Showing posts with label Family Visit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Visit. Show all posts

Monday, May 7, 2012

Turkey - Places To Visit In Istanbul - Travel Advice

Turkey - Things To Do In Istanbul - Travel Adice

Istanbul is a mega city on the edge of Europe and Asia. It has a wealth of attractions, which make it a more interesting destination.

The Bosporus (which is called in Turkish Bogaziçi) is a strait that divides the city into two parts of Istanbul, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and physically separates Asia from Europe.

There are two bridges over the strait. Bogazici Bridge of 1074 meters long was completed in 1973. The second bridge, the FSM (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü) has a length of 1014 meters, was completed in 1988 and is nearly five miles north of the first bridge. These bridges connect Istanbul to Üsküdar neighboring Asian cities (in Greek Chrysopolis), Kadikoy (Chalcedon in Greek)

Istanbul capital was of two of the most powerful empires of the earth, and cosmopolitan city, to the sixteenth century was probably the most civilized and multicultural, Istanbul hosts extraordinary monuments, palaces, churches and racecourse dating from the Byzantine era , the Süleymaniye mosques of Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Saray), seat of Ottoman imperial power, and others.

The Basilica Cistern Yerebatan Sarayi is a large underground cistern built in 532 by Emperor Justinian. It consists of a dome that is supported on 336 columns, two of which rest on top of two large heads that possibly served to indicate where it was the sanctuary of the nymphs. This is the largest tank of 60 built under the city of Istanbul, formerly Byzantium and Constantinople.

Roman Hippodrome Obelisk was built at the time of Septimius Severus in 200 AD The Hippodrome was the center of the civil activities, and Hagia Sophia was the center of religious activities. It also functioned as a center of sports where circuses and chariot races were the recreational activities of the inhabitants of Constantinople for more than 1,000 years. Even today you can distinguish the obelisk Egyptian obelisk and the walls, trim highlights of this racecourse

Sultan Mehmet Bridge - This bridge, also known as El Segundo, along with the Bosphorus Bridge are the only two land routes of communication between the two parts into which it is separated the city of Istanbul. The bridge is kind pendant. It is suspended 64 meters above the sea and was opened in 1988

The most popular and famous of the city is centered on Sultanahmet Square where you can see the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia Cathedral. The beautiful cathedral dates from the sixth century A.D. the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifteenth century, became a mosque. Now a museum and you can see the mixture of both cultures. It was built in front of the Blue Mosque (Blue Mosque). This was done to make clear to the Cathedral of St. Sophia and thus win the leading role. It is noteworthy that if you visit the city in September, you can enjoy the feast of Ramadan where Sultanahmet Square is the center of the festival.

Istiklal Caddesi - (English: Independence Avenue) - is probably the most famous street in Istanbul. The main pedestrian street still has a charming vintage tram along and is full of things to see and do. Cadde Historically, in times of the famous Orient Express in Istiklal Avenue was called-i Kebir, Grande Rue de Pera by French intellectuals who gathered here, and was a glamorous place to see and be seen. However, its glitz and glamor days gave way to rampant crime and deterioration.

Istiklal Avenue- Istiklal Avenue is located in the historic Beyoglu district and starts from the area near the Galata Tower and leads to Taksim Square. Around here do not miss the Çiçek Pasaji (Paso Flores), and Balik Pazari (Fish Market).

Shopping – The currency is the Turkish lira, euro becomes equal to 2 lire. The prices are very affordable. For example, you can go to the harbor fresh fish to eat bread and drink for about 2 euros to change.

Istanbul is a place of markets - In fact, the largest in the world is in this city, the Grand Bazaar. Grand Bazaar If you want to go shopping go to the Grand Bazaar Istanbul, an area of 80 streets, 4000 shops, bars, cafes and restaurants where you can buy everything you can imagine: clothes, all kinds of jewels, silks, clocks, rugs, souvenirs and etc.

The other highlight is the market of spices, where all existing condiments organized in a way that beautifies the place.

It has the peculiarity that the street names corresponding to items that are sold in stores so that at the name of the street you know that kind of shops you'll encounter. Some famous Grand Bazaar is Koylu Pazari, which means "village market", where the story along artisans has sold silks and fabrics to sultanas.

Some of the typical gifts you can find here Istanbul carrying relatives or friends are the spice trays, boxes of granulated apple tea, delicate tea sets and especially the wooden boxes of Turkish delight. The blue eye is the talisman of the city and you'll find in most stores.

It also highlights the beautiful Galata tower, 67 meters high where you have spectacular views of the city and the Bosphorus, where you can make short cruises to enjoy the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
The Beyoglu district is crossed the Galata Bridge. Here is located the modern Istanbul live music clubs, discos, terraces crowded with students or profesioales of all countries, boutiques and wide avenues that connect each other with narrow laneways alive. The passage of the Flowers, with its hotels and shops is an example of business in this neighborhood located north of the Golden Horn.

Some important Buildings and Monuments
• Church of St. Sophia also called Church of Divine Wisdom and Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii). It is now a museum.
• Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Camii.
• Topkapi Palace, where intone are several important museums and monuments.
• Dolmabahçe Palace.
• Cistern Basilica or Yerebatan.
• Arap Mosque.
• Church of St. Irene (Hagia Irene), the first church of Byzantium, now a museum.
• Bulgarian St Stephen Church (known as "Bulgarian Iron Church").
• Fatih Mosque.
• Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi).
• Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi).
• Mosaic Museum.
• The Prince's Islands.
• Sadberk Hanim Museum.
• Süleymaniye Mosque.
• The Maiden's Tower, Tower of San Leandro (Kiz Kulesi).
• Hippodrome of Constantinople.
• Museum of the Islands of Istanbul.
• Museum of Innocence.
• Museum of Contemporary Art in Istanbul.

Markets, neighbourhoods and places
• Fish Restaurants Bebek area.
• Beyoglu
• Golden Horn
• Taksim Square
• Eyüp Cemetery
• Fashion District, district of Kadiköy
• Bagdat Caddesi, Kadiköy cosmopolitan district of the Asian part of the city.
• The Nisantasi

In conclusion, Istanbul is a destination with many attractions - If you like this advice - Please Subscribe for future travel advice

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Turkey Tourism - Istanbul - Travel Advice

Turkey Tourism - Istanbul - Travel Advice


Many tourists dream about the beautiful city of Istanbul because it is a city with an important history and that was the capital of Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

Istanbul - Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey and the third most populous in Europe. The ancient Byzantium and then Constantinople at the time of the Roman Empire, is now one of the most beautiful and populated areas of Europe, one of the 3 cities are located transcontinental between Europe and Asia.

Culture - Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and more westernized. Its location is between two continents, the culture of the Turkish economic capital is very rich. This motivated the decision by the European Parliament that the European Capital of Culture in 2010 as Istanbul, along with Pecs (Hungary) and Essen (Germany). In 2004, the city hosted the Festival of the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 in the Ukraine won 280 points.

History - The Roman Empire -In the year 191 a. C. the city became an ally of Rome, which was recognized as a free city, but later became a direct possession of the Republic (100 BC).

In 194, Byzantium became embroiled in a dispute between the Roman emperor Septimius Severus and Niger Pescennius, siding with the latter. Because of this Severus besieged the city, where Niger's supporters resisted. The fighting lasted three years, which irritated Severus, when finally gave up, looted and destroyed its walls. Then he proposed to rebuild it and build another city twice as large.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul - The strategic location of Byzantium attracted to the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, who in 330 founded the city again as Nova Roma Constantinople in his honor and became the capital Roman Empire after its division in 395, the Eastern Roman Empire, which has passed into modern historiography with the name of the Byzantine Empire. Nova Roma's name was never used and was often Constantinople which prevailed until the fall of the Empire in 1453 and was used until the twentieth century in Europe, instead of Istanbul (still used in Greece).


The first period of splendor of the Empire the church of St. Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine art who built the Emperor Justinian I. After a brief crisis in the seventh and eighth centuries, again another round of rebirth in the IX and X, with the Eastern Schism, after which come the decline of the Empire to the Crusades, the division into several states such as the Latin Empire, and the continuing Turkish threat. But the city maintained its importance as a cultural and commercial center of the Mediterranean, with consulates and colonies of merchants from various countries.

The Ottoman Empire - The Fall of Constantinople under Turkish rule on May 29, 1453 was an event that shocked the European society of the time and is considered the end of the Middle Ages. The city fell after a long siege and years of conflict with the Turks who had conquered the rest of the Byzantine Empire, due to the tenacity of Sultan Mehmed II, then called Fatih ('the conqueror' in Turkish) and was part the Ottoman Empire until its official dissolution on November 1, 1922. The Ottomans called the city Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque - During the Ottoman period the city has gone through a complete cultural change, and went from being an imperial Byzantine city to another Ottoman Orthodox Christian and Islamic. Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, was converted into a mosque as were some other churches in the city (especially the churches in the neighbourhoods they put more effort into defending the city against Mehmed II). Many churches were retained and new mosques were built around the city, each Sultan has built a magnificent mosque to commemorate his reign. Among these mosques, the most remarkable are the Bayezid Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque (the largest in Istanbul), Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the first Friday sermon or "khutba" in this Mosque was read by the Sufi Jelveti Sheikh Aziz Mahmud Hudayi) and Fatih Mosque.

Tekken Many of these still survive in today, some other form of mosques, museums, Fatih Tekke as Jerrahi, mosques and Ramazan Efendi Efendi Sunbul the mevlevihane Galata Beyoglu, Yahya Effendi in Besiktas and Bektasi Tekke Tekke in Kadiköy now used by Muslims as a Cemevi Alevis. A picturesque element of the landscape of certain parts of the city of Istanbul, which still survives today are the mobs, features tombs of the Ottoman period.



A 13.7 mile rail tunnel is being built with an estimated completion in 2012. Approximately 1400 meters of the tunnel be constructed under the close, using the technique of immersion of the canal, and is expected to be the deepest tunnel executed by this method (with a maximum of 56 m below water level). The project includes the construction of a 13.3 km metro with four stations, linking downtown to the eastern city Istanbul and the western city.

Istanbul has been and is a cultural and ethnic melting pot. Consequently, there are many mosques, churches, synagogues and historic buildings worth visiting in the city. For these reasons the Unesco in 1985, says the historic areas of Istanbul as a World Heritage Site.

Continue reading here to know the Places to visit in Istanbul

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Niagara - Niagara Falls Tour - Travel Advice

Niagara Falls - Niagara Falls Tour - Travel Advice


Where is Niagara Falls? The 56 miles of the Niagara River forming the border of the United States and Canada, The River is wide and navigable, then suddenly changes into a series of rapids, a waterfall 800 meters from the river becomes a stormy stream, these rapid form the beginning of the fall of the waters towards the waterfalls.

Niagara Falls actually consists of three waterfalls: The "Canadian Falls" (Ontario), the "American Falls" (New York) and "Bridal Veil Falls."

On the Canadian side, the water falls from a height of 49 meters and 792 meters in length forming a large horseshoe. Next to the falls there are several walks from where you can see the waterfall.

The American Falls is divided by two waterfalls, waterfall Rainbow and Bridal Veil, separated by Luna Island, with a peak of 322 meters and its fall is 51 meters. The rock fragments accumulated at the base of the falls, filled a pool whose depth could have been equal to the height of the falls. The depth of the river increases considerably as its course away from these fragments of rock.

Besides its beauty and spectacular Niagara Falls is very useful for hydropower, and promote tourism in the area. Mainly in two cities: Niagara Falls (New York) and Niagara Falls (Ontario)

Niagara Falls Attractions - Two of the best spots to see the falls from Canada are Queen Victoria Park and the Konica Minolta Tower.

Niagara Parkway – it is located at 2.5 km from the falls, I took the car for my first look at the Canadian zone. Driving along the Niagara Parkway, a beautiful tree-lined avenue that leads to the waterfall started looking for parking. It is frankly difficult to park on the streets of the town because of the many cars and almost all are also charging zones.

In the parallel road up a steep slope is the Falls view Casino Resort where you can leave your car as long as you want for $ 5 whether you're a guest or go or not to play casino.

It is about 500 meters from the waterfall and except that slope "Mortirolo" about 150 meters I think the best option unless you have limited mobility.

Dine, I saw the fireworks and decided to explore the town. There are two distinct entertainment areas, which is in front of the waterfall that has casinos, nightclubs and restaurants and a 1 kilometer (compared to the Rainbow Bridge) with Noria, restaurants, many shops and restaurants. Walked two, I played a little blackjack, and took a drink at a club whose name I forget.

Niagara on the Lake - Niagara on the Lake is a village about 20 km on the shore of Lake Ontario. The village itself does not stand for anything special but it has magnificent views and the buildings are quite nice, but I recommend it mainly because the way there runs between vineyards and fabulous homes.

Skylon Tower - I went back directly to the Skylon Tower. Personally I think from there you take the best pictures of the falls. Another way to see the falls is from the 156 m. Skylon Tower. Completed in 1965, the structure rises 236 m. above the choppy waters of the Niagara Gorge. Three high speed elevators take visitors to the top of the dome of the tower in just 52 seconds, where, on a clear day, visitors can see the fall area and large areas of Canada and the United States.

The Goat Island on the brink of the falls divides the river and falls into two sections, the U.S. and Canada. From the hotel we stayed, the panorama of the falls was beautiful.

Walking through Victoria Park is where you have the best views of the falls. Extension is a rock near the waterfall that allows observation and the best views of the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls.
Below the viewpoint of the dome there are two revolving restaurants Skylon.



The tourists who are adventurous may choose to ride the Spanish Aero Car, which offers a breathtaking aerial view of the Whirlpool Rapids, the cable car crosses above the turbulent waters of the river.

In the Niagara Botanical Gardens is the Butterfly Conservatory. Greenhouse Park has floral arrangements, plant collections from around the world and a pool of free-flying birds inside the greenhouse.

Niagara Falls is a great source of hydropower. In 1881 the first generator was installed hydroelectric river. The power of the falls is breathtaking, but is also useful.

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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

West Coast US Tours - Travel Advice

Places To Visit During West Coast US Tours - Travel Advice


LOS ANGELES - worth it if only for a walk in Hollywood, Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Despite the passage of time, and now shows an almost decadent, Hollywood will always be the mecca of cinema. This is demonstrated by its iconic sign on Mount Lee and the famous Walk of Fame.

SAN FRANCISCO - perhaps the most charming city which can be seen on the trip. Get on one of its tramways centenary dinner at Fisherman's Wharf, or enjoy the very complete audio tour of Alcatraz are just some of the attractions of the city world famous for its Golden Gate.

The giant sequoias, those trees that can reach up to 100 meters high, are a hallmark of California to not let them tell us. There are several areas where you can see: in Yosemite National Park, Muir Woods (near San Francisco) and Sequoia National Park.

LAS VEGAS - is one of those cities you have to go at least once in life. For some it is a scenario of cardboard, for others it is the best place I have walked, but the truth is that spending a night in this city located in the middle of the desert is pure spectacle and debauchery.

The Grand Canyon- One of the most breathtaking natural landscapes can be seen on the planet. It ranges up to 29 km wide with a depth of over 1,600 m. Erosion over 2,000 million years has led to this area, included in the list of world's natural wonders.

Within this group included all those places which, while not the triggers someone to visit the West Coast, will achieve a positive surprise, and even dazzle us.

Big Sur is one of those magical natural spaces. Use a couple of days to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco (or vice versa) provides an opportunity to discover places and charming, anchored on the shores of the California coast.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are two natural areas left open-mouthed. The first is a narrow canyon created inside a rock, like a cave, because the passage of streams that have resulted in walls up to 40 m in height. The second is a spectacular meander through canyons to the Colorado River makes its way through the town of Page.

When making a trip of this nature, there are many must-sees and very less time available to explore. And that's the first problem that one has to face, what do I see? or rather, what I like to see?

The main factor to consider in answering this question is the time available.

SAN DIEGO - is a city located in the southern California coast, a half hour drive from Mexico. Your air Latin and its magnificent beaches make it an attractive destination.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK - houses the largest and oldest trees in the world. Some of them have holes in their trunks in which it is an SUV.

Napa Valley- is a region located in northern California known mainly for its production of wine. Here the vines are infinite fields.

Monument Valley - is a huge depression that has been the scene of countless movies and commercials (like Marlboro). Located in Navajo country on the border of Utah and Arizona.

National Parks Bryce Canyon, Mesa Verde, Canyonlands and Arches. Together, they make a spectacle of color stone on land. Each one has a twist so it's hard not to want to visit them all.

THE WAVE is the kind of place that just seeing a photo, you want to go. It is a rock formation due to erosion presents a spectacular appearance, similar to ocean waves (hence the name). Paria Canyon is in Arizona.

Historic Route 66 is an old road that connected the east with the west. Today is a tourist attraction for those who want to know the deep and genuine America, and if the back of a Harley Davidson, the better!

BODIE CALICO or two ghost towns are located in the state of California. These old mining towns were abandoned decades ago and today have become a major tourist attraction.

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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

France - Places to visit on trip to France - Travel Advice



France - Places to visit on trip to France - Travel Advice

Loire Valley Castles -The Valley of Loria is one of the most spectacular areas to visit on a trip to France. In these fields and green hills you can visit a lot of castles and palaces that make us go back to the days of knights, princesses and dragons. The Loire Valley is the largest site declared a World Heritage Site.

The river Loire was a site of great strategic importance during the Middle Ages, on both sides fought over many battles and castles and fortresses were built. Estimates are over 100 castles can be visited in the Loire Valley, some open as museums and other like hotels. Then we will recommend four of the most interesting.

Chenonceau Castle - It is considered the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley, not surprisingly, is the most visited private castle in France. Chenonceau Castle XVI century and was built over the house of a marquis who betrayed the Crown. It is located in a landscape like no other, on the Cher River, a tributary of the Loire. Chenonceau Castle The entrance fee is 10 euros. Recommend to visiting the gardens and the maze, plus a walk by the banks of the river Cher.


Villandry Castle - Villandry Castle was one of the last to be built during the French Renaissance, was abandoned for several years until it was restored by the Carvallo family. Its main attraction is its extensive and beautiful gardens. The cost of entry to the Castle of Villandry is 9 euros, 6 euros if you only want to visit the gardens.

Sleeping Beauty Castle- Sleeping Beauty Castle is an excellent place to visit in case of a trip to the Loire Valley with children, that this castle was the inspiration for Perrault's famous fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. The entrance to the Castle of Ussé has a cost of 12 euros. The castle is open from February to November.

Castle of Clos-Luce - The Castle of Clos-Luce despite not having a structure as stunning and beautiful as other castles of the Loire Valley, has the honor of hosting one of the greatest geniuses in history, Leonardo da Vinci. The Clos-Luce was the place where he spent the last few years the great genius of the Renaissance and where he died in the presence of King Francis I. In the gardens of the Castle of Clos-Luce is possible to find recreations of many of the inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci. The Entrance fee is 12 euros.

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Friday, March 23, 2012

Dubrovnik - Croatia - Places To Visit - Travel Advice



Places To Visit or Things To Do In Dubrovnik - Croatia - Travel Advice

Dubrovnik -Croatia is a World Heritage Site and the Queen of the Adriatic.It has got many interesting places to visit or things to do during your visit. Read on this blog to know more about the Dubrovnik - Croatia

Dubrovnik is the city of Dubrovnik - Neretva county. It is located at extreme south of Croatia, situated at 495 km. of the capital Zagreb, about 216 km. Split and near the border of Montenegro and Serbia. We can be reached by land (road and rail), air (airport) and sea (port) where he receives daily boarding cruises.

Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic, is one of the fashionable cities in Europe. On our recent trip to Croatia discover the beauty of this charming city on the Dalmatian Coast is no longer a secret to anyone. The worst thing: a lot of tourism in a few square meters. The best: not disappoint. It is a beautiful city (a World Heritage Site) in a unique setting.

Dubrovnik - Croatia History - went from being dominated by the Byzantines, Venetians, Hungarians, Turks and Austrians. Long conflict with Venice for control of trade, and today for the title of the Pearl of the Adriatic. Destruction suffered several attacks by earthquakes and war, the last was the conflict in former Yugoslavia. Most of the destroyed buildings were rebuilt and there is no visual trace of that event.

The medieval town is completely surrounded by a wall awesome. The wall, as the city, is in excellent condition, well maintained and clean, safe and quiet as well. Dubrovnik has many very beautiful nearby islands, Lokrum and Lopud as to name some famous. The landscape is idyllic between the edge of the beautiful Adriatic Sea and the slopes of the mountain. There is plenty of vegetation and trees that gave the name to the city (oak forest).

To enter the city there are two gates, the Pile Gate and the Gate Stari Grad (Old) and each entry has to climb the wall. Pile Since we entered the main street Placa (former Stradum) where we left the Franciscan Monastery, right Onofrio Fountain and near Spasa Church. We will climb the wall of almost two kilometers and 25 meters to go around the city. Walking the gravel road we reach the door plate Stari Grad and Luza Square, the most aristocratic of the city. During the walk we see the buildings and Baroque palaces and many locals.

Tip: I recommend doing the tour of the wall (70 Kuna: about 10 euros) upon entering the city to enjoy the unique panoramic view and appreciate during the course of the 16 towers that houses as well as various strengths, streets, buildings and discover beaches.

In Luza Square have access to the Sponza Palace and next to the Church of San Blas with the Statue of Orlando in front. Between the two buildings and in front of the door plate can not miss the Clock Tower. Like other noteworthy buildings have, to the left of the square (looking at the Clock Tower) through the Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery with a beautiful church. To the right of the square we can get closer to the Rectors Palace was the seat of government and the Cathedral of the Assumption, both are important monuments of the city.

To complete the tour we go to some museums like the Maritime Museum or the Ron Brown, and also take the opportunity to see the cloisters of San Domenico and San Francisco, the Orthodox Church or Synagogue. And if we leave the premises medieval one option is to approach the island of Lokrum is a national park with beaches that can be reached by boat in no time. It has many craft stalls for gifts and generally have much artistic value. I liked the paint boxes of artists, from 60 euros you can buy a book (to avoid stalls that are printed). Prices are more expensive than in Greece but cheaper than Venice to give an idea, but in no event is dirt cheap.

Where to eat Dubrovnik - Croatia? - There are many restaurants, bars, pubs and local fast food outlets to choose from. Prices vary widely depending on the category and location, but we can find many small local streets more economical and well priced.

Lot of coastal seafood and fish also like traditional dish sausage and meatballs available to eat, culinary cultures mixed Christian, Muslim and Jewish. I only had time to try waffles, ice cream and coffee, but very rich and well priced.

Places to Visit in Dubrovnik - Croatia - The usual list of recommendations is a mixture of personal experience and comments of guides and others.

1. Walls - The old town of Dubrovnik (Stari Grad) is completely surrounded by a massive walls of the XIIIth and are one of the most repeated images and popular Croatia. You can walk around inside after payment of 10 € (adults).

2. Plate (Stradun) - Main street of Stari Grad, which crosses the famous old town from the Pile Gate (where you can see the statue of St. Blaise, patron of the city) to Luza Square, where we can see the Clock Tower and the column Orlando. Most sights are concentrated in this street or nearby.

3. Sponza Palace - XVIth century palace that houses the State Archives and the Memorial Hall of the Defenders of Dubrovnik. The entrance to the Palace cost about 2 €. More info on the official website (translated with Google Translate). Highlights include the portico of six columns and manuscript collections.

4. Church of San Blas - Baroque church built in honor of the patron of the city. Stands the marble altar.
5. Franciscan and Dominican monasteries - Dubrovnik has two famous monasteries can be visited both house museums and its own faculty. In the Franciscan, in addition, is the third oldest pharmacy in Europe (in operation since 1391).

6. Rector's Palace - The former palace of the rectors, now a museum. Although it has suffered even explosions, has been tastefully restored.

7. Cathedral of the Assumption - Beautiful baroque cathedral. Highlights include the shrine with the relics of San Blas and altars.

8. Islet of Lokrum - This small island, located almost in front of Dubrovnik, ideal for a break of one day (can not stay overnight). Pines, olive trees, oaks and rocky beaches make up the beautiful National Park. Its naturist beach is popular, especially among the gay community. The return ferry costs about 8 €. There is hardly anything to buy food and no cars.

9. Great source of Onofrio - Huge circular fountain with 16 jets. The original building dates back to 1438. It is one of the most emblematic of the city and venue for groups and tours.

10. War Photo Limited - Photo gallery with impressive collections of conflicts. There is a permanent exhibition on the war on the Balkans and several other armed conflicts. Impress and awareness. You can find a guide in Castilian for the meaning of each photo. Approx. 4 € / adult

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Holiday or Tourism In Croatia - Places To Visit In Croatia - Travel Visit



What to see in Croatia? Places To Visit In Croatia - Travel Visit

It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and a paradise for nautical tourism. The best time to visit the country is in summer due to its ideal climate for many activities, such as excursions to national parks, water sports on their island ports.

In their cities can stroll through the medieval streets, know and be surprised with its stunning natural and cultural heritage. You cannot fail to visit the capital in its trolley or take a trip to the thermal region of Zagorje, north of Zagreb.

Usual tourist destination of Italian and German Croatia unusual speed progresses through the ranks of the country’s most visited by Europeans. From Spain the interest to know Croatia has grown by opening new lines of low cost flights from Madrid and Barcelona airports to the Croats. There is increasing interest in knowing whether Croatia cruises through its coasts, or paths and tracks through the cities of the Dalmatian coast.

Croatia Geographical location - It is a country in central Europe, consisting of a thousand islands, the archipelago of the Brijuni islands, is one of the most important points for their high degree of conservation of the natural environment.

In the southern and western Croatia has a coastline of 1,778 km. on the Adriatic Sea, with many ports and resorts. The relief is also made up of flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic.

Croatia beach - Dubrovnik has become the ultimate symbol of the new Croatian big players in the European tourism.

Croatia map - The variety of tourism in Croatia goes beyond the beautiful cities of Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Split. It is an ideal country for a holiday, adventure sports, hiking, scuba diving, traveling by sailing the islands, enjoys your food or fine wines and routes to get lost in the magical places that history has left its streets.

The climate of Croatia - is a reflection of the variety of areas that form. In mountainous areas the climate is cold and dry, while on the Adriatic coast, the temperature is closer to the Mediterranean climate.

Being surrounded by major mountain ranges, Croatia is sheltered from the cold winters of Central Europe. The average temperature in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, is 27 degrees Celsius in summer while winter is usually 3 or 4 degrees above zero. The mountain range that stretches from north to south is responsible for establishing the differences.

In Zagreb, however, the temperature can reach up to 28 º C in July, the warmest month to go down to 2 ° C average in January.

It is best to go in the period extending from May to September if you want to enjoy the charms of the Adriatic coast. In winter, if you are interested and the rain does not bother too much, you can visit the coast without problems, but inside the snowfall is heavy, and the weather is cold weather.

Documentation Required to Visit Croatia - For stays of up to 90 days in Croatia, and for the citizens of the European community, the majority of the American countries and Japan, no visa is required. Suffice it to a valid passport.

For your safety, you should consult the list of countries whose citizens do not require visas for Croatia. In addition, we present a list of countries whose citizens can enter Croatia with the national identity of their country of origin. For more information, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Croatia

In the industry stands Pula with its Roman amphitheater, although very popular are also Rovinig that seems to emerge from the waters of the Adriatic, or Porec, with its Basilica Eufrásica, declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

Further south, reaching Rijeca in the Gulf of Kvarner, Opatija is, the cradle of Croatian tourism, which was frequented by the early European travelers in the nineteenth century. In the Gulf are also some islands as Krek, Cres, Rab and Pag, they have noticed an increase in

Some Tourist attractions in Croatia - Major tourist destinations in Croatia are the coast, because of the great beauty of its landscapes, cities and islands. Around the coast there are places worth seeing, but some stand out for its monumentality and its natural wealth.

Zagreb the capital of Croatia -  the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) is characterized by its ancient heritage, the Lower Town (Donji Grad) and the new city. In them: old streets, small squares, cobbled, the church of San Marcos (XIII century), the palace of Ban, the Dolac market, the Museum of the City of Zagreb, the Museum of naive art and the museum of contemporary art, Ilica street, the square of Ban Jelacic-, Tkalciceva street and café terraces, the park Maksimir, the cemetery Mirogoj.

In Dubrovnik (the pearl of the Adriatic and World Heritage Site by UNESCO)- the walls that offer 2 km of walks, Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, Lochrum Island, visit the archipelago Elaphite.

In Split, second largest city of Croatia's Adriatic coast, the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace, the ride "Riva", Mestrovic Gallery.

In Zadar - a medieval town: remains of the old People's Square, the palace Ghirardini, the municipal Loggia, Church of San Simeon and San Simeon's sarcophagus, the church of San Donato, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of religious art, the city market.

Zadar, a city that became capital of Dalmatia, is the reference point for travel to amazing places like the island of Dugi Otok or Kornati Islands.

Sibenik, following the coastline, with the Cathedral of Santiago, another World Heritage Site.
Trogir, before arriving in Split is also a World Heritage Site. Split it now capital of Dalmatia, was honored equally with the same appreciation for its historic center and Diocletian's Palace, one of the most visited monuments in Croatia.

Leaving Split, the main destinations are the Makasrca Riviera, a spa town, the Neretva River Delta, the islands of Brac and Hvar, the latter a World Heritage Site, Korcula and Dubrovnik course, also a World Heritage Site and famous for its beauty and architectural monuments.

Inside the country's capital Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes are the most sought after, well ahead of other, better known by the traveler for Croatian abroad, such as Osijek and Varaždin.

Other tourist attractions are - 
The small town of Korcula
Trogit City (World Heritage Site by UNESCO)
Coastal towns in Istria, in central Dalmatia and South Dalmatia
The National Park Paklenica
The National Park Plitvic

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Sunday, February 26, 2012

China - Beijing - Tourist Attractions - Travel Advice

China - Beijing - Beijing Attractions - Travel Advice


People in china - "the people are lovely, we were treated very well at all times." Despite the language difference and that not all can speak English, are willing to help and are very polite.

Of course, it is advisable to visit this destination is to go with Spanish-speaking guide to make your stay more enjoyable.

Moreover, there are some "rules" that the Chinese want visitors respect. We must remember that they are a completely different culture. For example, punctuality is something that gives great importance.

At lunchtime, we might find some dishes that we can hit a little, but we must remember that the Chinese may represent an "insult" to reject any of the dishes they offer. Nor is it seen them eat the entire food, it is best to always leave a little food.

Beijing - which in Chinese means "Northern Capital" is the current capital of China and has had many names till today. Between 1928 and 1949, was known in Chinese as Beiping, whose meaning was "Northern Peace", but during the Japanese occupation of the city regained the name of Beijing, and later called back to Beiping after the end of the Second World War when the Japanese left China. Since the 1980s, the Taiwanese media also used the name and this name Beijing (Beijing) that corresponds to the traditional Spanish "Beijing." Therefore, Beijing (in Chinese) and Beijing (in Spanish), we refer to the same stunning city rich in history, culture and ancient monuments that are worth including in our cities pending visit.

Beijing- huge city and political center of China, has more than 19 million inhabitants and has a history of over three thousand years. It was the capital of the last three feudal dynasties established in the so-called Forbidden City. Where you will find essential places to visit, from the largest square in the world (Tian An Men), to the Imperial Palaces and Great Wall of China.

Shopping in Beijing - As any traveller feel like we always do some shopping in place we visited, one recommendation is to go to the Silk Market. You'll find all sorts of things, from clothes and shoes (the best replicas) to the most curious souvenirs. That yes, pay close attention to the articles because while it is true that what we find there is not much to envy the famous original brands, it is also true that you should always keep in mind that they are imitations.

Another important point is that the technique of bargaining should not miss if you get a fair price for what you buy. To the more than 20,000 tourists who daily visit the Silk Market, the employees often offer products 90% more expensive than the original value.

It is also advisable to be very aware that what you buy is what you have offered, that is, can offer a piece of polyester, making sure it is silk.

Places to visit or where to go


When we think of China, imagine temples, palaces, monuments ... But I really can not describe the feeling of being in front of any of its historic sites because China represents a mixture of contrasts.

The Tiananmen Square - Square is the largest in the world, with over 440,000 m2. In it we see the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, a building in which lies the embalmed body of the founder of the People's Republic of China. In his two fronts has sculptures of peasants, soldiers, workers and students.

The Forbidden City - Imperial Palace or the Forbidden City, the latter is due to input prohibiting ordinary people, was the imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties.

The palace was built during from 1406 to 1420. After numerous renovations and rebuilds the palace still retains the original design and the scale. The entire palace was designed symmetrically with a north-south.
Also known as Imperial Palace occupies an area of 720,000 m2 and has more than 9,000 rooms, it is certainly the best preserved and for over 500 years was the residence of the Emperor of China

First Palace is divided into two parts, the outside was the place where the emperors tried to official business, and inside that was where the emperors lived and his concubines.

The Temple of Heaven - Heavenly Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty about the year 1420. The emperors of the Ming and Qing used it to show love to heaven, in this place of animal sacrifices were made, usually around December 22 of Chinese lunar calendar in the presence of the emperor, to offer them to heaven. Its main building is a circular for emperors could speak aloud to all sides, built in a completely symmetrical. Master the blue on their roofs because of its role.

Traditionally, the Temple of Heaven was a place of worship for emperors of the Ming and Qing did prayers to heaven for good harvests and the rains. It is the largest existing temples in China. Currently, visitors to have as superstition pray for fertility when they come to the Temple of Heaven.

The Summer Palace - Is a collection of temples, gardens, lakes and palaces that served as a place of recreation for the Imperial Court.

Summer Palace is one of the imperial gardens of the Qing Dynasty, best known and visited. The Summer Palace was built during the years 1750 and 1764. It was badly damaged in the war in 1886 (between China and English and French Alliance). Inside the Tower of Buddhist Incense is a religious building was designed in the center of the garden, comes from the praise of Buddhism Buddha.

The Great Wall of China (Badaling) - Monument Heritage Site with 6,700 kilometers from the border with Korea to the Gobi Desert, part of the Silk Road. Badaling is a route frequented by tourists, so if you want to see the true essence of this tour we recommend Manuel and Lourdes visit Mutianyu addition, as it can be much more indigenous than Badaling.

The Great Wall is the most impressive building is representative of the Chinese civilization. It is one of the wonders of the world and humanity's cultural heritage. The Great Wall was built over two thousand years, is the symbol of China. A long walk but worth it.

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