Destination Archives - Page 26 of 44

January 21, 2014 by Jeremy

Top Tourist Attractions In Tunisia

Historic sites and natural landscapes make up the top tourist attractions in Tunisia. Tunisia is a country in North Africa with a Mediterranean coastline.

Situated south of Malta and Italy, two of the most popular European destinations, it has an identity of its own as a tourist hub. If you’re planning a trip to Tunisia, check out the following list for a preview of its best attractions.

1) Bardo Museum

It has a fine collection of Roman mosaics collected throughout the country. Bronze and marble sculptures from the 2nd and 3rd century are also on display. The museum has Islamic and paleo-Christian sections for their respective artifacts.

2) Mediterranean Beaches

Tunisia offers a choice location on the southern portion of the Mediterranean and offers beautiful white sand beaches with crystalline waters. Tunisia has a lot of nice coastline with plenty of great beach towns.

A good option is to find cheap flights to Enfidha and then either take the train or rent a car and explore the area. Enfidha is only 100 km from Tunis and 45 km from Sousse.

3) Sidi Bou Said

It is a picturesque village with whitewashed structures and a variety of intricate architecture. Writers and artists will be easily drawn to its charm.

There are plenty of artsy souvenir shops in Sidi Bou Said. It’s a wonderful place to get lost in for a few hours.

4) Dougga

The extensive Roman site is one of the top tourist attractions in Tunisia. It is a fine example of ancient Roman architecture in North Africa, and as such, is not to be missed!

There are several ancient Roman buildings in the area including a theatre built in 168 AD. Other notable attractions in the area include Capitoline Temple and the Mausoleum of Ateban.

5) Tunis Medina

The old Arab walled town of Tunis is a melting pot of history and culture. Fine Arab-style buildings can be seen throughout the medina but there’s nothing quite like Zitouna Mosque with its square minaret and byzantine columns.

The Dar Hussein Museum of Islamic Art and the 18th century Torbet el Bey are two more interesting places in Tunis Medina. The souqs provide a taste of the Arab culture as they sell locally made goods such as gold, carpets, leather, perfumes, and household materials.

6) El Djem

It is an ancient Roman amphitheater that is surprisingly in better shape than the more popular Coliseum of Rome. El Djem is three stories high and could accommodate up to 30,000 viewers. Underneath the site are some tunnels and dungeons where gladiators, criminals, and wild animals were placed before being sent out to the arena.

Within the area is a museum with a collection of Roman mosaics that comes second to the Bardo Museum. Surely, El Djem is one of the top tourist attractions in Tunisia.

January 20, 2014 by Jeremy

Top Tourist Attractions In London

There is a lot to talk about the top tourist attractions in London. And the fact that it attracts more than 14 million visitors per year, which accounts for £15 billion of its revenue, is very telling of the grandeur that awaits visitors once they step into the city.

But those who do not know much about this historical metropolis may find the fuss over London a little too dramatic. So just to quiet down the doubts, here are a few of the points of interest that’s exclusive to it.

1) The British Museum

This world famous art and artifact sanctuary serves as home to a number of prehistoric and modern works. If you want to see Parthenon sculptures, preserved mummies and Ancient Egyptian relics, as well as some of Michelangelo, Raphael and Da Vinci’s early works, then you should spend some time here.

2) The London Eye

This giant Ferris wheel that stands on the banks of the River of Thames measures 394 feet tall and boasts of a front row view of London’s skyline. It has 32 capsules that weight 10 tonnes. And each can hold 25 people at one time, so you can have your friends along. Yes, it can be scary at first. But if there is one thing you can’t miss experiencing, it is this.

3) The Tower of London

Built in 1078, this monumental piece architecture has bared witness to the rise and fall of England and its monarchy. And is the common background for a number of folklore. It has housed royalties, imprisoned criminals, became a well-known place of execution, and it has also protected the crown jewels at one time. If you wish to see the top tourist attractions in London, then it is a good idea to swing by when you are in town.

4) Madame Tussauds

It is an unconventional entry and has really very little connection with England’s culture or history. But this renowned museum of wax figures is a great place for tourist to explore and make memories. How often do you get a chance to take a picture of Brad Pitt, Queen Elizabeth II and Spider-man in one place?

5) The (London) Science Museum

Now if you are the no-nonsense type of person who is into facts and discoveries, then you’d enjoy your time touring this facility in South Kensington. As one of the top tourist attractions in London, this is where you’ll find every innovation that England has contributed to, from the automobiles to artillery, and displays on flight and space exploration.

While London might be a massive city, it is one of the easiest to get around in the world with countless options for transport. The Tube, London’s metro station has a multitude of stations and there is definitely one near any place you’re most likely trying to go.

You can take the tube to and from Heathrow International airport as well as a fast train, the Heathrow Express, which only takes 15 minutes to Paddington Station!

January 9, 2014 by jfalbelda

Top Things To Do In Bulgaria!

The top things to do in Bulgaria is a hodgepodge of activities you can never imagine finding in one place. This Balkan country west of the Black Sea and surrounded by other equally beautiful countries, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey is one of the most exotic countries you’ll find in Europe.

From beautiful architectures, ski resorts and lovely beaches, Bulgaria is indeed a one-stop-shop for exciting outdoor activities and is definitely one of the ultimate holiday gems of Europe.

Here are some of the top things to do in Bulgaria:

Collect stamps. Part of the Bulgarian government’s initiative to promote the country’s tourism is to give away reward schemes to tourists who are able to amass a great number of stamps from the tourist spots they have visited. So, it’s a definite win-win situation: you get to explore the wonders of Bulgaria while earning a chance to win great rewards!

Hiking. Bulgaria offers a great number of walking and hiking trails all over the country, each offering a great view of some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. From late June to September, places like the Balkan Mountains, Rila Mountains and the Pirin Mountains offer excellent opportunities for hiking and climbing trips as well as walking tours. Along the way, you can be treated to great sceneries as well as a chance to discover hidden historical and natural wonders such as the Rila Monastery and the glacier lakes.

But in winter, ski trips and snowshoeing are some of the top things to do in Bulgaria, especially in this area.

Hit the beach – You’ll never think it’s possible to be able to ski and enjoy the sun, sea and surf in one country. But in Bulgaria, you most certainly can! Sea tourism has been one of the country’s biggest lures since 1960’s. And we can’t blame them. Beaches like Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and Albena have earned the country the moniker the “Red Riviera”.

Thanks to the country’s lack of dangerous wildlife, long summer season and a mildly warm climate, Bulgaria is fast becoming one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe.

January 2, 2014 by Jeremy

Five Awesome Places to Walk it Out

As the importance of taking up an active lifestyle has become more apparent in recent years, interest in active vacations has increased. While many activities available in holiday destinations can be costly, such as skiing in winter, golfing in summer, or SCUBA diving in tropical locales year round, the easiest and most fulfilling activity of all costs next to nothing: walking.

By going along at your own pace, you get your body in motion while picking up on details in your surroundings more easily than if you were speeding along in a tour bus, or on a bike. All over the world, there are many ideal locations where one can go on walking holidays that will fill them with awe and wonder.

In this article, we focus on five awesome places to walk it out. Let’s start by focusing on…

1) Pertisau, Austria

Set before a pristine lake and backed by the towering Austrian Alps, Pertisau in Austria stands as one of the best places in the world to get your walk on. Here, you’ll be walking in the former footsteps of aristocrats, kings, and emperors, who favoured this location to get away from the pressures of their responsibilities. Strolling through the alpine fields suspended high above the tour boats of Lake Achensee, you will feel a sense of peace that one simply can’t find in the mundane residential developments back home!

2) Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Situated high in the foothills of the Himalayas, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a world away from the noise, pollution and chaos of urban India. This special place will allow you to spot many species of plants and animals that call this protected area their home, such as rhododendrons and leopards. Additionally, the locals that live here lead a way of life completely different from their city brethren, giving an opportunity for a unique cultural exchange that are increasingly tough to come by these days.

3) Faroe Islands

Sitting in the midst of the North Atlantic Ocean between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are a hauntingly beautiful fortress of solitude that you will remember long after you have been here. Walking along the tracks of the sparsely inhabited countryside here will lead to many encounter with sheep, as well as waterfalls, cliffs, dramatic coves, and lighthouses. Just be sure to pack a sweater, as conditions are cool even during the peak of the summer (the average temperature is just 11 degrees Celsius at that time).

4) Marrakesh and the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco

From walking amongst the lively bazaars of the capital Marrakesh, to the refreshing coolness of the High Atlas Mountains (the roof of North Africa), a walking holiday in Morocco is an experience in exoticism and high country hiking all rolled into one. Bear witness to the immaculate hospitality of the Berbers, then take of their guides into the heart of Morocco’s surprising green heart, as the highest mountains in Africa outside of Kilimanjaro trap moisture from the dry air, creating rain and life where you might not expect it.

5) Cyprus

Boasting exquisite views along the coast and up in the Trodos Mountains, Cyprus has much to offer the active traveler. Many tracks along the effervescent shore are delightfully unspoiled, with many private beaches begging to be discovered. In the interior, the Trodos Mountains are filled with the scent of pine and festooned with many gorgeous wildflowers on its slopes, and they offer a cooler alternative to the lowlands during the peak summer months.

Overall, many nations across the world offer ample opportunity to get away from the bustle of the big city and to reconnect with nature. All you have to do is make for the nearest nature preserve, mountain range or coastline, and explore around … you’ll be surprised with what you might find!

January 2, 2014 by Jeremy

Top Things To Do In London

If one were to think of the top things to do in London, any tourist can come up numerous sets of bucket lists to enjoy this city. London is one of the most popular and fabulous cities in the world, alongside New York City, Tokyo, Shanghai and Paris.

One can safely say that London’s entire history is a microcosm of United Kingdom’s saga. London was already inhabited as early as the Bronze Age era. Sooner around 43 AD it became an important Roman outpost coexisting with a number of older civilizations such as the Anglo-Saxons, the Picts and the Celts.

One can pretty much summarize London’s entire history as a straightforward ascending transition where every important era marks its rise to excellence. Today London remains to be the center of trade and economy in Europe. For ordinary travelers, here are among the recommended activities that will help keep one’s positive memory of London cherished.

1. Tour around Buckingham Palace

Among the top things to do in London for tourists, nothing pales in comparison to the enthusiasm that the public shares in touring around the Buckingham Palace. For a lot of avid visitors, this is considered to be a crowning achievement.

After all, nothing could ever be more prestigious than the residence of the most powerful person in the country (and perhaps even in all of Western Europe). The only catch about this vacation plan is that this tour is available only in summer season. In any other months, the Buckingham Palace is unavailable and highly guarded by the ceremonially immovable Beefeater Guards.

2. Visiting Trafalgar Square

For those who have no clear idea about Trafalgar Square and its prestige, one can simply compare it to New York City’s Central Park. Therefore, this centuries old plaza remains to be the most festive place in England during the New Year’s Eve. This square was built to commemorate Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory against Napoleon Bonaparte in leading the British Royal Navy in the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar.

3. Riding the London Eye

The London Eye remains to be the third largest observation wheel in the world, following the New York Wheel and Dubai Eye. Riding Ferris Wheels is more than just a childhood fascination. It gives tourists a splendid panorama of the entire metropolitan area. The London Eye is more preferable to ride at night because it reduces the chances of vertigo (no clear view of how high you are) and it features the city bathed in swarming lights.

4. Watching live sports events

Another of the top things to do in London can bring about a very exciting vacation experience. This city is host to two of the most popular national sports in the country – tennis and soccer. The Wimbledon tradition dates back as far as the late medieval era. There are important football league schedules one can check in order to get a chance to join the crowd.

5. Hitting a nightclub

After a long day of visiting the various attractions in the city, tourists might want to dance the night away at one of London’s hottest nightclubs. Kodo is an intimate venue that plays funk, soul, and R&B music. It features a lively dance floor, but also has plenty of tables for those who simply want to relax and have a drink. Opium is another hot venue in Soho that hosts a number of celebrity guests every week. Those who love hip-hop music and want the opportunity to party with some of London’s most beautiful people should definitely give it a try.

London is a massive city, but getting around isn’t hard given the very comprehensive metro system known as the tube. A good option for accommodation is staying near the airport at one of the cheaper Heathrow airport hotels. You can access the tube easily, and it’s also much easier to reach the airport when it’s time to fly back out!