London, England (July 14-17, 2008)

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, was founded by the Romans on the north bank of the Thames in 43 AD, after periods of sporadic Celtic occupation. Under subsequent Saxon rule, the town became a strategic European port, catching the eye of the Danish Vikings, who named London their capital in 1016. William the Conqueror finally claimed London for the Normans in 1066, and during the Middle Ages, the city continued to grow and prosper.

Despite the Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666, London emerged during the Victorian era as a center of power and wealth. Unfortunately, WWII bombings destroyed many of the city's buildings, but London quickly recovered and has been thriving ever since as one of the most important business, financial and cultural capitals of Europe.

One could easily spend weeks exploring London's many neighborhoods, parks, markets, palaces and museums. Every cuisine of the world can be found in the city's numerous restaurants, along with more traditional fare in pubs and tea rooms. And evening entertainment abounds, from all-night clubs to first-rate theater. With so much on offer, a visitor's number one challenge is deciding what to do!

One of London's best-known buildings: the Houses of Parliament, with the famous Big Ben clock tower, named for the 13-ton bell it holds

Another famous landmark: the Tower Bridge, completed in 1894

The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and today houses the Crown Jewels

The Golden Jubilee bridge links Whitehall Court (in photo) on the north bank of the Thames with Jubilee Gardens on the south bank

The London Eye, a 443-foot observation wheel (the world's tallest), sits next to County Hall along the Thames

A "pod" at the top of the London Eye; the Eye takes 30 minutes to complete a rotation, giving passengers a stunning view of London in all directions