Two Great Pastimes In The English Lake District
You can now ascend the dizzying route to the top of Honister Slate Mine, going up the oen and only via ferrata ("iron road") in England. This is an Italian-inspired cable system, coomon in the Dolomites for dangerous acents, to which you are securely attached by a rope and harness.
For the inveterate thrill-seeker, this offers a new dare-devil activity. You go up ladders, cross a narrow bridge made of a couple of old railway lines, bend double in old mineshafts and gaze at the soaring Lake District mountains, all the while ascending 1800 feet of old mine workings to the top of Fleetwith Pike.
Opened a couple of years ago, the Lake District via ferrata has been an amazing success with adventure seeking trippers and the more adventurous tourist. All expeditions from Honister are fully guided, and you have to wear life-preserving miner's helmet with head torch.
Mark Weir, the owner, end product of a long line of Honister miners, says: "I just wanted to get the man on the street from the comfort zone out into something different. It's definitely adrenaline-fuelled with added natural beauty.....and it's proven popular with both walkers and families looking for lifelong memories." Well, there's no danger of forgetting your trip, with views you'd normally get only in a plane!
The acsent goes slowly, but the thrills come quickly - ranging from sheer drops and stunning views to a sense of achievement and awe at the engineering feats from Victoria days. At one point, you clamber along the cliff face and find yourself hanging over the edge. And to complete the thrill, a narrow bridge spans a drop of 300 metres!
There's no better way to see the tarns and streams of the Lake District than the via ferrata. Children from 10 years and over 4ft 7in tall can go along, with adults who are resonably fit. See the website at www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk/via_ferrata.asp
Another super activity in the Lake District is mountain biking. For mountain-bikers there is currently a very special, purpose-built trail in Grizedale Forest, run by the forestry commission: it has lots of singletrack, boardwalks and beams.
Grizedale also has very smooth and easy fire breaks along with some older tracks, with a bouldery and technical aspect. There's one track which comes out of the forest onto the splendours of Bethecar Moor. If you take this route you'll see some really fantastic views before you have to focus on a speedy descent where spiky slickrock lies in wait.
Biking is permitted on any walk path or trail classed as a byway or bridleway, which abound in the Lakes, though it's helpful to pick out the best and most suitable. Fortunately, websites like Mountain Bike Cumbria provide all the information you need.
One of the best centres fro Lakes mountain biking is Staveley in the south-east Lakes; a great benefit is that it's on the railway line to Windermere and has a big bike shop and a great cafe. Some great bike trails start here, with moderate loops around the Kentmere valley and the extreme Garburn Pass - only recommended for the true expert!
Some Lakes mountains have trails over the highest summits, a skill called bike-mountaineering. You need to prepare for big climbs and long pushes, but the rewards are immense! There are long "top-of-the-world" bike trails which traverse miles along the majestic ridges of the Helvellyn range as well as a truly awesome descent along the flank of Skiddaw - voted the best downhill route in Britain.
Back o'Skiddaw, as it's known round here, has lonely wilderness trails, but even around the gentler edges of the Lake District the trails can be just as steep and entertaining. But however challenging mountain biking gets in the lake District, you're never far from away from the local cosy pub or relaxing bed and breakfast.
The Lake District Guide contains hundreds of pages of information on Lakes hotels and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, walks, places to go and things to do. In fact, we have all the information you'll need for a great holiday in the Lakes. Find us at http://www.lake-district-guides.co.uk
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Do I need a NIE number to work in Spain ?
Do I need a NIE number to work in Spain ?
So you have a dream of moving to Spain and working over there? It seems like a lot of people are doing this. Moving from Europe or other countries and going to Spain to start a new life.
You already know that if you live in Europe you have little problems traveling back and forth to Spain. In fact to see how many different nationalities are over there working, just stop and look around for a bit. When you get to Spain, if you are a European citizen you do need to get a NIE number in order to work.
This is what will put you into the Spanish tax system. But it seems that you need to either purchase property or a car in order to get a NIE number in Spain. It used to be that when you would get into Spain, you could simply go to the local police with your passport and fill out some forms quickly, and you would be applying for your NIE number.
But now you will need to have a reason for why you are seeking a NIE number. What's really cool is that most employers will arrange for you to get your NIE number if you get hired. One thing you will find out about getting a position in Spain is that it will be very hard for you to get a full time job.
Employers don't really like to do this in Spain, because it gives the employees too many rights. An employee can take time off work for a month or two because of a doctor's visit, and the employer is unable to replace the person.
Or you could look for "autonomo" work in Spain. Basically it's like you are your own employer, or self-employed. Many jobs like to hire people who will work under this basis. In order to set this type of work up, you will have to get the services of an accountant. They will take care of registering you at the tax office, stating that you are self employed, and in being so you will hand in quarterly and annual accounts.
Try and make sure that the person you pick speaks good English, because you will be relying on them to do your tax returns. If you are self-employed in Spain, each month you will have to deposit money into your social security. The minimum at present you can put into that account is 235 Euros each month. With doing this it will open up the "national health" system to you and also make sure you have a pension when you retire.
If you want to you can pay more into social security, which will give you higher benefits and pensions. When taking a job that is self-employed in Spain, make sure that you take into account any other fees you may require such as social security and accountant fees. You will also need to make an invoice for what you earn each month.
You can either have your accountant do this or do it yourself. Just make sure you keep the records properly. If you are working autonomo, on the invoice you will also need to include Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Fisicas (IRPF) You as an autonomo will also pay your taxes (VAT) every quarter, and at the end of the year it will be audited to make sure you paid the right amount.
It's very difficult to understand all the laws perfectly for this type of work, that's why it is important that you hire an accountant to help out.
At last! For People who need quick, simple
http://www.nienumberanswers.com/video/
and effective Spanish NIE Number help ....
http://www.nienumberanswers.com
So you have a dream of moving to Spain and working over there? It seems like a lot of people are doing this. Moving from Europe or other countries and going to Spain to start a new life.
You already know that if you live in Europe you have little problems traveling back and forth to Spain. In fact to see how many different nationalities are over there working, just stop and look around for a bit. When you get to Spain, if you are a European citizen you do need to get a NIE number in order to work.
This is what will put you into the Spanish tax system. But it seems that you need to either purchase property or a car in order to get a NIE number in Spain. It used to be that when you would get into Spain, you could simply go to the local police with your passport and fill out some forms quickly, and you would be applying for your NIE number.
But now you will need to have a reason for why you are seeking a NIE number. What's really cool is that most employers will arrange for you to get your NIE number if you get hired. One thing you will find out about getting a position in Spain is that it will be very hard for you to get a full time job.
Employers don't really like to do this in Spain, because it gives the employees too many rights. An employee can take time off work for a month or two because of a doctor's visit, and the employer is unable to replace the person.
Or you could look for "autonomo" work in Spain. Basically it's like you are your own employer, or self-employed. Many jobs like to hire people who will work under this basis. In order to set this type of work up, you will have to get the services of an accountant. They will take care of registering you at the tax office, stating that you are self employed, and in being so you will hand in quarterly and annual accounts.
Try and make sure that the person you pick speaks good English, because you will be relying on them to do your tax returns. If you are self-employed in Spain, each month you will have to deposit money into your social security. The minimum at present you can put into that account is 235 Euros each month. With doing this it will open up the "national health" system to you and also make sure you have a pension when you retire.
If you want to you can pay more into social security, which will give you higher benefits and pensions. When taking a job that is self-employed in Spain, make sure that you take into account any other fees you may require such as social security and accountant fees. You will also need to make an invoice for what you earn each month.
You can either have your accountant do this or do it yourself. Just make sure you keep the records properly. If you are working autonomo, on the invoice you will also need to include Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Fisicas (IRPF) You as an autonomo will also pay your taxes (VAT) every quarter, and at the end of the year it will be audited to make sure you paid the right amount.
It's very difficult to understand all the laws perfectly for this type of work, that's why it is important that you hire an accountant to help out.
At last! For People who need quick, simple
http://www.nienumberanswers.com/video/
and effective Spanish NIE Number help ....
http://www.nienumberanswers.com
Two Fabulous Attractions In The English Lake District
Two Fabulous Attractions In The English Lake District
Gondola is a reconstructed steam yacht which offers a wonderful, nostalgic sailing experience on Coniston Water in the amazing scenery of the ENglish Lake Distroct.
The original Gondola was launched in 1859 and is perefectly recreated in today's Gondola which certainly reflects the elegance and splendour of the Victorian era. Passengers can relax as they watch the stunning scenery of the Coniston Fells glide past the windows of the opulently upholstered saloon. While evoking memories of a distant era, Gondola glides almost silently along, powered by a very modern eco-fuel: wonderfully clean burning logs made from waste wood chips.
Although a reconstruction, Gondola is part and parcel of the history and heritage of Coniston and the Lake. She plies the lake every year between the months of April and October. The service operates seven days a week, running from Coniston Pier to Brantwood jetty. The round trip takes about 45 minutes and up to 86 passengers can be accommodated comfortably.
In 2008, Gondola's route was extended to call at Monk Coniston Jetty at the far northern tip of Coniston Water. This gives passengers the opportunity to combine a cruise on Gondola with a gentle walk to Tarn Hows.
The route takes you through the grounds of the Monk Coniston estate, famed for its arboretum and beautiful woodlands, to Tarn Hows and back to Coniston village. This walks enables you to see Pier Cottage, Gondola's home and Donald Campbell's base for his world speed record attempts in "Bluebird" in the 1950s and 1960s.
All sailings in Gondola are weather dependent. If the weather looks doubtful, please call 015394 41288 to check whether Gondola is sailing.
A wonderful christmas treat for all the family is on offer at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, at the Southern end of Lake Windermere. This superbly preserved steam railway is part of the old branch line from Ulverston to Lakeside, where Victorian travellers would embark on the steamers to sail along to Bowness and Ambleside.
Nowadyas, the steam trains chug along from Haverthwaite to lakeside, offering a magical spectacle for youngsters and the young-at-heart alike! And at Christmas, the volunteers who run the railway ensure the trains are extra special, with Father Christmas and his helpers offering seasonal joy and goodwill! There are presents for the children, christmas cake and seasonal drinks for the adults, and carols and a good time for everyone!
All Santa specials depart from Haverthwaite Station, at 10.30am, 12.30pm, and 2.30pm. The round trip takes one and a half hours and tickets are £13.00 per person for both adults and children. Father Christmas and all his helpers board the train at Haverthwaite, where the seasonal fun begins. Each carriage is a hive of activity, as the chief elf and helpers lead the festivities with Christmas songs. There's a live band to welcome Santa and plenty of Christmas spirit as Father Christmas visits each family in their seats, where he gives a specially chosen present to each child (it even has their name on it).
If you're a grown-up, you might want to enjoy the ride with alcoholic or soft drinks and a large slab of Christmas cake. Then, to complete the day, you can dine in the station restaurant and have a delicious two course Christmas meal.
Many families make this a special part of their Christmas, bringing all the family, both young and old - all you have to be is ready for a good time!
Contact the railway at Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL, Phone: 015395 31594
The Lake District Guide contains hundreds of pages of information on Lakes hotels and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, walks, places to go and things to do. In fact, we have all the information you'll need for a great holiday in the Lakes. Find us at http://www.lake-district-guides.co.uk
Gondola is a reconstructed steam yacht which offers a wonderful, nostalgic sailing experience on Coniston Water in the amazing scenery of the ENglish Lake Distroct.
The original Gondola was launched in 1859 and is perefectly recreated in today's Gondola which certainly reflects the elegance and splendour of the Victorian era. Passengers can relax as they watch the stunning scenery of the Coniston Fells glide past the windows of the opulently upholstered saloon. While evoking memories of a distant era, Gondola glides almost silently along, powered by a very modern eco-fuel: wonderfully clean burning logs made from waste wood chips.
Although a reconstruction, Gondola is part and parcel of the history and heritage of Coniston and the Lake. She plies the lake every year between the months of April and October. The service operates seven days a week, running from Coniston Pier to Brantwood jetty. The round trip takes about 45 minutes and up to 86 passengers can be accommodated comfortably.
In 2008, Gondola's route was extended to call at Monk Coniston Jetty at the far northern tip of Coniston Water. This gives passengers the opportunity to combine a cruise on Gondola with a gentle walk to Tarn Hows.
The route takes you through the grounds of the Monk Coniston estate, famed for its arboretum and beautiful woodlands, to Tarn Hows and back to Coniston village. This walks enables you to see Pier Cottage, Gondola's home and Donald Campbell's base for his world speed record attempts in "Bluebird" in the 1950s and 1960s.
All sailings in Gondola are weather dependent. If the weather looks doubtful, please call 015394 41288 to check whether Gondola is sailing.
A wonderful christmas treat for all the family is on offer at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, at the Southern end of Lake Windermere. This superbly preserved steam railway is part of the old branch line from Ulverston to Lakeside, where Victorian travellers would embark on the steamers to sail along to Bowness and Ambleside.
Nowadyas, the steam trains chug along from Haverthwaite to lakeside, offering a magical spectacle for youngsters and the young-at-heart alike! And at Christmas, the volunteers who run the railway ensure the trains are extra special, with Father Christmas and his helpers offering seasonal joy and goodwill! There are presents for the children, christmas cake and seasonal drinks for the adults, and carols and a good time for everyone!
All Santa specials depart from Haverthwaite Station, at 10.30am, 12.30pm, and 2.30pm. The round trip takes one and a half hours and tickets are £13.00 per person for both adults and children. Father Christmas and all his helpers board the train at Haverthwaite, where the seasonal fun begins. Each carriage is a hive of activity, as the chief elf and helpers lead the festivities with Christmas songs. There's a live band to welcome Santa and plenty of Christmas spirit as Father Christmas visits each family in their seats, where he gives a specially chosen present to each child (it even has their name on it).
If you're a grown-up, you might want to enjoy the ride with alcoholic or soft drinks and a large slab of Christmas cake. Then, to complete the day, you can dine in the station restaurant and have a delicious two course Christmas meal.
Many families make this a special part of their Christmas, bringing all the family, both young and old - all you have to be is ready for a good time!
Contact the railway at Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL, Phone: 015395 31594
The Lake District Guide contains hundreds of pages of information on Lakes hotels and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, walks, places to go and things to do. In fact, we have all the information you'll need for a great holiday in the Lakes. Find us at http://www.lake-district-guides.co.uk
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sunseeker
Sunseeker
Sunseeker is the principle seller of Sunseeker boats around the world. Offering customers the prestige of their products along with award-winning customer service, Sunseeker are a major influence in the world of luxury yachts and motorboats and their quest for perfection puts their brand in a league of its own.
Individuality - Individuality is the ethos of this company, and Sunseeker prides itself on creating a boat that is unique to each and every customer. Far beyond the finishing of each boat; woods and fabrics, each boat reflects the personality and lifestyle of the customer. Throughout the building process, Sunseeker's craftsmen take on board the customer's preferences, with an aim to exceed all expectations.
Pre-owned boats - Sunseeker has a wide-reaching sales network for used Sunseeker boats with sales offices all over the world, offering a real benefit for buyers and sellers alike.
Charter - As well as boat sales, Sunseeker also offer a world-class charter experience. If you're thinking of investing in your own Sunseeker boat, or if you simply want the ultimate luxury holiday, chartering with Sunseeker is an unforgettable experience.
Sunseeker 37M Trideck Yacht - The 37M Trideck Yacht offers four decks of unrivalled luxury. In respect of design, performance and refinement, the Trideck Yacht has scope to be customised to every individual taste. On board there is accommodation for ten people and quarters for eight crew.
Flybridge - The Flybridge range epitomises the elegance and sophistication for which Sunseeker is known. They are the essence of Sunseeker's spirit and possess a combination of beauty and stature. With luxury accommodation and top class performance across the range, the Flybridge is the jewel in Sunseeker's crown.
High Performance - The Sunseeker High Performance ranges offers enhanced performance without sacrificing luxury and style. The most up to date engine technology and pioneering propulsion systems, ensure efficient distribution of power, exhilarating top speeds, and amazing ease of handling.
The Predator 108 is in a class of its own. This craft offers lavish accommodation, and entertainment spaces are complemented by a range of leisure options.
Offshore Cruisers - Epitomising versatility, this is an impressive collection, conceived with entertainment in mind. Ideal as a spacious family day boat, Sunseeker offshore cruisers are just as comfortable with extended cruising.
Sports Boats - The Sunseeker sports craft are designed around a deep V, twin-stepped hull, offering power without compromising handling.
Stylish and comfortable below deck, there are a host of practical features above, allowing you to get you to your destination quickly and safely.
More boating articles are available from http://www.theyachtmarket.com
TheYachtMarket also lists thousands of boats for sale and charter by both private sellers and brokers all over the world.
Sunseeker is the principle seller of Sunseeker boats around the world. Offering customers the prestige of their products along with award-winning customer service, Sunseeker are a major influence in the world of luxury yachts and motorboats and their quest for perfection puts their brand in a league of its own.
Individuality - Individuality is the ethos of this company, and Sunseeker prides itself on creating a boat that is unique to each and every customer. Far beyond the finishing of each boat; woods and fabrics, each boat reflects the personality and lifestyle of the customer. Throughout the building process, Sunseeker's craftsmen take on board the customer's preferences, with an aim to exceed all expectations.
Pre-owned boats - Sunseeker has a wide-reaching sales network for used Sunseeker boats with sales offices all over the world, offering a real benefit for buyers and sellers alike.
Charter - As well as boat sales, Sunseeker also offer a world-class charter experience. If you're thinking of investing in your own Sunseeker boat, or if you simply want the ultimate luxury holiday, chartering with Sunseeker is an unforgettable experience.
Sunseeker 37M Trideck Yacht - The 37M Trideck Yacht offers four decks of unrivalled luxury. In respect of design, performance and refinement, the Trideck Yacht has scope to be customised to every individual taste. On board there is accommodation for ten people and quarters for eight crew.
Flybridge - The Flybridge range epitomises the elegance and sophistication for which Sunseeker is known. They are the essence of Sunseeker's spirit and possess a combination of beauty and stature. With luxury accommodation and top class performance across the range, the Flybridge is the jewel in Sunseeker's crown.
High Performance - The Sunseeker High Performance ranges offers enhanced performance without sacrificing luxury and style. The most up to date engine technology and pioneering propulsion systems, ensure efficient distribution of power, exhilarating top speeds, and amazing ease of handling.
The Predator 108 is in a class of its own. This craft offers lavish accommodation, and entertainment spaces are complemented by a range of leisure options.
Offshore Cruisers - Epitomising versatility, this is an impressive collection, conceived with entertainment in mind. Ideal as a spacious family day boat, Sunseeker offshore cruisers are just as comfortable with extended cruising.
Sports Boats - The Sunseeker sports craft are designed around a deep V, twin-stepped hull, offering power without compromising handling.
Stylish and comfortable below deck, there are a host of practical features above, allowing you to get you to your destination quickly and safely.
More boating articles are available from http://www.theyachtmarket.com
TheYachtMarket also lists thousands of boats for sale and charter by both private sellers and brokers all over the world.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Great Winter Road Trip Destinations
Great Winter Road Trip Destinations
Oddly enough, Winter Travel is a good time to learn how to "go with the flow" because even though you have to do additional ROAD TRIP PLANNING to have the extras on hand before you embark on the trip, traffic delays may require you to "stop and smell the roses" even when those roses have you stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting for the road to clear up ahead.
This is where your ROAD TRIP PLAN B comes into play. If you're a couple, this is a nice time to pull out a CD, kick back and rest your eyes while enjoying the music. If you're a family, pull out those car games, watch a DVD together, or simply start a round robin conversation (What I'm most looking forward to on this trip is...?). Keeping everyone comfortable and in good spirits will be the order of the day, and if you've planned for such things, it can actually be a fun time, albeit cramped.
While you're planning your itinerary, pay extra attention to towns or cities near roads you think may pose traffic delays or closures. Add activities to your itinerary that could keep you and your passengers occupied if delayed for more than four hours. That way, you can pull off and go shopping, take in a movie, enjoy a long lunch or early dinner, or stroll through a museum. Add a couple of nearby hotels to the unscheduled section of your trip planner just so you'll have the information on hand should the traffic delay be more than 8 hours.
ROAD TRIP PLANNING SAFETY TIPS
* If you are traveling with your family by car, get your vehicle inspected and check the weather conditions immediately before the trip.
* Cancel the trip if you are traveling to winter destinations and the weather forecast predicts a snowstorm.
* Some roads are not recommended unless you have a 4x4 vehicle.
* Carry snow chains
* Include a Delay of Game kit filled with snacks, car games, energy drinks, portable DVDs, portable games, blankets.
* Stow an emergency kit in your trunk holding batteries, blankets, flashlights, food, water, and more for those times when you may be stuck in your car for 8 hours or more.
* ALWAYS keep your gas tank topped off. Do not drive that last quarter tank assuming you will get to the next service station.
The above precautions aside, WINTER ROAD TRIPS ARE FUN! Just getting to your destination is more exciting because snow transforms the landscape from the ordinary to the extraordinary. And once you get to your destination, there's toasty fireplaces, snow boots creating puddles by the front door, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Not to mention activities you can only do during Winter like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides!
So what are some PRIME WINTER DESTINATIONS? Here are some to get you started on your Road Trip Planning.
FOR THE WHITE WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE:
* Alaska Experience with All Alaska Tours (this Road Trip can give you the Winter touch even in the Spring)
* Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
* Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada
* Lake Tahoe in California & on the Nevada side
* Mount Rainier in Washington
* Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Tennessee
* Salt Lake City in Utah
However, Winter does not always mean knee-deep in Snow: Here are some grand Winter Road Trips where you'll be hard-put to find snow (other than possibly some frosting atop distant mountains).
* Sedona Arizona - Red rocks, jeep tours, hot air balloon tours, shopping, spas, dining, festivals...great for a couple needing some time away from the kids.
* Las Vegas , Nevada - Vegas isn't just about gambling & night-life, though it certainly carries both in abundance. Vegas offers winter visitors a plethora of daytime activities to enjoy.
* Virginia Beach, Virginia - Go whale watching.
Winter getaways offer activities you won't get to experience any other time of the year so maximize your fun by planning a winter road trip now!
Tripwiser is a free social trip planning service that leverages the collective wisdom of users and makes trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
http://www.TripWiser.com
Oddly enough, Winter Travel is a good time to learn how to "go with the flow" because even though you have to do additional ROAD TRIP PLANNING to have the extras on hand before you embark on the trip, traffic delays may require you to "stop and smell the roses" even when those roses have you stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting for the road to clear up ahead.
This is where your ROAD TRIP PLAN B comes into play. If you're a couple, this is a nice time to pull out a CD, kick back and rest your eyes while enjoying the music. If you're a family, pull out those car games, watch a DVD together, or simply start a round robin conversation (What I'm most looking forward to on this trip is...?). Keeping everyone comfortable and in good spirits will be the order of the day, and if you've planned for such things, it can actually be a fun time, albeit cramped.
While you're planning your itinerary, pay extra attention to towns or cities near roads you think may pose traffic delays or closures. Add activities to your itinerary that could keep you and your passengers occupied if delayed for more than four hours. That way, you can pull off and go shopping, take in a movie, enjoy a long lunch or early dinner, or stroll through a museum. Add a couple of nearby hotels to the unscheduled section of your trip planner just so you'll have the information on hand should the traffic delay be more than 8 hours.
ROAD TRIP PLANNING SAFETY TIPS
* If you are traveling with your family by car, get your vehicle inspected and check the weather conditions immediately before the trip.
* Cancel the trip if you are traveling to winter destinations and the weather forecast predicts a snowstorm.
* Some roads are not recommended unless you have a 4x4 vehicle.
* Carry snow chains
* Include a Delay of Game kit filled with snacks, car games, energy drinks, portable DVDs, portable games, blankets.
* Stow an emergency kit in your trunk holding batteries, blankets, flashlights, food, water, and more for those times when you may be stuck in your car for 8 hours or more.
* ALWAYS keep your gas tank topped off. Do not drive that last quarter tank assuming you will get to the next service station.
The above precautions aside, WINTER ROAD TRIPS ARE FUN! Just getting to your destination is more exciting because snow transforms the landscape from the ordinary to the extraordinary. And once you get to your destination, there's toasty fireplaces, snow boots creating puddles by the front door, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Not to mention activities you can only do during Winter like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides!
So what are some PRIME WINTER DESTINATIONS? Here are some to get you started on your Road Trip Planning.
FOR THE WHITE WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE:
* Alaska Experience with All Alaska Tours (this Road Trip can give you the Winter touch even in the Spring)
* Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
* Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada
* Lake Tahoe in California & on the Nevada side
* Mount Rainier in Washington
* Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Tennessee
* Salt Lake City in Utah
However, Winter does not always mean knee-deep in Snow: Here are some grand Winter Road Trips where you'll be hard-put to find snow (other than possibly some frosting atop distant mountains).
* Sedona Arizona - Red rocks, jeep tours, hot air balloon tours, shopping, spas, dining, festivals...great for a couple needing some time away from the kids.
* Las Vegas , Nevada - Vegas isn't just about gambling & night-life, though it certainly carries both in abundance. Vegas offers winter visitors a plethora of daytime activities to enjoy.
* Virginia Beach, Virginia - Go whale watching.
Winter getaways offer activities you won't get to experience any other time of the year so maximize your fun by planning a winter road trip now!
Tripwiser is a free social trip planning service that leverages the collective wisdom of users and makes trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
http://www.TripWiser.com
How to Keep your Kids Happy at Dreamworld
How to Keep your Kids Happy at Dreamworld
Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - What a wonderful place to take your family and keep your kids happy.
However, having been there with my husband,and our 6yr old and 8yr old nephews, I learnt quite a lot that I wished I had known beforehand and during our visit. We chose a day when it was extremely hot and humid, knew nothing much about what we would find there or how to attack it. Here are some tips on making your day run smoother than ours did. Seven Control Procedures to put in place to make cranky kids happy again.
No 1. Make sure that you tell the small child that the Wiggles group will not be there at Dreamworld, unless you know for sure that they will be. Our 6 yr old nephew spent all of his time looking for them and not really enjoying the entertainment, except his ride in the Wiggles Big Red Car. Even then, he was sure that the Wiggles would pop out of a door at any moment.
No 2. Take big hats, sunglasses, face wipes, sunscreen, cold water (purchase on your entry),a large carry bag and camera.
If you have a partner, consider taking two mobile phones. If you have children who are old enough to wander off, place your phone number and name in your kids' pockets, so they can give it to a Dreamworld staff member.
Maybe you should place your phone number on your sun glasses,too. I left mine in the ladies rest room, but after a hot and frustrating walk to the information centre, which was right back at the entrance, I was fortunate to have had them handed in. Lucky for me, as they were on loan from my sister.
No 3. If there are two adults and different aged children, the adventurous adult should take the older children straight to the fast rides. After all, you will have to get on with them unless you have an older teenager, who is willing.
The other adult can take the small child or children to The Wiggles World. This area is fantastic. Don't forget to take your camera to collect great memories for your family.
No 4. Introduce your small children gently to the Wiggles friends - Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Optopus and Captain Feathersword, as they can be a bit daunting seeing them in the real world and not on TV. My nephew would only approach Wags the Dog, but not the others. I still haven't worked out why. He is enraptured with them at home and sings all the Wiggles songs and watches their movies. He was terrified that Captain Feathersword would approach our table, but I was laughing most of the time at the Captain's antics.
No 5. Give each other about 2 hours or more with each child or children and meet back at Wiggle World in front of the 'Yummy Yummy'shop, or an agreed venue, where you can buy lunch, icecream and drinks. Perhaps have lunch a little earlier so as to miss the long, long queues. Believe me, littlies will not like this wait. Or one partner could take the children on the train while the other lines up in the queue for food. All of the food venues are close to the railway station. It takes about 15 - 30 minutes to complete a train ride. It depends how busy Dreamworld is at the time.
No 6. It could be a good idea to give the kids icecream or cold drinks before departing on the train, as it can be a little boring for the older kids. It is a great train ride, but continually stops at stations, letting Dreamworld visitors jump off at other entertainment areas or the restaurant, which you might choose to do, too.
No 7. When you and your partner have had enough of the walking, riding, waiting in queues, or tired complaining children, jump on Captain Sturt's paddle wheel boat for a wonderfully refreshing 30 minute cruise. Sit back and listen to the happy Australian songs and rest your aching feet. Your kids will probably sing along as my nephew and I did. This can be a calming end to your day or just a rest before hitting all the other entertainment areas, such as Nickelodeon Central, Tiger Island, The Australian Wildlife Experience, Big Brother and The FlowRider and lots more.
So, you may have to schedule another visit to Dreamworld. It's a great incentive to get better behaviour from the kids, isn't it.
Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia is the business Patricia Lilly has developed using her extensive experience in the Hospitality industry. Patricia ensures safe and secure accommodation and tour bookings online. At the Gold Coast, Qld, if you want the tallest, fastest and most exciting theme park rides, visit Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. So click here to check it out
=> http://www.australia-accommodation.info/gold-coast-dreamworld.php
Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - What a wonderful place to take your family and keep your kids happy.
However, having been there with my husband,and our 6yr old and 8yr old nephews, I learnt quite a lot that I wished I had known beforehand and during our visit. We chose a day when it was extremely hot and humid, knew nothing much about what we would find there or how to attack it. Here are some tips on making your day run smoother than ours did. Seven Control Procedures to put in place to make cranky kids happy again.
No 1. Make sure that you tell the small child that the Wiggles group will not be there at Dreamworld, unless you know for sure that they will be. Our 6 yr old nephew spent all of his time looking for them and not really enjoying the entertainment, except his ride in the Wiggles Big Red Car. Even then, he was sure that the Wiggles would pop out of a door at any moment.
No 2. Take big hats, sunglasses, face wipes, sunscreen, cold water (purchase on your entry),a large carry bag and camera.
If you have a partner, consider taking two mobile phones. If you have children who are old enough to wander off, place your phone number and name in your kids' pockets, so they can give it to a Dreamworld staff member.
Maybe you should place your phone number on your sun glasses,too. I left mine in the ladies rest room, but after a hot and frustrating walk to the information centre, which was right back at the entrance, I was fortunate to have had them handed in. Lucky for me, as they were on loan from my sister.
No 3. If there are two adults and different aged children, the adventurous adult should take the older children straight to the fast rides. After all, you will have to get on with them unless you have an older teenager, who is willing.
The other adult can take the small child or children to The Wiggles World. This area is fantastic. Don't forget to take your camera to collect great memories for your family.
No 4. Introduce your small children gently to the Wiggles friends - Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Optopus and Captain Feathersword, as they can be a bit daunting seeing them in the real world and not on TV. My nephew would only approach Wags the Dog, but not the others. I still haven't worked out why. He is enraptured with them at home and sings all the Wiggles songs and watches their movies. He was terrified that Captain Feathersword would approach our table, but I was laughing most of the time at the Captain's antics.
No 5. Give each other about 2 hours or more with each child or children and meet back at Wiggle World in front of the 'Yummy Yummy'shop, or an agreed venue, where you can buy lunch, icecream and drinks. Perhaps have lunch a little earlier so as to miss the long, long queues. Believe me, littlies will not like this wait. Or one partner could take the children on the train while the other lines up in the queue for food. All of the food venues are close to the railway station. It takes about 15 - 30 minutes to complete a train ride. It depends how busy Dreamworld is at the time.
No 6. It could be a good idea to give the kids icecream or cold drinks before departing on the train, as it can be a little boring for the older kids. It is a great train ride, but continually stops at stations, letting Dreamworld visitors jump off at other entertainment areas or the restaurant, which you might choose to do, too.
No 7. When you and your partner have had enough of the walking, riding, waiting in queues, or tired complaining children, jump on Captain Sturt's paddle wheel boat for a wonderfully refreshing 30 minute cruise. Sit back and listen to the happy Australian songs and rest your aching feet. Your kids will probably sing along as my nephew and I did. This can be a calming end to your day or just a rest before hitting all the other entertainment areas, such as Nickelodeon Central, Tiger Island, The Australian Wildlife Experience, Big Brother and The FlowRider and lots more.
So, you may have to schedule another visit to Dreamworld. It's a great incentive to get better behaviour from the kids, isn't it.
Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia is the business Patricia Lilly has developed using her extensive experience in the Hospitality industry. Patricia ensures safe and secure accommodation and tour bookings online. At the Gold Coast, Qld, if you want the tallest, fastest and most exciting theme park rides, visit Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. So click here to check it out
=> http://www.australia-accommodation.info/gold-coast-dreamworld.php
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Quick Tour Of Italy - Bergamo And Lake Como
A Quick Tour Of Italy - Bergamo And Lake Como
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Bergamo and Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn't stop you from going. With a little effort you should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Garda district with its interesting political past.
Bergamo was founded by the Celts over two thousand years ago. This medieval city tucked behind ancient walls overlooks the Alps. It is divided into two sectors connected by cable cars; the older Upper Bergamo and the modern Lower Bergamo. Can you guess which Bergamo I prefer?
The large Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was started in the Twelfth Century and finished centuries later. The church sits on the old city's Piazza Vecchia. Bergamo was home to the composer Donizetti, buried in this church. If you like opera visit the Donizetti Museum. The Cathedral of San Vincenzo and Battistero are situated on Piazza Duomo, the heart of the medieval city. Their beautiful neighbor is the Fifteenth Century Renaissance Colleoni Chapel.
Lake Como, a glacial lake shaped like an upside down Y, is Italy's third largest lake. The village of Varenna is home to Italy's shortest river, the Fiumelatte and the magnificent Thirteenth Century Villa Monestero convent. Situated in a magnificent park half a mile long, it is now an international cultural and scientific center. Bellagio lies at the center of Lake Como's Y. It was a tourist center even in Roman times. Las Vegas has a hotel with the same name, but definitely not in the same league. Make sure to see the early Seventeenth Century Villa Serbelloni surrounded by acres of gardens. The villa is now an international conference center. Tremezzo is a resort town highlighted by Villa Carlotta, built over fifty years starting towards the end of the Seventeenth Century. Its spectacular grounds include over 150 varieties of azelias and rhododendrons. While you can't stay at Villa Carlotta, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is quite classy.
Mountain cuisine is based on polenta, a type of corn bread. Other mountain specialties include free-range chickens, kid, and game. The best Italian sparkling wine Franciacorta is made near Bergamo.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Bergamo and Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn't stop you from going. With a little effort you should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Garda district with its interesting political past.
Bergamo was founded by the Celts over two thousand years ago. This medieval city tucked behind ancient walls overlooks the Alps. It is divided into two sectors connected by cable cars; the older Upper Bergamo and the modern Lower Bergamo. Can you guess which Bergamo I prefer?
The large Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was started in the Twelfth Century and finished centuries later. The church sits on the old city's Piazza Vecchia. Bergamo was home to the composer Donizetti, buried in this church. If you like opera visit the Donizetti Museum. The Cathedral of San Vincenzo and Battistero are situated on Piazza Duomo, the heart of the medieval city. Their beautiful neighbor is the Fifteenth Century Renaissance Colleoni Chapel.
Lake Como, a glacial lake shaped like an upside down Y, is Italy's third largest lake. The village of Varenna is home to Italy's shortest river, the Fiumelatte and the magnificent Thirteenth Century Villa Monestero convent. Situated in a magnificent park half a mile long, it is now an international cultural and scientific center. Bellagio lies at the center of Lake Como's Y. It was a tourist center even in Roman times. Las Vegas has a hotel with the same name, but definitely not in the same league. Make sure to see the early Seventeenth Century Villa Serbelloni surrounded by acres of gardens. The villa is now an international conference center. Tremezzo is a resort town highlighted by Villa Carlotta, built over fifty years starting towards the end of the Seventeenth Century. Its spectacular grounds include over 150 varieties of azelias and rhododendrons. While you can't stay at Villa Carlotta, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is quite classy.
Mountain cuisine is based on polenta, a type of corn bread. Other mountain specialties include free-range chickens, kid, and game. The best Italian sparkling wine Franciacorta is made near Bergamo.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Luxury Travel Packages for Gleneagles
Luxury Travel Packages for Gleneagles
If you are seeking luxury travel packages for Gleneagles, one thing to keep in mind is that if you are traveling to Scotland, you should also take in some of the other delights that this magnificent country has to offer. It would be shame if you restricted yourself to just the one area, and missed all of the wonderful scenery and the ancient and sometimes bloody history that Scotland is steeped in.
Gleneagles itself is a beautiful traditional hotel set in its own 850 acre estate in Perthshire, Scotland, and hosted the G8 summit a couple of years ago. It is a 5 Star hotel with superb cuisine that is renowned the world over, and also boasts three top championship golf courses. You can't spend a night at Gleneagles without testing yourself against one of these, and also trying out its award winning spa. The surrounding countryside is magnificent and even a walk round the estate gives you plenty to explore as you work up an appetite. Gleneagles is the hotel of choice of the stars of screen, stage and the sports fields the world over.
The hotel offers not only golf, but falconry, fly fishing and horse riding among many other sports, and is only an hour drive away from the beautiful capital city of Edinburgh, and the metropolis of Glasgow, and even less from the famed St. Andrews, with its seven links golf courses, including the famed Old Course, favorite venue of many international golfers for the British Open Championship. Tours to St. Andrews frequently offer a round of golf at the Old Course.
Apart from London, Glasgow is the largest retail center in the UK, and offers lots of great shopping opportunities for both men and women, and is an architectural masterpiece of Sir Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who designed many of the buildings in this expansive city. After a visit to Glasgow, why not head over to the east side of Scotland to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where the magnificent castle overlooks Princes Street, with its high quality retail outlets on the north of the road and the beautiful park on the south, running the entire length of this mile long street with a five star hotel at each end. Admire the famed floral clock and gilded fountain, or perhaps even try a game of putting before visiting the Edinburgh Woolen Mill or the Edinburgh Tartan Shop, or even paying a visit to Edinburgh Castle that is open to the public.
Edinburgh has a lot to interest the tourist in addition to Princes Street, including the castle itself, the Royal Mile, with a whole town of old houses discovered beneath the city, many said to be haunted. It also boasts Holyrood House, home to Mary Queen of Scots, and lies close to the Scottish Parliament. You don't leave Edinburgh without taking in the sense of history that just oozes from this magnificent city, home to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Robert Louis Stevenson, who based his character Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on Deacon Brodie, a local worthy who frequented the Royal Mile.
Luxury travel packages for Gleneagles can easily fit tours to these two great cities, and some packages are available to make the best of your time by also fitting in trips to St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife, as it calls itself. Fife is an ancient county of Scotland where the kings were once crowned. In fact Charles 1 was born in Dunfermline Palace, the same town also being the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie.
Another famous location in Fife is St. Andrews, with the ruins of its cathedral and it's famous university, attended by Prince William. All of this within an hour's drive of each other. However, in order to enjoy such luxury tours to the fullest, you also expect luxury accommodation and travel, and the planners of such vacations should make sure that your flights are at least business class and your road travel is by limousine.
Your hotels should be of four or five star luxury, and your food out of this world. In fact if you can find vacation packages that offers trips for just two people: you and your partner, then that would be the ideal. You don't really want to share with others, and luxury packages for Gleneagles designed just for you would enable you to get the best value for your money, and to live better than you do at home. After all, isn't that the purpose of a vacation?
Genuine luxury packages to Gleneagles are available from http://www.ultitude.com , where you are offered a five star vacation package to Gleneagles, Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Glasgow including business class travel and an individual limousine service for you and your partner.
If you are seeking luxury travel packages for Gleneagles, one thing to keep in mind is that if you are traveling to Scotland, you should also take in some of the other delights that this magnificent country has to offer. It would be shame if you restricted yourself to just the one area, and missed all of the wonderful scenery and the ancient and sometimes bloody history that Scotland is steeped in.
Gleneagles itself is a beautiful traditional hotel set in its own 850 acre estate in Perthshire, Scotland, and hosted the G8 summit a couple of years ago. It is a 5 Star hotel with superb cuisine that is renowned the world over, and also boasts three top championship golf courses. You can't spend a night at Gleneagles without testing yourself against one of these, and also trying out its award winning spa. The surrounding countryside is magnificent and even a walk round the estate gives you plenty to explore as you work up an appetite. Gleneagles is the hotel of choice of the stars of screen, stage and the sports fields the world over.
The hotel offers not only golf, but falconry, fly fishing and horse riding among many other sports, and is only an hour drive away from the beautiful capital city of Edinburgh, and the metropolis of Glasgow, and even less from the famed St. Andrews, with its seven links golf courses, including the famed Old Course, favorite venue of many international golfers for the British Open Championship. Tours to St. Andrews frequently offer a round of golf at the Old Course.
Apart from London, Glasgow is the largest retail center in the UK, and offers lots of great shopping opportunities for both men and women, and is an architectural masterpiece of Sir Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who designed many of the buildings in this expansive city. After a visit to Glasgow, why not head over to the east side of Scotland to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where the magnificent castle overlooks Princes Street, with its high quality retail outlets on the north of the road and the beautiful park on the south, running the entire length of this mile long street with a five star hotel at each end. Admire the famed floral clock and gilded fountain, or perhaps even try a game of putting before visiting the Edinburgh Woolen Mill or the Edinburgh Tartan Shop, or even paying a visit to Edinburgh Castle that is open to the public.
Edinburgh has a lot to interest the tourist in addition to Princes Street, including the castle itself, the Royal Mile, with a whole town of old houses discovered beneath the city, many said to be haunted. It also boasts Holyrood House, home to Mary Queen of Scots, and lies close to the Scottish Parliament. You don't leave Edinburgh without taking in the sense of history that just oozes from this magnificent city, home to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Robert Louis Stevenson, who based his character Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on Deacon Brodie, a local worthy who frequented the Royal Mile.
Luxury travel packages for Gleneagles can easily fit tours to these two great cities, and some packages are available to make the best of your time by also fitting in trips to St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife, as it calls itself. Fife is an ancient county of Scotland where the kings were once crowned. In fact Charles 1 was born in Dunfermline Palace, the same town also being the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie.
Another famous location in Fife is St. Andrews, with the ruins of its cathedral and it's famous university, attended by Prince William. All of this within an hour's drive of each other. However, in order to enjoy such luxury tours to the fullest, you also expect luxury accommodation and travel, and the planners of such vacations should make sure that your flights are at least business class and your road travel is by limousine.
Your hotels should be of four or five star luxury, and your food out of this world. In fact if you can find vacation packages that offers trips for just two people: you and your partner, then that would be the ideal. You don't really want to share with others, and luxury packages for Gleneagles designed just for you would enable you to get the best value for your money, and to live better than you do at home. After all, isn't that the purpose of a vacation?
Genuine luxury packages to Gleneagles are available from http://www.ultitude.com , where you are offered a five star vacation package to Gleneagles, Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Glasgow including business class travel and an individual limousine service for you and your partner.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Reasons To Visit Kent, England
Reasons To Visit Kent, England
If you want to go see 14th century England then you must visit Canterbury in Kent.
Travel to St Becket's shrine in Canterbury and then hear the tales of chivalry, romance and horror from the colouful pilgrims of Chaucer's period. It has a multi-lingual show and special commentary just for kids is also available. They are open daily but check the details before going by telephoning them in advance.
Canterbury Cathedral had a tradition during the medieval era to welcome every visitor. It was founded in 597 AD and houses the Mother Church of the Anglican community and it has a Romanesque crypt, 12th century quire and some of ancient and best glass windows in the country. In 1170 Thomas Becket was murdered here so it attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is closed or restricted on special occasions and events otherwise its open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Goodnestone Park Gardens are set in 14 acres of garden which also includes two arboretums, woodlands area, walled garden with roses, clematis and many herbaceous plants. A small part was extended in 2000 and a new gravel garden in 2003. Better check its timings before leaving and they do open by appointments also by charging you a little extra.
When England created the Eurotunnel, it excavated 4.9 million cubic meters of chalk marl from the Channel tunnel. This site of 30 hectare is located at the feet of the Dover Cliffs and has breathtaking beauty. It is a popular place for walking, fishing and for those who enjoy the countryside of Great Britain. It is signposted from the A20 west of Dover. and open from 7am till dusk.
Kent's first premier railway ran from Hythe to Dungeness lighthouse via Dymchurch and New Romney running for just 13.5 miles. It is a superb one third full size steam locomotive with comfortable carriages and cafes at Dungeness and New Romney makes your journey a pleasant one that you will never forget. The Model Railway Exhibition at New Romney has gift shops at most of the prime stations and an adventure playground which makes it an exciting holiday for the whole of family. Hythe station is quite close to M20 junction 11.
The Old Lighthouse is a historic Grade II building, recently having celebrated its centenary. It was opened by His Royal Majesty the Prince of Wales in 1904 and it was got ready in 3 years and survived the two world wars before being decommissioned in 1960. For so many years it had guided the various vessels sailing in the English Channel. Access to it is very easy either by A 259 or RH&D Railway to Dungeness.
If you are looking for an out & out adventure then come to The Rare Breeds Farm Park where you can encounter the friendly farm animals, two giant play barns, woodland adventure course, Quiz/Sculpture Trail, summer butterfly gardens and tunnels, aerial runaways and play fort, trailor rides, animal encounter paddocks, countryside interpretation lodge and a walkthrough aviary. M20 J10 on B2067 between Hamstreet and Woodchurch. It is open the whole of the year from 10:30am except on all Mondays from October to March.
There is something for all ages to see in Kent, so visit soon.
Devinder offers London transfers on the following site
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk
If you want to go see 14th century England then you must visit Canterbury in Kent.
Travel to St Becket's shrine in Canterbury and then hear the tales of chivalry, romance and horror from the colouful pilgrims of Chaucer's period. It has a multi-lingual show and special commentary just for kids is also available. They are open daily but check the details before going by telephoning them in advance.
Canterbury Cathedral had a tradition during the medieval era to welcome every visitor. It was founded in 597 AD and houses the Mother Church of the Anglican community and it has a Romanesque crypt, 12th century quire and some of ancient and best glass windows in the country. In 1170 Thomas Becket was murdered here so it attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is closed or restricted on special occasions and events otherwise its open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Goodnestone Park Gardens are set in 14 acres of garden which also includes two arboretums, woodlands area, walled garden with roses, clematis and many herbaceous plants. A small part was extended in 2000 and a new gravel garden in 2003. Better check its timings before leaving and they do open by appointments also by charging you a little extra.
When England created the Eurotunnel, it excavated 4.9 million cubic meters of chalk marl from the Channel tunnel. This site of 30 hectare is located at the feet of the Dover Cliffs and has breathtaking beauty. It is a popular place for walking, fishing and for those who enjoy the countryside of Great Britain. It is signposted from the A20 west of Dover. and open from 7am till dusk.
Kent's first premier railway ran from Hythe to Dungeness lighthouse via Dymchurch and New Romney running for just 13.5 miles. It is a superb one third full size steam locomotive with comfortable carriages and cafes at Dungeness and New Romney makes your journey a pleasant one that you will never forget. The Model Railway Exhibition at New Romney has gift shops at most of the prime stations and an adventure playground which makes it an exciting holiday for the whole of family. Hythe station is quite close to M20 junction 11.
The Old Lighthouse is a historic Grade II building, recently having celebrated its centenary. It was opened by His Royal Majesty the Prince of Wales in 1904 and it was got ready in 3 years and survived the two world wars before being decommissioned in 1960. For so many years it had guided the various vessels sailing in the English Channel. Access to it is very easy either by A 259 or RH&D Railway to Dungeness.
If you are looking for an out & out adventure then come to The Rare Breeds Farm Park where you can encounter the friendly farm animals, two giant play barns, woodland adventure course, Quiz/Sculpture Trail, summer butterfly gardens and tunnels, aerial runaways and play fort, trailor rides, animal encounter paddocks, countryside interpretation lodge and a walkthrough aviary. M20 J10 on B2067 between Hamstreet and Woodchurch. It is open the whole of the year from 10:30am except on all Mondays from October to March.
There is something for all ages to see in Kent, so visit soon.
Devinder offers London transfers on the following site
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk
You Must Visit Wales, UK
You Must Visit Wales, UK
The Wales Coastline is a beautiful landscape that stretches 170 miles from North to South and 60 miles from East to West and is of course on the West of Great Britain surrounded on three sides by the Sea.
Gower, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardin Bay are really beautiful with wonderful clean beaches to visit. In Wales you are never far away from both the Mountains and the Sea. Visitors to these shores include Dolphins, Basking Sharks, Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and Leather Back Turtles.
The Gower peninsula was the first to be acknowledged by the British Government as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
There are many islands off the Welsh mainland, Ynys Mon (Anglesey) is the largest. The highest peak in Wales is 3,560 ft high and called Snowdon and the highest mountains are dark and craggy.
If you travel down South, as you move along the land starts becoming softer, but is still very hilly. The South of Wales is the place where industrial revolution did take place. It has a totally different feel than the rest of Wales. Here are steep sided valleys, once home to the coal-mines crafted by the three rivers of Rhymney, Rhondda Taff and Cynon.
It is said Welsh people like talking, and of course love telling stories and singing. To celebrate their proud Literature they organize a Literature Festival each year in Hay-on Wey. It attracts lots of big shots from the Literary world from all over the planet.
In Wales everybody sings to celebrate victory. During the Rugby matches you can see the people chanting the National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nadhau (Land of my Fathers). The Harp and pibgorn (wooden pipe).can be heard at many places. Many new rock bands have also come up recently like Manic Street Preachers, Frizbee and some of the oldies like Bryn Fon, Meic Stevens and Dafydd Iwan are still going strong.
If you are a foodie or just looking for a hearty meal then Wales will please you in all these ways and more. Give your taste-buds a treat and be adventurous and visit the various eateries around offering the locally prepared dishes fresh. You will find many Restaurants boasting Michelin-starred perfection here.
World renowned Welsh Lamb and the Welsh Black Beef are not the only good things to taste, but others like Laverbread (a seaweed) often fried into crisp patties with eggs, bacon and fresh cockles for a traditional Welsh breakfast.
If you love cheese, Wales is a place that makes 600 different types of cheese dishes. For those who love cooking, a visit to one of the farmer's market or farmer shops is a must.
You can also go to a Food Festivals, which happen all throughout the year, and you can meet the actual food producers, meet top chefs and watch them prepare exquisite dishes and sample some right yummy treats.
Wales will be a perfect destination for all you food buffs and Tourists with tantalizing tastes.
Fred Williams invites all readers and UK Visitors to take a London transfer to Wales soon.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk
The Wales Coastline is a beautiful landscape that stretches 170 miles from North to South and 60 miles from East to West and is of course on the West of Great Britain surrounded on three sides by the Sea.
Gower, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardin Bay are really beautiful with wonderful clean beaches to visit. In Wales you are never far away from both the Mountains and the Sea. Visitors to these shores include Dolphins, Basking Sharks, Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and Leather Back Turtles.
The Gower peninsula was the first to be acknowledged by the British Government as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
There are many islands off the Welsh mainland, Ynys Mon (Anglesey) is the largest. The highest peak in Wales is 3,560 ft high and called Snowdon and the highest mountains are dark and craggy.
If you travel down South, as you move along the land starts becoming softer, but is still very hilly. The South of Wales is the place where industrial revolution did take place. It has a totally different feel than the rest of Wales. Here are steep sided valleys, once home to the coal-mines crafted by the three rivers of Rhymney, Rhondda Taff and Cynon.
It is said Welsh people like talking, and of course love telling stories and singing. To celebrate their proud Literature they organize a Literature Festival each year in Hay-on Wey. It attracts lots of big shots from the Literary world from all over the planet.
In Wales everybody sings to celebrate victory. During the Rugby matches you can see the people chanting the National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nadhau (Land of my Fathers). The Harp and pibgorn (wooden pipe).can be heard at many places. Many new rock bands have also come up recently like Manic Street Preachers, Frizbee and some of the oldies like Bryn Fon, Meic Stevens and Dafydd Iwan are still going strong.
If you are a foodie or just looking for a hearty meal then Wales will please you in all these ways and more. Give your taste-buds a treat and be adventurous and visit the various eateries around offering the locally prepared dishes fresh. You will find many Restaurants boasting Michelin-starred perfection here.
World renowned Welsh Lamb and the Welsh Black Beef are not the only good things to taste, but others like Laverbread (a seaweed) often fried into crisp patties with eggs, bacon and fresh cockles for a traditional Welsh breakfast.
If you love cheese, Wales is a place that makes 600 different types of cheese dishes. For those who love cooking, a visit to one of the farmer's market or farmer shops is a must.
You can also go to a Food Festivals, which happen all throughout the year, and you can meet the actual food producers, meet top chefs and watch them prepare exquisite dishes and sample some right yummy treats.
Wales will be a perfect destination for all you food buffs and Tourists with tantalizing tastes.
Fred Williams invites all readers and UK Visitors to take a London transfer to Wales soon.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk
Friday, November 21, 2008
Unique CA getaways are trips to remember
Unique CA getaways are trips to remember
With hard-earned vacation time often in short supply, travelers want to make the most of every weekend or vacation they get. Sometimes that means trying something completely different - a getaway so unique that it will become Topic A around the Monday morning water cooler.
California is blessed with many such unique vacation adventures, and here are three of our favorites:
Luxury tent camping
If your memories of tent camping are crawling into a pup tent, zipping yourself into a sleeping bag, and then writhing all night on a hard piece of ground, we have good news: You can now get the back-to-nature tent camping experience but with a twist that is sure to appeal to all those who swore off tents back in their early 20's.
About 17 miles west of Santa Barbara a place called El Capitan Canyon offers safari-style tents that have been outfitted with real beds, electricity and other conveniences you would expect in a hotel room. The tents are real tents, all right, and zip up just like the ones from your younger years, but they're set up on a permanent wood deck that makes them feel more cabin-like, except that this still is a canvas tent.
There are 26 such tents at El Capitan Canyon - along with dozens of small cabins and yurts - and each one measures 12 feet by 14 feet and is furnished with either one queen bed or two double beds. You'll get bed linens and towels, a small desk, chairs, a bedside table, heating, lights - in other words, considerably more amenities than you probably remember taking with you on that backpacking trip into the Sierra Nevada.
The setting at El Capitan is quite woodsy with groves of sycamore and oak trees, although there are large open areas of grass where the kids can play as well as barbecue pits and picnic tables for each of the tents, cabins or yurts. Just a mile or so down the road is the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and El Capitan State Beach where you can picnic and swim. There are also scenic hiking trails nearby including the Bill Wallace Trail.
We should note the word "luxury" here is a relative term - compared with your every-day garden-variety campground, El Capitan is definitely a couple of notches better and the tents are much more comfortable than any tent you would set up on your own. The cabins and yurts looked cozy as well. But this is still a campground experience and reminded us in some ways of the feel you might have in one of the better RV resorts, with modern, clean bathrooms in a separate facility about a two-minute walk from most lodging units. A heated swimming pool also is available.
Besides the comfortable accommodations, a big plus for El Capitan Canyon is the on-site Canyon Market that includes an excellent sandwich shop, light groceries and other provisions for your stay. The market has "barbecue kits" available for purchase that include all the meat and fixings for hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish or even tri-tip. If you do decide to do your own cooking, you'll need to pack kitchen supplies from home.
We found El Capitan Canyon to be quite enjoyable and quite different from many of the hotels and resorts we often visit. It was a way to return to our roots - that is, enjoy an outdoors experience but do it in a more civilized way with no sore backs in the morning and shower facilities close at hand to freshen up after a night in the "wilderness."
For more information, go to www.elcapitancanyon.com or phone 866-352-2729.
Fire lookout
If you're the type of traveler who truly likes to get away from people - who puts a high premium on quiet, uninterrupted peace, and who will not go into withdrawal if you have to go a night without television - then have we got the place. The Morton Peak Fire Lookout books overnight stays for people just like you.
The U.S. Forest Service views the lookout rental program as a way to generate a little good PR at a time when they have to keep telling people that services may be more limited or more expensive due to tight budgets.
We reserved our night by calling the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, which handles bookings for the Morton Peak Lookout, the only such facility in Southern California that is available for rentals. The lookout actually is just at the edge of the San Bernardino Forest and, if you're coming from the Los Angeles area, it will save you about 45 minutes off the normal two-hour drive to Big Bear.
We noted that the last three miles are on a steep, rutted road but it wasn't long before we came to a small clearing on a mountain top with, as advertised, a 30-foot tower and a 14X14 "cabin" on the top. Maybe a more apt description would be an aircraft control tower on stilts, as the cabin had windows running the length of every wall, offering views in every direction.
This particular tower, elevation 4624 feet, was built in the 1930's, then burned down and rebuilt in 1960. It eventually went out of service and into disrepair as the Forest Service cut back on its paid lookout program, but was rebuilt in 2001 with a $5,000 government grant and a volunteer work force.
Soon we were ready for our night at the edge of the world. As the sun dipped slowly, the nearby mountains darkened while, at the same time, the city lights below us came alive. The juxtaposition seemed unusual - here we were perched on a mountainside all by ourselves, yet below us were the lights of nearly the entire Los Angeles basin.
The lookout is small, but comfortable for a couple or perhaps a couple with one or two small children. There are just two twin beds, but space enough to roll some blankets out onto the floor if you need to. There's no running water in the cabin, no refrigeration, no power. Cooking is restricted to the picnic table outside and you must haul in your own gas stove because fires and charcoal briquettes are not allowed.
For more information on reservations at Morton Peak Lookout, call the Big Bear Resort Association at 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR or visit www.bigbear.com.
Historic paddle-wheeler
Who can resist the charm of an early 20th-century riverboat - a true paddle-wheeler that once offered prohibition-era drinking, jazz bands and gambling for its fun-loving passengers? Fortunately there's no need to travel to the Mississippi - and no, we're not talking Disneyland. The Delta King awaits your exploration dockside in Old Sacramento.
Just like passengers back in the 1920s, today's guests enjoy enchanting river views, great food and drink and a cozy stateroom unlike any other accommodation you may have experienced. But unlike those early passengers, you will have to be content with scenery that remains pretty constant. The Delta King isn't going anyplace anytime soon.
But then it doesn't need to. This historic 285-foot boat is docked along the Old Sacramento riverfront which, today, has been turned into a hip collection of good restaurants, eclectic shops and trendy night spots that draw millions of tourists and local residents alike.
The Delta King and her identical twin, the Delta Queen, were christened in 1927, the same year that the vessels began voyages between San Francisco and Sacramento. The elegance and craftsmanship are apparent the moment one enters the lobby area where the rich red oak paneling and fixtures create an impression of opulence. The dining room, too, has that feeling of classic comfort, and a wide stairway and oak banisters bring to mind those images of the grand stairway in the Titanic.
We found the rooms to be small, but no smaller than expected for a stateroom on board an authentic riverboat. Our room had a queen bed on one side, a single bed on the other, and a tiny bathroom - with an unusual six-foot high toilet tank -- in the middle. Color TV with cable was available on the queen bed side.
For history buffs, Old Sacramento also has a number of museums including the California State Railroad Museum, the California Military Museum, Discovery Museum History Center, the Old Sacramento Interpretive Center, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum.
For more information on the Delta King, phone 1-800-825-5464 or go to www.deltaking.com.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer specializing in California and the Pacific Northwest. He maintains two websites, http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .
With hard-earned vacation time often in short supply, travelers want to make the most of every weekend or vacation they get. Sometimes that means trying something completely different - a getaway so unique that it will become Topic A around the Monday morning water cooler.
California is blessed with many such unique vacation adventures, and here are three of our favorites:
Luxury tent camping
If your memories of tent camping are crawling into a pup tent, zipping yourself into a sleeping bag, and then writhing all night on a hard piece of ground, we have good news: You can now get the back-to-nature tent camping experience but with a twist that is sure to appeal to all those who swore off tents back in their early 20's.
About 17 miles west of Santa Barbara a place called El Capitan Canyon offers safari-style tents that have been outfitted with real beds, electricity and other conveniences you would expect in a hotel room. The tents are real tents, all right, and zip up just like the ones from your younger years, but they're set up on a permanent wood deck that makes them feel more cabin-like, except that this still is a canvas tent.
There are 26 such tents at El Capitan Canyon - along with dozens of small cabins and yurts - and each one measures 12 feet by 14 feet and is furnished with either one queen bed or two double beds. You'll get bed linens and towels, a small desk, chairs, a bedside table, heating, lights - in other words, considerably more amenities than you probably remember taking with you on that backpacking trip into the Sierra Nevada.
The setting at El Capitan is quite woodsy with groves of sycamore and oak trees, although there are large open areas of grass where the kids can play as well as barbecue pits and picnic tables for each of the tents, cabins or yurts. Just a mile or so down the road is the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and El Capitan State Beach where you can picnic and swim. There are also scenic hiking trails nearby including the Bill Wallace Trail.
We should note the word "luxury" here is a relative term - compared with your every-day garden-variety campground, El Capitan is definitely a couple of notches better and the tents are much more comfortable than any tent you would set up on your own. The cabins and yurts looked cozy as well. But this is still a campground experience and reminded us in some ways of the feel you might have in one of the better RV resorts, with modern, clean bathrooms in a separate facility about a two-minute walk from most lodging units. A heated swimming pool also is available.
Besides the comfortable accommodations, a big plus for El Capitan Canyon is the on-site Canyon Market that includes an excellent sandwich shop, light groceries and other provisions for your stay. The market has "barbecue kits" available for purchase that include all the meat and fixings for hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish or even tri-tip. If you do decide to do your own cooking, you'll need to pack kitchen supplies from home.
We found El Capitan Canyon to be quite enjoyable and quite different from many of the hotels and resorts we often visit. It was a way to return to our roots - that is, enjoy an outdoors experience but do it in a more civilized way with no sore backs in the morning and shower facilities close at hand to freshen up after a night in the "wilderness."
For more information, go to www.elcapitancanyon.com or phone 866-352-2729.
Fire lookout
If you're the type of traveler who truly likes to get away from people - who puts a high premium on quiet, uninterrupted peace, and who will not go into withdrawal if you have to go a night without television - then have we got the place. The Morton Peak Fire Lookout books overnight stays for people just like you.
The U.S. Forest Service views the lookout rental program as a way to generate a little good PR at a time when they have to keep telling people that services may be more limited or more expensive due to tight budgets.
We reserved our night by calling the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, which handles bookings for the Morton Peak Lookout, the only such facility in Southern California that is available for rentals. The lookout actually is just at the edge of the San Bernardino Forest and, if you're coming from the Los Angeles area, it will save you about 45 minutes off the normal two-hour drive to Big Bear.
We noted that the last three miles are on a steep, rutted road but it wasn't long before we came to a small clearing on a mountain top with, as advertised, a 30-foot tower and a 14X14 "cabin" on the top. Maybe a more apt description would be an aircraft control tower on stilts, as the cabin had windows running the length of every wall, offering views in every direction.
This particular tower, elevation 4624 feet, was built in the 1930's, then burned down and rebuilt in 1960. It eventually went out of service and into disrepair as the Forest Service cut back on its paid lookout program, but was rebuilt in 2001 with a $5,000 government grant and a volunteer work force.
Soon we were ready for our night at the edge of the world. As the sun dipped slowly, the nearby mountains darkened while, at the same time, the city lights below us came alive. The juxtaposition seemed unusual - here we were perched on a mountainside all by ourselves, yet below us were the lights of nearly the entire Los Angeles basin.
The lookout is small, but comfortable for a couple or perhaps a couple with one or two small children. There are just two twin beds, but space enough to roll some blankets out onto the floor if you need to. There's no running water in the cabin, no refrigeration, no power. Cooking is restricted to the picnic table outside and you must haul in your own gas stove because fires and charcoal briquettes are not allowed.
For more information on reservations at Morton Peak Lookout, call the Big Bear Resort Association at 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR or visit www.bigbear.com.
Historic paddle-wheeler
Who can resist the charm of an early 20th-century riverboat - a true paddle-wheeler that once offered prohibition-era drinking, jazz bands and gambling for its fun-loving passengers? Fortunately there's no need to travel to the Mississippi - and no, we're not talking Disneyland. The Delta King awaits your exploration dockside in Old Sacramento.
Just like passengers back in the 1920s, today's guests enjoy enchanting river views, great food and drink and a cozy stateroom unlike any other accommodation you may have experienced. But unlike those early passengers, you will have to be content with scenery that remains pretty constant. The Delta King isn't going anyplace anytime soon.
But then it doesn't need to. This historic 285-foot boat is docked along the Old Sacramento riverfront which, today, has been turned into a hip collection of good restaurants, eclectic shops and trendy night spots that draw millions of tourists and local residents alike.
The Delta King and her identical twin, the Delta Queen, were christened in 1927, the same year that the vessels began voyages between San Francisco and Sacramento. The elegance and craftsmanship are apparent the moment one enters the lobby area where the rich red oak paneling and fixtures create an impression of opulence. The dining room, too, has that feeling of classic comfort, and a wide stairway and oak banisters bring to mind those images of the grand stairway in the Titanic.
We found the rooms to be small, but no smaller than expected for a stateroom on board an authentic riverboat. Our room had a queen bed on one side, a single bed on the other, and a tiny bathroom - with an unusual six-foot high toilet tank -- in the middle. Color TV with cable was available on the queen bed side.
For history buffs, Old Sacramento also has a number of museums including the California State Railroad Museum, the California Military Museum, Discovery Museum History Center, the Old Sacramento Interpretive Center, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum.
For more information on the Delta King, phone 1-800-825-5464 or go to www.deltaking.com.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer specializing in California and the Pacific Northwest. He maintains two websites, http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .
Discovering the hidden Tuscany: Lunigiana and the Magra Valley
Discovering the hidden Tuscany: Lunigiana and the Magra Valley
A delightfully undiscovered and unspoiled area in the hills of northern Tuscany, Lunigiana extends along the course of the Magra River at the borders with Emilia Romagna and Liguria. Due to its geographic position, Lunigiana is in many ways distinct from the rest of Tuscany and the locals still talk of "going to Tuscany." when they have to travel off the valley to reach Florence or other areas of the region
The Lunigiana gets its name from the port of Luni, established by the Romans at the mouth of the Magra River as a trading place for the marble coming from the nearby Apuan Alps quarries. The remains of this settlement can still be seen near the city of Sarzana but historic sites are not restricted to Roman ruins as the Lunigiana is scattered with castles, parish churches and walled villages built in medieval times all along the pilgrim route known as Via Francigena.
Pontremoli is the principal town and northern gateway of Lunigiana. It is a well-preserved medieval town in a scenic setting. Above the town is a restored castle with a museum of prehistoric stele statues. Pontremoli is known as the "City of the Books" because it has been housing a book market since 1458, at the very beginning of the printing industry.
Located halfway between Pontremoli and Villafranca. Filattiera is the ancient capital of the Malaspina, the family that ruled the area starting from High Middle Ages. The church of St. George and the defence tower of the 15th century castle are worth a visit. At the foot of the village, the Parish Church of Sorano is an important example of Romanesque architecture. The Pieve hosts a pre-Christian idol, while recent restoration works have brought back to the light traces of medieval frescoes.
Unlike the other villages of the region, Filetto is based on a squared Roman castrum plan with entry to the Byzantine village only possible through its two fortified doors at the opposite sides. Every summer Filetto relives the magic of ancient times with its Medieval Market which brings the whole village to life in the first two weeks of August. During the market one can experience the taste of 'a Medieval Banquet' accompanied with performances in the cloister of the old monastery.
Found in the lower course of the Magra River, Fosdinovo is the last village of Lunigiana before reaching the sea. Its imposing castle, perhaps the best preserved of Lunigiana, welcomes the visitors at their arrival. The fortress is still owned by the heirs of the Malaspina family that built it between the XIII and XIV century. The atmosphere is one of borderlands: you can almost smell the sea without forgetting the mountains behind.
Located on the south-western slopes of Appennines not far from the Cerreto Pass, Fivizzano was considered the "Florence of Lunigiana", because it was the locality where the Medici family was mostly present. Sitting along the Rosaro River, Fivizzano is rich with baroque palaces, churches and fortified walls. On a nerby hill the castle of the Verrucola, with its great tower and the medieval suburb at its feet. is certainly worth a visit.
Each summer Fivizzano celebrates the traditional gastronomy of the region with the Sapori festival. Since Lunigiana is famous for its dishes and the quality of its food, this is your best chance to enjoy some of the local specialties. You simply can't leave before having tried the "torta d'erbi" (a savoury wild herbs and vegetables flan) or the testaroli, an unusual type of fresh pasta made from an eggless dough that is first cooked like a crepe and then briefly plunged into boiling water before serving (usually topped with pesto sauce).
This article is part of a series meant to describe some travel itineraries in the lesser known areas of Tuscany. You can find similar articles covering the Casentino Valley, Lower Maremma and the smaller islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Born in the USA, but happily ensconced in the Island of Elba since 2001, Bob McCormack is a freelance writer with a very special passion for food and wine. His Elba travel articles and Tuscany hotels and restaurants reviews have appeared in numerous national and international publications.
http://www.visitelba.com
A delightfully undiscovered and unspoiled area in the hills of northern Tuscany, Lunigiana extends along the course of the Magra River at the borders with Emilia Romagna and Liguria. Due to its geographic position, Lunigiana is in many ways distinct from the rest of Tuscany and the locals still talk of "going to Tuscany." when they have to travel off the valley to reach Florence or other areas of the region
The Lunigiana gets its name from the port of Luni, established by the Romans at the mouth of the Magra River as a trading place for the marble coming from the nearby Apuan Alps quarries. The remains of this settlement can still be seen near the city of Sarzana but historic sites are not restricted to Roman ruins as the Lunigiana is scattered with castles, parish churches and walled villages built in medieval times all along the pilgrim route known as Via Francigena.
Pontremoli is the principal town and northern gateway of Lunigiana. It is a well-preserved medieval town in a scenic setting. Above the town is a restored castle with a museum of prehistoric stele statues. Pontremoli is known as the "City of the Books" because it has been housing a book market since 1458, at the very beginning of the printing industry.
Located halfway between Pontremoli and Villafranca. Filattiera is the ancient capital of the Malaspina, the family that ruled the area starting from High Middle Ages. The church of St. George and the defence tower of the 15th century castle are worth a visit. At the foot of the village, the Parish Church of Sorano is an important example of Romanesque architecture. The Pieve hosts a pre-Christian idol, while recent restoration works have brought back to the light traces of medieval frescoes.
Unlike the other villages of the region, Filetto is based on a squared Roman castrum plan with entry to the Byzantine village only possible through its two fortified doors at the opposite sides. Every summer Filetto relives the magic of ancient times with its Medieval Market which brings the whole village to life in the first two weeks of August. During the market one can experience the taste of 'a Medieval Banquet' accompanied with performances in the cloister of the old monastery.
Found in the lower course of the Magra River, Fosdinovo is the last village of Lunigiana before reaching the sea. Its imposing castle, perhaps the best preserved of Lunigiana, welcomes the visitors at their arrival. The fortress is still owned by the heirs of the Malaspina family that built it between the XIII and XIV century. The atmosphere is one of borderlands: you can almost smell the sea without forgetting the mountains behind.
Located on the south-western slopes of Appennines not far from the Cerreto Pass, Fivizzano was considered the "Florence of Lunigiana", because it was the locality where the Medici family was mostly present. Sitting along the Rosaro River, Fivizzano is rich with baroque palaces, churches and fortified walls. On a nerby hill the castle of the Verrucola, with its great tower and the medieval suburb at its feet. is certainly worth a visit.
Each summer Fivizzano celebrates the traditional gastronomy of the region with the Sapori festival. Since Lunigiana is famous for its dishes and the quality of its food, this is your best chance to enjoy some of the local specialties. You simply can't leave before having tried the "torta d'erbi" (a savoury wild herbs and vegetables flan) or the testaroli, an unusual type of fresh pasta made from an eggless dough that is first cooked like a crepe and then briefly plunged into boiling water before serving (usually topped with pesto sauce).
This article is part of a series meant to describe some travel itineraries in the lesser known areas of Tuscany. You can find similar articles covering the Casentino Valley, Lower Maremma and the smaller islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.
Born in the USA, but happily ensconced in the Island of Elba since 2001, Bob McCormack is a freelance writer with a very special passion for food and wine. His Elba travel articles and Tuscany hotels and restaurants reviews have appeared in numerous national and international publications.
http://www.visitelba.com
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Furnace Creek Inn brings luxury to Death Valley
Furnace Creek Inn brings luxury to Death Valley
It is said that Death Valley gets 1.8 inches of rainfall each year and, in our fist visit to this "parched" landscape, it felt like we got it all on our first day. It was enough, anyway, to wash out a bridge and require us to take a 40-mile detour just to get to Furnace Creek.
So much for the image. We don't remember Ronald Reagan saying anything about rain when he hosted the Death Valley Days TV show all those years.
Of course, the timing of our trip was just luck of the draw, and there's no doubt that most people will enjoy a "normal" Death Valley adventure in which they'll experience hot, sunny weather most of the time. In summer, the operative word is hot - as hot as the record high of 134 degrees - which is why winter is an ideal time to enjoy a near-Death Valley experience in the 70's or 80's.
For our November visit, we drove to Death Valley by heading north from Las Vegas and, as best as we could tell, this seemed to be the easiest route into the Valley. In theory, Furnace Creek is just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. But the bridge washout changed all that and sent us further north and then back down into the Valley on a different, longer route.
And so our first exposure to Death Valley was a little disconcerting as we traveled in darkness and rain, making our way along a stretch of narrow, sometimes winding, two-lane roadway that certainly seemed like a road less traveled - hardly another car in sight for 40 miles. Eventually we arrived at Furnace Creek where water was standing on many of the roadways and rain continued to fall from the heavens.
With great relief, we at last found our destination: the Furnace Creek Inn. Just like the desert oasis that the Furnace Creek area is reputed to be, the inn became our "oasis" from the downpour and a long afternoon of driving.
The Furnace Creek Inn is an upscale, historic hotel was opened in 1927. Originally just a small resort, the adobe bricks were hand-made by local Native Americans, and the resort was built on a hill with panoramic views of Death Valley and the 11,000-foot mountains nearby. By 1935, the hotel had 66 rooms altogether and was on its way to attracting larger numbers of tourists to this unusual destination.
After a restful sleep in our well-appointed suite, we awakened to a different Death Valley. Gone were the storm clouds and rain, and taking their place were rays of peek-a-boo sunshine which added warm colors and sparkle to what clearly was a magnificent desert landscape. It was as if Nature was illuminating the desert, the rock formations and the surrounding mountains with a set of stage lights that changed the coloration with each passing cloud.
Experiencing this for the first time, we could understand why Death Valley has captured the hearts of so many visitors who sense an almost spiritual connection with this land. If someone suggests you should get your head examined for going to a place called "Death" Valley, the truth is this just might be a place to get your head straight. It's completely unique.
We hopped in the car and drove into Furnace Creek to look around a bit. The Borax Museum does a great job of telling the story of those early miners who found large deposits of borax - used in fiberglass, detergents and other products - which were hauled to Mojave on huge wagons pulled by teams of 20 mules. For us baby boomers, the old Death Valley Days television show will forever link Death Valley with Borax and those darned mule teams.
The museum is located in the Furnace Creek Ranch, where you'll find accommodations that are less expensive than the inn and a little more family-oriented. The ranch includes 224 recently refurbished rooms as well as several restaurants. A large RV park is located in the area and, nearby is an 18-hole golf course where it is said golf balls don't react the way they usually do to gravity - believe it or not, the valley's elevation 200 feet below sea level affects gravity and barometric pressure.
There is a lot to see up and down the valley - after all, Death Valley National Park consists of 3.3 million acres. Just in case you wondered, there are 900 species of plants, six types of fish, five amphibians, 36 reptiles and 51 mammals that are native to the region. And that's not counting the 346 species of birds that migrate through the area.
Just south of the Furnace Creek Inn is the "Artist's Drive," an eight-mile stretch of road that takes you through washes and mud hills with fascinating colors and natural rock formations. A little further south is Badwater, one of the most visited spots in Death Valley and the area's lowest elevation - 282 feet below sea level. This pool of water is said to have a salt content five times what you find in most seawater.
North from Furnace Creek are the sand dunes, which can raise up to 85 feet in height and are forever changing. If you walk on the dunes today, your footprint will be gone tomorrow.
One of the most popular stops in Death Valley is Scotty's Castle, about 55 miles north from Furnace Creek. The story goes that Walter "Scotty" Scott convinced Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson to build a Moorish castle - although some wonder if Scotty discovered a secret gold mine that financed the construction. In any event, the result you see today is a castle with more than eight buildings, all housing beautiful furnishings and spectacular tile work created by a variety of artisans. In fact, many of the rooms at Scotty's Castle include the original décor. Among the items still on display is the Welte pipe organ with its more than 1,221 pipes, some up to 16 feet in length.
About 25 miles north of Furnace Creek is Stovepipe Wells where you can explore many historic trails. This became an important stopping point for settlers in the Old West because the well here provided water for these travelers to continue their journey.
Throughout Death Valley you'll find spectacular salt formations. The Devil's Golf Course is one particular area to see these unusual shapes - the salt formations there are shaped like pyramids pointing toward the sky.
In between drives to explore the valley, we made time to just relax and enjoy the Furnace Creek Inn. With spectacular, carefully manicured grounds and an expansive swimming pool that is heated year-round, the inn could be located anywhere and be an attraction unto itself. We enjoyed the many meandering pathways through the groves of palm trees, as well as the many different viewpoints the property has of Death Valley. Tennis courts were at the ready. Horseback riding was nearby.
The rooms and suites at the Furnace Creek Inn include high quality furnishings and antiques that seem to mirror the historic and ornate hotel lobby. A fine dining room and restaurant are on property and the feeling you take away from the resort is one of elegance and charm - quite frankly, not exactly the image we had of Death Valley.
But then again, no one talks much about the rain at Death Valley, either.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Death Valley is in the southeastern part of California, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Driving to the Valley eastward from Highway 395 can be an arduous journey, but there are other options. We recommend that you visit the Furnace Creek Inn website at www.furnacecreekresort.com for specific driving directions from several different starting points.
WHAT: Death Valley is famous for its extremely hot weather and low elevation, and also for the hardships early settlers endured while traveling through the valley. Today, Death Valley National Park showcases much of the area's unique natural beauty.
WHEN: Any time of year, but to avoid super-hot temperatures, visit during the winter months.
WHY: Great beauty, unusual land formations, surprisingly good accommodations.
HOW: For more information on Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch, phone (760) 786-2345 or visit www.furnacecreekresort.com.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer specializing in California and the Pacific Northwest. He maintains two websites, http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .
It is said that Death Valley gets 1.8 inches of rainfall each year and, in our fist visit to this "parched" landscape, it felt like we got it all on our first day. It was enough, anyway, to wash out a bridge and require us to take a 40-mile detour just to get to Furnace Creek.
So much for the image. We don't remember Ronald Reagan saying anything about rain when he hosted the Death Valley Days TV show all those years.
Of course, the timing of our trip was just luck of the draw, and there's no doubt that most people will enjoy a "normal" Death Valley adventure in which they'll experience hot, sunny weather most of the time. In summer, the operative word is hot - as hot as the record high of 134 degrees - which is why winter is an ideal time to enjoy a near-Death Valley experience in the 70's or 80's.
For our November visit, we drove to Death Valley by heading north from Las Vegas and, as best as we could tell, this seemed to be the easiest route into the Valley. In theory, Furnace Creek is just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. But the bridge washout changed all that and sent us further north and then back down into the Valley on a different, longer route.
And so our first exposure to Death Valley was a little disconcerting as we traveled in darkness and rain, making our way along a stretch of narrow, sometimes winding, two-lane roadway that certainly seemed like a road less traveled - hardly another car in sight for 40 miles. Eventually we arrived at Furnace Creek where water was standing on many of the roadways and rain continued to fall from the heavens.
With great relief, we at last found our destination: the Furnace Creek Inn. Just like the desert oasis that the Furnace Creek area is reputed to be, the inn became our "oasis" from the downpour and a long afternoon of driving.
The Furnace Creek Inn is an upscale, historic hotel was opened in 1927. Originally just a small resort, the adobe bricks were hand-made by local Native Americans, and the resort was built on a hill with panoramic views of Death Valley and the 11,000-foot mountains nearby. By 1935, the hotel had 66 rooms altogether and was on its way to attracting larger numbers of tourists to this unusual destination.
After a restful sleep in our well-appointed suite, we awakened to a different Death Valley. Gone were the storm clouds and rain, and taking their place were rays of peek-a-boo sunshine which added warm colors and sparkle to what clearly was a magnificent desert landscape. It was as if Nature was illuminating the desert, the rock formations and the surrounding mountains with a set of stage lights that changed the coloration with each passing cloud.
Experiencing this for the first time, we could understand why Death Valley has captured the hearts of so many visitors who sense an almost spiritual connection with this land. If someone suggests you should get your head examined for going to a place called "Death" Valley, the truth is this just might be a place to get your head straight. It's completely unique.
We hopped in the car and drove into Furnace Creek to look around a bit. The Borax Museum does a great job of telling the story of those early miners who found large deposits of borax - used in fiberglass, detergents and other products - which were hauled to Mojave on huge wagons pulled by teams of 20 mules. For us baby boomers, the old Death Valley Days television show will forever link Death Valley with Borax and those darned mule teams.
The museum is located in the Furnace Creek Ranch, where you'll find accommodations that are less expensive than the inn and a little more family-oriented. The ranch includes 224 recently refurbished rooms as well as several restaurants. A large RV park is located in the area and, nearby is an 18-hole golf course where it is said golf balls don't react the way they usually do to gravity - believe it or not, the valley's elevation 200 feet below sea level affects gravity and barometric pressure.
There is a lot to see up and down the valley - after all, Death Valley National Park consists of 3.3 million acres. Just in case you wondered, there are 900 species of plants, six types of fish, five amphibians, 36 reptiles and 51 mammals that are native to the region. And that's not counting the 346 species of birds that migrate through the area.
Just south of the Furnace Creek Inn is the "Artist's Drive," an eight-mile stretch of road that takes you through washes and mud hills with fascinating colors and natural rock formations. A little further south is Badwater, one of the most visited spots in Death Valley and the area's lowest elevation - 282 feet below sea level. This pool of water is said to have a salt content five times what you find in most seawater.
North from Furnace Creek are the sand dunes, which can raise up to 85 feet in height and are forever changing. If you walk on the dunes today, your footprint will be gone tomorrow.
One of the most popular stops in Death Valley is Scotty's Castle, about 55 miles north from Furnace Creek. The story goes that Walter "Scotty" Scott convinced Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson to build a Moorish castle - although some wonder if Scotty discovered a secret gold mine that financed the construction. In any event, the result you see today is a castle with more than eight buildings, all housing beautiful furnishings and spectacular tile work created by a variety of artisans. In fact, many of the rooms at Scotty's Castle include the original décor. Among the items still on display is the Welte pipe organ with its more than 1,221 pipes, some up to 16 feet in length.
About 25 miles north of Furnace Creek is Stovepipe Wells where you can explore many historic trails. This became an important stopping point for settlers in the Old West because the well here provided water for these travelers to continue their journey.
Throughout Death Valley you'll find spectacular salt formations. The Devil's Golf Course is one particular area to see these unusual shapes - the salt formations there are shaped like pyramids pointing toward the sky.
In between drives to explore the valley, we made time to just relax and enjoy the Furnace Creek Inn. With spectacular, carefully manicured grounds and an expansive swimming pool that is heated year-round, the inn could be located anywhere and be an attraction unto itself. We enjoyed the many meandering pathways through the groves of palm trees, as well as the many different viewpoints the property has of Death Valley. Tennis courts were at the ready. Horseback riding was nearby.
The rooms and suites at the Furnace Creek Inn include high quality furnishings and antiques that seem to mirror the historic and ornate hotel lobby. A fine dining room and restaurant are on property and the feeling you take away from the resort is one of elegance and charm - quite frankly, not exactly the image we had of Death Valley.
But then again, no one talks much about the rain at Death Valley, either.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Death Valley is in the southeastern part of California, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Driving to the Valley eastward from Highway 395 can be an arduous journey, but there are other options. We recommend that you visit the Furnace Creek Inn website at www.furnacecreekresort.com for specific driving directions from several different starting points.
WHAT: Death Valley is famous for its extremely hot weather and low elevation, and also for the hardships early settlers endured while traveling through the valley. Today, Death Valley National Park showcases much of the area's unique natural beauty.
WHEN: Any time of year, but to avoid super-hot temperatures, visit during the winter months.
WHY: Great beauty, unusual land formations, surprisingly good accommodations.
HOW: For more information on Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch, phone (760) 786-2345 or visit www.furnacecreekresort.com.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer specializing in California and the Pacific Northwest. He maintains two websites, http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .
Come Visit Alabama Soon
Come Visit Alabama Soon
If you are traveling in a group then come to Elk River resort in Alabama USA.
It has everything from a full Kitchen, Linen and Towels making it an ideal place for big treats, reunions and other group outings. Fishing Boats are also available on rent.
Wheeler Dam is a fisherman's delight with rustic Cabins. Motor along the Lake and grab a luxury lunch in the luxury surroundings. Dock your Boat right next to the Resort Lodge or glide along the River with the help of Wind only. You can enjoy Fishing, play Tennis, go Swimming or play Golf. Just stroll along the banks of Wheeler Lake and discover paradise.
If you just have a day time outing then come to Bladon Springs State Park where you can see Sulfur Water Springs and with some basic facilities.
Located in Huntsville is the Monte Sano State Park established in 1935. This 2140 acres land combines the history of Civilian Conservation Corps with the latest technology of Space. Just stroll along the Japanese garden or visit Space & Rocket Centre and ride a Space Station in the afternoon.
Desoto State Park is a lush 5067 acres along the River Little. It has great waterfalls fragrance of lots of wildflowers and spectacular Green range of Mountains.
In Spring time the moment you come out of your Cabin and stroll along the River banks you get a fresh aroma of the new growth of hot Pink Rhododendrons. During the summer mornings tie a Canoe to the roof of your car and head straight into the Little River and watch its falls.
In winter the light snow turns your early morning hike to a walk through a beautiful & magical Kingdom. You can also ski down the slopes.
In October the air turns crisp and you can enjoy the fire in your Lodge room. Pick up a Camera and stroll along the beautiful trails that have fully Green and Natural surroundings.
The highest peak in the State is on Cheaha Mountain and on its peak is Cheaha State Park exhibiting stunning scenery the year around. You can see a spectacular Sunset while enjoying your drinks from your room in the Lodge. You also hear the gurgling sound of a Stream from your front porch. The late afternoon Sun sets everything ablaze, even the water.
You head for rocks that are perched on the Mountain's edge. You get perched on a cushion with your back against a huge Grey boulder. A perfect view for watching the Sunset.
If you want to explore the underground wealth of Nature, come to Rickwood Caverns State Park, a miracle mile of underground beauty. The millions years old Limestone formations, underground pools and Blind Cave Fish is one of the best underground Natural beauty in the world. Camping areas and an Olympic size pool is also there.
Lake Lurleen State Park, named after the only Lady State Governor, Lurleen B. Wallace, is a 1625 acre Park is a scenic Lakeside resort. You can bring or rent a Boat and go to this beautiful 250 acre Lake.
To the North of Linden, the Chicksaw State Park's 520 acres provides a good Campsite, good Barbeque grilling pavilion, Hiking trails, perfect Picnic areas and a very shallow pool for kids. A great area for group outings.
Just two miles North of Grove Oak is the Buck's Pocket State Park is located in the pocket of the Appalachian Mountains. These 2000 acres of Park has lots of hiking trails. This naturalist's dream Park offers Fishing & Boating, just a few miles away at Morgan Cove on Lake Guntersville. A Campsite is also provided.
Blue Spring State Park is a few miles East of Clio with Crystal clear underground Spring. Its swimming pool is the Centre of attraction of this 103 acre Park. Picnic shelters, tables, Tennis Grounds, Playgrounds, Comfort Stations and Grills are also available.
At Guntersville State Park the Sun shines through the tree's leaves and a gentle breeze brushes past your face. Early in the morning you can try to find the American Bald Eagles, which spend winters in the Park. With its 5900 acres of ridge tops and meadows, its raw nature at its best. The Park's reservoir is a spectacular view from the little Mountain. The Lake is wonderful for Fishing, Swimming and other Water Sports activities.
Some miles towards South from Birmingham Oak Mountain State Park which is spread over 9940 acres is full of Pine-studded ridges and lush Green Valleys. The Park offers Cottages, improved Camping, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Backpacking, Horse Riding and Boarding facilities. With such a large outdoor area it provides lots of activities for the whole family.
Paul M. Grist State Park is just some miles from Selma on the Northern side. It is 1080 acre Park with Camping, Boat launch, Fishing and Swimming on its 100 acre Lake.
If you want to spend some time near the water, angle for large-mouth bass on Lake Eufaula, the largest in the world, come to Lakepoint Resort State Park. In this Green Park you can drive an 18 hole Golf Course, a hot Tennis match or cool off with a dip in the Swimming Pool. The kids can enjoy killing the aliens in the Video Games room.
Right next to it is the National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the Wildlife in a jungle like Refuge.
Visit Alabama soon !
Dev P. thinks a Visit to the USA is money well spent for UK Tourists.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk/index.html
If you are traveling in a group then come to Elk River resort in Alabama USA.
It has everything from a full Kitchen, Linen and Towels making it an ideal place for big treats, reunions and other group outings. Fishing Boats are also available on rent.
Wheeler Dam is a fisherman's delight with rustic Cabins. Motor along the Lake and grab a luxury lunch in the luxury surroundings. Dock your Boat right next to the Resort Lodge or glide along the River with the help of Wind only. You can enjoy Fishing, play Tennis, go Swimming or play Golf. Just stroll along the banks of Wheeler Lake and discover paradise.
If you just have a day time outing then come to Bladon Springs State Park where you can see Sulfur Water Springs and with some basic facilities.
Located in Huntsville is the Monte Sano State Park established in 1935. This 2140 acres land combines the history of Civilian Conservation Corps with the latest technology of Space. Just stroll along the Japanese garden or visit Space & Rocket Centre and ride a Space Station in the afternoon.
Desoto State Park is a lush 5067 acres along the River Little. It has great waterfalls fragrance of lots of wildflowers and spectacular Green range of Mountains.
In Spring time the moment you come out of your Cabin and stroll along the River banks you get a fresh aroma of the new growth of hot Pink Rhododendrons. During the summer mornings tie a Canoe to the roof of your car and head straight into the Little River and watch its falls.
In winter the light snow turns your early morning hike to a walk through a beautiful & magical Kingdom. You can also ski down the slopes.
In October the air turns crisp and you can enjoy the fire in your Lodge room. Pick up a Camera and stroll along the beautiful trails that have fully Green and Natural surroundings.
The highest peak in the State is on Cheaha Mountain and on its peak is Cheaha State Park exhibiting stunning scenery the year around. You can see a spectacular Sunset while enjoying your drinks from your room in the Lodge. You also hear the gurgling sound of a Stream from your front porch. The late afternoon Sun sets everything ablaze, even the water.
You head for rocks that are perched on the Mountain's edge. You get perched on a cushion with your back against a huge Grey boulder. A perfect view for watching the Sunset.
If you want to explore the underground wealth of Nature, come to Rickwood Caverns State Park, a miracle mile of underground beauty. The millions years old Limestone formations, underground pools and Blind Cave Fish is one of the best underground Natural beauty in the world. Camping areas and an Olympic size pool is also there.
Lake Lurleen State Park, named after the only Lady State Governor, Lurleen B. Wallace, is a 1625 acre Park is a scenic Lakeside resort. You can bring or rent a Boat and go to this beautiful 250 acre Lake.
To the North of Linden, the Chicksaw State Park's 520 acres provides a good Campsite, good Barbeque grilling pavilion, Hiking trails, perfect Picnic areas and a very shallow pool for kids. A great area for group outings.
Just two miles North of Grove Oak is the Buck's Pocket State Park is located in the pocket of the Appalachian Mountains. These 2000 acres of Park has lots of hiking trails. This naturalist's dream Park offers Fishing & Boating, just a few miles away at Morgan Cove on Lake Guntersville. A Campsite is also provided.
Blue Spring State Park is a few miles East of Clio with Crystal clear underground Spring. Its swimming pool is the Centre of attraction of this 103 acre Park. Picnic shelters, tables, Tennis Grounds, Playgrounds, Comfort Stations and Grills are also available.
At Guntersville State Park the Sun shines through the tree's leaves and a gentle breeze brushes past your face. Early in the morning you can try to find the American Bald Eagles, which spend winters in the Park. With its 5900 acres of ridge tops and meadows, its raw nature at its best. The Park's reservoir is a spectacular view from the little Mountain. The Lake is wonderful for Fishing, Swimming and other Water Sports activities.
Some miles towards South from Birmingham Oak Mountain State Park which is spread over 9940 acres is full of Pine-studded ridges and lush Green Valleys. The Park offers Cottages, improved Camping, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Backpacking, Horse Riding and Boarding facilities. With such a large outdoor area it provides lots of activities for the whole family.
Paul M. Grist State Park is just some miles from Selma on the Northern side. It is 1080 acre Park with Camping, Boat launch, Fishing and Swimming on its 100 acre Lake.
If you want to spend some time near the water, angle for large-mouth bass on Lake Eufaula, the largest in the world, come to Lakepoint Resort State Park. In this Green Park you can drive an 18 hole Golf Course, a hot Tennis match or cool off with a dip in the Swimming Pool. The kids can enjoy killing the aliens in the Video Games room.
Right next to it is the National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the Wildlife in a jungle like Refuge.
Visit Alabama soon !
Dev P. thinks a Visit to the USA is money well spent for UK Tourists.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk/index.html
You Must Visit Wales, UK
You Must Visit Wales, UK
The Wales Coastline is a beautiful landscape that stretches 170 miles from North to South and 60 miles from East to West and is of course on the West of Great Britain surrounded on three sides by the Sea.
Gower, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardin Bay are really beautiful with wonderful clean beaches to visit. In Wales you are never far away from both the Mountains and the Sea. Visitors to these shores include Dolphins, Basking Sharks, Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and Leather Back Turtles.
The Gower peninsula was the first to be acknowledged by the British Government as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
There are many islands off the Welsh mainland, Ynys Mon (Anglesey) is the largest. The highest peak in Wales is 3,560 ft high and called Snowdon and the highest mountains are dark and craggy.
If you travel down South, as you move along the land starts becoming softer, but is still very hilly. The South of Wales is the place where industrial revolution did take place. It has a totally different feel than the rest of Wales. Here are steep sided valleys, once home to the coal-mines crafted by the three rivers of Rhymney, Rhondda Taff and Cynon.
It is said Welsh people like talking, and of course love telling stories and singing. To celebrate their proud Literature they organize a Literature Festival each year in Hay-on Wey. It attracts lots of big shots from the Literary world from all over the planet.
In Wales everybody sings to celebrate victory. During the Rugby matches you can see the people chanting the National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nadhau (Land of my Fathers). The Harp and pibgorn (wooden pipe).can be heard at many places. Many new rock bands have also come up recently like Manic Street Preachers, Frizbee and some of the oldies like Bryn Fon, Meic Stevens and Dafydd Iwan are still going strong.
If you are a foodie or just looking for a hearty meal then Wales will please you in all these ways and more. Give your taste-buds a treat and be adventurous and visit the various eateries around offering the locally prepared dishes fresh. You will find many Restaurants boasting Michelin-starred perfection here.
World renowned Welsh Lamb and the Welsh Black Beef are not the only good things to taste, but others like Laverbread (a seaweed) often fried into crisp patties with eggs, bacon and fresh cockles for a traditional Welsh breakfast.
If you love cheese, Wales is a place that makes 600 different types of cheese dishes. For those who love cooking, a visit to one of the farmer's market or farmer shops is a must.
You can also go to a Food Festivals, which happen all throughout the year, and you can meet the actual food producers, meet top chefs and watch them prepare exquisite dishes and sample some right yummy treats.
Wales will be a perfect destination for all you food buffs and Tourists with tantalizing tastes.
Fred Williams invites all readers and UK Visitors to take a London transfer to Wales soon.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk
The Wales Coastline is a beautiful landscape that stretches 170 miles from North to South and 60 miles from East to West and is of course on the West of Great Britain surrounded on three sides by the Sea.
Gower, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardin Bay are really beautiful with wonderful clean beaches to visit. In Wales you are never far away from both the Mountains and the Sea. Visitors to these shores include Dolphins, Basking Sharks, Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and Leather Back Turtles.
The Gower peninsula was the first to be acknowledged by the British Government as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
There are many islands off the Welsh mainland, Ynys Mon (Anglesey) is the largest. The highest peak in Wales is 3,560 ft high and called Snowdon and the highest mountains are dark and craggy.
If you travel down South, as you move along the land starts becoming softer, but is still very hilly. The South of Wales is the place where industrial revolution did take place. It has a totally different feel than the rest of Wales. Here are steep sided valleys, once home to the coal-mines crafted by the three rivers of Rhymney, Rhondda Taff and Cynon.
It is said Welsh people like talking, and of course love telling stories and singing. To celebrate their proud Literature they organize a Literature Festival each year in Hay-on Wey. It attracts lots of big shots from the Literary world from all over the planet.
In Wales everybody sings to celebrate victory. During the Rugby matches you can see the people chanting the National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nadhau (Land of my Fathers). The Harp and pibgorn (wooden pipe).can be heard at many places. Many new rock bands have also come up recently like Manic Street Preachers, Frizbee and some of the oldies like Bryn Fon, Meic Stevens and Dafydd Iwan are still going strong.
If you are a foodie or just looking for a hearty meal then Wales will please you in all these ways and more. Give your taste-buds a treat and be adventurous and visit the various eateries around offering the locally prepared dishes fresh. You will find many Restaurants boasting Michelin-starred perfection here.
World renowned Welsh Lamb and the Welsh Black Beef are not the only good things to taste, but others like Laverbread (a seaweed) often fried into crisp patties with eggs, bacon and fresh cockles for a traditional Welsh breakfast.
If you love cheese, Wales is a place that makes 600 different types of cheese dishes. For those who love cooking, a visit to one of the farmer's market or farmer shops is a must.
You can also go to a Food Festivals, which happen all throughout the year, and you can meet the actual food producers, meet top chefs and watch them prepare exquisite dishes and sample some right yummy treats.
Wales will be a perfect destination for all you food buffs and Tourists with tantalizing tastes.
Fred Williams invites all readers and UK Visitors to take a London transfer to Wales soon.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Quick Tour Of Italy - Lake Garda
A Quick Tour Of Italy - Lake Garda
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider Lake Garda located mostly in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn't stop you from going. With a little effort you should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Como district. While people often think of Lake Garda as being part of Lombardy that is not entirely true. This beautiful lake spills over into the neighboring regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto.
Riva del Garda is the area's best-known resort and is less expensive than many competitors. You'll find a castle with a moat. Its Civic Museum is part of a medieval fortress on the lake. The Thirteenth Century Apponale Tower defended the city from invaders and held prisoners. Look for Riva del Garda's symbol, Anzolin, the little angel on the top of the tower.
Gargnano, population about three thousand, is great for fishing, snorkeling, and sailing. The town's major attraction is the Cloister of Saint Francis and its bell tower.
Gardone Riviera, population twenty-five hundred, is best known for the mansion The Shrine of Italian Victories and the major Fascist Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio who lived there from 1922 until 1938. Be sure to visit the relatively small Botanical Garden Andre Heller with thousands of exotic Alpine, Mediterranean, and subtropical plants.
The little town of Salo, population ten thousand, was the capital of Mussolini's Nazi-backed puppet state, the Italian Social Republic. Its main sights include a Fifteenth Century Cathedral, the Sixteenth Century Palace of the Magnificent Fatherland with a historical museum, and a Palace hosting an archeological museum. Every Saturday morning there is a great outdoor market.
Bardolino, population about six thousand, sits on Lake Garda's eastern shore. It's the biggest resort on the lake with numerous shops and historical sights. Bardolino's main claim to fame is its wine. Every fall it hosts a Grape Cure Festival.
Fish forms a major part of the local cuisine. Indigenous fish include the rare Lake Garda carp, whitefish, and lake trout. Increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal. The best-known wine comes from east of the lake near Bardolino, part of Veneto. Wines are produced all along Lake Garda. See which one you like best.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider Lake Garda located mostly in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn't stop you from going. With a little effort you should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Como district. While people often think of Lake Garda as being part of Lombardy that is not entirely true. This beautiful lake spills over into the neighboring regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto.
Riva del Garda is the area's best-known resort and is less expensive than many competitors. You'll find a castle with a moat. Its Civic Museum is part of a medieval fortress on the lake. The Thirteenth Century Apponale Tower defended the city from invaders and held prisoners. Look for Riva del Garda's symbol, Anzolin, the little angel on the top of the tower.
Gargnano, population about three thousand, is great for fishing, snorkeling, and sailing. The town's major attraction is the Cloister of Saint Francis and its bell tower.
Gardone Riviera, population twenty-five hundred, is best known for the mansion The Shrine of Italian Victories and the major Fascist Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio who lived there from 1922 until 1938. Be sure to visit the relatively small Botanical Garden Andre Heller with thousands of exotic Alpine, Mediterranean, and subtropical plants.
The little town of Salo, population ten thousand, was the capital of Mussolini's Nazi-backed puppet state, the Italian Social Republic. Its main sights include a Fifteenth Century Cathedral, the Sixteenth Century Palace of the Magnificent Fatherland with a historical museum, and a Palace hosting an archeological museum. Every Saturday morning there is a great outdoor market.
Bardolino, population about six thousand, sits on Lake Garda's eastern shore. It's the biggest resort on the lake with numerous shops and historical sights. Bardolino's main claim to fame is its wine. Every fall it hosts a Grape Cure Festival.
Fish forms a major part of the local cuisine. Indigenous fish include the rare Lake Garda carp, whitefish, and lake trout. Increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal. The best-known wine comes from east of the lake near Bardolino, part of Veneto. Wines are produced all along Lake Garda. See which one you like best.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.
Luxury Tours to Paris and the Riviera
Luxury Tours to Paris and the Riviera
If you are looking for the best luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera, it is important that know what to look for, and to be certain that you will be visiting the right places. Everybody knows about the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées, even if they can't pronounce it, but how about Saint Chapelle, which Louis IX had built to hold a piece of the true cross and Jesus' crown of thorns? Or the busy open street market on the Rue Mouffetard, known locally as La Mouffe, where just about every house and shop number on the street has a story to tell?
It is places like that which can easily be missed, and with them many of the real attractions of Paris, including the Latin Quarter, the artistic Left Bank and Montmartre (named after the hill it surrounds), the only real village left in Paris. You have to be careful with your choice of tour company if you are not be stuck with nothing more than the popular tourist attractions in Paris and miss the real city.
Most people don't get the opportunity to visit France very often, so not only is it important to visit the right places in Paris, but also to check out some of the other delights that France has to offer, and there are luxury tours available to Paris and the Riviera available that enable you to make the best of your visit to Europe. The French Riviera, known to the French as the Côte d'Azure, is the playground of Europe, where the jet set spend much of their time (and their money).
You should visit Cannes, famous for its film festival, and also pay a trip to Golfe Juan, situated between Cannes and Juan les Pins, where Napoleon stayed when he escaped from Elba, prior to raising an army and marching off to meet his Waterloo and eventual imprisonment on St. Helena. Nice is also on the French Riviera, and you can't possibly visit that part of the world without a visit to Monaco, driving round the famous Grand Prix street circuit and chancing your luck on the tables at Monte Carlo.
There is a lot more to Monaco than just the world-famous beaches and casinos, however. There is the Prince's Palace, home of the royal family, and where Grace Kelly used to reside when she was Princess here. If you like architecture, the Grand Casino and Paris Opera House are sheer architectural wonders, and for the historically minded there are Monaco Cathedral and the Napoleon Museum, while the Oceanographic Museum is also worth visiting.
Such a vacation is the holiday of a lifetime, and you don't want your luxury tour to Paris and the Riviera spoiled by poor accommodation and travel, or by unexpected costs for which you might not have budgeted. It is important, therefore, that you make sure that your vacation is all inclusive, even down to free baggage handling at your hotels.
Air travel should be at least business class, and TGV rail travel first class. Your hotels should also be of superior quality, as should your transfers to and from the hotels. A trip to Paris should be one of the highlights of your life, and by including the Riviera on your itinerary, you will make sure that this is the case. Many vacation packages leave you a little disappointed at the end, but if you plan properly and choose the right tours and resorts, organized by some of the most experienced vacation planners in the world, you should have a trip to remember.
However, for the ultimate in luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera, you want personal attention. Not just the attention that a tour guide gives to you and the rest in your group, but to you and your partner personally. You want luxury tours that are designed for two people, and that offer personal limousine travel. You want your own car, your own driver and your own guide, your own tour round Paris, Cannes and Monte Carlo, and your own dinner table with the flexibility to rearrange timings to meet your personal needs, not those of the majority.
That is true luxury, and if you can't live better while away from home, then why bother leaving? That's the type of vacation you should be looking around for, so keep that in mind when searching for luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera.
If you are seeking luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera that offer you personal service, business class flights and first class rail travel, try http://www.ultitude.com , where you will find tours to Paris that are designed just for you and your partner, offering the highest quality accommodation and cuisine in addition to trips to Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo.
If you are looking for the best luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera, it is important that know what to look for, and to be certain that you will be visiting the right places. Everybody knows about the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées, even if they can't pronounce it, but how about Saint Chapelle, which Louis IX had built to hold a piece of the true cross and Jesus' crown of thorns? Or the busy open street market on the Rue Mouffetard, known locally as La Mouffe, where just about every house and shop number on the street has a story to tell?
It is places like that which can easily be missed, and with them many of the real attractions of Paris, including the Latin Quarter, the artistic Left Bank and Montmartre (named after the hill it surrounds), the only real village left in Paris. You have to be careful with your choice of tour company if you are not be stuck with nothing more than the popular tourist attractions in Paris and miss the real city.
Most people don't get the opportunity to visit France very often, so not only is it important to visit the right places in Paris, but also to check out some of the other delights that France has to offer, and there are luxury tours available to Paris and the Riviera available that enable you to make the best of your visit to Europe. The French Riviera, known to the French as the Côte d'Azure, is the playground of Europe, where the jet set spend much of their time (and their money).
You should visit Cannes, famous for its film festival, and also pay a trip to Golfe Juan, situated between Cannes and Juan les Pins, where Napoleon stayed when he escaped from Elba, prior to raising an army and marching off to meet his Waterloo and eventual imprisonment on St. Helena. Nice is also on the French Riviera, and you can't possibly visit that part of the world without a visit to Monaco, driving round the famous Grand Prix street circuit and chancing your luck on the tables at Monte Carlo.
There is a lot more to Monaco than just the world-famous beaches and casinos, however. There is the Prince's Palace, home of the royal family, and where Grace Kelly used to reside when she was Princess here. If you like architecture, the Grand Casino and Paris Opera House are sheer architectural wonders, and for the historically minded there are Monaco Cathedral and the Napoleon Museum, while the Oceanographic Museum is also worth visiting.
Such a vacation is the holiday of a lifetime, and you don't want your luxury tour to Paris and the Riviera spoiled by poor accommodation and travel, or by unexpected costs for which you might not have budgeted. It is important, therefore, that you make sure that your vacation is all inclusive, even down to free baggage handling at your hotels.
Air travel should be at least business class, and TGV rail travel first class. Your hotels should also be of superior quality, as should your transfers to and from the hotels. A trip to Paris should be one of the highlights of your life, and by including the Riviera on your itinerary, you will make sure that this is the case. Many vacation packages leave you a little disappointed at the end, but if you plan properly and choose the right tours and resorts, organized by some of the most experienced vacation planners in the world, you should have a trip to remember.
However, for the ultimate in luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera, you want personal attention. Not just the attention that a tour guide gives to you and the rest in your group, but to you and your partner personally. You want luxury tours that are designed for two people, and that offer personal limousine travel. You want your own car, your own driver and your own guide, your own tour round Paris, Cannes and Monte Carlo, and your own dinner table with the flexibility to rearrange timings to meet your personal needs, not those of the majority.
That is true luxury, and if you can't live better while away from home, then why bother leaving? That's the type of vacation you should be looking around for, so keep that in mind when searching for luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera.
If you are seeking luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera that offer you personal service, business class flights and first class rail travel, try http://www.ultitude.com , where you will find tours to Paris that are designed just for you and your partner, offering the highest quality accommodation and cuisine in addition to trips to Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo.
Croatia - A Mediterranean Jewel for Active Holidays
Croatia - A Mediterranean Jewel for Active Holidays
The Croatian National Tourist Office is reporting that many visitors are now choosing the country for a really authentic Mediterranean experience on the fine Adriatic Coast. These visitors are also discovering the medieval hilltop villages in the country's Istria region, and the green hinterland of Dalmatia as well as the country's established National Parks. Everywhere, the country offers a variety of holiday ideas for those looking for a beach, but also want to be active on holiday. Here are a few of the highlights of a holiday in Croatia.
A popular option for visitors who want an all-round introduction to the culture of the country, is a two-centre holiday starting in the capital Zagreb. Zagreb is a great cultural centre with a fine mix of museums, theatres, shops and parkland, and with less than 2 hours flying time from southern UK airports, is a popular arrival point.
A few days here can be combined with a longer stay at the well-known Kvarner Riviera, but also for example at the upcoming north-eastern region of Slavonia which has the Kopa ki Rit nature reserve (ideal bird-watching territory) and acres of wine-producing landscape where excellent local wines match heartily with local cuisine. Exciting to see also are the Lipizzaner horses of Djakovo.
For hikers and cyclists, the mountains of Gorski Kotar in the north offer great opportunities. Europe's last great mammal - the brown bear - can be seen here. Also in this region are the islands of Losinj, Krk, Rab and Cres where the rare griffon vulture flies in beautiful unspoilt scenes.
The Dalmatian coast is probably the best-known area of Croatia, but now for UK visitors, new direct flights to Zodar mean that the northern areas of the Dalmatian coast are more accessible, including the amazing Kornati archipelago which is a National Park with all amenities, and is a gateway to five of Coatia's eight such parks.
Many special interest operators are now offering new inland programmes, including food and wine tours, bird watching trips as well as historical and cultural tours to all such regions.
With new motorways completed, and with regular year-round flights from Gatwick and Heathrow to Zagreb by Croatia Airlines amongst others, those with a few days to spare and an independent spirit can easily hire a car and be in Croatia's Kvarner Riviera resorts less than 2 hours from landing. Indeed hiring a car and enjoying a leisurely, independent view of Croatia's varied landscapes is a choice which is growing in acceptance as the country opens up once again to its new waves of visitors.
Meantime, as Croatia is outside the Eurozone, UK holidaymakers are likely to find excellent self-catering deals, and excellent value in restaurants and bars, where spending-money goes a lot further than in Eurozone Mediterranean areas.
Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church writes for several Travel Companies in the UK, including Airport parking specialist AIrport Parking Offers UK who offer a wide variety of airport parking and hotel arrangements for UK travellers. Airport Parking at discount prices can be found at http://www.airport-parking-offers.com
The Croatian National Tourist Office is reporting that many visitors are now choosing the country for a really authentic Mediterranean experience on the fine Adriatic Coast. These visitors are also discovering the medieval hilltop villages in the country's Istria region, and the green hinterland of Dalmatia as well as the country's established National Parks. Everywhere, the country offers a variety of holiday ideas for those looking for a beach, but also want to be active on holiday. Here are a few of the highlights of a holiday in Croatia.
A popular option for visitors who want an all-round introduction to the culture of the country, is a two-centre holiday starting in the capital Zagreb. Zagreb is a great cultural centre with a fine mix of museums, theatres, shops and parkland, and with less than 2 hours flying time from southern UK airports, is a popular arrival point.
A few days here can be combined with a longer stay at the well-known Kvarner Riviera, but also for example at the upcoming north-eastern region of Slavonia which has the Kopa ki Rit nature reserve (ideal bird-watching territory) and acres of wine-producing landscape where excellent local wines match heartily with local cuisine. Exciting to see also are the Lipizzaner horses of Djakovo.
For hikers and cyclists, the mountains of Gorski Kotar in the north offer great opportunities. Europe's last great mammal - the brown bear - can be seen here. Also in this region are the islands of Losinj, Krk, Rab and Cres where the rare griffon vulture flies in beautiful unspoilt scenes.
The Dalmatian coast is probably the best-known area of Croatia, but now for UK visitors, new direct flights to Zodar mean that the northern areas of the Dalmatian coast are more accessible, including the amazing Kornati archipelago which is a National Park with all amenities, and is a gateway to five of Coatia's eight such parks.
Many special interest operators are now offering new inland programmes, including food and wine tours, bird watching trips as well as historical and cultural tours to all such regions.
With new motorways completed, and with regular year-round flights from Gatwick and Heathrow to Zagreb by Croatia Airlines amongst others, those with a few days to spare and an independent spirit can easily hire a car and be in Croatia's Kvarner Riviera resorts less than 2 hours from landing. Indeed hiring a car and enjoying a leisurely, independent view of Croatia's varied landscapes is a choice which is growing in acceptance as the country opens up once again to its new waves of visitors.
Meantime, as Croatia is outside the Eurozone, UK holidaymakers are likely to find excellent self-catering deals, and excellent value in restaurants and bars, where spending-money goes a lot further than in Eurozone Mediterranean areas.
Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church writes for several Travel Companies in the UK, including Airport parking specialist AIrport Parking Offers UK who offer a wide variety of airport parking and hotel arrangements for UK travellers. Airport Parking at discount prices can be found at http://www.airport-parking-offers.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Popular Vacation Spots
Popular Vacation Spots
By Ronald W. Firquain
As one of the top popular vacation spots, Atlantis Beach is a place where adults can enjoy golfing, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities. There is a little out of the ordinary. Finding top travel resorts can be even more difficult since there are so many offers. If you want to combine both fun activities and education consider Williamsburg, Virginia. Any of these would be a great choice for your next getaway. This is one of the family places pretentious travelers will love. This resort, offers both golf and tennis courses as well as a marina. You can get a help guide you can choose from. Choosing the right destination from among all the available traveling places is undoubtedly the most important decision of all. Choose to visit Snowbird Resort in Snowbird Utah of the many ones you are offered if you are a winter vacation lover.
And there are a lot of factors to take into consideration if you really want everyone to have a tremendous time. Disney World Florida including all of its fun family entertainment and it is open year round too. And each one of them offering the perfect view to take pictures of. They have something to offer to every tourist who comes here. Like in any other country famous for its vacations, there are a lot of places to visit and see in this country. This landlocked country, being surrounded by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile, has come to know its own shares of tourists and vacationers who want to experience what Bolivia has to offer.
There really is something for everyone, and it has one of the very top island Vacations, but if you arrive by yacht there are restaurants and bars to suit all pockets and tastes. Outlined here are some of the best Acapulco inclusive Mexico resorts you can find in this resort city of dramatic sunsets. And in the Caribbean they accept US dollars. Discover vacations that are closer to home when you want to get away from the cold weather. Parents drop their children of at an amusement park for hours at a time. But there are some tips for Disney World that can save you hundreds of dollars. Some of the most beautiful vacationing spot in the world are in Spanish speaking countries, Barcelona, Argentina and hundreds of other spots make a great destination. Going on a trip that can be secluded and quiet. And you do not know of that may be just what the family ordered.
There are a number of resorts that are very popular for singles, or those who just want to make a few new friends. How it can cater to each and every member of the family interest. Looking for romantic travel to spend some quality and romantic time with your loved one? Sometimes people will not rent out their vacationers spot for various reasons, but do not mind doing so if the tenant is a trusted acquaintance of a friend. There are a lot of beautiful places that you will want to go in order to share it will someone special. The islands are popular all year, but are year round attractions for bird watchers and nature lovers. Due to varied nature of human tastes and widely scattered across the globe, Internet may be the only and the fastest medium to book rentals, airline tickets or hotels in real time. Since Disney Land and Disney World are so hot, there is always a good deal to be found for a bargain hunter whether you travel during peak seasons or not.
You will find that you can have the comfort of home and the comfort of being in paradise. Even though the US has some hot trips it is worth checking out some new culture now and again. There are well over fifty distinctive islands to choose from with some of them, like the Bahamas, having dozens of islands themselves. Barony Beach is one of the most choice in the world with many leisure activities and great weather for most of the year. One of my favorite is Toronto, Canada. Nevada is a place unlike many other in that there is something going on at all times. While it is certainly unfortunate, are either designed and built for children or for adults almost never for both. Maui is one of the world most famous travel because of its beautiful beaches and landscapes. These hits are products or services, entertainment locales or vacation spots, shopping malls or specialty stores that enjoy puzzling immediate popularity.
The only problem with choosing is that everyone else does as well. Since it offers year round great weather, fishing has really caught on around the world. More often than not, prices are higher than what you will find in your local grocer. Do you recommend that Directors visit the referenced in order to make personal recommendations? Restaurants, movies, music, news, the weather, traffic, favorite for the tourist and other things that you can use as small talk topics of conversation. One of my favorite is sunny Florida. These days, Greenland is one of the favorite for nature lovers of the world. Aruba in Aruba is one of the ten popular islands for cruise passengers. American Express Vacations affirms one of the most popular for adventure travelers is Mammoth, California. Tips and ideas to have a perfect tourist trips choosing the right Location not all vacation spots can offer the types of entertainment that your kids would be interested in.
Ronald W. Firquain is a auto mechanic, musician, Arabian horse owner for 20 years, writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 18 years of computer experience. travel tips
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
By Ronald W. Firquain
As one of the top popular vacation spots, Atlantis Beach is a place where adults can enjoy golfing, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities. There is a little out of the ordinary. Finding top travel resorts can be even more difficult since there are so many offers. If you want to combine both fun activities and education consider Williamsburg, Virginia. Any of these would be a great choice for your next getaway. This is one of the family places pretentious travelers will love. This resort, offers both golf and tennis courses as well as a marina. You can get a help guide you can choose from. Choosing the right destination from among all the available traveling places is undoubtedly the most important decision of all. Choose to visit Snowbird Resort in Snowbird Utah of the many ones you are offered if you are a winter vacation lover.
And there are a lot of factors to take into consideration if you really want everyone to have a tremendous time. Disney World Florida including all of its fun family entertainment and it is open year round too. And each one of them offering the perfect view to take pictures of. They have something to offer to every tourist who comes here. Like in any other country famous for its vacations, there are a lot of places to visit and see in this country. This landlocked country, being surrounded by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile, has come to know its own shares of tourists and vacationers who want to experience what Bolivia has to offer.
There really is something for everyone, and it has one of the very top island Vacations, but if you arrive by yacht there are restaurants and bars to suit all pockets and tastes. Outlined here are some of the best Acapulco inclusive Mexico resorts you can find in this resort city of dramatic sunsets. And in the Caribbean they accept US dollars. Discover vacations that are closer to home when you want to get away from the cold weather. Parents drop their children of at an amusement park for hours at a time. But there are some tips for Disney World that can save you hundreds of dollars. Some of the most beautiful vacationing spot in the world are in Spanish speaking countries, Barcelona, Argentina and hundreds of other spots make a great destination. Going on a trip that can be secluded and quiet. And you do not know of that may be just what the family ordered.
There are a number of resorts that are very popular for singles, or those who just want to make a few new friends. How it can cater to each and every member of the family interest. Looking for romantic travel to spend some quality and romantic time with your loved one? Sometimes people will not rent out their vacationers spot for various reasons, but do not mind doing so if the tenant is a trusted acquaintance of a friend. There are a lot of beautiful places that you will want to go in order to share it will someone special. The islands are popular all year, but are year round attractions for bird watchers and nature lovers. Due to varied nature of human tastes and widely scattered across the globe, Internet may be the only and the fastest medium to book rentals, airline tickets or hotels in real time. Since Disney Land and Disney World are so hot, there is always a good deal to be found for a bargain hunter whether you travel during peak seasons or not.
You will find that you can have the comfort of home and the comfort of being in paradise. Even though the US has some hot trips it is worth checking out some new culture now and again. There are well over fifty distinctive islands to choose from with some of them, like the Bahamas, having dozens of islands themselves. Barony Beach is one of the most choice in the world with many leisure activities and great weather for most of the year. One of my favorite is Toronto, Canada. Nevada is a place unlike many other in that there is something going on at all times. While it is certainly unfortunate, are either designed and built for children or for adults almost never for both. Maui is one of the world most famous travel because of its beautiful beaches and landscapes. These hits are products or services, entertainment locales or vacation spots, shopping malls or specialty stores that enjoy puzzling immediate popularity.
The only problem with choosing is that everyone else does as well. Since it offers year round great weather, fishing has really caught on around the world. More often than not, prices are higher than what you will find in your local grocer. Do you recommend that Directors visit the referenced in order to make personal recommendations? Restaurants, movies, music, news, the weather, traffic, favorite for the tourist and other things that you can use as small talk topics of conversation. One of my favorite is sunny Florida. These days, Greenland is one of the favorite for nature lovers of the world. Aruba in Aruba is one of the ten popular islands for cruise passengers. American Express Vacations affirms one of the most popular for adventure travelers is Mammoth, California. Tips and ideas to have a perfect tourist trips choosing the right Location not all vacation spots can offer the types of entertainment that your kids would be interested in.
Ronald W. Firquain is a auto mechanic, musician, Arabian horse owner for 20 years, writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 18 years of computer experience. travel tips
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free, Low Cost Airport Parking
Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free, Low Cost Airport Parking
These days of low costs flights offer fantastic savings for those able or willing to book in advance. Tickets to European destinations are now regularly available for less than the price of a meal out. And so it becomes increasing bizarre to find that the costs of parking at the departure airport for a few days or a couple of weeks can be actually much more expensive than the cost of the flight itself. But there are ways to keep these costs in check.
On-site parking at the airport is usually the most expensive option: so do you really have to park on-site? If so (and the convenience cannot be denied) then the best option is to book well in advance. In the same way as booking the flight in advance saves money, so also with car parking. Companies such as Airport Parking Offers or Holiday Parking UK actually have specific advance booking options for many onsite airport car parks.
However, if early booking is not possible, and you are looking for the best price, then off-site airport car parks are most definitely the best option. Most UK airports now have a proliferation of choice - and there are many online airport parking websites to cater for this demand, as well as several airport parking price comparison sites. Search on "compare airport parking" in any search engine will yield a number of these.
But of course, price isn't everything. It is important to have the peace of mind that your car will be properly looked after. The best advice therefore is to look for a company that has Park Mark accreditation. Park Mark is run by the British Parking Association and shows that a company has met all the standards required of its Safer Parking Scheme, which operates throughout Britain. The "Park Mark" logo ( a blue sign with a large white tick). This award and endorsement is given to safe, well-lit areas which have been inspected by the police as secure against trespassers.
An ideal way to save money on parking, as well as making the whole experience of getting to the check-in desk on time, is to consider an Airport Hotel. Again, these can be booked via many airport parking websites, with prices which include special bulk-buying discounts which these operators enjoy and can pass on, and which also include free car parking for the duration of the holiday. This can often work out at the same or similar prices to airport parking alone, with the added benefit of a good nights rest before the holiday.
Also, of course, this option is very useful for those late return flights. A great idea is to leave the car with the hotel, and pick it up on your return from holiday, after a nights rest at the hotel, a good breakfast and a relaxed drive home.
Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church writes for several Travel Companies in the UK, including Airport parking specialist http://www.airport-parking-offers.com who offer a wide variety of airport parking and hotel arrangements for UK travellers.
These days of low costs flights offer fantastic savings for those able or willing to book in advance. Tickets to European destinations are now regularly available for less than the price of a meal out. And so it becomes increasing bizarre to find that the costs of parking at the departure airport for a few days or a couple of weeks can be actually much more expensive than the cost of the flight itself. But there are ways to keep these costs in check.
On-site parking at the airport is usually the most expensive option: so do you really have to park on-site? If so (and the convenience cannot be denied) then the best option is to book well in advance. In the same way as booking the flight in advance saves money, so also with car parking. Companies such as Airport Parking Offers or Holiday Parking UK actually have specific advance booking options for many onsite airport car parks.
However, if early booking is not possible, and you are looking for the best price, then off-site airport car parks are most definitely the best option. Most UK airports now have a proliferation of choice - and there are many online airport parking websites to cater for this demand, as well as several airport parking price comparison sites. Search on "compare airport parking" in any search engine will yield a number of these.
But of course, price isn't everything. It is important to have the peace of mind that your car will be properly looked after. The best advice therefore is to look for a company that has Park Mark accreditation. Park Mark is run by the British Parking Association and shows that a company has met all the standards required of its Safer Parking Scheme, which operates throughout Britain. The "Park Mark" logo ( a blue sign with a large white tick). This award and endorsement is given to safe, well-lit areas which have been inspected by the police as secure against trespassers.
An ideal way to save money on parking, as well as making the whole experience of getting to the check-in desk on time, is to consider an Airport Hotel. Again, these can be booked via many airport parking websites, with prices which include special bulk-buying discounts which these operators enjoy and can pass on, and which also include free car parking for the duration of the holiday. This can often work out at the same or similar prices to airport parking alone, with the added benefit of a good nights rest before the holiday.
Also, of course, this option is very useful for those late return flights. A great idea is to leave the car with the hotel, and pick it up on your return from holiday, after a nights rest at the hotel, a good breakfast and a relaxed drive home.
Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church writes for several Travel Companies in the UK, including Airport parking specialist http://www.airport-parking-offers.com who offer a wide variety of airport parking and hotel arrangements for UK travellers.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Catalina is ideal daytrip from Southern California mainland
Catalina is ideal daytrip from Southern California mainland
Boarding the Catalina Express at Dana Point, we have the feeling we're going to escape Southern California traffic and congestion in VERY short order. We are right. Within minutes, we're "at sea" in the channel between Los Angeles and Catalina Island - no horns honking, no crawling along the freeway and no worries.
We're on our way to Avalon, the picturesque little town built near the southern tip of Catalina Island. It's just a 75-minute ride from the dock at Dana Point, and even a shorter distance from other points closer to L.A. Our slight trepidation about potential seasickness quickly evaporates as we see how well our sleek craft cuts through the moderate waves on what will become a perfect sunny Southern California day.
Along the way we see merchant vessels as well as a half-dozen or so 30-odd-foot pleasure craft obviously rigged for fishing and congregating at what must be a prime fishing ground. Later, to the port side we run a race with dozens of dolphins who seem intent on showing that anything man can do, they can do better.
Arriving in Avalon, the colorful, ornate - and, yes, expensive -- homes arrayed on hillsides and mountain tops combine with the myriad of boats and other sea-going vessels to create the impression we have just been transported to the French Riviera. Not bad considering a roundtrip ticket on the Express was only about 45 bucks and when all is said and done, we'll be home tonight for dinner.
But it's obvious from the gear being packed off the Express that there are many more overnighters than daytrippers. On this particular voyage, the hold is chock-full of suitcases, packs, tents, coolers and everything that would allow one to wander off and get to know the island upclose and personal.
For us it's a quick diversion from the rat race. We soon get our bearings on Crescent Street, the aptly-named street that follows the contour of the harbor. About six streets intersect with Crescent, all heading mauka (island-speak for "toward the mountains"). It's in this tiny little grid that you find most of the shops, restaurants and other tourist services.
We're traveling as a family today - mom, dad and three-year-old - so it's a burger joint for lunch. But the burgers are tasty and quite reasonably priced. Those looking for finer dining and significantly higher prices will not be disappointed, judging from the menus posted as several fine restaurants.
On this warm summer day there is an abundance of families visiting with kids of all ages. But it's also not difficult to find couples holding hands or checking into one of several boutique inns, or frolicking in the unusually warm ocean. In fact, Catalina is one of those places that can pull off being a destination for both families and romantic couples. They peacefully co-exist on this little island, and neither experience seems negatively impacted by the other.
As Gwen Bronson explains, there are many opportunities for a couple to slip away on the island and do what romantics do. The many hotels and inns, just by themselves, are pretty darn romantic and, as Communications Director for the Catalina Chamber of Commerce, Gwen's doing her job to point that out. But she also suggests several romantic activities such as a sea kayaking up the coast. In a very short distance you will find a beach that is not accessible by anyone who does not have a boat.
"Just visit the market and pick up your picnic lunch first and go about a half hour up the coast," she says. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, you'll have the whole beach to yourself."
Or rent a golf cart and drive the many roads around Avalon - just $40 an hour. Horseback riding is always good for a romantic mood, as long as it doesn't create any physical limitations. Botanical gardens are here for communing with Nature.
Like most visitors to Catalina, we find plenty to keep us occupied for the day. We enjoy people-watching in the outdoor cafes and exploring the winding roadways that climb out of Avalon to spectacular views of the harbor. In general, we just soak up this island atmosphere, recognizing it may be a while longer before we get back to the real French Riviera or anywhere else in the world with such island charm.
Our day on the island goes by quickly and the trip back to Dana Point is a relaxing end to a perfect Southern California daytrip. We arrive home in the San Diego area refreshed, ready to tackle the work week -- ready to share stories about our daytrip to the "Riviera" and resolved to put "to sea" much more often.
AT A GLANCE
Where: Catalina Island is about 26 miles west of the L.A. area. There are four boat companies that service Catalina from seven ports in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
What: Catalina Island offers many recreational activities ranging from deep-sea fishing to horseback riding to hiking to snorkeling. There are also many attractions such as submarine rides and golf cart rentals.
When: Catalina is a great destination year-round, although the lowest prices are in the shoulder season, April-May and September-October. Most hotels offer lower prices then, but combo packages help reduce the overall cost of lodging and transportation any time of year. Several events are offered throughout the year, so check with the Chamber of Commerce for a listing.
Why: Catalina is close, easy to reach, incredibly picturesque and the perfect daytrip or getaway weekend for any living in or visiting Southern California.
How: Call the Catalina Chamber for a complete list of transportation and lodging options. Phone (310) 510-1520.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .
Boarding the Catalina Express at Dana Point, we have the feeling we're going to escape Southern California traffic and congestion in VERY short order. We are right. Within minutes, we're "at sea" in the channel between Los Angeles and Catalina Island - no horns honking, no crawling along the freeway and no worries.
We're on our way to Avalon, the picturesque little town built near the southern tip of Catalina Island. It's just a 75-minute ride from the dock at Dana Point, and even a shorter distance from other points closer to L.A. Our slight trepidation about potential seasickness quickly evaporates as we see how well our sleek craft cuts through the moderate waves on what will become a perfect sunny Southern California day.
Along the way we see merchant vessels as well as a half-dozen or so 30-odd-foot pleasure craft obviously rigged for fishing and congregating at what must be a prime fishing ground. Later, to the port side we run a race with dozens of dolphins who seem intent on showing that anything man can do, they can do better.
Arriving in Avalon, the colorful, ornate - and, yes, expensive -- homes arrayed on hillsides and mountain tops combine with the myriad of boats and other sea-going vessels to create the impression we have just been transported to the French Riviera. Not bad considering a roundtrip ticket on the Express was only about 45 bucks and when all is said and done, we'll be home tonight for dinner.
But it's obvious from the gear being packed off the Express that there are many more overnighters than daytrippers. On this particular voyage, the hold is chock-full of suitcases, packs, tents, coolers and everything that would allow one to wander off and get to know the island upclose and personal.
For us it's a quick diversion from the rat race. We soon get our bearings on Crescent Street, the aptly-named street that follows the contour of the harbor. About six streets intersect with Crescent, all heading mauka (island-speak for "toward the mountains"). It's in this tiny little grid that you find most of the shops, restaurants and other tourist services.
We're traveling as a family today - mom, dad and three-year-old - so it's a burger joint for lunch. But the burgers are tasty and quite reasonably priced. Those looking for finer dining and significantly higher prices will not be disappointed, judging from the menus posted as several fine restaurants.
On this warm summer day there is an abundance of families visiting with kids of all ages. But it's also not difficult to find couples holding hands or checking into one of several boutique inns, or frolicking in the unusually warm ocean. In fact, Catalina is one of those places that can pull off being a destination for both families and romantic couples. They peacefully co-exist on this little island, and neither experience seems negatively impacted by the other.
As Gwen Bronson explains, there are many opportunities for a couple to slip away on the island and do what romantics do. The many hotels and inns, just by themselves, are pretty darn romantic and, as Communications Director for the Catalina Chamber of Commerce, Gwen's doing her job to point that out. But she also suggests several romantic activities such as a sea kayaking up the coast. In a very short distance you will find a beach that is not accessible by anyone who does not have a boat.
"Just visit the market and pick up your picnic lunch first and go about a half hour up the coast," she says. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, you'll have the whole beach to yourself."
Or rent a golf cart and drive the many roads around Avalon - just $40 an hour. Horseback riding is always good for a romantic mood, as long as it doesn't create any physical limitations. Botanical gardens are here for communing with Nature.
Like most visitors to Catalina, we find plenty to keep us occupied for the day. We enjoy people-watching in the outdoor cafes and exploring the winding roadways that climb out of Avalon to spectacular views of the harbor. In general, we just soak up this island atmosphere, recognizing it may be a while longer before we get back to the real French Riviera or anywhere else in the world with such island charm.
Our day on the island goes by quickly and the trip back to Dana Point is a relaxing end to a perfect Southern California daytrip. We arrive home in the San Diego area refreshed, ready to tackle the work week -- ready to share stories about our daytrip to the "Riviera" and resolved to put "to sea" much more often.
AT A GLANCE
Where: Catalina Island is about 26 miles west of the L.A. area. There are four boat companies that service Catalina from seven ports in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
What: Catalina Island offers many recreational activities ranging from deep-sea fishing to horseback riding to hiking to snorkeling. There are also many attractions such as submarine rides and golf cart rentals.
When: Catalina is a great destination year-round, although the lowest prices are in the shoulder season, April-May and September-October. Most hotels offer lower prices then, but combo packages help reduce the overall cost of lodging and transportation any time of year. Several events are offered throughout the year, so check with the Chamber of Commerce for a listing.
Why: Catalina is close, easy to reach, incredibly picturesque and the perfect daytrip or getaway weekend for any living in or visiting Southern California.
How: Call the Catalina Chamber for a complete list of transportation and lodging options. Phone (310) 510-1520.
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Luxury Adventure Travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands
Luxury Adventure Travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands
Nothing sounds more exotic or exciting than luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Let's take these one at a time and see what you would be getting if you indulged yourself with luxury adventure travel of this kind.
First the Galapagos Islands. Luxury adventure travel to the Galapagos Islands is following the footsteps of Charles Darwin and the Beagle, as he formulated his theory of evolution by studying the life forms on these islands, untainted by human hand for thousands of years. You can try to spot the blue-footed boobies waddling among the hundred year old 600 pound tortoises, or seek out the Amblyrhynchus, a three-foot long, iguana resembling a dinosaur that lives only on these islands.
You could make your initial stop to tour Quito, and have a look around one of the Indian markets nearby, such as the Saquisili Indian market, and buy a hand-made Panama hat - these are made in Ecuador, not Panama! Quito itself offers a great deal to the adventurer, and you will be able to straddle the equator - one foot in the northern and another in the southern hemisphere. Quito was destroyed by the Indians to prevent it being taken by Pissarro, and rebuilt by the Spanish colonialists.
Then take a business class flight on your first stage to tour the Galapagos Islands, and transfer to a luxury cruiser to visit Espanol Island, the first of the Galapagos Islands you will visit. Don't forget that this is luxury adventure travel to the Galapagos Islands, and that you should want for nothing: the best accommodations and personal attention.
After admiring the iguanas, which swim only at this island, cruise over to Santa Cruz, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station at Academy Bay, where you will check out the captive tortoise and iguana breeding centers. After crossing the equator, Genovesa Island can be very deceiving. The quietness of this volcanic area lulls you into a false sense of security, because you will shortly enter Darwin Bay and be assaulted by the sound of thousands of birds of many different types: boobies (both blue and red footed), Audubon's shearwaters, noddies and red billed tropicbirds among many others. This is an ornithologist's heaven.
Wreck Bay (I wonder how it got that name) on San Cristobal is the administrative capital of the Galapagos and you can fly from there back to Ecuador, connecting in Guayaquil for your flight to Lima. This is the start on the second part of your vacation: Luxury Adventure Travel to Machu Picchu. However, why rush it? Why not first have a look around some of the other places that Peru has to offer?
Take a trip to Cuzco: at three miles high, one of the highest cities in the world. Imagine your 100 meters time here! When you get this high, you have to take it easy or you could become ill, so let yourself acclimatize after your sea-level trip to the Galapagos Islands. Give it a day and then head off for a tour to Chincero in the Urubamba Sacred Valley, to learn something about the old ways of the Incas. Keep in mind that is a luxury vacation, and in keeping with that you should also visit La Cicciolina, which one of the best restaurants in this part of the world. Now you are ready for your luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu!
What better than a luxury train ride on the Hiram Bingham train to the lost city, enjoying champagne and a top class brunch on the way. It was Yale historian, Hiram Bingham, who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the civilized world in 1911, and wrote his first book on his finding under the title "The Lost City of the Incas". In fact the city had been constructed around 1460, when the Inca Empire was at its peak, and it is believed that it was abandoned less than 100 years later due to an outbreak of smallpox killing most of the inhabitants.
Although many think it had ceremonial origins, current belief is that it was an estate of the Incan emperor, Pachacuti, and it is certainly not mentioned in any of the writings of the Spanish conquistadores. Whatever its purpose, this is an extraordinary city, totally invisible from below, and completely self-contained with its own springs and terraces devised to produce enough food to feed a large population. It also possesses baths, storage rooms, temples and around 150 houses.
It is not enough to travel this far and simply walk around the ruins, or those of them that you are permitted to visit. The ecosystem around the area is fascinating, and luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu would be incomplete without learning more about this cloud forest. For the botanist there are more than 372 species of orchid to enjoy, from the lady's slipper to tiny specimens needing a magnifying glass to appreciate.
Finally, when you return to Lima why not complete your luxury vacation and visit the Larco Herrera Museum, then take a private tour of the city, visiting both the modern and the old colonial areas of Lima.
You don't get to enjoy luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Island very often, and you want it to be a wonderful experience, so find a tour company that can offer you personal attention, and with planners that can offer you a personal vacation just for you and a partner. That is far better than joining 48 others, and enables you to enjoy true luxury vacation with luxury travel, accommodation and cuisine that you will remember forever.
If this itinerary excites you, then check out how to arrange your own luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands, with travel and accommodation for two only, at http://www.ultitude.com and enjoy the luxury vacation of a lifetime.
Nothing sounds more exotic or exciting than luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Let's take these one at a time and see what you would be getting if you indulged yourself with luxury adventure travel of this kind.
First the Galapagos Islands. Luxury adventure travel to the Galapagos Islands is following the footsteps of Charles Darwin and the Beagle, as he formulated his theory of evolution by studying the life forms on these islands, untainted by human hand for thousands of years. You can try to spot the blue-footed boobies waddling among the hundred year old 600 pound tortoises, or seek out the Amblyrhynchus, a three-foot long, iguana resembling a dinosaur that lives only on these islands.
You could make your initial stop to tour Quito, and have a look around one of the Indian markets nearby, such as the Saquisili Indian market, and buy a hand-made Panama hat - these are made in Ecuador, not Panama! Quito itself offers a great deal to the adventurer, and you will be able to straddle the equator - one foot in the northern and another in the southern hemisphere. Quito was destroyed by the Indians to prevent it being taken by Pissarro, and rebuilt by the Spanish colonialists.
Then take a business class flight on your first stage to tour the Galapagos Islands, and transfer to a luxury cruiser to visit Espanol Island, the first of the Galapagos Islands you will visit. Don't forget that this is luxury adventure travel to the Galapagos Islands, and that you should want for nothing: the best accommodations and personal attention.
After admiring the iguanas, which swim only at this island, cruise over to Santa Cruz, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station at Academy Bay, where you will check out the captive tortoise and iguana breeding centers. After crossing the equator, Genovesa Island can be very deceiving. The quietness of this volcanic area lulls you into a false sense of security, because you will shortly enter Darwin Bay and be assaulted by the sound of thousands of birds of many different types: boobies (both blue and red footed), Audubon's shearwaters, noddies and red billed tropicbirds among many others. This is an ornithologist's heaven.
Wreck Bay (I wonder how it got that name) on San Cristobal is the administrative capital of the Galapagos and you can fly from there back to Ecuador, connecting in Guayaquil for your flight to Lima. This is the start on the second part of your vacation: Luxury Adventure Travel to Machu Picchu. However, why rush it? Why not first have a look around some of the other places that Peru has to offer?
Take a trip to Cuzco: at three miles high, one of the highest cities in the world. Imagine your 100 meters time here! When you get this high, you have to take it easy or you could become ill, so let yourself acclimatize after your sea-level trip to the Galapagos Islands. Give it a day and then head off for a tour to Chincero in the Urubamba Sacred Valley, to learn something about the old ways of the Incas. Keep in mind that is a luxury vacation, and in keeping with that you should also visit La Cicciolina, which one of the best restaurants in this part of the world. Now you are ready for your luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu!
What better than a luxury train ride on the Hiram Bingham train to the lost city, enjoying champagne and a top class brunch on the way. It was Yale historian, Hiram Bingham, who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the civilized world in 1911, and wrote his first book on his finding under the title "The Lost City of the Incas". In fact the city had been constructed around 1460, when the Inca Empire was at its peak, and it is believed that it was abandoned less than 100 years later due to an outbreak of smallpox killing most of the inhabitants.
Although many think it had ceremonial origins, current belief is that it was an estate of the Incan emperor, Pachacuti, and it is certainly not mentioned in any of the writings of the Spanish conquistadores. Whatever its purpose, this is an extraordinary city, totally invisible from below, and completely self-contained with its own springs and terraces devised to produce enough food to feed a large population. It also possesses baths, storage rooms, temples and around 150 houses.
It is not enough to travel this far and simply walk around the ruins, or those of them that you are permitted to visit. The ecosystem around the area is fascinating, and luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu would be incomplete without learning more about this cloud forest. For the botanist there are more than 372 species of orchid to enjoy, from the lady's slipper to tiny specimens needing a magnifying glass to appreciate.
Finally, when you return to Lima why not complete your luxury vacation and visit the Larco Herrera Museum, then take a private tour of the city, visiting both the modern and the old colonial areas of Lima.
You don't get to enjoy luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Island very often, and you want it to be a wonderful experience, so find a tour company that can offer you personal attention, and with planners that can offer you a personal vacation just for you and a partner. That is far better than joining 48 others, and enables you to enjoy true luxury vacation with luxury travel, accommodation and cuisine that you will remember forever.
If this itinerary excites you, then check out how to arrange your own luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands, with travel and accommodation for two only, at http://www.ultitude.com and enjoy the luxury vacation of a lifetime.
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