Thursday, December 9, 2010

Have a Colourful Holiday in Batam

Have a Colourful Holiday in Batam

Indonesia is made up of many islands and Batam is one of them. It is situated in the province of Riau islands. Batam is a great place for a holiday. There are so many things to do on this island. The most popular attraction is the waterfront area of the city which offers the tourists amazing water sports. There is more that you can do in the waterfront area like racing with go karts and a lot of shopping. The Ocean Water Park and another island called Barelang Island are two places that you ought to visit when you are here in Batam. Batam Center is the place that you can visit if you are interested in historical buildings and landmarks or even if you want to look at great architecture.

Batam is filled with entertainment and nightlife. For the best nightlife in the city you have to move to what is called the Nagoya district in this small island. There are a huge number of karaoke bars, popular night clubs and pubs. Two places that you might want to make a sure to visit are the Planet Ozon and Ozon Discotheque.


Go on a Journey of Taste and Class

Dining is something that is a part and parcel of holidaying here. But to make that experience of dining most memorable and to enjoy it, you have many fine restaurants that you can visit to enjoy the great cuisine. One of the most visited places for fine dining in Batam would be the sea food restaurant named Golden Prawn. This is situated in Bengkong and here is where you will get some of the best seafood dishes. Batam also offers a good fast food experience. A1 Pujasera, the Nagoya food court and Windsor would be fast food places that give you the best flavours.

Accommodation is one of the most important factors while on a holiday. Batam has numerous options when it comes to stay. Resort apartments are yet another choice that you can make. There is something new now called Kelong in Batam that is accommodation for those who like to watch sunsets. Excitehotels.com offers hotels in Batam that you can choose to stay in. You are given the option of staying in a luxury suite, a three-star hotel or if you are on a budget you have budget hotels too where you can enjoy comfort and class.

Holidays in Lorraine

Holidays in Lorraine

Lorraine is one the 26 administrative regions of France and is located in the north east of the country near to the German border. There are two major cities in the area of Lorraine, Metz and Nancy, as well as lots of countryside for hikers and cyclists to explore. The region has its own strong culture, including local German dialects, though everyone you meet will also speak French. While visiting, you should try the speciality of the area: Quiche Lorraine.

Metz and Nancy

Metz is considered the capital of the Lorraine region and is a town that dates from Roman times. There are numerous churches in the modern town of Metz that are worth visiting, including the Gothic cathedral of St Stephen and a Romanesque Protestant church on an island in the Jardin d'Amour or Garden of Love. The city is also home to a branch of Paris' Pompidou centre, displaying works of contemporary art from the permanent collection in the capital. The museums of Metz, also known as the Golden Courtyard, are split into four sections covering archaeology, medieval history, architecture and fine arts.

Nancy is home to the impressive Place Stanislas at the heart of the town. In the summer, there are pavement cafés and street performers in the square, but it is still worth visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site at any other time of the year. The city has a strong art nouveau connection, which influences many of the buildings you can still see today and can be seen in many of the artefacts at the Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy. If you want to escape the city streets, there is also a botanical garden in the town, an aquarium and a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Lorraine.

Outdoor activities
The landscape in the Lorraine region is ideally suited to three sports; walking, riding and mountain biking, though there are also winter sports areas in the region when the snow is falling. One of the more unusual ways of exploring the region is on a “rail bike” or drasine. This unusual contraption uses an old railway line through some of the most beautiful Lorraine countryside that was closed in the 1990s. Now families can climb aboard a rail bike and cycle along the track enjoying the view without having to worry about traffic. Children may also enjoy a donkey ride in the Vosges Mountains or a ride on a motorised skidoo if you're visiting in the winter.

The Best Of San Pedro

The Best Of San Pedro

San Pedro town is located in a very strategic position on the famous Costa del Sol as it is barely 10 minutes from its very happening neighbor, Marbella. And it is within easy reach of the refreshing natural beauty exuding from the Sierra Ronda Mountains plus the spanning lush vegetation in the valley areas.

San Pedro was previously an old farming community which was famous for its production of sugar cane. Today, it still maintains its natural beauty that is so refreshing through the natural landscapes and simple lifestyle found here.

Main Attractions

The best San Pedro has to offer is its superb beaches, which are excellent for sunbathing as well as swimming on pleasant days in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Other delightful bay activities include fishing, surfing, sailing and diving which are suited for all family members. This makes San Pedro a highly favored and popular family destination for a delightful vacation.

The backdrop for San Pedro’s beach is a distinct row of palm trees stylishly flanking the avenue with many excellent restaurants, making this area the perfect romantic set up for the evening before indulging on your appetite. For the shopaholics, the wide shopping variety will satisfy them to their heart’s content as there are plenty of bargains to be found at the local markets (which are held every Thursday), up to the big shopping complexes and trendy boutiques in and about Marbella.

There is an extraordinary yachting marina at the exclusive Puerto Banus.

The holiday crowd at San Pedro is not as huge as other places, but it is still a good place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty as well as the annual feria or the local summer fair that is held in mid-October.

Historical Attractions

There is the very historical church, the Paleochristian Balisilica, which is located at the seaside together with Roman Baths from the 3rd century, called the Las Bovedas. Do check with the tourist center for opening hours to these historical sights. The church is located close to Bora Bora Beach Club in the woods with the Necropolis, while the Roman Baths are further away, along the west side of the beach going towards Guadalmina. These baths were destroyed, but are now restored to the delight of the locals and tourists. Its keys are kept at the turismo should you want to enter into it.

Top Mistakes People Make In Planning Cheap Luxury Holidays

Top Mistakes People Make In Planning Cheap Luxury Holidays

The concept of cheap luxury holidays sounds like a contradiction in terms, but it's not. Luxury holidays can be affordable, including those for the whole family, so long as you know how to go about it and where to look.

The biggest mistake people make in planning luxury family holidays is trying to do it on their own. Without taking advantage of the benefits provided by experienced experts in affordable luxury travel, it's extremely difficult to get the right deals at the right times that will save you money while still affording you a vacation in style.

Booking your luxury family holidays based on your own schedule and not that of the airlines is the next biggest mistake people make in planning cheap luxury holidays. Every travel day is not built equally in the eyes of the airlines. If it were, everyone would fly out on a Friday night or Saturday morning and return on a Sunday night. Airlines know this, and that is why those particular days are usually among the most expensive to fly. It is far better to base your luxury holidays' schedules around the airlines' booking calendar.


Airlines are also aware that travelers often wait until the last minute to book their travel arrangements, and take advantage of this fact by progressively increasing fares the closer it gets to any given travel day. Booking at least 2 weeks ahead of time allows you to avoid this fare trap (or an unfair trap, if you ask us). A wise and savvy traveler is not an airline's best customer because he or she knows how to plan cheap luxury holidays instead of planning costly ones.

Many travelers have at least caught on that booking luxury holidays online is cheaper than booking them over the phone or in person. Likewise, many people realize that fares are typically cheaper on Mondays, Tuesdays, and on holidays themselves than any other day. But just one example of a little-known secret that an industry insider can put to work for you is that there are certain days to book your tickets (independent of the actual travel day) that give you a better deal on fares. As most people book their travel tickets on Thursdays through Tuesdays, it is on Wednesdays when airlines generally offer the lowest fares.


These are just some of the tricks at a traveler's disposal for planning luxury family holidays on the cheap. To avail yourself of all the insider tricks of the trade, however, it helps to have a trade insider on your side making sure you don't get taken for a ride by the airlines instead of the other way around, like it should be.

Wet and Wild Theme Park on the Gold Coast

Wet and Wild Theme Park on the Gold Coast


A amusement park that attracted well over a million people each year entailed a vacation destination that provides a more-than-enjoyable destination. Gold Coast Wet 'n' Wild Water World, based in Oxenford, Queensland, Australia has been running for 26 years at the time of the year 2010. It has accumulated its fame as the 8th favorite and most used park within the whole globe. Also, it took over as most visited place in Australia. Upon 26 years of operation, the primary water park has produced 4 pools, 15 water slides and children's area.

Vacationers will delight in Wet and Wild Park amusement park in Gold Coast since it satisfies the various personalities of guests. For all those people that desire to feed their adrenaline rush craze will discover their place in Extreme H2O Zone. The zone offers extreme water adventures through its extreme slides. The water park's slides are in form of funnel slides, open and enclosed tubes.


Tornado is the favorite of many guests because it gives them the sensation to be stuck in the middle of tornado. The ride is conducted in funnel of 15 meters platform that then drops in to the crazy storm feeling of 14 meters tube. Experience the scariest feeling of being inside a space black hole. The Blackhole slide creates the illusion of being lost in a black hole via its black enclosed tubes. The riders are exposed into an experience of a monstrous black hole through long twisted and twirling tubes. If there is tube skating, there is also pipe rafting. Kamikaze ride blows up two riders sitting on a raft as the 70 degrees "U" shaped pipes launches the raft upwards and downwards. Other than Kamikaze, is definitely the fastest and longest slide called Mach 5.


Other than four extreme rides, there's also rides that are ideal for guests that are in search of milder adventure including AquaLoop, Surfrider, River Rapids, Mammoth Falls, Flow Rider and Super 8 Aqua Racer. And then for those individuals who're up for swimming, you will discover pools and beaches that come with various ambiances. There's 36 degrees Celsius Whirlpool Hot Springs, one-meter swell Giant Wave Pool, the sluggish river of Calypso Beach and playing area for the children called Buccaneer Bay. In addition to the rides and water forms, surrounds the food booths which are made ready to feed hungry visitors.

There is so much have fun with in the park. In fact, the term "enjoy" could suffice the explanation of fun and thrill offered in the park. Moreover, the Gold Coast premier water park doesn't just let guests have fun with the wet and wild theme park, it also successfully left riders the experience of natural tragedy simulations with the fantastic concepts of tornado and black hole rides

Uganda Top Ten Attractions

Uganda Top Ten Attractions

It is almost a month now since our Nature series team launched its wide strides to Uganda. The first write-up on gorilla tracking has been a great welcome to a diverse community in the travel and tourism world. This time round, we have been chasing after a fortune of identifying Uganda’s top ten attractions and we found an incredible list of our fortune here!!

1. Kidepo Valley National Park

The Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks. It is 1,442 square kilometres and harbor scenery unsurpassed in any other park in East Africa. Tucked into the corner of Uganda’s border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking Savannah landscapes, which end in rugged horizon. The vegetation can most excellent be described as open tree Savannah which varies much in structure and composition. Mountain forest dominates some of the high places, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forest. The flora and fauna of the park are more typical of Kenya than the rest of Uganda. The landscape throughout the park is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and inselbergs from which one can obtain stunning views in all directions. The Kidepo Valley National Park was established in the 1960s. Kidepo Valley National Park is a 1436 km² national park in Karamoja region in northwest Uganda. Kidepo is rugged savannah, dominated by the 2750 m Mount Morungole and transected by the Rivers Kidepo and Narus. Perennial water makes River Kidepo an oasis in the semi-desert which hosts over 86 mammal species including lion, cheetah, leopard, bat-eared fox, giraffe – as well as almost 500 bird species.


2. Sipi falls

Sipi Falls is supposedly one of Uganda’s most beautiful sights. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Uganda and is about 15 km from Kapchorwa. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls and lie near Kapchorwa, north of Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, near Mount Elgon on the Kenyan border.

3. Mt Elgon National Park, Uganda

Mt. Elgon National park is located near Mbale in the Eastern part of Uganda. The park covers 1,145 sq km. It is named after Mt Elgon (4,321m), an extinct Volcanic Mountain that lies on Uganda’s border with Kenya. In the prehistoric times this mountain stood taller than Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in East Africa. Though the Mountain is shared by Uganda and Kenya its highest point Wagagai peak (4321m) lies in Uganda. The mountain has got three other major peaks which are Kiongo (4303m), Mubiyi (4210m) and Jackson’s summit (4165m). Mt. Elgon is known locally as Mt. Masaba. Masaba is the name of the founding ancestor of the Bagisu who is said to have emerged from a cave on the slopes several centuries ago. The Park can be accessed by road. The journey takes around 3-4 hours from Kampala along a good tarmac road. Hiking is the major tourism activity. Climbing Mt. Elgon is not so much challenging and therefore can attract both medium climbers and the experienced climbers. From here, you can visit the exquisite Sipi Falls for scenic viewing, Nature walks from Budadiri trailhead. Community visits and participation in Imbalu dances.


4. Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi

The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi are regarded as the major spiritual centre for the Buganda people, the largest Ugandan ethnic group. They constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an architectural success in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site’s main undertone lies, however, in its indefinable values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity. Guides at Kasubi lead visitors around the area and into the building, explaining the history of the Baganda and the cultural traditions associated with the tombs.

5. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

It is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley. It comprises 331 square kilometres of jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot. Many species of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla. Bwindi is also an incredible preserve home to some of Africa’s most endangered animals. It is a haven for gorilla tracking.

6. Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa’s third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region’s glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa’s most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.

7. Mpanga National Reserve

This is a government nature reserve 453 hectares in size. Gazette around 50 years ago, the 45km2 Mpanga forest reserve near the small town of Mpigi, lies 37kms west of Kampala on the road to Masaka. It is a compact forest offering a cathedral like atmosphere in which to enjoy fabulous bird watching. The main forest center in 500 m from the main high way and marked by a decorative sign. Visitors are welcome to picnic or camp at the forest center and follow any of the well marked trails to the south of the river. The reserve protects an extensive patch of medium -altitude rainforest, characteristic of the vegetation that once extended over much of the northern lake Victoria Hinterland, but has largely been cleared over the past century due to human activity. Wide footpaths (initially made by researchers) crisscross the forest where Celtis mildbraedii and Bosquieia phoberos form the dominant tree species. The forest is now is now open to public.

8. Mabira Forest reserve

Mabira forest lies along the main highway running from Jinja to Kampala. Its actual location is 54 km from kampala and 20 km from Jinja. The forest centre is on the edge of Najjembe village approximately 500m north of the main road. If you are coming from Kampala, it is signposted to your left before you reach the roadside market at Najjembe. The Mabira forest project was established with help from the European Union. There are 10 forest trails catering for people of all time schedules and abilities with options of both guided and unguided trails. If you are not rushing to the west of Uganda or needing to get to Kampala in a hurry, then consider Mabira Forest – a pleasant backwater and stop over.

9. Lake Victoria, Uganda

While the communities living around the lake have many stories to tell in addition to the lake being a source of living for them, no need to add to what Wikipedia says;
“Lake Victoria or Victoria Nyanza (also known as Ukerewe and Nalubaale) is one of the Great Lakes of Africa. Lake victoria is 3rd biggest lake in the world covering 68,800 square kilometres (26,560 mi²) in size – making it the continent’s largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the second largest fresh water lake in the world in terms of surface area (third largest if one considers Lake Michigan-Huron as a single lake). Being relatively shallow for its size, with a maximum depth of 84 m (276 ft) and a mean depth of 40 m (131 ft), Lake Victoria ranks as the seventh largest freshwater lake by volume, containing 2,750 cubic kilometres (2.2 million acre-feet) of water. It is the source of the longest branch of the Nile River, the White Nile, and has a water catchment area of 184,000 square kilometres (71,040 mi²). It is a biological hotspot with great biodiversity. The lake lies within an elevated plateau in the western part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and is subject to territorial administration by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. The lake has a shoreline of 3,440 km (2138 miles), and has more than 3,000 islands, many of which are inhabited. These include the Ssese Islands in Uganda, a large group of islands in the northwest of the Lake that are becoming a popular destination for tourists”

10. The people of Uganda the cultural diversity

The Uganda culture is made up of a dissimilar array of cultural groups. It includes a number of religious groups like Christians, Sikhs and Hindus. People speak in 40 languages out of which Luganda is the most common. Swahili is also used while English is the official language. Literature of Uganda is very rich as well. Many of the regions like Buganda, Bunyoro and Toro had kingdoms of their own. Lake Kyoga forms the northern periphery for the Bantu-speaking peoples, who dominate much of east, central and southern Africa. In Uganda they include the Baganda and several other tribes. In the north live the Lango and the Acholi, who speak Nilotic languages. Iteso and Karamojong who speak a Nilotic language, occupy the east parts of Uganda and few Pygmies live isolated in the rainforests of western Uganda. Each of the tribe is very respectful to their tradition and the culture of Uganda can be best described as a melting pot of diverse cultural practices. The Uganda people are quite hospitable.

Amazing Zaragoza

Amazing Zaragoza

Zaragoza or Saragossa is Aragon’s capital that lies 250 kilometers away form Madrid and Barcelona; the former at its south west and the latter at Spain’s southeast coast.

Overview
Zaragoza has everything modern with a high population; its appeal is its natural environment which tourism did not mangle. Many tend to bypass this quaint site thinking that it is just another side stop when traveling by train to and from Barcelona and Madrid, but the more adventurous who make this side stop are always pleasantly surprised with their find.

There are so many eateries which offer authentic Spanish cuisine for those on the look out for great gastronomical offerings. They will not be disappointed with the Aragon cooking here.

Historical attractions

Besides food, the old town offers impressive historical architectural sites such as the castle of Aljaferia which is the most impressive Moorish edifice that one can find outside Andalucia, a site that supposedly housed a Roman Forum, a theatre in honor of Caesar Augusta and the magnificent Virgin Mary Basilica which is world famous.
An ancient 14th century Cathedral, the La Seo, is a magnificent sight for all visitors while none should miss the famous Tapestry Museum. You will be delighted with the manors and palaces around the city.

Museums are an important part of Zaragoza with the Fine Arts Museum taking top place. It houses beautiful paintings from Aragonese artists such as El Greco, Goya and Ribera. Then the Museum of Camon Aznar boasts of paintings from renowned artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Renoir, Goya, Sorolla and Manet, making this place a haven for art lovers.

International affair

Zaragona plays host to an international expo that happens for 6 months from June 14th to September 14th but only every 5 years. Each expo held has a different theme on a general issue.

There are usually many magnificent pavilions, interesting shows and numerous attractions that you can spend weeks there; no wonder the expo stays for 6 months. It is a definite stop for any visitor to Zaragoza for the expo that is of such high standards. Even the locals and all of Spain would try to make it whenever the expo is on.

It was in 1851 when the very first international expo was held in London. It was such a success that similar expos followed and were held in different parts of the world which saw the birth of Eiffel Tower in 1889. These expos drew in the crowds in huge numbers which saw the formation of the BIE or Bureau of International Expositions in 1928 to oversee the planning of such expos.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Asian Gardens of Portland

The Asian Gardens of Portland

Portland is a city that has many gardens and which is one of the reasons why one of its nicknames is 'City of Roses' due to the many rose gardens that can be found in this city. These are just one of the reasons why you should considering Oregon rentals. But there are a couple of other gardens that have a slightly different feel to them. They are ones that have been influenced by Asian culture and reflect the Asian counter part very well

The first of which, which was opened in 1967 is the Portland Japanese Garden. Obviously a garden that is related to Japanese culture. The Japanese garden is comprised of five different garden styles that each reflect the different settings of Japan. There is the flat garden which is meant to represent how the gardens in Japan continue to develop the dry landscape style over time. This garden has clipped trees and shrubbery to give you a sense of space. This garden is also meant to show the four seasons of Japan, the lace leaf maple is meant to show autumn, whilst the weeping cherry reflects spring, back pines represent winter and summer is shown by the imaginary cool “water” of the raked gravel surrounding the Circle and Gourd Islands, this is meant to symbolise enlightenment and happiness


The Strolling Pond Garden is one that is made up of to upper and lower ponds that are connected via a stream. On the upper pond there is a moon bridge and on the lower one there is a lower zigzag bridge that leads to a beautiful waterfall. In Japan Strolling pond Gardens were meant to be for the wealthy, aristocrats or feudal Lords during the Edo period. They were meant to be used for recreational means but were seen as a perfect place to relax and reflect on things.

The Tea Garden is certainly a place for quiet and reflection, this is where you would find a tea house. These are meant to show guests that they can throw away all their troubles and worries with its intimate feeling of being enclosed and away from the outside world.


The Sand and Stone Garden is one that many associate with Japan when they think about Japanese gardens. These are known as Karesansui which means dry landscape, these are often shown as Zen gardens as they are part of the Zen monastery. But this style of garden wasn't meant for meditation but more towards contemplation. The garden was looked after but the monks as it was part of their practice.

The Natural Garden is the most recent addition to the Portland Japanese Garden. This makes it the most state of the art garden out of them all, they actually have a name for it called zoki no niwa. This is a style that features plants that aren’t related to traditional Japanese gardens for example there you will see the vine maple which is native to the area of Portland but not Japan.
This garden use to be called Hillside Garden due to the fact that a part of the garden has steep terrain and that the trees and shrubs give the illusion that the setting is wild yet calm. The garden was originally plan as a moss garden but it was difficult to maintain the plants in the area, so it was redesigned in the 70s and then redesigned again due to earth movement.

There is another Asian inspired garden in the city of Portland, this one is focusing on the Chinese gardens and is called Lan Su Chinese Garden. Formerly known as Portland Classical Chinese Garden and it is well known as the Garden of Awakening Orchids. It is called Lan Su Chinese garden because it represents Portland and its Chinese sister city Suzhou. The Su in the name derives from Suzhou and Lan represents Portland This garden was opened on September 14, 2000 although there was an effort to build a Chinese garden at the beginning of the 1980s.

Most of the plants that you can see in the garden is indigenous to China. But the unique thing about them is that they weren’t imported from China, as they can't be due to import bans. The plants were found in parts of Oregon that must have been imported before the import ban was imposed. Some of these plants date back to 100 years and there are over 400 different species.

Asians are the second biggest community in Portland which could be the reason one of the reasons why these gardens exists thanks to the sister cities of Sapporo and Suzhou. The community bloomed and these gardens are the full representation that they could proud of their cultures.

Enjoy the Brilliance of a Holiday in Malaysia

Enjoy the Brilliance of a Holiday in Malaysia

Malaysia is an Asia-Pacific country sharing its borders with Brunei, Thailand and Indonesia. The capital of the country is Kuala Lumpur, an extremely exhilarating city. Malaysia boasts of a rich historical background right from the Japanese invasion to its independence and is an embodiment of rich cultural and economical stature.

Malaysia has a mixed variety of tourist attractions including the hustle-bustle of the Capital, Kuala Lumpur, the Langkawi Island to the pristine beaches and beautiful hill stations like Genting and Cameron Highlands. Kuala Lumpur is a developed cosmopolitan and a self-contained city with a perfect blend of high tech amenities and cultural ethics intact. Kuala Lumpur offers some key attractions like the Aquaria KLCC, the Petronas Twin Towers, the National Art Gallery and the Petrosians Discovery Centre.


Explore a Spectrum of Destinations

Malacca is a lively town situated in the south of Malaysia. It is a concoction of the Chinese, British, Dutch and Portuguese cultures and also includes the famous and beautiful backwaters. It also offers various adventurous activities to the tourists. The Ethnographic Museum portrays the relic of the Dutch period in all its glory. Georgetown located in the Penang Island, is the country’s leading resort locales. It is a small city and can transfer you into an age long lost frequented with the Chinese culture and the mystic yet dazzling era. Cameron Highlands is one of the popular hill stations of Malaysia and is composed of plenty tea plantations and Vegetable Farms.

Shopaholics are provided with a myriad choices in Malaysia that can overwhelm them! Right from the meticulously crafted handicrafts to the top notch brands of the world, you can find it all here. It is a real experience wandering through the streets of Chinatown and bargaining for the local souvenirs. An exciting mix of duty free shops can also be found in the city. For all those who have an experimental palate, they have got to try out the local Malay cuisine finding its roots in the ethnic groups. Some of the famous delicacies are Apam Balik, Ayam percik and seafood including shrimps, crab, fish, squid, etc. So go ahead and tingle those taste buds! Excitehotels.com offers you reasonably priced

Luxury Villas Rental: An Economical Option to Explore Phuket

Luxury Villas Rental: An Economical Option to Explore Phuket

With the passage of time, Phuket has become one of the most recognized and reputed tourist destinations in the world. Besides of lush green forests and scenic beauty, the place is housing a number of known beaches such as Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Sing Beach, Kamala and Patong. People going after exploring Phuket are advised to search luxury villas rental. Apart from cost effective rates, it offers comfort and relax to make holidays memorable. Natai luxury villa intends for giving comfort along with privacy. Luxury villas rental invites tourists to explore the place and watch its eternal beauty. In fact, the place can be explored with anybody - family, friends or spouse.

Reasons making Phuket an apt tourist destination

Phuket comprises of all ingredients that are necessary for an apt holiday destination. The place not only provides quality accommodation in the finest luxury villas rentals, but also comprises of known beaches. In addition, one chooses the place for leisure activities like diving, game fishing, elephant riding and sailing as well. Besides, an ocean of people explore the place to enjoy yummy seafood and colorful nightlife. Natai luxury villa has been considered as an economical option with style and comfort in the place.

Choosing luxury holiday rentals Phuket

Luxury holiday rentals Phuket are considered as the best option for people going after exploring Phuket. The place has everything one expects from a tourist destination. In fact, there are a wide selection of real estate agents available helping individuals to manage their property in Phuket. If you want to get saved from the hurdles of searching luxury holiday rentals Phuket, you can consider such a company. Such a rental in Phuket comprises of a number of modern facilities and amenities. Some of the popular facilities include pools, etc.

Staying in Phuket

Apart from secluded farmhouses and apartment, Phuket comprises of a number of luxury villas rental. To get a good accommodation, assistance of a tour and travel company is suggested. To search a company, the internet plays a very important role. A known and reputed company avails luxury villas rental at economical rates.

AP-Natai.com provides Luxury Villa, Land and villa in Natai, Luxury Villas Rental and private villas in Natai. We offer luxury holiday rentals, Phuket luxury property, Phuket Luxury Villas Rentals and Phuket beach front villa in largest and beautiful Thailand Island.

Holidays in Loir-et-Cher, Loire Valley, France

Holidays in Loir-et-Cher, Loire Valley, France

The deprtement of Loir-et-Cher is located in the centre of France, on the Loire River. The area is known for its historic towns and castles, such as the famous grand Chateau de Chambord. Although towns in the region are located on the Loire River, the less famous Loir Valley in this region is a beautiful place for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with walking and biking routes to follow and historic settlements to visit.

Castles

The Chateau de Chambord is the largest and most visited of all the castles in the Loir-et-Cher region, and looking at its grandeur you would be amazed to know it was first built as a hunting lodge. The castle has 440 rooms, 84 staircases and a 20-mile wall around the grounds, so save plenty of time to visit. The highlight of the tour is the double-helix open staircase in the centre of the castle that is rumoured to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The Chateau Chaumont started as a defensive medieval fortress, but developed over the centuries into a beautiful royal palace. Located on a hill above the town of Chaumont, you can enjoy great views over the river and the surrounding countryside from the castle's towers.

Blois

The historic town of Blois is the capital of Loir-et-Cher and is located on the lower Loire River near the wooded Sologne area. Filled with paved squares, twisting cobbled streets and outdoor cafés in the summer, Blois is also famous for the castle in the centre of the town. The architectural styles of the castle date from the 13th to the 17th century, giving the building a rather haphazard and eccentric appearance. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the external spiral staircase in the Francois I wing. A museum dedicated to magic is also located on the Place du Chateau. The House of Magic not only features exhibits about the history of magic, but often has demonstrations and live shows too.

Sologne

The Sologne region to the south-east of the town of Blois is a wooded, marshy area that can appear dull in bad weather but is a great place to explore in the summer. There are a number of designated walking and cycling routes through the Sologne as well as horseback riding and organised nature spotting tours. If you are visiting the Sologne during the hunting season, between October and March, make sure you don't wander from the marked paths and out yourself in harm's way.

Luxury Hotels in Buenos Aires

Luxury Hotels in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a wonderful place as your base of operations to explore South America. This is a vibrant, modern, sophisticated city with all facilities. Accommodation of every kind is available. There are beautiful luxury apartments and luxury hotels to suit comfort lovers, where you will be pampered and you will be able to relax and recover your strength and stamina in between your explorations and adventures.
Once you have chosen your accommodation and settled in, you will find that there are many short, guided tours to introduce you to the city and its environments. Or you can explore it in a leisurely way on your own. Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America. This is because of its wide boulevards, sidewalk cafes and gardens reminiscent of those in France. The architecture is a combination of colonial Spanish and colonial French, side by side with buildings that are energetically modern. It has an excitingly European flavour with a distinctly South American vitality. The city alone will take a lot of sightseeing, to really appreciate it.

Then there are day trips, as well as trips lasting two or more days, to show you the charms of spectacular Argentina. In addition, you will find many exciting package tours venturing out into the rest of South America.
Some of the day trips not to be missed are:

* The ferry trip across the Rio de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento, a charming little Portuguese historical town, the oldest in Uruguay.
* The Tigre and Parana River Delta. This is a short trip to the northern part of Buenos Aires. Your best bet is to take the coastal train, so as not to miss the beautiful scenery. The Delta is a mass of waterways and canals, with ferries and boat trips available, as well as some really interesting islands.
* A two hour bus trip from Buenos Aires is the town of San Antonio de Areco. If you visit this town you will step back into Argentina’s past. There is a strong frontier gaucho culture, and old world simple charm. The old buildings, traditional food and handcrafts, make this a worthwhile visit.



If you are ready to travel out for a few days’ sightseeing, you should try and see these attractions, which are just a few among many:

* Iguazu Waterfalls. A spectacular sight, and one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. In fact, some who have seen all the great ones declare this to be the best. The series of cascades border the countries of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.
* Bariloche is a town in a postcard picture perfect part of Argentina. Its beauty consists of lake scenery with soaring mountains and pine forests. In summer it is a draw card for outdoor nature lovers, with adventure sports, hiking, cycling, horse riding and scenic drives. In winter it is transformed into a winter sports paradise.
* Mendoza is the way to a wine lover’s heart. Its cuisine is also very special. It famous vineyards are situated close to the Andes Mountains, and this is the place to come if you are a gourmet or a connoisseur of fine wines. You will also enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Tarragona- A Perfect Place For Your Holiday

Tarragona- A Perfect Place For Your Holiday


Tarragona has been described by the famous poet Virgilius as being the most pleasant place to relax. Tarragona is inhabited in the present by 100,000 people who earn their living from the petrochemical industry and tourism. Tarragona is the deepest Port of Spain and the most productive fishing port in Catalonia. It initially attracted the Romans in the 3rd century BC; three centuries later it became the capital of the province, a position that it still occupies today. Tarragona will attract you with its archaeological sites, the interesting museums and the unique architecture, so you should put it on your list of places to visit. Being under Roman control, the ruins in the Roman Amphitheatre represent one of the most important sightseeing places in Tarragona. About 14,000 spectators could watch the gladiator fights and the executions that used to take place in this amphitheatre. If your curiosity for the past is still not satisfied, you can visit the 6th century Santa Maria del Miracle Church, or the Romanitat Museum, a place where you can admire some of the oldest objects discovered in this city. The Archaeological Museum hosts a mosaic representing the head of Medusa, which became so popular, that it was transformed into the symbol of Tarragona.


Continuing to be surprised

Sightseeing is not the only activity in Tarragona. For those who are not untouchable when it comes to nature and beautiful places, the Balco Del Mediterrani is a very popular place; it offers spectacular views over the Mediterranean and some say that you are surrounded by a unique feeling here, probably thanks to the spirit of the sea. The beaches stand below the Balco, always ready to offer you perfect relaxation on their delicate sands. The Arrabasada beach and the Llarga Beach are among the most popular and the reason why so many tourists choose Tarragona as their destination. For another type of entertainment you can choose one of the many restaurants and pubs, which, of course, offer a good selection of tapas. In the evening the dance clubs are waiting for the young or for those who have kept their spirit young. You can dance here until the morning comes on traditional Spanish music, so they are also a perfect way to come into contact with the Spanish culture. The antiques market is perfect for souvenirs, so you also have the possibility to buy nice presents for your loved ones. Enjoy your holiday in Tarragona!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Unrivalled Devon Golf Holidays

Unrivalled Devon Golf Holidays


Vacationers will never run out of places to visit, restaurants to try and things to do during holidays in Dorset and during Torquay holidays. The city of Dorset is packed with several attractions for family and friends. During your Torquay holidays, you may want to visit the beautiful golf courses within the vicinity. You can also play and practice your swing in these courses during your holidays in Dorset. If you are planning to check out some of the finest courses in the country during Torquay holidays, here are some great ideas.

Weymouth Golf Club

You can plan and invite your peers for a friendly golf competition during your holidays in Dorset. Conveniently located in Weymouth, Weymouth Golf club boasts an outstanding course that will surely captivate the hearts of golf enthusiasts and visitors alike. During your Torquay holidays, play in an 18-hole, 6044 yard and 70 par golf course. Established in 1909, Weymouth Golf Club’s fantastic course was designed by James Braid and Hamilton Stutt. The greens and excellent fairways will definitely attract you and your golf pals to play here regularly and even spend golf holidays in Dorset here in Weymouth Golf Club. Considered as one of the most beautiful in the area, this golf club has facilities for guests and members that include golf lessons for both pros and amateurs, driving range, shops, buggy and club hire, trolley hire, changing rooms, bars, cafes and restaurants where you can have lunch or dinner. Here, you will surely enjoy a very relaxing game with your closest friends and family during Torquay holidays.


Ashley Wood Golf Club

The Ashley Wood Golf Club was built in 1896 and the golf course was designed by the very famous Sir William Henry Smith-Marriot. This amazing golf club is located in Blandford Forum, Dorset. It is regarded as one of the oldest and finest courses in the United Kingdom. The Ashley Wood Golf Club is a descending course that will allow you to view the stunning surrounding countryside. One good thing about this golf course is that it is positioned on natural chalk down land and even when it is raining, the course drains rapidly making play during Torquay holidays possible even with a bad weather condition. The over century old Ashley Wood Golf Course has a total of 17-holes (initially there were 9, 8 was added recently). You and your golfing buddies will surely take pleasure with the good greens and fairways of the golf club during your holidays in Dorset or during your Torquay holidays. There are various facilities and amenities for the guests that include restaurants and cafes, driving range, trolley, buggy and club hire and changing rooms.

Ronda

Ronda

While visiting Spain, it is really necessary to go to Andaluzia. The rhythm of Flamenco and the Moorish echoes accompany you everywhere in this region.

Why Ronda?

This is the biggest rock in Andaluzia : Ronda lies over some gorges at a height close to 100 meters, extending to the Guadalevin River. After the gorges (known as „El Tajo”), lies Puente Nuevo or „The New Bridge”, that connects the old town with the new, „new” being a relative feature, since it dates from the XVIIIth century. Ronda is a popular town with lots of services for the tourists who come to visit it, including the antique shops. The town constructed in Andaluzia steel has kept a strong atmosphere, if you avoid the crowded summer months.

What to visit while in Ronda

The withdrown squares and the cobbled streets of Old Ronda are very evocative and there are many places to visit in this area. One of the most beautiful and intimate is Palacio de Mondragon, which now hosts a little museum. The palace was built in 1314 as a residence of the Moorish king Abb el Malik. Fernando and Isabella lived here in 1485, and the palace’s facade was rebulit in the XVIIIth century. Around this palace the very beautiful gardens and the famous „patio” of the Spanish people can be admired.

A few steps away lies the magnificent „Parque Duquesa de Parcent”, dominated by the Santa Maria la Mayor Church, built on the side of a mosque, and by the Town Hall in Renaissance style , with an impressive „loggia”.Eastward below, on the principal road, there is the San Sebastian Church, and to the south are some of the Arab Ramparts, with double doors: Puerta de Almocabar,a moorish one, and Puerta de Carlos V, a Renaissance one. If you go to see them, you will also see the beautiful facade of Palacio del Marquez de Salvatierra with its strange sculptures showing nude children, considered to be Columbian figures.

A more modern part of Ronda

In the new town, you are not allowed to miss the famous bullfights, at „Plaza de Torros”, where men have tried their luck against bulls since the year 1785. In the interior, in Museo Taurino, there are some exhibits with clothes of the toreadors, capes embroidered with beads, sequins and cordings, next to historical photos of bullfights. Enjoy your stay in Ronda, and return here to fill your soul with some of the beauty of the Spanish people.

Holidays in Benahavis, Spain

Holidays in Benahavis, Spain

Benahavis is one of the most mountainous villages on the western Costa del Sol. Its name roughly translates into ‘Son of Havis’, the Havis originating from a previous Moorish ruler. The Arabic occupation established a stronghold in Montemayor Castle. Located on the highest mountain in the locality, a steep winding road leads to its prominence in the area. Views of the Costa del Sol, La Serrania de Ronda mountains, and the three rivers sidelined with oak trees daub the topographical landscape below.

There are five beaches within reasonable driving distance to Benahavis. The closest is San Pedro de Alcantera about 7 km away. Local transport and taxi services are limited, so pre-booking and good arrangement would be necessary if you have not got hire car facilities. All five of these beaches are blue flag status, the award for safe, clean beaches. Water sports are also accommodated, at these beaches, such as windsurfing, pedaloes and jet skiing.

The sports that are truly enjoyable are the ones that take into account the panoramic wonder of Benahavis. Hiking and cycling are popular, especially for getting to the less accessible areas. Los Angosturas gorge, which is located at the entrance to the village, has 60 climbing routes you can hook up to. There is a multisports complex that houses tennis, paddle tennis, a gym and a football pitch for use all the year round. In the summer, the swimming pool is also opened for use.


Another sport that takes into account the panoramic wonder is golf. Golf is big in Benahavis; it currently holds 9 of the 60 courses within the Costa del Sol. Their terrains are challenging, and with 320 days of sunshine a year, it is very popular. It is highly recommended to use the buggies and carry lots of balls.

The culture of this area is not just written in its history but also by its cuisine. Benahavis is often called the dining room of Costa del Sol and rightfully so it offers not only a wide range of its local produce but also other restaurants of many other denominations. Their prices range from relatively inexpensive to top market haute cuisine. There are also plenty of bars that can cater too, serving tapas or pizzas.

The easiest way to get to Benahavis is to use a shuttle service or car hire from Malaga airport. It is well advised to book these in advance. Inquire when you book your flight tickets and try to arrange them then.

Enjoy Cheap Holidays for Families In Europe

Enjoy Cheap Holidays for Families In Europe


With so many package holidays aimed at the 18-30 age bracket, it can be difficult to know which destinations are most suitable for families. However, there are many places that offer excellent facilities, activities and weather for the whole family.

Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, has a spring climate ideally suited to families. The island has a calm, laid-back atmosphere and there is no shortage of activities to keep the children entertained. Book a trip aboard a giant catamaran for a relaxing day on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The company’s vessel has an enormous twin hull which ensures smooth sailing and provides space enough for push-chairs, should you need it. An attraction that remains popular with children is the Aquapark (just outside Costa Teguise) where you can spend the day enjoying the various slides and pools on offer. With so many exciting things to do, it’s not surprising that Lanzarote remains a popular destination for families looking for high-quality cheap holidays.

For a beach holiday suited to families with young children, head to the Algarve in the southernmost region of mainland Portugal. Praia de Barril is an island beach which is great fun for children. The beach itself is reachable by a miniature railway (or a short walk, if you prefer) and has plenty of facilities once you get there to ensure your every need is catered for. There is no shortage of tour companies in the region which offer a range of fun days out for the family. Book a Dolphin Seafari from Portimao’s Marina (Praia da Rocha) for a chance to see these wonderful intelligent creatures up close in their natural habitat. The wildlife sanctuaries are mixed with them-ark style rides and games to make sure the kids stay preoccupied throughout. With cheap flights from London to the Algarve, you can get a lot for your money here.

Family Holidays to Disneyland Paris

The best part is that you can book cheap holiday deals that can give your family the magic of Disney at an amazingly affordable price. Disneyland Paris has something for every family member, from children to adults, making it the perfect destination for a family holiday.


Disneyland Paris actually contains two parks: Disneyland Park, where you can enjoy rides and shows in Disney’s classic themed lands -- Fantasyland, Adventureland, Main Street USA, Discoveryland and Frontierland – and Walt Disney Studios Park, where the magic of cinema and movies comes to life through interactive studio-lot themed shows and attractions. Both parks offer daily parades and shows where you can see many favourite Disney characters in action. If you plan a visit during the Christmas holidays, expect special parades and shows featuring Santa and Disney characters dressed in their Yuletide best.

Although your family will almost certainly choose their own favourites, these rides are consistently listed as the “top picks” by visitors to the parks. In Disneyland Park, don’t miss the classic “It’s a Small World Ride” in Fantasyland, Space Mountain Mission 2 in Discoveryland and Big Thunder Mountain in Adventureland. Thrill seekers won’t want to skip the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride in Walt Disney Studios Park, while people of all ages will enjoy Stitch Live! and the Cars Race Rally.


Disneyland Paris holidays provide a change of scenery from the amusement parks as you can visit Disney Village, where you can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment. With over 10 themed restaurants, 4 bars, an array of shops and its own cinema, every family member can find something to do in the village. You can also catch the Mickey and Friends Buffalo Bill Wild West dinner show where you enjoy a cowboy dinner while watching riding demonstrations, sharp shooting and other western fun. For some kid-free relaxation, book a massage or beauty treatment at Disneyland Paris’ Celestia Spa or enjoy a round of golf at Disney golf.

Tourist villages near Zakopane

Tourist villages near Zakopane


Zakopane is the Winter Capital od Poland on the south of Poland. This is the small town situated at the base of the Tatra Mountains. Some people who comes to Zakopane don’t like town and they’re going to tourist villages situated near Zakopane. What villages you can choose? How to get there?
How to get to villages near Zakopane?
Before you can get to villages near Zakopane, you have get to Zakopane. Of course you have other options. The nearest huge airport are located at Kraków Balice and Katowice Pyrzowice, so you can try to find companies which provide services like “Krakow airport transfers” or “Katowice airport transfers”. Next step is find Katowice or Krakow transfers (of course to Zakopane).
When you are in Zakopane you have get to villages near Zakopane. You have four possibilities: owner of guesthouse will take you, hire a taxi, public transport or rent a car in Krakow or Katowice. Public transport mostly started from bus station at the center of Zakopane. Taxi is located in few places in Zakopane. I advice you this possibility if you come to Zakopane a bit late, it means about 10 PM or later, when there is no public transport.
Villages
There are few tourist villages near Zakopane (some of them are in the area of Zakopane): Murzasichle, Małe Ciche, Suche, Ząb, Kościelisko, Chochołów, Cyrhla, Olcza, Biały Dunajec, Bukowina Tatrzańska, Białka Tatrzańska. The villages offer beautiful panoramas of the Tatras, ski slopes, gastronomy and of course peace and silence. Some of them are located closer to hiking trails then Zakopane. What is more you can acquainted with local culture and tradition.

City of Calgary

City of Calgary


It is one of the most important city among the five one in the Canada. The population of the Calgary is rising gradually. It is not like the cities which get famous in a day or in the year like the Toronto. Calgary is famous because of the oil industry over here. Calgary is the provincial capital of the Alberta province of the Canada. Today the population of the city is almost 1.5 million which was only nine hundred thousand in the year of 2002.

Calgary is the first city of the Canada which host the winter Olympics for the nation. Winter Olympic is the most famous festival of games in the America and Canada so this is the proud of the city that it is selected by the country to host the
prestigious festival of the games.

The economy of the Calgary can be studied easily because the economy is strongly tied with the oil prices. Oil was found in the early 19th century but the reserve at that point of time is so few that the official had not give the sight to that. One of the reasons was that the people dose not knows the importance of the oil at that time because the auto mobiles are very few.

The oil Industry settles over there in the mid of the 19 century. In few years the economy of the Calgary takes the boom and the house area of the down town of the Calgary converted into the sky scraper in 5 years and the population of the city rise by almost 3 hundred thousand in the half of the decade. The sky scraper is the trend of the country in now a day rather than that the Canada has mush space to settle the public in luxury houses. The economy of the Calgary gets the boom in the year 1983 in which the Arab countries increase the price of the oil. Calgary economy also gets the punch whenever the prices of the oil go down.


Once the economy of the Calgary goes so down that the people working over there fall in the loans of the bank but the energy producing sector get the growth and fill number of vacancies so that the Calgarians save the financial lives. Now a day’s Calgary economy is not only running by the oil and gas sector because at the time of the recession the city release that it is not good for the economy to relied on the only gas and oil business so that the Calgary started many other business one of the most profitable business of the Calgary is the construction and the energy sector and the allied field of both of the industries.

Calgary get famous after hosting the 15 winter Olympic which was first ever hosted winter games by the Canada. Before this event few were known by the city and the business of the city. Now Calgary is sharing in country`s economy equally like other cities of the country.

Goa Cities Tours

Goa Cities Tours

Goa is a small state of the India and it has only two district North Goa and south Goa. Goa state one side long boundaries meet with Arabic sea. But two side state boundaries meet with Karnataka and Maharashtra states. Old sacred churches, temples, natural beaches, wildlife sanctuaries are main tourism places in this state.

Gos state has many cities; most famous cities are Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, old Goa and Vasco Da Gama. These cities are centre of tourism, education and commercial main point of Goa state.

Panaji: Panaji city is political capital of Goa state and location north Goa district. City main attractions are Our Lady church, Bird Sanctuary, Bambolim, Miramar, Dona Paula (beaches), Science Center, National Institute of Oceanography,

Margao: Margao city is a commercial-cultural capital of Goa state and located in south Goa district. City main tourism places are city hall, sport Stadium, Monte Hill, Colva Beach and holy church etc.

Mapusa: Mapusa town is located in north district and 13km far from state capital panaji on national highway no. 17. Mapusa is main economy land during tourism season for necessary equipments.

Ponda: Ponda city location is north Goa district and 28km far from Panaji city. City main tourism attractions are Mahavir sanctuary, Bondla sanctuary, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, polem, Colva and Benaulim bech.

Naples Florida Vacation Tips

Naples Florida Vacation Tips


Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States. As of today we have noticed the growing population of Naples Florida, because of its beautiful places that attract tourists to stay. Naples is largely based on tourism with its criteria and geographical position that people love to stay. Along with Marco Island and the Everglades, the city makes up the popular vacation area known as the Paradise Coast followed with business attraction, its boating area and known big hotels and real states company located in the place.

Good things about Naples Florida are those wonderful recreational activities that commonly happen in the place that most personality would like to experience the places of entertainment like clubs, movie houses, theatres and huge number of ideal hotels and restaurants, which are all the main attraction of Naples. You should experience to do these beautiful criteria of Naples Florida and if you haven't tried visiting the place or planning to spend your precious time in Naples Florida, you can surf over the internet and look for the best Naples places to hang out. Visiting Naples, especially if you are new with the place, you're going to need a guide and the internet is your best source.


Get a Finca on Rent for a Relaxing Holiday

Get a Finca on Rent for a Relaxing Holiday

Mallorca is a beautiful island located in the Mediterranean Sea. The magnificent sceneries in combination with the warm hospitality of the islanders make it most beautiful island in the Mediterranean. Mallorca is largest by area and has the second place on the scale of population among the islands of Spain, it is a Balearic Island. If you are looking for peace and relaxation in your vacations then Mallorca is the destination for you. The island is blessed with fabulous beaches, hotels and is home to the friendliest people on the earth. You can even take Ferienhaus Mallorca on rent and enjoy your holiday with all the comfort.
The incredible beaches and lively nightlife makes it preferred Spanish holiday destination. Moreover there are many castles to explore, mountains to trek through and the performing dolphins. The rugged cliff tops as well as sandy beaches gives you the real adventure. Along with the beauty of nature you can also enjoy shopping and get close to the culture of the islanders. The Finca in Mallorca can serve to be a fantastic place for relaxing. In addition to this, there is a splendid range of Ferienhaus in Mallorca, and you can immensely bargain to suit your budget. Majorca holidays are a great choice for families.
Another attraction is the Balearic Island that offers much more than a simple visit to the party areas. You scan enjoy the beauty at premium level by staying in finca that can be easily rented beforehand through Internet or by any other medium. By having a Finca Mallorca your holidays can be enjoyed in a vacation home and can enjoy at the beautiful beach whole day.

If you are looking forward to enjoy the nightlife then there are enormous options for you. There are various bars as well as nightclubs that can be explored in Mallorca. Most of the clubs have huge squares of bars that are equipped with all the facilities of comfort. Nightlife is very lively in Mallorca, but if you are after the quieter bars you also have the option. There are clubs that offer cheap drinks as well as funky music and are packed in the months of summer. If you are a sport lover and enjoy sport activities then you can enjoy in the long hikes in the beautiful landscape of the island.
Even though there are many hotels in this Island but if you are willing to experience something other than and looking for a more luxurious option then Ferienhaus in Mallorca can meet this requirement. Before deciding for a particular Ferienhaus you must learn online about the facilities that the owner is offering and the details of its location. Try to book Ferienhaus in Mallorca as early as possible for getting best deal in terms of money. There is so much to see and experience in Mallorca. Before planning for a tour you must ensure that you find a package tour that is covering all your requirements ranging from travel to stay.

Plan holidays with a foresight

Plan holidays with a foresight


The Hawaiian Islands the most sought after travel destination for leisure vacations and are well equipped to handle accommodation for the ever changing tourist population. There are villas, hotels, homes, condos, suites, cottages, and resorts for all budgets and categories of people. Hawaii vacation rentals costs can be exorbitant for properties overlooking secluded beaches, or ocean front facing accommodations.

Mauna Lani or Kalahuipus’a has had historical significance in Hawaiian culture since ancient times. It’s the section of the land where the royalty visited for leisure activities. The elders spent their time paying tributes to the Gods. The fish ponds of yester years are still intact here. The spirit of the place is also intact and it is now a tourist centre. There are condominiums, golf courses, and many other modern amenities to make for a comfortable stay here. The climate is favourable and water sports are a source of great adventure.

Hawaii condos are a big business and with experience of decades behind them, condo owners deal professionally with tourists, extending the best of amenities in very hygienic settings. The personnel are very approachable and courteous to demands. After all, Aloha Spirit is there in both words and actions. Special room requests and upgrades are adjusted with ease. The grocery list is also made available in your room so that you enjoy the best of your vacation. Once you book your vacation package, many more details will be passed on to you.


Kona is located in an undisturbed environment with pristine surroundings and beaches which have a dream-like quality to them. The swaying palms and perfect reefs add to the wonder. Many hours just fly by as you examine nature in awe. Kona vacation rentals are occupied throughout the year. There are single room and double room condo suites, cottages, hotels and bed and breakfasts throughout the area. An advance booking helps you relax and enjoy your stay once you land. Many properties offer amenities including spa, television. The market also has restaurants, shops, galleries, etc

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Budget Holidays to Mauritius

Budget Holidays to Mauritius

When choosing a budget holiday to the paradise island of Mauritius, it really is advisable to book one of the wide choice of Mauritius self catering villas or Location villas ile Maurice, as the French say for all your family to enjoy.

There are lots of good offers available on the internet and the top agencies offer an entire package at very sensible prices.

The rates normally per the accommodation per night so for a bunch of friends this is an honest and genuine bargain opportunity.

Generally the accommodation is located on the beautiful sandy beaches dotted all along the coastal area surrounding Mauritius.

The self catering option also means that people have more space to live in and revel in more privacy throughout their holiday and the cleaning duties are carried out by friendly local staff.

If you intend to visit the capital of Port Louis often during your holiday in Mauritius, it really is more sensible to rent a small vehicle or take one of the superb taxi services present everywhere.

Imagine traveling the island in the hot days and then returning to your Mauritius holiday Villa in a beach location for an exquisite swim in the Indian Ocean before having a cool beverage and then dining out at one of the superb international style restaurants.

The island of Mauritius enjoys lovely weather, in addition to great amenities and is consequently always popular on a yearly basis.


The lagoons surrounding Mauritius are protected by coral barriers and so the surroundings are just right for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving.

Many water sports can be found to rent thus offering something each day for the more active holidaymaker.

Beyond the coral barrier it is possible to fish for Marlin, Bonita and Tuna, and also the annual international Marlin fishing contest in Mauritius is a world famous fixture.

As the weather is generally hot holiday-makers can not only enjoy a few of the best beaches on the planet and swim in the lagoon, but they can also set up several trips to visit all the sites and also to look at the stunning plants and amazing green interior.

This lovely destination in the sun is straightforward to reach as there are lots of regular non-stop flights available from major European cities.

Holidays in the Adriatic Riviera: Fun, Relax and Good Cuisine

Holidays in the Adriatic Riviera: Fun, Relax and Good Cuisine

Once again it's summertime, and here it is a new rich season of offers in the Adriatic Riviera, the centre of the mass tourism which offers everything, to everyone.
Summertime is coming, and the Adriatic Riviera is ready, as always: not only structures, which do not lack of anything, but also events of any kind – sports, music, culture, art and much more! The first thing to do is to find a hotel, or better to choose it, since the offer is huge. A nice hotel with a swimming pool and a spa to relax between a party night and the other, or a day at the beach and the other: everything’s possible, the offer satisfies everyone!
So, here you are the “wellness beaches”, from the 14th June to the 22nd August, for those who wish to relax with yoga, music and sunsets and loves quiet holidays; an enviable offer of discos and events with DJs and singers for those who love spending their holidays going from one party to another and many sporting events, like the International Skate Team Trophy, on the 2nd and 3rd July, dedicated to the artistic skating fans, or the Blue Fitness, from the 27th to the 29th August, a sporting marathon organized at the Aquafan through the newest sports, to see them and try them all!
The fashion lovers, instead, from the 19th to the 25th July will get the chance to see, at Riccione Moda Italia, the fashion shows of the young creative aspirant dress designers; and for the winners there are scholarships that will help them to get into the most renowned stylist agencies. All this and much more, accompanied and sustained by the excellent wellness centres offers, worthy of all these events and are surely able to take good care of all the guests, just the way they expect: hotels from one to five stars, there’s enough for everyone!
Then, whichever the kind of holiday you prefer may be, the attractions of the Adriatic Riviera are not only touristic: gastronomy is always a good reason to visit new areas. You can choose a restaurant in Riccione and get the chance to taste the local specialities: the Romagna cuisine is simple and healthy, from the famous and beloved piadina, to taste on the street, to the dishes made with simple but nourishing, like the first courses of gnocchi and cappelletti, and the main courses of meat.

Caribbean Cuisine

Caribbean Cuisine

In the Caribbean, there is no need to travel far to sample some of the excellent local cuisine. Caribbean cuisine draws influences from African, Amerindian, Spanish, French, Dutch, Indian and Chinese roots. And, with the advent of migration, the regional traditions have garnered increasing popularity internationally.

The Caribbean is perhaps best known for its Jamaican jerk export. Meats, most commonly chicken, are dry rubbed or wet marinated in a hot spice mixture called Jamaican jerk spice which consists of allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, cloves, cinnamon, scallion, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. The meat is then fired up over a charcoal grill.

Callaloo is another dish consumed widely in the Caribbean with a distinctively mixed African and indigenous quality. It consists of a leafy dish made primarily from the taro or dasheen bush and often with okra. There are many variations of callaloo which include coconut milk, crab, conch, Caribbean lobster, meats and other seasonings.

Outside of the Caribbean, water spinach is substituted for the taro.
Seafood is popular in the Caribbean, and often each island will have its own specialty. Barbados is known for its “flying fish,” while Trinidad and Tobago is famed for its cascadura fish and crab. A popularly consumed street food is a fried shark sandwich called “bake and shark.” Fresh fish and lobster are eaten across the region. The saltwater fish accra is widely consumed across the region and derives its roots from Western Africa.

Indian influenced curry has also successfully penetrated the region’s local cuisines where a wide variety of meats and vegetables are cooked in this way.

American mainstays such as hamburgers have also found its niche in some markets. In the Dominican Republic it is often sold at stands and eaten as a street food.

Kenya's Contribution To The African Safari Holidays

Kenya's Contribution To The African Safari Holidays

When you are looking for those perfect adventure packed holidays, look no further than the African Safari holidays.

What Does Safari Mean?

The term safari is said to have originated from an Arabic word which means 'to journey'. It was mainly used in the times when there was trading between the Arab world and Africa for goods and slaves. Over the years the meaning has changed and now 'safari' has become synonymous with photographing and viewing wild life.

When you refer to the term safari it does not signify a certain time frame. It all depends upon the tour operator. While some may wrap it up in a day, others may offer a longer duration. If you wish to go out on an extensive safari and experience Africa, it is better to opt for a trip which stretches over a couple of days.

African Safari Destinations

Some of the most popular African Safari destinations are Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. African Safari Holidays are, in fact said to have started in Kenya.

The Kenya Safari

Going on an African safari would almost mean going on a Kenya safari holiday, so rich and diverse is the offering from Kenya. Here you will get an opportunity to get close to the big five animals of Africa - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. The national parks here also boast of having animals like the hippopotamus, spotted hyenas, impalas, giraffes, vervets, warthogs, yellow winged fruit bats and much more.

Its forests reserves are home to a variety of reptiles. Some of them are crocodile, chameleon, skink, tortoise to name a few.

Birds like baglafecht weaver, barn swallow, black-chested snake eagle, black-headed heron, black crane, blue-cheek bee-eater, common ostrich and a lot more are found here in abundance.

If that does not speak enough of Kenya's wild life treasure one can imagine the magnitude by the fact that there are a total of 48 national parks in this country.

Besides a rich wild life reserve it is also one of the most scenic places to visit. On one hand are the clear beaches while on the other are mountains like Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Popular National Parks And Reserves In Kenya

Take a look at some of the best national parks in Kenya.

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular national reserves. It is, in fact, an extension of the Serengeti National Park game reserve in Tanzania.

Lake Nakuru National Park is well known for its flamingo flocks.

Amboseli National Park is home to over 50 species of animals and 400 bird species.

Aberdare National Park houses a rare species of rhinoceros that attract large numbers of wild life lovers.

The list will go on and description of Kenya's rich forest reserve will not end. The best way to learn and discover Kenya would be to go on a safari. Wild life is better studied in the fields and what better way than an African Safari holiday.

Luxury Rental of Cannes

Luxury Rental of Cannes

There are few places of the world which are worth seeing and worth visiting. Cannes is of the places in France which is a first choice for many people for vacations or for corporate events. Cannes is one the best known cities of the French Riviera. It is also famous for its annual Cannes Film Festival. Climate of the city is Mediterranean and residents of city enjoy more than 10 hours of sunshine during summer (May to September), while in winter (December to February) the weather is mild. Cannes is also famous for its various luxury restaurants, hotels, shops and luxury villa rental in Cannes. If you look at the available options for Cannes rentals, you will numerous offline & online options. While searching over the internet, the main concern of visitors of Cannes is the cost of the rental and facilities offered by the service provider.

www.rentals-of-cannes.com is one of the most reliable options over the internet for luxury villa rental in Cannes. The website offer personalized services for all types of rentals in Cannes. The services offered by the website is not only include luxury villas but other Cannes property like luxury apartment in Cannes, studio apartments, mansions and services of international rental is also available. On demand yacht charter can also be provided to the visitors.

Big advantage of using services of www.rentals-of-cannes.com is that most of their apartment are located in central Cannes and are especially practical for corporate rental. You can have all type of business oriented series such as DMC services, ADSL or SDSL internet access for media usage, premiere after show parties, and networking BBQ's. Moreover if you don't find some specialized services for your business trip you can request the same.

Almost each luxury villa include basic facilities like satellite TV, air conditioning, cable TV, DVD Player, 24 hour internet access, fully fitted kitchen with cooking utensils, dishwasher, gas grill (BBQ), and microwave are few of the amenities you get in all luxury rentals. Other than these you also get basic services like private parking, phone, iron with ironing board included in the Cannes rentals.

Greece Tours

Greece Tours

On Greece Tours Enjoy Wonderful Warmth Of Mediterranean Climate
On Greece tours, one is sure to enjoy not only warmth of Mediterranean climate but that of the rich traditions and spellbound heritage also. Greece vacations indisputably combine a stay on the mainland and a visit to those enchanting islands. From the archeological point of view also Greece is jam packed with beaches, adobe architecture and active volcanoes that provide tourists to do so much. Another important thing that makes up Greece tours are savory cuisine made up of tempting seafood, Greek salad and a liquor called ouzo.
Some Things You Should Know Before Planning Greece Tours
Travelers to Greece most of the times have seamlessly bewildering options in front of them, but there are only a hand few that ought to take the right decision at the right time. Most of the tour packages are essentially catered to different travel needs such as whether one in an independent traveler or planning to visit the place with one’s family.
Greece Island cruises are a centric element of Greece tours as these provide the travelers with once in a life time experience. Most of the Greece based cruise ships are quite inexpensive and can provide travelers with a fine way to see a large number of interesting places.
Travelling to Greece is quite easy, as most of the travel planners do the required arrangements for their clients. Greece offers something for everyone such as ancient architecture, romance, art and romance. As there are special tours designed for families, couples and adults so one is going to face major problems as far as the lodging and travelling facilities are concerned.

On a tour to Greece, travelers are going to discover the birthplace of the western civilization from where many civilizations evolved.
Activities That Make Up Greece Tours Adventure Rich
There are innumerable fun filled activities that make up Greece tours more exciting and memorable. Some of the things that every person visiting Greece needs to have hands on at least one include hiking, climbing, skiing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. With spectacular scenery around and a friendly weather no one is going to even think of staying in the hotel room while on a Greece tour.
There are many who say that experiencing the best of Greece tours is possible when one is on scooter. There are lots many things that justify this fact, scooters are of good value, easy to park and more so fine off road. All those who are thinking of a Greece tour can keep the festive time in mind if they want a real peep of what Greece is. Carnival lovers can visit Greece in February and March and history lovers in June to September which is the Athens festival time.

Florida Is A Wonderful Choice For Family Summer Holidays

Florida Is A Wonderful Choice For Family Summer Holidays

Whether you’re looking for culture, fun or relaxation, Florida has it all. You can take the kids to explore all the different lands in Disney World, and the surrounding parks; relax on the coast at Fort Myers or experience the luxurious nightlife in Miami. Many different packages are available, and it’s possible to enjoy very cheap holidays to this diverse destination.

If you’re looking for total relaxation, then visit Fort Myers. This area is about three hours from Orlando but feels a million miles away. It is a comparatively quiet area with miles of white beaches and spectacular hotels. Although this area is great for just chilling out on the beach or by the pool, try to explore as there are some attractions that are well-worth visiting. If you fancy exploring the local culture and history, go on the historic downtown art walk. Go to Lakes Park to hire bicycles and boats for the whole family. There are some splash water areas, which you won’t be able to tear the children away from!

If you want to go somewhere with brilliant culture, nightlife and restaurants, then head to Miami. Miami is by far the most flamboyant place in Florida. On the edge of the Caribbean, with palm trees or fountains around every turn, it is a warm and exotic place. Kids will love the famous Miami beach, but this is really a city for adults. For art and film lovers, the annual festivals will be a treat. For three days every December, the Art Basel exhibition is held at Miami Beach. For something that the kids can enjoy, go to the Art of Storytelling International Festival where you’ll find, music, storytelling, puppet shows, dancing and arts and crafts. Try to spend a week or more in Miami to see everything that this vibrant city has to offer.


Support Florida's Cleanup And Visit Their Beaches

Support Florida's Cleanup And Visit Their Beaches

Florida is an American tropical paradise. Florida boasts more than 825 miles of beaches and 1,260 miles of coastline. Despite many worst-case scenarios over oil spills and other environmental disasters, as of the fall 2010, Florida’s beaches are clean and clear. If you have visited Florida’s beaches in the past then rest assured that the beautiful coastline you remember is still there and waiting for you. If this will be your first visit to Florida, you are in for a treat. Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the world.

Florida has a beach for everyone. If you want to plunge into clear waters with a hundred of your closest friends, there is a Florida beach for you. If you want solitude to enjoy the company of a good book or a special companion, there is a quiet secluded beach just for you. If you want a safe place for your family to frolic among the waves, there is a Florida beach for you. The common factors for all of Florida’s beaches are bright sunshine, warm water and clean sand.

If there is one thing that that catastrophic oil spills can teach us, it is that no one can take any of our beaches for granted. It is vital that everyone band together to protect the best beaches for now and the future. Florida has been proactive in protecting its beaches and aggressive in cleaning any problems. Support Florida’s cleanup by visiting its beaches. Confirm for Florida and every other beach community that clean beaches are valuable assets. Visit Florida beaches to demonstrate how important it is for communities to follow Florida’s lead and cleanup to make beaches safe and enjoyable for tourists and residents. Accidents and disasters are inevitable. The entire world shares the same water and air. A problem outside of one community may eventually reach that community as user as the tide reaches the beach. The thing that matters is the response. The cleanup response and the visitor response. Florida has done its part in cleaning up, now it is up to beach-goers to return to the shores.

Surfers can spend a lifetime exploring the waters around Florida. Each wave introduces a new opportunity to test their skills and to reaffirm their love of the sport. Daytona Beach’s gentle slope lets beginner surfers learn the ups and downs of the sport. Jacksonville, in the northern end of Florida is a top spot for surfers, featuring many competitions to show and hone their skills. The beaches between Titusville and Sebastian Inlet have countless surf spots. Experienced surfers can trust local lore for the best beaches or dive out into the ocean and discover an ideal location for their specific needs.


You do not have to hang ten in order to get up close and personal with the Florida surf. A leisurely stroll along one of the more secluded beaches gives you time to seek out and appreciate the quieter moments of Florida beaches. Caladesi Island State Park or Lovers Key State Park are prime destinations when you want to enjoy beautiful surroundings without very many people surrounding you. You will have to share the space with shorebirds, dolphins, manatees and tortoises. These are just a sampling of the wildlife living on the best beaches for you to enjoy.

If you are looking for something not quite as rigorous as surfing and not quite as sedate as a secluded beach, you will find an wide array of beaches that encourage and support active beach-goers. Fort Lauderdale is synonymous with high quality beaches. You can perform all sorts of activities from running, boating, windsurfing, snorkeling, beach volleyball and jet skiing just to name a few. In addition to Fort Lauderdale, you can take advantage of numerous activities at beaches in Miami and Fort Myers.

It is natural to be cautious in the face of an environmental disaster, such as an oil spill in the ocean, but do not let unfounded fears keep you from experiencing what could be the time of your life. Visit Florida’s best beaches. Experience their refreshing beauty for yourself.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Go rekking and Fossil Hunting in Fossil Bluff - Tasmania

Go Trekking and Fossil Hunting in Fossil Bluff - Tasmania

If you have an interest of gathering fossils, hunting rocks, or simply an avid devotee of geology, Tasmania is providing a location called Fossil Bluff for you to explore. The area is recognized as a geological monument on the state, and is also encompassed by various geological marvels.

A result of the waves within the Bass Strait, a sandstone bluff comprising folds of fossils and is encapsulated by the stone and is known as Fossil Bluff was developed. Bass Strait is known as the stretched ocean that splits Tasmania from Australia. The bluff is nestled under the ocean around 38 million years ago and this lies on top some sheets of tillite which were retained there as early as the Permian era. When it’s low tide, you could stroll through the bluff and observe for yourself where sandstone and tillite meet. If you have extraordinary curiosity about fossils, surely you'll see some fossils in majority of the sandstone. The fossils are highlighting its climatic conditions that occurred on this planet during Oligocene era.

You could take some pictures of the fossils but taking it as a souvenir or a specimen is not possible by the Bluff.

You can actually stroll down the Fossil Bluff, the beach and then the Silver Gull rookery situated along the mouth of the Inglis River if the tide is low. The shoreline is inhabited by Fairy Penguins and by the months of September thru February you will witness their nesting areas by searching signs using their waste. Prevent distracting these penguins, research said that their quantities are reducing generally because of the Wynyard Golf Club that is located on top of the Fossil Bluff. Fairy Penguins are known as the smallest kind among the penguin family. Standing only at 43cm, Little Penguins are present down the coastline of southern Australia and New Zealand.

By the west side from the Bluff is a settlement that is famous for its 1888 built station and agricultural goods. The vicinity is looked at as the richest on the entire Tasmania and all credits would go to the volcanic soil found in Table Cape. Table Cape is positioned somewhere in the north coast of Tasmania.


You can see a flat gray rock called Wynyard Tillite that stretches for kilometres from east to west. This tillite originated from the Permian period which is about 280 million years old. It had been asserted the Australian continent was just a part of a huge continent called Gondwana, it was around this age that the tillite was formed and the remainder are history. The area is filled with granites, jaspers and agates which you get hold of as souvenirs from your trip.

Fossil Bluff is simply a 3 kilometre drive by the main city of Wynyard. You may walk down the serene historical beach and enjoy the impressive view around the Bass Strait. Cottages and lodging houses is just a minute off from the area. You too can take a Wynyard trip and find out the marvelous place loaded with history and farmlands.

The place gives the finest accommodation in Tasmania as they possibly can. Wynyard’s streets are loaded with the fundamental necessities you could possibly need. From food stops and stations, cafes, pharmacy, sea foods, post office, boutique shops and the likes; are generally found in the area.

Reservations and bookings to your accommodation in Tasmania are all available on the net. Check into best deal that will benefit you along with your needs. Read some information, reviews and special features with regards to the location for a perfect Tasmanian experience.

Some Of The Best Destinations Across The Globe For Your Honeymoon

Some Of The Best Destinations Across The Globe For Your Honeymoon

Your honeymoon is a magical 'once in a lifetime' holiday to celebrate the start of your married life together. The location of your honeymoon makes a experience so special. There are many places that are perfect for a honeymoon, each offering something special that is unique to the place. Read on to find out some great options that can make your honeymoon memorable.

A honeymoon means much more to a couple than any other holiday. It is the start of the life ahead, of marital bliss. While it gives you the time and privacy to be with each other, it also makes for the most beautiful and unforgettable memories. To make the most of this time, couples search for days and hours to find the perfect destination that makes your honeymoon memorable. There are a variety of locations across the globe that make for a great honeymoon destination. However, to choose among them the best way is to discuss with your partner and reach at a destination that both of you are equally enthusiastic about.

Every place has something distinct about it, which gives it a character of its own. You may love to go to a beach where you can relax with your partner soaking in the sun or the calmness and beauty of hills may attract you. You can visit a place you haven’t been to before and discover the place and culture, if it has always intrigued you. There are options galore, see what interests you the most.

Some of the great honeymoon destinations that you may consider are:

Caribbean - The Caribbean islands do catch the attention of any person thinking of a luxury beach holiday. The magic and charm of the wonderful beaches and colorful culture of the Caribbean islands never fails to enchant anyone. That is the reason it is one of the most popular holiday destination. If you are looking for beautiful white beaches, year round sunshine, water sports, great food and an amazing rich culture and festivity, Caribbean is the place to head to.


Treat of the east - Far East offers some exciting and unique destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Bali. If you are looking for different experience, you are sure to find it here. Asia is rich in terms of diversity, you can get everything from ancient heritage to modern cities. What’s more, a holiday in Asia is value for money as these places offer you the best at truly reasonable prices.

Canada - If you are looking for beautiful locations that also offer you a great lifestyle, Canada is the place to be in. Not crowded like most western cities yet offering the best services and nightlife, you will find all the fun you want here.

Indian Ocean – The Indian Ocean is another area that offers the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white beaches of Maldives and Mauritius with clear blue waters will surely take your breath away. Perfect for a romantic getaway. Other places like Seychelles and Sri Lanka are also great destinations.

Africa - If you love adventure and wildlife, Africa is the place for you. Not only does it have a rich wildlife and natural beauty, it also has two of the seven world wonders and great beaches. That makes for a complete holiday that you always wanted.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Holidays in Haute-Corse, Corsica, France

Holidays in Haute-Corse, Corsica, France

The area of Haute-Corse is the name of the northern part of the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean off the southwest coast of France. Corsican people are very independent and the island has some autonomy from the centralised French government. The island even has its own language spoken by most residents, which is more like an Italian dialect though many also speak fluent French. The main town of Bastia is one the very northern tip of the island as is the main ferry port for sailings from the French mainland.

Bastia

Bastia is the second largest town on the island after the capital Ajaccio and is full of historic buildings dating from the 14th century when the Genoese sailors first began constructing a shelter. The citadel in the town dates from a few centuries later and provides great views over the port. The town is also home to the Museum of Corsica, detailing the history of the island, and the former palace of the Genoese governors. The area is well-known for its wines and you can visit a number of vineyards nearby.


Calvi and Corte

The town of Calvi is one of the main resorts on the island of Corsica, boasting white sandy beaches with the spectacular backdrop of Monte Cinto 20 km inland. The town hosts a jazz festival every June and you can take boat trips from Calvi along the nearby coast. Croisieres Colombo Line runs trips in a glass-bottomed boat to Galeria and Girolata via the offshore nature reserve of Scandola. The town itself has a 13th century church and a hilltop chapel offering views of the coast and mountains. Corte is a fortified inland town which is a great base for exploring the countryside and mountains. From here you can follow hiking trails in the summer or ski in the winter. The Gorges de la Restonica 12 km from the town are well worth a visit and from them you can hike to the amazing waterfall of Voile de la Mariee.


GR 20 trail

The GR 20 is a high-level mountain trail that runs through the Corsican mountains from Calenzana and Conca. The northern part of the walk is more difficult because of the steep paths but has the best views, while the second part is an easier route through meadows. You can find itineraries online if you want to tackle the whole stretch, which include details of overnight stops, or you can walk along the trail for just a few hours.