3 Reasons To Visit The Berlin Beer Festival

admin | September 1st, 2010 - 11:58 am

3 Reasons To Visit The Berlin Beer Festival

Held from the 6th – 8thAugust, the festival features over 2,000 beers from over 85 countries, including a wide selection from Germany’s own Privatbrauereien, small independent breweries – plenty to tickle your tastebuds – before taking in the sights and sounds of the local entertainment that is also on offer.

Leading hotel discount website Roomguide.co.uk has some great deals available on over 450 hotels across the city to choose from. So what are you waiting for!

Abion Villa Suites

This five star hotel on the River Spree in the heart of Berlin offers luxurious accommodation with stunning décor and facilities – the perfect place to relax after a day of celebrating and sampling. The hotel also offers complimentary wireless internet access, and free use of the hotel sauna and fitness area for all guests.

Executive rooms start from £114.80 per night.

Melia Berlin

The Melia Berlin Hotel with a Tapas restaurantand top-floor gym offering views across the city, the four star hotel also has great transport links to take you to the heart of the Beer Festival action and some of Berlin’s best shopping centres.

Double rooms are available from £114.80 per night.

The Mandala Suites

Located in Berlin’s historical centre, the Mandala Suites offer spacious accommodation, stylish interiors, modern amenities, magnificent views and top-class spa facilities. Enjoy a leisurely and scenic breakfast in the 8th floor lounge before venturing into the excitement and atmosphere of the Beer Festival!

Suites are available from £107.33 per night.

All prices and rooms are subject to availability. For further information log onto: http://www.roomguide.co.uk

We pride ourselves on being able to provide our customers with access to thousands of quality Cheap Hotels, Guests Houses and B&Bs throughout the world.  Our objectives are simple, that is in helping our customers find great value Hotels in a fast, efficient and secure environment.

105th China Import and Export Fair – Visit Wentrip.com Today

admin | August 11th, 2010 - 6:11 am

www.wentrip.com provides the 105th China Import and Export Fair Guides and Guangzhou Hotel Discount Reservations.

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Visit Derby – Accommodation in Derby

admin | August 8th, 2010 - 2:19 am

Visit Derby – Accommodation in Derby

Derby has been considered as one of the most attractive and a pleasant town to visit and one of the favorite destination for tourists in UK. If you love to explore the places with everlasting enthusiasm, then Derby is the right place. If you are planning a business or holiday trip to Derby, then you’ve made good decision to the right place. When searching for hotels in Derby, four star hotels, family hotels, brand hotels, discount hotels, the first thing you get in your mind is budget and obviously you will be wondering where to stay, then here I can guide you our Derby hotels is a perfect choice for holiday maker as well as for business travelers. You will be among the satisfied travelers if you choose our Derby Hotels.

When you are travelling, definitely your expectations are to make the trip more memorable and obviously you will choose an exciting place as per your life style and taste. This is one the easy ways to find out cheap accommodation hotels, budget family hotels and discount guest houses in Derby. No matter what your hotel budget, we can match you with a quality hotel with the comforts and amenities you would expect at home. Feel yourself relax and rely on this way to choose the best hotels for your stay, you can simply logon to allhoteldeals.net and find the best hotels you can get within your budget plan. Our Website is designed to help you manage your bookings and save you time while using hotel Rooms. So why not try us now and amaze yourself at how much you can actually SAVE.

Our friendly staff, excellent facilities and lovely historical setting makes our hotel appreciated by many of the guests who return time and again for either business or pleasure. Guests can enjoy our delightful gardens; Hotels include the oak paneled reception hall, intimate lounge, wide wooden staircase, high ceilings, bespoke furniture and magnificent chandeliers.

Save on rates on hotel bookings, cheap hotel accommodation and discount guest houses in Derby. Search, Reserve a hotel room and be amazed that how much you can save. Browse through our continuous updated real time inventory with special offers and family breaks. We are here to make your stay a memorable one.

For More Information about Derby Hotels, you can visit:
http://www.allhoteldeals.net/england/derbyshire_hotels-in-derby.htm

 

Allhoteldeals.net which is one of the top most used website by travelers coming to Derby. Rooms and amenities in our hotel are very comfortable and makes you to feel the luxury.

Hong Kong Hotel Discount- Visit Wentrip.com Today

admin | July 12th, 2010 - 9:11 pm

Hong Kong Hotel Discount, visit www.wentrip.com today.

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Patong Hotel Discount- Find Great Patong Hotel Rates and Visit a Sea Gypsies Village

admin | July 10th, 2010 - 8:22 pm

Patong Hotel Discount- Find Great Patong Hotel Rates and Visit a Sea Gypsies Village

Patong hotel rates are generally affordable when compared to other hotel rates. It’s imperative that you keep in mind that these hotels all offer different features and amenities, and will allow anyone to get the most from their hotel stays and spend more on the vacation itself. If you’re looking for a great excursion while you’re in Patong, you should check out the Sea Gypsies, known as the Chao Le in Thai. There is no written record of these people or their culture, but they lived as nomads without permanent residence or writing utensils. They moved from one bay to the next, using up the resources before they move on to give nature time to recover from their use of the resources in the area.

 

The only thing that is really known about the Chao Le is this information. Some people say that they have come from various regions and other colonies, including Malay colonies that fled Burma during the Muslim invasion, and some who believe that they are descendants from the Indian Vedas. No matter where they come from, the Sea Gypsies do have three ethnic groups within themselves: The Moken, Moklen, and Urak Lawoi. The Moken are still nomads, while the other two groups settled on the coast of the Phuket and Patong areas, and each one speaks a different language. The oldest settlement in the area is located at Rawai and is the most popular tourist destination among the Sea Gypsies’ villages. The others are located at Saphan Bay and Siray Island, both are which north of Phuket. As far as anyone knows they make a living as pearl divers and fishermen.

 

The Sea Gypsies are definitely worth tracking down when you come to Patong, and by saving money on your Patong hotel rates you will have more to spend on your journeys to learn about this fascinating and intriguing culture that inhabits the Phuket area. These people have developed their own language and religion, known as animism. Two times each year, the Loy Ruea festival is celebrated, which is the most important ritual in their animism religion. They carry small wooden boats into the sea that carry presents, fingernails, hair, and small weapons that will please the ghosts of the sea and the dead souls so that they can live peacefully.

 

Sea Gypsies don’t spend a lot of money either. Their needs are generally met through trading of different things to get what they need. This ancient culture is worth your time to check out when you visit this area. If you take the time to find Patong hotel discount rates, you can easily spend more money traversing the island and checking out the wonders of this tropical region, including a glimpse into the life of the Sea Gypsies. When you want to get a taste of what culture is really like on the island, going out and finding it in this type of environment is half of the fun of the vacation in the first place. Take the time to check out activities like this and others that you can enjoy when you are able to get cheaper Patong hotel rates.

There are so many great things to see and do when you visit Patong. Finding a Patong hotel discount will give you more money to spend on day trips and sightseeing. Make sure that you check out various Patong hotel rates and shop around for the best deal.

The Top Five Places to Visit on Your Next European Vacation

admin | July 2nd, 2010 - 1:15 pm

Europe is a hot-spot for travelers from all around the world and for good reason. With such awe-inspiring locations as the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, it’s easy to see why a European vacation is such a popular choice. With so many beautiful destinations, choosing what like to see most can be a challenge. In this article we are going to look at 5 of the most popular attractions to visit on your next trip to Europe.

Croatia
With its beautiful coastline and breath-taking views, Croatia is one of the most fantastic places for a European vacation. The coast is easily one of the most traveled destinations in the country, but the interior offers many exciting activities for travelers as well. The cities are full of history, culture, and extraordinary cuisine. One of the most popular activities for visitors to Croatia is to scuba dive its impressive coral reefs or you sunken ship wrecks. Also popular is backpacking, biking, rock climbing, and rafting. No matter what reason choose to visit, you’re sure to have an excellent time in Croatia.

Switzerland
Known for its neutrality when it comes to world affairs, Switzerland has long been a popular choice for travelers to Europe. Located in the alps and bordered by such exciting destinations as France, Italy, and Germany, a vacation here will have you doing a whole host of activities. Most notable to the region are its impressive ski resorts such as Zermatt and St Moritz. Sights to see while traveling her include Bern the capital city of Switzerland which maintains a beautifully preserved medieval history. Besides Bern, you may wish to explore Zurich or Geneva, both of which are great examples of Switzerland’s culture and history.

France
Get a real taste of European culture by exploring the beautiful places of France. From the masterpieces of the Louvre to the beauty that is the Eiffel tower, France is an excellent place to visit. Popular attractions in France include the Notre Dame Cathedral, Mont Saint Michael, Corsica, the port of Versaille, and the French Riviera. No matter what reason you choose to visit, a vacation to France will leave you with a lasting memory.

Greece
The home of modern philosophy, Greece is one of the most important destinations in all of Europe. Views of the Aegean sea will inspire you exploring ancient ruins and seeing unique historical artifacts is one of the primary reasons people travel to Greece. A few of the most popular places to see while traveling to Greece is the Acropolis of Athens, or Olympia the birthplace of the Olympics. Enjoy beautiful views of the Aegean sea and enjoy the spectacular cuisine of the country while relaxing at one of its many fine resorts. It’s easy to see why so many people enjoy traveling to Greece.

Italy
From the beautiful city of Venice to the historical sights of Rome, Italy is one of the premier destinations for people on a European vacation. People of all ages can enjoy a trip to this inspiring country which was the home to the ancient Roman empire. With such sights as the Colosseum or the streets of Pompei, history buffs, students, and families alike will enjoy the amazing sights of Italy. Other well known and popular sights to visit in Italy include the Leaning Tower of Piza, Blue Grotto, Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Castle Sant’Angelo.

 

Jacob Martus is the publisher of a blog about Backpacking In Europe. He enjoys helping budget travelers plan and enjoy an exciting vacation. For more information check out this related article: Seeing Europe On A Budget

For Perfect Weather, Visit Spain

admin | July 2nd, 2010 - 9:15 am

The weather in Torrevieja is sunny and warm all year long. The entire Costa Blanca has such perfect weather that the World Health Organization has designated this area one of the healthiest areas in the world to live.

A typical Mediterranean climate prevails, with hot dry summers and winters that are cooler, but not outright cold. Snow is just about unheard of, and the springs and falls have wonderfully warm mild temperatures.

Springtime in the Costa Blanca is ideal; warm days with lots of sunshine and hardly any rain. The temperatures typically range between 13 and 29 degrees Celsius. Anyone who wants to stay away from summer crowds would be wise to vacation in the Costa Blanca in spring when the beauty of the area can be appreciated and all of the summer crowds are avoided.

Summer is by far the most popular time for tourists to visit Torrevieja. It has the hottest and longest summer season of all of Spain, with temperatures routinely in the high 20′s Celsius, with cloudless, sunny days perfect for lolling on the beaches and jumping in the water.

This area has a total rainfall which is significantly lower than other regions of Spain. The small amount of rain that does fall, falls in the late autumn and winter. Annual rainfall for the region is between 250 and 600 mm, but the rain tends to fall all at once instead of a little at a time. On a typical rainy day, you will have a heavy rainfall rather than an all day sprinkling. Rainfall of 100 mm in one day is common in the autumn rainy season.

When the sun shines in the fall, which is most of the time, the temperature is comfortably warm. Average temperatures in this season are between 14 and 22 degrees Celsius. But carry your umbrella and be ready to visit the museums on the few rainy days you will encounter in the fall.

Winter is likewise mild, with average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Snow would be very unusual, but there are some rainy days. In general, however, winter weather in Torrevieja is very nice.

As you can see, it is always a good time to visit Torrevieja, but deciding on when you want to go will depend upon what kind of activities you want to pursue. If you are a die hard beach goer and just want to bake in the sun all day, the summer season is for you. If you prefer mild temperatures and just a change from the frigid north, winter may be the ideal time for a visit. In spring, you will enjoy warm temperatures, but miss the summer crowds. If that is an important consideration, choose spring for your travel plans.

Focusing recent findings in Spain, Johnathan Bakers writes primarily for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His abstracts on Torrevieja weather can be found on his website .

Who Else Want to Visit Florence Italy?

admin | July 1st, 2010 - 9:15 am

Once the great center of the Florence Renaissance, Florence Italy is one of the world’s most artistic & architecturally beautiful cities, with countless Florence museums and galleries packed with masterpieces, and with fabulous shopping and tremendous cuisine and restaurants.


Florence dates back to the Etruscan era, when Fiesole, an important center in Etruria, dominated the valley. The Romans conquered the city in 59 BC, who set up camp by the River Arno in a place that became known as Florentia, “destined to flower”. During the course of the next thousand years, a small population struggled under successive Byzantine, Goth, Lombard and Frankish rule. The number of residents began to grow from the tenth century onward, with the city being ruled by an autonomous commune from 1115. But the city soon became a battleground in the violent conflict between the pro-imperial Ghibelline faction and the pro-papal Guelphs. However, a strong merchant base, founded on wool and supported by a powerful currency (the florin) saw the city gradually grow.


By the 13th Century, a merchant elite ruled Florence Italy. Powerful families such as the Albizi and then the Medici came to dominate the city. With this oligarchy interrupted by spates of republican rule – influenced by the likes of radical Dominican prior Savonarola and the nobleman Machiavelli – Florence grew ever stronger and richer.


It is during this period when Florence assumes its decisive role in European and world history specially Florence history. Experts in both banking and commerce (the Medici financed many of the adventures that opened up trade routes around the globe), the city grew spectacularly rich. The families flaunted their affluence, and money was poured into patronage of the fine Florence art. The city became a home to sculptors, artists, architects and musicians. While scholars were rediscovering the fertile literature and archaic culture of Greece and Rome, Europe began to emerge from the Dark Ages; meanwhile the likes of Michelangelo, Donatello and Brunelleschi, as well as countless others whose works adorn Florence Italy today, were pushing the bounds of creativity and artistic creation to ever-greater heights. A literal explosion of intellectual power and creativity in the city saw a new crop of radical thinkers, and the spreading of their ideas through the new medium of printing. During this time, the Florentines’ ever-growing expertise in banking, accountancy, and the creation of credit saw the entire system become ever richer. Florence, it is often said, was the cradle of all Europe.


Florence Italy next became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, but by the mid-1700′s the city was consumed by Austria. In 1859 it was swallowed up by the kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, and only two years later Tuscany proper became part of the new country of Italy. For six years (until Rome joined the union) Florence Italy was actually the capital of Italy. 20th century Florence thrived on the back of tourism, financial services, heavy industry and its old staple – trade. Occupied by the Germans between 1943 and 1944, the city suffered the further misfortune of flooding in 1966, when the Arno burst its banks.


Walking through its narrow, windy streets, it is hard to identify this city with just one symbol. It may be the sculpture of David by Michelangelo, or perhaps the romantic Ponte Vecchio, or Giotto’s bell tower. Then again, Florence is equally synonymous with famous people such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo or Dante Alighieri, to name but a few.


Also, of course, there’s the world-famous “Duomo” which is perhaps the most recognizable of Florence’s monuments. Construction of the Gothic Florence cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore began in 1296 and was completed by Brunelleschi in 1436 with the famous Dome, which was painted inside with frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari. The square Bell tower designed by Giotto in 1334 stands on the right-hand side of the Florence Cathedral and is covered in white, green and red marble. The Baptistery of San Giovanni, one of the oldest monuments in Florence (1128), is located opposite the Cathedral and is built in Florentine Romanesque style.


Today, even though most of Florence’s greatness lies in its enchanting Florence history, the city still thrives. It has marvelous shopping, airy gardens & parks, fabulous cuisine, an exhilarating artistic atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.


When you aren’t admiring the works of artists and sculptors in churches, galleries and museums such as the Uffizi and Accademia, you can wander around the luxury of world famous boutiques, watch craftsmen at work on traditional Florentine leatherwork, and peruse numerous bustling street markets. You can eat in the finest restaurants or in simple trattorie with delicious home cooking. Or buy the ingredients for a quaint open-air picnic at the Mercato Centrale or Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio. Grab a bottle of Chianti, and make an excursion to the Boboli Gardens or to the ramparts of the Belvedere Fort with its stunning views.


Florence Italy has endless fascination. There’s nothing in the world quite like it.

Dominic Siano is president of Tour Italy Now (http://www.touritalynow.com), the largest online travel tour operator. A lover of all things Italian, Dominic has worked extensively in the Italian tourism industry. To learn more about Dominic visit his blog at http://www.domsiano.com.

Day Trips became the best way to visit and feel Tuscany, a good location will fill your vacation with substance

admin | June 29th, 2010 - 1:29 am

Tuscany, and its neighbours Umbria and Liguria, are incredible locations with perfectly preserved hill cities, fabulous art, essentially the most lovely countryside imaginable, virtually tropical coastal areas, nice cities (Florence, Siena, Perugia, Cortona, Montepulciano,Orvieto), high quality eating places and food shops, possibly the best cafes on this planet, and pleasant and exquisite public.

Tuscany is exceptional partially because of restrictions which were placed on development. New buildings are allowed only on the outskirts of certain towns. Very few new buildings are allowed in the countryside. Farmhouses could be remodelled or rebuilt on their authentic footprint and must be built within the unique style. Due to these growth restrictions, many vacation leases are remodelled barns or other farm out-buildings.

Tuscany is now a prosperous area and money has poured into the cities to revive them. Italians and citizens from other international locations are buying up the previous houses within the cities and restoring them to be used as vacation properties or for their own first or second homes. Tourism and the wine trade have introduced in good jobs, making this a affluent area that caters to tourists however has a full of life native life as well.

The style of farming in Tuscany makes the countryside beautiful. Farms are principally owned by households, which turned them into holiday farmhouses. Regularly they grow many various kinds of crops. In the Chianti area the hills are laid out like an exquisite quilt: straight rows of dark green grapes vines right here, a misty inexperienced olive grove splashed with brilliant red poppies there, a lush forest in-between, all of it topped with a perfect blue sky. Off in the distance a city sitting on the crest of a hill. That is the colour palette in June, it adjustments through the seasons.

To see all this you need a good location where you can stay in comfort and travel each day or second day to see all the lost retreats and at the same time not to drive for hours looking at the views from the car window.

La Mucchia farmhouse is the perfect place for your day trips, excursions of one or half day, can be done from this location, and still to enjoy a quiet evening by the swimming pool looking toward Cortona lights and have a “Fiorentine steak” over the barbecue in the garden.

Cortona:

Recently made famous by the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”, Cortona offers spectacular views and a true Tuscan feel. Here you will have time to explore the winding streets and small shops, enjoy a good lunch in one of the many “Tratorias” and soak up the Tuscan sun.

Visit up on top of the hill, the Santa Margherita Chapel and the fortress of the Medici, going down toward south you can see the Frances Mayes “Brama sole” home.

The “MAEC” is the Etruscan-Roman museum at the town hall in via Nazionale.

 Excursion one:  Montepulciano – Pienza – Monticchiello

Leaving from Cortona through the Tuscan most beautiful countryside to Montepulciano in the breathtaking area of Southern Tuscany.

Get out of the main road 2 km before reaching Montepulciano to Tana Gatta winery for a truly unforgettable wine tasting experience and light lunch featuring typical Tuscan products produced in the area at the main street of Montepulciano. After resting proceed 10 km to visit the town of Pienza.

Completely restructured on the orders of Pope Pius II to be the perfect Renaissance town, Pienza’s architecture and charm will delight you. It is also famous for it’s Pecorino cheese (sheep’s cheese).

Make sure you take time to wander through the shops on the main street that offer free tasting. If you are not tired and want to proceed, you pay a visit to St. Anna Camprena where part of “The English Patient” was filmed before being treated to a spectacular dinner in the tiny hilltop town of Monticchello before heading back to your La Mucchia country home accommodation.

Excursion two:  Orvieto – Civita di Bagnoregio – Civitella d’agliano.

After breakfast at La Mucchia vacation farmhouse in Cortona, you’ll head south, taking the A1 to Rome crossing Umbria, the region just below Tuscany. Here you will find Orvieto an incredible ancient town perched upon a plateau of volcanic “tufo” rock. Here you go on an amazing underground tour of the ancient Etruscan ruins upon which Orvieto was built. You will also visit Orvieto’s cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in all of Italy. It is a must to include a visit to Civita Bagnoregio, a tiny ancient town with few inhabited today. As you pass over the foot bridge (the only way to reach the town) you’ll take a step back in time to a place where you can leave your modern worries behind. A wonderful dinner can be taken in the small village of Civitella D’Agliano.

Excursion Three:  Perugia – Assisi – Catiglion del lago.

Taking the road to Trasimeno lake, you are on the “Superstrada” to Perugia, a hill town, in Umbria, became famous for the 9-18–July Jazz festivals, with famous artists such as: Eric Clapton, Diana Krall, Sergio Mendes, Pat Metheny, James Brown, Paolo Fresu, Pino Daniele, Russel Malone, beautifull views, Churches and Perugina Chocolate factory.You are then continue on the same “superstrada” to Assisi, home of the animal loving Saint Francis. Visit the magnificent Basilica and many monuments dedicated to this legendary saint in this lovely small town just over the border from Tuscany, in Umbria.

Pilgrims from all over the world come to visit this special place every year. Dinner with fish dishes will be a true delight in Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno.

Excursion Four:  Lucca – Pisa – Carrara.

It will take you in the morning not more then 2 hours drive to reach Lucca, go toward Firenze on the A1 and turn to Prato, continue on this way till you reach Lucca, an ancient walled city known for it’s splendid olive oil, shopping and fortress walls that are wide enough to go for a bike ride on. Here you’ll have time for lunch, a stroll and if you feel like it a ride around the walls. Next stop Carrara. Michelangelo’s Pieta in Rome, and David in Florence were both carved out of marble taken from right here.

Known for it’s pure glistening white stone, Michelangelo spent several years here locating just the right blocks for his masterpieces. Carrara’s long and proud history stretches back to the pre-roman period and marble is still quarried here today and shipped all over the world. 

At the Carrara musem you will learn all about the history, working processes, and the legends behind this unique Tuscan treasure. In the afternoon you can visit Portovenere (the port of Venus), and on the way back just stop for half an hour to see the tower of Pisa because there is nothing else to see there.

 Excursion Five:  Montalcino – Sant’Antimo abbey.

Leaving from La Mucchia casa vacanze you go to the the heart of Tuscany to discover the richness and flavour of the area. You will begin your gastronomic journey with “Brunello di Montalcino”. Your tasting of this prestigious wine will be at Altesino, one of the most well known Brunello estates, which sits in an area so beautiful you’ll call it paradise. From the garden you can see the majestic hill town of Montalcino and the surrounding vines that produce Sangiovese “grosso” along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. From here you will take the road for Castelnuovo dell’Abate on route you can have lunch in a local “osteria” of the nearby hamlet.

After lunch you will visit one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Tuscany, the abbey of Sant’Antimo.

In Sant’Antimo you can hear monks sing their daily Gregorian Chants as their voices eco off the ancient walls. Then you proceed to Montalcino to visit the small town.

At the entrance to this ancient town lies the “Fortezza”. Built in 1362 this historical fortress has suffered many attacks on it’s walls but has never fallen. This incredible example of medieval architecture offers 360° views on its walls and a lively “enoteca” inside.

Excursion Six:  Bagno Vignoni – Castiglione d’Orcia.

Two hidden villages of southern Tuscany are Bagno Vignoni, a fascinating village surrounded by castles and medieval ruins. It has been an important thermal hot springs area since Roman times. The hamlet was developed around a large open air bath which was used to cure and relax weary pilgrims, and the likes of Lorenzo de Medici and Saint Catherine.  Now you too can soak your feet in the healing waters of Bagno Vignoni. You will next visit Castiglione d’Orcia. This small medieval town looks and feels as it did some 700 years ago. Once a battle ground for the Florentines and the Sienese, Castiglione lost it’s importance when Siena fell to Florence and the Medici family took over the area.  As this is a placed not usually visited by tourists you will get a special look at daily life in the Tuscan country side and have a relaxing place to sip coffee and stroll the ancient streets. After your visit to Castiglione d’Orcia you will head back.

 Excursion Seven:  Siena.

One of the most fascinating towns in Tuscany but is also in a particularly beautiful position, with lovely environs. The town is the capital of the Tuscan province of the same name.

It preserves its medieval character to a remarkable degree, and has been largely unspoilt by new buildings. Its beautiful Gothic buildings include the Cathedral and Palazzo Pubblico, as well as numerous churches.

The delightful Sienese school of paint ing produced, in the First half of the 14C, masterpieces by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, and Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, all of whose work is well represented in the Pinacoteca, Palazzo Pubblico, and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo.

The Campo is one of the most remarkable squares in Italy. The seventeen Contrade or wards into which the town is divided still manage to play an active part in the life of the city, culminating in the famous Palio horserace which has survived as perhaps the most spectacular annual festival in Italy, in which the whole city participates.

The town is built on a Y-shaped ridge and spreads into the adjacent valleys; the streets are consequently often steep, and to pass from one part of the city to another it is often necessary to cross a deep valley. For this reasonv and also because its treasures are unusually scattered, several days are needed for an adequate visit. From the town there is an extensive and varied panorama which includes Monte Amiata and the metalliferous hills, as well as the clay downs of Asciano and the wooded district of Montagnola. To the north, the scenery changes once again, with the densely cultivated hills of the Chianti.

Excursion eight: Firenze

Only by train, from Terontola or Camucia train station, and within one hour and twenty minutes you will be in the centre of this important town, fresh and happy to start your walking.

 

Born in 1947 in Poland, for 3 years and during the 6 days war served the Israeli army as photographer in the infantry, in 1970 studied at the faculty of Medicine in Padova, Italy, writing, painting for himself, worked for 20 years as building contractor with his brother, co- owner of Art Gallery and Hotel in Cortona, Tuscany, where he lives.

Top 10 Must Visit World Cities

admin | June 25th, 2010 - 9:15 pm

Top Ten lists are a dime a dozen on the web and one that crops up more often than most is travel-related lists with outlandish titles such as Top 10 Places You Must See Before You Die and other such morbid titles. This list is similar however we don’t see the necessity to insert the Before You Die bit, although it would be useful to visit these cities before you shuffle off this mortal coil.

When it came to choosing the appropriate criteria for selecting these cities, many statistics and facts were taken into account, before being readily dismissed in favor of the most crucial method of consideration of all … my humble opinion. So forgive me if your own favourite city is not included. I know how you feel as despite my best efforts to sneak one of my own personal favorite cities Dublin into this list, logic dictated that a Top 10 list would look a bit weird if it had 11 cities.

Now the next hurdle to overcome was to decide whether to categorise the cities on a graded basis from 10 down to 1 or take the lazy way and just sort them alphabetically, suffice to say, the lazy way was the landslide winner.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a massive sprawling city that offers charms galore. Bangkok is dotted with historical palaces and temples that offer a glimpse into the city’s ancient history, yet Bangkok offers much more than beautiful temples and glorious palaces. It comfortably nestles at the forefront of Asia’s most visited cities attracting millions of tourists each year. Majestic sites such as The Temple of the Dawn and The Marble Temple should not be missed. Lumphinee Park offers a diversion from Bangkok’s bustling city streets. Bangkok is a modern city that encompasses a bustling nightlife, supreme shopping experiences, delicious aromas that fill up the senses from the many gorgeous restaurants and marketplaces. Bangkok’s wonderful architecture and soothing climate solidifies its deserved place in this list and indeed why it so frequently crops up on similar lists.

Las Vegas

Well it had to be didn’t it? Surely no list of this nature could be complete without Sin City itself, Vegas. Vegas falls into the category of love it or hate it for most people and with visitor numbers increasing each year it seems most people love it. The Entertainment Capital of the World does not disappoint. Where else can you go for a gondola cruise in the morning, see the Grand Canyon in the afternoon and be back in time to see shows such as Siegfried & Roy, Cirque du Soleil and similar headline acts in the afternoon? Ok it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it is a city that has to be seen to be believed. Oh, and did I mention you can also gamble there apparently.

London

Ok the weather is not ideal, and the food can be mediocre but no list of this ilk would be complete without including London. It has attractions and sights for people of all ages and is a cosmopolitan city on a grand scale. Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London is just a few of the majestic attractions in England’s capital city. If it’s good enough for The Queen well it’s good enough for me, just don’t forget your brolly.

New York City

So good they named it twice as the saying goes and there few cities in the world that offer the amount of iconic landmarks and attractions that New York can. Even leaving aside world famous attractions and sights such as The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, and Times Square, New York is such a vibrant pulsating city that it has more than enough to tempt visitors going back time after time. It is one of the world’s great shopping cities, has a nightlife second to none and has often been referred to as one of the world’s great cities. You won’t find an argument here.

Paris

I would like to say it was the romantic side in me that welcomes Paris to this list, but it is not, it is because it deservedly nestles here as it as a European heartbeat of culture, beauty and indeed romance and offers some of the most beautiful and majestic sights on the planet. The Eiffel Tower one of the most famous landmarks in the world proudly stands tall in this city that also is graced by Champs Elysees, Notre Dame and The Louvre. The Louvre is home to The Mona Lisa whose ageless beauty bewilders generation after generation. Paris should not be missed.

Rome

This historic city, known as The Eternal City, has some of the most historical sights in the world such as The Pantheon, The Coliseum and The Roman Forum. St Peter’s Basilica is just one of the many glorious churches in Rome, and is an essential visit while in the city. Trevi Fountain is yet another treat in this majestic city. And no it wasn’t built in a day.

San Francisco

The Bay area of California is home to one of America’s most popular destination retreats San Francisco as well as being one of the country’s most liberal cities. The hilly streets are as familiar as perhaps the city’s most famous landmark, The Golden Gate Bridge. The Bay itself sparkles under the warm sun whilst San Francisco is also renowned for its famous cable cars. The twisty streets in Lombard Street are another essential visit whilst harbor tours often include a trip to Alcatraz, the famous, though now inactive, prison. San Fran is a warm wonderful city with a new treasure each time you come, and no, you don’t need to wear flowers in your hair.

Sydney

Beautiful beaches, breathtaking sights and the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge entwined with the beautiful weather and cosmopolitan cuisine make Sydney an unmissable city. The city is a hotbed of activity and one of the friendliest on the planet. Darling Harbour offers enthralling sights and attractions including museums, stunning hotels and shopping whilst The Rocks provides charm in abundance. Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable buildings of modern times and is an essential visit. Sydney has it all culture, arts, scenery, climate, and often tops Most liveable city polls. It’s not hard to see why.

Tokyo

A metropolis city on a grand scale Tokyo is a vibrant almost futuristic city that engulfs one’s senses from the start. Tokyo revels in shrines, museums, temples and the city’s Imperial Palace. Sensoji Temple reigns amongst Tokyo’s enduring sights along with The Meiji Shrine and The Imperial Palace itself. Museums align the streets competing with restaurants and shops of all descriptions. Those seeking a more modern approach have options like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Dome City and Tokyo Disneyland. There’s truly something for everyone in this great city.

Venice

Many cities claim to be unique, and indeed many are but few can compare to Venice’s quirky charm and decidedly unique canals that transcend across the city. Romantic gondola rides alone do not capture the entire beauty of this marvellous city. St Marks Basilica is a glorious church that often has long lines to visit. It nestles in St Marks Square a wonderful open square with charming coffee shops and is a hive of activity as it is one of the most photographed parts of Venice. Doges Palace, The Bridge of Sighs, and The Rialto Bridge are further landmarks of this extraordinary city.

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To read more about these and other cities, including great tourist sites, shopping destinations and accurate street maps, visit Go Street Maps at: http://www.gostreetmaps.com/.