
Quyền Linh and his family embarked on their European journey last week, with a packed itinerary of famous landmarks. Their first stop was the enchanting city of Paris, France.
Lọ Lem and Hạt Dẻ enjoyed a Seine River cruise, an essential Paris experience. This service offers a range of options, from daytime sightseeing to romantic dinners under the glittering night lights. While on the cruise, one can leisurely admire the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and numerous historic bridges without getting lost in the crowds.
The sisters posed in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower, with a unique perspective from the Trocadéro Gardens. From here, one can capture the full grandeur of the tower across the Seine, with lush green lawns in the foreground. The wall with graffiti writing and drawings is also a popular feature of this area, where visitors often leave their mark.
Lọ Lem, 19, checked out the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’ most magnificent and famous architectural landmarks, built to honor the French military’s victories. Located in the center of the Charles de Gaulle square (Étoile), this majestic arch is the intersection of 12 grand avenues. For the best photos, consider shooting from the middle of the Champs-Élysées, on top of the Arc, or at the pedestrian crossing lines in the Étoile square. This spot is popular for capturing the Arc de Triomphe up close without the hassle of traffic but be cautious of the busy roads.
The Quyền Linh family explored the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the world. It houses countless artistic masterpieces and historical artifacts from various civilizations, with the enigmatic Mona Lisa painting as its highlight. With its vast collection and the glass pyramid in the Napoléon courtyard, the Louvre is not just a museum but also a unique architectural landmark.
With an exhibition area spanning approximately 73,000 square meters, it typically takes visitors a few days to explore the entire museum. The famous Denon Wing corridor, especially the passage leading to the Mona Lisa room, is a popular spot for photos. The ancient arches, high ceilings, and natural light create a stunning backdrop for artistic shots. Visitors often take advantage of the spacious area and distinctive architecture to capture memorable moments during their visit.
Leaving Paris behind, the family headed to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, a renowned mountain resort town in the Haute-Savoie region of France, nestled at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. Known as the ‘capital of skiing and mountaineering’, Chamonix entices adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike with its breathtaking scenery and the charm of a traditional European village.
Chamonix exudes old-world charm with its cobblestone streets, characteristic wooden architecture, and churches. The town also boasts boutique shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants serving local Savoyard cuisine, much to the delight of 17-year-old Hạt Dẻ.
Adventurous souls can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to a height of 3,842 meters, where they are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Alps, including the mighty Mont Blanc. For an unforgettable thrill, step onto the ‘Step into the Void’, a glass cube that offers a unique perspective. Alternatively, the Montenvers Mer de Glace cable car takes visitors close to the massive Mer de Glace glacier, where they can explore ice caves and learn about the history of this glacial wonder.
Leaving France behind, the Quyền Linh family explored several renowned Italian landmarks, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Milan Cathedral.
They also visited the Cinque Terre region in northern Italy, comprising five ancient fishing villages perched atop rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre captivates visitors with its colorful houses, ancient terraced vineyards, and breathtaking hiking trails, earning its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond sightseeing, the two ‘princesses’ of the Quyền Linh family indulged in the local cuisine of each region. In Italy, Hạt Dẻ relished the famous lasagna, originating from the Emilia-Romagna region. This hearty dish consists of layers of flat, wide pasta, alternated with sauce (typically meat ragu or tomato sauce), cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, or parmesan), and sometimes vegetables or other meats. After assembly, the lasagna is baked in the oven until the cheese melts and turns a golden brown, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish with a distinctive layered texture.
Italian gelato is a perfect treat for the summer heat.
The sisters also sampled Escargots, a classic French delicacy often served as an elegant appetizer. These snails are carefully cleaned, stuffed with garlic butter, parsley, and a dash of white wine, then baked to perfection. Escargots are typically enjoyed hot, accompanied by baguette slices for dipping into the rich, flavorful sauce.
The serene beauty of Cinque Terre
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Europe is a dream destination for many global travelers. With its rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking sights, it offers a unique and captivating experience. To explore this enchanting continent independently, a comprehensive and well-prepared itinerary is key. This guide aims to empower your European adventure with invaluable insights and practical tips, ensuring an unforgettable journey.