Europe - Europe - 12 Day Itinerary Through Italy, France And Spain With The Best Things To See And...

The second most populous city of Italy, Milan is also known as the fashion capital of the world. A paradise for shopping, football, opera, and nightlife, Milan is a great city to visit with your special someone.

Start your day with a visit to the majestic  Duomo or the Cathedral of Milan. This church is the seat of Arch-Bishop of Milan and took almost 500 years to build. Its Gothic styled cathedral is the fourth largest in Europe and the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world.

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Next up would be the "Last Supper". Any visit to Milan or for that matter Italy is incomplete without seeing this masterpiece. Painted by no one other than Leonardo Da Vinci for his duke, this painting is housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and is surely a feast for the senses.

Right after this visit  head to the incredible La Scala because going to Milan and not enjoying an opera would be an absolute crime whether you like opera or not. To soak in the culture of Milan, a visit to the La Scala, the famous opera house of Milan, is an absolute  must.

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And finally, Piazza Del Duomo will beautifully sum up Milan for you. This city square is located in the geographic centre of the city and is the artistic, cultural, and social centre of the city. In addition to housing the Duomo, this square houses other foremost attractions in Milan along with the finest shopping boutiques and fines restaurants.

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Here is a brief introduction about this city:

Milan is one of the most important and stylish cities in Italy and is full of history. There are countless impressive buildings in the city that have tremendous character, in many different styles ranging from old Neo-classical Milanese palaces (palazzos) to ultra-modern towers and office blocks. The commercial metropolis is home to many important business centres, financial institutions and Italy's stock market. Milan is also known throughout the world for its leading high fashion and design excellence.

(Source: worldguides)

No other city of the ancient world boasts of as much heritage and influence as Rome. The capital of the largest empire ever on Earth is  the embodiment of culture and royalty. Located perfectly between the seven hills, visit Rome is a delight in itself.

The foremost attraction of this city is undoubtedly the Colosseum. The largest amphitheatre of its time was a symbol of strength of the Roman Empire.  A walk down its history is enjoyed by all

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After visiting the Colosseum head on to the The Roman Forum . This place is sandwiched between Palatine and Capitoline hills. It was a seat of the Roman government and you can take a walk through the ruins of Arch of Septimius Severus, Temple of Saturn, Basilica Julia and the House of the Vestal Virgins.

On the next day , start your trip with a visit to the grandest church of all and home of the pope - Saint   Peter's Basillica. This church is truly a visual delight with its giant dome being designed by the best artists of Italy including greats like Michaelangelo .

 (Source: archer10 (Dennis) SLOW)

Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia which sums up Rome beautifully:

Rome today is one of the most important tourist destinations of the world, due to the incalculable immensity of its archaeological and art treasures, as well as for the charm of its unique traditions, the beauty of its panoramic views, and the majesty of its magnificent "villas" (parks). Among the most significant resources: plenty of museums - (Capitoline Museums, the Vatican Museums, Galleria Borghese, and a great many others)aqueducts, fountains, churches, palaces, historical buildings, the monuments and ruins of the Roman Forum, and the Catacombs.

(Source:  Wikipedia)

Located on the banks of River Seine, is the “city of lights”, Paris. The capital of France is synonymous with style and glamour. Its unique grandeur with world class attractions make it one of the most visited places on earth.

Start your trip here by visiting  one of the finest museums in the world, the Louvr. This museum displays world famous artwork like The Mona Lisa and  The Coronation of Napoleon. Apart from this Paris is also home to one of the most visited theme parks, Disneyland Paris.  Another thing which will woo your attention is the architectural elegance of Sainte-Chapelle, which is the most beautiful church in France.

(Source: Zigar)

You are sure to be mesmerized by its intricate but beautiful interiors.And yes no visit to Paris is complete without a trip the iconic Eiffel Tower, a monument that requires no introductions. In the end I would highly recommend a walk up the Montmarte Hill. A perfect way to sum up an incredible visit to this city, this walk will take you through some of the most traditional cafes of Paris which have a character of their own.

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Wikitravel puts it up beautifully:

Paris has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumiere) and Capital of Fashion, it is home to the world's finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancome, L'Oreal, Clarins, etc. A large part of the city, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(Source: Wikitravel)

After visiting Paris it is time to head to South France.Located along the iconic French Rivera  in South of France, Marseille is an incredible city to visit.. White sandy beaches and a perfect Mediterranean weather, sum up this place.

Start your morning with a traditional French breakfast at one of Marseille's local eateries and then head to the Notre Dame de la Garde chruch. It is one of most known landmarks of the city and one see the best of Romanesque-Byzantine style architecture.

 (Source: Dominique Sanchez)

Continue your trip with a visit to Musee d'Archeologie Mediterranean or the Museum of Mediterranean Archeology. This 1863 museum is the oldest in the city and showcases many archaeological discoveries ranging from the Greeks and the Romans to Egyptian sarcophagi and mummies.

Next morning visit the famous Chateau d'If. This fortress was immortalised by Alexander Dumas in his famous novel Count of Mount Cristo. A boat ride through the fortress will be the icing on the cake.

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Here is an overview of the city:

Founded 2600 years ago, the oldest city in France combines the richness of its unique heritage with a vibrant cultural life in one exceptional site. Sometimes endearing, sometimes rebellious, it loves to seduce the visitor who is rarely indifferent to the charm of its 111 districts, its mild climate and the mysteries of its gastronomy. As France's second largest city, Marseille recalls the values of sharing that have shaped its territory for centuries, maintaining in its name "Marseille" the memory of the ancient Greek from Asia Minor that participated in its founding.

 (Source: Marseille.fr )

Showcasing a perfect blend of culture and modernity, Madrid is one of the largest and most influential cities in the world. A trip to this Spanish capital promises a whole new experience as this city with its grand aura and rich culture will simply leave you spellbound by its charm.

Start your trip with a visit to the majestic and brilliant Museo Del Prado or the Spanish Arts museum. This museum houses the finest European Art Collections along with some of the best work of sculptors.

(Source: ChrisYunker)

Next up is the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid. This is a neoclassical wonder built in the 18th century and was a pillar of the erstwhile Spanish Empire. Breath-taking views of the city can be seen from here.

Finally head to the Puerta Del Sol plaza which is the famous square of the city.  A favourite spot among the tourists and cultural hub of the city this place aptly sums up a visit to Madrid.

 (Source: bjoern.f | Björn Freiberg Fotografie)

Tripadvisor provides a great insight into the city:

Strolling through Madrid is a great way to see the lavish Royal Palace, the 16th-century Puerta del Sol (Sun's Gate) marking the center of Spain, the old Moorish quarter of Moreria and much more. Art enthusiasts flock to the famous Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums. Families enjoy boating in Retiro Park and visiting the zoo and the amusement park in Casa de Campo. After eating paella and tapas and watching flamenco, night owls can dance at clubs that are open until dawn.

(Source: TripAdvisor)

The second largest city of Spain and home to one of the best football club in the world, Barcelona is sure to be a top tourist destination and the best way to sum up your vacation. A feast for the senses, Catalonia's capital has a distinctly Mediterranean feel coupled with a diverse range of attractions which will surely make you feel like coming back here again and again.

The foremost attraction of Barcelona which is bound to leave you stunned is the Majestic Sagrada Famallia. This castle like church was designed by Antoni Gaudi in the 18th century. The church’s majestic stature is accountable for its recognition as a UNESCO world heritage site.

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Apart from this magnificent piece of architecture one has to take a trip to the La Rambla street which connects the Plaça de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus monument. The street also showcases the rich culture of the region with street plays and dances hogging the limelight.

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At last do not miss visiting the famous beaches of the city which offer breathtaking views of the turqoise sea. Spending some time in the fine sand with the sun at its zenith will wrap up a perfect visit to the city for you.

Here is a brief introduction to the city:

Barcelona is the place to go for people looking for a modern city with a strong sense of tradition, the most eccentric architecture ever designed, one of the world's greatest football teams, and unrivalled choice of options for eating, drinking and nightlife. As well as the constructions of Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona was home to Joan Miro, and the artistic scene acted as a magnet to the young Picasso both artists have museums dedicated to their works.

 (Source: Barcelona tourist guide)