Travelsmartplanet

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We thought we were taking a photo of a photo of a bride while on our Bateau Mouche ride on the Seine. However, when we examined the photo at home, we noticed the man in the left corner with his back to us. What do you think he was doing?

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When you visit the Tower of London, you learn the superstition about why there always are ravens guarding it. Look for the raven master near the line to go in to the Crown Jewels. He’s happy to chat with you.

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In the Louvre, one of the largest paintings at 33 ft. x 22 ft. was unsurprisingly commissioned by Napoleon himself of his 1804 coronation. His official court painter Jacques-Louis David, created a Facebook of French politicians, Napoleon’s family and, of course a selfie of the painter himself.

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This monument on the side of the Opera de Paris is dedicated to its architect, Charles Garnier. We loved the idea of putting the seating plan front and center.

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Here you can imagine dancing at a ball in a palace in Queen Victoria’s days. Her gown appears at the end of the video.
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Leave time for outdoor wows at Swarovski Crystal World, Austria. The Mirror Pool surrounded by Crystal Clouds was gorgeous in itself – and then the music started…..

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 Sometimes you just get overwhelmed by the expansive beauty and have to lay your head down to absorb it all.

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Bring gloves along for the fabulous feeling of throwing snowballs in August. Ride the Nordkette cable car in Innsbruck to the end and frolic in the snow.

France, Paris: Notre Dame Cathedrale from the Seine

Austria, Innsbruck: Cinderella Swarovski Crystal Worlds