Artistic Diversion - Paris
Art in Paris inspires in many styles. An exhibit of primitive creations by the strange and mysterious Etruscan civilization back in 1955 inspired radical changes in the works of Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, which now, in the winter of 2011, is displayed face to face with its influencing figures in the halls of Pinacothèque de Paris.
http://www.europe-cities.com/en/1033/france/paris/2117_giacometti_and_the_etruscans/

Foodie Fun - Amsterdam
Amsterdam may not pop into mind when thinking about gourmet destinations, but the food scene in the Dutch capital has undergone a delicious overhaul over the past few years. Amsterdam-based British foodie Vicky Hampton eats her way through the changing venues in the central area of Spaarndammerbuurt.
http://www.amsterdamfoodie.nl/2011/going-up-spaarndammerbuurt/

A Quick Stop - Guimarães, Portugal
Beat the crowds before the New Year and go see Guimarães, Portugal's new cultural hotspot that takes on the role of European Capital of Culture in 2012. Writer Joanne O'Connor takes in the city's vibrant arts, nightlife and dining scene and gives tips on the best way to celebrate the winter solstice.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/dec/18/portugal-solstice-new-year-break

Holiday Spirit  - Barcelona
If your looking for a last-minute escape from all the gift-wrapping, cooking and awkward family get-together, why not book a weekend in Barcelona.

As The New York Times' writer Lisa Abend puts it: "Like so many things in life — soccer, sex, pigs’ feet with snails — Christmas is better in Barcelona."
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/travel/a-catalan-christmas.html

Want to visit? Europe-Cities.com has the best Internet rate for over 500 hotels in Barcelona: http://www.europe-cities.com/en/571/spain/barcelona/hotels/

City Break - British Heritage Cities
London may be the focal point of next year's Olympics, but there's a world of culture, history and fun to be hand outside the British Capital. And that's exactly what the new themed itineraries of British Heritage Cities offers to the oft-overlooked cities of Bath, Carlisle, Chester, Oxford, Stratford and York.
http://heritagecities.com/

Building History - Budapest
The Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest, a striking Byzantine building in the city's Jewish quarter, is Europe's largest synagogue that was built in 1859. Travel blogger Eva Hamori explores the restored holy structure and digs into the history of Hungary's Jewish community.
http://www.thatshamori.com/tobacco-street-synagogue-budapest/

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