14D-21D Europe trip

[ExBros]

Been 3 years and the wanderlust bug is back.

Any interest or suggestions on where to go?

[TheGG]

Originally Posted by ExBros

Been 3 years and the wanderlust bug is back.

Any interest or suggestions on where to go?

Was the first trip a success?

[peanodood1337]

Originally Posted by ExBros

City of the ‘Gay Paree’– PARIS.

• Paris guided tour: to see the Arc De Triomphe, Place de La Concorde, Garnier Opera House, Champs Elysees, La Invalides and Louvre Museum. Go atop the famous Eiffel Tower, for panoramic views of Paris.

Don't bother going up the Eiffel. Too darned crowded at all times. Kills the ambience. Go to the Sacré-Cœur, all the way up Montmartre instead. You'll get just as good a panoramic view of the city. Plus you can tick off one of the most beautiful Basilicas in Paris from your list (the other is Notre-Dame). And hey if you're in Montmartre, you can swing by Moulin Rouge.

Ditto for the Louvre. Too bloody packed. You can consider Musée d'Orsay instead.

Oh if you are going to Palais Garnier Opera, Galeries Lafayette is just a stone's throw away. Beautiful architecture, and a good view of the city center from the top floor terrace. But resist the temptation to shop for bags/accessories there. Since you're in Paris, might as well visit the brands' main branches instead.

Speaking of which, there's nothing much in Champs-Élysées other than shops. Its the equivalent of walking down Orchard Road.

If you're only gonna be in Paris for a short time, consider taking the Seine river tour. You'll get to see many famous landmarks from the comfort of a romantic boat ride. Its a shame though, that the city officials removed all the "love locks" from Pont des Arts bridge in 2015. (Maybe that's why my marriage failed - our lock got removed )

Dining options are a plenty if you're willing to spend decent bucks. Lots of Michelin stars there - go google. But if you're on a budget, go explore. Walk around, get lost, fall in love with the city. Eventually, you'll come across some quaint little cafe where you can have a nice cuppa Chocolat on a cold winter's evening.

Paris is my favorite European City. Would go back there someday before I die I'm sure your companion would be delighted to be there with you (especially if its her first time).

Ladies, this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime proposition by Exbros. His offer - if legit - is probably the best I've seen around these parts. Take a chance and live a little ya?

Good luck with your search bro

PS. Have you considered adding Vienna or Prague into your itinerary?

PSS. Keep your wallets in your front pockets. Put some money in your socks. Be skeptical of anyone approaching you. Always be on your guard against swindlers. DON'T GET HOOKED ON THE STREET PERFORMANCES - many of those are run by pickpocket gangs. They draw your attention in, while their light-fingered friends go to work on the enchanted crowd.

[ExBros]

Tks for suggestions.

Totally agreed and travel advice 1st hand. This is what happened on previous trip:

An elderly lady who keeps her wallet in her back pack had it removed. Another had it slashed open w penknife and removed

One lady unzipped handbag to powder face at MacDonalds had a Macs staff cleaning windows squirt glass cleaner in the air above her face. She opened bag to grab a tissue and seconds later had no wallet to settle Macs bill.

Claims she lost S$5K and USD5K. Poor thing as it was 1st day of 15day trip