What to do in Europe.

BARCELONA

Oct 7^th Night

La Pedrera – Casa Mila at night. (?)

Oct 8^th

La Sagrada Familia

Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Espanha
+34 935 13 20 60

Pavelló Mies Van der Rohe €2,60

Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 7
Sants-Montjuïc
Barcelona
08038

10am-8pm daily

Caixa Forum €4

Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 6-8
La Font de la Guatlla
Barcelona
08038

Mon-Sun 10am-8pm

Fundació Joan Miró / Parc de Joan Miro (free)

Parc de Montjuïc, s/n
Sants-Montjuïc
Barcelona
08038

All exhibitions €11; €7 reductions. Temporary exhibitions €7; €5 reductions. Espai 13: €2.50

Oct-June 10am-7pm Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat; 10am-9.30pm Thur; 10am-2.30pm Sun. Guided tours Temporary exhibitions 11.30pm Sat. Permanent exhibition 11.30pm Sun

Castell de Montjuic €5

Ctra. de Montjuïc, 66
Sants-Montjuïc
Barcelona
08038

Oct-Mar 9am-7pm daily

Oct 9^th until 6 Pm

Parc Guell

Carrer d'Olot, s/n, 08024 Barcelona, Espanha
+34 902 20 03 02

TOULON – FRANCE

Telepherique du Mont Faron - Boulevard Amiral Jean Vence, 83200 Toulon, France

AIX DE PROVANCE – FRANCE

Montagne Sainte Victorie – Hike A Montagne Sainte Victoire é um ícone local em razão do olhar que Cézanne lhe destinou, retratando-a em, aproximadamente (não tenho certeza), 87 quadros. Route du Tholonet, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, França

Vieil Aix

Cours Mirabeau

Musee Granet da Cezanne a Matisse

Atelier Cezanne - 9, Avenue Paul Cezanne, 13090 Aix-en-Provence, França

Cathedrale St. Sauveur - Place des Martyrs de la Resistance, Aix-en-Provence, França

MARSEILLE – FRANCE

·         Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde - Rue Fort-du-Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille, France

·         Calanque du Sigiton – lugar lindo, vista, ou barco

·         Parc Nacional des Calanques

·         Abbaye Saint Victor

·         Fort  Saint Jean

·         Old Port

FLORENCE - ITALIA

If your cruise ship docks in the industrial port of Livorno, as most of the big ships do, there will be a shuttle service which takes you into Via Cogorano (Piazza del Municipio) in the centre of Livorno. There is generally a charge for this service of around 5 euros return - please let me know if you are charged differently so that I can update the information given here.
(Please note that some ships are now offering a direct bus service from the ship to Livorno central station.) 

 From Piazza Grande, which is the square right behind where the shuttle bus stops, you can catch a no. 1 (most direct - about 10-15 minute ride) or no. 2 bus to Livorno Centrale train station. Buy a ticket at one of the news kiosks in Piazza del Municipio or Piazza Grande, or from the tobacconist in Via Cogorano, and validate it in one of the blue machines when you get on board. The tickets cost €1.20. You may as well buy a couple each in the morning so you are equipped for the journey back.

Alternatively, you could get a taxi from Piazza del Municipio (or maybe even from the ship - see below) straight to the station.

The trains to Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the name of the station) run every hour - 08.12, 09.12, 10.12 (not Sundays), 11.12 etc. and the journey from Livorno takes about 1 and a half hours. On Sundays there is no 10.12 train to Florence, so you should aim to get one of the earlier ones (there is a train at 10.00 but you have to change in Pisa, getting into Florence at 12.00). 

Florence

Uffizi Gallery € 6,50

Open Tuesday to Sunday 8,15 – 18,50

Garden of the Medici Villa of Castello - Free

8.15 – 17,30 (March and October) 

 

MEDICI VILLA OF PETRAIA - Free

8.15 – 17,30 (March and October) 

 

il Grande Museo del Domo, / Santa Maria del Fiore 10 Euros

Includes:

Cathedral: 10:00 – 17:00

Dome: 8:30am- 18:20

Baptistry : Regular Time: 11:15 - 18:30

Giotto's Bell Tower: 8:30- 18:50

Santa Reparata

PISA

-          Piazza de Miracoli

-          Duomo Pisa

-          Cathedral de St. Ranieri

-          Leaning Tower of Pisa / La Torre di Pisa

-          Batisterio

ROMA

Colloseo, E-ticket

Pantheon

Fontana di Trevi – under construction

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza Novona

Monumento Vittorio Emanuelle II

Palazzo Barberini – pinturas de Caravaggio e Raphaeo / Pietro da Cortona

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

Basilica di Santa Maria Marggiore

Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra

Basilica di San Clementine

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Santa Maria Della Vitoria

VATICANO – Roma

Basilica di San Pietro

Musei Vaticani

Capela Sistina – E-ticket

Castel Sant’Angelo

Lungotevere Castello 50, Rome

POMPEII

Antiquarium di Boscoreale

-       Villa Regina, Via Settertermini 15 – 5,50 Euro, 8:30am – 7:30 pm

Scavi di Pompeii

-       Villa dei Misteri, takes 25 minutes to check it out

Reservation one day prior to visit – online.

Porta Marina / Piazza Amfiteatro / Piazza Esedra 11 Euros

The Casa del Menandro

Casa degli Amorini Dorati (cupids)

MYKONOS – GREECE

Acropolis when open

Super Paradise Beach

Caldera Teor Springs

Little Venice known as Alefkandra

This Chora neighborhood is known as one of the most stunning places on the island. Overlooking the southwest end of the harbor, it was here that many early ship captains decided to settle down and built uniquely magnificent homes overlooking the sea. Today, many of these historic homes have been transformed into a variety of cozy restaurants, bars, shops and nightclubs, making this a bustling place at all hours of the day.

The Windmills

These iconic windmills overlooking Little Venice date back to the 16th century when islanders used wind power to grind grain. There are 16 windmills in total, and while they are no longer operational, they stand as a monument to early innovation. The views here are spectacular: From this hilltop perch, you can see Chora and the harbor in the distance. While you're here, you might want to check out the nearby Mykonos Agricultural Museum, part of the Mykonos Folk Museum.

On your way to the windmills, don't overlook the surrounding neighborhood of Alefkandra. This historic area is a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a glass of ouzo as you head back toward Little Venice.

Paraportiana Church / Panagia Paraportiani

If you ask them, Mykonians will tell you that their island is home to 365 churches — one for each day of the year. However, Panagia Paraportiani is by far the most famous. Sitting in central Chora, this somber white-washed church dates back to the Byzantine era and features a variety of religious decorations dating back to the Middle Ages. From its main entrance, you'll have spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. You don't have to pay to visit Paraportiani Church. This is an active house of worship, so remember to be respectful when exploring.

Paradise Beach

Ano Mera

Sitting in the heart of Mykonos about 4 miles east of Chora is the island's only other real town. But because it lacks the sea view, Ano Mera isn't as crowded as other parts of Mykonos; and many say you should only visit if you're passionate about religious history (the town is home to the island's two monasteries). The 18th century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani — located southeast of town — is renowned for its intricate marble carvings and massive Italian baroque altar screen. Head half a mile farther southeast past Panagia Tourliani and you'll find what's left of the 12th century Monastery of Paleokastro, which is now one of the most verdant spots on the island.

Delos

Most agree that, if you have the time, a day trip to the nearby island of Delos is a must. This little island was once the religious and political center of the Cyclades; Greek legend has it that this was the birthplace of Apollo (the god of music and light) and Artemis (the goddess of the wilderness, animals and the hunt). Because of its mythological significance, the ancient Ionians declared Delos their religious capital while a few centuries later, the Athenians set up a treasury here. However, after a Roman attack in 88 B.C. and numerous pirate attacks in the decades following, Delos was eventually abandoned. It wasn't until the end of the 19th century — when the French School of Archaeology began to excavate — that Delos' rich history was finally uncovered. Today, you can wander about the ancient ruins of once-monumental structures like the Propylaea (formerly a grand marble archway) and the Sanctuary of Apollo. Travel experts say you should make some time to hike up the rocky Mount Kythnos (just southwest of the harbor) for excellent views of the surrounding islands. You can also find many of the artifacts recovered from Delos at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. Delos is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, and hours vary depending on the season. Ferries to the island leave Chora regularly starting around 10 a.m. There is no entry fee, but you will need to pay for the ferry ride there and back.

ATHENS – GREECE

The Acropolis Museum

Temple of Hephaestus - This ancient Greek temple, located on the Acropolis and dedicated to Hephaistos, god of the forge, is one of the few temples to be almost entirely preserved.

Erechtheion -  The second largest temple on the Acropolis has a complex and unique structure, including its famous Porch of the Caraytis with statues of six graceful maidens on the south side and a four-pillared porch with six Ionic columns on the north side

Museum of Cycladic Art -  The Museum of Cycladic Art is a private living cultural institution in the heart of Athens. More than 3.000 objects of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art (dating from the 5th millennium BC to the 6th century AD) are displayed in the galleries of the four floors of the Museum of Cycladic Art.

Parthenon- The majestic ruins of an ancient Greek building, known for its dignified white marble columns and perfect sense of proportion.

Akropolis/  Acropolis - The most famous site in all of Athens, this large hill lies in the center of the city and contains a cluster of ancient ruins.

National Archeological Museum / Ethniko Archaiologiko Museo – One of the most important museums in the world. A museum featuring the art and artifacts of the Minoans, an ancient tribe of people who once dominated the Aegean Sea.

Ordeum of Herodes Atticus (Odeion / Irodion) - Second-century theater built into the hillside.

Anafiotika - Anafiotika is the upper part of the Plaka area. It consists of small, old houses that have remained untouched by time. You get the feeling that you are in one of the Aegean islands.

Planathenic Stadium / Panathinaiko Stadio - t he Old Olympic Stadium in Athens Greece, built of granite in late 19th century on the site of ancient Athens from the 4th Century; hosted the first modern games in1896.

Temple of Athena  Nike - The earliest Ionic building on the Acropolis, this small temple of the goddess of victory depicts assemblies of the gods and Greek battles against the Barbarians and the Boeotians. 

Temple of Olympia Zeus - The Temple of Olympian Zeus is walking distance from the Plaka and the Parliament building, so you should definitely stop by if you're in the area. The entrance fee is included in the package for the Acropolis and a few other sites.

ISTAMBUL – TURKEY

-       Suleymaniye Mosque

Mimar Sinan Cd, Suleymaniye Mh, Istanbul, Turkey

 Famed architect Sinan built this majestic structure for one of the greatest rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Although this mosque is less ornate, there are many similarities between it and the Hagia Sophia since the same architect was responsible for both.

-       * Topkapi Palace - Topkapı Palace was the main residence of the sultan and his court.It was initially the seat of goverments as well as the imperial residence.Even though access was strictly regulated,inhabitans of the place rarely had to venture out since the palace functioned almost as an autonomous entity,a city within a city.Audience and consultation chmabers and areas served for the political workings of the empire.

-       * Blue Mosque / SultanAhmet Mosque" - Built between 1609-1616, this impressive six minaret complex has some of the most beautiful architecture. The principal Mosque in Islam is in Mecca.  It had 6 minarets, but when the Blue Mosque, named for blue tiles on its pillars, was constructed, a seventh minaret was added to the Mecca Mosque, according to the tour guide.

-       Hagia Sophia /  AyaSofya- This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century.

-       * Rustem Pasha Mosque -  One of the smaller mosques in the city, it was built by Rustem Pasa in 1561 and is noted for the very fine tiles covering the interior and exterior walls.

-       Kariye Museum - The Chora Church (Turkish Kariye Müzesi, Camii yahut Kilisesi — variously the Chora Museum, Mosque or Church) is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. The church is situated in the western, Erdinekapı district of İstanbul. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottomon rulers, and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with fine mosaics and frescoes.

-       Basilica Cistern -(Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayı - "Sunken Palace", or Yerebatan Sarnıcı - "Sunken Cistern") is located in opposite of Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque). it's a nice, mysterious place, in which you feel, you are in old epochs. It is an amazing Roman building made 532 AD. There are lots of columns. There are different column heads because romans recycled that columns from Pagan temples. 

-       Bosphorus Strait (boat ride) ps. House Café, amazing views.

-       Mihrimah Sultan Mosque - Noted for its interesting construction and exceptionally high dome, this mosque was built in 1557 for the daughter of a Sultan.

-       Grand Baazar

-       Turkish Bath

-       Galata Tower

-       Spice Market

Ephesus – Turkey

Ephesus was a centre of travel and commerce with its one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. The great port created a big city with over 250,000 inhabitants in Ephesus during the Roman time. There were three major roads from the Ephesus seaport; one road went south to the Meander Valley, another east towards Babylon via Laodicea and a third to the north via Smyrna. Because of the excellent port in Ephesus, the early Ionian colonists from Athens chose there as a trade-link city for transporting goods from the west to the Asian interior. Important items of trade around the Mediterranean were olive oil, animals, glass, stone such as marble, tiles etc, wine, grain, pottery vessels, metals such as iron, copper, lead, gold, tin etc and slaves.

The port of Ephesus has silted up over the years and Ephesus is now about 6 miles inland from the coast. The area around Ephesus and harbor turned into a swamp. Mosquitoes increased more and more. A series of malaria epidemics decimated the population and the Ephesians abandoned the city almost in one hundred years. Earthquakes destroyed come part of Ephesus but the unhealthful conditions actually preserved the structures since nobody even wanted to come in and haul off the stones to build other cities. Instead of settling in Ephesus again, they found new port city for themselves and they called there “scala nuova” means new port. Life is still going on in Scala Nuova and it is one of the most popular Mediterranean ports in modern day and called as Kusadasi. Every day in summer cruise ships dock to Kusadasi portand many cruise guests love to visit old port city Ephesus which is inland.

The port of Ephesus is at the end of the Arcadian Street (Harbor Street) which is in front of the Grand Theatre in Ephesus and waiting for excavations.

Ephesus; Ancient Greek city of Asia Minor, near the mouth of the Menderes River, in what is today West Turkey, South of Smyrna (now Izmir). One of the greatest of the Ionian cities, it became the leading seaport of the region. Its wealth was proverbial. The Greek city was near an old center of worship of a native nature goddess, who was equated with the Greek Artemis, and c.550 B.C. a large temple was built. To this Croesus, who captured the city, contributed

When Lydians attacked their cities, Ephesians defended themselves by tying a rope from The Temple of Artemis.But it was not a good way to defend a city. Croesus of Lydia captured it easily however he did not destroy. The city reached the "Golden Age" and became a good model to the Antic World in culture and art, as well. Building of the Artemission was going on.Croesus had a great respect to Artemis and he donated 36 columns with sculptures in relief. Some parts of these sculptures are in the British Museumtoday. From Lydian control Ephesus passed to the Persian Empire. The temple was burned down in the 4th cent. B.C., but rebuilding was begun before Alexander the Great took Ephesus in 334. The city continued to thrive during the wars of his successors, and after it passed (133) to the Romans it kept its hegemony and was the leading city of the province of Asia. The great temple of Artemis, or Artemis, called by the Romans the temple of Diana, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From c.100 B.C. to c. A.D. 100 Ephesus was the world capital of the slave trade. The city was sacked by the Goths in A.D. 262, and the temple was destroyed. The seat of a church council in 431, Ephesus was abandoned after the harbor silted up. Excavations (1869-74) of the ruins of the temple brought to light many artifacts. Later excavations uncovered important Roman and Byzantine remains.  Quoted from The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001. In a Christian version of a widespread story, martyrs immured in a cave near Ephesus during the persecutions by Decius (c.250). Long afterward, in the 5th cent., they awoke (as from sleep) and were taken before Theodosius II, Roman emperor of the east. Their story reassured the emperor, who had been wavering in his faith. The youths returned to their cave, to sleep again until Judgment. The story, thought to be of Syrian origin, was popularized by Gregory of Tours. Feast: July 27

-       The House of Mary

House of Virgin Mary is located on the top of the "Bulbul" mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus, the shrine ofVirgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Mary preferred this remote place rather than living in crowded place.

The house of Virgin Mary is a typical Roman architectural example, entirely made of stones. In the 4th century AD, a church, combining her house and grave, has been built. The original two-stored house, which consisted of an anteroom (where today candles are proposed), bedroom and praying room (Christian church area) and a room with fireplace (chapel for Muslims). A front kitchen fell into ruins and has been restored in 1940's. Today, only the central part and a room on the right of the altar are open to visitors. From there one can understand that this building looks more like a church than a house. Another interesting place is the "Water of Mary", a source to be found at the exit of the church area and where a rather salt water, with curative properties, can be drunk by all.

Paul VI was the first pope to visit this place in the 1960's. Later, in the 1980's, during his visit, Pope John-Paul II declared the Shrine of Virgin Mary has a pilgrimage place for Christians. It is also visited by Muslims who recognize Mary as the mother of one of their prophets. Every year, on August 15th a ceremony is organized to commemorate Mary's Assumption.

-       Basilica of Saint John It is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after the death of St. John, a small chapel was constructed over the grave in the 4th century. The church of St Johnwas changed into a marvelous basilica during the region of Emperor Justinian (527 -565 AD).

St John or the Apostle John was the writer of the Fourth Gospel and the book of Revelation. The accounts of the Gospels agree that he is the son of Zebedee; together with his brother James, began to follow Jesus while fishing in the Lake Galilee. He became one of the Christ’s closest disciples and was with him on various significant events such as the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion. At his writings when Jesus was on his torture stake he said that : ‘Mother, this is your Son’. And to his beloved disciple, ‘this is Your Mother’(John 19:26-27).The beloved disciple is thought to have been St John.

The second half of the first century was full of persecution for the early Christians.Apostle James and Stephen were killed in Jerusalem.Paul was sent to Rome and executed. According to tradition John took The Mother Mary and came to Ephesus.He wrote his Gospel in Ephesus and the Revelation in Greece Island, Patmos in 96AD.  

The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. Its construction, being of stone and brick, is an extremely rare find amongst the architecture of its time. Raised by two steps and covered with marble, the tomb of St John was under the central dome, that was once carried by the four columns at the corners. The columns in the courtyard reveals the monograms of Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora. Constructed in the 5th century AD, the baptistery is north of the nave, with its key hole shape. Rampart walls around the church were constructed for protection from the Arabian attracts in the 7th - 8th centuries AD. The impressive 10th century AD frescoes representing St John, Jesus and a Saint, ornament the chapel. With the invasion of Turks, the chapel was used as a mosque in the 14th century; unfortunately Basilica of Saint John became unusable due to the serious earthquake in the same century.

-       Temple of Artemis

The temple of Artemis is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It has been built in the areas of Ephesus on a flat area which has over the centuries turned into a swamp. If you visit Ephesus today, you can only see the ruins of the foundations of this marvelous construction of the Hellenistic Age, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns' capitals and shafts. The most beautiful remaining of this temple are today exhibited in the London British Museum.

The oldest remaining found date back till the 6th century BC. It was surrounded by 36 huge columns, later enlarged upon the orders of the Lydia King, Kreisos, during the 6th century BC. Most of the exhibits in the London British Museum belong to this period.

The new Artemis has been rebuilt in the 2nd century BC. Located on top of the previous one, it had tremendous dimensions: 127 columns of each 17,5 meters high. Unfortunately this one has also been destroyed by fire, reconstructed and again demolished by earthquakes, rebuilt and at last looted by Goths one year later.

The statue of many-breasted Artemis was the symbol of the temple but also of abundance, hunting and wild life. The genuine statue of Artemis, removed during the fire, is today exhibited in the Selcuk Museum. Many copies of this statue found during the latest excavations date back from the Roman period.

Mythological Info

Artemis was also called Cynthia, from her birth place, Mount Cynthus in Delos. She was Apollo's twin sister, daughter of Zeus and Leto. She was one of the three maiden goddesses of Olympus: the pure maiden Vesta, gray-eyed Athena who cares but for war and the arts of the craftsmen, and Artemis, lover of woods and the wild chase over the mountain.
She was the Lady of Wild Things, Huntsman-in-chief to the gods, an odd office for a woman. As a huntress her favorite animal was the stag, because its swiftness gave the best opportunity for her method of capture, which was by her silver bow and arrows and speed of foot.

As Phoebus was the Sun, she was the Moon called Phoebe and Selene (Luna) representing the evening and night, carrying a torch, and clad in long heavy robes, with a veil covering the back of her head. Neither name originally belonged to her.

Phoebe was a Titan, one of the older gods. So too was Selene, a moon-goddess, indeed, but not connected with Apollo. She was the sister of Helios, the sun-god with whom Apollo was confused.

She was worshipped in Athens, Corinth, and Thebes as goddess of strict upbringing, of good fame, of upright mind, and of sensibility in the affairs of ordinary life. She chased and fired her arrows at all wild and unchecked creatures and actions.

In the later poets, Artemis is identified with Hecate. She is "the goddess with three forms", Selene in the sky, Artemis on earth, Hecate in the lower world and in the world above when it is wrapped in darkness. Hecate was the Goddess of the dark of the Moon, the black nights when the moon is hidden. She was associated with deeds of darkness, the Goddess of the Crossways, which were held to be ghostly places of evil magic.

Footnotes: 
At Ephesus, where her great temple was one of the seven wonders of the world, Artemis was represented with a mural crown, with a disc behind the crown; on her breast, a garland of flowers, as a sign of her influence in spring time. Lions cling to her arms; as mother of wild beasts, she has many breasts; her legs are closely bandaged and ornamented with figures of bulls, stags, lions, and griffins; at the sides are flowers and bees. This figures may have resembled the original image of the goddess which had fallen from heaven.

Selene, (Luna) is represented as riding on a mule or a horse; on the pediment of the Parthenon it is a horse.

VENICE – ITALIA

1.       San Marco Square - Standing in the middle of the magnificent piazza San Marco is an experience in itself: Napoleon referred to it as the ‘drawing room of Europe’, apt today as, at times, it appears that much of Europe’s population is crammed into this great square. But it's St Mark’s basilica (Basilica di San Marco), often seen as the living testimony of Venice’s links with Byzantium; Doge’s Palace, once Venice's political and judicial hub; and Torre dell’Orologio, a clock tower built between 1496 and 1506, that are, not just the square's, but some of the city's main attractions.

2.       Gondola Ride

3.        Rialto Bridge

4.       Bridge of Sighs

5.       San Giorgio Maggiore

6.       Take a boat around the Grand Canal – water taxi

7.       Murano, Burano, Torcello Island, 20 Euros per person / 3.5 Hours

Description

Venice three-Island boat tours departs at either 9.30 a.m. or 2.30 pm daily during summer (2.00pm only during winter). These excursions depart from San Marco in the centre of Venice to the three islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Murano is the most famous of the Venetian Islands, and the most visited courtesy of the famous glass-works that produce the popular "Murano Glass". The people of Venice have been making crystal and glass since the 10th Century, when the Venetian merchants brought back the secrets of production from the East. During the three-island boat tours from Venice visit a celebrated Murano glass factory and see a glass-blowing demonstration
The Island of Burano is the most picturesque of Venetian Islands of the Lagoon. Famous for its lace-making industry, the pretty fishing village has its streets and canals lined by pastel coloured houses and is our second stop on three-island boat tours from Venice
Once the commercial capital of Venice, nowadays Torcello boasts a population of only 60 people. Deserted, the island boasts the Venetian-Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta founded in the 7th Century was Venice 's first cathedral. These Venice boat tours are operated by the Serenissima company, and it's a large multi-lingual group tour, and you will have approximately 35 - 40 minutes on each island as part of a 3.5 hour tour

Meeting Point

Tour departs from Riva degli Schiavoni, near the Hotel Danieli. Directions from Saint Mark's Square: walk towards the waterfront, after the two high colums turn left, cross over a small bridge called "Ponte della Paglia", and the dock is located on the left in front of the Hotel Danieli. You will find a small Yellow Wooden stand where you will need to present your voucher. NB : The Boat departs at the exact specified time it is highly recommended to arrive 10 minutes prior to start of the tour - It is compulsory to bring your voucher

MILAN

-       The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in the church of Santa Maria della Grazie is arguably the greatest painting of the Renaissance, capturing the dramatic moment at which Jesus reveals one of his disciples will betray him. It's so realistic that you can imagine the shock, amazement and hostility of the religious followers. The work is testament to a troubled history. Paint started peeling away in Renaissance times, when the wall was used for target practice. In the 19th century it was a backdrop to the French invasion and nearly got destroyed in the Second World War. It's a miracle that it has survived. But thanks to a restoration the fresco can now be seen in full colour. Make sure that you reserve a timed, 15-minute slot in which to visit the masterpiece.

-       The Duomo of Milan is an amazing sight. Stretching up high above the piazza del Duomo, it's the third largest church in Christendom. A staggering 3,500 statues and 135 spires adorn the marble structure, which has a Baroque and neo-Gothic façade, as well as five bronze doors carved by different artists. It's no wonder that it took 500 years to complete and building work continues today. To appreciate this beautiful cathedral in all its glory, take the lift to the roof, from where you to get a breathtaking view of the Alps on a clear day.

LUCERNE

 

Culture and Convention center (right pic):
Europaplatz 1, 6005 Luzern, Suíça  +41 41 226 70 70 – Unites a large auditorium, the convention centre and art musem under its imposing roof.

Swiss Museum of Transport:  

Lidostrasse 5, 6006 Luzern, Suíça +41 41 370 44 44 – One of the most diverse museums in Europe for transport and communications, and the most frequent museum in Switzerland. Has its own IMAX cinema on site.

 http://www.zsg.ch/en/ Boat Trip

Lake Lucerne – the scenic beauty of the lake can be discovered on the many different cruises offered by paddle wheel steamers and motor vessels.

Mt. Rigi  http://www.culturevixen.com/2013/02/mount-rigi-a-day-in-the-clouds/

 

Rigi-Bahnen AG 
Bahnhofstrasse 7 
6354 Vitznau 

A breathtaking panoramic view across the Alps, of 13 lakes and over the entire Swiss Mittelland through to Germany and France can be enjoyed from the summit of the Rigi. The two cog railways from Vitznau (Europe’s first cog railway back in 1871) and Goldau, together with the panorama cable car from Weggis, make the journey up the mountain alone a truly unforgettable experience

Mt. Pilatus

 

Bahnhofstrasse, Lucerne

The Old Town

 

Chapel Bridge: One of Europe’s oldest wooden bridges and landmark of Lucerne. Faithfullly restored to its original design after a serious fire.

Zürich 
Enjoy the pretty old town, the trendy new Zurich-West district and the glorious lake. With opera, ballet, theater premieres, shows, musicals, art exhibitions in over 50 museums and 100 galleries, time never drags in Zurich. The famous Bahnhofstrasse and the Limmatquai are a shopper's paradise. Over 1,700 restaurants and bars serve both traditional Zurich and Swiss dishes as well as exotic specialties. The evenings will leave you spoilt for choice: indoors or outdoors, anything is possible as far as the nightlife in Zurich goes. 

 

To Eat:

Uetliberg

BAHNHOFSTRASSE 28 A
BEIM PARADEPLATZ
CH-8004 ZÜRICH

PARIS- FRANCE

Eiffel Tour

Catedral Notre Dame

Opera Garnier

Champs Elysees

Grand Palias e Pont Alexandre III

Montmartre Sacre Couer

Pantheon

Jardim de Luxemburg

Jardim de Tuilerie

Louvre

Musei D’orsey

George Pompidou

Museu Rodin

Galeria Lafayette

Place des Voges

Versailles

Morais – Neighborhood