The places you have to visit

Cage diving south africa

2016-02-12T05:36:00.000-08:00

Look at these photos below. Do you dare to dive with this creature and look at her eyes?

Of course you will be in absolutely safe environments. Or in almost safe… Don’t worry, it’s a joke

Ok, what the cage diving with sharks can propose to you.

First, as I already mentioned it’s a meeting with a great white shark in the open ocean

Second, most touristic agencies propose dinner during the tour

Third, you will heard a lot of stories about the sharks

And at last you will spend a day in the excellent company

So, if you plan visit South Africa I recommend include diving with sharks in you things to do list

Last Supper Tickets

2016-02-10T01:35:00.003-08:00

Without any doubts The Last Supper created by Leonardo da Vinci is a main attraction in Milan. It’s so popular that it’s absolutely impossible to see this masterpiece without tickets reservation in advance.

When I was in Milan I tried to buy tickets near the entrance and I need to admit that it was my mistake. You can’t buy tickets to Santa Maria Church (place where the The Last Supper located) there. There are two opportunities to buy the tickets. First is to ask tickets in your hotel. It’s too dangerous since tickets to the Last Supper are limited and they sell very quickly. So, you can ask but there is a great probability that you will give a negative response.

Second, is to buy tickets in advance online. I have prepared a few links for you which you can follow and buy tickets to the Last Supper Online. As for me it’s a most suitable and convenient way to see greatests masterpiece. Enjoy your stay Milan!!!

Barcelona Discount Card

2016-02-08T05:58:00.003-08:00

Barcelona Discount Card gives you opportunity make a great savings during your stay in the city. As for me it’s a paramount thing which you need to buy when you plan to visit this amazing place.

There are 3 types of Barcelona Card: 3, 4, and 5 days. In additional to the entrance’s discounts (and in some cases free) to the well-known museums in the city you can get discount to the bus tours in the city. And also with Barcelona card you can also use public transport for free. Isn’t a great discount deal?

You can buy Barcelona Discount Card by following one of the links below, and thereafter redeem it at the airport or at one of the our locations in the city. Have a good stay in Barcelona!!!

Peles Castle

2015-06-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful castles in the world – Peles Castle – located in Romania, near the city of Sinaia. It was built by the king Carl First at the last quarter of the 19 century when Romania became independent state.

Pales castle has been designed in Neo-Renaissance style with some elements of Baroque and even a Gothic. One of the sticking features of the castle – its terraces with a lot of fountains, gardeners, sculptures and balconies.

Just before the entrance to the castle there is the statue of Carl First, who greets the visitors.

The interior of the Peles castle can be described as the mix of the culture and the history. All 170 rooms of the

Peles castle are decorated in refined style. It lavishly adorned by the furniture, paintings, vases and other decorative elements.

As for me most impressive rooms in the castle are: Big Armory Room where you can one of the biggest and finest collections of weapon in world, Florence room which is adorned in style of Michelangelo style, Moorish saloon where you can even see marble fountain.

Also many rooms of the castle exhibit a lot of arts which are reckoned as of the finest in the Europe.

For its time Peles castle has been at the edge of technology. It had central heating system and the electricity.

As others museums of Europe castle is close on Mondays. Also in November Peles is closed for maintenance and refurbishment.

Rasnov fortress

2015-06-16T22:27:00.002-07:00

Undeservedly neglected Rasnov fortress lies not far from the famous Bran castle. It was built in 1355.

Rasnov fortress endured a lot of sieges and capitulated only once – in 1612 when the source of water was out of the walls. After that a deep well (which exists today) has been delved inside. According to the legend it was dug by the Turkish prisoners in exchange of their liberty.

Tropaeum Traiani

2015-06-13T01:36:00.004-07:00

The Tropaeum Traiani fortress lies near the Adamclisi village at approximately 70 km south-west to Constantza. The Tropaeum Traiani consists from the three main parts: the altar, the mausoleum and the fortress.

Main feature of the complex (most interesting for the tourists) is a triumphal monument which is located on the north side of Adamclisi village on the top of the hill.

The triumphal monument has been erected between 106-109 to glorify and commemorate the Roman victories over the Dacian in the first Dacian War.

The monument is a huge stone socle with roof holding the trophy’s statue which has been designed in the style of the Apollodorus of Damascus. It represents the armor of the Roman officer.

Some decorative pieces and inscription fragments with the names of 3800 soldieries have been preserved. Today they are exhibited in the small museum in Adamclisi village. On the site of triumphal monument you can see their copies. The Tropaeum Traiani has been very well restored in the Roman-Byzantine period during the time of the Justinian. In the following centuries it was declined. The place has been excavated and restored between 1971-1977

Also, today, many historians name the Tropaeum Traiani as the birth certificate of the Romanian people.

Sucevita

2015-06-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

The abbey of Sucevita located at the north-east part of Romainia near the border with Ukraine. It was conceived in 1586 upon the initiative of Metropolitan Gheorghe Movila. Movila was the member of the powerful family and, in fact, Sucevita abbey is their joint work.

Sucevita abbey retains the trilobite plan and the style established at the time of Stephen the Greate. It’s not only an abbey. Sucevita is also a fortress. It has defensive walls with four corner towers and one tower with chapter above the passage way.

But Sucevita is famous not only for its architecture. The main reason why it attracts a lot of tourists is its paintings which are distributed all over the free surface.

The nave of the Sucevita is adorned with a miniature mosaic of episodes from Jesus’ Life, three images of the Genesis where the nature the landscape are in the forefront and the votive picture with a multitude of characters.

Sucevita is a monument with a biggest number of religious images in the country. Actually is a last church in Bucovina with painted facades. Images were done by Sofronie and Ion who blended in their works tradition and innovations.

Also visitors can attend the small museum in Sucevita where they can see the richest and the valuable medieval art collections in Moldovia.

Lindos beach

2015-03-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Lindos has two beaches. The main beach of the Lindos is a sandy beach with a shallow water entrance. At the beach you can rent the sunbeds and umbrellas. Near the beach there are a few restaurants where you can leave your car. Also beach is equipped with shower.

Another beach of Lindos - is a St Paul’s beach. I have not visited this beach but I saw it from the top of the Lindos Acropolis.

According to the legends it was the place where St Paul made a stop on his way to Rome when his ship has been caught by strong storm. So, according to the legend Christianity started to spread from St Paul’s beach.

As the main beach, St Paul’s beach is also very well equipped.

Photo St Paul’s beach

Photo Lindos main beach

Landshut

2015-03-21T12:44:00.001-07:00

Like a Munich Landshut (originates from the 13 century) lies on the banks of the Isar River. City stretches between two main historical sights: Abbey of Seligenthal and the Trausnits castle.

Altstadt and Neustadt are central squares of the Landshut. Here you can find many shops, cafes and restaurants. Jesuitenkirche (or Church of St Ignaz) which lies in the way out of Neudstadt originates from the beginning of the 17 century. In its interior you can see magnificent Baroque altar which was set here in 1663.

Photos It's a not a festival. It's a ordinary wedding :) in the Landshut „Landshuter Hochzeit 08“. Lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 3.0 über Wikimedia Commons

Martinskirche church is interested thanks to the fact that three architects works on it in the one moment. Another interesting fact about this church is that its bell tower considered to be the longest in the world. You can lift to the top of the tower and enjoy the beautiful view of the Landshut below.

Photo No, I understood that it's a festival dedicated to the wedding „Landshuter hochzeit 5“ von Ludwig Gruber ( Lou.gruber ) - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter Gemeinfrei über Wikimedia Commons

One of the most beautiful buildings of the Landshut is a Stadtresidenz (Residence) which located at Altstadt 79 Stadtresidenz consist from the two adjacent buildings. One of them is Deutscher Bau which originates from the middle of the 16 century and the Italienischer Bau which is also dating from the 16 century. Btw, Stadtresidenz is a first palace which was built in the Renaissance style in Germany.

Stadtresidenz has a lavishly decorated façade with the coat of arms of the King Ludwig the Ten of Bavaria. In its interior visitor can see reception hall designed in the Renaissance style and other rooms with frescos of the 16 century.

Last one photo from the Landshut wedding „LandshuterHochzeit2005-08“ von Pietro Foglietti (Wiki User Id: Leoperutz) - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter CC BY-SA 3.0 über Wikimedia Commons

Lindos

2015-03-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

The village of Lindos (or a small town) is a one of the most beautiful places in Greece. It’s mostly known for its Acropolis but Lindos is a wonderful mix of the historical houses and the nice beaches.

Lindos is a one of the most eldest settlements on the world. Dorians, who occupied the Rhodes, founded it around the 1000BC. Some archeologists believe that the Lindos more elder settlement which origin leads us into the pre-historical times.

You can get to the Lindos by bus that is departing from the Rhodes town or by boat from the Rhodes port. Of cause, most convenient way to get to the Lindos – by using the car.

Photo Lindos street

Anyway, the streets of the Lindos are entirely pedestrianized so you will need to park your car somewhere near the village (when I was in Lindos I parked the car near the restaurant on the beach) and explore the city on your foot. Or to use the donkey – only one allowed transport in the village.

Main attraction of the Lindos it’s its Acropolis which dominants the village. But don’t miss so-called Captain’s Houses which is scattered around the Lindos. They are originate from 15 century when Lindos prospered from the sea trade and many of them are open for public. And many of them today are transformed into the souvenir shops.

In the center of the village there is the Church of Assumption which originates from the 15 century. It’s hard to miss because church located on the main way to Acropolis.

My recommendation first explore the Acropolis and after stroll the streets of the Lindos. The streets are narrow and strong sun will not harm you. You can buy some souvenir, explore Lindos streets and houses and have a rest at the one of the Lindos cafes.

And don’t forget spend a few hours on the one of the Lindos beaches.

Schleißheim Palace

2015-03-17T23:47:00.001-07:00

This palace was contrived by King Maximilian Emanuel as the Versailles rival. The construction of Schleißheim Palace started in 1701 under the supervising of the Italian architect Enrico Zucalli.

Soon after the beginning construction has been interrupted (after the war between Austria and Bavaria) and resumed in 1717 under the supervising of Joseph Effner.

Photo "Schlosspark Oberschleißheim, Jagdschloss Lustheim (8674625953)" by Heribert Pohl --- Thanks for half a million clicks! from Germering bei München, Bayern - Schlosspark Oberschleißheim, Jagtschloss Lustheim. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Common

"Germany-Oberschleissheim Castle 03" by I, Rado Bahna. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Fürstenfeldbruck

2015-03-16T23:34:00.001-07:00

The oldest building in the Fürstenfeldbruck is a former abbey which is located on the road to the Augsburg. This abbey was founded in the 13 century and rebuilt by designs of Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Viscardi who transformed it into the largest Baroque church in Bavaria.

Another notable building in the Fürstenfeldbruck is church of Mariae-Himmelfahrtskirche which lavishly decorated interior. Today this church houses a small museum.

Photo "Hauptstr. 4 Altes Rathaus Fuerstenfeldbruck-1" by Rufus46 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

As usual, you can find many old houses in the center of the Fürstenfeldbruck. Among them there is an Old Town Hold which has been refurbished at the end of the 19 century.

Photo "Schoengeisinger Str. 18 Fuerstenfeldbruck-1" by Rufus46 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Acropolis Lindos

2015-03-16T12:24:00.002-07:00

Most of us associate the world of “Acropolis” with Acropolis in Athens. But Acropolis in Greek means the “fortress” and in ancient Greece were a lot of Acropolises.

One of the survived Acropolises of ancient Greece is a Lindos Acropolis, which is located at the top of rock near the Lindos village on the Rhodos island.

When you visit the Lindos you will notice how the felicitous the location of Lindos Acropolis. It’s unapproachable. You can lift to the Acropolis only by one road which is running along the well defended Acropolis walls.

Photo Lindos Acropolis

Lindos Acropolis it’s not only a fortress. It was also a sacral place and today at the top of the Acropolis you can see the vestiges of ancient temple dedicated to the Athens. This temple, according to the legends, has been built in the pre-historic times by Danaus who came to the island trying to escape from outrage of Hera. Of course current ruins are belong to the later times. They are dated by the 3 century BC.

First ancient monument which you will see when climb to the Lindos Acropolis will be the image of ancient trireme carved on the rock. This is unique monument, which has been completed in 280 BC to commemorate naval victory of Lindos fleet.

As the fortress Lindos Acropolis was not only used by the ancient Greeks. Further owners of the island used it as the fortress as well. And today Lindos Acropolis is a combination of fortifications of different epochs. Most of the fortifications, which you can see today at Acropolis, belong to the Knight’s period of the history of Rhodes.

They were built in the middle of the 14 century. And as you can see knights actively used the ancient building as the source for their fortifications.

Big tanks for the water storage (the lack of the water could cause a big problems for the fortress defenders) were built in the Byzantium times.

I don’t know the history of the Lindos Acropolis when island was under the Turkish control. Probably castle stood abandoned.

When Rhodos has been a part of the Italy in the first part of the 20 century, Italian architects partly restored ancient monuments of the Lindos Acropolis. For example the Propylea, a big open-air staircase, which leads to the ruins of the Temple of the Athens.

And I want to mention the magnificent views of the Rhodos island below of Lindos Acropolis. I’m sure that you will enjoy it .

Kloster Indersdorf

2015-03-15T07:50:00.002-07:00

This abbey originates from the 11 century. It was founded by the Augustinian monks on the banks of the Glonn River. Of course almost nothing is left from the original building, only a few vestiges of the 11th century basilica can been seen as a part of the new church.

In the 18 century Kloster Indersdorf has been rebuilt in the Rococo style by designs of the Italian architect Antonio Riva.

Photo „Markt Indersdorf - Kloster - Panorama“ von Guido Radig - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter CC BY 3.0 über Wikimedia Commons

Inside of the church you can see such art works as the paintings of scenes of the life of the Saint Augustine which were completed in the middle of the 18 century.

Photo „Markt Indersdorf Orgel“ von Mtag - Eigenes Werk. Lizenziert unter CC0 über Wikimedia Commons

Military Museum Brussels

2015-03-13T14:38:00.001-07:00

When I was in the Brussels, I was very surprised by the Military Museum, which is occupying the left wing of the Arch of Triumph in the Jubilee Park. The museums has a lot of collections which is relating not only to the Belgian Army.

Below some of my photos which I did in the museum. Hope they will give the idea of what you can see inside. I only want to mention that museum has Royal status and free entrance.

Brussels Royal Park

2015-03-10T22:32:00.001-07:00

Brussels Royal Park is known as the Park of Brussels. As you can see from its name, the park is a part of the Royal Residence and it’s located in from of the Palace. Another noticeable building which you can see near the Park are Parliament and Office of the Belgian Prime Minister.

Photo Brussels Royal Park

In the park you can see a lot of statues and fountains. Also sometimes you can see here some concert or other event which are conducting on open air.

Grand Place in Brussels

2015-03-09T10:18:00.004-07:00

The Grand Place in Brussels (it’s also called Grote Markt) is considered as most beautiful square in Europe. The architectural ensemble of Grand Place form buildings from the three different epoch – Gothic, Baroque and the time of Louis XIV.

In the Middle Ages Grand Place was a city’s market, place where the citizens of Brussels sold their product. Also it was the political center of the city and the place where were conducted the executions.

Most famous building at Grand Palace are old Town Hall and Maison du Roi (Bread house).

The Grand Place in Brussels is almost always crowded. Here is always hustle and fuss so if want to enjoy its spectacular view in the silence you have to visit this place in the morning.

Brussels

2015-03-07T10:03:00.001-08:00

May be it’s a city’s fate that Brussels is a capital of EU. Few centuries ago Brussels was the capital of the greatest empire in the world and I think that administrative traditions are not disappeared from the city since then.

And it’s generally accepted that the main square of the city – is a most beautiful square in Europe. As for me it’s enough to make a decision about visit the city so when I was in western Germany I have not missed opportunity to visit Brussels with the one day excursion.

One thing has overshadowed my experience in the city. It’s a lot of garbage across the streets. I was told later that public utilities went on strike that day. So I was not lucky and I hope they revise the situation.

Brussels is a small city. I didn’t use public transport. It’s about a 15 minutes’ walk from the train station to the city’s center. It was early morning when I arrived in Brussels and I didn’t meet a lot of tourists on the city’s streets. It was good because I was able to do the photos of what I liked without hurrying up.

This donkey meet me in the some district of the Brussels

Of course I started my excursion from the famous Grand Place which once was the focal center of the city. Grand Place has been destroyed at the end of the 18 century after huge bombarding from the French troops. Later king Louis 14 restored the Grand Place in the splendid style.

Next stop of my excursion was St. Michael’s Cathedral well-known by its twin bell towers. This place impressed me so much that I even come back here after few hours wandering across Brussels’ streets.

By the way Brussels is known for its fish restaurants. After all it’s only a few hundred kilometers away of seashore and in Brussels you can always test fresh sea products.

Next main attractions in Brussels are Royal Palace with garden, so-called European Quarter with lot of administrative buildings and the Triumph Arch which hosts nice military museums. You should definitely visit this museum especially if you a fan of Napoleon.

Photo old streets in the Brussels

And don’t miss in the Brussels chocolate shops. They scattered around the city and as I know I Brussels there are even special tours on these shops. Also as for me chocolate from the Brussels is the best souvenir from the city as well as the local beer.

I didn’t find famous Manneken Pis fountain in Brussels. Don’t worry in the city there are a lot of signs which point to this monument. May be it was to small (as well as the rest sculptures in the city) and I didn’t notice it. But I found in the city a lot of others small sculptures and fountains which adorn the city’s streets.

Photo House at Grand Plac

Royal Palace Brussels

2015-03-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Royal Palace in Brussels stands under the place of the former Duke’s Palace. So it’s exactly the place where once sat Charles V – one of the most powerful kings in Europe. Unfortunately nothing left from the old palace in Brussels. In 1731 old palace was completely destroyed during the fire.

New Palace has been designed by Louis Montoyer. To be exact he built two houses which were intended to be the home for the royal family but later William of Orange combined them into the one Palace.

Photo Royal Palace Brussels

During the reign of King King Leopold II building has been revamped and took its current guise.

During the summer time (in July and August) the Royal Palace is open for public. But if you visit Brussels in different period you can visit the museum dedicated to the royal family which is located at the right wing of the Palace.

Brussel Botanical Garden

2015-03-06T10:54:00.007-08:00

Don’t confuse this garden with the Royal Park in Brussel. Brussel Botanical Garden located not far from the city’s Cathedral but frankly speaking I found it absolutely incidentally

Photo Brussles Botanical Graden

It’s real green oasis with more than 18000 plants near the business and financial center of the city. It has been developed in the middle of the 19 century and preserved its original charm. Very nice place for the rest in the sunny day.

Rockefeller center

2015-03-05T12:32:00.002-08:00

Rockefeller center is one of the most interesting and picturesque places in New York. It’s located between 48th and 51st streets not far from the Time Square.

Center includes plaza where at winter the rink is opening and the skyscraper with the observation deck.

Photo Rockefeller center New York

Center has been built by the John D. Rockefeller who considered the Center as the greatest place in New York. Then it was biggest private building in the city. Today Rockefeller Center holds shops, boutiques and a lot of restaurants.

Brussels Cathedral

2015-03-05T12:00:00.001-08:00

Cathedral in Brussels has been built in 1047 under the reign of Duke of Brabant over the place of older church. Few centuries later Cathedral has been revamped and took its current guise.

The façade of the Cathedral has been finished in the middle of the 15th century.

Photo Facade of Brussels Cathedral

Inside of the Cathedral you can see a lot of very interesting things. For example a magnificent stained glass windows and a small museum with medieval pictures.

Also I found very convenient the seats in front of Cathedral. It’s very nice in sunny day to occupy one of them and contemplate wonderful view of the Cathedral.

Kos Town

2015-02-27T06:38:00.001-08:00

Kos town reminds a big archeological park. This old city, which is located on the crossroads of the bustling trade-roads, has been destroyed in the 1933 during the powerful earthquake. This earthquake uncovered the ancient ruins and Italian, who governed then the island, decided not to repair the center of the city.

Of course medieval monuments such as the Castle of Nerantzia and mosque of Hassan Pasha were carefully restored. Italians reshaped the city. They planned the new central area, port, open areas, market and administrative buildings with full respect to the ancient ruins. Especially to the Roman since they wanted to pick out their presence in that region.

One of the main monuments of the Kos Town is a Castle of Neratzia which has been built by the Knights of Rhodes between of the 14 and 15 centuries. If you arrive to the city from the sea, it will be the first great monument which you see. Castle dominates the port of the Kos town and has been built to protect it.

Photo Kos Town Market

But castle never been used as intended. When knights wedged the war with Ottoman Empire they decided to leave the Kos and concentrate their main effort to protect the Rhodos. It’s worth mentioning that Castle of Neratzia stands on the city of ancient fortifications of the Kos town.

In front of the entrance to the Castle (not from the sea) located another famous Kos attraction – the huge tree under which according to the legends practiced the Hippocrates. It’s not true because the tree is only few hundred years old but this fact does not prevent tourists from visiting this place.

Nearby you can find Mosque of Hasan Pasha which has been built in 1786.

And just in few meters from it there is a big archeological park with ruins of the temple dedicated to the Aphrodite and city’s agora. Also you can find there the remnants of the ancient defensive walls and early Christian church. At the mead of the day it can be very hop place so better time to visit this park is a morning.

After the park you can visit the main square of the Kos town - Plateia Elefthereias which took its guise after the Italian renovation in the beginning of the 20 century. On this square you can find the Archaeological Meseums of the Kos as well as the city’s food market.

If you go further in the south direction you will find another great archaeological park with the ruins of the temple dedicated to the Dionysos. And a little further, across the road, there is so called Casa Romana – very well restored Roman house.

These the list of most famous ancient ruins in the Kos town. Across the town, you will probably face with many unknown scattered ruins.

If you visit Kos town for a few days you will be charmed by walking on the nigh city. All ruins are littering and you have chance to make a great photos. All cafes and restaurants are working until the last client so you can easy find the place where you can rest.

Hippocrates tree

2015-02-26T12:02:00.001-08:00

If you visit the Kos the local guides will tell you a legend that in the center of the Kos town there is a “plan tree of Hippocrates” – place where according to the believes the “father of the medicine” treated the people.

Of course such tree is exist. It’s huge tree which is approximately 500 years old. So it can’t be “the tree of Hippocrates” because he lived few thousand years ago.

But don’t be disappointed and include this monument in your “things to see” on Kos list. It’s a very lovely place, one of the most beautiful on the island. Especially in a hot summer day because you can shelter in the tree’s shadow from the direct sunrays.

This place was very honored by the Turks who ruled the island until the beginning of the 20 century. They built the drink fountain nearby, beautiful Loggia of Hassan Pasha and Mosque.

Asklepion

2015-02-25T12:06:00.004-08:00

The ruins of Asklepion temple located near the Kos town in a midst of the pine trees. It’s a one of the main attractions of the island. In the terms of the modern world Asklepion is a hospital.

In the ancient times, it was the place, which people visited to improve their health.

It’s not sporadic that the Asklepion located on the Kos island. Kos is known for its healthy climate and mineral springs and traditions of treatment on the island spawned in the pre-historic times.

Among the names who repaired their health here, I can mention Mark Antony and Cleopatra who spent one of their vacations on the island.

Photo Kos Asklepion

Patients who visited the Asklepion bestowed to the temple a much from their states. So Asklepion in ancient times was very rich temple with lot of sculptures and marble buildings. Unfortunately, you can’t see its past magnificence since

Asklepion has been destroyed in the Middle Ages. What you see today in Asklepion, it’s a result of restoration work, which was conducted by Italian archeologists at the beginning of the 20 century.

You can get to the Asklepion via the Kos town, but more pleasant road to the Asklepion starts from the Zia village.