First, study any unfamiliar words here:
| 🏛 ancient 🏛 Definition: Very old; from a time long ago. Example Sentences: The Colosseum is an ancient building in Rome. Many people study ancient history at university. 🎶 atmosphere 🎶 Definition: The feeling or mood in a place or situation. Example Sentences: The café had a warm and friendly atmosphere. Music can change the atmosphere of a room. 🏖 coast 🏖 Definition: The land next to the ocean or sea. Example Sentences: We drove along the coast to see the beaches. Fishermen live near the coast to catch fresh fish. 🎎 culture 🎎 Definition: The ideas, customs, and art of a group of people. Example Sentences: I want to learn more about Spanish culture and traditions. Different countries have unique music, food, and culture. 😋 delicious 😋 Definition: Very tasty and enjoyable to eat or drink. Example Sentences: I had a delicious slice of pizza for dinner. This restaurant makes delicious homemade desserts. 🧭 explore 🧭 Definition: To go around a place and discover new things. Example Sentences: We plan to explore the old streets of Athens. My friend likes to explore different museums when he travels. ⛲ fountain ⛲ Definition: A structure that sends water into the air for decoration. Example Sentences: People throw coins into the fountain at the park. The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a famous tourist spot. 🖼 gallery 🖼 Definition: A place where art or other items are shown and sometimes sold. Example Sentences: We visited an art gallery to see paintings by local artists. The gallery has many photos of historical events. 🦕 giant 🦕 Definition: Very large; much bigger than usual. Example Sentences: The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel near the River Thames. He saw a giant statue when he visited the city square. 🎉 lively 🎉 Definition: Full of energy and activity. Example Sentences: We went to a lively street market in Madrid. The music festival was fun and very lively. 📍 local 📍 Definition: Connected to or from a specific area or place. Example Sentences: Ask a local person for good restaurant tips. She tried local dishes when she traveled to Greece. 🗿 monument 🗿 Definition: A statue or building made to remember an important person or event. Example Sentences: The Brandenburg Gate is a famous monument in Berlin. Many tourists visit monuments to learn about history. 🏰 palace 🏰 Definition: A large and grand home for a king, queen, or royal family. Example Sentences: We saw the king’s palace during our city tour. The palace gardens were beautiful and full of flowers. ⚓ port ⚓ Definition: A place near the water where ships and boats stop. Example Sentences: The port of Piraeus in Athens is very busy. Sailors brought fish to the port early in the morning. 🛀 relax 🛀 Definition: To become calm and rest. Example Sentences: I like to relax in a park after a long day. She listened to music to relax before bedtime. 🧸 souvenirs 🧸 Definition: Items you buy to remind you of a place or experience. Example Sentences: I bought souvenirs for my family at the local market. She collected magnets as souvenirs from her trips. 📸 spots 📸 Definition: Specific places or areas; locations. Example Sentences: We visited many tourist spots in London. The guide showed us hidden spots around the city. 👅 taste 👅 Definition: To experience the flavor of something (or to try something briefly). Example Sentences: I want to taste new foods when I travel. You can taste the sweet flavor of fresh fruit in this pie. 🛕 temple 🛕 Definition: A religious building where people worship. Example Sentences: The Parthenon in Athens is an ancient temple. Tourists often visit the old temple to learn about history. |
Word Count: 1610
Reading Level: CEFR B1
18 Days & 6 Cities
LONDON (3-Day Plan)
London is a big and famous city in the United Kingdom. People here speak English. You can see old buildings and modern places in London. Here is a simple plan for three days in London.
Day 1:
In the morning, visit Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Take photos of the tall clock tower. Next, walk by the River Thames. You can take a boat ride to see more of the city. In the afternoon, go to the Tower of London. It is an old castle with a lot of history. You can see the Crown Jewels with 23,578 amazing stones, like the Koh-i-Noor diamond. At night, enjoy fish and chips at a local shop. Chips are french fries in London. Try it with salt and vinegar.
Day 2:
Start your day in Hyde Park. It is a big park where you can walk or relax. Then, visit Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard. Next, go to the British Museum. It has art and objects from many countries. Do you know the Rosetta Stone? You will see it! In the evening, watch a musical or a play in the West End.
Day 3:
Take a ride on the London Eye. It is a giant Ferris wheel with amazing views of the city. At the top, you are 135 meters above the city. Then, explore Trafalgar Square and see the National Gallery if you like art. In the afternoon, shop on Oxford Street or Regent Street. You can find clothes, books, and souvenirs. Finish your day in a cozy pub with friends.
This three-day trip is a fun way to see London’s famous spots. You will enjoy history, culture, and modern life.
PARIS (3-Day Plan)
Paris is the capital of France. It is famous for its art, food, and romantic atmosphere. People here speak French. Here is a simple three-day plan.
Day 1:
Start at the Eiffel Tower. You can go to the top and see Paris below. Take photos and enjoy the view. Then, walk along the Seine River. Stop at a café for a croissant or coffee. In the afternoon, visit the Arc de Triomphe. It stands in the center of a big road called the Champs-Élysées. You can shop or just enjoy the busy street. At night, see the Eiffel Tower lights.
Day 2:
Begin your day at the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa; it’s the most famous painting in the world! The museum is very big, so choose a few areas to explore. After that, have lunch at a small restaurant. Try French cheese, bread, or a sweet pastry. In the afternoon, walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even if you cannot go inside, this beautiful church is 680 years old. In the evening, take a slow boat ride on the Seine River for a romantic view of the city lights. The nickname for Paris is “The City of Lights.”
Day 3:
Visit Montmartre, a famous hill with the Sacré-Cœur church at the top. You can see artists and small shops in the area. Maybe you saw Montmartre in the movie Amelie? Then, explore local markets to buy fresh food or souvenirs. Enjoy more French dishes, like crepes or macarons. This three-day trip will give you a taste of Paris’s art, history, and charm.
BERLIN (3-Day Plan)
Berlin is the capital of Germany. People here speak German. It has a lot of history and modern culture. Here is a simple plan for three days.
Day 1:
Begin at the Brandenburg Gate. It is a famous monument that symbolizes peace. Take photos, then walk to the nearby Reichstag Building. You can visit the glass dome for a nice view of the city. In the afternoon, see parts of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery. Artists painted colorful pictures on the wall. For dinner, try currywurst or a soft pretzel.
Day 2:
Spend your morning on Museum Island. There are several museums here, like the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. Choose one or two to visit. In the afternoon, go to Alexanderplatz. You can see the TV Tower (Fernsehturm). Go up to see the city from high above. At night, explore a local beer garden to taste German drinks and food. Berlin has many music clubs, so you can dance if you want.
Day 3:
Visit Checkpoint Charlie in the morning. It was once a border point between East and West Berlin. Learn more about the city’s history here. Next, enjoy a walk in Tiergarten Park or rent a bike. Many people in Berlin like to bike around. In the evening, relax by the Spree River or visit a small café. A three-day visit to Berlin shows you old history and modern life in one place.
MADRID (3-Day Plan)
Madrid is the capital of Spain. It is a lively city with art, food, and football. People here speak Spanish. Here is a simple three-day plan.
Day 1:
Begin at the Royal Palace of Madrid. You can see the beautiful rooms and learn about Spanish kings. Next, walk through Plaza Mayor. This is a big square with shops and cafés. Try some tapas, like olives and cheese. In the afternoon, visit the Puerta del Sol. It is a popular place with a famous clock. At night, watch a flamenco show or eat more tapas in a local bar.
Day 2:
Spend your morning in the Prado Museum. It has many famous paintings. You can see art by Spanish artists like Velázquez and Goya. After lunch, walk in Retiro Park. You can rent a boat on the lake. The park is big and green, perfect for a rest. In the evening, see a football match if you can. Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid often play. The fans are crazy! It’s so much fun.
Day 3:
Explore the Gran Vía, a street full of shops and theaters. Buy souvenirs or just enjoy the busy atmosphere. Then, try a local dish like paella for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Debod, an old Egyptian temple in Madrid. It has lovely views at sunset. This three-day trip lets you enjoy art, food, and fun in Spain’s capital.
ROME (3-Day Plan)
Rome is the capital of Italy. It is full of ancient history, art, and delicious food. People here speak Italian. Here is a three-day plan.
Day 1:
Begin at the Colosseum. Long ago, gladiators fought here. It’s about 2000 years old. You can take a tour to learn about its history. Then, walk around the Roman Forum. You will see old buildings and arches from ancient times. In the afternoon, visit the Trevi Fountain. Throw a coin in the water to make a wish. End the day with a slice of pizza and some gelato. What flavor gelato ice cream will you get?
Day 2:
Start at Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Go inside St. Peter’s Basilica, a beautiful church with amazing art. Next, visit the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Can you find God and Adam? After lunch, walk across the Tiber River to explore more of Rome. Try pasta like spaghetti carbonara or amatriciana. In the evening, enjoy a walk in Piazza Navona. Street artists and musicians make it fun and interesting.
Day 3:
See the Pantheon in the morning. It is an old temple with a big dome and a hole at the top. Then, have a coffee at a local café. Italians love their coffee! You will drink real Italian espresso! In the afternoon, explore the Spanish Steps area. You can go shopping or just watch people go by. Finish your trip with a nice Italian meal. This three-day plan gives you a taste of Rome’s ancient past and tasty cuisine.
ATHENS (3-Day Plan)
Athens is the capital of Greece. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. People here speak Greek. Here is an easy plan for three days.
Day 1:
Begin at the Acropolis. Walk up the hill to see the Parthenon, an ancient temple for the goddess Athena. The view of the city is wonderful from here. Then, visit the Acropolis Museum to learn about Greek history. After that, have lunch at a taverna. Try a Greek salad or souvlaki. In the evening, walk around the Plaka area. It has small shops and beautiful old streets.
Day 2:
Go to Syntagma Square in the morning. Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Parliament Building. Then, enjoy a coffee at a nearby café. Next, visit the National Garden for some fresh air. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It once was a very large temple. At night, taste more Greek food, like moussaka or grilled fish.
Day 3:
Take a day trip to the coast near Athens. You can go to the beach or visit the port of Piraeus. The boats are so beautiful here, only 8 kilometers from the city. Feel the warm sun and maybe swim if it is hot. Return to the city for dinner. Enjoy Greek music and dance if you can. Three days in Athens lets you see ancient history and modern Greek culture.
WHICH CITY WILL YOU VISIT FIRST?
These six cities each have something special. London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, and Athens offer history, art, and fun. A three-day visit is short, but you can enjoy many famous places and local foods. People speak different languages, and each city has its own style. Which city do you want to explore first? Maybe you will plan your trip and have a wonderful adventure in Europe!
Questions about the story:
Which city has 23,578 stones in its Crown Jewels?
A. Berlin
B. London
C. Rome
D. Madrid
Where can you see the Mona Lisa painting?
A. Paris
B. Athens
C. Madrid
D. Berlin
In which city can you visit the TV Tower?
A. London
B. Berlin
C. Paris
D. Madrid
Which city is known for flamenco shows and passionate football fans?
A. Madrid
B. Rome
C. London
D. Berlin
Which city has the smallest country in the world inside it?
A. Athens
B. Paris
C. Rome
D. Berlin
Where can you walk up a hill to see the Parthenon?
A. Rome
B. Madrid
C. Athens
D. Berlin
Which famous road do you find near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris?
A. Champs-Élysées
B. Oxford Street
C. Gran Vía
D. Alexanderplatz
Answer Key:
Which city has 23,578 stones in its Crown Jewels?
A. Berlin
B. London ✅
C. Rome
D. Madrid
Where can you see the Mona Lisa painting?
A. Paris ✅
B. Athens
C. Madrid
D. Berlin
In which city can you visit a famous TV Tower?
A. London
B. Berlin ✅
C. Paris
D. Madrid
Which city is known for flamenco shows and passionate football fans?
A. Madrid ✅
B. Rome
C. London
D. Berlin
Which city has the smallest country in the world inside it?
A. Athens
B. Paris
C. Rome ✅
D. Berlin
Where can you walk up a hill to see the Parthenon?
A. Rome
B. Madrid
C. Athens ✅
D. Berlin
Which famous road do you find near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris?
A. Champs-Élysées ✅
B. Oxford Street
C. Gran Vía
D. Alexanderplatz
Conversation Starters:
Working with a partner or small group, please discuss a few of these questions, and try to reference the content of the story as much as possible. Also, please try to use any grammar or vocabulary that you are studying recently, and take notes when you hear a new word or learn a new way to say something.
- Which city would you visit first?
- If you could choose just one of these six cities for a three-day trip, which one would you pick and why?
- What is the most exciting activity in the story?
- Each city has fun and interesting things to do. Which activity sounds the most exciting to you? (For example, climbing the Eiffel Tower, riding the London Eye, or visiting the Colosseum).
- Food adventures!
- Each city has special food. Which dish would you like to try the most? Why? (Examples: fish and chips in London, croissants in Paris, pasta in Rome).
- City vibes
- Each city has a unique feeling. Some are romantic, some are full of history, and some are modern and lively. Which city do you think has the best atmosphere for you?
- A surprise trip
- Imagine a friend surprises you with a ticket to one of these cities, but you don’t know which one! Would you be happy with any of these cities, or is there one you don’t want to visit?
- Compare your city
- Do you think your city (or a city you know well) is similar to any of these six cities? What are some differences?
- Your perfect travel partner
- If you could travel with anyone (a friend, family member, or even a famous person), who would you take with you on this 18-day, 6-city trip? Why?
If you are completing these conversations for a class activity, please share your group’s most interesting ideas and opinions with the rest of the class.
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