Treasure of Italy - Valerie Oyler

About the destination: Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that consistently enchants visitors with its captivating canals, historic architecture, and lively culture. This stunning city has something for everyone, from art enthusiasts and history aficionados to food connoisseurs and party animals. One of the most emblematic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a boat tour or saunter along the canals to appreciate the scenic bridges and vibrant houseboats that line the waterways. The city also hosts many globally recognized museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which boasts an extensive collection of Dutch art and artifacts. For those seeking some retail therapy, Amsterdam offers a plethora of options. The city's primary shopping district is centered around Dam Square, where you can find everything from luxury fashion to eccentric boutiques. When it comes to food, Amsterdam is a gastronome's dream. From traditional Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from every corner of the world, there's something to satisfy every palate. As the sun sets, Amsterdam comes to life with a vibrant nightlife. Venture to the infamous Red Light District for a glimpse of the city's more daring offerings, or visit one of the many bars and clubs scattered throughout the city's streets. Regardless of your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable experiences.

About the destination: From its awe-inspiring medieval heart to its 21st-century shrine to Surrealism, the new Magritte Museum, Brussels provides visitors with much more than just beer and chocolate, defying its unfortunate dull reputation as the home of EU bureaucrats. In fact, Brussels is a vibrant, innovative city. Its compact city center is filled with bars, restaurants, and museums lining cobblestone streets. Unsurprisingly, most tourists flock to the Grand-Place. With its elaborate Flemish guild houses, imposing Town Hall, and lively ambiance, it would be hard to find a more stunning square in all of Europe. It rightfully holds a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the city’s crowning glory. Venture next to the nearby Royal and Sablon districts, bustling with art galleries and antique shops. Ditch your map and wander down countless side streets, uncovering flea markets, art-deco houses, and boutique shops. The Bruxellois take pride in their modest, intellectual sense of humor, underlined by a deep appreciation for the absurd. The city has a longstanding romance with the Surrealist art movement, led by René Magritte, and with classic comic strips, embodied by Hergé's boy hero, Tintin. There's a poignant irony in the fact that the city's most famous landmark is the Manneken-Pis, a small statue of a urinating boy. Meanwhile, all of this coexists with world-class art collections, exquisite cuisine including mussels, fries, waffles and whelks, some of Europe’s finest and unique beers (literally, there are thousands of varieties), and master chocolatiers. The city’s cultural calendar is filled with events for everyone, from the massive, boisterous Foire du Midi street fair every July brimming with stalls and fairground attractions to the legendary Christmas Market that takes center stage in the Place Sainte Catherine with 240 stalls, a skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and numerous rides. One of the biggest events is Art Brussels, showcasing the city’s edgier, creative side and a hub for art connoisseurs from around the world. If you’re a Euro-loving national, check out the European Quarter, centered around Schuman and the Berlaymont. Its most vibrant part is the Place du Luxembourg: all its bars fill up around 6pm on weekdays with some of the 20,000 diplomats, politicians, and civil servants who live in the city after Brussels became the center of international politics following WWII. Open your eyes and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all that Brussels has to offer.

About the destination: Paris, located on the Seine River, is the capital and largest city in France. It's one of the most iconic cities globally and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, earning it the nickname "City of Love." Paris provides historical sites, monuments, a pleasant atmosphere, charming cafes, parks, and museums to satisfy any traveler. A significant portion of this "City of Light," including the Seine River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city houses some of the world's most remarkable old buildings, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, the Arc de Triomphe, the Palace of Versailles, the Moulin Rouge, and the Hotel des Invalides. The list of must-see attractions in this city is endless, but the Louvre, one of the world's finest art and culture museums, is a must-visit. Paris continues to have a significant influence in the fields of art and design and boasts some of the most impressive modern buildings like La Défense, the Centre Pompidou, the Arab World Institute, and the Stade de France. Paris is a city of immense vitality and beauty, making it an incredible and captivating destination. With its rich history and architectural heritage, Paris is the city everyone wants to visit.