Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

San Francisco: The Perfect Vacation

San Francisco 2011
If you are looking for an exciting, unique and fun-filled vacation, look no further than San Francisco.

It doesn't matter what you love to do, this city has it all. Stay in luxurious hotels, taste amazing food, see breathtaking sites and experience the many landmarks that this city boasts of.

One of the first things to do in San Francisco is to ride a cable car. Cable cars are not just a means of transportation for you; it is your destination for a very exciting experience. It provides amazing views of the bay and unique architecture of the city.
San Francisco 2011

While seeing the bay from the cable car is an amazing experience, you will be even more astonished with a Bay Cruise. While many locations offer a cruise, it is worth paying more money for a cruise where people are not herded onto the ship like sheep. Be sure and pick a great boat that limits seating.

The amazing sights in San Francisco are nothing compared to the tastes of the city. No matter what your budget is, there are amazing restaurants in your price range that will offer unique dishes that you will never forget.

You will also want to reserve an entire day for China Town. This venue offers everything to do from amazing sights and architecture to great food, shopping, tours and nightlife. It is a must see.

If you have ever seen a movie or TV show filmed in San Francisco, then you have most likely seen Lombard Street which is famous for the steep hill and winding road. You must stop by to see such a unique and famous place.
San Francisco 2011

If you enjoy nature then you will love Golden Gate State Park with a beautiful view of the bay. It also has playgrounds, conservatory, arboretum and a museum all offering excitement and fun.

You can't miss the icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. It is an impressive landmark that will provide you with memories that will never fade. Be sure and plan to spend time here as you will be pleasantly surprised by the time you will want to spend at this San Francisco classic destination.

The travel reviews all confirm the truth: San Francisco is a perfect travel destination. While many visitors boast of the amazing views, many speak more about the accommodations as many nice and affordable hotels lies in the city with Fairmont Heritage Place and Hotel Drisco receiving the most favorable reviews. The highest reviews speak of the "incomparable tastes" that the restaurants such as A16 and Bocadillos offer. All of this and more will make it the perfect vacation that you will never forget.  JeanPierre Prieur

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Great Places to Visit in Mallorca

Top Places To Visit In Mallorca 2011
Taking a villa holiday to Majorca can give you and your family a great opportunity to discover new and exciting locations and things to do. Many people choose to spend their holiday basking in the sun during a break in the Balearics, but there are also many that like to get out and visit some of the resort's popular and unique points of interest and attractions.


Here are just a few of Majorca's most popular places to visit, even if you aren't keen about visiting museums, historical ruins or nature reserves you may well be pleasantly surprised.
Top Places To Visit In Mallorca 2011
DionisBennassar MuseumHouse, Pollenca

For those that are interested in arts and painting in particular the Dionis Bennassar Museum House is a wonder to visit. The artist Dionis Bennassar has been called the illustrious son of Pollensa and was born in the Pollenca region in 1904 and trained and improved upon his artistic skills in the city of Palma. The museum features a vast collection of artwork not only by Dionis Bennassar but by many other major artists and sculptors from the Balearics. There are regularly new displays and exhibitions held at the 17th century house as well as seminars and classes.
Top Places To Visit In Mallorca 2011
Palace de l'Almundaina, Palma de Mallorca

The Palace de l'Almundaina is located next to Palmas cathedral; the site itself has hosted a palace on it since the Muslim wars back in the 14th century. The palace is surrounded by wonderful gardens that are a joy to explore, in the afternoon visitors can find shade when the sun is behind the towering cathedral next to it.

Can Planes Contemporary Art Museum, Sa Pobla

Mallorca has a great selection of museums and art galleries that not only depicts the islands many great resident artists but also influenced individuals from around the world. The Can Planes art museum exhibits and centres upon the interesting and fascinating niche of contemporary art, both inside and in its grounds, visitors can find sculptures and artwork by Mallorcan artists. A toy museum is located on the top floor of the museum and is another reason to head to Sa Pobla.
Top Places To Visit In Mallorca 2011
S'Albufera Natural Park

Majorcahas plenty of nature and the S'Albufera Natural Park has more than enough to enjoy. The wetlands are home to a whole host of birds and wildlife, a visitors' centre is on hand to give more information on the residents of the park and how they live within the nature reserve.  Thom Sanders

Monday, May 30, 2011

NY Museums: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Top Places To Visit In NY Museums 2011
With a permanent collection containing over two million cultural treasures from six continents, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is widely regarded as one of the most important museums in the world. Also known as The Met, this museum contains an extensive collection of permanent exhibits and several changing exhibit halls.

Museum-goers worldwide remark that of all the museums in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is by far the largest and most comprehensive. Visitors advise that you either leave a full day to explore this New York museum or else decide in advance which exhibits you'll see and which ones you want to leave for another day. Divided into nineteen separate sections ranging from ancient to contemporary art from a wide variety of cultures around the world, you're sure to find something that interests you here. At over one hundred forty years old, this is one of the oldest NYC museums still in operation. In addition to viewing its extensive collection of art, Metropolitan Museum of Art visitors can lunch in the Roof Garden, where a new single-artist sculptural exhibition is held every year.
Top Places To Visit In NY Museums 2011
Located on the eastern edge of Central Park in Manhattan on the Upper East Side, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of many NYC Museums on the famous "Museum Mile" along Fifth Avenue. At the intersection of 82nd Street and Fifth Avenue, it begins the mile between 82nd and 104th along Fifth Avenue, one of the densest displays of culture anywhere in the world. For instance, the Goethe Institute and German Cultural Center is located right next door, and just a few blocks down from that is the Neue Galerie New York, one of the pre-eminent displays of early 20th century German and Austrian art in the world. Visitors wishing to see these many museums in New York City should take public transportation or ask a cab to go to the Met. At least three subway stations are within walking distance of the museum, and as many as seven different bus lines leave you near enough to walk.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to works of art whose creation spans millenia and the globe. From Ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Asian and Oceanic art, to art from the old masters of Europe, from American pastoralism to modern photography and everything in between, a variety of masterpieces are permanently installed here. An entire hall is dedicated to arms and armor, and another exhibition section contains only books, including bound art from masters like Durer and Athanasius Kircher. Jacques-Louis David's The Death of Socrates, Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat and Vermeer's Young Woman with a Water Pitcher represent some of the many masterworks on exhibition in this New York Museum. Modern and contemporary art is represented both on the Rooftop Garden and in the 60,000 square foot Modern Art section of the museum. Containing masterpieces like Max Beckmann's Beginning, Jasper Johns's White Flag, and Picasso's Portrait of Gertrude Stein, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is clearly a treasure for the ages.
Top Places To Visit In NY Museums 2011
If you'd like to get your cultural fix in other ways, Metropolitan Museum of Art visitors can attend a variety of events, talks, lectures and performances on location. This New York museum offers extra educational programs for everyone, whether you like watching films, whether you'd prefer to attend a lecture by a well-known artist with a question-and-answer session or whether you'd like to enroll your child in a day-long arts program while you peruse the museum's exhibits. Also part of the Met's collection is in an off site location, the Cloisters, which is a Medieval-focused museum located in Upper Manhattan. Special events and talks are also held here on a weekly basis. Detailed information on special events held at both locations of the Metropolitan Museum of Art can be found on its official website.

After visiting the The Met or any nearby museums in New York City, let us know what you thought! You can upload your photos, videos, and reviews on our site and share your experience with other visitors of NYC Museums. Your content helps our community grow and improves it for everyone. Because of the wide variety of exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we're sure you'll find something worth sharing. Whether you want to gush about a cool new exhibit, whether you want to express your opinion on a talk or whether you want review a piece of art that moved you, we welcome anything you'd like to share.  Wayland Myers
Top Places To Visit In NY Museums 2011

10 Great Beaches in the Dominican Republic

Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
The beaches in the Dominican Republic are dazzling, unspoilt jewels that radiate under the Caribbean sun. Boasting almost 800 glorious miles of beautiful coastline the country possesses some of the best beaches in the whole of the Caribbean. With so many beaches on one island it might be tough to plan a vacation around it. So to help you I have outlined below a list of ten of my favourite beaches in the Dominican Republic.

Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
10. Playa Coson, Las Terrenas
The magnificent Playa Coson beach in Bahia de Samana stretches for more than three glorious miles and accommodates a number of holiday villas as well as restaurants and one large resort. It is a place of awesome natural beauty characterised by crystal waters and a medium grain type of sand that is a rich golden tan colour. A great place to sunbath, the Playa Coson is also a good place to enjoy watersports such as snorkeling and diving.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
9. Playa Grande
Nestled between the Cabrera and Rio San Juan the Playa Grande is a real gem. Offering excellent views located in a cove with cliffs surrounding, the beach has rather the feel of a desert island. Clear water and gorgeous lovely sand completes the picture perfect scene which is noted as a very relaxing place to swim, snorkel and sunbath.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
8. Isla Saona
Part of the Parque the Parque Nacional del Este, just across from the Bahía de Catalinita, this is a very popular island beach. With over a thousand tourists visiting it every day you certainly won't be alone if you go here but you will soon see why everyone does. Reached by catamaran, sailboat, or speedboat ride the beach features magnificent turquoise waters offset by the rugged beauty of limestone cliffs. A place where dolphins are often spotted, the 22 kilometres of white sand and idyllic palm trees that encircle this island provide the perfect spot to relax whilst you are waiting from them to show up.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
7. Cosambar Beach
One of the best beaches in Puerto Plata, Cosamber Beach is a quiet crescent shape of golden sand. A popular hotspot where semi-permanent snowbirds and tourists try to escape the winter cold of home, this beach has a relaxed atmosphere and paradisiacal nature. A decent spot for snorkelling, the best part about this beach is that although the area has a decent number of holiday accommodation units the region is yet to be fully developed to the point that it is overrun with tourists.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
6. Playa Caleta
One of the more dramatic beaches in the whole of the Dominican Republic Playa Caleta in La Romana has a really pleasant feel to it. A great beach for children as the water is quite shallow and there is plenty of shade from the tall palms that line the golden sand, the presence of small fishing boats only adds to its charm.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
5. Cayo Levantado
Another Samana beauty, the Cayo Levantado is another little piece of paradise that features clean, unspoilt beaches that are lined with giant coconut palms interspersed with lush flowery gardens. With warm water and a largely quiet ambience this is a fantastic place to go for a little solitude.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
4. Playa Luperon
Lined with beautiful coconut palms and extending for over a mile in length the Playa Luperon beach is located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great place to dive, snorkel or windsurf, although not really to swim. But with plenty of umbrellas, beach loungers, bars and watersport equipment available to rent there is a lot of fun to be had here.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
3. Punta Cana
Perhaps the most famous beach in the Dominican Republic, this private, immaculate beach of white sand, azure waters and verdant tropical landscapes is as beautiful as it is enjoyable. As well as being a great place to sunbath, for those who like to be a little more active, catamaran trips, speed boats, banana boats and party boats are readily available here. The marine life in this area, which can be seen more closely by snorkelling or on a glass bottom boat tour, is particular stunning too.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
2. Playa Madame
Wild, yet pristine this small, isolated beach is could easily sell a million postcards. A beautiful golden beach surrounded by ragged cliffs and lush, bosky foliage this little gem, although hard to get to at the end of the very rough road that leads in to it, is well worth the trip. Not least because you can explore some of the wonderful caves and lagoons it houses.
Top Places To Visit In Dominican Republic 2011
1. Playa de Macao
Rightly acclaimed by UNESCO, the Playa beach is a fantastic beach. Home to the quaint fishing village of El Macao, which is located just south of Uvero Alto in Punta Cana, the beach has brilliant white sand and is notable for an offshore shipwreck which is a popular dive site. Rough waters creates good surfing conditions and the views of and atop the cliffs that brood above the beach are simply breathtaking.  Spencer Samaroo

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Las Vegas: Top 10 Things to Do

Las Vegas Tours 2011
Any list of Las Vegas top 10 things to do can only cover a small percentage of the available activities in Vegas. As the unofficial tourism capital of the United States, Vegas has a whole world of activities for visitors of all types, so you will never have a shortage of things to do.

However, because there are so many options, many visitors find the experience overwhelming and have trouble narrowing down their options. If you're visiting Sin City in the near future, here are a few ideas for the top 10 things to do.
Las Vegas Tours 2011
  1. Gamble: This one goes without saying. If you are an adult and have some spare cash to put down, there's nothing more thrilling than hitting the slots or the tables. 
  2. See the world: Vegas has a number of hotels designed to represent various international cities. Sure, the experience is not authentic, but it is nevertheless fun.
  3. See the museum: Las Vegas doesn't have much in the way of traditional museums, but some of their interesting novelty museums should be on any list of Las Vegas top 10 things to do. For example, there are the Liberace Museum, the Atomic Testing Museum, and the expansive children's museum.
  4. Walk the Strip: If you can stand the heat for a little while, get out on the Strip and do some people-watching. Vegas is a confluence of America and the world, so there is never any shortage of interesting things to see. 
  5. Experience a world of food: Las Vegas tends to specialize in Middle-America-friendly food, but there is actually a great variety of cuisines to be found if you are willing to be adventurous. 
  6. Go swimming: In the late-afternoon heat of Vegas, there's nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the hotel pool or experiencing the attractions at one of the local water parks. The hotel pools in particular are the perfect encapsulation of luxurious Las Vegas. 
  7. Get married: Ready to tie the knot with your spouse but are not one for big ceremonies? Why not get it done here? Las Vegas makes the act of getting married quick and easy so that you can move on with your life. It's not the magical type of ceremony that many people imagine, but it does the trick. 
  8. See the beautiful scenery: It's hard to tell when you're standing on the Strip, but Vegas is actually right in the middle of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the American southwest. A day trip to the nearby Hoover Dam will give you a fair sampling of everything in the region. 
  9. Take a ride: Many of the hotels in Vegas have their own thrilling rides for kids and adults, and there are also several amusement parks in the area. 
  10. See a show: Next to gambling, seeing some of Vegas's vaunted live shows is one of the greatest things to do in town. Among all the Las Vegas top 10 things to do, seeing a show should be one of the biggest priorities.  Caterina Christakos 
Las Vegas Tours 2011
Las Vegas Tours 2011

Thursday, May 26, 2011

White House Tours - A Step By Step Guide

Planning White House tours may not be one of the easiest things to do.
White House Tours
Unlike the past when such tours could be easily planned and executed, today, the trip warrants detailed and meticulous planning. But, at the end of it all, it's surely worth the effort.

The experience of walking through one of the most coveted and powerful historical structures of the world cannot be paralleled by any other. The only prerequisite you will be requiring is plenty of time. You need to allow sufficient time to make the most of this historic tour to figure out all that you've ever wanted to about this world-famous iconic monument. Not only do you need enough time for savoring this experience, the planning also needs to be done well in advance.

White House Tours - The Planning Sequence
A well-informed sequential planning is required to make your White House tour a grand success. Executing it step by step will ensure that you have a full-proof plan in place, within the given time frame. The essential steps would include the following.
White House Tours
* If you are planning to visit in a group, jot down the names and take a head count. If the number of heads is ten, the group can plan for a separate trip. If the number is less than ten, your group may be clubbed with any of the other smaller groups who have planned a visit on the same day.

* Next, you need to send a request for a public tour to the representative or senator of your area at least six months prior to the date of visit.

* Along with the request, you also need to provide relevant details of all the group members. You would be required to provide information about his name, age, nationality, and social security number. This clause is only applicable for the group members who are above 14 years of age.

* Once the details have been verified and cleared, you need to make a reservation for your visit with the office of the congressman. You can avail of tours from Tuesday morning to Thursday morning, till noon on Fridays and up to early afternoon in Saturdays. Sundays and Federal holidays are closed for public tours. Select a suitable date and time as per the given norms.

* If you have members in your party who would be requiring special assistance in the form of hearing aids, wheelchairs, and the likes, seek prior permission.

* Check on the morning prior to the date of the tour regarding cancellations. Public White House tours are cancelled without prior notice.

* It's better to use public transport on White House tours. If you travel by a private vehicle, parking could pose a huge problem as no public vehicle is allowed to be parked around this iconic structure.

* All party members need to carry photo identification with them. These are thoroughly checked at the entrance. Nobody is allowed entry without valid photo identification. But, you would not be requiring one if you are below the age of 14.  Priestley White

Monday, May 23, 2011

California: Culture And Leisure

Top Places To Visit In California 2011
High- and low-brow art enjoy comparable support here. For most people, the state's contributions to culture are the many blockbusters made by Hollywood movie studios or televised sitcoms shot on LA sound stages. This is art in unashamed pursuit of the almighty dollar, complete with tabloid scandals and giant movie billboards blotting out the Los Angeles sun.

But another creativity reveals itself through the state's history of landscape painting, portraiture, and 20th-century avant-garde art. Modern artists John McLaughlin and Elmer Bischoff, and ceramists Peter Voulkos and Robert Arneson have all made international reputations.

So have a few pioneers of photographic art, such as Imogen Cunningham and Ansel Adams. British artist David Hockney lived here for many years, capturing the state's sun-soaked image on canvas. California is also home to some of the world's finest art museums, including LACMA, the Oakland Museum, the San Francisco MOMA, and the two J Paul Getty Museums.
Top Places To Visit In California 2011
Victorian architecture in the Bay Area has always been a major tourist attraction, as have the many historic buildings across the state designed by Californians such as Willis Polk and Bernard Maybeck.

Visiting designers Frank Lloyd Wright and Daniel Burnham have left their mark here, too. Recent influential architects include residents Frank Gehry and Joe Esherick.

The state has seen many writers over the years, including Nobel prize-winner John Steinbeck and Beat authors Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg. The tradition continues with Armistead Maupin (Tales of the City), detective novelist Sue Grafton, and Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club), among others.
Top Places To Visit In California 2011
Music also plays a major role, whether the work of the cities' orchestras or rock musicians. This is where the Beach Boys, Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and Red Hot Chili Peppers launched their careers.

Californians love to eat out, and chefs Wolfgang Puck and Alice Waters have made their name promoting "California cuisine"- a blend of local ingredients and Asian techniques.

This, combined with a selection of local world class wines, is proof that Californians take care of their palates. Yet residents are also body-conscious, aware that they live among the "beautiful people" who come here with dreams of film stardom.
Top Places To Visit In California 2011
So they become slaves to the gym or take up a sport. On any weekend, in various parts of the state, you will see cyclists, surfers, in-line skaters, even white-water rafters. Californians are eager supporters of professional baseball and football, but they like to be active themselves. Luckily, surrounded by some of the nation's most beautiful countryside and the gentlest climate, they don't have to go far to enjoy a satisfying outdoor experience.  Kristie Haller

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

5 Things You Must Do In Berlin Germany

Top Places To Visit In Berlin Germany 2011
Berlin, Germany is not one of the major cities in Europe which one associates with the beach life and sunshine holidays, such as one looks for in cities such as Barcelona, Cannes, Faro or Ibiza. Berlin though offers some excellent attractions, a fascinating history, culture and a whole load more, for tourists. Below a look at 5 reasons why the city of Berlin is always worth visiting for a few days.

Top Places To Visit In Berlin Germany 2011
1. The Berlin Wall and Eastern Berlin - There are few visitors to Berlin who will not appreciate the stunning changes that have taken place in Berlin in recent decades with the fall of the Berlin wall. The wall is an attraction well worth visiting and to get to the best out of your experience, one of the guided walking tours which includes the wall is normally very good. The guides will fill you in on the history of the wall and show you vital landmarks.
Top Places To Visit In Berlin Germany 2011
2. Wellness and Sauna - Just like in many other Northern European countries, Germans have a passion for sauna and wellness. The city of Berlin has some world class spa and sauna venues The Sultan Hamam, Thermin Berlin and Gewoelbe sauna's are all very well organised and professional wellness places to unwind in for an afternoon or evening. Beware that clothes are not permitted in German saunas and tend to be mixed gender.
Top Places To Visit In Berlin Germany 2011
3. The Museums - Berlin has a number of excellent museum and none so better than the German Historical Museum. This museums gives one an instant look into Berlin and Germany's past and is a must see museum if you are interested in the local culture.
Top Places To Visit In Berlin Germany 2011
4. Sports - German people tend to be as passionate as any nation when it comes to sport and football (soccer) and the chance to see a home game when Hertha Berlin are playing in the German Bundesliga is quite an experience. If you really want to fit in, make sure to buy a Hertha Berlin football scarf from outside the ground and then take your seat in the home supporters area and cheer on the local team.
Top Places To Visit In Berlin Germany 2011
5. Shopping - One might associate London and Paris more so, when it comes to shopping in European cities. If you are interested in the wellness aspect of Berlin culture though or have an interest in attractions such as the Berlin wall, you will find that Berlin certainly has plenty of shopping opportunities. German art and style does exist and does offer something different and this can make shopping in Berlin a fun experience.  Paul Symonds
Top Places To Visit In Berlin Germany 2011

Monday, May 16, 2011

Five Travel Tips For Florence

Top Places To Visit In Florence 2011
The Uffizi Gallery Tip
The Uffizi Gallery contains some of the most important and greatest art collections in the world. It is also the world's oldest museum. Most tour guide books and online travel sites will urge you to ensure that a visit to the Uffiizi is included as part of any Florence vacation, no matter how short. What most of them fail to tell you, or at least stress with sufficient emphasis, is that without a pre-booked ticket, you may not be able to visit the Uffizi at all!


My wife and I had a three day holiday in Florence at the beginning of April 2005. We had planned on visiting the Uffizi Gallery and as soon as we checked in at our hotel we telephoned the gallery to purchase tickets. After several attempts without our calls being answered, we asked the hotel reception to do the booking for us. They explained that it was nearly always difficult to get through on the booking line and that our three day stay might not provide sufficient notice to make a booking possible. Despite this, the hotel staff were most happy to keep trying whilst we enjoyed the other wonders of Florence.
Top Places To Visit In Florence 2011
We decided to check out the situation for ourselves the next day but discovered queues that hardly seemed to move, stretching for an enormous distance around the area of the Uffizi. Queuing all day was certainly not the way we wanted to spend our time in Florence, so we decided to leave things in the capable hands of the reception staff whilst we enjoyed the other attractions that we had come to see. The following evening, we were informed that after many fruitless attempts at getting through on the booking line, success had finally been achieved but only to receive information that all tickets were sold for the following day. We consequently missed out on seeing many of Florence's greatest art treasures and our top travel tip for anyone visiting Florence on a short stay vacation is to book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery online some time before their holiday.
Top Places To Visit In Florence 2011
 The Inside Tip for the Duomo
Another of the wonders of Florence not to be missed is the Duomo. Actually, it is impossible to miss this magnificent building because it dominates the city and can be seen from virtually everywhere. Savour the views of it whilst enjoying a coffee at one of the cafes in the surrounding piazza. Walk around it, pausing every now and then to appreciate it from every aspect. View it from more distant, elevated, positions around the city. This was once the largest cathedral in the world and even now, nearly six hundred years after it was built, it is the fourth largest. Florence always insisted on everything being the biggest and the best but what really makes the Duomo unique is its dome or "Cupola". When Fillipo Brunelleschi undertook this masterpiece of renaissance architecture, no one believed that such a dome was possible. The secret had been lost for over a thousand years but Brunelleschi traveled to Rome to unravel it by examining the dome of the ancient Pantheon.
Top Places To Visit In Florence 2011
My tip for the Duomo is to ascend this incredible feat of engineering. You can do so by entering a stairway that leads up inside the dome, between its inner and outer shells. When you reach the top, you can step outside onto an external gallery that provides magnificent views of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. This gallery was never finished however, so your views are restricted to northerly and westerly directions.
Top Places To Visit In Florence 2011
Palazzo Vecchio - David's Copy Tip
Perhaps the next most famous landmark of Florence is the Palazzo Vecchio. Once again, it is a building worth enjoying from every aspect on the outside before entering to explore its fascinating, art filled, interior.

My tip for the Palazzo Vecchio is to spare a few minutes looking at the pollution-streaked COPY of the world's most famous statue, realizing that although the original Michelangelo's David is safely inside the Accademia, the copy is standing just where the original once stood.
Top Places To Visit In Florence 2011
 River Arno Cross Over Tip
This tip is to retreat from the busiest tourist attractions of the city centre and to cross the Arno river via the Ponte Vecchio. The crowds on this wonderful, historic bridge will probably be even more tightly packed than in the central Piazzas you have just left but within a hundred metres of the other side, they will have thinned out and you can explore the delights of the Boboli gardens and the Palazzo Pitti before walking up the meandering paths to the Piazzo Michelangelo which stands on a beautiful hill overlooking Florence and its surrounds.
Top Places To Visit In Florence 2011
A final Florence travel tip - Avoiding "Stendhal Sydrome"
Florence has so much beauty that every year, there are a few tourists who have to be treated at local hospitals for a condition known as "Stendhal Syndrome". Symptoms range from feeling faint to complete exhaustion. Stendhal was a French tourist whose nineteenth century tour of Florence overloaded his senses so much that he collapsed with these symptoms.  Stewart Palmer

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Rome Travel Information, Rome Travel Tips

Top Places To Visit In Rome 2011
Rome is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. There ancient city offer great attractions and activities. Here the styles of art is different, it is fascinating and mighty. And also Rome is the most important city of the western antiquity and the cradle of the European civilization, where the past and the present is blended in perfect harmony. The most unique features of this old world city such as magnificent thrill of centuries of turbulent history, natural occurrence, architectural jewelry from the history's greatest artists makes traveler in love with Rome.

Top Places To Visit In Rome 2011

Rome is truly an open-air museum, a city that has retained a real architectural uniformity; here, no changes due to industrialization and modernization, but a city that retains much of its charm. No wonder you can enjoy a day walking among the temples, squares, stores, bell-towers and more those will create a memorable and unforgettable images on travelers' mind.
Top Places To Visit In Rome 2011
Theaters, Temples and spas next to stunning monuments gave the city a steady growth and a dazzling brightness that concluded in the decay of so great empire. Christian Rome is born then, and the city wearing Renaissance and Baroque art.
Top Places To Visit In Rome 2011
Born on seven hills (Capitoline, Quirinal (Quirinale), Esquilino, Viminale, Celia, Palatine, and Aventine), criss-crossed by the River Tiber, Etruscan settlement of brave warriors and powerful imperial metropolis, Rome (founded in 753 BC) is today proud of its immense historical and cultural heritage.
Top Places To Visit In Rome 2011
At present, Roma is divided into two fundamental areas: the interior, or historical center, surrounded by the walls of Aurelius, built at the end of the third century AD to fence the area of the Seven Hills, and the area of neighborhoods or suburbs.
Top Places To Visit In Rome 2011

In the communal territory of Rome is the State of Vatican City, headquarters of the papacy of the Catholic Church, recognized as independent state by the Italian government in 1929 by the Lateran Pacts. It has a surface of 42 m2. and approximately 1,000 people live there. The majestic Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the largest in the world, stands on the horizon of the city.
Top Places To Visit In Rome 2011
The best time to visit Rome is in April, May, October and November. During these seasons, the landscape of the fields that surround the city is fascinating, the temperatures are pleasant. The visitor should try to avoid August, as this is the month in which the majority of Italians take their holiday and consequently many shops are closed. Although winter can be very cold, the sun appears frequently, there are less people and prices fall considerably.  Beyazit Dere