top 10 iconic images in Europe

The Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland

What are the top ten sights in Europe? Abercrombie & Kent Europe recently published five different Ten Ten Europe lists that I will share with you in the next few issues of Travel Horizons. First, here's A&K's opinion of Europe's Top Ten Iconic Images. I've offered some reflections about each destination ... and suggestions on where upscale visitors will want to stay.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris. This surely is the iconic image of Paris that I first saw when visiting Europe during the year after my high school graduation. Runners up in Paris: Notre Dame and the Louvre. Where to stay in Paris? Four Seasons George V is one of the best hotels in the world, close to the Eiffel Tower, and Le Meurice has a very Parisian feel with a great location to walk to Paris's other major attractions.

2. Colosseum, Rome. Nothing says Rome like the Colosseum and the nearby Forum, and don't miss the Vatican Museum. Ticket lines can be crowded, but you can purchase tickets in advance. Where to stay in Rome? Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie gets the highest accolades, and the Hassler resides at the top of the Spanish Steps.

3. Tower Bridge, London. Much to the chagrin of the investors who bought London Bridge and moved it to Arizona, Tower Bridge is the real thing, and while you're there, don't miss the Crown Jewels. I was also moved by Westminster Cathedral. London's best show (other than the occasional Royal Wedding) is the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. The Dorchester is London's classic hotel, and Four Seasons Park Lane has become an instant new classic after its thorough renovation.

4. Acropolis, Athens. I've never been to Athens, or even Greece, but the Parthenon is the ultimate example of ancient Doric architecture. I also want to visit the Greek islands some day. The best hotels in Athens are the Grande Bretagne and the King George Palace.

5. Kremlin, Moscow. Another place I've never been. Also see St. Basil Cathedral and visit the Tretyakov Gallery and Pushkin Museum. Stay at the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Moscow, right on the edge of Red Square - and we're all awaiting news about the opening of the Four Seasons Moscow.

6. Duomo, Florence. You need to read about the Duomo before you visit it, or you'll miss the significance of what you're seeing. It is the largest brick dome ever constructed - and, amazingly, it was built without the use of scaffolding. You can climb to the top of the dome using the same steps that the builders used to carry their materials up and down. Most of my clients stay at the incredible Four Seasons Florence. I'll be visiting Florence in October, staying at Il Salviatino, and will post my site inspections here. 

7. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona. Barcelona came at the conclusion of my trip to Spain in 2009, and the contrast of Gaudi's architecture to that of the older, traditional Catholic churches in Spain could not be more dramatic. Read my full thoughts here. Also get a tour of Gaudi's apartments and Park Gaudi - and don't miss the Dali Museum an hour north in Figueres. If you want to stay in the center of things, choose the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona - or the Hotel Arts to vacation by the beach (the Club Floor is definitely the way to go here).

8. Charles Bridge, Prague. Prague is a magical city, especially when it's lit up at night. It escaped bombing during World War II and its old world charm has been preserved. Another iconic sight: the Prague Castle lit up at night. You can get a straight-on view from the Four Seasons Prague, or stay at the Mandarin Oriental Prague, a monastery converted into a five star hotel.

9. Matterhorn, Zermatt. If the picture above seems faded, that's because I took it in 1969, 43 years ago. I didn't stay in a five star hotel in Zermatt. Arriving the night before, I had no idea where I was. I slept in a field that night ... and when the sun woke me the next morning, there was the Matterhorn in a cloudless sky — a sight I will never forget! So if you're 18, that's my suggestion of where to spend the night in Zermatt.

10. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh. Scotland is still on my bucket list. Go to Scotland for the castles, the rugged seascapes, and to celebrate the birthplace of golf at St. Andrews. While in Edinburgh, I recommend you stay at Rocco Forte The Balmoral.

How many of these iconic images have you seen? Where do you want to go next? When you've decided, email your Virtuoso travel consultant or Four Seasons Preferred Partner to receive complimentary amenities at every hotel mentioned in this article, including free daily breakfast for two, room upgrades when available, and extra amenities that add value to your stay.

Top Ten Europe (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.