, cafe culture and people watching and a certain ‘joie de vive’
The Louvre
Attracting up to six million visitors each year, the Louvre has been open since 1793. Its collections are renowned worldwide. One of its greatest treasures is the Mona Lisa painted by the great man Leonardo de Vinci. Made ever more popular by the publication of the Da Vinci Code, thousands of people come each day to stand and stare at this enigmatic portrait. She is well protected behind glass from the air and flash photography. There are a number of ‘thematic trails’ where you can wonder at ancient Greek sculptures including the famous Aphrodite or Italian renaissance paintings and so much more. The guides are impressive in their knowledge of the collections.
The building is impressive with the ‘Glass Pyramid’ being the focal point. Built by I.M. Pei, it was inaugurated in 1989 amid some controversy. Rumours were spread that the pyramid was constructed from 666 panes of glass – a number associated with the devil. These rumours were further fuelled with references in Dan Brown’s novel. As your guide will tell you, there are actually 673 panes of glass that make up the structure. The impact of Brown’s book is such that there are now special Da Vinci Code trails that unravel fact from fiction.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel tower was a temporary structure which has come to symbolise Paris. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was built in 1889 to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Up until 1930, it was the tallest building in the world. There are 1652 steps to the top and it has three platforms. The second platform offers exclusive dining at the Jules Verne restaurant. The top platform has a bar, shop and the office of Gustav Eiffel. The views are breathtaking particularly just before sunset.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a spectacular monument conceived by Napoleon to celebrate victory in battle. Completed in 1836, it provides a focal point for French patriotism. The tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies under the arch, commemorating the dead of the two world wars. From the roof there are spectacular views of Paris, including the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Access to the arch is through a tunnel as traffic around the arc is notoriously bad. Inside the arc there is a museum documenting its history and construction.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Although mass is still held here, the cathedral is owned and maintained by the state. The building is a fine example of French Gothic architecture. Construction began as early as 1160. It has undergone many changes and is still being restored today. The cathedral is named after Our Lady of Paris and displayed within its walls is an extravagant sculpture known as the Virgin of Paris.
Moulin Rouge
What better way to spend an evening than a visit to the Moulin Rouge – Paris’s most famous theatre. The Cancan dancers performed by beautiful girls were immortalised by Toulouse Lautrec. Many famous artists have performed here including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Elton John and Edith Piaf. You can be sure of a great night out in true Parisian style.
