Highlights of a Tour to the Maldives

The Maldives might be tiny, but they're now big on the tourist map. The beaches and resorts here are regularly ranked among the best beaches in the world. The atolls of this island country are country are spectacular, to say the least. And the resorts are some of the most luxurious ones. The coral reefs are amazing. And there are plenty of water sports to choose from as well. Here are the highlights of a tour to the Maldives.

Seaplanes
Seaplanes can both land on and take off from water and, in the Maldives, they are the most efficient mode of transportation.  Island hopping among the Maldives' thousands of tiny islands via boat or ferry can be very time consuming. A seaplane can take you from one island to another quickly. But there’s one more reason to choose the plane instead of the boat – for the view you will get from the top. It is fantastic. You will see the atolls, the coral reefs, the small palm-fringed islands, the water villas, and the turquoise deep-blue vastness of the Indian Ocean. It’s a ride you will remember forever.

Sea Food
The Maldives are a paradise for everybody who loves seafood. You get the fish fresh delivered from the reef straight to your resort. There are lobsters, crab, octopus, prawns, and much more. There are also a lot of salad options to choose from. Enjoy your meal at a beachfront BBQ as you hear the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. You may even be able to choose your fish from a tank and ask for a specific preparation. The chefs are pleased to delight you. Have your meal with the best drinks.

Island Hopping
You will obviously want to stay in one of the islands while visiting the Maldives. But there are many others in the same atoll, and then, there are many other atolls as well. You should certainly not restrict your Maldives vacation to the island resort you are staying in. Go for an island-hopping tour in the Maldives, which can take you to some of the most scenic locations in the country. You’ll spend time at some of the most outstanding island paradises anywhere in the world.

Water Sports
You won’t have it better anywhere else in the world if you are into water sports. There are infinity pools in almost all premium resorts in the Maldives. There's also jetskiing, kayaking, canoeing, water scooters, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing, parasailing, and banana boat riding. You can even visit other islands on a jet ski safari. As for beach activities, you can choose from beach volleyball and soccer. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also available, but select your Maldives scuba tour wisely. There are many exciting dive spots, including wreckage sites. You are sure to come close to colorful marine life. And, of course, you get to see amazing corals. There is the option of night diving, too. Have time on your hands? Go for a PADI certification course. Not up to scuba diving? You can always try snorkeling.

Fall in Europe

Europe is fantastic throughout the year. There are the stunning valleys in Switzerland and Austria, the lakes in Italy and Scotland, and chic Mediterranean towns you could visit during summer. There is skiing in the Alps during winter. There’s indeed much to see and do in the continent, no matter when you are traveling. However, there’s one time of the year when Europe is at its very best. And that’s the fall.

Fall in Europe is between the third week of September and the third week of December. It’s a great time of year to visit Europe. The summer heat is gone, the tourists are all back home, the cafes closed for August are open again, there aren’t too many people in queue for the Louvre or the Vatican, and it’s not too cold yet.

Europe can be costly in peak season. The autumn in Europe is usually more affordable, and that’s one more reason to hit the continent this time of the year. Here are some of the best things to do in Europe in the fall.

Italy
Italy is unique. It’s the perfect blend of history, great art, picturesque villages and coastline, wine and delicious food. You’ll find it interesting in almost any corner of the country. But most people just restrict themselves to Rome, Florence, and Venice. You could do it different. You could drive through the Amalfi Coast or visit the amazing Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera. Or head to the lakes in the north – Lake Como and Garda. Fall in Italy is the time of the year when there are wine festivals in Tuscany. Wine making in Italy is a big deal--as it is in all of Europe--and the new harvest means lots of celebrations and festivals in Italy.

France
There are more wines in France, but the country promises much more during the fall. Weather in the Mediterranean towns of Cannes, Monaco, Marseilles, and elsewhere is just perfect. You could go on a yacht adventure or just laze around the beaches. There are wonderfully restored farm houses and rose-color rooftops everywhere in the countryside. Head to the French Alps and you’ll be able to spend an amazing vacation in the meadows during your time in France during the fall.

Scotland
There is a lot to see and do by visiting Scotland during the fall. There is the Irish Sea, the North Sea, the highlands, and the lowlands. There are wonderful lochs, moors, and lush woodlands. And you’ll really enjoy the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow in autumn.

What to Expect from a Florence Boutique Hotel

Florence is one of Italy’s most visited cities.  People come here to visit the renowned Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and sites like the Ponte Vecchio and the San Lorenzo Market.  One of the places people like to stay while visiting this Italian city is a Florence boutique hotel.

When you stay in a boutique hotel in Florence, you should expect to get the most personalized and top service you could ever expect from a hotel.  The first difference between a regular Florence hotel and a Florence boutique hotel is just that: personalized care and attention.  Following this is the décor and theme of this type of hotel.  One boutique hotel that you can look forward to staying at is the Hotel Minerva.  This Florence boutique hotel is centrally located and is considered an époque hotel.  This particular Florence boutique hotel is elegant and luxurious in style.  During your stay, you will notice exceptional treatment and all the needed amenities.

In Florence, just like anywhere else in the world, your Florence boutique hotel should have a unique type of décor and architectural design, as well as a staff that is ready to assist you at all times with all your needs.  If you are staying in a boutique hotel in Florence and aren’t getting this treatment, you are in a hotel labeled a boutique hotel, but not what an actual boutique hotel should entail.

Planning a budget trip to Egypt

Traveling is very fascinating whether you are going with your family, friends, and partner or alone. It is a very fancy activity. People keep thinking that traveling will need so much money but actually, you will be able to have a nice traveling activity on budget. Here are some tips to have a nice budget trip in Egypt.

1. off Season
Traveling during off season is the right time to do since the price is cheaper and you will have a good time to walk around to the tourist attractions easily. The airfare as well as hotel's cost will also be cheaper.

2. Budget hotels
Aswan and Luxor are the best area to get cheap fare for hotel. These areas have more than enough choices on hotel so you can compare the price to get the best one. You can also stay in downtown area of Cairo or other area that close to it since you will be able to cut off expenses on transportation to visit Islamic Cairo, Egyptian museum, khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This location is pretty good to visit Pharaonic sites, Saqqara, Memphis, Dashur and also Giza.

3. Transportation
You have to prepare more money in a small Egyptian notes. This is important since you will need to pay it in advance if you are riding taxi or buying something since most of the driver and shop claims not to have changes for big money. It will be good if you do not bargain for taxi just follows the meter. It is usually cheaper than if you have to bargain.

4. Meal
If you stay in a hotel, it would be better not to take something to eat there. You can buy your meal outside the hotel with cheaper price. You can go to the nearest family restaurant. Check the menu and price so that you will be able to have a nice meal. The other alternative is shopping from a market. It is a good alternative moreover if you have kitchen in your hotel.

Related Links:
http://www.egypt.travel/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Egypt

Photo by lonely planet

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Where to Stay in Barcelona?

When travelling as a tourist it is bit of a bother to find the best place to stay in Barcelona is a hot tourist destination with multitude of places to visit and cherish, and it is always better to stay near to the places you are intending to visit, as it becomes easier to travel around and get back to the place you are staying at.

Sagrada Familia has a very pleasant surroundings and atmosphere. It is a centrally located area and a great place to stay in, particularly, if you want to visit beaches and the famous temple designed by Gaudi.

It has got easy connectivity with all the roads and tourist attractions. You will find affordable and luxurious hotels in Barcelona, hostels, bed and breakfast and guest houses to stay.

Barrio Gotico is another good place to stay in. Closer to the sea, and many other tourist spots, Barrio Gotico has many good Barcelona hotels and holiday apartments that you can stay in. You can also find many shopping arcades and eateries around the area.

La Rambla is the busiest and most happening tourist spot in Barcelona and is the hub of all the tourist activities. It s dotted by shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs, and is well connected to almost all the places around. Beaches are at the walking distance from La Rambla.

But, in case you are not the one who likes vibrant and noisy atmosphere, you can stay at Exiample, which is a relatively quiet and serene place, and also has many tourist attractions located nearby.

Photo by ProntoHotel ®

Netherlands' food: Chapter 'Pregnant Girl': Smoked Mackerel Salad

This is actually a translated recipe from a Dutch cookbook for those who are interested to try The Netherlands' food before visiting Amsterdam or other city in Nederland. The book section in which this recipe is present is called "Pregnant Girls"Smoked Mackerel Salad! That's because this is a fish-containing recipe, and fish oil is rich in omega fatty acids which are always good for everybody especially pregnant women. It's good for momy and baby's brains in the same time!This salad is a great dish on its own, crunchy, creamy, sweet, tangy, bitter and salty!
You'll need:
* 1 smoked mackerel (fresh please!).
* 4 tomatoes.
* 2 Belgian endives.
* 1 avocado.
* 4/5 cup olive oil (200 ml).
* Juice of 1 lemon.
* Salt & pepper.
That's for the main backbone of the dish. As for the dressing:
* 1/2 clove garlic (crushed).
* 4 tbsp (good) mayonnaise.
* 1 tsp mustard.
* 2 tbsp capers.
First you have to remove everything from the fish except the 'meat' part. The head, tail, skin and bones of the smoked mackerel can be given to your cat! Cut the flesh into small pieces and remove any smaller bones if you encounter them.Now with the vegetables, cut the tomatoes into small wedges.
Turning into the Belgian endives, remove the outside leaves, halve the heads, the hard core and cut diagonally into strips. Finally, peel the avocado and cut it into 2 halves, remove the pip and slice them thinly.
Now mix them all up. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper to boom the taste!
In a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic with the other dressing ingredients. That's it!
But a little tip on serving, serve the sauce separately in case someone likes it crude!

Eating in Rome

Most of the typical and cheapest restaurants in Rome are concentrated in the areas called Trastevere andTestaccio (they are very famous there so you won't get lost, don't worry!).On the other hand, if you are looking for a higher category restaurant, you should focus on the historical center of Rome where you can find luxurious restaurants as Antica Pesa Restaurant in Trastevere or Piperno Restaurant in the ancient Jewish District. You have to know the Italian names of typical restaurants to catch your target restaurant more easily. For example, a pizza place is called pizzeria. Also there are trattorie andosterie. Italian restaurants are usually, if not always, home-run. This means that it's like the movies when the chef is the owner of the restaurants in Rome and his daughter is the accountant! This gives a very genuine touch to them, especially to know that the ingredients are also of their own production.

Pacific Islands: Fiji

Crowded with mythological memories, bordered by dazzling beaches surrounded by a colorful sea from white to emerald and covered with lush rainforests, Fiji islands are the first place on Earth where staring at the sun shine, because it is here that steps the line of international date exchange.

Gipsy Kings in concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York at February 17

Gipsy Kings once again renew their successful custom of come back in New York city to play at Radio City Music Hall!

The Gipsy Kings are a phenomenon: a name famous for the music, the most successful French music ever dressed in large part responsible for bringing the joy of sound progressive pop-flamenco. The band components are really extraordinary characters: they play their guitars and sing like their fathers, grandfathers and ancestors did in the past. Gipsy Kings music is a communion experience: their arts have its own roots in the past but also think to future.

Don’t miss Gipsy Kings concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York on February 17!

Tourism promotion in the world

Italy, France and Spain work together to promote tourism in the world. This is the new initiative proposed by Michela Vittoria Brambilla, undersecretary of Tourism, in Madrid, his Spanish counterpart Joan Mesquida Ferrando and the French Minister of Tourism, Hervé Novelli. The objective of this initiative is to implement a stronger promotional policy and more incisive and creating a plan for international routes linking this three European countries. "Italy, France and Spain - said Mrs Brambilla - are certainly the heart of Europe and together they can guarantee a tourist, fulfilling all requirements and has not unique in the world." In the next days Vittoria Brambilla is meeting in Milan, mr Novelli, and, in the coming weeks, the ministerial structures of the countries involved will begin to draw together the operational plan.

Austria

As you take a visit to Austria, don’t miss your chance to see the many Austrian festivals and events going on. Experiencing these exciting and enjoyable events can add more enjoyment to your trip.
From January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, the house of music will be open to the public. This aims to promote music to all visitors by not just allowing them to hear music but also to feel, touch, and see it too. Through a variety of interactive displays, which will be extended all through the 7 different zones, the house of music will be embracing music from all its forms that range from the Mozart to a more modern form. This museum is very popular to all music lovers and musicians of different ages.
On March 1, 2009, to March 30, 2009, the Salzburg Easter Festival will be celebrated. This will include operatic performances, orchestral and choral. This event will definitely attract many visitors from all across Europe. The Salzburg Easter Festival was first held in 1967 and it has become a favorite for both visitors and locals. The performance of the famous Berlin Philharmonic will surely be the center of the event.
These events and festivals in Austria are simply scraping the surface, as this city never stops.

Copenaghen

For you stay in Copenhagen we would like to suggest you one of the Guldsmeden Chain hotels.
If you are looking forward to a unique and refined stay, we suggest you the Betrams Hotel Guldsmeden, a cosy 4 stars boutique hotel, located in the fancy quarter of Vesterbrogade. Built in a typical Bali's style, it proposes a mixture of wood floors and brick walls, while, just a few minutes away from the Tivoli Garden, the Carlton Hotel Guldsmeden with its 3 stars, welcomes the travellers with its one of a kind rooms where the Bali's original art blends with modern comfort. Here breakfast is served at the first floor, where the reception becomes an intimate cafeteria.

We would like to point out that in all the hotels of the Guldsemden Chain particular attention is given to natural products.

The Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Genoa

Nowadays Ducal Palace in Genoa houses art exhibitions and various activities besides a bookshop, a jazz museum, a large café restaurant, a poetry room and an educational centre for children. Ducal Palace construction had begun during thee Republican period, when Genoa was a leading power in the Mediterranean Sea after the defeats of Pisa and Venice. Its Tower of the People, completed in 1539, still towers over the old Genoa. This medieval building gave way to enlargements and new constructions especially when, in the 16th century, works were carried out to make the Palace more representative of the new oligarchic republic. To be underlined that, during the time of Genoa Republic, the medieval Grimaldina tower was used as a VIP prison for aristocrats, dangerous intellectuals and nobles.

Trastevere

This itinerary includes most of Trastevere, once a working-class neighborhood that is undoubtedly the most picturesque testimony of Rome’s ancient tradition. Our tour begins with the Portico d’Ottavia because, although the river Trastevere, it features the same kind of dwellings and narrow streets. Missing are the conspicuous monuments and extravagant palaces so common in the rest of Rome; but every building is a lively witness to the city’s history. Almost any Baroqu e basilica here has been built atop a Medieval church, which in turn was mostly likely erected on the spot of an ancient Roman home.
You will find important churches, such as S. Maria in Trastevere, S. Crisogono or S. Cecilia, in the area. But most of Trastevere’s religious meeting places are tiny chapels originally built to house venerated holy images.
After a period of serious decline during Dark Ages, the neighborhood underwent a housing boom from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries.
But most of this was haphazard building until the seventeenth century, when Via della Lungara was laid down as a pilgrimage route to St. Peter.

LONDON AREAS: ABBEY ROAD AND EMI'S STUDIOS

The 'zebra crossing', a few meters from the Emi studios entrance ( Abbey Road Studios ), is one of London's biggest tourist attractions. In these studios, located in the peaceful St John Woods' district, the Beatles have been recording from 1962 to 1970. This is certainly a sacred ground for all Beatles fans. In this district you can find your room booking from many hotels in London.

The imperial town of Marrakech.

One of the four imperial towns and maybe the favorite by the tourists of Morocco, Marrakech was the capital of the Almoravides dynasty. Practically halfway between the north and the south of the country, not farboth from the Sahara desert and the Atlantic ocean, this town has a rich history andthe privilege of giving name to a whole country. Unfortunatelythe dynasty of Almohades cancelled all traces of their predecessors. The visit of the medina is still today a must for every tourist, as well as a visit at the 77 meters high minaret of Kutubbiyya (1190), or at the square Jamaa el-Fna, the Bab Agnaou Gate, the Sadian tombs, the sumptuous and elegant El-Badi Palace, the Bahia Palace covering an area of almost eight hectares, the Menara Gardens with their olive trees.We heartily advise you not to plan your visit during summer, but preferably between November and the beginning of spring: you will enjoy a view of the snow covered mountains and a verytasty meal on the terrace of one of the many restaurants on the square Jamaa-el Fna.

Rome has always been considered the greatest open air museum in the world. It is the only city where it’s possible to see the traces of its long history in practically every corner while simply walking around the city. Rome is a city which continuously stimulates a myriad of emotions and awe because of its unique atmosphere.
Rome is the city which has always considered the preservation of its cultural assets as an extraordinary quantity of exhibits of great value.

Mariko's Waves

Philip K. Dick would have liked Mariko Mori's works of art since this Japanese artist knows how to travel through time and space and mix different cultures. Like a Shintoist temple placed next to cyberpunk figures, science fiction becomes a part of our every day life together with philosophy, design, fashion and high tech fetishes. Mori's universe is a unique world and you will have the chance to see it in different exhibitions in Paris, London, Milan and Chicago.

Five peculiar museums in London

Looking for something extraordinary in London? Here our suggestions.

Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art (underground Highbury & Islington) - Northampton Lodge
The American writer Eric Estorick was an art lover: his collection includes, among others, Boccioni, Carrà, Modigliani, de Chirico, Sironi. He donated his collection to the British state. The Italian state attempts to buy it has been unsuccessful and here we have one of the best museums of Italian art abroad.

Apsley House (Wellington Museum) - Underground Hyde park Corner - Piccadilly 149 - Hyde Park Corner W1
Once called 'Number one London' being the first house the traveller met entering London in the XVIII century, its visit can be combined with a stroll in Hyde Park.
It was originally the house of the first Duke of Wellington and we find here his collections of silvers, porcelain, paintings (Bruegel, Rubens, Velazquez and Goya being the most famous ones) beside a statue of naked Napoleon by Canova.

Royal Geographical Society - Underground South Kensington - 1 Kensington Gore
An institution more than a museum that has been exploring and photographing for almost 200 years the most remote places in the world. One million of geographical maps, images, manuscripts with reports of explorations between end 1800 and early 1900, aquarelles of David Livingstone (Victoria falls) and much much more. Many documents, maps and manuscripts can be consulted in the library having been computerized.

Museum of Garden History - Underground Waterloo - Lambeth Palace Rd SE1
The history of the royal gardeners Tradescant, who have been importing and cultivating plants from all over the world, is told in the church of St Mary-at-Lambeth, close to the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. There is a sort of botanical garden and a bookshop where it is possible to buy plants and books related to them. A surprise: here is the tomb of Captain Bligh. Do you remember the Bounty?

Kenwood House (The Iveagh Bequest) - Underground Golders Green - Hampstead Lane NW3
An extraordinary neoclassical building which houses the Iveagh Bequest, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Turner and Reynolds set like in an inhabited mansion. Quite interesting the park with a small lake, century old oaks , free animals and sculptures by Moore. The film Notting Hill with Julia Robers and Hugh Grant was shot here. Before leaving just relax in the nice cafeteria.

Steep rocks hanging over the waves

This we can read in Homer's Odyssey: it is the Amalfi coast, where the mermaids sng the joy of oblivion.One of the symbols of this coast is Amalfi itself, with its houses ckinging to the rocks, its narrow roads in a framework of blind alleys and arches, of ancient towers guarding the lttle town.Founded by the Romans sometime around IV Century A.D., Amalfi enjoyed great fame in the Middle ages thanks to the marin republics.Much later its name was connected to Flavio Gioia's compass and to the 'Tavole Amalfitane', the first code of marine law. Today it is still a very special place, where cultural and environmental interests are combined: the Cathedral and Belfry, various churches and cloisters, the Castle, the Emerald Grotto.... If you have the chance, do not miss on Holy Thursday the 'Procession of battenti' and on Good Friday the 'Procession of the Dead Christ'.A vey good reason to spend yor Easter holiday on the Amalfi coast...and its jeweks: Maiori, Minori, Ravello, Positano, Praiano, Vietri sul Mare and many more.