SOTC Blog

LONDON

One of the biggest cosmopolitan cities in the world, London is so multicultural yet so English. The architectural marvels on the bank of the river Thames give the city a unique charm and you are compelled to remember Victor Hugo when he stated: ‘English are majestic, because they think’. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral are the standing example of their thinking prowess and the opulence they created with their thought process. The leading financial centre of the world, London is also home to many renowned museums, art galleries and libraries. London’s airport Heathrow is also among the busiest in the world.

Things To Do

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, London has a lot to offer to a traveler. Whether shopping interests you or you want to explore the architectural marvels of the world, the city will keep you amazed. Among the many museums the city has, one that has prominence among all is the British Museum, home to more than 8 million artifacts from history. London Eye is another creation that is though modern, it can compete with any historical masterpieces in the city. There are many other creations that must not be missed on a tour to London including Kempton Park Racecourse, Kensington Garden, Saatchi Gallery and Richmond Park. Being a multicultural city, you can find cuisines of all kind in the city and whether your taste is Indian or continental, you can have the delicacy of your choice.

When To Visit

Whenever the sweltering heat of India makes you think of a destination abroad, think of London. Winter lasts from October till February and you can witness snowfall during the period. Summer is considered the ideal to visit London, though you may see a lot of tourists during the period.

How To Reach

London is connected to various cities of India and overnight flights are there to take you to London for your morning breakfast. Indian carriers would take you directly to London while most others would take a break in the country they belong to.

PARIS

The muse of an artist, the spirit of creativity; Paris is the embodiment of all things that an artist stands for. Situated on the bank of the river Seine, Paris is among the oldest cities in the world and played important roles in many historical events including the French revolution. It is among the most visited cities in the world and attracts tourists from all corners of the globe. Whether your interest is in fashion, cinema, theatre, architecture or painting; there is something for you in Paris.

Things To Do

The renowned art museum the Louvre is a must visit for anyone visiting Paris. It is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the most talked about creation of art in the world. Eiffel Tower, the landmark structure in the world in terms of its modern ideas provides such splendid view of the city that you can’t stop admiring the scale of grandeur it is made of. Take a walk on the river Seine and the romantic in you would come to the fore inadvertently. There are many other architectural landmarks in the city including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle and the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur.

Shopping is another activity anyone visiting Paris would be interested in. Its flea market is every shopper’s dream. As far as fashion is concerned, there is no parallel to Paris in the world. There are some famed restaurants as well that can be explored as they themselves are iconic by being mentioned in many classical literary works of the world.

When To Visit

Though June to August is considered as the best time to visit the city, the best time for you is when the artist in you look for his expression. With a bit of warm clothes and other winter gears, you can explore Paris during winter as well. You will face less crowd during the period.

How To Reach

Paris is among the most connected cities in the world and you will have flights from all corners of the world. You can get direct flight to Paris from many metro and non-metro cities of India. Air India, Air France, Etihad, Jet Airways and many other public and private carriers have their services on the route. Paris comes under Euro zone and with Schengen visa you can visit the city along with many other cities of Europe.

AMSTERDAM

Among the most vibrant and open cities in Europe, Amsterdam attracts more than 4.5 million visitors annually and that itself says how much people love the place. The city has its quaint charm in terms of architecture, though the society itself is considered the most progressive in Europe & is a part of our Europe tour package. The unrestrained youthfulness of the city is something that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. The coffee shops with their openness in servings and the designated districts for variety of pleasure seekers take the liveliness of the city to a new level. Unfetter yourself from the shackles of everyday society and find a new you in Amsterdam.

Things To Do

Amsterdam has its fame for its various museums and the prominent among them include Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Latter has the largest collection of the works and letters of Vincent Van Gogh. Displayed in chronological order, you can see how the artist evolved in his work. It also has information about his life and what made him create the paintings that he did. The canal system at Amsterdam traverse the entire city and the boat ride on the canal is an unforgettable experience. You can see the beautiful architecture of the place roaming on canals. The sobriquet ‘Venice of the North’ is aptly given to the city. Another most talked about aspect of Amsterdam is Bloemenmarkt. It is floating market for flowers and every tourist must take tulips or other flowers as souvenirs for their Amsterdam visit.

When To Visit

No matter when you visit Amsterdam, the place is full of life and always displays warmth to the tourists. April to September is the time when most people love to explore the city as temperature is milder during these months. You can plan your visit during New Year time also as it has unique style of celebrations.

How To Reach

Amsterdam is well connected with all parts of the globe and has flights from many Indian cities as well. Air India and Dutch national carrier KLM have their services on the route. There are other airlines also that go to Amsterdam from various Indian cities. It comes under Euro zone and Schengen visa is valid in the country.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland, the name itself evokes the images of picturesque mountains on both sides of the road and the undulating path taking you to the perfect world. The places like Lucerne, Interlaken, Zurich, Geneva and Zermatt are renowned the world over for their beauty and quality of life. Zurich and Geneva are even ranked as the places with the highest quality of life in the world and that itself corroborates the perception about how hospitable the country is.

Things To Do

The whole country is so beautiful that it’s hard to decide what to explore while being in Switzerland. The mountainous Jungfrau region is among the most beautiful places on earth and even if you are just walking without involving in any particular activity, you will feel as if some symphony with nature is going on. Swiss National Park at Zernez is another beauty you would love to explore. Home to variety of wildlife, it’s miles of beautiful landscape and breathtaking surroundings. There are other amazing places also like Mount Pilatus, the Rhine Falls and Chateau de Chillon.

When To Visit

The best time to visit Switzerland depends upon what’s in your mind. If adventure sports are your first love, winter is there for you. All the snow related activities of skiing, ice skating and snowboarding. Winter is there from December to March. If you want to stroll in the scenic beauty of the Alps, June to September is the ideal period for you. The snowcapped peaks of Alps are calling you; just pack your bags and head towards Switzerland.

How To Reach

Switzerland is well connected with various cities of India and you can get flights even from non-metro cities for Zurich. Air India, Swiss Air, Jet Airways, Etihad and many other international carriers have their flights plying on the route. Though Switzerland in not in the European Union, Schengen visa is valid in the country owing to the membership of European Free Trade Association.