Three princesses enjoy high tea

I instantly felt like royalty after walking into The Ritz for an afternoon of high tea - it didn't help that Mum had us wearing tiaras for the occasion! The elegant old English decor mixed with chandeliers, flowers and trios made it the perfect setting for any occasion. With a choice of 17 teas (from Ritz Royal English to Earl Grey and Rose Congou) and a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes - with champagne on arrival an added extra - there was plenty to go around! Sittings last approximately 1.5 hours and run every two hours from 11.30am to 7.30pm. Traditional high tea is 40 pounds, add a delicious glass of champagne and you're looking at 52 pounds. Make sure you book in advance!

Three princesses enjoying high tea.

Delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes

The tea!

An afternoon in Biarritz

A five hour and 15 minute train ride from Montparnasse train station in Paris will take you to Biarritz, on the south-west coast of France. A popular summer destination for many Europeans, Biarritz still has plenty of charm and Christmas spirit to give in winter. Take a walk along the coast, explore look out points and shop in some of the city's exclusive boutiques. Stop by Le Ble Noir creperie along the coast for a range of sweet and savoury crepes. Fromage et jambon (cheese and ham) and Nutella were my personal favourites!

Biarritz coastline

Biarritz Cathedral's Christmas light show

New year, new city!

Paris is a city of many things - beautiful pastries, world renowned sites and serious charm so it was no surprise when we chose it as our European new years eve city of choice. We spent the night between the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees where we were for the new year celebrations. The street was full of Parisians and tourists but the celebration was a bit of a let down with no entertainment, music, fireworks or even a countdown to take us into 2011... just a whole lot of shouting, sparkling wine and party poppers! 

New Years on Champs Elysees

Paris has days worth of sightseeing and shopping but if you're there on a tight schedule some of the must see sites include the Eiffel Tower, Lourve, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomph and Moulin Rouge. Must try: French onion soup, crèpes, creme brulee, croissants and escargot. 

Nutella crèpe

There's something about Prague...

I'm not quite sure what it is but there is something unique about Prague that just captivates you. It might have been Old Town Square which literally looked like Santa had blown a mini Christmas city into the centre, but there is magnificent architecture and a number of historical sites within walking distance - a lot nicer than the hop on/hop off buses the larger cities offer. It was by far our coldest and most slippery ground floor experience at -8 degrees - lesson to all, dress appropriately for the weather forecast! Must see: Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, St Nicholas Cathedral, Wenceslas Square and walk up Clock Tower. 

Charles Bridge with Prague Castle in the background

 

Old Town Square view from top of Clock Tower.



Must try: Czech duck with red cabbage