Luxury Maldives holidays are the perfect honeymoon destination
by Paul Terry
Trying to find the definitive tropical paradise to enjoy luxury holidays can sometimes seem a daunting task. Well, not any more. Become introduced to Maldives, a series of more than eighty islands perched in the warmest waters of the world and home to the most brilliantly colored marine life anywhere. Luxury, quality and affordability can all be yours if you wish.
People come from all around the globe to gaze upon the natural wonder and brilliantly colored life in this marine territory. So naturally, water sports are some of the best activities to enjoy. Take pleasure in surfing the challenging tide areas on certain beaches, parasailing to get a better look into the entrancing sparkling sea below, snorkel the reefs to get an up close look at the natural biological wonders, dive down deep and feel the serenity of the silent abyss or take a tour in a glass submarine to learn more about the underwater ecosystem.
The climate on your Maldives holidays is as blissful as it comes. The weather for this area of the world depends on the monsoonal flow. This means that the rain comes and goes quickly while remaining on a steady and inviting temperature. Even when it does rain in the morning within an hour or so the clouds are gone and paradise has returned to normal.
Envision walking through lush tropical gardens with large and fragrant flowers, tall foliage in every shade of green you could imagine, crystal clear turquoise waters displaying a shimmering blanket of light day and night along with coral reefs that have a rare and unique beauty all their own. This is what Maldives holidays are all about. An unbridled magnificence you'll have to see to believe.
The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa offers guests genuine tropical setting with bungalows of thatch each situated on the white sandy beach for magnificent ocean views. These quarters are lifted and perched above the calm waters. Every person can enjoy their privacy with their own pool and verandah.
Baros Maldives is a resort right on the beach that not only has a private garden but has so many unique accommodations such as outdoor showers, private sun decks, and coconut thatch roofs. They also have of course the basic amenities such as mini bars, spacious decks and indoor/outdoor living areas. This is another wonderful resort to go to for honeymooners.
Sun Island Hotel has something for everyone! They offer tons of activities, water sports, BBQ, entertainment and more. The whole family can take part in this wonderful resort. It has the tropical ambiance and the fun making it the perfect place for you to plan a family Maldives holidays.
Kurumba Maldives has a large variety of different activities available as well as entertainment you won't find anywhere else. This is the place to be if you like different cuisine! They offer French, Italian, Japanese, Indian and more! They are widely known for their amazing food and service.
So what are you waiting for? Experience a place that passion is rekindled, love blossoms, and families find a neutral ground of happiness and fulfillment. The enjoyment is endless on Maldives holidays.
About the Author:
When searching for the best luxury Maldives holidays try Free2. Free2 has great offers on romantic holidays and honeymoons to the very best Maldives islands. All romantic Maldives holidays fully ABTA protected.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Bike Tours In Spain-An Inexpensive Vacation
Bike Tours In Spain-An Inexpensive Vacation
by Alison Addy
This article talks about vacationing in Spain and the popularity of holiday villas as well as bike tours while in Spain.
Great Holidays in Spain Villas
Spain is a country that many people choose as their holiday vacation destination. In fact, it's probably about one of the most frequented vacation spots by families and couples. Not only is it rich in heritage and culture, but it also has delicious food and wines and beautiful architecture. If you choose to stay in one of their holiday villas, you'll see firsthand the beauty in their architecture. Their holiday villas in Spain are a lodging choice for many.
What most vacationers love about Spain is the relaxing atmosphere. The lifestyle of the Spanish is leisurely and fun. So leisurely, in fact, that many tourists buy homes there so they can return year after year. If not purchasing, most make arrangements to rent the same holiday villas each year for their vacation. There are many activities to do in Spain. Bike tours in Spain are a very popular way to get around the city, make friends and get exercise in the process.
Finding Holiday Villas in Spain
Finding holiday villas in Spain is very easy. Numerous web sites advertise holiday villas in Spain. Some of these holiday villas in Spain are completely furnished with kitchen appliances and cookware. You can save a lot of money and time by doing your own cooking when you're in vacation in Spain. With all there is to do, you don't want to waste any more time and money than you have to. The holiday villas are very roomy, with extra rooms and bathrooms for the guest. Most of these roomy holiday villas are located on the outskirts of the city.
When most people hear the term, holiday villas, they assume they're going to be very expensive. However, many of them are cheaper than five star hotels. They are much roomier than hotel rooms, allowing for more people to stay in them, along with allowing pets. More people today are choosing to take their pets with them on vacation. With holiday villas, you always have the option of requesting hired help to clean your villa during your vacation. The entire atmosphere of holiday villas is relaxing, which is what vacations are all about.
Why Buy A Holiday Villa
Many of the beautiful holiday villas are for sale. Some owners build these holiday villas with the intention of turning around and selling them to tourists for a profit. It works out well for the seller as well as the buyer, who now has a holiday villa of their own to spend their vacation each year.
More info on bike tours in spain and spain cycling tour.
About the Author:
Alison Addy is the journalist of consumer websites, who has written more articles on holiday villas in spain for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com .Keep reading about bike tours in spain and spain cycling tour at his web.
by Alison Addy
This article talks about vacationing in Spain and the popularity of holiday villas as well as bike tours while in Spain.
Great Holidays in Spain Villas
Spain is a country that many people choose as their holiday vacation destination. In fact, it's probably about one of the most frequented vacation spots by families and couples. Not only is it rich in heritage and culture, but it also has delicious food and wines and beautiful architecture. If you choose to stay in one of their holiday villas, you'll see firsthand the beauty in their architecture. Their holiday villas in Spain are a lodging choice for many.
What most vacationers love about Spain is the relaxing atmosphere. The lifestyle of the Spanish is leisurely and fun. So leisurely, in fact, that many tourists buy homes there so they can return year after year. If not purchasing, most make arrangements to rent the same holiday villas each year for their vacation. There are many activities to do in Spain. Bike tours in Spain are a very popular way to get around the city, make friends and get exercise in the process.
Finding Holiday Villas in Spain
Finding holiday villas in Spain is very easy. Numerous web sites advertise holiday villas in Spain. Some of these holiday villas in Spain are completely furnished with kitchen appliances and cookware. You can save a lot of money and time by doing your own cooking when you're in vacation in Spain. With all there is to do, you don't want to waste any more time and money than you have to. The holiday villas are very roomy, with extra rooms and bathrooms for the guest. Most of these roomy holiday villas are located on the outskirts of the city.
When most people hear the term, holiday villas, they assume they're going to be very expensive. However, many of them are cheaper than five star hotels. They are much roomier than hotel rooms, allowing for more people to stay in them, along with allowing pets. More people today are choosing to take their pets with them on vacation. With holiday villas, you always have the option of requesting hired help to clean your villa during your vacation. The entire atmosphere of holiday villas is relaxing, which is what vacations are all about.
Why Buy A Holiday Villa
Many of the beautiful holiday villas are for sale. Some owners build these holiday villas with the intention of turning around and selling them to tourists for a profit. It works out well for the seller as well as the buyer, who now has a holiday villa of their own to spend their vacation each year.
More info on bike tours in spain and spain cycling tour.
About the Author:
Alison Addy is the journalist of consumer websites, who has written more articles on holiday villas in spain for http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com .Keep reading about bike tours in spain and spain cycling tour at his web.
Wine Country By Train - A Fun Escape
Wine Country By Train - A Fun Escape
by Summer Wilde
There are many possibilities for you if you are looking for something special to do on your next vacation. Often people get tired of doing the same things year after year. Are you bored of going to the beach? Not amused by amusement parks? Do you cringe when thinking about being cooped up in a car for a long road trip?
Need a weekend getaway with your significant other? Toss off the cares and worries of everyday existence and check out a memorable and fun experience, such as touring the wine country by train. It's not just a special experience; it's amazingly special one that you will treasure in your memories for a long time.
Wish to learn about different varieties of wine, how wine is made and enjoy the spectacular view of beautiful vineyards? See the wine country by train which will quench your thirst for knowledge and let you enjoy the vacation with a fun mode of transport.
You can find wine-growing areas all over the United States. There are places on both coasts, among others in the middle of the country, that are just terrific for cultivating various grapes used in the production of wine. You can also find railroads for tourists. Actually, why not combine them and check out winery tours in California that incorporate a train ride?
One of the premier wine growing regions in the U.S. is the beautiful and popular Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Wine Train has been carrying visitors between Napa and St Helena to the north since 1989. Riding in these elegant period train cars is a great way to start your winery tour. You can enjoy the countryside in a relaxed setting, and get an overview of the area and an idea of what vineyards you may want to visit on your own.
You can join in the Napa Valley wine train's Vintner's Luncheon for an extra special experience. Winemakers from some of Napa Valley's most prestigious wineries will host lunch and speak about the winemaking process. Lunch will include some of the best local food and wine.
So, now that you've decided to book a trip to see the wine country by train, you ought to check out the Napa Valley wine train murder mystery. It's just tons of excitement, and you get a delicious dinner and an exciting murder mystery that will keep you guessing the whole time! It's a really enjoyable experience, and you will never regret that you picked the murder mystery train ride through the Napa Valley wine country.
So, if you are having a hard time deciding how you want to spend your next vacation, a railroad tour of beautiful wine country is a great opportunity to consider. As a matter of fact, it is so much fun and so spectacular; you will remember it for the rest of your life. It is a great way to escape for a week of a weekend. Look into touring the wine country by train as soon as you can.
About the Author:
A fun and wonderful escape is a California wine train tour. Viewing the vineyards by train makes winery tours in California a relaxing and memorable experience.
by Summer Wilde
There are many possibilities for you if you are looking for something special to do on your next vacation. Often people get tired of doing the same things year after year. Are you bored of going to the beach? Not amused by amusement parks? Do you cringe when thinking about being cooped up in a car for a long road trip?
Need a weekend getaway with your significant other? Toss off the cares and worries of everyday existence and check out a memorable and fun experience, such as touring the wine country by train. It's not just a special experience; it's amazingly special one that you will treasure in your memories for a long time.
Wish to learn about different varieties of wine, how wine is made and enjoy the spectacular view of beautiful vineyards? See the wine country by train which will quench your thirst for knowledge and let you enjoy the vacation with a fun mode of transport.
You can find wine-growing areas all over the United States. There are places on both coasts, among others in the middle of the country, that are just terrific for cultivating various grapes used in the production of wine. You can also find railroads for tourists. Actually, why not combine them and check out winery tours in California that incorporate a train ride?
One of the premier wine growing regions in the U.S. is the beautiful and popular Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Wine Train has been carrying visitors between Napa and St Helena to the north since 1989. Riding in these elegant period train cars is a great way to start your winery tour. You can enjoy the countryside in a relaxed setting, and get an overview of the area and an idea of what vineyards you may want to visit on your own.
You can join in the Napa Valley wine train's Vintner's Luncheon for an extra special experience. Winemakers from some of Napa Valley's most prestigious wineries will host lunch and speak about the winemaking process. Lunch will include some of the best local food and wine.
So, now that you've decided to book a trip to see the wine country by train, you ought to check out the Napa Valley wine train murder mystery. It's just tons of excitement, and you get a delicious dinner and an exciting murder mystery that will keep you guessing the whole time! It's a really enjoyable experience, and you will never regret that you picked the murder mystery train ride through the Napa Valley wine country.
So, if you are having a hard time deciding how you want to spend your next vacation, a railroad tour of beautiful wine country is a great opportunity to consider. As a matter of fact, it is so much fun and so spectacular; you will remember it for the rest of your life. It is a great way to escape for a week of a weekend. Look into touring the wine country by train as soon as you can.
About the Author:
A fun and wonderful escape is a California wine train tour. Viewing the vineyards by train makes winery tours in California a relaxing and memorable experience.
The Clubs of iBiza
The Clubs of iBiza
by iBiza Joe
iBiza has hedonistic credentials going back nearly 40 years. It has a world famous nightlife.
iBiza can boat an eclectic mix of people and party goers. They are attracted by the worlds hottest clubs, the worlds best DJ's and just recently some of the greatest indie bands.
Music lover will want for nothing on this island. There's r'n'b, electro, trance, hip hop, house, rock and traditional Spanish guitar.
Here is a list of iBiza's clubs.
If you want to party in the worlds biggest club then head to Privilege. It's the host to Manumission which is party not to be missed.
Space is in Playa den Bossa and some would argue there's no better club on a Sunday.
Pasha is iBiza's first club opened in 1973. There are plenty of Pashas around the world of varying qualities but this is by far the original and the best.
Amnesia was the first open air disco here in Ibiza. I forget when it opened.
El Divino - a posher and more mature club amongst the Super Yatchs in iBiza's marina.
Es Paradis in San Antonio is the host to the famous water party.
Eden is in San An and tends to be the home of some of the hottest DJ's from the UK.
About the Author:
iBiza Joe lives in iBiza and is a local expert on the island. He writes for iBiza Today a free online information guide to the island.
by iBiza Joe
iBiza has hedonistic credentials going back nearly 40 years. It has a world famous nightlife.
iBiza can boat an eclectic mix of people and party goers. They are attracted by the worlds hottest clubs, the worlds best DJ's and just recently some of the greatest indie bands.
Music lover will want for nothing on this island. There's r'n'b, electro, trance, hip hop, house, rock and traditional Spanish guitar.
Here is a list of iBiza's clubs.
If you want to party in the worlds biggest club then head to Privilege. It's the host to Manumission which is party not to be missed.
Space is in Playa den Bossa and some would argue there's no better club on a Sunday.
Pasha is iBiza's first club opened in 1973. There are plenty of Pashas around the world of varying qualities but this is by far the original and the best.
Amnesia was the first open air disco here in Ibiza. I forget when it opened.
El Divino - a posher and more mature club amongst the Super Yatchs in iBiza's marina.
Es Paradis in San Antonio is the host to the famous water party.
Eden is in San An and tends to be the home of some of the hottest DJ's from the UK.
About the Author:
iBiza Joe lives in iBiza and is a local expert on the island. He writes for iBiza Today a free online information guide to the island.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Orlando: Things To Do For The Family In The Summer
Orlando: Things To Do For The Family In The Summer
Orlando offers a great package for an amazing summer break. The city has earned its reputation as a family-oriented vacation destination since the establishment of the Disney, Universal and Nickelodeon properties. There are just so many things to do in Orlando that spells out the words fun and excitement for families with kids of varying ages.
Orlando is a huge hit in the summer. We have the nice Florida weather and the seemingly endless list of Orlando things to do for that. Gear yourselves up with your most comfortable summer get ups and let Orlando amuse you with everything the city has to offer.
Accommodation options in Orlando and around the area is aplenty. The Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Nickelodeon Hotel give you great lodging choices that will fit both your interest and your budget. Outside these properties, you still have a wide variety of options that offer comfortable lodging with cheap rates: Orlando Centroplex Travelodge, Best Western Movieland Orlando, Orlando Vista Hotel and more. If the focus of this family summer break is Disney, you can check in at the Hilton Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort where you can enjoy such perks as free shuttle from the airport, free bus rides to the different theme parks, extra magic hours at the theme parks, to name some.
Disney promises nothing but the best time for everyone in the family. There are kiddie rides built for the younger kids, as well as more thrilling rides especially made for the older ones and teens. Parents, of course, are welcome to ride anytime with their kids or just simply be kids again. Watch out for the display of Disney characters in the very-well rehearsed Parades, live stage shows (including a stage version of Finding Nemo), memorable Characters Meals where the servers are clad in Disney characters (you can also join the costume dining by dressing up like your favorite Disney characters) at the Crystal Place, and last, but not the least, the very unique and impressive spectacle of fireworks at night. Other things to do during your summer break in Orlando is to have an afternoon playing golf with the family PGA-style at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course. Or you can also cool off at the water parks - Blizzard Beach and the Typhoon Lagoon - which have wacky themes that offer loads of fun for the family in a lovely tropical atmosphere.
Downtown Disney is the best place to go to at night. It houses acres of fun things to do during your Orlando visit. There are dozens of shops and entertainment venues. Start the night with a family dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, admire the intricate Lego figures as you stroll past the Lego Imagination Center or catch a show of the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil. Parents can also grab the chance to spend some quality time during this summer break by having a relaxing massage for two at the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, an evening yacht cruise along the Seven Seas Lagoon with butler-served gourmet meals, or simply a romantic stroll down Disney's Boardwalk.
There are more things to do in Orlando outside the Disney premises that you can explore. Check on this page to have more ideas. Orlando is definitely for kids, teens and parents - an ultimate one-stop destination for the summer break!
To learn of all the things to do in Orlando and plan your next trip, please use our road trip planner. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
Orlando offers a great package for an amazing summer break. The city has earned its reputation as a family-oriented vacation destination since the establishment of the Disney, Universal and Nickelodeon properties. There are just so many things to do in Orlando that spells out the words fun and excitement for families with kids of varying ages.
Orlando is a huge hit in the summer. We have the nice Florida weather and the seemingly endless list of Orlando things to do for that. Gear yourselves up with your most comfortable summer get ups and let Orlando amuse you with everything the city has to offer.
Accommodation options in Orlando and around the area is aplenty. The Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Nickelodeon Hotel give you great lodging choices that will fit both your interest and your budget. Outside these properties, you still have a wide variety of options that offer comfortable lodging with cheap rates: Orlando Centroplex Travelodge, Best Western Movieland Orlando, Orlando Vista Hotel and more. If the focus of this family summer break is Disney, you can check in at the Hilton Inn in the Walt Disney World Resort where you can enjoy such perks as free shuttle from the airport, free bus rides to the different theme parks, extra magic hours at the theme parks, to name some.
Disney promises nothing but the best time for everyone in the family. There are kiddie rides built for the younger kids, as well as more thrilling rides especially made for the older ones and teens. Parents, of course, are welcome to ride anytime with their kids or just simply be kids again. Watch out for the display of Disney characters in the very-well rehearsed Parades, live stage shows (including a stage version of Finding Nemo), memorable Characters Meals where the servers are clad in Disney characters (you can also join the costume dining by dressing up like your favorite Disney characters) at the Crystal Place, and last, but not the least, the very unique and impressive spectacle of fireworks at night. Other things to do during your summer break in Orlando is to have an afternoon playing golf with the family PGA-style at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course. Or you can also cool off at the water parks - Blizzard Beach and the Typhoon Lagoon - which have wacky themes that offer loads of fun for the family in a lovely tropical atmosphere.
Downtown Disney is the best place to go to at night. It houses acres of fun things to do during your Orlando visit. There are dozens of shops and entertainment venues. Start the night with a family dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, admire the intricate Lego figures as you stroll past the Lego Imagination Center or catch a show of the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil. Parents can also grab the chance to spend some quality time during this summer break by having a relaxing massage for two at the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, an evening yacht cruise along the Seven Seas Lagoon with butler-served gourmet meals, or simply a romantic stroll down Disney's Boardwalk.
There are more things to do in Orlando outside the Disney premises that you can explore. Check on this page to have more ideas. Orlando is definitely for kids, teens and parents - an ultimate one-stop destination for the summer break!
To learn of all the things to do in Orlando and plan your next trip, please use our road trip planner. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Shaver Lake is popular California vacation lake
Shaver Lake is popular California vacation lake
California is well known for its beaches and theme parks, but equally impressive are the many mountain getaways that span from the Oregon border all the way down to Big Bear Lake, just a couple of hours drive from Los Angeles. If a "cabin-in-the-woods" is in your vacation plans this summer, there are vacation rentals within an easy drive from most California cities.
One of our most recent discoveries is Shaver Lake, a little more than an hour's drive northeast from Fresno and an ideal spot to include in a Northern California vacation. The change in scenery during that short trip is dramatic, taking you from the flat farmlands near Fresno through wooded, rolling foothills and then up nearly 6,000 feet into the pine forests that surround this idyllic lake. Central Valley residents have long known that Shaver Lake is a great spot to experience the Sierras; now - judging from the area's real estate boom - people from all over California have started to catch on.
Shaver Lake is tucked between Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and hints at the same natural beauty found in the parks. The difference is that Shaver remains largely undiscovered and therefore not quite as prone to seasonal traffic congestion. Shaver is still "off the beaten path" for vacationers who want the experience of visiting a small mountain village with just a couple of general stores and a handful of restaurants serving home-style grub. Only about 3,000 people live in the entire area.
All of this is exactly what we wanted as we set out on our own "cabin-in-the-woods" getaway. We contacted Vacation Rental Specialties to reserve a cabin meeting our specifications. With pictures to study on the internet, we were able to see exactly what kind of place we were renting, both inside and out. We wanted a true log cabin experience, but with modern conveniences - and that's exactly what we got.
We use the word "cabin" here a little loosely - our rental was really a complete vacation home built like a cabin. Almost everything was constructed of logs, all right, but the home's amenities are more modern than most people have in their primary residence. We learned that this particular "cabin" is owned by a Monterey family who uses it part of the time themselves and puts it into the Vacation Rental Specialties rental pool for much of the year.
Our rental, the "Whalen Log Cabin," was a million-dollar home with two bedrooms, a loft, 1.75 baths, dishwasher, cable TV, DVD and a washer and dryer. A 1,750-square-foot deck is the perfect place to barbecue or watch the sun set over the mountains. Out back cabin near Shaver Lakethere are plenty of pine trees reminding guests that, yes, this is the mountains and, in fact, the edge of the wilderness. These aren't exactly cheap vacations but when you consider the cost of premium hotel rooms nowadays, the rental fee of $225 a night plus a cleaning and booking fee is one of the best travel deals around.
Our family of three was swimming in extra space and, according to Bill Wingo, owner of Vacation Rental Specialties, many guests are bring another couple or family and stay for a week at a time. It's a new trend called "togethering" - sharing vacations with other family members or friends and thereby reducing rental costs while at the same time getting the chance to visit and experience new places and activities together.
According to Wingo, there also is a trend in vacation rentals now toward high-end properties such as the Whalen Log Cabin. In the business for nine years, Wingo says it was not long ago that people were just looking for a rustic getaway in the mountains - a simple cabin with few amenities but located in the wilderness. Today, guests are looking for all the extras and willing to pay extra to make their home away from home both relaxing and luxurious.
Also, guests are starting to expect the property rental firm to be more service-oriented, Wingo explained. Instead of just handing over a set of keys, property managers today also have to put on a concierge hat and do such things as make reservations for boat rentals, dinner or whatever else the guests may have planned for their stay. It used to be that guests were responsible for taking out garbage and providing bedding - nowadays, those often are among the services provided by the rental firm, although sometimes at an extra cost.
Equally important is the location of the vacation rental, and the Shaver Lake area is proving popular with active vacationers. With 23 miles of shoreline, Shaver Lake has plenty of activities to choose from including fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, hiking and, in winter, all the winter sports including downhill skiing at a nearby ski area. The lake actually is part of a hydroelectric project owned and operated by California Edison. Shaver Lake was first constructed and filled in 1927 as part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric project. It was named for pioneer lumberman C.B. Shaver, who logged in the area during the late 1890s.
For many visitors, Shaver Lake actually is a jumping off point for treks further into the Sierra National trading post near Shaver LakeForest and two other lakes, Huntington and Edison, are nearby. Eighteen small lakes are located in the Kaiser Wilderness, just north of Huntington Lake.
In our case, we were just looking for a quiet few days "away from it all" where we could do a little hiking and soak up the local culture down in Shaver Lake's stores and restaurants. We enjoyed our steak dinner down at the Trading Post - the floor is tilted downhill in a few areas, but the big rock fireplace sets the mood perfectly.
The fireplace back at our vacation home also helped set the mood for this "cabin-in-the-woods" experience - instead of watching television like we might normally do at home, we put some games on the spacious floor in front of the crackling fire and thoroughly enjoyed a family respite from everyday life in the city.
If you're planning a Northern California vacation, you can get more information on cabin rentals at Shaver Lake by contacting Vacation Rental Specialties at (800) 730-8688 or visiting www.goshaverlake.com. Nightly rental fees are about 15 percent lower when properties are rented a week at a time. Ask about Vacation Rental Specialties' special vacation packages—they can arrange to have boats, restaurant reservations, horseback riding and many other activities scheduled for you before you arrive. Even if you have last minute travel plans, call for availability—surprisingly, there sometimes is a last-minute opening.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, which focuses on California vacation ideas and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest travel.
California is well known for its beaches and theme parks, but equally impressive are the many mountain getaways that span from the Oregon border all the way down to Big Bear Lake, just a couple of hours drive from Los Angeles. If a "cabin-in-the-woods" is in your vacation plans this summer, there are vacation rentals within an easy drive from most California cities.
One of our most recent discoveries is Shaver Lake, a little more than an hour's drive northeast from Fresno and an ideal spot to include in a Northern California vacation. The change in scenery during that short trip is dramatic, taking you from the flat farmlands near Fresno through wooded, rolling foothills and then up nearly 6,000 feet into the pine forests that surround this idyllic lake. Central Valley residents have long known that Shaver Lake is a great spot to experience the Sierras; now - judging from the area's real estate boom - people from all over California have started to catch on.
Shaver Lake is tucked between Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and hints at the same natural beauty found in the parks. The difference is that Shaver remains largely undiscovered and therefore not quite as prone to seasonal traffic congestion. Shaver is still "off the beaten path" for vacationers who want the experience of visiting a small mountain village with just a couple of general stores and a handful of restaurants serving home-style grub. Only about 3,000 people live in the entire area.
All of this is exactly what we wanted as we set out on our own "cabin-in-the-woods" getaway. We contacted Vacation Rental Specialties to reserve a cabin meeting our specifications. With pictures to study on the internet, we were able to see exactly what kind of place we were renting, both inside and out. We wanted a true log cabin experience, but with modern conveniences - and that's exactly what we got.
We use the word "cabin" here a little loosely - our rental was really a complete vacation home built like a cabin. Almost everything was constructed of logs, all right, but the home's amenities are more modern than most people have in their primary residence. We learned that this particular "cabin" is owned by a Monterey family who uses it part of the time themselves and puts it into the Vacation Rental Specialties rental pool for much of the year.
Our rental, the "Whalen Log Cabin," was a million-dollar home with two bedrooms, a loft, 1.75 baths, dishwasher, cable TV, DVD and a washer and dryer. A 1,750-square-foot deck is the perfect place to barbecue or watch the sun set over the mountains. Out back cabin near Shaver Lakethere are plenty of pine trees reminding guests that, yes, this is the mountains and, in fact, the edge of the wilderness. These aren't exactly cheap vacations but when you consider the cost of premium hotel rooms nowadays, the rental fee of $225 a night plus a cleaning and booking fee is one of the best travel deals around.
Our family of three was swimming in extra space and, according to Bill Wingo, owner of Vacation Rental Specialties, many guests are bring another couple or family and stay for a week at a time. It's a new trend called "togethering" - sharing vacations with other family members or friends and thereby reducing rental costs while at the same time getting the chance to visit and experience new places and activities together.
According to Wingo, there also is a trend in vacation rentals now toward high-end properties such as the Whalen Log Cabin. In the business for nine years, Wingo says it was not long ago that people were just looking for a rustic getaway in the mountains - a simple cabin with few amenities but located in the wilderness. Today, guests are looking for all the extras and willing to pay extra to make their home away from home both relaxing and luxurious.
Also, guests are starting to expect the property rental firm to be more service-oriented, Wingo explained. Instead of just handing over a set of keys, property managers today also have to put on a concierge hat and do such things as make reservations for boat rentals, dinner or whatever else the guests may have planned for their stay. It used to be that guests were responsible for taking out garbage and providing bedding - nowadays, those often are among the services provided by the rental firm, although sometimes at an extra cost.
Equally important is the location of the vacation rental, and the Shaver Lake area is proving popular with active vacationers. With 23 miles of shoreline, Shaver Lake has plenty of activities to choose from including fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, hiking and, in winter, all the winter sports including downhill skiing at a nearby ski area. The lake actually is part of a hydroelectric project owned and operated by California Edison. Shaver Lake was first constructed and filled in 1927 as part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric project. It was named for pioneer lumberman C.B. Shaver, who logged in the area during the late 1890s.
For many visitors, Shaver Lake actually is a jumping off point for treks further into the Sierra National trading post near Shaver LakeForest and two other lakes, Huntington and Edison, are nearby. Eighteen small lakes are located in the Kaiser Wilderness, just north of Huntington Lake.
In our case, we were just looking for a quiet few days "away from it all" where we could do a little hiking and soak up the local culture down in Shaver Lake's stores and restaurants. We enjoyed our steak dinner down at the Trading Post - the floor is tilted downhill in a few areas, but the big rock fireplace sets the mood perfectly.
The fireplace back at our vacation home also helped set the mood for this "cabin-in-the-woods" experience - instead of watching television like we might normally do at home, we put some games on the spacious floor in front of the crackling fire and thoroughly enjoyed a family respite from everyday life in the city.
If you're planning a Northern California vacation, you can get more information on cabin rentals at Shaver Lake by contacting Vacation Rental Specialties at (800) 730-8688 or visiting www.goshaverlake.com. Nightly rental fees are about 15 percent lower when properties are rented a week at a time. Ask about Vacation Rental Specialties' special vacation packages—they can arrange to have boats, restaurant reservations, horseback riding and many other activities scheduled for you before you arrive. Even if you have last minute travel plans, call for availability—surprisingly, there sometimes is a last-minute opening.
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, which focuses on California vacation ideas and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, which covers Northwest travel.
Romantic Getaways by the Beach
Romantic Getaways by the Beach
Planning romantic getaways with just the right touch of romance may mean spending time on the beach. There are many reasons why a beach represents romance. Some are obvious and some are made by each individual couple. From romantic sunsets to taking a walk together along the water's edge for some couples the beach screams romance. If you have never been to a beach together before it is certain that when you do it will be a special romantic getaway for two.
There are many beaches that have on the beach hotels and accommodations for the two of you to make romantic getaways more romantic at the beach. Holding hands together often is an intimate touch that can bring romance instantly and if your holding hands while watching the sunset on a blanket on a beach the romance is certain. Those walks along the water's edge often end with hand holding and a romantic kiss or two.
Often beaches are the place where many couples choose to watch the sun rise or the sunset depending on the activities they choose for their getaway. After a romantic dinner for two, a special spot on a beach or a night cap on the balcony some couples enjoy the romance of watching the sun set and the tide come in when they plan their romantic getaways. There are many options for couples who enjoy watching the sun set or the sun rise on the beach of their choice to open the door to romance.
Treasure hunting on the beach is a romantic activity to do, many times it catches the couple off guard and it isn't always an activity they plan out. It happens something like this, the couple walks along the beach collecting sea shells, for some mementos of their romantic getaways, then one of them may say "look at how beautiful this shell is" and the other may respond something like this, "yes, but not as beautiful as you." Well, you can imagine the atmosphere of romance that has just been created.
Some romantic getaways by the beach are special for couples because of the aquatic life that surrounds the beach. Think about swimming with that special someone and as you go to sneak a kiss you see Dolphins swimming, what a kiss that could be. Some couples choose to take a boat ride on the water and enjoy the sights and sounds together of the aquatic life as they enjoy romantic getaways on the beach.
Michael Brown Great Romantic Getaways Romantic Getaways by State
Planning romantic getaways with just the right touch of romance may mean spending time on the beach. There are many reasons why a beach represents romance. Some are obvious and some are made by each individual couple. From romantic sunsets to taking a walk together along the water's edge for some couples the beach screams romance. If you have never been to a beach together before it is certain that when you do it will be a special romantic getaway for two.
There are many beaches that have on the beach hotels and accommodations for the two of you to make romantic getaways more romantic at the beach. Holding hands together often is an intimate touch that can bring romance instantly and if your holding hands while watching the sunset on a blanket on a beach the romance is certain. Those walks along the water's edge often end with hand holding and a romantic kiss or two.
Often beaches are the place where many couples choose to watch the sun rise or the sunset depending on the activities they choose for their getaway. After a romantic dinner for two, a special spot on a beach or a night cap on the balcony some couples enjoy the romance of watching the sun set and the tide come in when they plan their romantic getaways. There are many options for couples who enjoy watching the sun set or the sun rise on the beach of their choice to open the door to romance.
Treasure hunting on the beach is a romantic activity to do, many times it catches the couple off guard and it isn't always an activity they plan out. It happens something like this, the couple walks along the beach collecting sea shells, for some mementos of their romantic getaways, then one of them may say "look at how beautiful this shell is" and the other may respond something like this, "yes, but not as beautiful as you." Well, you can imagine the atmosphere of romance that has just been created.
Some romantic getaways by the beach are special for couples because of the aquatic life that surrounds the beach. Think about swimming with that special someone and as you go to sneak a kiss you see Dolphins swimming, what a kiss that could be. Some couples choose to take a boat ride on the water and enjoy the sights and sounds together of the aquatic life as they enjoy romantic getaways on the beach.
Michael Brown Great Romantic Getaways Romantic Getaways by State
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Yachting Holidays
Yachting Holidays
With summer approaching, many of you will be deciding upon a destination for this year's holiday. Instead of the normal package deal, why not consider a yachting holiday? What better way to spend your well deserved break than sailing along unspoilt coastlines with a gentle breeze and all the comforts a yacht can offer?
Where is best?
There are many countries to consider when choosing the destination of your yachting holiday. We've chosen three hot spots to help you make your decision.
Croatia
With many unspoilt and remote islands to discover, a Croatian sailing holiday is the ideal destination for those with a sense of adventure.
Cruise upon the crystal clear waters and stop to visit the historical villages and small marinas which are becoming increasingly popular with sailing holidaymakers. With countless town quays, you'll never be far from a restaurant or shop for supplies.
Choose between modern marinas and remote creeks for your overnight stay. Or why not anchor in a quiet bay, perfect for a peaceful swim?
You'll receive the warmest welcome, typical of Croat hospitality. And warm sunshine too! Croatia has 2600 hours of sunshine per year. There are good winds in May and June making early summer the best time to visit. July and August offer calmer periods, suitable for those preferring a more peaceful sailing holiday.
This fascinating country has plenty to offer and is perfect for experienced sailors and confident beginners.
Where to visit - Dalmation Coast, Korcula, Dubrovnic.
Greece
Clear turquoise seas and colourful views ranging from vineyards and orchards to rocky terrains and pebble beaches. Greece offers the most spectacular scenery.
Visit the beautiful quaint villages and sheltered harbours the Greek islands have to offer. Greece also offers sailing holiday makers many places of historical and cultural interest as well as stunning architecture.
Quiet sandy beaches in picturesque coves make for the perfect anchor. In the evenings you can tie up on the quay at one of the many holiday resorts and take in the nightlife.
The weather is invariably good throughout the summer months and the light afternoon breeze makes Greece an ideal sailing location. From April until October there is very little rainfall but the islands still manage to maintain their lush greenness.
The southern island is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to the sheltered waters and shorter routes. The North offers less crowded waters but longer passages for more adventurous sailing.
Where to visit - Cephalonia, Corfu, Ithaka, Paxos, Kythira.
Italy
A gorgeous coastline of breathtaking mountains, still lakes and idyllic islands coupled with vibrant cities, make Italy the perfect destination for holiday cruising.
Italy is a country which has preserved its history for thousands of years. Naples is ideal for art lovers wishing to visit museums and monuments, while Tuscany offers rustic charm and raw beauty. If glamour and style is what you crave then Capri is the place to visit, and the history and diversity of the Amalfi Coast is second to none. A yachting holiday may just be the best way to discover everything that Italy has to offer!
Moor your yacht at one of the many local harbours and take in the superb restaurants serving the finest food. There are always plenty of shops nearby for sailing supplies, making it an ideal base for families. Bays and moorings can get crowded in busy periods.
Italy is one of the most popular sailing destinations with all seasons offering great weather conditions. Most of the year the beaches are sunny with over 5000 miles of shoreline bordering the country. July and August are the hottest months with the lightest winds.
Both experienced sailors and beginners will find a yachting holiday in Italy an experience to treasure forever.
Where to visit - Capri, Almalfi Coast, the Pontine Islands, Procida.
What Now?
If you are an experienced sailor you can charter your own yacht. Remember an up to date competency certificate is usually required. Or why not arrange for a skipper to do all the hard work for you? Either way, a yachting holiday is a fantastic adventure and a wonderful alternative to the standard summer holiday. Make sure you plan your trip with care, do lots of research before you travel and always ensure you are covered by your insurance policy!
Many more boating articles are available from TheYachtMarket.com in addition to listings of many thousands of boats for sale and charter world-wide.
With summer approaching, many of you will be deciding upon a destination for this year's holiday. Instead of the normal package deal, why not consider a yachting holiday? What better way to spend your well deserved break than sailing along unspoilt coastlines with a gentle breeze and all the comforts a yacht can offer?
Where is best?
There are many countries to consider when choosing the destination of your yachting holiday. We've chosen three hot spots to help you make your decision.
Croatia
With many unspoilt and remote islands to discover, a Croatian sailing holiday is the ideal destination for those with a sense of adventure.
Cruise upon the crystal clear waters and stop to visit the historical villages and small marinas which are becoming increasingly popular with sailing holidaymakers. With countless town quays, you'll never be far from a restaurant or shop for supplies.
Choose between modern marinas and remote creeks for your overnight stay. Or why not anchor in a quiet bay, perfect for a peaceful swim?
You'll receive the warmest welcome, typical of Croat hospitality. And warm sunshine too! Croatia has 2600 hours of sunshine per year. There are good winds in May and June making early summer the best time to visit. July and August offer calmer periods, suitable for those preferring a more peaceful sailing holiday.
This fascinating country has plenty to offer and is perfect for experienced sailors and confident beginners.
Where to visit - Dalmation Coast, Korcula, Dubrovnic.
Greece
Clear turquoise seas and colourful views ranging from vineyards and orchards to rocky terrains and pebble beaches. Greece offers the most spectacular scenery.
Visit the beautiful quaint villages and sheltered harbours the Greek islands have to offer. Greece also offers sailing holiday makers many places of historical and cultural interest as well as stunning architecture.
Quiet sandy beaches in picturesque coves make for the perfect anchor. In the evenings you can tie up on the quay at one of the many holiday resorts and take in the nightlife.
The weather is invariably good throughout the summer months and the light afternoon breeze makes Greece an ideal sailing location. From April until October there is very little rainfall but the islands still manage to maintain their lush greenness.
The southern island is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to the sheltered waters and shorter routes. The North offers less crowded waters but longer passages for more adventurous sailing.
Where to visit - Cephalonia, Corfu, Ithaka, Paxos, Kythira.
Italy
A gorgeous coastline of breathtaking mountains, still lakes and idyllic islands coupled with vibrant cities, make Italy the perfect destination for holiday cruising.
Italy is a country which has preserved its history for thousands of years. Naples is ideal for art lovers wishing to visit museums and monuments, while Tuscany offers rustic charm and raw beauty. If glamour and style is what you crave then Capri is the place to visit, and the history and diversity of the Amalfi Coast is second to none. A yachting holiday may just be the best way to discover everything that Italy has to offer!
Moor your yacht at one of the many local harbours and take in the superb restaurants serving the finest food. There are always plenty of shops nearby for sailing supplies, making it an ideal base for families. Bays and moorings can get crowded in busy periods.
Italy is one of the most popular sailing destinations with all seasons offering great weather conditions. Most of the year the beaches are sunny with over 5000 miles of shoreline bordering the country. July and August are the hottest months with the lightest winds.
Both experienced sailors and beginners will find a yachting holiday in Italy an experience to treasure forever.
Where to visit - Capri, Almalfi Coast, the Pontine Islands, Procida.
What Now?
If you are an experienced sailor you can charter your own yacht. Remember an up to date competency certificate is usually required. Or why not arrange for a skipper to do all the hard work for you? Either way, a yachting holiday is a fantastic adventure and a wonderful alternative to the standard summer holiday. Make sure you plan your trip with care, do lots of research before you travel and always ensure you are covered by your insurance policy!
Many more boating articles are available from TheYachtMarket.com in addition to listings of many thousands of boats for sale and charter world-wide.
Rio Cultural Centers: Flamengo Options
Rio Cultural Centers: Flamengo Options
Thinking about renting an apartment in Flamengo? Excellent idea! Flamengo has become an increasingly sought-out neighborhood in Rio for several reasons, including its art deco architecture buildings, famous bars like Belmonte and ultimately its cultural centers and museums. Until the 1950s, Flamengo and Catete were the principal residential zones of Rio's wealthier middle class and that may be the reason why some of many embassies (today consulates) were established here.
Nowadays, Flamengo is a vibrant middle-class residential neighborhood, with much charm and culture to be had. In this article we will describe some of the cultural centers and museums established in the Flamengo district including the Modern Art Museum, Oi Futuro Cultural Center, and the Catete Palace. The best thing is that most of these marvels are free.
Our first stop is the city ´s Modern Art Museum. It has a privileged location on Flamengo Park alongside Guanabara Bay, with the landscaping designs of Burle Marx. The Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro started its construction in 1954, and is perhaps architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy´s most striking design: rows of angled concrete ribs support and enclose the gallery space. Inaugurated in 1958, the Modern Art Museum has a very unusual history; after a tragic fire in 1978 burned most of its collection, and damaged the structure of the building, a tremendous reconstruction effort put the museum back on its feet, and today the permanent collection has over 2,000 pieces by Brazilian and international artists. A major contribution was made by art patron Gilberto Chateubriand, with a private collection of 4,000 pieces. It is also under the care of MAM, and can be seen in the permanent exhibition. An interesting program of art shows and exhibitions keep the museum as an excellent attraction throughout the year. An impressive collection of the works of Picasso, Max Ernst, Rodin, Brancusi and other artists from Brazil and elsewhere is housed in this concrete and glass building in Flamengo Park.
Another major attraction of the Museum of Modern Art is the film collection ("Cinemateca do MAM"), one of the best in Latin America, with over 12,000 titles including some rarities. There are sessions and festivals open for the general public, with Brazilian and foreign cult movies that are not normally shown on the commercial circuit. Art workshops are held at the Oficina da Gravura. Additional Information on the Modern Art Museum in Rio: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Flamengo Park.
Our next Cultural Center for Flamengo is OI FUTURO, located at Rua Dois de Dezembro, 66. The Center is maintained and supported by major telecom player in Brazil: OI and has been receiving since its founding grants from several foundations to enhance its cultural assets and infrastructure. OI FUTURO is housed in a building that was built in 1918 and has just been remodeled, resulting in a gain of over two thousand square meters of internal space. The building's façade was preserved. There are four floors, interposed among the building's eight levels, connected by glass stairways and elevators. Each floor presents different exhibits throughout the month. OI FUTURO's varied program includes activities related to music, videos and plastic arts. Visitors will also find an up-to-date library with an abundance of research material: magazines, newspapers and on-line computers as well as exhibition rooms. A full multi-use theater with 180 seats presents regular plays every week, at popular prices. A very charming Wi-Fi connected bistro is located at the upper floor of the Cultural Center, which leads to the terrace of the building. From the terrace, you can even see part of the Flamengo beach and Guanabara Bay. You can check OI FUTURO ´s monthly cultural program and schedule in English at http://www.oifuturo.org.br/oifuturo.htm#/en/
Additional Information on the OI Futuro Cutural Center: Open Hours: Tues-Sun. 11am-8pm; Address: Rua Dois de Dezembro, 63 - Flamengo, Phone:(21)3131-3060. Free Admission for several exhibits, with the exception of theater plays.
Our last stop is the Catete Palace. The Catete Palace - seat of Brazil's Republican Government from 1897 to 1960 and scene of activities of eighteen Presidents - has seen some of the most important events in Brazil's political life, including the Declaration of Brazil's entry into World Wars I and II and the suicide of President Getúlio Vargas in 1954. Transformed into a museum when Brasília became the nation's capital in 1960, and closed for restoration from 1983 through 1989, the Republic Museum reopened with a broad-ranging cultural program that includes exhibitions, concerts, plays, movies, videos, boutiques, restaurants and a book-store.
The gardens of the Museum acquired new lighting, with the replacement of 71 forged iron posts - in the eclectic style - for other posts with contemporaneous designs made of steel. Today, on the ground floor, the Entrance Hall and the Ministerial Room still retain the solemn atmosphere of capital meetings and decisions regarding the nation's destiny. Two long-standing exhibits present historical information about the first occupant of the Palace and his descendents and about the inauguration of the Republic Museum. The remaining rooms hold temporary exhibits that represent varied aspects of Republican Brazil.
On the second floor, known as the "noble floor", luxury and thematic diversity stand out. The Chapel room and the Blue, Noble, Pompeian, Venetian, Moorish and Banquette rooms show off their vintage Brazilian and French furniture, paintings from artists such as Baptista da Costa, Gustavo dall'Ara, Décio Vilares, Rodolfo Amoedo, Henrique Bernardelli, besides sculptures, chandeliers and porcelain from the 19th and 20th Centuries. The third floor highlights the reconstruction of President Getúlio Vargas' room. The remaining rooms are devoted to the display of objects, text documents and photographs from the Republic Museum's own collection. The complex also hosts one of my favorite movie theaters in town. The theater is especially known for its art movies and is named "Cinema Museu da República". You can check the theater's schedule in any newspaper in town.
Additional Information on the Catete Palace: Open Hours:Tues-Thurs-Fri, noon-5pm Wed, 2pm-5pm- Sat-Sun-Holidays, 2pm-6pm. Free admission Sundays and Wednesday to the Catete Museum. Address: Rua do Catete, 153 - Catete. Phone: (21) 3235-2650 The park in the Catete Palace is opened for visits until 10 p.m.
We described in this article only some of Flamengo´s cultural centers and museums. There are many other Cultural Centers all within the Flamengo district boundaries, with many art exhibits and public libraries. We also suggest and appoint the following:
Figner Mansion Arte SESC Cultural
Julieta de Serpa House of and Culture
Cultural Center Oduvaldo Viana Filho
Carmen Miranda Museum
Telephone Museum
As we mentioned before, most of these Cultural Centers have free admittance. Other positive aspects of these cultural centers we described above, is that they are very modern and underwent major renovation efforts. If you have cultural interests, consider settling in Flamengo neighborhood on your next trip to Rio. We are sure this district hosts one of the liveliest cultural scenarios in town.
Andre Skowronski is the managing partner of Belavista-Rio Rentals, a vacation rentals agency based in Rio de Janeiro. Andre works directly with tourists to find their dream apartments in Rio. Please visit Belavista-Rio´s website and find a full list of apartments in the best neighborhoods of Rio such as Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Flamengo, Lagoa and Barra da Tijuca.
Thinking about renting an apartment in Flamengo? Excellent idea! Flamengo has become an increasingly sought-out neighborhood in Rio for several reasons, including its art deco architecture buildings, famous bars like Belmonte and ultimately its cultural centers and museums. Until the 1950s, Flamengo and Catete were the principal residential zones of Rio's wealthier middle class and that may be the reason why some of many embassies (today consulates) were established here.
Nowadays, Flamengo is a vibrant middle-class residential neighborhood, with much charm and culture to be had. In this article we will describe some of the cultural centers and museums established in the Flamengo district including the Modern Art Museum, Oi Futuro Cultural Center, and the Catete Palace. The best thing is that most of these marvels are free.
Our first stop is the city ´s Modern Art Museum. It has a privileged location on Flamengo Park alongside Guanabara Bay, with the landscaping designs of Burle Marx. The Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro started its construction in 1954, and is perhaps architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy´s most striking design: rows of angled concrete ribs support and enclose the gallery space. Inaugurated in 1958, the Modern Art Museum has a very unusual history; after a tragic fire in 1978 burned most of its collection, and damaged the structure of the building, a tremendous reconstruction effort put the museum back on its feet, and today the permanent collection has over 2,000 pieces by Brazilian and international artists. A major contribution was made by art patron Gilberto Chateubriand, with a private collection of 4,000 pieces. It is also under the care of MAM, and can be seen in the permanent exhibition. An interesting program of art shows and exhibitions keep the museum as an excellent attraction throughout the year. An impressive collection of the works of Picasso, Max Ernst, Rodin, Brancusi and other artists from Brazil and elsewhere is housed in this concrete and glass building in Flamengo Park.
Another major attraction of the Museum of Modern Art is the film collection ("Cinemateca do MAM"), one of the best in Latin America, with over 12,000 titles including some rarities. There are sessions and festivals open for the general public, with Brazilian and foreign cult movies that are not normally shown on the commercial circuit. Art workshops are held at the Oficina da Gravura. Additional Information on the Modern Art Museum in Rio: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Flamengo Park.
Our next Cultural Center for Flamengo is OI FUTURO, located at Rua Dois de Dezembro, 66. The Center is maintained and supported by major telecom player in Brazil: OI and has been receiving since its founding grants from several foundations to enhance its cultural assets and infrastructure. OI FUTURO is housed in a building that was built in 1918 and has just been remodeled, resulting in a gain of over two thousand square meters of internal space. The building's façade was preserved. There are four floors, interposed among the building's eight levels, connected by glass stairways and elevators. Each floor presents different exhibits throughout the month. OI FUTURO's varied program includes activities related to music, videos and plastic arts. Visitors will also find an up-to-date library with an abundance of research material: magazines, newspapers and on-line computers as well as exhibition rooms. A full multi-use theater with 180 seats presents regular plays every week, at popular prices. A very charming Wi-Fi connected bistro is located at the upper floor of the Cultural Center, which leads to the terrace of the building. From the terrace, you can even see part of the Flamengo beach and Guanabara Bay. You can check OI FUTURO ´s monthly cultural program and schedule in English at http://www.oifuturo.org.br/oifuturo.htm#/en/
Additional Information on the OI Futuro Cutural Center: Open Hours: Tues-Sun. 11am-8pm; Address: Rua Dois de Dezembro, 63 - Flamengo, Phone:(21)3131-3060. Free Admission for several exhibits, with the exception of theater plays.
Our last stop is the Catete Palace. The Catete Palace - seat of Brazil's Republican Government from 1897 to 1960 and scene of activities of eighteen Presidents - has seen some of the most important events in Brazil's political life, including the Declaration of Brazil's entry into World Wars I and II and the suicide of President Getúlio Vargas in 1954. Transformed into a museum when Brasília became the nation's capital in 1960, and closed for restoration from 1983 through 1989, the Republic Museum reopened with a broad-ranging cultural program that includes exhibitions, concerts, plays, movies, videos, boutiques, restaurants and a book-store.
The gardens of the Museum acquired new lighting, with the replacement of 71 forged iron posts - in the eclectic style - for other posts with contemporaneous designs made of steel. Today, on the ground floor, the Entrance Hall and the Ministerial Room still retain the solemn atmosphere of capital meetings and decisions regarding the nation's destiny. Two long-standing exhibits present historical information about the first occupant of the Palace and his descendents and about the inauguration of the Republic Museum. The remaining rooms hold temporary exhibits that represent varied aspects of Republican Brazil.
On the second floor, known as the "noble floor", luxury and thematic diversity stand out. The Chapel room and the Blue, Noble, Pompeian, Venetian, Moorish and Banquette rooms show off their vintage Brazilian and French furniture, paintings from artists such as Baptista da Costa, Gustavo dall'Ara, Décio Vilares, Rodolfo Amoedo, Henrique Bernardelli, besides sculptures, chandeliers and porcelain from the 19th and 20th Centuries. The third floor highlights the reconstruction of President Getúlio Vargas' room. The remaining rooms are devoted to the display of objects, text documents and photographs from the Republic Museum's own collection. The complex also hosts one of my favorite movie theaters in town. The theater is especially known for its art movies and is named "Cinema Museu da República". You can check the theater's schedule in any newspaper in town.
Additional Information on the Catete Palace: Open Hours:Tues-Thurs-Fri, noon-5pm Wed, 2pm-5pm- Sat-Sun-Holidays, 2pm-6pm. Free admission Sundays and Wednesday to the Catete Museum. Address: Rua do Catete, 153 - Catete. Phone: (21) 3235-2650 The park in the Catete Palace is opened for visits until 10 p.m.
We described in this article only some of Flamengo´s cultural centers and museums. There are many other Cultural Centers all within the Flamengo district boundaries, with many art exhibits and public libraries. We also suggest and appoint the following:
Figner Mansion Arte SESC Cultural
Julieta de Serpa House of and Culture
Cultural Center Oduvaldo Viana Filho
Carmen Miranda Museum
Telephone Museum
As we mentioned before, most of these Cultural Centers have free admittance. Other positive aspects of these cultural centers we described above, is that they are very modern and underwent major renovation efforts. If you have cultural interests, consider settling in Flamengo neighborhood on your next trip to Rio. We are sure this district hosts one of the liveliest cultural scenarios in town.
Andre Skowronski is the managing partner of Belavista-Rio Rentals, a vacation rentals agency based in Rio de Janeiro. Andre works directly with tourists to find their dream apartments in Rio. Please visit Belavista-Rio´s website and find a full list of apartments in the best neighborhoods of Rio such as Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Flamengo, Lagoa and Barra da Tijuca.
Family Summer: Things To Do In New York City
Family Summer: Things To Do In New York City
There are more than just a handful summer things to do in New York City. If you are looking for fun, exciting and energy-filled activities for a family vacation, then the Big Apple is perfect for you.
One thing you can do to start your summer vacation is to get a 360-degree bird's eye view of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island), its surrounding waters and the Statue of Liberty from the Empire State Building's Observatory. In addition, within the Empire State Building is an interesting ride that will definitely be a hit to kids of all ages - the New York Skyride, which provides a three dimensional virtual tour of the entire city.
It is best to join tours and cruises in the beginning part of your New York City summer trip to have an idea of all the things to see and do that the city has to offer. The Liberty Cruise provides an interesting introduction of New York City with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. The cruise, of course, includes an up close look at the great American icon, the Statue of Liberty, that will sure give you a renewed sense of freedom.
If you are looking for something educational and interactive for your kids to do this summer, New York City has the world's best museums that you can take them to. The Children's Museum of Manhattan caters to the inquisitive minds of young children which houses exhibits that will challenge their creativity. The museum features themed displays, such as Nickelodeon's Dora The Explorer and Go Diego Go, to catch the little kids' attention and to entice them to participate in the activities. Older kids, on the other hand, will truly enjoy roaming around historic aircrafts, particularly those used in the second World War, in the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.
Summer means lots of outdoor activities. Hit any of the New York City beaches and join all sorts of fun things to do. You can take this opportunity to teach the little ones how to swim, build sandcastles with them and look for shells that you can add to your collection. The older kids can learn how to surf and join beach games such as frisbee, volleyball and tennis. Some of the beaches hold events and festivals that you can also check out with your family to feel the New York City vibe.
One of the best things to do to enjoy the nice summer weather is spend an afternoon in Central Park. It is a great opportunity to be close to nature in the middle of a busy city. Your family can have quality time together for a little picnic. Kids (and parents) can have fun with a carousel ride and inline skating. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo for some wildlife encounter - lions, zebras, penguins, polar bears and over a hundred more different species of animals.
New York City is a shopping mecca. Whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories or toys, New York City has a store waiting for you. Your kids can express their creativity by making their personal stuffed animal at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. A visit at the FAO Schwartz will definitely make your kids go wild. It is the ultimate toy store any kid could ask for. You can find everything at FAO Schwartz - from the regular Barbie dolls and Transformers collectibles to kid-sized Mercedes 500SL.
Hotel accommodations are aplenty in New York City. There are even those that are particularly family-friendly. Among the best places for your family to stay is at the Hilton Times Square. The hotel lobby holds an entertainment complex complete with restaurants, retail stores, a movie theater and even a wax museum. Hilton Times Square has programs especially made for kids and also offers babysitting services. The best thing about the hotel is that it is located right in the middle of Times Square, giving you an easy access to all the fascinating summer things to do in New York City.
To learn of all the things to do in New York City and plan your summer vacation, please use our road trip planner. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
There are more than just a handful summer things to do in New York City. If you are looking for fun, exciting and energy-filled activities for a family vacation, then the Big Apple is perfect for you.
One thing you can do to start your summer vacation is to get a 360-degree bird's eye view of the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island), its surrounding waters and the Statue of Liberty from the Empire State Building's Observatory. In addition, within the Empire State Building is an interesting ride that will definitely be a hit to kids of all ages - the New York Skyride, which provides a three dimensional virtual tour of the entire city.
It is best to join tours and cruises in the beginning part of your New York City summer trip to have an idea of all the things to see and do that the city has to offer. The Liberty Cruise provides an interesting introduction of New York City with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island. The cruise, of course, includes an up close look at the great American icon, the Statue of Liberty, that will sure give you a renewed sense of freedom.
If you are looking for something educational and interactive for your kids to do this summer, New York City has the world's best museums that you can take them to. The Children's Museum of Manhattan caters to the inquisitive minds of young children which houses exhibits that will challenge their creativity. The museum features themed displays, such as Nickelodeon's Dora The Explorer and Go Diego Go, to catch the little kids' attention and to entice them to participate in the activities. Older kids, on the other hand, will truly enjoy roaming around historic aircrafts, particularly those used in the second World War, in the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.
Summer means lots of outdoor activities. Hit any of the New York City beaches and join all sorts of fun things to do. You can take this opportunity to teach the little ones how to swim, build sandcastles with them and look for shells that you can add to your collection. The older kids can learn how to surf and join beach games such as frisbee, volleyball and tennis. Some of the beaches hold events and festivals that you can also check out with your family to feel the New York City vibe.
One of the best things to do to enjoy the nice summer weather is spend an afternoon in Central Park. It is a great opportunity to be close to nature in the middle of a busy city. Your family can have quality time together for a little picnic. Kids (and parents) can have fun with a carousel ride and inline skating. You can also visit the Central Park Zoo for some wildlife encounter - lions, zebras, penguins, polar bears and over a hundred more different species of animals.
New York City is a shopping mecca. Whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories or toys, New York City has a store waiting for you. Your kids can express their creativity by making their personal stuffed animal at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. A visit at the FAO Schwartz will definitely make your kids go wild. It is the ultimate toy store any kid could ask for. You can find everything at FAO Schwartz - from the regular Barbie dolls and Transformers collectibles to kid-sized Mercedes 500SL.
Hotel accommodations are aplenty in New York City. There are even those that are particularly family-friendly. Among the best places for your family to stay is at the Hilton Times Square. The hotel lobby holds an entertainment complex complete with restaurants, retail stores, a movie theater and even a wax museum. Hilton Times Square has programs especially made for kids and also offers babysitting services. The best thing about the hotel is that it is located right in the middle of Times Square, giving you an easy access to all the fascinating summer things to do in New York City.
To learn of all the things to do in New York City and plan your summer vacation, please use our road trip planner. It leverages the collective wisdom of thousands of users worldwide, and makes road trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
Lowest Airfare Can Sometimes Cost You More
Lowest Airfare Can Sometimes Cost You More
Copyright © 2008 John Lopinto
Today's business climate has forced most companies to operate in the "lean and mean" mode. This is probably evidenced most with everyday expenses such as business travel. While our willingness to help the company reduce necessary costs for travel and entertainment by securing the lowest possible airfare available, the reality is that oftentimes the lowest airfare is not necessarily a cost savings for the company but an additional expense.
Airlines, in general, rarely share all the possible fares or "fare buckets" that are available on any given flight on any given day. Many times travelers are faced with choosing between a full fare ticket and the lowest fare ticket, not knowing that there can sometimes be as many as 20 additional fare buckets available for that flight. At best, only the lowest fare in each fare category will be presented to the business traveler as options.
While most business (and frequent) travelers feel good about doing their part by booking the lowest possible fare, they may be doing themselves and their company a disservice. The first disservice would be to themselves because the lowest fares often do not give the most elite qualifying points for their frequent flyer program. In fact, some of the lowest fares may not qualify for frequent flyer miles at all, depending on a flight's specific route.
As with many companies, sales reps and executives are their most frequent travelers. Many times a sales rep will know exactly when they are leaving on a trip but are uncertain as to when they will actually return and have a need for an open-ended ticket. This means the purchase of a full fare ticket or at the very least, changing an existing ticket with a penalty of $75 or more. Each fare bucket offered by an airline comes with its own set of restrictions and many times purchasing a ticket that is not the lowest fare available (but not full fare), will allow flight changes without penalty and provide maximum frequent flyer points.
Many airline websites allow customers to purchase one fare and "up fare" the purchase to a higher fare by the calling the Web Services phone number for that airline. This allows travelers to avoid penalties incurred by booking the ticket through a reservation agent while also giving them credit for any "online booking mileage bonus points" the airline may be offering.
Basically, what this all means is that "knowledge is power." Understanding what is available to you is the key to securing the right ticket for your needs, saving money in the long-run for your company and maximizing the travel experience while minimizing the frustration often associated with airline travel.
John Lopinto is Partner and co-founder of Expert Travel Services, LLC which owns and operates ExpertFlyer.com, the leading online information service for frequent flyers. A 100,000+ mile a year frequent flyer, Mr. Lopinto travels extensively throughout Asia, Europe and North America to bring his unique perspective to the travel industry for the frequent flyer. http://www.expertflyer.com
Copyright © 2008 John Lopinto
Today's business climate has forced most companies to operate in the "lean and mean" mode. This is probably evidenced most with everyday expenses such as business travel. While our willingness to help the company reduce necessary costs for travel and entertainment by securing the lowest possible airfare available, the reality is that oftentimes the lowest airfare is not necessarily a cost savings for the company but an additional expense.
Airlines, in general, rarely share all the possible fares or "fare buckets" that are available on any given flight on any given day. Many times travelers are faced with choosing between a full fare ticket and the lowest fare ticket, not knowing that there can sometimes be as many as 20 additional fare buckets available for that flight. At best, only the lowest fare in each fare category will be presented to the business traveler as options.
While most business (and frequent) travelers feel good about doing their part by booking the lowest possible fare, they may be doing themselves and their company a disservice. The first disservice would be to themselves because the lowest fares often do not give the most elite qualifying points for their frequent flyer program. In fact, some of the lowest fares may not qualify for frequent flyer miles at all, depending on a flight's specific route.
As with many companies, sales reps and executives are their most frequent travelers. Many times a sales rep will know exactly when they are leaving on a trip but are uncertain as to when they will actually return and have a need for an open-ended ticket. This means the purchase of a full fare ticket or at the very least, changing an existing ticket with a penalty of $75 or more. Each fare bucket offered by an airline comes with its own set of restrictions and many times purchasing a ticket that is not the lowest fare available (but not full fare), will allow flight changes without penalty and provide maximum frequent flyer points.
Many airline websites allow customers to purchase one fare and "up fare" the purchase to a higher fare by the calling the Web Services phone number for that airline. This allows travelers to avoid penalties incurred by booking the ticket through a reservation agent while also giving them credit for any "online booking mileage bonus points" the airline may be offering.
Basically, what this all means is that "knowledge is power." Understanding what is available to you is the key to securing the right ticket for your needs, saving money in the long-run for your company and maximizing the travel experience while minimizing the frustration often associated with airline travel.
John Lopinto is Partner and co-founder of Expert Travel Services, LLC which owns and operates ExpertFlyer.com, the leading online information service for frequent flyers. A 100,000+ mile a year frequent flyer, Mr. Lopinto travels extensively throughout Asia, Europe and North America to bring his unique perspective to the travel industry for the frequent flyer. http://www.expertflyer.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
River Boat Tours Can Be A Fine way To Explore A City
River Boat Tours Can Be A Fine way To Explore A City
by James Anderson
If you are looking for a really nice way to discover a new city or perhaps even a good part of a country, then you might want to consider a river boat tour. Perhaps you don't realize it, but there is more than one kind of river boat tour.
What Are The Various Kinds Of River Boat Tours You Can Expect To Find?
Of the two, you have probably come across the first one many times. It's the usual boat tour - mostly taking place on a steamboat or similar - and to be enjoyed on a mild summer day. On such a boat tour, there are many things to see, since the scenery is constantly changing at a leisurely rate, and you can walk all around the boat to get different views and take photos.
Touring on a jet boat is the other kind of tour. These boats are extremely fast and fun and are for the more adventurous. The slow river experience is not the central idea on these tours. They are rather a more challenging and active way to enjoy being outdoors.
Where Can You Find River Boat Tours?
Near large cities that border a large river, as for example, the Mississippi River you can generally find a good selection of tours. The steamboat tours will usually take you around the city and the tour guides on board will usually point out several landmarks. The length of the tour depends on the size of the city and the number of landmarks.
You can find examples of companies whose tours last from about one hour up to several hours. The length of the tour will, of course, determine just how much you experience.
There will of course be a range of prices, based on how long the tour will last, whether it's an overnight trip, which routes are taken, and of course how long the tour lasts. You can quickly find a good listing of likely river boat tours by going online and typing an appropriate phrase into your usual search engine. Just type in something like - "(name of city) river boat tours", and you will most likely turn up some good results.
Parks and Recreation departments usually have their own website, where you can get some useful information on boat tours. As often as not, these recreation departments will have links to companies in the area which offer services such as boat tours. If you don't get relevant boat tour information before leaving home, then a good bet is to go to the local visitor's center or tourist office when you arrive, and see if they have any coupon books on local tours, as these will not only give you information on the tours, but will often give you a discount on the tour price.
If you are looking for a relaxing and fun way to spend one or more days of your holiday, and to see places from a different perspective, then river boat tours are a great choice.
Boats and Boating is a website dedicated to the subject of Boating. In addition to River Boat Tours there is also a large selection of Boat Tours articles and resources.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
by James Anderson
If you are looking for a really nice way to discover a new city or perhaps even a good part of a country, then you might want to consider a river boat tour. Perhaps you don't realize it, but there is more than one kind of river boat tour.
What Are The Various Kinds Of River Boat Tours You Can Expect To Find?
Of the two, you have probably come across the first one many times. It's the usual boat tour - mostly taking place on a steamboat or similar - and to be enjoyed on a mild summer day. On such a boat tour, there are many things to see, since the scenery is constantly changing at a leisurely rate, and you can walk all around the boat to get different views and take photos.
Touring on a jet boat is the other kind of tour. These boats are extremely fast and fun and are for the more adventurous. The slow river experience is not the central idea on these tours. They are rather a more challenging and active way to enjoy being outdoors.
Where Can You Find River Boat Tours?
Near large cities that border a large river, as for example, the Mississippi River you can generally find a good selection of tours. The steamboat tours will usually take you around the city and the tour guides on board will usually point out several landmarks. The length of the tour depends on the size of the city and the number of landmarks.
You can find examples of companies whose tours last from about one hour up to several hours. The length of the tour will, of course, determine just how much you experience.
There will of course be a range of prices, based on how long the tour will last, whether it's an overnight trip, which routes are taken, and of course how long the tour lasts. You can quickly find a good listing of likely river boat tours by going online and typing an appropriate phrase into your usual search engine. Just type in something like - "(name of city) river boat tours", and you will most likely turn up some good results.
Parks and Recreation departments usually have their own website, where you can get some useful information on boat tours. As often as not, these recreation departments will have links to companies in the area which offer services such as boat tours. If you don't get relevant boat tour information before leaving home, then a good bet is to go to the local visitor's center or tourist office when you arrive, and see if they have any coupon books on local tours, as these will not only give you information on the tours, but will often give you a discount on the tour price.
If you are looking for a relaxing and fun way to spend one or more days of your holiday, and to see places from a different perspective, then river boat tours are a great choice.
Boats and Boating is a website dedicated to the subject of Boating. In addition to River Boat Tours there is also a large selection of Boat Tours articles and resources.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A Quick Tour Of Italy - Western Apulia
A Quick Tour Of Italy - Western Apulia
Apulia is the heel of the Italian boot. It is located in the southeast corner of Italy on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Apulia was frequently invaded by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Among its many rulers were the Byzantines, Goths, Lombards, Normans, Spaniards, and Turks. Its moment of greatest glory was in the Holy Roman Empire of the 13th Century, when majestic Romanesque cathedrals and palaces were built. This article presents the western and usually northern part of Apulia. A companion article presents the rest of the region.
Apulia's administrative center is Bari, the biggest city in southern Italy, with a population of over 325 thousand. It is a major port that includes a modern city center and an old town which is definitely worth seeing. Everywhere you turn you can see the Adriatic Sea. The pedestrian-only street Via Sparano is the site of evening strolls. The nearby Eleventh Century Bascilica di San Nicola is said to contain the remains of St. Nicholas, yes Santa Claus. According to legend local sailors stole his remains from Turkey. Funny, I always thought that Santa Claus... To the northeast you will find the small port of Trani, once a major Adriatic port. Trani's attractions include two medieval synagogues and several historic churches.
The spur of Italy's boot is the Promontorio del Gargano (Gargano Promontory), which is a very popular tourist destination. Its mountain roads are quite curvy so you had better watch your driving. Near the tip is the whitewashed town of Vieste known for its castle. You should take a ferry from Vieste to the nearby archipelago Isole Tremiti, but remember Tremiti as in tremor. The view is really spectacular.
The Foresta Umbra (Shady Forest) encompasses well over sixty thousand acres. It is home to hundreds of animal species and two thousand plant species many of which are normally associated with northern climes. Monte Sant'Angelo has been a major pilgrim destination for centuries. You'll want to see the Santuario di San Michele (Sanctuary of San Michele) and the Tomba di Rotari (Tomb of Rotari), a medieval baptistery. Finish your tour of western Apulia at the famous Castel del Monte, a mysterious eight-sided castle built in the Thirteenth Century.
Among Apulia's classified foods are Clementines, Olives, two Cheeses, and four Olive Oils. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy - Western Apulia for a sample menu and more information on Apulia wines as well as an in-depth examination of western Apulia's tourist attractions. The best-known local wine is Castel del Monte DOC, which is available overseas and is frankly not that great.
Levi Reiss has authored alone or with a co-author ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would really rather just drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website http://www.travelitalytravel.com/ and his global wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com/.
Apulia is the heel of the Italian boot. It is located in the southeast corner of Italy on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Apulia was frequently invaded by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Among its many rulers were the Byzantines, Goths, Lombards, Normans, Spaniards, and Turks. Its moment of greatest glory was in the Holy Roman Empire of the 13th Century, when majestic Romanesque cathedrals and palaces were built. This article presents the western and usually northern part of Apulia. A companion article presents the rest of the region.
Apulia's administrative center is Bari, the biggest city in southern Italy, with a population of over 325 thousand. It is a major port that includes a modern city center and an old town which is definitely worth seeing. Everywhere you turn you can see the Adriatic Sea. The pedestrian-only street Via Sparano is the site of evening strolls. The nearby Eleventh Century Bascilica di San Nicola is said to contain the remains of St. Nicholas, yes Santa Claus. According to legend local sailors stole his remains from Turkey. Funny, I always thought that Santa Claus... To the northeast you will find the small port of Trani, once a major Adriatic port. Trani's attractions include two medieval synagogues and several historic churches.
The spur of Italy's boot is the Promontorio del Gargano (Gargano Promontory), which is a very popular tourist destination. Its mountain roads are quite curvy so you had better watch your driving. Near the tip is the whitewashed town of Vieste known for its castle. You should take a ferry from Vieste to the nearby archipelago Isole Tremiti, but remember Tremiti as in tremor. The view is really spectacular.
The Foresta Umbra (Shady Forest) encompasses well over sixty thousand acres. It is home to hundreds of animal species and two thousand plant species many of which are normally associated with northern climes. Monte Sant'Angelo has been a major pilgrim destination for centuries. You'll want to see the Santuario di San Michele (Sanctuary of San Michele) and the Tomba di Rotari (Tomb of Rotari), a medieval baptistery. Finish your tour of western Apulia at the famous Castel del Monte, a mysterious eight-sided castle built in the Thirteenth Century.
Among Apulia's classified foods are Clementines, Olives, two Cheeses, and four Olive Oils. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy - Western Apulia for a sample menu and more information on Apulia wines as well as an in-depth examination of western Apulia's tourist attractions. The best-known local wine is Castel del Monte DOC, which is available overseas and is frankly not that great.
Levi Reiss has authored alone or with a co-author ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would really rather just drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website http://www.travelitalytravel.com/ and his global wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com/.
Holidays in Benidorm - Enjoy a Spanish Holiday
Holidays in Benidorm - Enjoy a Spanish Holiday
Benidorm is in the north east of Alicante at a distance of about 45 km. It is known for its big buildings, beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Benidorm is protected from the cold winds coming from the north, by the high mountains that surrounding it, which is why the weather condition remains cool throughout the year. Poniente and Levante are the two halves in which the city of Benidorm is divided. The percentage of tourists coming to Benidorm is the highest as compared to any other town in Spain.
Sightseeing-
The church of San Jaime is the most visited by the tourists from across the world. Visiting Benidorm Aquarium at Calle Horno can be full of excitement if you are interested in underwater activities. You can visit a variety of theme parks namely Terra Mitica Park, Mundomar Aquatic Park, and Aqualandia Park. Terra Miticas Park has a theme that is based on the ancient history and has Mediterranean civilization of Egypt, Greece, Iberia, and Rome.
At night, Benidorm comes alive with a large variety of nightclubs and discos around. You will also find different cafes, restaurants, and bars to choose from. You will find a mixture of different cultures coming from different parts of the world. You can find the bars from English to German and from Cuban to the very own Spanish, all parts of the world get united at Benidorm. There are a total of 800 bars and cafés along with pubs and discos namely Pacha, KM, and KU. Enjoy some of the best cuisines at more than three hundred restaurants in the city and enjoy. Staying at Benidorm-
Benidorm has to offers some of the best hotels and apartments. You will find a variety of five star hotels and to spa resorts here. You can also visit some of the famous campsites. Majority of the chains of the hotels are managed by Spanish people. Make sure that you avoid coming to Benidorm during the summer time as you will face some problems finding a hotel room for yourself. As for the off-season, you can find a number of hotel rooms and that too at a competitive price.
Traveling Benidorm-
If you want to travel around Benidorm, Costa Blanca and Altea, then the best option suggested is traveling by car. You can avail services from more than fifteen car rental companies extending their services in Benidorm. When you arrive at Benidorm you can also take a bus or probably hire a car from the airport to Benidorm. The weather conditions remain just perfect even in the winters.
Language-
The two of the main languages spoken in Benidorm are Spanish and Velenciano. The other language popular spoken in Benidorm is English, the reason for which is that a major part of the population comprises of English and Irish people.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.last-minute-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and a Last Minute Holidays. Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site - Simon Johnson
Benidorm is in the north east of Alicante at a distance of about 45 km. It is known for its big buildings, beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Benidorm is protected from the cold winds coming from the north, by the high mountains that surrounding it, which is why the weather condition remains cool throughout the year. Poniente and Levante are the two halves in which the city of Benidorm is divided. The percentage of tourists coming to Benidorm is the highest as compared to any other town in Spain.
Sightseeing-
The church of San Jaime is the most visited by the tourists from across the world. Visiting Benidorm Aquarium at Calle Horno can be full of excitement if you are interested in underwater activities. You can visit a variety of theme parks namely Terra Mitica Park, Mundomar Aquatic Park, and Aqualandia Park. Terra Miticas Park has a theme that is based on the ancient history and has Mediterranean civilization of Egypt, Greece, Iberia, and Rome.
At night, Benidorm comes alive with a large variety of nightclubs and discos around. You will also find different cafes, restaurants, and bars to choose from. You will find a mixture of different cultures coming from different parts of the world. You can find the bars from English to German and from Cuban to the very own Spanish, all parts of the world get united at Benidorm. There are a total of 800 bars and cafés along with pubs and discos namely Pacha, KM, and KU. Enjoy some of the best cuisines at more than three hundred restaurants in the city and enjoy. Staying at Benidorm-
Benidorm has to offers some of the best hotels and apartments. You will find a variety of five star hotels and to spa resorts here. You can also visit some of the famous campsites. Majority of the chains of the hotels are managed by Spanish people. Make sure that you avoid coming to Benidorm during the summer time as you will face some problems finding a hotel room for yourself. As for the off-season, you can find a number of hotel rooms and that too at a competitive price.
Traveling Benidorm-
If you want to travel around Benidorm, Costa Blanca and Altea, then the best option suggested is traveling by car. You can avail services from more than fifteen car rental companies extending their services in Benidorm. When you arrive at Benidorm you can also take a bus or probably hire a car from the airport to Benidorm. The weather conditions remain just perfect even in the winters.
Language-
The two of the main languages spoken in Benidorm are Spanish and Velenciano. The other language popular spoken in Benidorm is English, the reason for which is that a major part of the population comprises of English and Irish people.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.last-minute-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and a Last Minute Holidays. Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our site - Simon Johnson
Holidays in Cyprus - The Sunshine Island
Holidays in Cyprus - The Sunshine Island
Officially known as Republic of Cyprus, Cyprus is known for its sunny ecstasy and is one of the major tourist destinations of the world. A holiday in Cyprus is always a great idea whether you are making a plan with your family or with friends.
Things to see in Cyprus
Some of things to see when holidaying in Cyprus are:
Hala sultan tekksi - this historic and ancient mosque adds to the beauty of near by Larnac's airport as well as the Larnance salt lake, at whose edge the mosque stands.
Limmassol castle - situated near old harbor and the medieval museum of Cyprus, this castle is also accompanied with a zoo, municipal gardens and an archeological museum of Limassol district.
Cyprus museums and archeological monuments' the island is surrounded with remarkable historic collection in its various museum houses, such as Byzantine museum, district archeological museum, Tornaritis-Pierides Paleontology Museum and natural history museum. The ruins of kition are also quite a remarkable thing to experience when holidaying in Cyprus.
Famgusta - history of this city goes back to 285 B.C-
The city of Famagusta can be found in the northeastern region of Cyprus. It is believed the city was founded by the Egyptians around 285 B.C. In ancient times it was an extremely popular and wealthy destination for merchants.
Today, Famagusta is a tourist site surrounded by the Venetian wall while the new city is situated just outside it borders. Othello's Tower and Citadel is one of the top travel destinations in Famagusta. The Tower and Citadel was constructed by the Lusignans in the 14th century and was allegedly used as the backdrop for Shakespeare's masterpiece "Othello".
Things to do in Cyprus
Some of the things to do when holidaying in Cyprus are:
- At Larnaca, Agia Napa and Kataklysmos, go partying and clubbing - Enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving Geroskipou, Larnaca, Dassoudi Beach in Cyprus - Walk through the mountain and resort trails in the forests of Limassol and Machairas - Go skiing at Platres and Kakopetria - Shop through Cyprus markets - Enrich yourself with amazing Cyprus carnivals and festivals
Best time to visit or holiday in Cyprus
This island in the Mediterranean coastline is known for its hot and sunny whether, so if you are someone who wish to holiday in hot region, holiday in Cyprus. While many also prefer their Cyprus holiday in spring time, when the whether is much pleasant. Cyprus holidays are always ideal for summer vacation lovers.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.direct-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and browse Direct Holidays.
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our website -
Luki Johnson
Officially known as Republic of Cyprus, Cyprus is known for its sunny ecstasy and is one of the major tourist destinations of the world. A holiday in Cyprus is always a great idea whether you are making a plan with your family or with friends.
Things to see in Cyprus
Some of things to see when holidaying in Cyprus are:
Hala sultan tekksi - this historic and ancient mosque adds to the beauty of near by Larnac's airport as well as the Larnance salt lake, at whose edge the mosque stands.
Limmassol castle - situated near old harbor and the medieval museum of Cyprus, this castle is also accompanied with a zoo, municipal gardens and an archeological museum of Limassol district.
Cyprus museums and archeological monuments' the island is surrounded with remarkable historic collection in its various museum houses, such as Byzantine museum, district archeological museum, Tornaritis-Pierides Paleontology Museum and natural history museum. The ruins of kition are also quite a remarkable thing to experience when holidaying in Cyprus.
Famgusta - history of this city goes back to 285 B.C-
The city of Famagusta can be found in the northeastern region of Cyprus. It is believed the city was founded by the Egyptians around 285 B.C. In ancient times it was an extremely popular and wealthy destination for merchants.
Today, Famagusta is a tourist site surrounded by the Venetian wall while the new city is situated just outside it borders. Othello's Tower and Citadel is one of the top travel destinations in Famagusta. The Tower and Citadel was constructed by the Lusignans in the 14th century and was allegedly used as the backdrop for Shakespeare's masterpiece "Othello".
Things to do in Cyprus
Some of the things to do when holidaying in Cyprus are:
- At Larnaca, Agia Napa and Kataklysmos, go partying and clubbing - Enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving Geroskipou, Larnaca, Dassoudi Beach in Cyprus - Walk through the mountain and resort trails in the forests of Limassol and Machairas - Go skiing at Platres and Kakopetria - Shop through Cyprus markets - Enrich yourself with amazing Cyprus carnivals and festivals
Best time to visit or holiday in Cyprus
This island in the Mediterranean coastline is known for its hot and sunny whether, so if you are someone who wish to holiday in hot region, holiday in Cyprus. While many also prefer their Cyprus holiday in spring time, when the whether is much pleasant. Cyprus holidays are always ideal for summer vacation lovers.
If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.direct-holidays.me.uk/. You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and browse Direct Holidays.
Please feel free to republish this article provided a working hyperlink remains to our website -
Luki Johnson
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