Belvilla CityTrips

Compared to other metropolises, Amsterdam is only a small city; however, it offers all the advantages of any metropolis. Here, you find a variety of historic places of interest, such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Art and History, and the world-famous Van Gogh Museum. Your children will love Amsterdam as well; especially Artis Zoo and the Vondel Park, both located in the very heart of Amsterdam.

Barcelona borders the Mediterranean Sea and has lengthy sandy beaches; north of the city is a mountain range with mountains over a thousand meters high. Tourists will have a hard time planning their tour: will they wander the old city alleyways first? Or go straight to the famous esplanade called the ‘Ramblas’? Whichever you choose, make sure to visit the ‘Sagrada Familia’ – the famous edifice built by Gaudí, which is indisputably the city’s number one object of interest.

If there is one thing that distinguishes Berlin, it is its constant change. One of the most important changes was the fall of the Berlin wall in the night of 9 to 10 November 1989, a historic event with world-wide impact. Berlins turbulent history contributed to its current character: An extraordinary city full of culture, boutiques, architectural masterpieces and entertainment. The ‘Gate to the East’ is worth a visit any day of the year!

Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe; in the year 2000, the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Between the meandering alleyways and the romantic canals, you will find many museums, excellent restaurants, trendy lunch spots, and cosy cafés. All year round, the Bruges air is tinged with the scent of chocolate, and the countless creative confectioners conjure up kilos and kilos of delicious chocolates!

Not only is this bilingual metropolis the pulsating capital of Belgium, it is also the capital of the European Union, offering beautiful lanes, triumphal arches and monumental palaces. Take a stroll around one of the most beautiful marketplaces in the world, the Grand Place, or visit the 102 metres high Atomium. While Brussels is a well-known centre of arts, culture, shopping and business, it is also the capital of comics and Jugendstil, and attracts night clubbers as well as lovers of culinary delights.

The fascinating capital of Hungary is famous for its magnificent location, its outstanding architecture and its unique cultural scene. Budapest is love at first sight for most of its visitors! Like a broad, silver ribbon, the Danube river flows through the city, separating mountainous Buda from flat Pest. The capital accommodates two million inhabitants and has a rich history and an unparalleled cultural heritage. To date, it still retains the charm and grandeur of old.

Boasting seventy museums, the city of Florence is of great cultural importance. The most highly recommended include the Cathedral Museum, the Medici Chapel, the Bardini Museum and the Archaeological Museum. Florence is the former capital of Italy, and both then and now, the heart of Florence beats between the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza Della Signoria.The historic city centre of Florence is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites.

London – City on the Thames. London is well-known for its historic buildings, museums, shops, theatres and, above all, its nightlife. Make sure to visit the National Gallery, the famous Madame Tussauds, the oldest church in the city: Westminster Abbey, and, of course, the Big Ben. New attractions include the Tate Modern and a round trip on the London Eye: from a height of 135 metres, you will enjoy a superb view across the City on the Thames!

Although Lisbon’s cultural heritage alone justifies a visit to this multifaceted city, there are a few things you should definitely include in your Lisbon experience. The Park of Nations with its many bars, cafés, tall shopping mall, and the largest Oceanarium of Europe. The many ''miradouros'', or panorama points, which provide a meeting place for locals and youngsters. And the best views of the city, provided by the Castelo de São Jorge on the Burg mountain!

'From Madrid to heaven...' ... that is how the inhabitants of Madrid, the capital of Spain since 1562, describe their city. Madrid is a monumental city, and the highlights of a visit should definitely include the medieval city centre and the magnificent Art Museum ‘El Prado’. Madrid is also distinctly a lively city, with fashion shows, concert cafés, discotheques, and a nightlife that never stops. Don’t be surprised to come across a traffic jam at four in the morning!

Paris, the city of love and fashion! First and foremost, Paris is interesting because of its broad range of cultural sights. Make sure to visit the city’s many places of interest, including the Eiffel tower, the Notre Dame, the Sacré Coeur and the Bastille – each with its own history and its own particular charm. Especially interesting is the Louvre Museum, with the famous painting, the ‘Mona Lisa’ by Leonardo Da Vinci!

Prague offers its visitors concert halls, museums, scenic beauty, entertainment and relaxation. Walk across the Charles Bridge, visit the magnificent zoo, stroll around the old town or shop ‘til you drop in one of the modern shopping centers; many of them are opened practically non-stop! Then make sure to discover the dynamic and relatively cheap Prague nightlife in one of the many restaurants, bars and theaters!

In Rome – the city of eternity – one Piazza is even more beautiful than the next, and each monument as important from a historical point of view. Piazza di Spagna, Fontana di Trevi, the Vatican, Forum Romanum… Over 2700 years ago, Rome was built on seven hills. Today, the city on the Tiber is as fascinating as ever. Tourists and religious believers from all over the world flock to the ancient city. And when in Rome, do as the Romans do: immerse yourself in ‘La Dolce Vita’!

Thanks to the unique architecture of this ‘island colony’, the UNESCO put Venice on its list of world heritage sites in 1987. The city has a special atmosphere, especially during the autumn and winter months, when the canals are shrouded in a foggy veil; turning a Venice trip into a misty and mystic adventure. Quite the opposite of the hustle and bustle during the ‘Carnevale’, when the city is immersed into a sea of colours and fantasy figures. Don’t miss it!

There are a few things you must be sure not to miss during your visit to Vienna.We especially recommend you visit the Hofburg, the Sisi Museum, the 850 years old St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Museum Quarter. If you can manage the 343 steps, be sure to mount the Southern Tower: The view is worth it! After the descent you can relax at one of the hundreds of "Kaffeehäuser", serving coffee made according to Viennese tradition, and of course the famous chocolate cake!