Allyson Klein

I will be traveling with my mom to London, Paris, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, and Rome in September. Does anyone have suggestions on things not to miss? Any unforgetable sights that are off the beaten track? Restaurants that you still think about now that you are back? <BR> <BR>Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Rebecca

Do An Orignial London Walk walking tour. We did the Jack The Ripper one and it was very interesting and fun. I loved the tower of London. <BR> <BR>In Paris, do the Effiel Tower at night.

jennifer

Allyson - Go eat at Le Rouge Et Blanc at 16 Place Dauphine, on the Ile de la Cite. Wonderful food, tiny little place run by a mother and her son. In fact, we liked it so much, we ate there TWO times while we were in Paris! The Sacre Coeur has the most stunning view of Paris, as long as the weather is clear. A very interesting and moving place to see while there is also on the Ile de la Cite and the end behind the Notre Dame Cathedral. It's called the Crypte Memorial (de la Deportation). It's a holocaust type memorial underground. Very beautiful. And don't forget the Jardin du Luxembourg for some quiet time. Jennifer.

anna

Don't miss the Crown Jewels in London. Absolutely stunning. BTW, the ladies restroom behind the jewel house was named "Loo of the Year" by the British Tourist Authority, three years running. My daughter thought that was a scream. A photo of the certificate on the wall graces our album and evokes fond memories of our trip to the Tower.

anne

Some favorites: in Florence - a couple of restaurants- Trattoria Cibreo - a tiny little place that shares a kitchen with the justly famous Cibreo restaurant. You enjoy the same superb food - traditional Tuscan cuisine, but at bargain prices. There are only 3 or 4 tables, and you sit wherever they put you. We shared a table with couples from Italy, Argentina, and Australia and enjoyed stimulating conversation along with the delicious meal. Also loved Hosteria dei Pazzi on Via Verdi and Via dei Lavatoi - just happened upon this one and thoroughly enjoyed the offerings of the day and the congenial singing owner. The gnocchi a la gorgonzola - just the memory makes my mouth water!! <BR> <BR>Just back from Paris, and our favorite meal there was at L'O de la Bouche, on Boulevard Montparnasse. Everything we tasted was fantastic. The best deals are the daily specials. Lovely decor, the nicest waiters. I loved the duck breast with peaches, and the first course of mini-ravioli filled with 4 cheeses and garnished with fresh basil was scrumptious. <BR>Have a great trip!!

anne

Me again - thought you'd like to know about a couple of out-of-the-way spots we enjoyed in Paris. The Viaduct des Arts, from 9-129 Ave. Daumesnil, in the 12th arrondissement is fascinating. Craftmen's ateliers have been built under the arches of the old railroad viaduct - a mile of outstanding workmanship under the brick arches - from glass, wood, laces, porcelain, to paper, musical intruments. It's like a living museum of the painstaking intricate work of the craftspeople. Some lovely things for sale also. <BR>And Rue Jacob, off St Germaine - the whole cobblestoned street is one art gallery, antique shop, fabric and design boutique after another. And lovely little hidden courtyards contain beautiful shops as well. <BR>Enjoy!

Kimberley

London - <BR>British Imperial War Museum - with Guns once mounted on a British Battleship that participated in D-Day to the simulated WW1 trench experience and simulated Blitz experience - this museum is one that will move you. If you are not a war buff, you may find it less than compelling. <BR> <BR>Cabinet War Rooms - Churchill "ran" his governmant and the War from these underground bunkers. The are about a block away from the Parliament houses. YOu needn't be a war buff - just being in the chambers once occupied by one of this centruies greatest figures is overwhelming. <BR> <BR>British Museum - probably the one that should not be missed. Home of the Rosetta Stone (uncovered by Napoleon & became the key to translating Eqyptian Heiroglyphs and understanding ancient Eqyptian culture) and The Marbles (once on top of the parthenon in Athens, almost destroyed in raids with Ottoman Empire - the were taken to Britain & Greece has been trying to get them back ever since.) <BR> <BR>Have a cider and good luck standing after a pint! <BR> <BR>Paris <BR>Versailles (just outside Paris on a RER route) - do not even think about missing this. You'll need most of a day. <BR> <BR>Louvre - filled with masterpieces (Napoleon's campaigns yeilded most of its treasures.) Everybody knows that this is the home of Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo but do yourself a favour and stop to look at the works of David (Coronation of Napoleon), Gericault (Raft of Medusa), et al. All you'll see of Mona is tourists blatently ignoring the DO NOT USE A FLASH signs and six inches of protective glass. GO on a Wednesday after 3:00 as it is less crowded and open until 9pm. <BR> <BR>Buy a Carte Musee - good for 1, 3, 5 days it gives the holder unlimited access to almost all of Paris' museums & monuments (NOT the Eiffel Tower). It also allows you to skip the LONG lineups (and believe me they can be long). <BR> <BR>Musee Orangerie - across from Place de la Concorde - home of Monet's famous Waterlillies (8 of them) <BR> <BR>Rodin Museum - home of The Kiss & The Thinker <BR> <BR>Musee d'Orssay - Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Sissely, - the impressionist/post impressionist era. <BR> <BR>Les Invalides - Napoleons tomb is in the black & gold gilded some featured in so many famous pictures. <BR> <BR>Sainte Chappelle - on Isle de la Cite accross from Notre Dame - BEAUTIFUL, BEAULTIFUL - be sure to go up the very tight stairs to the upper chappel. <BR> <BR>Walk. Sit at cafe's and seek to do that which CANNOT be found, done, eaten, experienced at home. For example - for FREE, CLEAN washrooms and free paper napkins visit McDonald's but try to avoid eating there) <BR> <BR>Cinque Terra <BR> <BR>There is a day-long walk that we started at the most southern of the five villages and wound its way through vineyards, slightly heavy bush at times, marinas, beaches, small hills, small mountains, and ultimately ended at the most northern city (Monterrosa?). We did not have a map - it was one of those word-of-mouth sort of things. If memory serves the start was to the left of the train station. Regardless - go to where the locals sit on the rocks and swim & tan and you will see a path that runs along the side of the hills to the north. The hike took us a day. I seem to recall plenty of "proceed at own risk", "do not go beyond this point", etc. We did anyway. Some degree of stamina required as it could be hot and there are some obstacles. At times you will loose site of the path but if you keep along the coastline you will eventually keep hooking up with it. I recall nothing dangerous. I took a whole role of the most stunning coastline and village shots one can imagine. Carry water and wear proper running shoes! <BR> <BR>When you get to the end have a gelato. You may never want to eat any other form of ice cream! <BR> <BR>Have Fun! <BR>

keith allen chaplin

If this is your first trip to these cities, I would <BR>do some research beforehand and when I arrived I would set out on my own. All of the places that you <BR>are going are great walking cities. For instance, If <BR>you are staying in London proper, you could see all <BR>of the tourist attractions in one or two days. While <BR>in Paris, visit the Georges Pompidou. This is a great place to people watch. Also, near the Pompidou <BR>center is a great restaurant Cafe bourburg. Of course, you want to do all of the touristy things in <BR>Paris as well. As I stated earlier, do research on all of the places you plan to visit. You can't lose that way. Have a great trip!!!!