Tuesday 15 December 2009

Visiting in Turin, Piemonte

Turin, an important city of technology and industry in Italy (in Italian: Torino), is the capital of Piemonte region, located in the northwestern of Italy; is the one near French border.
Mole Antonelliana (Picture 1), is Turin's landmark building, was completed in 1888 as a synagogue. The 167.5-meter tower is the highest work of masonry in Europe and it now contain one of the finest cinema museum of Europe.

The National Cinema MuseumThe National Cinema Museum
The museum opened in July 2000, in the building that has come to symbolize Turin. In a spectacular setting the museum offers artifacts from the collection of the Maria Adrianna Prolo Foundation including magic lanterns, optical illusions, photographs, drawings, models and other curious items. Amongst a fascinating array of other movie memorabilia, be sure to check out the original cape worn by Christopher Reeve in Superman. If you're a certain age, that's incredibly exciting!

Picture 2: Turin - The house of the King Turin - The house of the King Picture 3: Turin - City Central Square (Piazza) Turin - City Central Square (Piazza)Picture 4: Turin - Building & Street Turin - Building & Street Picture 5: Turin - ChurchesTurin - Churches Picture 6: Turin (night view) - The Po River, flowing through the city
Turin (night view) - The Po River, flowing through the city Picture 7: Turin - Sunset colors
Turin - Sunset colors Picture 8: Turin - Central Railway Station
Turin - Central Railway StationPicture 9: Turin Stadium - Football (Juventus) Turin Stadium - Football (Juventus)Picture 10: Turin - FIAT Automobile
Turin - FIAT Automobile

Book here an Hotel in Turin (Torino) with great rates, you can refer to this booking online service.

Wednesday 25 November 2009

A day to exploring Hampshire

Hampshire, a county of southern England on the English Channel, it was a county constituency of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which returned two Members of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons from 1295 until 1832.

A day to exploring HampshireThis is a day for exploring the backbone of English rural life - country villages. Hampshire has plenty of special ones and is also renowned for beautiful rivers, so this tour combines both.

Upper Clatford is south of Andover in the River Andover in the River Anton valley, with thatched cottages and ancient All Saints Church. Neighbouring Goodworth Clatworth is also on the Anton (both villages have charming bridges). Walkers can ascend Bury Hill for sweeping valley view, or stroll in Harewood Forest.

Take the southbound A3057 road and turn left for Wherwell, down a hill with splendid views of the Test Valley. The village is a showpiece, with cottages clustered around the River Test, a ginclear chalk stream - stand on the wooden footbridge and spot the brown trout that anglers will pay almost anything to pursue.

Across the river is Chilbolton, a picturesque collection of cottages and farmhouses, plus a 12th century church. Then, return to the A3057 and a sharp right and left will take you to Longstock. This village would be the most delightful in Hampshire if there weren't numerous other contenders.

Continue to Stockbridge with its wide main street and river bridge, headquarters of the angling fraternity. Walkers will appreciate the sweeping expanse of Stockbridge Down.

A wonderful way to end a day that has shown the English countryside at its very best.

Don't miss: the National Collection of old-fashioned roses in the walled gardens at Mottisfont Abbey. Cultural types may prefer the unusual drawing room decorated by artist Rex Whistler.

Best time to go: in May and June, a sunny day!

Accommodation: to find a proper acccommodation, click here: hotels in Hampshire. Enjoying your exploring.

Saturday 24 October 2009

Malta Holiday

Malta is one of the island in the heart of the Mediterranean, located in the south of Siciliy, Italy.

In recent years, many tourists visit the island of Malta for its rich history and culture, also sunny and warm weather, amazing resorts to spending a holiday in Malta.
MaltaWhat to see in Malta
In Malta, you'll explore 7000 years of history yet live passionately in the present, You'll span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. And the Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum. Malta is holidayling as the mood takes you. and with near year-round sun, you can indulge in outdoor living at its best.

Malta hotels mostly have a fantastic views, booking online an hotel in Malta to find your favorite stay. Hotel recommendeded, is Le MEDIDIEN, five-star hotel, the room price is very reasonable considering the type of accommodation, and enjoy the luxury spa and fitness centre. The hotel is located on the seafront at Balluta bay.

Monday 28 September 2009

Visiting Windsor Castle

Visiting Windsor CastleUrban folk everywhere dream of a place out of town where they can get away from it all, and some do indeed enjoy just such a bolthole - but none can match the splendour of Windsor Castle, said to be the favourite weekend retreat of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is, after all, both the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world (rebuilt by Edward III from 1350).

Guided tours of the Castle's precincts introduce its history and modern role, and there is also an audio tour. Within the Castle, visitors see magnificent State Apartments furnished with some the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including splendid paintings by the likes of Rubens, Rembrandt, Canaletto, van Dyck and Gainsborough. The Semi-State Rooms (George IV's private apartments) may be viewed in the winter months. St George's Chapel is a splendid example of Gothic architecture. It contains ten royal tombs including those fo Henry VIII and Charles I. In St Albans Street south of the Castle there is a display of the Queen's gifts and royal carriages.

From Windsor, it's but a short hop to Eton, home of the public school and those famous playing fields. Founded in 1440, it has superb medieval buildings and guided tours feature the Cloisters, College Chapel, the school's oldest classroom and the Museum of Eton life.

While you're in these parts, take the opportunity to see the unassuming cradle of Britain's rule of law - Runnymede, where that sly but inefficient King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta by his concerned barons. Today, the site is protected by the National Trust, and consists of beautiful water meadows, grassland and woods.

Hotel in Windsor? Click here for online booking, you will find an ideal accommodation for your weekend visiting in Windsor.

Thursday 17 September 2009

Budapest, Travel Advice

Thanks to my business trip, I have visiting Budapest in the middle of September.
Budapest is well known like Paris of the east. I would like to say Budapest is really incredibly elegant and the most enjoyable cities in Europe. It is composed of three cities: Buda, and Obuda on the west side of the river, Pest on the opposite side. Obuda and Buda are often just refered to as Buda, the bourgeois section with its palaces and spas, and the more commercial area is known as Pest.

BudapestBy air
Budapest is easily accessible by air from much of Europe and even the US. The nation's main carrier, Malev, flies to almost every major city on the continent including London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Prague and Moscow, as well as to New York, Washington, Beijing and Sydney, whilst budget airline Wizzair is based in Budapest and offers many more seats across Europe. An airport minibus serves all three terminals, whilst the BKV Plusz Repter Busz will take you to the Kobanya-Kispest metro stop at the south east end of the blue line, from where you can zip into town. A taxi will cost 5000-6000 forints.


Best offers to book online an hotel in Budapest.

Thursday 10 September 2009

Oxford

OxfordThose who have never visited Oxford may expect to find the ancient university town with dreaming spires pictured in guidebooks, but Oxford is a bustling industrial city with a serious traffic problem. Happily, that doesn't stop the historic centre retaining much orginal charm and some of England's finest medieval buildings.

They (with others constructed in subsequent centuries) are home to the English-speaking world's oldest university - though Oxford was a prestigioius town with important religious houses and a charter from Henry II, before the first college was founded in 1249, Since then, Parliaments have been held, martyrs burned, Charles I was based here dring the English civil war and his son came during London's Great Plague in the 1660s.

The imprint of such events may be found on Oxford's historic fabric - go by train or use Park and Ride from the edge of town to enjoy exploring on foot. Look out for Christ Church Cathedral (both Cathedral and college chapel), the Radcliffe Camera (a circular Palladian library building); Wren's Sheldonian Theatre; University Church of St Mary the Virgin (13th century); Magdalen College; Tom Tower; The Bridge of signs; the Covered Market (opened in 1774).

Of course there's a whole lot more to discover, including all those locations for Inspector Morse's investigations, but that's the joy of the place - get a wonderful view of everything from Carfax Tower in the centre of town, all that remains of 13th-century St Martin's Church.

One unmissable highlight of an Oxford visit is the Ashmolean Museum with its eclectic collections, ranging from antiquities of Ancient Greece and Egypt to Picasso paintings. Look out for curiosities like the lantern carried by gunpowder plotter Guy Fawkes, Oliver Cromwell's death mask and Lawrence of Arabia's ceremonial Arab outfit. Surely such cultural delights are worh half a day!

Click here for Hotel Oxford best deals.


Thursday 3 September 2009

Wien tourist guide

Wien tourist guideVienna, is not only the capital of Austria, but also described as Europe's cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover this wonderful part of Europe. About 2 million inhabitants, is situated on the banks of the Danube. The influx of visitors from all over the world has made Vienna the most popular urban tourist destination in Austria.

A modern romantically city: Vienna (Wien) is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in histroy. Sightseeing opportunities are to be found in abundance. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view Schonbrunn Palace or the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in the footsteps of Sissi and Emperor Franz Josef, and marvel at the majestic architecture along the Ring boulevard.. Be inspired by an atmosphere steeped in history - which also boasts the comforts and infrastructure of a romantically imperial city!

A city of culture: Vienna possesses a lively and vast array of cultural attractions. Whether classical or experimental theatre, film or dance festivals, opera or operetta, or exhibitions and concerts - no matter when you come and how long you stay, there is sure to be something exciting for you to discover. Or if your tastes are not quite so culturally refined, then visit one of Vienna's famous coffee houses or traditional wine taverns and work you way through famous culinary specialities.


Wien tourist guideA city of music: Vienna has been synonymous with music for centuries, and was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. This outstanding musical heritage has been preserved right to the present day.

A city of art: Vienna (Wien) has always produced and nurtured world- famous artists. The collecting passion of art-loving rulers and monarchs has made Vienna a treasure house par excellence. The Museum of Fine Arts, for instance is one of the world's largest and most distinguished museums, housing priceless works of art.


A survey of Hotels in Vienna, booking online, is much cheaper and convenient (from €40 to €80).

Saturday 29 August 2009

By bicycle in Richmond Park

Richmond Park, located in the west of London, it is the largest of the Royal Parks in London, covering an area of 1,012 hectares (2,500 acres). Despite being surrounded by buildings, once you have walked into it you feel as though you have stepped back in time - the landscape here has remained much the same for centuries. Richmond ParkCharles I had the most influence of any monarch on this land. Escaping from the plague in town, he vistied Richmond, and realized this was land he could hunt. In 1637, ignoring all complaints, he turned it into a hunting park containing some 2,000 deer, and enclosed them inside a 13-km (8-mi) long, brick wall.

Richmond ParkThe deer and the hunt changed the look of the park. Mature trees - some of which still stand today - were pollarded to protect them from being eaten. Ponds were dug to provide water. Later on, planned vistas were designed, and small woods added - fenced for protection. Today some 350 fallow deer and 300 red deer still inhabit the park and continue to shape the landscape. Whilst you relax, you might see exotic looking birds flitting from tree to tree - this is home to a large poputlation of parakeets.

Only with bicycle, you can earlier to go all around the park, head west to Ham House. Built for Sir Thomas Vavasour in 1610, it has a fascinating history. Between 1626 and the end of the century the house, by this time under different ownership, was transformed into a luxuriously furnished villa, and much of its decor and contents can still be seen today. Standing on the banks fo the Thames, Ham House also has magnificent gardens that include a 17th-century orangery and what is believed to be the oldest Christ's thorn bush in the United Kingdom.

Best time to go: a sunny day between mid-March and the end of October.

Finding an accommodation nearby: online booking hotels in London.

Sunday 23 August 2009

Visit Cambridge

Visit CambridgeCambridge, there are few pleasanter ways of passing a sunny summer day than in the cerebral atmosphere of this ancient town of colleges and churches. From the sublime medieval architecture of the city centre to the wildflower meadows along the River Cam, you are surrounded by the echoes of history: there is not a single spot than does not have some story attached to it.

Look around the old university buildings in the city centre. Trinity, St John's and King's are the grandest colleges but the smaller more modest ones like Queens' are just as beautiful in their simplicity of design. Visit the Round Church, built in 1130 and St Benet's Church, the oldest building in Cambridgeshire. The Fitzwilliam Museum, "the finest small museum in Europe" has a superb fine and applied art collection from all over Western Europe and Asia.

Have lunch at The Eagle, the oldest pub in Cambridge, where Francis Crick made the momentous annoucement that he and James Watson had discovered DNA; then hire a punt and spend the afternoon lazily drifiting along one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the country.

The Cam runs along the "backs", behind the colleges. Starting at the Mathematical Bridge (a curious construction of criss-crossed wooden joists fallaciously attributed to Isaac Newton) go past King's College and under the Bridge of Sighs to Magdalene. Follow the river further, through the country meadowland and you will get to Grantchester, immortalized by war poet Rupert Brooke. Read his poem "The Old vicarage, Grantchester" while drinking tea under the trees at The Orchard.

Bring your day to a glorious close by attending Evensong at King's College Chapel. Listening to the voices of one of the world's most famous choirs in one of England's most beautiful medieval buildings as the evening shadows lengthen is pretty close to heaven.

Don't miss
Kettle's yard, an idiosyncratic modern art gallery that feels as though you are in somebody's house. It was the home of Jim Ede, an avent-garde collector. He knocked together several workman's cottages off Castle Street where he held open house and displayed his collection of paintings, sculptures and objects d'art; on retirement he donated the house and all its contents to the University.


Best time to go
From May to September, booking a finest hotel in Cambridge online, as your best choice.

Friday 21 August 2009

Tuscany, a dream holiday

As everyone knows, Tuscany (Toscana) is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Italy. It is located in central Italy, along the Mediterranean coast. Tuscany is a gently hilly region, well-known for its vineyards and olive groves, with large houses or small settlements scattered around the low hills. Its rich rolling landscape is complemented by towns overflowing with Renaissance art and architecture. The most important river is the Arno, on which Florence and Pisa are situated, although the Tiber also passes briefly through Tuscany.

TuscanyTuscany is one of Italy's best wine-producing areas, with Chianti and Montepulciano among its famous products.

Tuscany is divided into ten provinces: Arezzo, Firenze (Florence), Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.


Tuscany tourist destinations Tuscany
Florence is Tuscany's unmissable crown jewel, with its beautiful buildings, colourful history, priceless art and unique atmosphere. But Tuscany is one of the few Italian regions well-known to foreigners as a tourist destination in itself. For decades a Tuscan villa has been the dream holiday for many travellers. And amongst the vineyards and hills of Tuscany are other lovely historic towns - not as packed with attractions as Florence, but not as packed with tourists either.

Siena is a patrician hilltop town with a past to rival that of Florence, famous for the rivalry between its districts (called contrade) which climaxes in the Palio.

TuscanyPisa boasts not just the legendary leaning tower, but also several other attractions, and good transport links to other parts of Italy. Smaller Tuscan destinations which are popular with holidaymakers include Lucca, San Gimignano (a forest of medieval towers on a hill) and the wine-producing Chianti area.

Where to stay: booking hotels in Tuscany online, is easier to find a suitable accommodation for your dream holiday.

Monday 17 August 2009

A great day in Greenwich (London)

A day out to Maritime Greenwich is a day that everyone in the family will enjoy. Situated on the River Tames, Greenwich is a beautiful spot: the landscape and parkland is serene, with gorgeous views in every direction, and the architecture is spectacular. It is also home to several historic landmarks, of so much significance to Britain's magnificent maritime history and royal past that it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

GreenwichIt will make the day more fun if you travel there and back on different forms of transport and by different routes. You could, for example, take the Docklands Light Railway out, and a riverboot back, so you'd see two completely different aspects of London.

Start with the Greewich Maritime Museum; established by an Act of Parliament in 1934, its collection of maritime art, manuscripts, maps and navigational instruments is the last word on Britain's seafaring history. The old Naval College, close by, is a domed, architectural gem, built by Sir Chiristopher Wren. Inside you can visit the Painted Hall, possibly the finest dining hall in the world, decorated with paintings by James Thornhill. This is where Nelson's body lay in state after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

GreenwichAnother must visit at Greenwich is the Royal Obervatory. From the Observatory you have a great view of the Thames and London. Founded in 1675 by Charles II, it has recently been upgraded and re-developed. This is the site of the Prime Meridian, the place from which everywhere on earth is measured, to the east or west of the line. If you stand with one foot on eigher side, you are standing in both of the world's hemispheres. The new, state of the art Planetarium runs a mumber of wonderful shows; inspiring and educational, there's even one for the under fives.

The Queen's House, designed in 1616 by inigo Jones and site of the Martings, belonged to James l's wife, Anne of Denmark. James I is said to have given Anne the manor of Greenwich as an apology ofr swearing at her in public when she shot one of his favourite dogs in a hunting accident.

Greenwich Park Greenwich Park

Where to stay: to find a suitable and cheaper hotel in London Greenwich, click on it.
LoveTravel recommends you the Hotel De Vere Venue Devonport House, situated on the prestigious World Heritage site in Greenwich, London. This spectacular historic building has been sympathetically restored to offer a fantastic combination of 4-star facilities in traditional surroundings. Room rate from £59 per night.

Tuesday 11 August 2009

Weekend in Salisbury

Salisbury: Old Sarum, Heale Garden and Stonehenge.

Weekend in SalisburySalisbury is one of England's loveliest cities. Set in water meadows and swept by trees, it wears its half-timbered alleys and Norman stone splendour with grace beneath the needle spire of Britain's finest medieval cathedral. The cathedral is itself at the heart of England's largest medieval close, a huge green sward edged with trees hiding beautiful houses from different eras. Above them, the tallest spire in the country seems to rise out of green fields. Close-to, you can see its architectural brilliance, and Europe's oldest working clock and a copy of Magna Carta, too. But the Cathedral is very much a place of worship - and to hear music performed there, as you can, is to be transformed.

The transcendent harmony of Salisbury replaced what is now just a colossal earthworks called Old Sarum, on Salisbury's northern edge. Hign on the windswept chalky downs, Old Sarum looks like the ancient hill fort it once was, before Romans, Saxons and Normans made it both castle and cathedral. Its ruins make a fascinating, but bleak timeline of historical suspicion and strife. Contrast it with Heale Gardens, north along the lush Woodofr Valley. They are a perfect example of generations of benign and imaginative eccentricity creating pure magic from flowers, trees and shrubs. Woodland, Japanese, and Kitchen gardens are all touched by the genius of fantasy, timed to bloom in constant seasonal flux.

Drive on to the World Heritage glory of Stonehenge, a series of ceremonial earthworks, mounds and domestic remains clustered round the iconic circular stones of the Henge itself. You may have to fight your way through crowds, and await your timed entry to the actual stones - but whatever it actually is, Stonehenge is unique. It will fire your imagination.

Best time to go: any time of year - except Heale Gardens, which are open between February and October.

Weekend in SalisburyDon't miss: the authentic Japanese Tea House in Heale Gardens, built over a trout stream, which then flows under a red Nikko brige...

Where to Stay: LoveTravel recommends you book in Grasmere House Hotel, is just a short walk from Salisbury and offers superb cathedral views, surrounded by mature gardens. what's more, refer to Hotel in Salisbury online booking.

Sunday 9 August 2009

Lisbon travel guide

Lisbon travel guideLisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugual, it is also the seat of the district of Lisbon and the main city of the NUTS Lisbon region. Lisbon was under Roman rule from 205 BC, when it was already a 1000 year old town.

Lisbon is situated on the north banks of the River Tagus, the charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past; renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city's rich cultural heritage. Its eclectic blend of neighborhoods, culture and architecture distinguish this capital city uniquely from the other European capitals and make it a truly fascinating and comprehensive city to visit.

A city set on seven hills, as the legend tells, with its cobble stoned pavements and narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafés promises a lot to discover: Its downtown, the Baixa, located around Rossio, Praça do Comércio; situated on the hill around St. George’s Castle, Alfama and Mouraria; Lisbon’s most traditional quarters with their typical streets, Bairro Alto and Madragoa, and set on Tagus River, Belém offer an unforgettable experience of city’s past at the present.

Lisbon also hosts a great number of remarkable museums of ancient and modern art, some of which are Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Coach Museum, and Carmo Archaeological Museum. But, Lisbon isn't all culture and history; Bairro Alto is the center of nightlife with various restaurants and bars where melancholic traditional Portuguese music, Fado, can also be listened.

The best way to discover Lisbon is to get lost in its narrow streets and up and down roads! Every narrow street will tell you a different story and every story will reach to your heart easily. Night and day, feel Lisbon! Live Lisbon!

Where to Stay: the Hotel Olissippo Oriente is a modern four-star property located in Lisbon's former Expo 98 site, which is now known as the Parque das Nações. One major feature is the hotel's very close proximity to the Lisbon Oceanarium, FIL fairground, Vasco da Gama shopping centre and the city`s new casino. Other convenient offers for hotel in Lisbon, are available in these days for online booking.

Wednesday 5 August 2009

Great Greek islands

GreecePLAN your summer trip with LoveTravel's guide, to the best islands in Greece.

In reality, there is no such thing as "best Greek islands". One would definitely find a paradise among the 3000 islands of Greece. Searching is most of the fun of course, here is a list to start with.

SANTORINI (Thera): the combination of breathtaking topography and culture automatically elevate Santorini to a favorite destination. The island's popularity is probably its only flaw. Visiting in May or early June is better to avoid the crowds. Staying at a hotel in Santorini in Ia, or in Fira atop the volcanic caldera is also imperative. The views are unforgettable. Good beaches (Perissa, and Red beach), a great museum of prehistoric art, a unique excavation site at Akrotiri, and the legend of Atlantis would keep any visitors happy.

CORFU: the famous island is green and beautiful but can get very busy in high season. Exploring neoclassical Corfu Town is like getting lost in a museum.
In Corfu island, Lakones is a place where is the very good views and walks; Agios Stefanos and Kerasia are the best beaches in Corfu.

ZAKYNTHOS: the rugged beach-and-cliff west coast is very beautiful; the east coast is overdeveloped. Endangered loggerhead turtles nest in the south-east, sharing beaches with resorts. Stay north, near the dramatic Shipwreck Beach.
Zakynthos Town is rebuilted in original Venetian style after 1953 earthquake.

KYTHIRA: in the Greek imagination, Kythira is as far away as a traveller can go. Here Aphrodite first rose from the sea. Visitors come for the hiking and beaches, the best of which are in the east.

SKIATHOS: exceptionally pretty beaches beneath pine-clad hills. The well-preserved old town has a vibrant waterfront.

SKOPELOS: only slowly being discovered by tourists, the island still feels quiet and Greek with its pretty harbour town, plum and almond orchards, and numerous pebble beaches.

ALONNISOS: a sleepy pine-covered island, the largest of 25 (the others are uninhabited) in the National Marine Park of Alonnisos-Northern Sporades, which protects Mediterranean monk seals. Has waht may be the earliest evidence of humanity in the Aegean.

CRETE: a world unto itself, this large island has glittering resorts (at Elounda) and mountain villages wehre even other Greeks are considered foreigners. For the best overview, head west to the port of Chania, with its lively harbour and well-preserved Venetian architecture, then south into the White Mountains.

Hotel search and booking in Greek islands
For those who don't want to go through a travel agency, is easy to choose and book online a suitable hotel in Greek islands. Special offers are available in this moment of the year.

Thursday 30 July 2009

Classic Itinerary in Umbria, Italy

UmbriaUmbria is a region of Central Italy, is a great place for a touring holiday, with picturesque hill towns, art of the highest quality, Roman and Etruscan history and some of Italy's most stunning scenery.

Here are LoveTravel's suggestions on how to get the most out of the region, whether you're attracted by the culture, the countryside or the cusine.

Perugia is the main city of Umbria: the lively evening passeggiata in the main piazza of Umbria's vibrant capital (a university city), is not to be missed. The key buildings are the pink-and-white cathedral, begun in 1345 but not finished until 1490, the 14th-century Palazzo dei Priori, which now houses the National Gallery of Umbria, and the extraordinary Fontana Maggiore, a marble fountain with carvings by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.
Stay at: Le Silve, a retreat in the wooded valleys east of Assisi, with high-quality apartments from 100 EUR a night.

Assisi, the huge buttresses of the hilltop Basilica di San Francesco look forbidding as you approach, but they belie the extraordinary aubtlety of Giotto's frescos of the life of St Francis on the walls inside. Arrive early to miss the coach tours, and allow a full day here: the rest of the medieval town is less crowded than the basilica and well worth exploring.

Umbria

Orvieto is likely to be the high point of your trip. Its 14th-century cathedral has a gilded-mosaic facade that glows spectacularly in the sunset. Look out for the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, the bell tower in piazza della Repubblica and the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a 16th-century well with a double-spiral staircase. The local wine is excellent too.
Stay at: Hotel Duomo, 15 stone-steps away from the majestic Gothic cathedral of the city.

In Spello the original Roman gates survive, but it is the steep, winding streets of this medieval town that give it so much character. Don't miss the Pintoricchio frescos in Santa Maria Maggiore.

Spoleto, has an extraordinary mix of Roman remains incorporated into much later buildings; the little church of Sant'Eufemia is one of the best examples of this. Make sure to see Lippi's frescos in the cathedral, and the vertiginous Ponte delle Torri, a bridge that spans a steep gorge on the edge of the town.
Stay at: Cavaliere Palace Hotel, in the 17th century Accoramboni della Valnerina Palace, adorned with splendid frescoes.


Todi's main square, Piazza del Popolo, is perhaps the prettiest in Umbria. Lined with medieval and Renaissance palazzi, it slopes gently upwards to the facade of the 12th-century cathedral. But you get the greatest sense of the town's long history from its three sets of tconcentric walls: they were built by Etruscan, Roman and finally medieval engineers.

Planning your trip
The most convenient way of getting to Umbria is to fly from Stansted to Perugia. Alternatively, fly to Rome from Heathrow or Gatwick and drive up the A1. There are also some good-value local car hire.


Click here for hotel booking in Umbria.

Saturday 25 July 2009

Holiday to Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh has become one of Egypt's most popular resorts on the Red Sea. The offshore waters are home to some of the world's most exquisite coral reefs and considered one of the prime water sports and diving locations throughout the world.

Sharm El Sheikh
Diving In Sharm El Sheikh
Lying on the very southern tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh holidays are located in an impressive Red Sea holiday region that is an acclaimed area for divers. A diving holiday in Sharm El Sheikh gives visitors the opportunity to see the amazing exotic marine life of the Red Sea along with a variety of wrecked ships that lie at the bottom. Every level of ability is catered for and many people have had their first taste of diving on holidays to Sharm El Sheikh.

A Stunning Red Sea Sunrise
For a taste of Egyptian culture there are camel treks out to Bedouin villages, although the area is not renowned for having great links to historical Egypt, so there are not a great many historical sights in the Sharm El sheikh area.
A visit to Mount Sinai, where Moses reputedly received the Ten Commandments is a popular attraction of many Sharm El Sheikh holidays, especially an early trek up the mountainside to watch the stunning sunrise.

Book a hotel in Sharm El Sheikh for holiday
The Baron Palms Hotel, sister hotel to the Baron Resort, is a stunning Andalusian style oasis, located close to Naama Bay, the resort's lively centre. This stunning boutique property, with a backdrop of crimson mountains and desert landscape, is set just 80 metres through the lively Baron shopping Boulevards, from the resort's extensive private beach where crystal waters gently lap the shores. Lush tropical gardens incorporate two swimming pools with action packed entertainment such as water cascades, several Jacuzzis, horizon effects and waterfalls for a total swimming experience. Gourmet cuisine is served, buffet style in the Tiran Restaurant, whilst delicious Oriental specialities are served in the Egyptian Restaurant and an endless variety of mouth-watering snacks and exotic drinks in the pool restaurant/bar. the Baron Palms offers guests spacious and luxuriously furnished rooms, overlooking the tropical pools or the surrounding beautiful, landscape. All are equipped with first-class amenities.


Hotel Sharm El Sheikh - Seven nights five-star all inclusive from £649pp

Tuesday 21 July 2009

August in Capri, Italy

Isle of Capri is most attractive and fantastic Summer Resort in Italy, It has been one of the most famous tourist place in the world, a luxurious and excellent Island.

Capri What to See
1) Arco Naturale and Pizzolungo, this bold Arch is what remains of a large grotto that penetraded the mountain. The waves of the sea extended its aperture and wasched away its debris.

2) Villa Jovis - Mount Tiberio, the most important of the island's twelve imperial villas, Villa Jovis was built in the First Century AD and discovered in the 18th Century under the rule of Charles of Bourbon.

3) Augustus Gardens - Via Krupp, the Gardens of Augustus are only few minutes walk from the Piazzetta, near the Via Krupp, the road which was the idear of A.F. Krupp, the German steel Industrialist, who - for this ene - purchased the "Fondo Certosa" (Certosa Estate), on the part of which rise the Gardens.

Capri
4) The Charterhouse of St. Giacomo. Count Giacomo Arcucci of Capri, Secretary to Jeanne I of Anjou, found just such a spot enclosed by walls in a small south-facing coastal valley called SAMA or LAMA, located some distance from the town. The Charterhouse's foundations date back to 1371 and it is believed that it was built on the remains of previous Roman buildings and the sixth villa of Tiberius.

5) Tour of the Island. Whether you choose to join an organised tour, or rent a private boat with captain, taking to turquoise waters is the only way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the island. In fact, many of the most enchanting stretches of the Capri coastline are completely inaccessible by land. By boat visitors are able to reach those secluded bays which are just perfect for swimming or sun bathing - far from the crowds crammed onto the tiny pebble beaches.

6) La Grotta Azzurra, a magic no word or image could ever describe. It is a 60-metre-long, 25-metre-wide cavity; to get into it, yu need to take one of the small rowing boats moored outside the cave; since the opening is very narrow, you will have to lie on tCaprihe bottom of the boat to get into the grotto (in case the sea gros rough, boat service is suspended). There is acturally a bigger but completely submerged opening; this very underwater entrance allows the blue coloration of the water inside the grotto, due to a phenomenon of sunlight reflection. There is an almost surreal view in the inside, the transparency and the blue colour of the water give us the impression of navigating through a clear sky, and the boats seem to float on a fantastic universe.

The blue Grotto has been known since the Roman times, and Emperor Tiberius chose it as his own personal nymphaeum (Roman monumental fountain, translator's note), later on almost nothing was known of the grotto, also because the fishermen of the island believed it to be haunted by evil spirits. It was rediscovered and made popular as late as April 18th 1826 by the German painter August Kopisch and his friend Ernst Fries with the help of Angelo Ferraro, a fisherman; since then, the grotto has been visited by millions of tourists from anywhere in the world.

7) Mount Solaro - Cetrella - Chairlife, it is the highest place on the island (589 metres above sea level). You can eigher walk there (by taking the narrow street at the beginning of Viale Axel Munthe) or take the chairlife.
- 12 minutes by chairlife from Piazza Vittoria: about 1 hr on foot.

8) Villa San Michele - Axel Munthe, is located on the north-eastern side of Anacapri, 327 metres above sea level, Here was an ancient Roman imperial villa, whose ruins were preserved by Axel Munthe and are now to be found in the garden. In the area there were the remains of a medieval chapel later moved to its present position by Munthe himself.

9) La Migliera. You will certainly not miss one of the most beautiful walks in Capri. The route dateds back to the Roman times and was built to link Capodimonte (the only access to Anacapri until the last century) to the Migliera belvedere where the remains of Imperial-age buildings were found.

10) Towers and Forts. It is a long itinerary with some inaccessible stretches but its extraordinary beauty is worth the effort. The blockhouses and the set of paths and streets are located along the western coast of the island, between the Blue Grotto and the Punta Carena Lighthouse.

11) Punta Carena and Faro (Lighthouse). It is named after the westernmost point of the Island, is the second most important and powerful lighthouse in Italy, standing on the rocky promontory named Punta Carena (Carena = keel) because it looks like the keel of a ship.

Capri12) Villa Damecuta. Excavations at Villa Damecuta began in 1937 under the direction of Amedeo Maiuri. Amongst the findings salvaged from recent excavations, are fragments of columns made from pure Greek marble. These point to the villa's rich decor of marble floors, stucco work, decorations and works of art. The panoramic loggia of the villa si still preserved and reflects a structure similar to that of the imperial loggia at Villa Jovis.

Getting here
You can reach Capri by ferry or hydrofoil from either Naples or Sorrent. Trasportation from Naples is available either at the port of Calata Porta di Massa (only ferries) Molo Beverello and Mergellina (both only hydrofoils); however, it is much more convenient to depart from Molo Beverello because of the greater frequency of departures and larger selection of hydrofoils. The port of Calata Porta di Massa is connected with the nearby Molo Beverello with a shuttle service.
From Naples, the ferry takes about 80 minutes and costs about 9,00 EUR, while the hydrofoil takes about 20 minutes and costs about 12,00 EUR.

Where to stay
Hotel
La Floridiana, 4-star hotel, ideal ofr those whCaprio want to relax in a central but quiet position (a mere 5 minutes form the piazzetta), this hotel is surrounded by greenery and faces south in a marvellous triangle of sky, sea and pine trees.and near a public swimming pool, tennis courts and disco. For other hotels information, please refer to Hotel Capri page in Booking.com.

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Summer Holiday in Barcelona

Where to go for spending your Summer Holiday, if you go to Spain, Barcelona is ideal and a great place to go, which both the kids and adults are sure to enjoy it, which can make your summer holiday an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Summer Holiday in BarcelonaIn a privileged position on the northeaster coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and pupulation. It is also the capital of Catalonia. There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona: Catalan, and Spanish.

Barcelona has over four kilometers of beaches for enjoy your holiday. Barceloneta beach is the closest beach to Barcelona city centre. If you walk to Colom at the end of the Ramblas you have about a 15 mins walk to the beach. Barceloneta has many great sea food restaurants serving up fresh catches of the Day. Barceloneta beach can get busy during the peak season (June to Sep) in which case you could try visiting lcaria Beach the next beach along from Barceloneta.

The capital of Catalonia is unequivocally a Mediterranean city, not only because of its geographic location but also and above all because of its history, tradition and cultural influences. The documented history of the city dates back to the founding of a Roman colony on its soil in the second century B.C. Modern barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic revival at the onset of industrialization druing the second half of the 19th century. The 1888 World's Fair became a symbol of the capacity for hard work and the international outlook projected by the city. Culture and the arts flourished in Barcelona and in all of Catalonia; the splendor achieved by Catalonian modernism is one of the most patent displays.

Barcelona, more than just a single city, is really a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities. The visitor unfamiliar with its history might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact, or by the curious contrast between the maze of narrow streets and grid-like layout of the Eixamples, the urban planning "Enlargement" project of the end of the 19th century.

My favourite hotels in Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Barcelona near the Barceloneta area.

Friday 10 July 2009

Summer Holiday in Marseille

MarseilleMARSEILLE (Marsiglia, in Italian) is a coast city in the South of France, the second most populated city of France, the biggest mediterranean port and the economic center of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region. Marseille has a rugged, unpredictable charm. With the tanned plutocrats of Monaco and the blazered aristocrats of St-Tropez to the east, and sniffy Aix to the northm, its colours even brighter, the louche, sun-soaked terraces of its cafe's even sexier.

Don't miss Get up early and explore the legendary daily seafood and fish market at the Vieux Port. Foodies should book in for a bouillabaisse course and learn to cook the local dish. The legendary fish stew was invented by Marseille fishermen, who cooked it for their families using their unsold catch.

The sun-bleached white turrets of Chateau, the 16th-century island prison immortalised in Alexandre Dumas masterpiece The count of Monte Cristo, are nowadays populated by seagulls and salamanders rather than convicts. The chateau is quickly visited, so bring a picnic and enjoy the clean seawater.

How to get there British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Marseille.
During the summer holidays, EuroStar can take you to Marseille easier any time you want.

Where to stay The new Hotel Bompard and cool off in the poor, doubles from £97. Or refer to Hotel in Marseille for more information.

Tuesday 7 July 2009

Frankfurt Travel Guide

FRANKFURT, the most internatioanl city in Germany, the largest financial centre on the contienent, the historical city of coronations, the city of Goethe and the Frankfurt School...

Almost one in three of the people living in Frankfurt do not hold a German passport. No matter where visitors come from, they will always meet people in Frankfurt who speak their language and a restaurant that serves their favourite food. The open and hospitable atmosphere in Frankfurt stems from its centuries-old role as a trading centre.

Getting Here and Travelling around Thanks to its location at the heart of Europe and Germany, Frankfurt is an important traffic hub and can be reaches by visitors extremely easily.

Frankfurt Airport, is the Europe's second largest airport, with more than 50 Frankfurtmillion air passengers a year optimal travel connections, and also the station in Germany with the highest volume of traffic are situated. Passengers can reach almost 300 destinations around the world from Frankfurt Airport. The motorway connection via the Frankfurt interchange also offers a good way of getting here.

Tourism Frankfurt am Main, the dynamic and international financial and trade fair city with the most imposing skyline in Germany. This is the image that many visitors associate with the Main metropolis. A discovery tour of Frankfurt can easily reach many of the sites on foot or by bus and train. Many attractions are not very far from one another in the city centre. Near to the skyscrapers you can find cosy Ebbelwei Express, is particularly popular. And culture lovers will find an impressive selection of renowned museums on both banks of the Main. The Kaiserdom (Cathedral) and the Paulskirche, the cradle of German democracy, are also to be found here.

Shopping in Frankfurt, is a real "el dorado" with its many shooping streets and centres. "Zeil" in the city centre, lies a shopping street with one of the highest turnovers in Europe. On the Zeil, the shops offer practically everything you could ever with for; "Fressgass", here you cadn find a large selection fo restaurants and various fine food shops.

Overnight Accommodation on Hotels in Frankfurt, you will definitely find a suitable room in the required price category and location.

Sunday 5 July 2009

Brussels - the Capital of Europe

BrusselsBrussels is one of the most attractive city in EU, and the capital of Belgium, the administrative centre of the European Union. This has earned the city the title of the Capital of Europe.

BrusselsThe Monnaie is the main theatre in Brussels, it is home to the National Opera of Belgium.

The Grand Place is Brussels central market square and one of its biggest tourist attractions.

Manneken Pis (translation, little man pee) is a bronze fountain just outside the Grand Place. Depending on the occasion he is dressed in one of his hundreds of costumes.

The Brussels Palace of Justice, or Court House, construction finished in 1883 (perhaps this if why it is undergoing some major restoration work).

BrusselsThe Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King of belgians, However, the Royal Family does not currently dwell here.

Brussels Exterior of St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral. Located on the Treurenberg Hill.

Brussels is home to the head offices of many major European and International Companies. Brussels is also the heart of the European Union (EU) parliament and offices.

How to Get: by train, International trains, high speed trains (Thalys and Eurostar) connect Brussels to other important cities in neighbour countries. From London, just 1 hours by Eurostar, from Lille, just half an hour. You can find more informations on any railway company and their schedules at Railway Info website.

Where to stay Brussels Hotels
Sheraton Brussels Hotel, the hotel is across the street from the city’s main shopping area (Rue Neuve) and just a 5-minute-stroll from the renowned Grand Place.
Best Western Premier Carrefour de l'Europe, this elegant 4-star hotel is ideally located in the centre of Brussels, just 50 metres away from the historic centre and the Grand Place.


Saturday 4 July 2009

My holiday in Lille

LilleMy holiday in Lille on May, is perhaps not as exciting and romantic as a trip to Paris, but it is nevertgheless a city with distinguishing qualities. A tour of Lille reveal a charming mix of French and Flemish features, and a historic core that is filled with impressive architecture, squares and cobblestone streets.

Lille Attractions
1, Musee des Beaux-Arts, housed in a beautiful 19th century building, this is one of the most important museum in France. The displays contain exceptional European paintings; sculptures; 17th and 18th century ceramics from all over europe; a department of the Middles Ages and Renaissance; and an important collection of drawings. There is so much to see and learn here.

2, Notre-Dame-de-la Treille, located just off rue de la Monnaie. The body of this cathedral is a fairly homogeneous, but not unattractive, neo Gothic construction begun in 1854, but the new facade, completed in 1999, is completely differnet, Its a translucent marble front supported by steel wires, best appreciated from inside, or at night wehn lit up from within.

3, The Distillery, this building became distillery in 1817. Classified historic building since 1999, the distillery manufactures according to an old method a grain alcohol (rye and barley malted). Here distillation, passing by cooking.

Lille Restaurants
Aux Moules, 34 rue de Bethune. The best restaurant in Lille to eat mussels and it's been serving them since 1930 in its Art Deco-style interior. Nothing costs much over 8 Euro, including the other brasserie fare, and it's all excellent value. It is very popular with locals and tourists alike and is highly recommended.

Le Compostelle, 4 rue St-Etienne. this trendy restaurant in a renovated Renaissance palace, with its designer furniture and conspicuous olive-tree has some unusual dishes, such as turbot in beer, The food is excellent and the menus are reasonably priced, 20~30 Euro.

Lille parks and gardens
Manoir de l'Estracelles, this manor dated back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Located in the manor are two 18th Century barns, and historical monuments, surrounded by rare birds and plants not native to the area. This is a great place to relax and take a break from signtseeing around town.

LilleJardin des Plantes, found on the south side of Lille, this is a great place to take a relaxing wark through this beautiful garden. Open to the public since 1948, it has a stylish greenhouse displaying tropical plants from South America, housed in an all-year round tropical heatwave.

WHEN There is no real bad time to visit Lille, although the peak tourist season tends to be spring (March to June) and autumn (September to december). In November and December the Christmas markets are a popular attraction.

Lille has become a popular weekend destination for those travelling from London on the Eurostar, but anyone who enjoys the ambience of a medieval old town, with its Grand Place at its centre, will enjoy a break in Lille. Those with a taste for Belgian beer will also not be disappointed.

Where to stay Hotels in Lille
Express by Holiday Inn Lille, this hotel has all the convenience you can expect from 3 star establishment.
Crowne Plaza Euralille is located in central Lille near the train stations, the shopping district, and the International Trade Centre. It is ideal for a stay in the Flander’s Capital.


Wednesday 1 July 2009

Trip in Dublin

DublinDublin is thriving capital city,and largest and major port of the Republic of Ireland. It is noteworthy in terms of its vibrancy, its nightlife and its tourist attractions, and it is the most popular entry point for international visitors to Ireland.

Tourists are fond of the National Museum, the National Library and the National Gallery, which are located very close to one another in Dublin. All three are worth to visit, not at least because they are free of charge.

DublinDublin is split into two halves by the River Liffey. On the north side of the Liffey is O'Connell Street—the main thoroughfare that is intersected by numerous shopping streets, including Henry Street and Talbot Street. On the south side are St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street (also popular for shopping), Trinity College, Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals, as well as many other tourist attractions.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse to view an interesting, self-guided exhibition of Dublin's most famous drink. The Gravity Bar at the top of the Storehouse offers fantastic views of the city and a free pint of Guinness with your entry fee.


How to Take a Literary Trip Through Dublin, Ireland: Is there any city as literary as Dublin? Sure, you could make the case for Paris, London and New York. But there’s something about Dublin that has produced - or inspired- some of the world’s finest literature, from Dubliners who called Ireland home as well as from those who recalled their homeland from elsewhere. An exploration of Dublin’s literary history, both before and during your trip, will give you wonderful insights into this lovely city and help give your visit added depth.

WHY GO To admire Georgian architecture and relax with a Guchitecture and relax with a Guinness or three.

THE VIBE Friendly and welcoming.

BEST FOR Glorious walks where you can check out St Patrick’s Cathedral and Ha’penny Bridge.

WHERE TO STAY History was forged in The Shelbourne, where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922. Rooms from £189 a night.

WHERE TO EAT Take in the views of Trinity College at Jacob’s Ladder (00 353 1 670 3865), where you can feast on pork belly. A meal for two, £40.

WHAT TO DO
Head to Temple Bar, where there is lots of free outdoor entertainment to be found.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse Tickets from £12.

TOP TIP Celebrate James Joyce from 13-16 June, when fans of the author take walks following in the footsteps of Ulysses protagonist Leopold Bloom.

GETTING THERE Aer Lingus flies from Gatwick to Dublin for £39.98 return.

HOTEL IN DUBLIN You can easy to find on Booking.com.