Enjoy a World Tour

ALGERIA - Tipaza

2011-03-05T22:47:00.000-08:00

Algeria is home to several World Heritage Sites, including the fascinating town of Tipaza. Once a Roman military colony, Tipaza has some fascinating ruins. Nestled among trees and palms are the remains of the town's Great Basilica, its Roman baths and amphitheatre, and numerous mosaics.

Tipaza (formerly Tefessedt, Chenoua: Bazar, Arabic: تيبازة‎) is a Berber-speaking town on the coast of Algeria, capital of the Tipaza province. The modern town, founded in 1857, is remarkable chiefly for its sandy beach, and ancient Berber and Roman ruins.

Modern era

Near Tipaza at 36°33'58"N 2°28'50"E, there is Tipaza longwave transmitter, a facility for broadcasting a French speaking program on the longwave frequency 252 kHz, which can be well received in many parts of Europe.

Another Roman town of the same name

Another town which was called Tipasa, in Latin Timesis, was located in Constantine Province, 88 km (55 mi) due south of Annaba, 957 m above the sea; it is now called Tifesh. The chief ruin is that of an extensive fortress, the walls of which are 3 m thick.

ALGERIA - Ben Aknoun Zoo

2011-03-04T03:47:00.000-08:00

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Situated in the south-west of Algiers, this zoological garden is one of Algeria's top tourist attractions. Indeed, it is one of the oldest in Africa. The Ben Aknoun Zoo is home to numerous species of animals, which range from crocodiles, monkeys and camels to African elephants and tigers. There are also hotels, restaurants and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy during their stay.

Open: daily

Admission: charge

ALGERIA - Notre Dame d'Afrique (Basilica of Algiers)

2011-03-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

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Notre Dame d'Afrique (Our Lady of Africa) is a Catholic church that is the basilica of Algiers, Algeria.

The basilica was inaugurated in 1872, after fourteen years of construction. Its architect, Jean Eugene Fromageau, who had been appointed the chief architect for ecclesiastical buildings in French Algeria in 1859, employed a Neo-Byzantine style that was in vogue for church architecture in France at that time. Its floorplan is unusual as the choir is situated on the southeast instead of the usual east side of the building.

Notre Dame d'Afrique is located on the north side of Algiers, on a 124m (407 ft) cliff overlooking the Bay of Algiers. It formerly could be reached from the city centre by a cable car. The basilica can be considered to be the counterpiece to the church of Notre-Dame de la Garde on the other side of the Mediterranean, in Marseille. Its symbolic and religious importance can be summed up by the inscription on the apse: Notre Dame d'Afrique priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans ("Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for the Muslims").

ALGERIA - Algiers Botanical Gardens

2011-03-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

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Located in Algiers, Algeria, DZ, North Africa, The Botanical Gardens in Algiers are known locally as the Jardin d'Essai du Hamma and have finally reopened after a lengthy period of restoration. Established in 1832, these gardens are said to be the oldest of their kind in Algeria and are one of the capital's top attractions. Divided into a French garden, English garden and zoo area, there's plenty to see and do, with thousands of plant and animal species. The gardens now also feature restaurants and an information centre for visitors.

ALGERIA - El Kala National Park

2011-03-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

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Located in north-eastern Algeria, El Kala National Park reaches as far as the Tunisian border to the east and to the Mediterranean Sea in the north. The park is made up of several ecosystems, including forests, lakes and marshes, and coastal waters. Some 40 species of mammals can be found living here, including the Barbary stag, which has become the symbol of the region. The El Kala National Park is also home to 25 bird of prey species, nine marine bird species and 64 species of freshwater birds. Visitors cannot fail to be delighted by El Kala's beautiful beaches, which are known for their particularly fine sand. The park was created in 1983 and was recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO as soon after as 1990.

ALBANIA - Butrint 'Ancient City'

2011-02-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

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The ancient city of Butrint was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and is the most important archaeological site in Albania. Butrint is situated on a low promontory on the southwest coast of Albania. Butrint is undeniably a beautiful place. Close to modern civilization yet with its monuments in thick woodland, it is reminiscent of the age of 19th-century tourism. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city's development.

ALBANIA - Berati 'City of thousand windows'

2011-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

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Known as the ‘Museum City’, Berati is undoubtedly a ‘must see’ for any traveller visiting Albania. Being more than 2,400 years old the town of Berati is one of the most attractive towns in Albania, rich in architecture, culture and history. Berati is also blessed with a dramatic location – situated at the foot of Mount Tomorri on the shores of the River Osumi. The ‘Town of one Thousand Windows’ is most famous for its white-washed houses which with their many windows seem to have been built on top of each other. Built almost all in white on a slope of green with the river at its feet, it offers a striking view as soon as it becomes visible.
The old town of Berati retains a unique style of architecture with its narrow and stone paved streets – ideal for exploration on foot. The castle is the only one in Albania (and perhaps one of the few in the world) that still has houses and inhabitants within its walls, each going about their daily life in exactly the same way that their predecessors did centuries ago.

ALBANIA - Prespa Lakes

2011-02-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

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The Prespa Lakes are only a short distance to the south of Lake Ohrid and belong to Albania, Greece and Macedonia. Because of the natural diversity and spectacular scenery within the region it has only recently been proclaimed a National Park, the ‘Balkan Park of Prespa’, with a long-term view to develop eco-tourism.

The two lakes are shallower than Ohrid with a maximum depth of only 54m and the shoreline is generally rocky. Big Prespa lake is 285 sq. km whilst Small Prespa is 44 sq. km. They lie at an altitude of 850m and are surrounded by mountains reaching up to 2,334m.

ALBANIA - Mount Dajti National Park

2011-02-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

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Scenic Mount Dajti National Park is located to the northeast of Tirana and provides a weekend and leisure nature playground to Tirana residents. It is particularly interesting for its wild flowers and different climatic zones and is an ideal spot to escape for some peace, quiet and easy walking.

The highest peak sits at a lofty 1,612 metres. In winter, the mountain is often covered with snow, offering a popular winter retreat to the local population of Tirana. The slopes of Mount Dajti are home to forests of pine and beech trees.

ALBANIA - Voskopoja

2011-02-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

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Just 21 km from Korca, the remote hill town of Voskopoja is one of the most atmospheric and evocative places in this part of the Balkans. In a region adorned with large conifer forests and wide-open countryside, seven churches still remain – some adorned with some remarkable fresco paintings. The region today is inhabited by a few hundred Vlach shepherds (a small minority in Albania).

Voskopoja became one of the most developed and prosperous cities in the European part of the Ottoman Empire between the 17th and 18th centuries, and was even bigger than Athens and Sofia. The first of its 24 churches were constructed in the 17th century. In 1720 the first printing press in the Balkans was established here, and in 1760 books were being printed. The town declined at the end of the 18th century as Korca grew as the regional capital.

ALBANIA - Lura National Park

2011-02-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

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The Lura lakes consist of 12 glacial lakes located in the Lura mountains in the northeast of Albania, close to the town of Peshkopia. The 1,280 hectares of mountainous terrain are heavily forested with black pine, fir and beech. National park status was granted to the area to protect the beautiful lakes which lie within it.

These remote glacial lakes are famous for their natural beauty. Lura mountain climbs up to a height 1,600 to 1,700 metres with magnificent beech trees and higher up conifers. The highest point, a bare peak called 'Kurora e Lures' (Lura's Crown) rises to 2,112 metres, but most visitors will prefer to confine themselves to visiting the lakes which occupy glacial cirques at heights of between 1,200 - 1,500 metres or at best the four principle lakes, the 'Liqeni i Madh' (Great Lake), 'Liqeni i Zi' (Black Lake), 'Leqeni i Luleve' (Lake of Flowers), and 'Liqeni i Lopeve' (Cows' Lake).

ALBANIA - Thethi National Park

2011-02-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

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The isolated and remote Thethi National Park is located in the far north of Albania in the Dinaric Alps. The park and valley consists mostly of beech forest with some conifers and broad-leafed trees such as ash and hornbeam.

The largest settlement in the area is the pretty village of Thethi which during the height of communism was a tourist resort. Adventurous travellers who make it to Thethi are amply rewarded – the setting is quite dramatic with a backdrop of the high peaks of the Albanian Alps.

Shkodra is the nearest major town to Thethi, 70 km away. Due to the poor road conditions and remoteness of the region, hiring a 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver is the recommended and most reliable way to travel – and an adventure in itself!

ALBANIA - Llogara National Park

2011-02-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

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Llogara National Park is located along the ridge of cliffs between the coastal towns of Vlora and Himara. The park is covered by dense black pine forests and gives rise to a 1,027m pass – ‘the Llogara Pass’. The park is rich in wildlife, in particular with roe deer, squirrels, foxes, wolves and wild boar.

Walking is a popular activity in Llogara and the park is an ideal location for sky activity pursuits such as parachuting.

ALBANIA - Lake Ohrid 'Deepest Lake on the Balkan Peninsula'

2011-02-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

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Located in eastern Albania/western Macedonia and bisected by the Macedonian/ Albanian border, the 367 sq. km Lake Ohrid is the deepest lake on the Balkan Peninsula with an average depth of 138m and a maximum of 294m. It is also a popular summer holiday and hiking destination for Macedonians, Albanians and other eastern Europeans.

With its tectonic origins as a result of movements in the earth’s crust, Ohrid has a rich marine environment and is home to some unique species of fish – including the speckled trout. One of the best ways to explore the Lake Ohrid region, either in Albania or Macedonia is by mountain-bike.

ALBANIA - Apollonia 'Ruined Corinthian City'

2011-02-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

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The ruined city of Apollonia is a 20 minute drive from the small Albanian town of Fieri and is certainly worth a stop when travelling en route between Tirana and the south. Although the site is not particularly extensive, the rural location is beautiful – set amongst hills and fields. It was founded by Corinthian colonists around 600 BC and at that time was a vibrant port. In the years from 214 BC onwards the city was involved in the war between the Illyrian Taulanti and Casander, the King of Macedonia. In 229 BC the city came under Roman control. In 148 BC it was integrated into the province of Macedonia.
Two significant structures remain at Apollonia – the façade of a Roman bouleuterion with its elegant columns and a small Roman theatre complete with original seats. Attached to the site near the entrance is a 13th century Byzantine monastery.

ALBANIA - Shkodra

2011-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

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Located close to the northwest border with Montenegro, Shkodra is one of the oldest towns in Europe and is the third largest town in Albania. Three rivers converge here – the Drini, the Kiri and the Buna. The town also serves as a suitable start-point and base for more adventurous journeys into the remote far north of Albania.

In the 3rd century BC Shkodra was the capital of the Illyrian Kingdom of the Ardians (whose queen was the legendary Teuta). Roman occupation was followed by Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish Ottoman rule. It was the Venetians who left their mark on the city after almost 100 years of rule and nowadays Italian is widely spoken. The city is also the centre of Catholicism in the country.

ALBANIA - Kruja 'Skanderbeg’s City'

2011-02-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

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Set against a backdrop of the almost vertical limestone wall of the Kruja mountains, the small town of Kruja is known by many as the ‘Balcony of the Adriatic’. Kruja's mountain citadel affords magnificent views of the surrounding region and across the coastal plains to the sea.Built on as isolated spur of limestone at a height of 548m, Skanderbeg’s castle is the main place of interest in the town. Within its grounds are two interesting museums. Although small, Kruja Bazaar is also worth exploring with its single street of quaint shops which have undergone extensive restoration. The castle area has a couple of restaurants and provides an ideal place to relax and take in the wonderful views.

AFGHANISTAN - Tora Bora

2011-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

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Tora Bora is a world famous cave complex located in the White Mountains (Safed Koh) of Eastern Afghanistan. In the local language Pashto, Tora Bora can be literally translated as Black Dust. Tora Bora caves are approximate 50km west of the Khyber Pass and 10km north of the Pakistani border. When the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001, the Taliban regime of Kabul suffered defeat and its 'guest' Osama bin Laden was forced to take refuge in the cave complex of Tora Bora. This turned Tora Bora into a battlefield. US and anti-Taliban Afghan forced Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters to leave Tora Bora. Laden was not found in Tora Bora and where he escaped from thee is a mystery. Before anyone heard of Osama bin Laden, Tora Bora was known as a mystic picnic spot. Plans are on to turn Tora Bora into a £5.3million tourist resort. Hotels and restaurants are being built on the mountains surrounding the caves.

AFGHANISTAN - Panjshir Valley

2011-01-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

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Panjshir Valley is undoubtedly the most beautiful region in Afghanistan. The Valley, located about 60 miles from Kabul, Panjshir Valley is known for its fascinating landscape and possesses great potential for trekking. The Valley, which stretches for 62miles to the Anjoyman Pass, has been the centre of Afghan resistance against the invading Soviets and the ultra-conservative Taliban.

Mausoleum of Ahmed Shah Masood, the legedanry mujahedin fighter and Afghan national hero, lies in the Panjshir Valley. The Mausoleum is nothing less than a pilgrimage centre for the visitors. Masud, a brilliant military strategist, foiled nine Russian attempts to conquer Panjshir Valley. He continued his struggle against the Taliban until he was assassinated in a terrorist attack in 2001.

AFGHANISTAN - Minaret of Jam

2011-01-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

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Minaret of Jam, one of the World Heritage Sites in Afghanistan, talks with the sky in a remote valley encircled by barren mountains. Constructed in the 12th century, it is only undamaged monument from the Ghorid period. Soaring to the height of 65 metres, it is the second tallest minaret in the world. Setting of the Minaret enhances its impact.
Objective behind the construction of the tower is not yet clear. Some regard it as Victory Tower, while some think that it would have been part of any other grand design. Archaeological remains of a fortress, palace, wall and market have been found near the market. Archaeologists are trying to find out if the tower has any relation to these discoveries.

AFGHANISTAN - Khyber Pass

2011-01-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

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Khyber Pass has always been important due to its strategic location. It has been an important link between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Throughout history it has been an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia. It is one of the most important mountain passes in the history. Crossing the Khyber is quite adventurous. Pakistan controls the khyber Pass now a days. At present two highways thread their way through the Khyber Pass-one for motor traffic, and one for the traditional caravans. A railway line also travels to the head of the pass. Recently, the Khyber Pass has been used to transport refugees from the Afghan civil war into Pakistan, and transport arms into Afghanistan. The highway over the Khyber Pass links Kabul to Peshawar. Villages lie on each side of the Khyber Pass. The people of the Khyber Pass are mainly Pashtuns.

AFGHANISTAN - Kabul Museum

2011-01-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

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Kabul Museum was once considered the most comprehensive record of Central Asian history. Also known as Afghanistan National Museum, Kabul museum was one of the most famous archaeological sites in Afghanistan. Built in 1920, the museum was home to some of the finest collections in central Asia. Many antiquities from Kushan, early Buddhism and early Islam have been hosted by the museum. Some early manuscripts, miniatures, weapons and art objects belonging to former royal families were stored here. Almost 90% of the artifacts in the museum were excavated in Afghanistan and formed a complete historical record of the great cultural crossroad of Asia.

AFGHANISTAN - Band-e-Amir Lakes

2011-01-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

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Afghanistan established its first national park on April 22, 2009, to promote and protect the natural beauty of a series of intensely blue lakes created by natural dams high in the Hindu Kush. Band-e-Amir is a chain of six lakes in the mountainous desert of central Afghanistan. The lakes formed from mineral-rich water that seeped out of faults and cracks in the rocky landscape. Over time, the water deposited layers of hardened mineral (travertine) that built up into walls that now contain the water. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, who helped the Afghan government set up the park, Band-e-Amir is one of the few travertine systems in the world.

The Landsat-7 satellite acquired this image of Band-e-Amir on October 22, 2002. The starkness of the landscape highlights the ruggedness of the terrain around the lakes. Towering cliffs create sharp lines and shadows on the south side of many of the lakes. The lakes range in color from faint turquoise to deep blue.

On the ground, the lakes are famous for their intense and varying colors, an artifact of the minerals that fill the water and created the lakebeds. Band-e-Amir has also been nominated to be a World Heritage Site.

The five lakes of Band-e Amir are arguably Afghanistan's greatest natural asset. The group of five lakes are collectively known as Band-e- Amir. Band-e-Amir lakes are also considered the lakes of jewels. Lakes of Band e Amir are formed naturally with special geological formations. Color of the water is deep blue flourishing with amazing natural beauty.