We've come a long way since the emergence of the 17th-century 'Grand Tour,' when wealthy Brits (mostly Brits) finished their education with a real year in the world, learning to fence in Paris, study art in Florence, climb the Swiss Alps, and complain about the service in Athens. Over time, the first-timer traveler's trails across Europe have swayed back'n'forth, with changes ushered in by the advent of trains, Mark Twain's 'is he dead?' jokes, and the rising or falling of an Iron Curtain or two.
So, what is the 'Grand Tour' version for summer 2010? The new Lonely Planet Discover Europe guide has one that gives a wide-eyed first-timer the 10 best of Europe's cities in three weeks. (Of course, it's OK to take longer.)
LONDON
Two days isn't a huge amount of time in a city with so much to do but you should still be able to see highlights like the Tower, Tate Modern, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace as well as attend a West End theatre show and enjoy the ethnic eateries of the East End.
PARIS
A high-speed Channel Tunnel train takes you to the sights in Paris. Overlooking the avenues from the Arc de Triomphe, seeing the Louvre or Versailles and a beautiful church or two is the least you can do. Try lively Montmartre for dinner.
BARCELONA
An overnight ride of the rails and you're at your next stop, colourful Barcelona, where the organic Modernista architecture and Gaudí's Sagrada Familia will wow you. Don't miss the Catalan cooking. Your first flight of the trip moves you along to…
ROME
The Eternal City; they say a lifetime isn't enough to know it. During two days sightseeing in Rome, choose from among the monumental attractions of the Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Evenings you'll be eating out in the centro storico and Trastevere. |
