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Paris Tourism Guide

2013-01-05T07:54:00.001-08:00

For anyone with a passion for travel, one of the places not to miss is Paris. A magnificent city that wraps its guests in a magical atmosphere with its monuments, its history, its shops. In Paris seems to be much easier to dream and sometimes it seems to be in a sogno. Numerosissime the attractions and places to visit in the French capital also boasts a excellent connections to the metropolitan and rail which allows to reach the various destinations in a smooth and timely.

The "Tour to Paris" begins with the visit of historical and cultural places of interest along the Champes Elysées until you reach 'Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, From which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

During the walk on the Champs Elysees is "a must" to visit the many shops including a "baguette and a crepe" offer several options for the purchase of souvenirs, souvenirs and more.

While trip to paris, step immediately following the Eiffel Tower, Imposing building that stands at the iron center of the city, after a hike on the steps and a small section of the elevator reaches the top of the tower where you realize that it is so worth the effort that you can see from above the city and the Seine River that bisects and vision is really to lose his breath.

Continuing the journey as a cultural forgetting the famous museums of Paris: the Louvre (Also the protagonist of the famous book and subsequent movie "The Da Vinci Code"), which houses some of the most important artworks of the world as Mona Lisa, the Orsay Museum showing the masterpieces of Impressionism and the Centre Pompidou which houses important works of modern and contemporary culture.

Indeed paris travel information; for lovers of movies and fairy tales undoubtedly important steps are the Cathedral Notre Dame (Setting of the legendary love story of the Hunchback Quasimodo) and Moulin Rouge located in the so-called "red light district" PigalleNear Montmartre.

And how can I not go to visit the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Sainte Chapelle and Royal palace of Versailles, The most interesting monuments and buildings in history. In addition to the fascinating cultural journey, Paris tour is not completely lacking in the provision of recreational attractions and eno-gastronomic.

The renowned French cuisine can easily be tasted in many restaurants that offer opportunities for every budget: to find the most affordable prices we must, however, away from central streets of the city where the prices are very high for the large flow of tourists.

As to the possibilities of entertainment not to mention “Euro Disney"Object of pilgrimage by many European tourists. The major attractions of the amusement park not only attract the little ones and it is a favorite destination for visitors of all ages.

For the freaks "extreme shopping" Finally, it reminds one of the largest shopping malls in Europe: Gallery "Lafayette", A shopping center where it's really hard not to satisfy their desire to make money.

The journey in the knowledge of the French capital can go even further, visiting the French quarters, stopping to enjoy the views that are offered through the waters of the Seine, or on board ships.

The time to visit all the sights of Paris seems to be insufficient, and never goes away when you have the feeling that he still lost something.

What is a trip to Paris that remains in the heart, as the desire to return, the city has a unique magic that envelops all, young and old, to return home.

Paris France Tourism

2013-01-05T07:51:00.002-08:00

Paris, "The City of Lights", is synonymous with romance. Blessed with enchanting and beautiful landscape, it is a popular tourist destination. Paris has to offer something for everyone and attracts people from all wakes of life irrespective of age, culture, milieu, gender, and nationality.

The charm of the city lies in its warmth and romance which is exuded in the attitude and outlook of Parisian. If your soul is seeking for the right place to express its identity, your heart looking for love, then Paris may be the abode you are searching for.

The congeniality and warmth of the place and people have the power to breathe life into your otherwise, lifeless soul. You can see Paris coming to life when the whole city is lit up at night. Discover yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the city. Paris is famous for its world famous landmarks, parks, museums, galleries, institutions.

Nowhere will you find a galaxy of gallery in a single place. Today, it finds a place among major global cities because of its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts. Paris is one of the world’s leading business and cultural centers.

Mesmerize yourself with stunning natural beauty that God has bestowed upon "The City of Lights". Re-invent how to appreciate the beauty of life in Paris. Indulge your senses to supreme joy by inhaling sweet smelling fragrances and delight your senses. A visit to Paris is incomplete without visiting the three most important landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Lourve Museum, the finest museums in the world of art, art-history and culture.

When Paris is mentioned- romance is the word that comes to mind. Paris is every tourist dream destination as the city has everything that a tourist can ever expect. From great shopping malls where you will get everything that your heart desires, to tourist attractions which will leave you completely spellbound, Paris has the innate quality to win your heart. Most of all, the vivacity and romance of the city makes it all the more appealing and endearing.

Paris has all the essential qualities to make it one of the most popular tourist spots starting from its rich history to being the real cinema capital. The city boasts of world famous intellectuals and artists. It is also home to several cafes, bars and restaurants and has been rightly referred to as the “city of gastronomy”. Paris City will make you lively and enthralled you with its music encompassing jazz, avant-garde, salsa and, currently, Europe`s most vibrant African music scene. The beauty of Paris lies in retaining its countryside charm inspite of influx of tourism and tourists in the country. It is the only place in the world where you can hope to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and find peace for yourself and inner soul. Come and be captured by its charm and spontaneity.
About Paris Tourism

La Tour Eiffel

The tallest structure in the world, Eiffel Tower was built originally in 1899 as a temporary exhibition structure. This engineering wonder offers a view of over 40 miles, and weather permitting. It is also home to a movie theater, restaurants and a bar. It is used as a city-wide communications tower

Rodin Museum

Musee Rodin was the place where the famous sculptor, Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) lived and worked in this 18th century hotel particulier. The interior and gardens of the museum are populated by his sculptures. Inside the Rodin Museum you will find The Hand of God gives life to creamy white, half-formed figures and The Kiss portrays eternal passion frozen in white marble.

Paintings by Von Gogh, Monet, Renoir and Rodin himself and the works of Rodin’s mistress and pupil, Camille Claudel are also on display. The monumental bronze The Thinker, whose godly physique contrasts sharply with the decrepitude of the writhing figures of The Gates of Hell and the controversial final portrait of Balzac, once described as ‘a block that disgraces its author and French Art’, adorn the gardens.

Disneyland Paris

One-fifth the size of Paris itself, this 5,000 acre resort is located just 20 miles to the east from downtown Paris. Disneyland Paris is the paradigm of European amusement parks, despite its American roots.

At the resort you can enjoy one of the excellent theme hotels and your concierge can help you select from a variety of public transportation and hotel shuttle alternative.

Jardins et Place du Luxembourg

Designed in 1612 in French style, Jardin du Luxembourg is 224,500 square meters large park which was opened for the public in the 19th century. Grand Bassin is an octagonal pond at the center of the park where small boats for children are available for hiring. There is also puppet theater for children.

The park boasts of two fountains including the the most famous Fontaine de Medicis, a baroque fountain designed in 1624, and the Fontaine de l’Observatoire designed by Davioud , Carpaux and Fremiet in 1873.

Palais du Luxembourg was constructed for Marie de Medicis, mother of Louis XIII, between 1615 and 1627. The palace served as a prison during the French Revolution in 1794.

The Tuileries Gardens

Designed by Le Notre, the famous Versailles park designer in 1664, the Tuileries garden is the most central park in Paris. Along the Seine river from the Louvre museum to the Concorde square, it stretches its “a la francaise” alleys and lawns.

It is part of a spectacular and historic perspective from the Louvre palace to the Arc de Triomphe on a straight line which includes the Champs Elysees and Concorde square.

The garden has been renovated and separated from car traffic. Bordered by the nice Rivoli street on one side and the Seine river bank on the other, walk through the most beautiful parts of Paris.

Cathedrale de Notre - dame Charters

Come to witness the medieval marvel of stained glass and iron sculpture at the Cathedral at Chartres. Dating back to the 1100s, it contains some of the oldest surviving and most beautiful stained glass in the world. When you come here, expect to spend the whole day as the Cathedral has much to offer. You can enjoy free afternoon organ concerts on Sundays.

Place: St-Pierre 18e

Paris Plage

Paris Plage has become a highly successful annual event since its inception in 2001. Every year during the month of July and August, a busy 3.5 km (2-mile) section of riverfront expressway in the city centre are shut off and turned into a giant leisure oasis. During this time cars are replaced by a flurry of deckchairs and hammocks and even an open-air swimming pool which are mainly aimed towards children features alongside the stalls selling food, drinks and ice cream.

The sight of relaxing locals and tourists, mist sprays, and sand brings a smile from all but the most-weary of Parisians. Even when there is no sand, for the rest of the year sections of the river are now closed frequently at weekends to allow Parisians to cycle and walk along the riverside, such is the popularity and the success of Paris Plage.

Place: Bank of the Seine between Tuileries Tunnel and the Henri IV bridge
Admission is free
Opens daily during July-August

Cathedrale de Notre-dame (Cathedral of our Lady)

Paris was built around the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. It is situated at the center of the Parisian arrondissement and has played an integral role in the history of Paris since the 1100s. It is worth visiting as it is one of the oldest remaining structures in the city.
Place: 6 place du parvis Notre-Dame, 4e
and many more places beautiful places in Paris, for your visit.

POPULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN PARIS

2013-01-05T07:49:00.003-08:00

Ten Holiday Destinations this Valentine!

2013-01-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Best time to make up for the lost time of missed with your spouse all these years. Even more good if you’re getting married in the month of love. Because Celebrating Vivaha is bringing to you ten holiday destinations this Valentine. Go and impress your beloved with this surprise!

1. Spain: Well after watching “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” needless to say this place is hotshot for the newbie couples. But do not worry, second honeymoons are more quirky and refreshing . Amazing scenery, phenomenal site views, scuba diving and snorkeling are the best thing you can experience. Famous tourist destinations in Spain that you cannot afford to miss are: Madrid (the capital city), Barcelona, Costa Del Sol, Marbella, Mallorca, and Ibiza. Spain is a true paradise and most famous tourist destinations in Europe. A super gift for your wife this Valentine. What are you waiting for? Let Go!!!!!

Madrid - The capital of Spain

2. Paris: Paris, one of the most romantic city in the world, steeped in history art and culture and always a popular destination for world travelers. But we give you another reason to go there, that is the food. France has most outstanding and unparalleled cuisine. And if you love wine, then this is the best place where you can go. Other than that you have your beloved with you, beside the Eiffel tower you proposing her under the moonlight. Romantic, isn’t it?

Eiffel Tower

3. Italy: Another idyllic place for a honeymoon is Italy, a place of olive oil, pasta and wine. And above all isn’t this also the most romantic place in the world? Remember how Kunal proposed Sam in Dostana in Venice, the most romantic city! Okay, jokes apart, but Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in Italy. Home of fine art, excellent cuisine, magical landscapes, wine, wine, and more wine… It is an ideal destination for married couples wanting to celebrate their honeymoon/Valentine in Renaissance romantic surroundings, close to historic sites of elegant Florence and Pisa. A place you should visit once in your lifetime. So why not this Valentine?

Venice, Italy

4. Greece: Take ancient history; add monumental sites and exotic islands. Mix it with trendy hotels or isolated rustic accommodations and combine the mixture with sunny weather. Season all with excellent Mediterranean cuisine and rub it with the laid-back atmosphere. Let it stand for at least two weeks and you will have a perfect recipe for the ideal honeymoon. If your spouse like all the above mentioned things, Greece would be a perfect gift this Valentine. So book your reservations now, don’t wait for next Valentine!

Temple Asmythie, Athens

5. Egypt: Absolute picturesque country of North Africa. An ancient evidence of pyramids. And how can we forget film makers love to shoot here. Many Bollywood songs and Hollywood films have been shot in Egypt. All time favourite song Suraj Hua Madham, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Teri Ore, Singh is King. All these are romantic songs, which proves this place is a romantic place. Go and experience the mystic feel of this place make a romantic holiday at this beautiful place. Oh, and don’t forget to say ‘Hi’ to mummies out there

Sun Temples, Egypt

6. Ukraine: Ukraine is one of the highly visited tourist spot according to Word Tourism Organization rankings. It has mountain ranges suitable for skiing, hiking, fishing and hunting. Ukraine is rich in natural resources and its territory is mostly a level or plain. If this is what interests you, what can be better than this Valentine?

Monastery of Caves, Ukraine

7. Turkey: Again Turkey is one of the hot places to visit. Turkey has some of Europe’s finest beaches, many of which remain relatively untouched. And you’re rarely far from a slice of ancient culture. Turkey is also a land of many cultures. If you want to experience the beach, historical sites and many more, then this is the place to visit. Istanbul is one of the famous tourist spot in Turkey for the historical locations. Clearly one of the favourite hot-spots of recent times. Thinking? Guess its time to plan now.

Istanbul, Turkey

8. South Africa: South Africa is a popular tourist destination and the main attractions lies in Cape Town. Cape Town is a home of Table Mountain and it has many beaches to visit. Cape town has Cape Dutch style building and it is cool to watch. South Africa has wild life attractions as well and is right travel destination to enjoy with kids. It is one the best family travel destinations. Okay, lets leave the serious stuff. Hand-in-hand on the beach in Cape Town, rings a bell? Ya, you’re there to spend some quality time with your beloved, alone! So gift yourself this romantic holiday on Valentine.

Clifton Beach, Cape Town

9. New Zealand: In Winter or Summer, New Zealand is a fantastic place to holiday. In the Winter it is full of people there for the skiing, and in summer it is full of people there to take the white water trips down the Shotover river. Beautiful scenery, romantic lone time and a perfect chance to express you love for her/him, but just watch your step while skiing. Not the best time to say I Love You in midst of snow and with that board. So you need more options?

Skiing

10. Monte Carlo: A small place is Monaco, Monte Carlo is famous for gambling. If you fancy holidaying Bond style, this is definitely the place for you. Did you know you are also exempt from tax gained through gambling, making this a popular spot for the world’s billionaires. But of course you are not there for gambling. Apologies for distraction But yes, this place is serene and full of peace, a place where you can relax and have fun at the same time. Free from all the worries, enjoy this Valentine at Monte Carlo!

Beauty of Monaco

We gave you ample of reasons to go and enjoy your Valentine. And if your wife happens to see this, see would surely drag you in one of these irrepressible places. We would suggest better plan your holiday before hand and have the best of your time. Celebrating Vivaha wising you all a romantic February!

Greece Travel | Greece Tourism | Greece Vacations

2013-01-05T07:40:00.002-08:00

Greece Travel | Greece Tourism | Greece Vacations

About Greece:

Greece is a country in Southern Europe, politically considered part of Western Europe. Athens is the capital and the largest city in the country (its urban area also including Piraeus). The population of the country is about 11 million.

Greece has land borders with Albania, the Republic of Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the east. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of mainland Greece, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Greece has the 11th longest coastline in the world at 13,676 km (8,498 mi) in length, featuring a vast number of islands (approximately 1,400, of which 227 are inhabited), including Crete, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, and the Ionian Islands among others. Eighty percent of Greece consists of mountains, of which Mount Olympus is the highest at 2,917 m (9,570 ft).

Modern Greece traces its roots to the civilization of ancient Greece, generally considered the cradle of Western civilization. As such it is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature and historiography, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles, and Western drama, including both tragedy and comedy. This legacy is partly reflected in the seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Greece, ranking Greece 7th in Europe and 13th in the world. The modern Greek state was established in 1830, following the Greek War of Independence.

Greece has been a member of what is now the European Union since 1981 and the eurozone since 2001, NATO since 1952, and is a founding member of the United Nations. Greece is a developed country with an advanced, high-income economy and very high standards of living (including the 21st highest quality of life as of 2010). Since late 2009, the Greek economy has been hit by a severe economic and financial crisis resulting in the Greek government requesting €240 billion in loans from EU institutions, a substantial debt write-off, stringent austerity measures and political instability.

Geography of Greece:

Greece consists of a mountainous, peninsular mainland jutting out into the sea at the southern end of the Balkans, ending at the Peloponnese peninsula (separated from the mainland by the canal of the Isthmus of Corinth). Due to its highly indented coastline and numerous islands, Greece has the 11th longest coastline in the world with13,676 km (8,498 mi); its land boundary is 1,160 km (721 mi). The country lies approximately between latitudes 34° and 42° N, and longitudes 19° and 30° E.

Greece features a vast number of islands, between 1,200 and 6,000, depending on the definition, 227 of which are inhabited. Crete is the largest and most populous island; Euboea, separated from the mainland by the 60m-wide Euripus Strait, is the second largest, followed by Rhodes and Lesbos.

The Greek islands are traditionally grouped into the following clusters: The Argo-Saronic Islands in the Saronic gulf near Athens, the Cyclades, a large but dense collection occupying the central part of the Aegean Sea, the North Aegean islands, a loose grouping off the west coast of Turkey, the Dodecanese, another loose collection in the southeast between Crete and Turkey, the Sporades, a small tight group off the coast of Euboea, and the Ionian Islands, located to the west of the mainland in the Ionian Sea.

Eighty percent of Greece consists of mountains or hills, making the country one of the most mountainous in Europe. Mount Olympus, the mythical abode of the Greek Gods, culminates at Mytikas peak 2,917 m (9,570 ft), the highest in the country. Western Greece contains a number of lakes and wetlands and is dominated by the Pindus mountain range. The Pindus, a continuation of the Dinaric Alps, reaches a maximum elevation of 2,637 m (8,652 ft) at Mt. Smolikas (the second-highest in Greece) and historically has been a significant barrier to east-west travel.

The Pindus range continues through the central Peloponnese, crosses the islands of Kythera and Antikythera and find its way into southwestern Aegean, in the island of Crete where it eventually ends. The islands of the Aegean are peaks of underwater mountains that once constituted an extension of the mainland. Pindus is characterized by its high, steep peaks, often dissected by numerous canyons and a variety of other karstic landscapes. The spectacular Vikos Gorge, part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park in the Pindus range, is listed by the Guinness book of World Records as the deepest gorge in the world. Another notable formation are the Meteora rock pillars, atop which have been built medieval Greek Orthodox monasteries.

Northeastern Greece features another high-altitude mountain range, the Rhodope range, spreading across the region of East Macedonia and Thrace; this area is covered with vast, thick, ancient forests, including the famous Dadia forest in the Evros regional unit, in the far northeast of the country.

Extensive plains are primarily located in the regions of Thessaly, Central Macedonia and Thrace. They constitute key economic regions as they are among the few arable places in the country. Rare marine species such as the Pinniped Seals and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle live in the seas surrounding mainland Greece, while its dense forests are home to the endangered brown bear, the lynx, the Roe Deer and the Wild Goat.

Greece Weather:

View Detailed 10 Day Weather Forecast for Athens, webcams, weather maps & more at Weather-Forecast.com

Greek Food:

Greek cuisine is as an example of the healthy Mediterranean diet (Cretan diet). Greek cuisine incorporates fresh ingredients into a variety of local dishes such as moussaka, stifado, Greek salad, spanakopita and souvlaki. Some dishes can be traced back to ancient Greece like skordalia (a thick purée of walnuts, almonds, crushed garlic and olive oil), lentil soup, retsina (white or rosé wine sealed with pine resin) and pasteli (candy bar with sesame seeds baked with honey). Throughout Greece people often enjoy eating from small dishes such as meze with various dips such as tzatziki, grilled octopus and small fish, feta cheese, dolmades(rice, currants and pine kernels wrapped in vine leaves), various pulses, olives and cheese. Olive oil is added to almost every dish.

Sweet desserts such as galaktoboureko, and drinks such as ouzo, metaxa and a variety of wines including retsina. Greek cuisine differs widely from different parts of the mainland and from island to island. It uses some flavorings more often than other Mediterranean cuisines: oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill and bay laurel leaves. Other common herbs and spices include basil, thyme and fennelseed. Many Greek recipes, especially in the northern parts of the country, use "sweet" spices in combination with meat, for example cinnamon and cloves in stews.

The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is frequently used in most dishes. It is produced from the olive trees prominent throughout the region, and adds to the distinctive taste of Greek food. The basic grain in Greece is wheat, though barley is also grown. Important vegetables include tomato, aubergine (eggplant), potato, green beans, okra, green peppers, and onions. Honey in Greece is mainly honey from the nectar of fruit trees and citrus trees: lemon, orange, bigarade (bitter orange) trees, thyme honey, and pine honey from conifer trees. Mastic (aromatic, ivory coloured resin) is grown on the Aegean island of Chios.

There is a wide variety of cheeses made in various regions across Greece. The vast majority of them remain unknown outside the Greek borders due to the lack of knowledge and the highly localized distinctive features. Many artisanal, hand made cheeses, both common varieties and local specialties, are produced by small family farms throughout Greece and offer distinct flavors atypical of the mass produced varieties found commercially in Greece and abroad. A good list of some of the varieties of cheese produced and consumed in Greece can be found here. These are some of the more popular throughout Greece:

Feta,Kefalotyri,Myzithra,Manouri,Kasseri,Kefalograviera,Anthotyros,Metsovone,Halloumi,Graviera,Formaela

Greece Tourist Attractions:

Athens:

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state. A centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum, it is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy,largely due to the impact of its cultural and political achievements during the 5th and 4th centuries BC on the rest of the then known European continent. Today a cosmopolitan metropolis, modern Athens is central to economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece. In 2008, Athens was ranked the world's 32nd richest city by purchasing power and the 25th most expensive in a UBS study.

The city of Athens has a population of 655,780 (796,442 back in 2004) within its administrative limits and a land area of 39 km2 (15 sq mi). The urban area of Athens (Greater Athens and Greater Piraeus) extends beyond the administrative municipal city limits, with a population of 3,074,160 (in 2011), over an area of 412 km2 (159 sq mi). According to Eurostat, the Athens Larger Urban Zone (LUZ) is the 7th most populous LUZ in the European Union (the 4th most populous capital city of the EU) with a population of 4,013,368 (in 2004). Athens is also the southernmost capital on the European mainland.

Parthenon:

The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their virgin patron. Its construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the height of its power. It was completed in 438 BC, although decoration of the Parthenon continued until 432 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered the culmination of the development of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art. The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece and of Athenian democracy and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. The Greek Ministry of Culture is currently carrying out a program of selective restoration and reconstruction to ensure the stability of the partially ruined structure.

The Parthenon itself replaced an older temple of Athena, which historians call the Pre-Parthenon or Older Parthenon, that was destroyed in the Persian invasion of 480 BC. The temple is archaeoastronomically aligned to the Hyades. Like most Greek temples, the Parthenon was used as a treasury. For a time, it served as the treasury of the Delian League, which later became the Athenian Empire. In the 5th century AD, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. After the Ottoman conquest, it was turned into a mosque in the early 1460s, and it had a minaret built in it. On 26 September 1687, an Ottoman ammunition dump inside the building was ignited by Venetian bombardment. The resulting explosion severely damaged the Parthenon and its sculptures. In 1806, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin removed some of the surviving sculptures, with the Ottoman Turks' permission. These sculptures, now known as the Elgin Marbles or the Parthenon Marbles, were sold in 1816 to the British Museum in London, where they are now displayed. Since 1983 (on the initiative of Culture Minister Melina Mercouri), the Greek government has been committed to the return of the sculptures to Greece, so far with no success.

Thessaloniki:

Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia as well as the capital of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace. Its honorific title is Συμπρωτεύουσα (Symprotévusa), literally "co-capital", and stands as a reference to its historical status as the Συμβασιλεύουσα (Symvasilévousa), "co-reigning" city of the Byzantine Empire, alongside Constantinople.

According to the 2011 census the municipality of Thessaloniki today has a population of 322,240, while the Thessaloniki Urban Area (the contiguous built up area forming the "City of Thessaloniki") has a population of 790,824; making it the fifth largest and most populated city in the Balkans and the second most populated city that is not a capital. Furthermore, the Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area extends over an area of 1,455.62 km2 (562.02 sq mi) and its population in 2011 reached a total of 1,006,730 inhabitants.

Patras:

Patras is Greece's third largest urban area and the regional capital of West Greece, located in northern Peloponnese, 215 km (134 mi) west of Athens. The city is built at the foothills of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras.

he Patras Metropolitan Area is a conurbation of 222,460 inhabitants, while its urban area, contained within the Patras municipality, had a population of 202,757 (in 2001). The core settlement has a history spanning four millennia. In the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan centre of the eastern Mediterranean whilst, according to Christian tradition, it was also the place of Saint Andrew's martyrdom.

Every year, in February, the city hosts one of Europe's largest and most colourful carnivals ; notable features of the Patras Carnival include its mammoth-sized satirical floats and extravagant balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Patras is also famous for supporting an indigenous cultural scene active mainly in the performing arts and modern urban literature. It was European Capital of Culture 2006.

Heraklion:

Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete, Greece. It is the 4th largest city in Greece.

Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion regional unit. The ruins of Knossos, which were excavated and restored by Arthur Evans, are nearby. The Heraklion International Airport is named after Nikos Kazantzakis.

Santorini:

Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km (120 mi) southeast from Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 (28 sq mi) and a 2001 census population of 13,670. The municipality of Santorini comprises the inhabited islands of Santorini and Therasia and the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiana. The total land area is 90.623 km2 (34.990 sq mi). Santorini is part of the Thira regional unit.

The island is the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the Minoan eruption (sometimes called the Thera eruption), which occurred some 3600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization. The eruption left a large caldera surrounded by volcanic ash deposits hundreds of feet deep and may have led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, 110 km (68 mi) to the south, through a gigantic tsunami. This theory is not, however, supported by chronology, in that the collapse of the Minoan civilization did not occur at the date of the tsunami, but some 90 years later. Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of Atlantis.

Mykonos:

Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 km2 (33 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town). Tourism is a major industry.

Myrtos Beach:

Myrtos Beach is situated in the region of Pylaros, in the north-west of Kefalonia, Greece. The beach is situated between the feet of two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros (901m).

Myrtos is world-famous for the magical colours of the water (from sky-blue to dark blue, green-blue and turquoise) contrasting with the bright white of the smooth marble pebbles from which it is formed.

In the evening when the sun is on the horizon, the water is tinted by magnificent colours, (red, yellow, purple, orange), as the sun disappears. The location of the beach, with steep mountains and tall cliffs behind, is imposing and magical.

For all these reasons Myrtos has previously been voted 12 times the best Greek beach and has been quoted in one or more of the published top-ten beaches of the world lists. It is cited as No 36 in the world in one widely used travel website . Myrtos Beach was also identified as a priority destination in a SEPT 2008 review in the Telegraph Newspaper(UK)

Mount Olympus:

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, located on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, about 100 kilometres (62 mi) away from Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city. Mount Olympus has 52 peaks. The highest peak Mytikas, meaning "nose", rises to 2,917 metres (9,570 ft). It is one of the highest peaks in Europe in terms of topographic prominence.

Mount Olympus is noted for its very rich flora with several species. It is a National Park of Greece and a World's Biosphere Reserve.

Mount Athos:

Mount Athos is a mountain and peninsula in Macedonia, Greece. A World Heritage Site and self-governed state in the Hellenic Republic, Athos is home to 20 stavropegial Eastern Orthodox monasteries under the direct jurisdiction of the patriarch of Constantinople. Today Greeks commonly refer to Mount Athos as the "Holy Mountain" (Greek: ????? ????, Agion Oros). In Classical times, while the mountain was called Athos, the peninsula was called Akté (??t?) (sometimes Acte or Akte).

Mystras:

Mystras is a fortified town and a former municipality in Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Sparti, of which it is a municipal unit. Situated on Mt. Taygetos, near ancient Sparta, it served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries, experiencing a period of prosperity and cultural flowering. The site remained inhabited throughout the Ottoman period, when it was mistaken by Western travellers for ancient Sparta. In the 1830s, it was abandoned and the new town of Sparti was built, approximately eight kilometres to the east.

Lindos:

Lindos is an archaeological site, a town and a former municipality on the island of Rhodes, in the Dodecanese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Rhodes, of which it is a municipal unit.It lies on the east coast of the island. It is about 55 km south of the town of Rhodes and its fine beaches make it a popular tourist and holiday destination. Lindos is situated in a large bay and faces the fishing village and small resort of Haraki.

Samariá Gorge:

The Samariá Gorge is a National Park of Greece on the island of Crete - a major tourist attraction of the island - and a World's Biosphere Reserve.

The gorge is in southwest Crete in the regional unit of Chania. It was created by a small river running between the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and Mt. Volakias. There are a number of other gorges in the White Mountains. While some say that the gorge is 18 km long, this distance refers to the distance between the settlement of Omalos on the northern side of the plateau and the village of Agia Roumeli. In fact, the gorge is 16 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance, and ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. The walk through Samaria National Park is 13 km long, but you have to walk another three km to Agia Roumeli from the park exit, making the hike 16 km. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Iron Gates, where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of only four meters and soar up to a height of almost 1,000 feet. The gorge became a national park in 1962, particularly as a refuge for the rare kri-kri (Cretan goat), which is largely restricted to the park and an island just off the shore of Agia Marina. There are several other endemic species in the gorge and surrounding area, as well as many other species of flowers and birds.

The village of Samariá lies just inside the gorge. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park. The village and the gorge take their names from the village's ancient church, Óssia María ["the Bones of Mary"].A "must" for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Hora Sfakion and catch a coach back to Chania. The walk takes 4–7 hours and can be strenuous, especially at the height of summer.

Local tourist operators provide organized tours to the Gorge. These include bus transportation from your hotel to the entrance (near Omalos village), and the bus will be waiting for you to disembark the ferry in Sfakia (Hora Sfakeon) to take you back. If you are on your own, you can make a one-day round trip from Chania (see below) or from Sougia or Paleochora. Note that the morning buses from Sougia and Paleochora do not operate on Sunday. The ferries leave Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakeon (East-bound) and to Sougia/Paleochora (West-bound) at 18:00.

Delphi:

Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis.

In Greek mythology, Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and a major site for the worship of the god Apollo after he slew the Python, a dragon who lived there and protected the navel of the Earth. Python (derived from the verb pythein, "to rot") is claimed by some to be the original name of the site in recognition of the Python that Apollo defeated. The Homeric Hymn to Delphic Apollo recalled that the ancient name of this site had been Krisa.

Apollo's sacred precinct in Delphi was a panhellenic sanctuary, where every four years, starting in 776 BC[4] athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, one of the four panhellenic (or stephanitic) games, precursors of the Modern Olympics. The victors at Delphi were presented with a laurel crown (stephanos) which was ceremonially cut from a tree by a boy who re-enacted the slaying of the Python. Delphi was set apart from the other games sites because it hosted the mousikos agon, musical competitions.

Meteora:

The Metéora is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. The nearest town is Kalambaka. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria I, II, IV, V and VII.

Little Venice:

Little Venice is one of the most romantic place in the whole of Mykonos. The neighborhood of Little Venice is replete with elegant and gorgeous old houses that are situated precariously on the edge of the sea. Many a discerning traveler in the past have fallen in love with this charming neighborhood of Mykonos due to its magnetic appeal.Especially amazing is the sunset views from Little Venice. It’s whitewashed edifices against the backdrop of the azure blue Aegean Sea is simply marvelous. The air of nonchalance that prevails in Little Venice disarms the most discerning of travelers.

It’s whitewashed edifices against the backdrop of the azure blue Aegean Sea is simply marvelous. The air of nonchalance that prevails in Little Venice disarms the most discerning of travelers. The vintage fishermen’s houses for instance provide a kaleidoscopic vignette. There are many crazy international tourists who are even prepared to pay triple the amount, equivalent to a five star hotel rate just to stay in those charming fisherman’s hutments. It is a whole new world out there to be explored.

Vai (Crete):

The palm beach of Vai (Greek: ???) is one of the largest attractions of the Mediterranean island of Crete. It features the largest natural palm forest in Europe, made up of Cretan Date Palm (Phoenix theophrasti).

For tourism Vai was discovered at the end of the 1970s by the last Hippies who fled the hot-spots Matala and Preveli. At the beginning of the 1980s Vai was full of backpacker tourists from the whole world, leading to a mixture of chaotic campground and garbage dump. Vai was enclosed and declared as a protected area. The unique forest recovered, the beach became clean.

The palm beach, which belongs to the Moni Toplou, is the touristic center of East Crete, with thousands of visitors each year. Vai lies close to Palekastro, Sitia and the Dionysades islands.

Melissani Cave:

Melissani Cave also Melisani is a Greek cave located on the island of Kefalonia, northwest of Sami, about 5 km SE of Agia Efthymia, NE of Argostoli and NW of Poros. The Ionian Sea lies to the east with the Strait of Ithaca. Forests surrounds the cave and the mountain slope is to the west. Near the cave is the entry to the cave with parking lots and is passed almost in the middle of the main road linking Sami and Agia Efimia especially to the northern part of the island.

Lake Plastiras:

Lake Plastiras is an artificial lake fed by Tavropos (Megdovas) river, located in Karditsa Prefecture, near the city of Karditsa, Greece.

Today the lake holds up to 400 million cubic meters of fresh water. It is used for irrigation and as a power source of a hydroelectric plant, but also as the main water source to the city of Karditsa. Due to its altitude (one of the highest in Europe) the Tavropos Reservoir is a popular tourist resort in Greece, as the formed landscape is quite unique.

Vikos Gorge:

The Vikos Gorge is a gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece. It lies on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi, with a length of about 20 km, depth ranging from 450 m to 1600 m and width from 400 m to some meters at its narrowest part.

Vikos is listed as the deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records among others. This follows a somewhat arbitrary definition of a gorge that excludes deeper features such as Colca Canyon because of their greater width:depth ratio.

Rio–Antirrio bridge:

The Rio-Antirio bridge officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge after the statesman who first envisaged it, is the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese to Antirio on mainland Greece.

The bridge was planned in the mid-1990s and was built by a French-Greek consortium led by the French group Vinci, and which includes the Greek companies Hellenic Technodomiki-TEV, J&P-Avax, Athena, Proodeftiki and Pantechniki. The consortium operates the bridge under concession under its G.?.F.?.?.?. or Ga???????????? F???a? ?pe??a??ss?a? ?e???? ????- ??t????? (G.E.F.Y.R.A., Greek for "bridge", French-Greek Carrier of Oversea Connection of Rio-Antirio) subsidiary. The lead architect was Berdj Mikaelian. Site preparation and dredging began in July 1998, and construction of the massive supporting pylons in 2000. With these complete in 2003, work began on the traffic decks and supporting cables. On May 21, 2004, the main construction was completed; only equipment (sidewalks, railings, etc.) and waterproofing remained to be installed.

Greece Facts:

Currency:

euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries

Capital: Athens

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Population:

10,668,354 (July 2005 est.)

Hotels in Greece:

Luxury Hotels Greece:

Santorini Princess
Aigialos Hotel
Katikies Hotel

Tamarix del Mar
Perivolas
Santorini Kastelli Resort
King George Palace
Hilton Athens
InterContinental Athenaeum
Divani Acropolis Palace Hotel
Royal Olympic Hotel
Classical Athens Imperial
Athens Ledra Marriott
Kivotos
Tharroe of Mykonos Hotel
Cavo Tagoo
Arte & Mare Elia Mykonos Suites
Creta Maris Beach Resort
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Castello Boutique Resort & Spa

Budget Hotels Greece:

Antonia Hotel Santorini
Anemomilos Hotel Apartments
Sigalas Hotel

Hotel Leta
Margarita Hotel
Hotel Niki
Athens House Hostel
Amaryllis Inn
Alma Hotel
Zenith Hotel
Stavris Studios
Hotel Creta Sun
Notos Hotel
Hotel Candia
Hotel Amaril
Galini Beach Hotel
Milena Hotel
Maria Hotel
Terra Maria
Hotel Telesilla

Greece Map:

Pictures of Greece:

Greece Tourism,Greece Vacations,Greece Holidays,Greece Travel,Greece Weather,Greek Food,Hotels in Greece,Greece Map,Pictures of Greece,Greece Tourist Attractions,Luxury Hotels Greece

Things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2012-12-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. Here are a few of the highlights we recommend:

Cades Cove - A very popular wildlife viewing area, Cades Cove is the most visited area of the park. Stunning views, old homesteads and mills, and deer, black bears and other wildlife can be viewed up close on this one-way 11 mile loop.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - This five and half mile one-way road is just a short trip from downtown Gatlinburg. Several pull-offs along the trail allow visitors to take in stunning creekside settings, old homesteads and cabins, with a spectacular view of fall colors.

Waterfalls

Abrams Falls - A five mile hike round trip follows an up and down trail to Abrams Falls which is located in Cades Cove. Abrams Falls is only 20 feet tall but the amount of water that flows over the falls is well worth the hike.
Grotto Falls - Visitors can walk underneath and behind this waterfall. Watch the water flow over your head as it plunges the 25 feet down the falls. Grotto Falls is at the end of a three-mile uphill walk.
Laurel Falls - Laurel Falls is a relatively short but moderately difficult trail; 1.3 mile uphill hike to the falls on a paved trail.
Rainbow Falls/Mount LeConte - Mount LeConte is one of the tallest mountains in the park, and Rainbow Falls is located on the way to the top. At 80 feet tall, Rainbow Falls is the highest waterfall in the Smokies.

Newfound Gap Road - This 33-mile stretch runs from Cherokee North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. At its highest point, Newfound Gap Road crosses the mountains at 5, 046 feet.
Clingman's Dome - The highest point in the Smokies, Clingman's Dome offers amazing views from its observation tower.
Mountain Farm Museum - This 19^th century farmstead at the Cherokee, NC entrance to the park, iscomplete with a farmhouse, work buildings, and a barn. If you go in the summertime you will be able to see live demonstrations of what it would have been like to live on a farm during this time period.

Hemlock Hall, Blue Mountain Lake, New York

2012-12-22T10:01:00.002-08:00

"Great Fireplace", Hemlock Hall
A secluded Hunting Lodge with private beach on beautiful Blue Mountain Lake in the Central Adirondacks. Fishing excellent!
A friendly place at the end of the road surrounded by forest and lake. American plan at reasonable rates for a carefree vacation. Open May 1st to December 1st.

A September view from a bedroom window of this beautiful lodge. Glorious Autumn Coloring!
Comfortable rooms with private bath. Separate cottages on the lake. Boats and Canoes. Excellent fishing! May and June for top trout catches. Delicious food - informal atmosphere - pleasing service. Open May 1st to November 1st. AAA recommended.

This personally owned and operated vacation resort has acquired an enviable reputation for its quiet, congenial atmosphere; immaculate housekeeping and excellent home style meals. These services appropriately supplement its superb and secluded location in the unique Adirondack Mountains Forest Preserve.
A perfection of relaxation and recreation is experienced on the surrounding lake shore, islands and mountain slopes which are so pleasingly covered with ferns, flowers and trees; notably canoe birch, white pine, hemlock, spruce and the fragrant balsam.

A September view from the porch of this beautiful lodge. Glorious autumn coloring! Comfortable rooms with private bath. New Motel Units, efficiency cottages, as well as larger cottages on the lake. Boats and canoes, excellent fishing. May and June for top trout catches. Delicious food - informal atmosphere - pleasing service. Open May 15 to October 20th. AAA & Duncan Hines recommended. One mile from highway, secluded and quiet.

View from "Hemlock Hall's new Motel and Cottages on Birch Knoll".

These beautiful lakeside accomodations, nestled in a forest setting of white birch, balsam and pine trees, have everything the experienced vacationist is looking for; comfort, unspoiled beauty, seclusion, quiet. Appetizing home-type meals. AAA recommended. This is in the midst of 2,500,000 acres of Forest Preserve, Lakes & Mountains. Our many friends and guests know that such a paradise does exist!!

Early reservations are always advisable. Included in the reasonable rates are attractive social quarters, recreational and library facilities, boats, canoes, motors, diving float etc.

Blue Mountain Lake, New York

2012-12-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

Approaching the Village of Blue Mountain, showing Blue Mountain which rises to an altitude of 3808 ft. Central Adirondack Mountains, Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y.

At this point on the motor boat tour through Blue Mountain Lake, the tourist looks back on beautiful Blue Mountain towering to a height of 3759 ft.

Blue Mountain Lake in Winter

Blue Mountain, its lofty peak the geographical heart of the Adirondacks, is an impressive sight at anytime, but especially so in the deep of winter. Clothed in winter's snowy mantle it presents a picture of majestic grandeur never to be forgotten. Blue Mountain Lake, Central Adirondack Mountains, N.Y.

Blue Mountain Lake, one of the loveliest of the Adirondack lakes, as seen from Blue Mountain House. Blue Mountain Lake has nearly 20 miles of shoreline and is dotted with 23 islands. Central Adirondack Mountains. Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y.

Approaching the Village of Blue Mountain Lake, one sees Blue Mountain House, perched 2200' above sea level. Blue Mountain Lake lies at the head of two watersheds, one draining north to the St. Lawrence River and the other South to the Hudson River.

The tourist drives south on Route 28 and 365 and comes to this beautiful view, to the west of Blue Mountain Lake. Central Adirondack Mts., Blue Mountain Lake, New York.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2012-12-22T09:58:00.002-08:00

The Chimney Tops in fall colors seen from U.S. 441 – Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Laurel Falls – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Laurel Falls hike is the most popular hike in the Smokies. The easy paved trail starts at the Fightin’ Creek Gap parking area and the round trip distance is about two and a half miles.

Sunrise in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Seen from the top of the main Range of the Great Smokies near Newfound Gap.

Boracay Philippines Tourism

2012-11-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

Boracay Philippines Tourism

Boracay is an island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. In 1990, it was voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in the world and again in 1996 by British publication TV Quick as the world's number one tropical beach.

The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.

The island was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956.

Years ago, Boracay Island was an almost possessively guarded secret so that only a few knew of its existence. Tourism only began to develop in the 1970s, when, it is said, a foreign movie crew accidentally "discovered" this island paradise. Others maintain that it was the German traveler, 'Jens Peters' book, which included rave reviews of Boracay that changed the island’s pace from that of being a quiet secret to eventually being voted as having the best beach in the world. Whichever story is true, it was around this time that Boracay Island slowly ceased to be a private hangout for travelers.

Boracay Island is located off the northwest corner of Panay Island, and belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, or Region VI, of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.

South-facing Cagban Beach is located across a small strait from the jetty port at Caticlan on Panay island, and the Cagban jetty port serves as Boracay's main entry and exit point during most of the year. When wind and sea conditions dictate, east-facing Tambisaan Beach serves as an alternative entry and exit point.
Boracay's two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island's narrow central area. White Beach faces westward and Bulabog Beach faces eastward. The island also has several other beaches.

White Beach is the main tourism beach. It is about four kilometers long and is lined with resorts, hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. In the central portion, for about two kilometers, there is a footpath known as the Beachfront Path separating the beach itself from the establishments located along it. North and south of the Beachfront Path, beachfront establishments do literally front along the beach itself. Several roads and paths connect the Beachfront Path with Boracay's Main Road, a vehicular road which runs the length of the island. At the extreme northern end of White Beach, a footpath runs around the headland there and connects White Beach with Diniwid Beach.
Bulabog Beach, across the island from White Beach, is a secondary tourism beach and Boracay's main windsurfing and kiteboarding area.

Philippines Tourism

2012-11-09T03:06:00.000-08:00

Philippines Tourism

An island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island (Taal Lake)

Luzon Island, picture above, is one of seven thousand or so islands making up The Philippines, has a large fresh water lake. So large it contains a fairly decent sized island. Which also has a lake with an island in it.

The Philippines has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and some of the clearest water.

Labassin Waterfalls Restaurant

Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Village

Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active volcano in the province of Albay, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Renowned as the "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City.

Makati City, Manilla

Makati City is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manilla, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines. As the host of various embassies, it is also an important center for international affairs.

Pangulasian Island From El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Grass covered conical mounds that turn brown in the dry season
and look like chocolate drops

I don't know and my computer froze every time I tried to do a reverse image search

Palawan

Crater Lake, Mt. Pinatubo

Mambukal, Negros Occidental

Boracay, Philippines

Unknown, Philippines. I'll be retiring here

Unknown, Philippines

Boracay Beach

Siquijor Island

Billboard Ad

Perhaps you've seen this photo while surfing the net. I have. It was part of an ad campaign for a newspaper. Philippine Daily Inquirer drew attention to its journalism with “Volcanic Ash”, an outdoor billboard featuring a vehicle driving towards a landscape covered by a huge plume of smoke and ash. The text: “The Philippines Most Committed Newspaper.” The Volcanic Ash advertisement won a Bronze award at Cannes 2006 and Clio 2007.

Top Things to Do in Japan | Japan Tourism

2012-09-26T02:27:00.001-07:00

Things to do in Japan: visit a temple

Sleep on the floor:

sleep in a 'ryokan'

Abandon the regular european resort for a Japanese inn known as a ryokan. While ryokans are often more costly than resorts, and usually come with a few guidelines (a curfew, for example), they give you an romantic glance into Japanese customs: community bathrooms, relaxing landscapes, the capability to put on a gown (yukata) in community any time of the day. They also offer kaiseki (elaborate and extremely traditional) foods and simple areas with moving rice-paper gates, shrines, tatami-matted surfaces, and futons (which are set out on the ground each night). If getting to sleep on the ground does not audio relaxed, have no fears: most ryokans provide cushioned the art of quilting and pillows to ease the experience.

Eat fish for breakfast:

eat a traditional breakfast

Food is the most essential concept of a lifestyle, so while in Asia be sure to try a conventional Japanese morning meal (if you are remaining at a ryokan, it’s often included). A conventional morning meal is provided at a low desk with cushioning sitting on the ground and contains an variety of small lacquer-ware containers loaded with cooked seafood, a ‘rolled omelet’ known as tamagoyaki, healthy salad, grain, miso broth, fermented soy legumes known as natto, dry seaweed, and tea. Mmmm.

Take a communal bath:

take a communal bath

Put concerns of public bare skin aside and dip into a steaming-hot pool area at a public bath. These are known as sento or onsen – the latter uses water from hot rises. Japanese typically bath in the evening, but public bathrooms are open for several hours in the day as well. Don’t worry about detergent and hair shampoo – these items are always offered, along with moisturising cream, pure cotton swabs, and hairdryers. Just be sure to first clean yourself at a bath around the bath, washing all the detergent off your body before getting in. Soaking in sizzling hot water is calming, trance-like, and a great way to involve yourself in Japanese lifestyle. Communal washing is a custom that goes all the way back to AD 700.

Sit on the toilet (go ahead, the seats are warm):

My mom trained me to never sit on a community rest room chair, but in Asia, it’s difficult to resist: The chairs are heated. And the soothing sensation a heated rest room chair provides is difficult to express… all I can provide is that the encounter is a long-lasting and attached to storage of my journeys in Asia. Being on the innovative of technological innovation and gadgets as it is, Japan’s bathrooms connect into the walls, and often provide more solutions than just a heated chair. Many have something similar to an armrest with control buttons that function bidet-like functions and bogus eliminating appears to be for the shy.

Ride a bullet train:

ride a bullet train

With 12,400 distance of monitor, high-speed topic teaches known as Shinkansen can take you fairly much anywhere you want in Asia at connections near to 186 mph (300 km/h). The journey between Kyoto and Seattle requires a simple 2 time. The teaches are managed by the Asia Railways Team, who provides 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day monitor goes for endless journey on all JR collections throughout Asia. It’s an excellent value if your schedule has a lot of locations. A complete is also practical, and does away with the stress of understanding how to buy passes. Basically display your complete to the place worker and you are good to go. This is especially useful as the goes work for JR’s town city collections as well. The only problem is you must buy a monitor complete before coming in Asia, so strategy accordingly. Also observe that you can arrange a Mt Fuji day journey from Seattle by topic practice over on the Viator website, such as the well-known Mt Fuji & Hakone from Seattle (return by Bullet Train) journey.

People watch in shopping districts:

people watch

Regardless of what town you are actually, there will be purchasing zones. And that always creates for excellent sightseeing, especially in Asia where young style is so different and excessive. Find a eating place or eating place with a excellent perspective to while away a few time. This is especially fun on a few days in Tokyo’s Harajuku region, or any day of the 7 days above Shibuya’s popular Hachiko traversing. There’s a A java house with a great perspective of the traversing, with thousands of people on the streets weaving in all guidelines at once in a enchanting stop-go-stop dancing timed to the visitors lighting. This kind of crosswalk is known as ‘scramble crossing’ and while there are about 300 in Asia, this one is the most popular, as it’s situated right at the front side of the most popular place in the world, Shibuya Place.

Shop for toys:

Even if your days of tossing fits and tantrums in the toy store are long over, engage your inner child and spend some time surfing around the heavy racks of 6-floor toy shops. They offer everything from Miyazaki film devices to terrifying Goth baby dolls, radio-controlled vehicles, and nasty options of just about any imaginary personality ever attracted or thought. If the shops get too populated, head over to an video arcade and get yourself a lovable packed monster from one of the many ‘claw’ game devices. And keep your eye out for selling devices that offer tablet toys–there’s one outside the Ryoan-ji Forehead in Kyoto that dispenses Hello Cat lunchtime hand baggage for a couple of dollars.

Check in to a ‘love hotel’:

check into a love hotel

Take a ‘rest’ in a really like resort — so known as for the actions of fans that take place within. Although some look common and humble, they are usually simple to identify. Look for unobtrusive windowless structures or unattractive components with shiny shades (think Vegas); fluorescent symptoms that promote services like designed areas, outfit perform, and ‘rental goods’; and a backlit image selection in the entrance hall. Renting a space for a ‘rest’ will get you a few time, whereas leasing a space for a ‘stay’ is usually instantaneously, and only available in the delayed night. While the whole concept may audio perverted, a run in a Love Hotel appear to be quite regular to the Japoneses, who often have little comfort at house.

Gaze upon Tokyo from the 52nd floor:

check out the view over Tokyo

If you have seen the movie Missing in Interpretation, you will know the perspective from the “New You are able to Bar” in Tokyo‘s Playground Hyatt Resort. It’s amazing, and well value paying out the 20-odd money for a mixture. From 750 legs in the sky, the immensity of Seattle is a vision to look at, especially when the town is lit up a evening, complete of red flashing lighting that make it seem as if the town was respiration. And from here, you can actually see the curve of the World. If you are only enthusiastic about the perspective, it’s best to get here in the delayed afternoon/early evening to prevent the every evening $20 protect cost for stay songs (the protect cost begins at 8 pm). The bar also provides a informal cusine selection, and has a $60 pizza.

Zen out:

A journey to Asia is not finish without viewing a forehead. Kyoto alone has several million of them. Designed with wooden and simple in design, Japanese wats are silently wonderful, usually set in the relaxing reasons of a yard. Kyoto is the place to go. Spared devastation during WWII for its traditional significance, these days the town is home to plenty of wats and shrines regarded nationwide gifts. The encompassing temple-laden town of Nara makes a great day journey from Kyoto, if only to check out the popular Todaiji Temple, the globe's biggest wooden made building.

Australia Tourism | Australia Tourist Attractions

2012-09-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

Australia Tourism | Australia Tourist Attractions | Map Of Australia

About Australia:

Australia is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent as well as the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north; the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia to the north-east; and New Zealand to the south-east.

For at least 40,000 years before European settlement in the late 18th century, Australia was inhabited by indigenous Australians,who belonged to one or more of roughly 250 language groups.After discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Great Britain in 1770 and settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales from 26 January 1788. The population grew steadily in subsequent decades; the continent was explored and an additional five self-governing Crown Colonies were established.

On 1 January 1901, the six colonies federated, forming the Commonwealth of Australia. Since Federation, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system which functions as a federal parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The federation comprises six states and several territories. The population of 22.7 million is heavily concentrated in the Eastern states and is highly urbanised.

A highly developed country, Australia is the world's 13th-largest economy and has the world's fifth-highest per capita income. Australia's military expenditure is the world's 13th-largest. With the second-highest human development index globally, Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights. Australia is a member of the G20, OECD, WTO, APEC, UN, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, and the Pacific Islands Forum.

History of Australia:

The History of Australia refers to the history of the area and people of the Commonwealth of Australia and its preceding Indigenous and colonial societies. Aboriginal Australians are believed to have first arrived on the Australian mainland by boat from the Indonesian archipelago between 40,000 to 60,000 years ago. They established among the longest surviving artistic, musical and spiritual traditions known on Earth.

The first uncontested landing in Australia by Europeans was by Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon in 1606. Other European explorers followed intermittently until,in 1770, James Cook charted the East Coast of Australia for Britain and returned with accounts favouring colonisation at Botany Bay (now in Sydney), New South Wales. A First Fleet of British ships arrived at Botany Bay in January 1788 to establish a penal colony. Other colonies were established by Britain around the continent and European explorers went deep into the interior throughout the 19th century. Introduced disease and conflict with the British colonists greatly weakened Indigenous Australians throughout the period.

Gold rushes and agricultural industries brought prosperity. Autonomous Parliamentary democracies began to be established throughout the six British colonies from the mid-19th century. The colonies voted by referendum to unite in a federation in 1901, and modern Australia came into being. Australia fought on the side of Britain in the World Wars and became a long-standing ally of the United States when threatened by Imperial Japan during World War II. Trade with Asia increased and a post-war multicultural immigration program received more than 6.5 million migrants from every continent. The population tripled in six decades to around 21 million in 2010, with people originating from 200 countries sustaining the 14th biggest economy in the world.

Geography of Australia:

The geography of Australia encompasses a wide variety of biogeographic regions being the world's smallest continent but the sixth-largest country in the world. The population of Australia is concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts. The geography of the country is extremely diverse, ranging from the snow capped mountains of the Australian Alps and Tasmania to large deserts, tropical and temperate forests.

Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the French dependency of New Caledonia to the east, and New Zealand to the southeast.

Australia Weather:

View Detailed 9 Day Weather Forecasts for Sydney, webcams, weather maps & more at Weather-Forecast.com

Australia Tourist Attractions:

Great Barrier Reef:

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in north-east Australia.

The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms.This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN labeled it one of the seven natural wonders of the world.The Queensland National Trust named it a state icon of Queensland.

A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use, such as fishing and tourism. Other environmental pressures on the reef and its ecosystem include runoff, climate change accompanied by mass coral bleaching, and cyclic population outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish.

The Great Barrier Reef has long been known to and used by the Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is an important part of local groups' cultures and spirituality. The reef is a very popular destination for tourists, especially in the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns regions. Tourism is an important economic activity for the region, generating $1 billion per year.

Tasmania:

Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is 240 kilometres (150 mi) south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania, the 26th largest island in the world, and the surrounding 334 islands. The state has a population of 507,626 (as of June 2010), of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart precinct. Tasmania’s area is 68,401 square kilometres (26,410 sq mi), of which the main island covers 62,409 square kilometres (24,096 sq mi).

Tasmania is promoted as the natural state, the "Island of Inspiration", and A World Apart, Not A World Away owing to its large and relatively unspoiled natural environment. Almost 37% of Tasmania lies in reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites. The island is 364 kilometres (226 mi) long from its northernmost to its southernmost points, and 306 kilometres (190 mi) from west to east.

The state capital and largest city is Hobart, which encompasses the local government areas of City of Hobart, City of Glenorchy, and City of Clarence, while the satellite town of Kingston (part of the Municipality of Kingborough)is generally included in the Greater Hobart area.

Other major population centres include Launceston in the north and Devonport and Burnie in the northwest. The subantarctic Macquarie Island is also under the administration of the state, as part of the Huon Valley Council local government area.

Snowy Mountains:

The Snowy Mountains, known informally as "The Snowies", are the highest Australian mountain range and contain the Australian mainland's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, which reaches 2,228 metres AHD, approximately 7310 feet.

The range contains the five highest peaks on the Australian mainland, all above 2100 metres (6890 feet). They are located in southern New South Wales and are part of the larger Australian Alps and the Great Dividing Range. This is mainland Australia's only true Alpine region with large natural snowfalls every winter. Snow normally falls the most during June, July and early August. Most of the snow has melted by late spring. The Tasmanian highlands are the other Alpine region in Australia.

It is host to the Mountain Plum-pine, a low-lying type of conifer suspected of being the world's oldest living organism. It is one of the centres of the Australian ski industry during the winter months.

The Alpine Way and the Snowy Mountains Highway are the major roads through the Snowy Mountains.

Sydney:

Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people.Inhabitants of Sydney are called Sydneysiders, comprising a cosmopolitan and international population.

The site of the first British colony in Australia, Sydney was established in 1788 at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip, commodore of the First Fleet as a penal colony.The city is built on hills surrounding Port Jackson which is commonly known as Sydney Harbour, where the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge feature prominently. The hinterland of the metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and the coastal regions feature many bays, rivers, inlets and beaches including the famous Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Within the city are many notable parks, including Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Sydney Opera House:

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, opening in 1973 after a long gestation that had begun with his competition-winning design in 1957.

Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour, in 2003. The Pritzker Prize citation stated:

There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera House is his masterpiece. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city, but a whole country and continent.

The Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world.

The Sydney Opera House is on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the northeastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour (Sydney Cove and Farm Cove) and inland by the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Contrary to its name, the building houses multiple performance venues. As one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people, the Sydney Opera House provides a venue for many performing arts companies including the four key resident companies Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and presents a wide range of productions on its own account. It is also one of the most popular visitor attractions in Australia, with more than seven million people visiting the site each year, 300,000 of whom take a guided tour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge:

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore. The dramatic view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of both Sydney and Australia. The bridge is nicknamed "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design.

Under the directions of Dr J.J.C. Bradfield of the NSW Department of Public Works, the bridge was designed and built by British firm Dorman Long and Co Ltd of Middlesbrough and opened in 1932. The bridge's design was influenced by the Hell Gate bridge in New York.According to the Guinness World Records, it is the world's widest long-span bridge. It is also the fifth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world, and it is the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 metres (440 ft) from top to water level.Until 1967 the Harbour Bridge was Sydney's tallest structure.

Luna Park Sydney:

Luna Park Sydney is an amusement park, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.Luna Park is located at Milsons Point, on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour.

The park was constructed at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during 1935, and ran for nine-month seasons until 1972, when it was opened year-round. Luna Park was closed in mid-1979, immediately following the Ghost Train fire, which killed six children and one adult. Most of the park was demolished, and a new amusement park was constructed; this originally operated under the name of Harbourside Amusement Park before resuming the Luna Park name. The park was closed again in 1988 as an independent engineering inspection determined that several rides needed urgent repair. The owners failed to repair and reopen the park before a New South Wales government deadline, and ownership was passed to a new body. Reopening in 1995, Luna Park closed again after thirteen months because of the Big Dipper rollercoaster: noise pollution complaints from residents on the clifftop above the park caused the ride's operating hours to be heavily restricted, and the resultant drop in attendance made the park unprofitable. After another redevelopment, Luna Park reopened in 2004, and as of 2011 is still operating.

Luna Park is one of two amusement parks in the world that are protected by government legislation, and several of the buildings on the site are listed on the Register of the National Estate and the NSW State Heritage Register. The park has been utilised as a filming location for several movies and television shows.

Bondi Beach:

Bondi Beach is a popular beach and the name of the surrounding suburb in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Bondi Beach is located 7 kilometres east of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of Waverley Council, in the Eastern Suburbs. Bondi, North Bondi and Bondi Junction are neighbouring suburbs.

Bondi Beach is about one kilometre long (˜0.6 miles) and receives many visitors throughout the year. Surf Life Saving Australia has given different hazard ratings to Bondi Beach in 2004. While the northern end has been rated a gentle 4 (with 10 as the most hazardous), the southern side is rated as a 7 due to a famous rip current known as the "Backpackers' Express" because of its proximity to the bus stop, and the unwillingness of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for surfboard riding. Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them.

There is an underwater shark net shared, during the summer months, with other beaches along the southern part of the coast. Pods of whales and dolphins have been sighted in the bay during the months of migration. Fairy penguins, while uncommon, are sometimes also seen swimming close to shore or amongst surfers in southern line-up.

In 2007, the Guinness World Record for the largest swimsuit photo shoot was set at Bondi Beach, with 1,010 women wearing bikinis taking part.

Blue Mountains:

The Blue Mountains is a mountainous region in New South Wales, Australia. It borders on Sydney's metropolitan area, its foothills starting approximately 50 kilometres (31 mi) west of the state capital.The area begins on the west side of the Nepean River and extends westward as far as Coxs River.Geologically, it is situated in the central parts of the Sydney basin.

Consisting mainly of a sandstone plateau, the area is dissected by gorges up to 760 metres (2,490 ft) deep. The highest point of the range is Mount Werong at 1,215 metres (3,986 ft) above sea level.A large part of the Blue Mountains is incorporated into the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site, consisting of seven national park areas and a conservation reserve.

The Blue Mountains area includes the local government areas of the City of Blue Mountains, the City of Hawkesbury, the City of Lithgow and Oberon.

Melbourne:

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2010, the greater geographical area had an approximate population of four million.Inhabitants of Melbourne are called Melburnians or Melbournians.

The metropolis is located on the large natural bay known as Port Phillip, with the city centre positioned at the estuary of the Yarra River (at the northern-most point of the bay).The metropolitan area then extends south from the city centre, along the eastern and western shorelines of Port Phillip, and expands into the hinterland. The city centre is situated in the municipality known as the City of Melbourne, and the metropolitan area consists of a further 30 municipalities.

Melbourne was founded in 1835 (47 years after the European settlement of Australia) by settlers from Launceston in Van Diemen's Land. It was named by governor Richard Bourke in 1837, in honour of the British Prime Minister of the day, William Lamb—the 2nd Viscount Melbourne.Melbourne was officially declared a city by Queen Victoria in 1847.In 1851, it became the capital city of the newly created colony of Victoria.During the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, it was transformed into one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities.After the federation of Australia in 1901, it then served as the interim seat of government of the newly created nation of Australia until 1927.

Great Ocean Road:

The Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage listed 243-kilometre (151 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Warrnambool. The road was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, and is the world's largest war memorial; dedicated to casualties of World War I. It is an important tourist attraction in the region, which winds through varying terrain alongside the coast, and provides access to several prominent landmarks; including the nationally significant Twelve Apostles limestone stack formations.

Port Douglas:

Port Douglas is a town in Far North Queensland, Australia, approximately 70 km (40 mi) north of Cairns. Its permanent population was 948 residents in 2006.The town's population can often double, however, with the influx of tourists during the peak tourism season May–September. The town is named in honour of former Premier of Queensland, John Douglas. Port Douglas developed quickly based on the mining industry. Other parts of the area were established with timber cutting occurring in the area surrounding the Daintree River and with settlement starting to occur on lots around the Mossman River by 1880.

Previous names for the town included Terrigal, Island Point, Port Owen and Salisbury. The town is situated adjacent to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Port Douglas was No. 3 on Australian Traveller magazine's list of 100 Best Towns In Australia.

Australia Zoo:

Australia Zoo is a 100-acre (40 ha) zoo located in the Australian state of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast near Beerwah/Glass House Mountains. It is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), and is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin, whose wildlife documentary series The Crocodile Hunter made the zoo a popular tourist attraction. The zoo is run by Director Wes Mannion.

Australia Zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. Their son Steve, had helped his parents since childhood to care for crocodiles and reptiles and to maintain the growing number of animals in the zoo. In 1982 the park was renamed to the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and the area was doubled with the purchase of another 4 acres (1.6 ha). Steve and Terri changed the name of their now growing wildlife park to Australia Zoo. As filming generated extra funds, Steve and Terri put all money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits.

Australia Zoo won the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003–2004 in the category Major Tourist Attraction. In 2004, the Australian Animal Hospital was opened next to the zoo to help with animal care and rehabilitation. More recently, the zoo was a finalist in two categories for the 2010 Queensland Tourism Awards. Visitors will see a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and can view crocodile feedings, hand-feed elephants, and have hands-on animal encounters.

Air Australia:

Air Australia Airways was the trading name for Strategic Airlines Pty Ltd an airline flying domestic and international RPT flights. Strategic Aviation, a sister company, flew charter flights using the Air Australia fleet or other leased aircraft. Both companies had their head office in Hendra, Brisbane, Australia.

Air Australia halted all flights and was placed into voluntary administration on 17 February 2012,and into liquidation on 23 March 2012.

Australia Hotels:

Luxury Hotels in Australai:

Park Hyatt Sydney
Quay West Suites Sydney

Westin Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hilton Sydney
BLUE Sydney
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Marriott Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay
Crown Towers
The Westin Melbourne
Quay West Suites Melbourne
Art Series - The Blackman
The Langham, Melbourne
Art Series - The Olsen
Crown Metropol
The Como Melbourne
Melbourne Marriott Hotel
The Lyall Hotel and Spa

Budget Hotels In Australia:

Woolbrokers Hotel
The Australian Heritage Hotel
Central Railway Hotel
Leisure Inns Barclay Sydney
Formule 1 Sydney East
Sydney Central Hostel
Sydney Central on Wentworth
Nomads Maze Hotel Sydney
Holiday Lodge Hotel
Knightsbridge Apartments
Flagstaff City - Melbourne
Hotel George Williams
Metropolitan Motor Inn
Snooze Inn
Ambassador Motor Inn
Explorers Inn Hotel
City Palms Motel
Airport Ascot Motel

Map Of Australia:

Pictures Of Australia:

Australia Tourism,Tourism Australia,Map Of Australia,Pictures Of Australia,Australia Hotels,About Australia,Travel Australia,History of Australia,Air Australia,Luxury Hotels in Australai,Budget Hotels In Australia

Tulum Beach in Mexico

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Tulum Beach in Mexico

When we mention beach in Mexico, then we will remember Cancun Beach, the beautiful beach in Mexico. Yet, actually, in Mexico, there are more beautiful beach that can be the travel destinations. One of them is Tulum.

Tulum is a beach in Mexico in which provides the amazing scene. Not only that, Tulum also offers the traditional spa where travelers can get relaxing there, and then get the sun in Yucatan Beach. And for newlywed couple this Tulum will be the romantic place. Not only that, Tulum also offers the archeological sites and village scene, therefore, travelers will find more uniqueness in Tulum.

More travel destinations in Tulum such as Extreme Control Kite and Sup's School, Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Cenote Dos Ojos, and 21 more destinations that can be visited bt travelers. The coral reefs in Tulum are also part of the Great Mayan Reef, known for its spectacular diversity of marine life.

Travel destinations in Lizard Island, Lizard Island Australia, Lizard Island Attractions, Attractions in Lizard Island, Lizard Island Australia Attraction, Lizard Island Tourist Attraction

2012-09-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

Lizard Island Tourist Attraction

Lizard Island’s remote location to the north of Cooktown, luxury resort and pristine surrounding reefs mean it is rated as one of the finest getaways in the world. No children under the age of 12 are allowed and there are no day-trippers on the island.

During his epic voyage up the eastern coast of Australia in 1770, Captain James Cook climbed the peak (359 m) on Lizard Island (now known as Cook’s Look), to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs confronting him.

Lizard Island was known as Dyiigurra to the Dingaal Aboriginal people and regarded as a sacred place. The Dingaal believed that the Lizard group of islands had been created in the Dreamtime. They saw it as a stingray with Lizard Island being the body and the other islands in the group forming the tail. It was also used by the people for the initiation of young males and for the harvesting of shellfish, turtles, dugongs and fish.

The island located on the outer reef has 24 sandy beaches, offers the visitors unforgettable sights, spectacular coral and giant clams (some reputed to be 120 years old), against a background of pristine white-sand beaches, blue seas, stunning views and a warm climate. Renowned for the diving, you can come face to face with a huge curious Potato Cod, at the world famous ‘Cod Hole’, who will swim right up close to inspect you with child-like curiosity, as well as amazing Moray Eels and dazzling tropical fishes. There are many fantastic walks, abundant birdlife and you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard the island is named after.

There is plenty to do including sports fishing and big game fishing (September to November). The world famous Black Marlin Classic is staged annually in October and has resulted in the Lizard Island Game Fishing Club becoming home to seven World and two Australian records.

You can snorkel just off the beach or go to the outer reef for deeper waters. Lizard Island offers full Scuba Diving facilities including equipment and courses. Persons over 45 years are recommended to obtain a dive medical certificate PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

You can visit the remnants of Mrs Watsons Cottage. In 1879 Captain Robert Watson with his wife, a servant and baby daughter, built a cottage on the island. Captain Watson, was a beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) fisherman and during one of his absences, Aborigines from the mainland attacked the cottage. Mrs Watson, accompanied by her child and the chinese servant, attempted to flee to the mainland in a barrel used for boiling beche-de-mer. The vessel floated away from the coast and all three died of thirst.

In 1939 the island was declared a national park covering (1,000 ha). Camping requires a permit prior to arrival (ring the Cairns office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service on 07 4052 3096. The research station conducts tours every Monday and Friday, Ph: 07 4060 3977.

Location: 230 km north-east of Cairns, 93 km north-east of Cooktown, 27 km from the Queensland coast.
Access: Small plane from Cairns.
Population: Resort accommodates up to 80 guests.

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Singapore Tourist Places, Tourist Attractions in Singapore, Singapore Tourism, Tourist Destinations in Singapore, Singapore Tourist Spots

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Important Tourist places in Singapore

Singapore

offers some of the best sightseeing attractions that are sure to thrill a visitor on a vacation or a casual trip. From the religious architectural wonders to natural features, the island has so much to give to its enthusiastic travelers. Some of the tourist attractions in

Singapore

include Al-Abrar Mosque, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Jurong Bird Park and Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Apart from the man-made beauties, the island is also blessed with natural beauties like beaches, wonderful landscapes and a range of creatures, which adorn the island's natural heritage.

Singapore

knows to preserve its natural treasure and has several sanctuaries and wildlife parks to do so efficiently.

On the other hand, the rich cultural treasure of Singapore is preserved in the temples and other religious monuments.

On visiting these ancient creations you will see the well-preserved heritage of the land, its religion and its culture. Apart from all this, tourists are further enticed by the varied shopping options and cuisine options present in almost every part of the destination.

Top tourist attractions in Singapore

Popularly referred to as the 'Garden City', Singapore has more than just natural treasures to flaunt. From a collection of rich flora and fauna to various other attractions including mosques, temples, zoos, museums and other nature wonders like natural reserves, and beaches. It's time to catch up all that you have been waiting to explore in the island. Some of the best tourist attractions in Singapore are

Orchard Road: If you are a shopping spree, then a visit to Orchard Road is must for you. The Orchard Road has great shopping malls – Ngee Ann City, The Paragon, Plaza Singapura, Wisma Atria, Far East Plaza, Wheelock plaza ,Lucky Plaza and many others. There are plenty of eating spots here including Food Republic, Ayam Peneyet Ria, Killiney Kopitiam and many others.

Sentosa Island: If you want to be entertained to the fullest, then plan a visit to Sentosa island. Visit Sentosa underwater world and fall in love with sea creatures, visit Merlion- the giant statue which is half fish and half lion, plan a ride for a cable car to Sentosa or simply play with dolphins at Dolphin lagoons.

Museums: Asian Civilization Museum gives you a taste of history of Asian civilizations housing cultural and archaeological treasures from

China

and others. Singapore Art Museum has the largest public collection of 20th century

Singapore

and Southeast Asian art in the world. Other museums include Singapore History Museum, Peranakan Museum and Royal Selangor Pewter Museum, Changi Museum and others.

Jurong Bird Park: Jurong Bird Park gives shelter to over 8,000 birds of 600 species including the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills and South American Toucans, and the world's second largest penguin exhibit. The park has daily shows such as Breakfast with the Birds, Birds of Prey, Penguin Feeding Time and the Jurong Bird Park All Stars Bird show.

Singapore

Zoo: The zoo is home to over 2,000 creatures which are housed in landscaped enclosures having rock walls and streams replacing cages. Attractions include Children's World, giving a chance to interact with animals, six island Primate Kingdom, sea lion and penguin gallery, the polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway.

Night Safari: If you are an animal lover and you wish to look at a one horned rhinoceros or hear a pack of striped hyenas, then night safari will be a great deal for you with 1,200 animals of over 100 exotic species to look at.

Singapore Botanic Gardens : Botanic gardens combine great horticulture with great plant biodiversity along with activities and eating spots for visitors.

Little India: Little India as the name suggests shows the colors of Indian community in Singapore. Hinduism is an important life aspect here and beautiful temples of Sri Veerama Kaliaman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal are worth visiting.

China Town: Chinatown has narrow streets full of life that has changed quite less for generations. The whole of China Town is lit up beautifully during the Chinese new year with a variety of festive goods sold at various shopping stalls.

Al-Abrar Mosque

Al- Abrar Mosque is also known as the 'hut mosque'. It was constructed in the year 1827. This ancient religious architecture went through a renovation in the year 1980.

Nagore Durgha Shrine

Created by the Indian Muslims, this shrine is one of the ancient and most visited attractions of Singapore. The columns and classical molded arches of this architecture are creative and beautiful.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a spectacular four-storied architectural wonder. With sky high ceilings, drum tower and bell tower there is lot more that the temple reveals to its visitors. The golden stupa is however, one of the better features of the temple. It is located on the fourth floor and is 2 meter in size. The stupa is located in the place where the relic is kept and preserved. The temple is built in the pattern of Buddhist mandala. This style belongs to that of Tang dynasty. A visit to this Buddhist temple will take you past the history and culture of this island nation. The third floor of the temple shelters a Buddhist Culture Museum. It has about 300 artifacts of the religion and has been collected from different parts of Asia. The second floor has a tea house. There are temple programs and religious ceremonies held frequently.

Jurong Bird Park

If you love to be a part of the nature, Jurong Bird Park is a must visit destination in

Singapore

. More than 8000 birds have their homes in this aviary. In Asia Pacific, the park is the largest of its kind. Another feature of this park is the tallest waterfall of the world. You can even check out birds from different parts of the world like Africa and South America in this national bird park.

Khong Meng an Phor Kark

Khong Meng an Phor Kark is also known as Bright Hill Temple. It is known to be the largest temple in

Singapore

. The temple is adorned with several Chinese shrines, decorations, chimes and idols. The garden and turtle pool are a major attraction of this beautiful temple. Khong Meng an Phor Kark boasts of a modern architecture and is a true beauty to visit during your vacations.

Central Catchment Nature Reserve

For some thrill, some tiring excursion and ultimate nature experience, Central Catchment Nature Reserve is the ideal place in

Singapore

for visitors to visit. The reserve stretches for about 2000 hectares. The four main reservoirs of this nature reserve are Peirce, Seletar Reservoirs, Upper Peirce and MacRitchie. Hiking the trails through the forest that leads to Bukit Timah Reserve is one of the favorite activities in this area.

Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Lying close to the Jurong Bird Park, this garden stretches for about 13.5 hectares and is a true beauty to visit. Created in the Northern Chinese Imperial Style, the garden adorns a part of the island on the Jurong Lake. You will love to walk in and around the magnificient Chinese Garden and see the pagodas, stone lions, statue of Confucius and the stoneboat. You will certainly love the ambience of the Garden of Romance and the medicinal aromas of the Herb Garden on visiting Chinese and Japanese Gardens. One of the most picturesque attractions of the garden is the bonsai garden. This is also known as Suzhou styled penjing.

Lying near the Double Beauty Bridge is another magnificent garden. This is the Japanese Garden, which has zig-zag patterned bridges, pathways with tiny pebbles, lanterns made of stone and warm houses for the season.

Other well-known tourist attractions in Singapore

Singapore

has lot more to offer to its travel enthusiasts. The island nation is a favored destination for Asian tourists as well as for tourists traveling from other parts of the world.

Some of the famous places to visit in Singapore are:

Singapore Zoological Gardens

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Sentosa Underwater World

Sri Mariaman Temple

Sultan Mosque

Changi Chapel and Museum

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Thian Hock Kemg Temple

Tanjong Beach

Tiger Sky Tower

These and several other interesting places to visit often star in the various packages, which you may avail to explore Singapore. On your vacation in the island nation you can also be a part of the various entertaining shows held at regular intervals. Being a part of the Night Safari and the Jungle Breakfast with zoo creatures is fun and exciting. You will love to explore the island features and return again and again to have a wonderful time in the island with your near and dear ones.

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Scotland Hotels

2012-07-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Auchen Castle Hotel is a prestigious, Scottish Tourist Board Four Star Scottish castle hotel located in the borders of Scotland only a few miles from Gretna Green and in the heart of Robert Burns Country. Whether you wish a romantic hide away accommodation break in Scotland or a Scottish Castle Wedding - we should be your venue of choice. With a reputation for excellent service, great cuisine and a unique setting - your stay at Auchen Castle Hotel will be a memorable one.

Scotland Hotels

Canada Hotels

2012-07-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Oakes is the great place to enjoy all the lavishness and abundance of amenities for the affordable price.

The Oakes is my favorite place among all Niagara Falls hotels.

It is right above the Horseshoe waterfall, between KEG restaurant / Minolta Tower, and Fallsview casino / Skylon Tower.

The Oakes hotel features the Fallsview observation level on the top floor, and you as a guest will receive complimentary access ... more on Oakes review page.

Room price (August): $269 - $449 CAN, for hotel reservation and the best deal

Canada Hotels

Hotels in Hawaii

2012-07-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

the hotels in hawaii

hotels in hawaii ocean views

hotels in hawaii swiming pool

hotels in hawaii room

Scotland Wallpapers

2012-07-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

Scotland Wallpaper

Scotland Landscape

2012-07-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Fort William Scotland

Glen Etive Scotland

Highlands Ben Nevis Range, Scotland

Montross, Scotland

glengorm back to edinburgh Scotland

FREE HOTELS IN ACAPULCO MEXICO

2012-07-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

ACAPULCO MEXICO FREE BEACH HOTELS

Acapulco Mexico, one of the most magnificent tourist destinations in the world,is known for its amazing views, romantic oceanfront resorts, wild pulsating nightlife, picture perfect golden beaches, unlimited water sports, luxury hotels, international gourmet restaurants and mesmerizing physical beauty of Acapulco Bay. If you want to holiday at a FREE ACAPULCO BEACH HOTEL then you must resort to a little creativity while understanding the proper methods to book and stay for free in Acapulco. First lets examine the information about Acapulco tourism and hotels accommodations.

Acapulco famous hotel & resorts are amongst the finest in the world with romantic sensuality and prestigious clientele with beautiful people partying until the sun comes up. Acapulco bay with its pristine beaches and warm waters have been a magnet to movie stars, rich and famous billionaire's and some of the worlds most famous people since the days of Hollywood. Acapulco had been voted as one of the worlds most beautiful romantic cities with its strategic resort location full of the perfectly formed beaches, year round guaranteed sunshine and gorgeous hilltop villas. For free vacation you can find a hilltop villa that is owned by a Hollywood movie star or internet mogul and ask if they need a house sitter. Villas in Acapulco have been occupied by the owners for less than 2 months per year. The over 10 months most Acapulco mansions and Villa resorts are empty so the owners are always looking for a good responsible tourist to stay and watch their villas for Free. That's right for Free! The reason is that its better to have someone stay at the villas rather than keep it empty for fear of vandalism and damage during hurricanes or earthquakes which happen frequently all over Mexico.

Español: Edificio del Hotel Crowne Plaza en Acapulco, Guerrero, México. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ACAPULCO BEACH

Once you have found your Free Acapulco Hotel or Villa, you can discover the endless adventures that Acapulco has to offer. First of all, did you know that Acapulco bay is world famous fishing destination with an annual sail fishing championship that is legendary because everyone seems to catch sailfish. The bay of Acapulco is also amazing for world class snorkeling and Scuba diving, jet-ski and riding at full speed across Acapulco Bay or even para sailing above the golden beaches of the bay.

Acapulco referred to by the local Mexicans as "Acapulco de Juárez" is a city and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the western Pacific coast of Mexico, 300 kilometers southwest from the capital Mexico City. Acapulco beach is surrounded by high mountains on a deep, half moon bay and has been a secret pirates port since the early Spanish conquistadors period of Mexico’s history. International shipping and cruise ships sail between Panama and San Francisco, California, United States every day. Acapulco city is the largest populated city in this southern Mexican beach state, far larger than the state capital Chilpancingo. Acapulco is also Mexico's largest beach and vacation destination featuring over 1,000 hotels, resorts, villas and vacation homes for sale or for rent.

ACAPULCO BEACH RESORT

In reality Acapulco is best known as Mexico’s oldest and most world famous beach resorts, because of the exposure in the 1950s as a secret romantic getaway for Hollywood movie stars and millionaires like Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and even the world's richest billionaire, Mecico's Carlos Slims who all own vacation villas right on Acapulco clifftop beaches. The huge stunning night clubs that surround the hilltops of Acapulco are famous for wild uninhibited partying nightlife and attract many young beautiful holiday vacationers from around the world that tend to stay in many of Acapulco's luxury high rise hotels.

For a List of Free Acapulco hotels, Villas & Resorts you have to contact the Acapulco links and send them an email or just pick up skype and call them directly. Or if you cant be bothered you can always just buy a cheap Acapulco hotel deal and begin the vacation of a lifetime in Beautiful Acapulco beach in Mexico.

The Passion of Former Days: Scotland by Photochrom

2012-07-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Another set of photochroms! (for a couple more details on photochroms, see this post; basically they are photographs crossed with lithograms). Today, a tour of Scotland, 1890s.

Carrick Castle, Loch Goil. Source

Loch Lomond from Tarbet. Source

Loch Tummel. Source

Iona Abbey. Source

A general view of Dollar. Source

The Wallace Monument, Stirling. Source

Dunottar Castle. Source

The High Street in Dumfries. Source

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh. Source

Prince's Street, Edinburgh. Source

Sweetheart Abbey, Dumfries, Scotland. Source

Melrose Abbey. Source

Islands from Luss Quarries, Loch Lomond. Source

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe. Source

Hotel and Ben Lui, Loch Awe. Source

The Auld Brig O'Doon in Alloway, Ayrshire. Source

Bridge of Allan (the name of a town, not a bridge) from Abbey Craig. Source

The cathedral in Glasgow. Source

Stirling Castle. Source

Fort William and Ben Nevis. Source

Balmoral Castle (the Royal Family's summer home). Source

Caveney Brae, Banff. Source

Edinburgh from the Castle. Source

Inverary from the south. Source

Glasgow University. Source

Threave Castle, Castle Douglas. Source

The summit of Ben Nevis, Scotland's (and Britain's) highest mountain. Source

A bridge in Aberfeldy. Source

The Sands, Dumfries. Source

The castle in Rothesay. Source

The Tay Valley from Kinnoul Hill. Source

Brazil - Tourist Attractions in Brazil Tourist Destinations

2012-07-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Brazil is one of the most incredible countries in the world. This is a tourist destinations that will take your breath away. There are so many amazing tourist attractions that will keep you busy during your vacation here. There is something for everyone in Brazil. Some of the best beaches in the world, the most beautiful landscapes, incredible rainforests and so many other interesting things to visit. Here in Brazil, you have the largest biodiversity probably in the world, there are some of the greatest festivals and various traditions, as well as the well known wealthy past this country has.

Brazil is the largest country in the continent of South America. It is located in the eastern part of the continent and it is sharing the border with pretty much every country in South America. The only countries that are not bordering with Brazil are Ecuador and Chile. In the Atlantic Ocean are located some group of islands that belongs to Brazil. Most famous are San Pablo and San Pedro.

Being extended on such a big area is a reason why there are so many different geographical areas in Brazil.
There are even different climates, in some parts there are high mountains, plains and large tropical forests and in some parts there are dry and semi-arid regions. Some of the largest Rainforests in Brazil are the Amazon Rainforest and the Atlantic Rainforest. Amazon Rainforest is the world's biggest biological diversity.

You will never regret if you decide to visit this beautiful tourist destination. The country is full with surprises. The most important and interesting things about Brazil are the Brazilian people. They are well known by their free spirit and the friendly way of communicating with foreigners and tourists. The variability of cultures and races in Brazil is overwhelming, the cities are great, modern and wonderful, the ecosystems are in wide range. This and many other amazing tourist attractions are waiting for you in Brazil.

Another great attraction in Brazil is football (soccer). This is one of the reason why this country is so famous around the world. As football is the most popular sports in the world, and the Brazilian football team is always among the best football teams in the world, it is not difficult to know about this country. This country has always given to the world some of the best players that ever played this sport and won the World Cup more than any other country on Earth.

Other thing that is also a great tourist attraction in Brazil is the Rio de Janeiro carnival that is happening every year. This is known as one of the greatest party in the continent that last for four days and brings millions of tourists from around the continent and the world. Pretty much all of the music played during Rio Carnival is samba. It is an original Brazilian music arising from Rio, a dance form that was made-up by the poor Afro-Brazilians many years ago. This is not the only carnival going on in Brazil, but it is definitely the most famous. Other carnivals that are happening in Brazil are Salvador Bahia, Recife Carnival etc.

Brazil boasts some of the greatest beaches in the world. If your idea for a great luxury vacation is a great hotel, sunny beach, crystal clear water, golden sands with beautiful palm trees, there is no doubt that Brazil will be your top travel destination. There is no bad time to go on a beach in Brazil. Beaches are crowded during all the year and people from all the world spend their vacation here.

The Brazilian coast is almost 3,000 km long, so you have all kind of different beaches there. This is like you are going from one country to an other. If you go along the coast, you will find different languages, culture, behavior etc. Some of the most popular beaches there are Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Espelho and Morro do Sao Paulo in Bahia, and one of the most famous beach in Brazil is Jericoacoará, considered the place to visit if you want to see some of the most spectacular sunsets in Brazil.

Brazil map

Bali, Indonesia Tourist Destinations

2012-07-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Bali - welcome to paradise on Earth. Bali is an Indonesian island, one of the 33 provinces of the country. Its neighboring islands are Java and Lombok, east and west from Bali respectively. Tourism is the main source of financial income, so you can just imagine what this place has to offer. Bali is pointed out as one of the best tourist destinations by multiple travel magazines.

Resorts and spas do not come any better wherever you go. Just 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator the climate is perfect making this island open for the tourists throughout the whole year. The beaches are amazing and the water is a real challenge for divers. Bali is surrounded with coral reefs and exotic species. Whale sharks and dolphins are real attraction too. From volcanoes, mountain tops as high as 3000 meters to rainforests and beaches- the landscape is various and exceptional. The island is relatively small, so tourists are able to make different tours on daily bases. You can feel safe and completely relieved as criminal acts are unusual and rarely reported on Bali.

The coastline differs on the south and the north of the island. As Bali has active volcanoes, the north beaches are covered with dark grey sand. This side is still not well adopted for tourists. Bali still does not have train service, but roads are highly efficient and they will quickly take you form one place to another. Moving from north to south will lead you to Denpasar, the capital of Bali, and to the beautiful sand beaches by the tempting blue waters of the South Pacific. Kuta is the best known resort on the island. Until recently it was only popular among surfers and backpackers.

Nature simply blooms around here. The island is practically covered with flowers, mostly water lilies, jasmine, hibiscus and all kinds of orchids. Fragrances combined from different types of flowers and tropical fruits prevail. One breath is not enough to satisfy your sense of smell, You will get so used to the sight of flowers too: flowers in the temples, flowers during rituals, even in the hair of the beautiful Balinese girls. Agriculture is the second larger occupation on the island. There are vast rice fields and coffee plantations.

The acacia trees, palms, bamboos and mangrove provide homes for about 300 species of birds like sparrows, cuckoos, wood swallows and the endemic Bali Starling. Bali was once, a natural habitat for many large animals. Today, elephants, leopards and the endemic Bali Tiger are all extinct. The greater part of the fauna consists of monkeys, deer, squirrels, civets and some dangerous snakes like the King Cobra.

Balinese tradition used to prohibit performing rituals outside of the temples. However, this was recently changed and today tourists can enjoy stunning performances by the dancers and musicians. Each temple, and there are a lot on the island, organizes at least two festivals every year, which means that there is at least one you can attend every day.

There are restaurants of all kinds. For those who travel on a budget, try the local restaurants where you will find most traditional dishes . For those who like classy dining, resorts usually have high-standard places with high prices. The cuisine mainly consists of rice dishes and vegetables with small amounts of meat and fish.

It is not easy to describe the ambience of Bali. People are so amiable that they simply radiate their charm. At the same time you feel serenity and relaxation, mystery and excitement. Magical forces posses you while you are there, making you good-spirited and vigorous.

From backpackers to high-budget travelers, everyone finds Bali attractive and more or less affordable. T he peak of the tourist seasons are the months of July and August as expected, but Christmas and New Year's Eve bring another big wave of visitors. Bali is mostly visited by Australians, as the not-so-long distance enables visits during all the holidays and other occasions. Except for tourists coming from the AESEAN countries, visa is usually issued upon arrival and after paying a certain fee.

Balideals.com is an online service that could help you plan your trip. Here, you can get information on flights, lodging , car rentals and everything else that will make your stay more enjoyable. Millions of tourists have already been convinced that Bali is infinitely exotic. If you decide to forget about the skyscrapers, the asphalt and your everyday problems, book your trip to Bali now! And when you land in paradise, be ready to spoil yourselves to the maximum.

Bali Map