A Week of European Adventures: Paris, London, and Amsterdam

Friday 3rd: Paris - The City of Lights

Our adventure begins in the heart of Paris. The day started with a visit to the iconic Arc de Triomphe, a monument that honors those who fought and died for France. The panoramic view from the top was breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the city's beauty.

Next, we immersed ourselves in the world of fashion at the Christian Dior Gallery, a must-see for anyone passionate about haute couture. For lunch, we indulged in delicious French cuisine at Mana Jackson.

As the day turned into night, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower. The sparkling lights of the tower against the night sky were magical. However the Eiffel Tower only sparkles for five minutes at the beginning of every hour from dusk until 11:45 PM so you have to be quick when taking those photos for Instagram. Dinner at Pink Mama concluded our first day with delightful Italian dishes in a vibrant setting.

Saturday 4th: Paris - Royalty and Retail Therapy

Our second day took us out of the city to the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, where every corner seems straight out of a Disney fairy tale The opulent palace and its sprawling gardens were a sight to behold .Don't forget to pick up the audio guide as it delves deep into the palace's rich history and grandeur. The sculptures throughout showcase incredible talent, each one a testament to the skill of its creator. And the Hall of Mirrors? Looks even more beautiful in person. If you find yourself hungry during your tour, make a beeline for The Grand Café d'Orléans. The tiny cafe in the palace is well worth the wait as their hot chocolate is divine.

Back in Paris, we spent the afternoon shopping at the renowned Galeries Lafayette. When shopping in Paris, remember to bring your passport to qualify for the VAT refund. It's your ticket to saving some euros! We capped off the day with a visit to the rooftop for stunning nighttime views of Paris. Revisiting the Arc de Triomphe allowed us to see it in a different light.Dinner at Chez Alexander provided an exquisite end to our day with fine dining and a cozy ambiance.

Sunday 5th: Paris - Art and History

Sunday was all about exploring the cultural treasures of Paris. We started with a visit to the world-famous Louvre Museum. The vast collection of art were awe-inspiring. While the Mona Lisa is iconic, my personal favorite was Marie-Guillemine Benoist's "Portrait of a Black Woman," which all my fellow Bey-Hive members know was famously featured in Beyonce and Jay Z's "Apesh-t" music video. You won't conquer the Louvre in a day—I arrived right at opening and stayed until closing, yet only scratched the surface. You'll definitely need to plan a return trip. Now here's the scoop, if you're under 26 the Ami du Louvre membership only cost $15! With it, you get unlimited entry, discounts at the gift shop, and access via the Richelieu wing's members-only entrance. Plus, you'll score a discounted ticket at the Musee Marmottan Monet. Arrive early at the Pyramid entrance for security checks, then head downstairs to the Amis du Louvre desk. If you're over 26, snagging tickets in advance and using the underground Carousel Du Louvre entrance is your best bet.

A visit to Notre Dame Cathedral followed, allowing us to marvel at its Gothic architecture. Dinner at Giraffe restaurant, with its stunning view of the Eiffel Tower, was the perfect way to end our day.

Monday 6th: London - The British Charm

We took the train to London, ready for a day filled with iconic landmarks. First stop, Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard. Afterwards we hopped on the subway to Westminster Bridge and strolled across to catch a glimpse of Big Ben. The Circle, District, and Jubilee lines all conveniently serve Westminster Bridge. The station sits at the intersection of Bridge Street and Victoria Embankment, falling within Travelcard Zone 1. Once you've arrived, simply walk across Westminster Bridge to reach the north bank of the Thames and Big Ben.

The British Museum offered a fascinating journey through history, and a stroll through Leadenhall Markets provided a touch of Harry Potter magic. Our day ended with a visit to the famous Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station. As a Harry Potter fan, I had an absolute blast. They even provide you with a wand and scarf from one of the Hogwarts houses for a photo opportunity. To save on costs, have a friend snap a photo of you with your own phone instead of buying the pricey ones they offer. Lastly don't forget to visit the gift shop! It's the only place you can find these unique souvenirs, so grab some magical mementos while you're in London.

Tuesday 7th: Amsterdam - Canals and Delights

A short train ride took us to Amsterdam. The day started with a visit to the A'Dam Tower for panoramic views of the city. We enjoyed a leisurely Canal Tour, exploring Amsterdam's picturesque waterways. The ambiance of Amsterdam alone is worth it. It’s a beautiful, unique city, so charming, and the people are lovely. Just sitting having a beer or coffee in the afternoon people watching is incredible. We treated ourselves to the famous Van Stapele Chocolate Cookies and let me tell you, they were absolutely delicious, especially the red velvet.

Wednesday 8th: Paris - Indulgence and Romance

Back in Paris, we dedicated the day to shopping and savoring pastries from charming patisseries. The evening was reserved for a romantic Dinner Cruise along the Seine, offering stunning views of illuminated Paris landmarks.

Thursday 9th: Paris - Cultural Immersion

We started our day with a visit to the Sacred Heart Basilica (Sacré-Cœur), perched atop Montmartre hill, offering panoramic views of the city. A stroll through the historic Palais Royal was next, followed by an intriguing Perfume Tour and Workshop, where we learned the art of creating fragrances.

The day ended with a delightful Wine Tasting, sampling some of France's finest wines.

Friday 10th: Paris - A Perfect Send-Off

Our last day in Paris began with a cute breakfast at a local café, soaking in the Parisian ambiance. As we reflected on our incredible journey, we captured our memories and experiences in a blog post, sharing the highlights of our European adventure.

This itinerary offers a blend of culture, history, cuisine, and unforgettable experiences in three of Europe's most iconic cities. Each city provides a distinctive mix of history, culture, and entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveler.Overall I'm giving it a diamond.