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26. May, 2010

Travelling to Greece

Travelling to Greece

If you’re one of the millions of tourists that every year choose to spend their holidays in Greece, congratulations. You’ve just booked yourself a ticket to one of the world’s oldest and most amazing cultures, a perfect blend between past and present, East and West. With a blend of ancient archeological sites and modern buildings, as well as well preserved beaches, and a cuisine that’s a mixture of ancient Greek tradition with Western touches as well as a very rich Turkish influence, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find and taste in the country.

The Greek people are warm and welcoming, as they are used to and also very grateful for receiving tourists. Of course, you should always watch out for possible price increases in the “tourist menus”, as well as petty crime like pick pocketing or the old technique of trying to rip you off while giving you back your change for something. But for the most part, you’re very unlikely to find dishonest people.

In Greece, the English language is widely spoken, and recent years have seen an increase of people speaking Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Unfortunately for French and German tourists, not so many places cater to their language as to the four mentioned above, but all of that can be solved with a couple of words in English.

15. Mar, 2010

The Maritime Museum

Am9Built in 1656 and now more than three hundred years old, the Maritime Museum was the former arsenal of the Dutch Navy and now known by the name of the National Naval Depot.  This is a categorically specific museum and one of the largest in the world and is for those travelers and locals, who are interested in the maritime history of the Netherlands.
In this same location are many Amsterdam hotels, one being a bed & breakfast that is within walking distance of the maritime museum. Even if you don’t stay near by, the public transportation is great and an easy way to get around to see other museums.
In this museum you will find many navel instruments, sea-faring objects, artifacts and maps as well as exhibits that depict the discovery of the world by Dutch explorers.  There are ancient ships for you to admire and replicas that explain the history of trade and exploration. Limited tours are allowed through the massive ships.  The Dutch equivalent of the Titanic, the “Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam” is a replica offers re-enactments of the the maintenance and what the daily life was like on board. On its first voyage, this ship sank off the coast of England. Great place for history buffs.

14. Mar, 2010

Museums and Art in the Gothic Quarter

Barce9Located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the Picasso Museum as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art. There are many Barcelona hotels in this area, but the closest one to the Gothic Quarter is the Avenida Palace.
This hotel offers a beauty parlor and wellness services and a doorman who will invite you into the mulitiered lobby of Doric columns. This lobby boasts a curving staircase adorned with ornamental ironwork, a piano bar and a restaurant. It was once a tea salon and concert hall and is conveniently located just one black from the Ramblas Promenade.
The staff here is multilingual and they offer secretarial and business services. Medical assistance is available at the hotel if needed and they have tour assistance also. The public areas are air conditioned, there is internet access in public area and for a small surcharge you can get airport transportation. This is a four start hotel with 151 air conditioned rooms with satellite televisions.

08. Dec, 2009

A Guide to the Pembrokeshire National Park

pembrokeshireHave you ever considered taking a short break in Pembrokeshire? No!? Well, perhaps its time you change your mind. First of all it’s so accessible. Located in South West Wales, London is just 4 hours away, Birmingham 3.5, the Severn Bridge 2 hours and Cardiff a mere 1.5 hours. Strong access to the area really does make it a place worth visiting wherever you are.

The Pembrokeshire National Park can boasts some of the most breathtaking views and diverse range of wildlife found anywhere in the UK. The park covers some 240 square miles with a coastline stretching 258 miles long. The coast is dotted with little islands just off the mainland that can be accessed by boat; on the islands, you can see puffins, gannets and a whole host of sea life from seals to whales as well as the panoramic views. Walks, biking, golf and fishing are all popular activities, while quaint little villages, bustling towns and great attractions provide many things to see and do. Here is just a little list of things you could be doing on your nest holiday:

  • Cilgerran Castle. Steeped in history this castle which was first mentioned back in 1164 overlooks the River Teifi. An imposing masonry castle not to be missed.
  • Melin Tregwynt Mill: Gives you a chance to watch traditional weaving in process and offers a unique shopping experience for its visitors from individual throws to stylish blankets and lampshades. Located in a beautifully remote wooden valley on the Pembrokeshire coast line.
  • Strumble Head and Fishguard: The closest point to Ireland from Wales, this magnificent headland boasts stunning views of the coastline. Blow the cobwebs away with a walk there and back. You will not regret it.
  • Skomer Island: Located in St Brides Bay off the West coast of Pembrokeshire, regular boat trips are held to get there where you will see a wide variety of plants and birds.
  • Celtic Haven Spa. After all the great outdoor pursuits, you may wish to unwind and relax in the only Elemis Premier spa in West Wales. Choose from a range of therapies and treatments on offer.
  • Choose to stay in one of a wide range of Pembrokeshire Cottages to make your stay truly memorable.

    29. Nov, 2009

    Romantic Italy for Newlyweds

    trevi-fountain-rome-italy_webThe most iconic experiences that define the word “Romance” can only be found in the beautiful country of Italy. Such as a: touring through the Venetian canals on a gondola, or candle lit dinners in a water side cafe, you can find it here in Italy.

    If you book your trip to Venice, Florence, or Rome, you will find that many newly married couples from all over the world go to Italy for the most romantic holiday of their lives. From it’s picturesque canals to it’s towering architecture, every couple can find something that appeals to their tastes.

    The nightlife throughout Italy is also famous throughout the world, with great clubs with live music and fantastic wine. If you go south to Sicily, you will find lush wine country and secluded beaches. Italy has all of the most desirable aspects when it comes to vacationing, all in one country. So if you like sightseeing and ancient ruins, as well as great restaurants, wine and art, then you know where to book for your Honeymoon.

    Guest post by Holly