Fodor's Travel Intelligence

A few days ago, I received an e-mail from Fodor's that, among other things, contained several "Top 10+/-" style lists of attractions in Europe.

I thought that today we would start by taking a look at Fodor's "Top 11 European Landmarks".

They were listed in alphabetical order as follows:

1. The Acropolis

Athens, Greece

O.K., that is mostly me in this shot of Greece's #1 attraction but what the heck, it was taken in 2006 on our first trip to Europe. That was long before I launched my career as a Freelance Photojournalist.

This is an impressive sight, the Acropolis not me. We found Athens, overall, to be a smoggy, dirty city. Thus, we have no burning desire to return but this archealogical sight is indeed a must see.

#2 The Alhambra

Granada, Spain

We have not been to the south of Spain, yet. Thus, I can not comment on the Alhambra, I guess that we better go back to Spain soon.

#3. The Colosseum

Rome, Italy

In a word, AWESOME! Simply a great landmark in a greater city.

#4 The Duomo

Florence, Italy

An incredible exterior and an engineering marvel. The interior though is no match for the ornate outer walls. Florence is also a remarkable city in Tuscany.

#5 The Eiffel Tower

Paris, France

Not the usual view but its massiveness, up close, is astounding. As for the city, it is Paris, France for Pete's sake!

Oui-oui!!!

#6 Grand´Place

Brussels, Belgium

Another city that we have not visited = another reason to return to Europe!

#7 Mont-St-Michel

Normandy, France

Nope, we haven't been to Normandy either, we really have a lot of unfinished business in Europe it seems to me!!!

#8 Neuschwanstein Castle

Bavaria, Germany

Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria's unfinished masterpiece, the inspiration for the Disneyland castle and located on the Romantic Road.

Enough said.

#9 Schönbrunn Palace

Vienna, Austria

This was the first major palace I ever visited in Europe, I was very impressed to say the least.

#10 La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona, Spain

They have been building this Gaudí inspired Cathedral for over 120 years now. They estimate that it will be completed in another 35-50 years!

It is a postive attack on all of your senses as you take in the vastly different art work/architecture on each side of this impressive church.

Tapas in Barcelona are THE best!

But I digress.

#11 The Tower of London

London, Great Britain

The English Crown Jewels are housed here, it is a very interesting and historic sight.

And they speak English as a first language.

Sort of.

So that is the end of Fodor's "Top 11 European Landmarks" list. The final tally shows that we have visited eight of these 11 landmarks, good but not perfect. There is so much more work to be done!