Browsing Month March, 2010

In spite being overshadowed by the glamor and dazzle of enormous Turkish city of Istanbul, Ankara is a close competitor of Istanbul when it comes to tourist attractions. It is the second biggest city of Turkey, though considerably smaller than Istanbul. Ankara is about as European as Turkey gets. There are plenty of touches of the mystical east but the vast majority of the city holds the style and elegance of Europe in every aspect. This capital city of Turkey is constantly expanding and offering a rather sophisticated and modern character. Many wide streets are now lined with coffee shops and eateries. It’s a huge university town and the streets of Kizilay or the bars of Sakarya are thronged with students for most of the year.

Best Time to Visit

Turkey is a popular tourist spot. The peak season is the national holiday time from July to mid-September. It’s best to visit before or after this period in order to avoid the rush and also the mosquitoes. But heavy or medium snowfall between November and May could hamper your tour schedule in the eastern regions.

Places to Visit

It is often said that Ankara is worth visiting. The old quarter around the citadel offers the discerning traveler an insight into a three thousand year-old cultural history which is still in some respects alive today.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Situated below the citadel in Ankara, on its southwest side, this building was formerly used as a covered bazaar where clothes made from angora wool were traded. In 1951, this old building was converted into the world-famous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations which is also known as the Hittite Museum. The collection in this museum is divided into various departments. The museum has an enormous number of impressive and exceptional archeological finds from the Paleolithic period to classical times.

Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk (Anitkabir)

The Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk is one of the prime tourist spots in Ankara as well as in Turkey. The museum is named after Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Republic of Turkey. You can find a splendid blend of ancient and modern architecture in the construction of this museum building. The most popular attractions of the museum include a wax statue of Ataturk, his writings, personal items and other memoirs. The museum is also home to the modest little sarcophagus of Ataturk’s close friend and successor Ismet Inonu.

Lion’s Den Mosque

The Lion’s Den Mosque is a must-see Ankara landmark. The mosque is named after the lion statues in its walls. Lion’s Den Mosque is one of the best examples of Selçuk architecture in the whole city, featuring a polychrome ceramic mihrab and striking wooden support columns with marble Corinthian capitals atop.

Hisar

It’s worth spending a day wandering around Ulus, Samanpazari and the labyrinthine alleys of the city’s hilltop citadel. Once inside the citadel follow the road towards the centre until you pass through an archway. A view of the city from Eastern Tower will help you get the first real impression of how large Ankara has grown in the last 70 years. If you can be here for sunset, the call to prayer will make the experience much more memorable. The area is just starting to realize its potential as a tourist attraction and tidying up has begun.

Roman Baths

Situated on Cankiri Caddesi, a place just north of Ulus Meydani, the Roman Baths date back to the 3rd century AD and are well maintained. You can clearly see the heating system for the baths and the dressing room (apoditerium), the hot room (caldarium), the warm room (tepidarium) and the cold room (frigidarium). Beneath the baths are 7th century BC remains from the Phrygian period.

Temple of Augustus and Rome

Built in 10 AD by the Galatians, the Temple of Augustus and Rome retains the best-preserved copy of the Deeds of Deified Augustus that detail the Roman Empire. The Romans revamped the temple in the 2nd century although nearly 2,000 years of weather and seismic activity have taken their toll on this rather ancient attraction. Government plans to restore the temple are underway. The temple is closed to the public due to its state of disrepair.

Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo

Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo is a large recreational area that features farms, a zoo, a brewery and good restaurants. Enjoying a picnic here is a particularly pleasant experience, as is the hiking and cycling along miles of established paths. Culture lovers may want to take a look at the mock-up of Ataturk’s house, where he was born in 1881. Don’t miss to try ice cream and beer (home brew) while other attractions here include char-grilled kebabs at the traditional Turkish restaurant onsite.

Aquapark Club WaterCity

Aquapark Club WaterCity is ideal for families with its huge collection of water slides along with indoor and outdoor children’s pools. The park also comes with a good range of sports facilities and related attractions, and has a good restaurant and a café. The Aquapark is just outside Ankara in Golbasi, accessible by shared taxis and is perfect for cooling yourself down on hot days.

The Middle Eastern state of Israel lies in an area which is holy ground for the three great monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  The country has never been a great power in world politics or economy, but it lies at a focal point of Middle Eastern history and is richly stocked with remains of a long and eventful past reaching far back into prehistory ; to the 8th millennium BC. The modern state of Israel offers individuals, families and youth travelers a wealth of places to visit and activities ranging from archeological, cultural, historical, religious, nature adventures and so much more. You can plan your travel your next holidays here in the land of Israel. Whether a tourist comes to Israel as a pilgrim, an art-lover or as one interested in history, the country offers a wide variety of tourist attractions to fascinate him.

Best Time to Visit

Israel is great to visit pretty much all year round. The timing of your visit, therefore, will depend on a number of crucial factors that you need to work out for yourself. Temperature in Israel is usually higher, often much higher, particularly in the South of the country, around the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee areas. The spring (March, April and May) and the autumn (October and November) are the best two seasons to visit Israel.

Places to Visit

Nothing compares to the variety of Israel’s attractions. From the snowy heights of Mount Hermon, you can experience the Judean Desert and the saltiest sea on earth, the Dead Sea within a few hours. Visiting ancient biblical cities, covered markets and high-rise metropolis on the way are what make Israel truly a destination with something for everyone. The term “old” is of a very special significance in Israel. The age of most of cities here is counted not in decades or in centuries but in millennia. The brilliance and authenticity of some of the historical gems in Israel have won a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is an incomparable highlight of Israel that has both historical and spiritual significance. The city has various interesting buildings, monuments and shopping places in store for the tourists to discover and enjoy. You can start from the Al – Aqsa Mosque, built from 710 to 715; this is the world’s holiest Muslim site after Mecca and Medina. Other places include Ammunition Hill Memorial where one of the fiercest battles in Jerusalem was fought. Basilica of the Agony of the Lord regarded as the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before his arrest. British Military Cemetery holds the graves of British soldiers who died in World War I, Damascus gate, on the other hand, is the main entrance to the twisting and turning corridors of the Muslim Quarter.

Haifa

The beautiful sea port of Haifa is believed to be one of the best places for a holiday trip in the Middle East. Haifa not just possesses natural beauty; its wonderful outset, rich cultural and historical background along with architectural magnificence helped Haifa to emerge as a tourist-magnet. Your trip to Haifa can’t exclude Sightseeing in Haifa as the place is endowed with a bundle of worth watching places. Bahai Shrine and Persian Garden, Elijah’s Cave, Haifa Museum, Bahai Cable Car, Chaqall House, Carmelite Monastery and Ben-Gurion Street are only some of the tourist attractions in Haifa.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a major tourist destination of the world which has been attracting tourists from all across the globe. The town of Bethlehem is considered to the birthplace for King David and Jesus of Nazareth. It has 27,000 inhabitants half of whom are Moslems and half are Christians. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is considered to be amongst the most important Christian Holy Places throughout the Christian World.

Tel Aviv

There’s no place like Tel Aviv to indulge your urban tastes. Classified by geographers as a “world city,” the city offers opera, museums, theater, dance, finest restaurants with cuisines from around the world. The Azrieli Observatory in Tel Aviv is a wonderful experience that must not be missed. Situated on the 49th floor of the highest building in Israel, it provides the opportunity to look at Tel Aviv from the highest possible perspective. If you want to sworn by the beauty of the sunsets, Gordon Beach is the ideal sightseeing point in Tel Aviv. Old Jaffa, with all its ancient charms, is a wonderful counterpoint to the busting city of Tel Aviv. Besides, there are plenty of other notable tourist attractions in Tel Aviv like Eretz Israel Museum, Bet Bialik Museum, Hagana Museum, Luna Park, Gan Meir Park etc.

Another kind of diving experience stars at Israel’s Red Sea Riviera on the Gulf of Eilat where a wonder-sea of corals and exotic fish awaits. You can also enjoy some other challenging experience in the desert cliffs around Eilat, Negev and the forested ridges of the Upper Galilee which includes cycling, off-road touring and rappelling.

Planning your next vacation in London will be a great idea! Attractions in London are some of the most exciting and interesting in the world. There is so much to do and see, and so many great places to visit. No wonder London is considered as one of the most intriguing cities in the world for sightseeing. People have many ideas about what they will find when they arrive; mementoes of the late Princess Diana, a glimpse of the Queen, Big Ben, maybe even Sherlock Holmes, hot on a case in Baker Street. The exciting history of London is waiting to be explored around every corner.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit London at any time! Different seasons in the city offer different things to do and see. London in springtime is absolutely marvelous. As the rainy days are gone, the happy Londoners welcome you with blooming seasonal flowers and parks dressed up in greenery. In London, tourist season is at its peak during summer. Gay Pride Parade and the Notting Hill Carnival are two summer special attractions of London. In winter, daylight is short, nights are too long and it can rain just a little bit too much. It is not so cold temperature wise, but you can feel the wind blasting through the layers of clothing. In autumn, London starts to look and feel different. Everything is calmer and the weather is perfect for shopping and sightseeing.

Places to Visit

London is brimming with exciting things to see and do. Enjoy the stunning views from the London Eye, explore the Tate Modern or soak up the historical sights of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London as you experience the past, present and future of this fantastic city.

Museums in London

The museums in London are the envy of the world and there really is a museum for every taste. Many of these main London museums are free to enter. From the amazing Britain at War Experience to The Cartoon Museum, and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum; the museums in London have something for everyone. The British Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London with millions of people visiting here each year. The collection here deals with almost everything from collections of Egypt, Greek and Roman art, China, old Mesopotamia to Antiques, coins and medals, Prints and drawings from Renaissance and Anglo-Saxon Britain and more. Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms is a highly interactive and innovative Museum dedicated to life of the ‘greatest Briton’ Winston Churchill. Science Museum in London is another must see attraction. Where else can you find life-changing objects from Stephenson’s Rocket to the Apollo 10 command module? The museum introduces children to science with fun and hands-on interactive tools. Based in South Kensington near Hyde Park, The Natural History Museum is surely the show stealer. Skeletons of T-Rex, Sabre-tooth tiger and carnivorous reptiles are sights to be seen here. You will also find real life exhibits like life cycle of housefly, Ecology gallery, Mammals gallery, Mineral Gallery and Earth’s gallery in this museum.  Victoria and Albert Museum is the greatest museum of art and design, and home to 3000 years’ worth of amazing artifacts from many of the world’s richest cultures.

Art Galleries in London

London is full of world class Art Galleries exhibiting everything from 14th century masterpieces to modern day contemporary sculptures. The Courtauld Gallery houses some of the country’s best-loved artworks including world famous Old Masters, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings together with sculpture and applied arts. The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to an astonishing and wide-ranging collection of paintings, sculpture and other works of art. Situated just off the Holloway Road, the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is housed in a beautiful Georgian building. It’s the perfect site for a relaxing afternoon taking in sculpture and Futurist paintings. Attend an A-list party or join your favorite sport stars and movie actors or singers at the Madame Tussauds. The gallery is open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. National Portrait Gallery contains illustrations of the people like Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare and many others who have shaped the history of this country. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects.

Other Places of Interest

London is packed with plenty of interesting places to see from Kew Gardens to the Kensington Palace. The London Dungeon in the bowels of London Bridge Station is a famous waxwork museum of torture that focuses on the dark side of life. London Eye is a huge modern version of Vienna’s “The Giant Prater Ferris Wheel” which dominates the river skyline opposite Parliament. The O2 or The Millennium Dome is resurrected as a music venue and exhibition centre owned by a telecommunications company. This auditorium was supposed to host Michael Jackson’s comeback shows called “This is it”. You can tour The BBC studios just opposite White City tube station. Tower Bridge is a real achievement of Victorian engineering and looks marvelous, especially at night when it’s well illuminated. In Westminster Abbey, next to Southwark Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe provides an engaging and informative Exhibition that explores the life of Shakespeare. Big Ben is one of London’s best-known landmarks and looks most spectacular at night when the clock faces are illuminated. Changing of the Guard happens at all the Royal Palaces; the soldiers dressed in red with full busbies are all Pomp and Circumstance, but it’s all free to enjoy.

Kangaroo Island, named for the huge herds of kangaroos that dot the landscape, is the 3^rd largest island in Australia. With such a wide variety of activities to enjoy, it should serve as no wonder that the island has become a top tourism destination. Every year, more than 140,000 tourists make their way to the island, securing reservations at one of the many Kangaroo Island accommodation options.

Beaches are one of the biggest attractions on Kangaroo Island. Surfing is one of the main reasons people flock to the coast, but keep in mind that you’ll want to take a wetsuit with you. Even in summer, the water remains frigidly cold. If you’d prefer to just hang out in the sand and enjoy a picnic, that’s a great option. Additionally, take note that conditions in the southern part of the island can become quite rough at times, and are only suitable for advanced swimmers and surfers.

Agriculture plays a large part in the economy here, and in particular viniculture is quite important. Nearly 20 different brands of wine are exported to places as varied as Asia and the United States. A great way to explore is via a tour of one (or more) of the island’s wineries.

Honey is also a substantial crop each year, produced by Ligurian Bees brought from Italy in 1884. The authorities on the island are careful to avoid contamination by strictly enforcing a ban on foreign bee species and products.

Bees and kangaroos aren’t the only creatures you can expect to see here. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for wallabies, Heath Goannas, and koalas. Make sure to keep your distance to avoid interrupting their natural habitat. Indeed, more than 30% of the island is protected under the banner of a National Park or Conservatory, so fines can be strict if you break the law. One of the best ways to avoid this risk is by taking a guided tour, available from the park authorities.

To end your trip, take a few hours to tour the three lighthouses on the island, the first of which was built in 1852. Each structure has its own unique characteristics, and is well worth a visit.

Kangaroo Island is a great place for your family to enjoy a relaxing vacation. Check out Kangaroo Island accommodation today to discover the possibilities.

The name Donegal comes from the Irish ‘Dun na nGall’ meaning ‘fort of the foreigner’. Donegal presents an ever-changing spectacle of landscapes and seascapes set against a backdrop of mountains and moors. The county bears evidence of traditional Irish culture everywhere. A rugged, vast coastline softened regularly by a succession of beautiful beaches with golden sand and clear fresh waters is what Donegal is famous for. Inland, the county is wild and unspoiled with winding roads leading to never-ending spectacular vistas.

Best Time to Visit

The most popular and arguably the best time to tour Donegal is the summer. The county is simply gorgeous during this time of year. Summer is when all attractions are open and offer the longest hours. Temperatures stay comfortably warm and breezy during the day and drop to that perfect light-sweater temperature at night. You’ll still get caught in the rain, but it will be a bearable, if not pleasant and refreshing, experience. But do consider the hotel’s high-season rates as a cover charge for the great weather.

Places to Visit

Ireland’s most northerly county has little in common with its neighbors in the Republic, either geographically or historically. Donegal’s supreme appeal lies in the natural beauty of its coast, with windswept peninsulas, precipitous cliffs and a host of golden beaches that rival any in Europe.

Ballyloughan House & Gardens

Inaugurated in 1905; the south facing semi-wild garden on Donegal Bay sheltered from the sea by mature woodland. You will surely be mesmerized by the cliff-top paths with lovely views. The huge 100 years old weeping beech overlooking stream borders the fruit and vegetable garden. Many spring flowering shrubs, acid-loving shrubs such as Rhododendron, Azalea, Magnolia and plants like Rodgersis and Primula can be found in plenty here.

Donegal Abbey

The remains of the Donegal Abbey are picturesquely situated at the mouth of the River Eske. The abbey is actually a 15th century Franciscan house. This abbey near Donegal town is perhaps most well known as the place where the Four Masters gathered to plan and write the Irish Annals. They are commemorated by an obelisk in the Diamond, Donegal’s market square. The only recognizable parts of the ruins today are the south transept, choir, and parts of the cloisters.

Donegal Castle

The Castle was built in 1505 by the O’Donnell family who were the ruling Gaelic family in Donegal for over a thousand years. The rectangular tower was then occupied by Sir Basil Brooke who transformed it by adding gables and windows and making the first floor into a banqueting hall complete with a Jacobean fireplace bearing his coat of arms. Beside the Tower Sir Basil built a southern facing manor house and reinforced the bawn-wall surrounding the Castle.

St. Patrick’s Purgatory

Pettigo is a village where the border separating the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland runs. It is a handsome village and is the main centre for pilgrims visiting Lough Derg. The village has received pilgrims from all over Europe since early Christian times. Only pilgrims are allowed on the island, known as St. Patrick’s, during the summer pilgrimage season. The Octagonal church here which can be seen from the mainland was built in 1921.

Dunfanaghy

Located on a flat, narrow connector in the shelter of Horn Head, Dunfanaghy used to be a fishing village until its harbor silted up. It has now turned to tourism, attracting visitors to its long sandy beaches and sailing, surfing and water-skiing facilities. Sport fishing is also available in this small village of approximately 280 inhabitants.

Donegal County Museum

Donegal County Museum was first opened to the public in 1987. The museum preserves and celebrates the collective memory of the county and its communities through the display, preservation and interpretation of artifacts. It aims to make the community live through these objects. The artifacts in this museum dates back from the prehistoric to the early medieval periods.

Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is one of six national parks in Ireland. Situated in the Northwest of Co. Donegal, Glenveagh encompasses some 16,000 acres in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. Such a great wilderness is the haunt of many interesting plants and animals. Glenveagh Castle is a 19th Century, castellated mansion and was built between 1867 and 1873. Its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. Access is available by tour only. Morning and afternoon teas are served in the castle tearooms.

Lough Derg

Lough Derg is a unique place of peace. In today’s modern world where everything is fast and instant; Lough Derg still manages to maintain calm where people have to move more slowly, where the mind can be stilled. This small island offers no distractions, no artificialities, but instead a warm welcome, for nobody is a stranger here.

Maghera Caves and Port

While approaching Ardara, you can find the Maghera Caves. It is not just the spectacular caves, the chemistry of dark sea caves, the wide, dazzling silver beach – the amalgamation of all these give you an astonishing sense of being transported to a magical wilderness.

Iran, located in the Middle East, has some of the finest and globally acclaimed tourist attractions. These historical and architectural marvels are the fruits of the assorted cultures and civilizations that have grown and evolved within Iran along with time. These sites, therefore, are of great historical importance and ancient significance that are beyond any comparison. The antique sights of Persia, one of the greatest empires of the ancient world, can be witnessed alongside the bustling metropolises and vast mountain ranges. Tehran, the capital, is a busy and modern city; but the best places of historic significance have been preserved. Iran is gradually growing as a popular tourist destination; so it’s possible to visit Iran’s finest tourist attractions without being swamped by other eager tourists.

Best Time to Visit

Iran is a vast country with regions of different temperatures. Thanks to its diverse geography, you can enjoy the fun of experiencing all kinds of climates in one season. Spring and autumn are quite short seasons in Iran. But generally those are the best seasons to visit this country.

Best 5 Place to Visit

Iran is an ancient country. Due to its historical background and sustainable social and cultural development, Iran has a lot of diverse worth seeing sites that satisfy tourists with different tastes. Every tourist, regardless to their incentive, can find plenty of spectacular places suitable to their taste. Many of these sites have been registered in the UNESCO List of world human heritage.

The following are five of the most popular Iranian attractions.

1. Takht-e Soleyman

Takht-e Soleyman or the “Throne of Solomon”, situated in a valley set in a volcanic mountain region, is a popular archaeological site of north-western Iran. The site lies in the middle of Hamadan and Urumieh; it is close to the present-day town of Takab and about 400 km west of Tehran. The place includes a principal Zoroastrian sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Mongol period and a temple of the Sasanian period which is dedicated to Anahita. The site has great symbolic significance. The designs of the fire temple, the palace and the general layout have played a strong influential role in the development of Islamic architecture.

2. Pasargadae

Pasargadae, founded by Cyrus II the Great in Pars, was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire. In the 6th century BC, Pars was the homeland of the Persians. The gardens, palaces and the mausoleum of Cyrus are the finest examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid architecture, art and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization. Pasargadae spans from the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Hindus River and is considered to be the first empire to respect the cultural diversity of its different peoples. The same is reflected in Achaemenid architecture where you can find a synthetic representation of various cultures. Particularly noteworthy vestiges here include the Mausoleum of Cyrus II; Tall-e Takht, a fortified terrace; and a royal ensemble of gatehouse, audience hall, residential palace and gardens.

3. Bisotun

On the rocks of Bisotun Mountain, there are some of the most important historical evidences that date back to the Achaemenid period. The principal monument here in this archaeological site is the bas-relief and cuneiform inscription ordered by Darius the Great as he rose to the throne of the Persian Empire in 521 BC. This is the only known monumental text of the Achaemenids that document the re-establishment of the Empire by Darius I and the significance of its cuneiform script is the same as what the Rosetta Stone is to Egyptologists.

4. Bam

Bam is a small town in the middle of the desert on the southern part of the Iranian high plateau and its origin dates back to the Achaemenid period. The enormous citadel in this city, Arg-e-Bam, was built around 500 BC and it was considered to be the biggest and most beautiful mud-brick complex in the world. Bam is surrounded by gigantic walls and that has two mosques, military barracks, a public bath, a caravanserai, a market, water wells, a jail, a stable, about 400 houses and more. The 2003 earthquake destroyed more than 80 percent of this architectural marvel. But the reconstruction of the Bam Citadel is underway.

5. Persepolis

Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The surviving ruins of Persepolis today are nothing but a mere shadow of Persepolis’ former glory. Persepolis was built on an immense half-natural, half-artificial terrace where the emperor created a gigantic palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. In its heyday the city spread over an area of about 125000 sq meters and was the place where all the people of the empire came over “Nau Ruz” or the New Year to pay homage to the kings. The complex holds in Ceremonial palaces, Halls, small dedicated palaces, royal treasury and tombs. Today this monument consists of the remains of several monumental buildings such as Gate of All Nations, Palace of 100 Columns, Palace of Darius, Xerxes’ Palace, Central Palace, and Apadana Palace. Persepolis was burned to the ground by Alexander in 330 BC.

Groningen, located in the northern part of Netherlands, has a rich and colorful history that goes a long way back. In fact, the oldest archeological findings in this place date back to the third century BC. Today, Groningen is the capital of the province of Groningen. It is a place with many faces. For the locales, Groningen, in the first place, is a student-city. It has a famous university, another university dedicated to applied sciences, a school for fine art and design, an academy of music and many more training institutes. The 400-year-old University of Groningen is one of the largest and oldest in the country as well as in the world. But it’s the rich history of the place alive in the historical buildings, courtyards and certainly in ‘Uncle Loek’s Horse’. One of the world’s largest natural gas fields is located in this region. It has a largely flat terrain and agriculture is the main occupation. The city’s love for sports reflects through the popular soccer club FC Groningen and the fact that Groningen has been chosen as ‘world’s best bicycling city’.

Best Time to Visit

Summer is the best time to visit Groningen. The average temperature during this time is 24°C with occasional very hot days. Snowfall is pretty common in winter. Rain here occurs in the form of light showers throughout the year.

Places to Visit

Groningen has a glorious past history of more than 5,000 years. Today the city is known as an important commercial and industrial centre in the country, a city with varied opportunities for living, working, shopping and relaxing. This amalgamation of a golden past and a prosperous present draws thousands of visitors to this region each year. Groningen also enjoys a leading edge in the fields like development of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. In a nutshell, Groningen is a real ‘City of Talent’.

The Groninger Museum

Designed by the famous Italian architect Mendini, the Groninger Museum is one of the must-see spots in this region. Surrounded by water, it looks like a sea-going vessel that accidentally ended up in the city canal. It bears the finest example of the modern architecture in Groningen. You can enjoy a lot of exhibitions from several artists here. But these exhibitions change regularly. It is very difficult to say what is exposed in the museum because it changes regularly. When you are in Groningen just see for yourself. The more than 100 years old library of the Groninger Museum gives an answer to many questions. You will find literature on all collections of the museum; Ancient and Modern Fine Art, Archeology & Regional History and Applied Art are only a few to name.

The Wall House

The Wall House or the Bye House manifests itself as an autonomous, sculptural object. Originally designed in 1973 for Ed Bye, in Ridgefield, Connecticut USA, it only existed as a concept for a long time until Groningen decided to actually build the house. A striking concrete wall is the basis of the structure. It draws a line between the service spaces and the living spaces that are stacked one above the other in three organic volumes. You will find the bedroom downstairs, on the second floor there is the kitchen and dining area and the living room is on the top floor, each with a framed view of the lake.

The Martini Church and Tower

The Martini tower is one of the most well known monuments in Groningen. With a height of 97 meters, you can never miss this tower once you visit this town; that’s for sure. Statistically, it is third highest tower of The Netherlands and still dominating the Groningen skyline for more than 500 years. You can also climb up the tower up to the second gallery. The top of the tower offers a magnificent view of the city. Make sure you also visit Martini Church, the largest church in Groningen. Established around 1230, the church includes frescos from the 13th century.

Prinsenhof en Prinsentuin

Prinsenhof en Prinsentuin is another fine example of Groningen architecture. The place was originally used as a monastery. In recent years, the Prinsenhof is home to the channel called Radio/TV Noord. They moved a short while ago and the authorities are looking for a suitable function for this complex.
Right behind the Prinsenhof, there is the Prinsenhoftuin or the Prince’s Court Garden. The garden includes a rose garden and herb garden along with a footpath covered with foliage. The garden is surrounded by a wall and is one of the best available specimens of a Renaissance Garden in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Comic strip Museum

If you are a lover of comic books, you must visit the Het Nederlands Stripmuseum or the Dutch Comic Museum. The Dutch Comic Museum in Groningen is home to the works of renowned cartoonists. Virtual reality setups here will allow visitors to experience the adventures of the comic heroes and enable them to create simple animated cartoons. It’s the key attraction for the children. Here you make a journey through time, from the favorite comic characters of the yester years to the most recent comic figure. The Dutch Groningen Strip introduces you to famous Dutch comic heroes like Eric the Norseman, Agent 327 and Ollie B. Bommel.

Groningen offers a lot more. Shopping in Groningen means tantalizing fun. The city has diversity and small-scale shops, including numerous design shops with the latest trends and novel accessories. It also has ample opportunity for entertainment. There are no less than 160 pubs and discotheques with dozens of outdoor cafés in the city centre. No matter you are on a business tour or personal holiday, travelling alone or with family, Groningen has always something for you to see, hear, or do.

Welcome to Bonn, a vibrant university city with a history of more than 2000 years! Today, Bonn is one of the popular cultural centers of Germany that hosts prestigious concerts and exhibitions. The city is also a hub for technologies of the future and home to the headquarters for several United Nations organizations. It seems that the vibrant and lively people in and around Bonn know the secret to enjoy all the good things in life. They head for the wine bars along the Rhine in the summer to enjoy the views of the Siebengebirge hills and enjoy the Riesling wines produced here. The association of traditional and ultra-modern with numerous conference facilities has established Bonn as a popular city amongst the congress organizers from Germany and abroad.

Place of Interest

Enjoy the city at its best by booking a tour in the ‘Cabrio Bus’. Such a guided tour will allow you to have a view even to the top of the Post Tower. This ‘open air’ sightseeing tour around Bonn offers a unique and unusual perspective to the passengers of this convertible bus. If the weather is good, you will surely enjoy to be guided through this city that has more than 2000 years of history.

Beethoven House

When it comes to the culture in Bonn, nearly everybody first thinks of music. Ludwig van Beethoven was born here in 1770 and thus, the Beethoven Orchestra is a significant ambassador of Bonn’s culture. Beethoven House has the world’s most extensive collection of Beethoven exhibits that attracts large numbers of tourists each year. It is the only house in Bonn that has been occupied by the Beethoven family and is still preserved today. The 150 original exhibits reflect the life and work of Beethoven and the collection includes his famous portrait and his last grand piano.

The Old Quarter (Old Town Hall, Minster Basilica and Beethoven Statue)

The market square is dominated by the decorative Old Town Hall. The steps here with the gilded railings are the witnesses of many historical events and provide the backdrop for the “Bonn Summer” open-air cultural festival. The city is also historically the home of the German Post Office. In front of the post office building, there is a masterpiece of baroque architecture; a famous bronze statue of Ludwig van Beethoven. The Romanesque Bonn Minster was completed at around the time the foundation stone for Cologne Cathedral was being laid (1248).

Poppelsdorf Palace

The Poppelsdorf Palace is a magnificent example of German architecture. It was completed by baroque architect Balthazar Neumann. The palace has four wings arranged around a round courtyard covered with walkways. The “Poppelsdorf Palace Concerts” are being held here each summer. In 1818, the palace and its grounds were given over to the University of Bonn and now it is home to the university’s Mineralogical Museum and Botanical Garden.

Museum Mile

Bonn’s key attraction for art and culture is the Museum Mile that counts more than one million visitors per year. This museum is actually consists a number of different museums. Spread nearly 3 kilometers, the museum begins with the Alexander Koenig Zoological Research Institute and Museum in the north. The museum was founded in 1912 by the zoologist Alexander Koenig, who became renowned for his research and collecting tours to Africa and the Polar Regions. It houses exquisite zoological collections, dioramas, in particular of African habitats, and the famous Bengt-Berg bird collection. The permanent exhibition entitled “Our Blue Planet – Life in the Network” shows specimens of the richly varied collections that cover the savannah, rainforest, Arctic/Antarctic, central Europe, birdlife and vivarium. Next comes the Bonn Museum of Art. It is an architectural masterpiece of Axel Schultes that attracts visitors from all over the world and houses an impressive collection of masterpieces by August Macke and other Rhenish expressionists. This is followed by the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany. It was founded in 1992 and since then, the hall is serving as an institution for changing exhibitions and since then offered a varied program of international significance. German Museum Bonn is the first museum for contemporary research and technology in Germany. You can opt for a guided tour. Disabled access is possible by prior arrangement. The Museum of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany, opened in 1921, presents aspects of political, economic, social, cultural and everyday history. The contemporary museum also holds temporary exhibitions and special events. Together, these museums form an impressive and unique cultural amalgamation in the heart of the city.

Arithmeum

Arithmeum is a museum that offers a fascinating insight into the world of mathematics. Opened in 1999, the museum is home to a collection of more than 1,200 exhibits presented by research institute for discrete mathematics at Bonn University. You can see the largely functional historical calculating machines or the math books that date back to the time of Gutenberg here. The bizarre cogwheel mechanisms in mechanical calculating machines, the exciting world of modern, highly integrated logic chips and the symbiosis of technology, science and art are only some of the exhibits that the visitors will encounter. The museum is closed on Mondays and you can request a guided tour here.

Nice is an amazingly beautiful city in France. Located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea between Marseilles in France and Genoa in Italy, the rich blue-green sea, splendid dining, diverse shopping and lovely art-deco façades of Nice attracts thousands of tourists each year. Since its foundation in 350 BC by the Greek of Marseilles, Nice has played an important role in history. It served as an important trading post of the region and is now a major transportation hub of Europe. Blessed with moderate temperature throughout the year, there are several spots that a tourist simply must see in Nice. The Matisse Museum, Cours Saleya Flower Market, the Russian Cathedral and the ancient Roman ruins; the list is endless. The city comes next to Paris in the number of museums and galleries. So when you visit Nice, you will never fall short of tourist attractions; that’s a promise!

Promenade des Anglais

There are only a few tourist spots in Nice that epitomize the joie de vivre of the French Riviera than the fascinating Promenade des Anglais. The older and grander hotels of the Promenade des Anglais were built at the turn of this century. In most people’s eyes, the grandest of them all is the Negresco. The building, which is now a national monument, was built in 1912. The place is always bustling with humanity. You can feel the festive mood of the very place when you see the tourists relaxing in the royal blue chairs lining the shore, or the locales biking or jogging along, vendors selling crepes and drinks. There are also delightful seaside restaurants. There are many more pleasures like the Musé des Beaux-Arts Jules, Musée Masséna or a little park on Rue de France to be discovered on and around the area.

Cours Saleya Flower Market

Cours Saleya is a famous Flower Market and one of the best attractions in the whole city. The market is filled with colorful stalls, pleasant café terraces, restaurants and souvenir shops all along its edge. These shops are open six days a week except on Mondays. On Mondays these shops are replaced by a flea and antiques market. Be it the cafés or the charm of this very place, it’s the favorite meeting place for locales and the city’s best-known pedestrian district.

Matisse Museum

The Matisse Museum is housed in a beautiful red building on the Cimiez Hill close to the city’s ancient amphitheater, the Arènes. The innovative and beautiful art of Henri Matisse was inspired by the fresh colors and lines of Nice. This is the only gallery collection selected by Matisse himself – and the only museum dedicated to any artist where they conceived the presentation of their own works. Just take a look at any of his art peering out of balcony windows, and you will surely see the Riviera shoreline. The museum gift shop features prints of the artist’s works.

Vieux Nice or Old Nice

With its narrow shadowy streets,, cozy squares, baroque churches, colorful markets and jumble of pastel houses; Vieux Nice looks and feels much as it must have about two centuries ago. At night music from the bars and nightclubs fills the air with rhythm. Especially on summer evenings, the Old Town resembles a vast open-air party. There are numerous restaurants in the area. Be sure to stop off for a delicious ice cream in this neighborhood.

Le Chateau

The top of the Castle Hill or La Colline du Chateau is a must visit in Nice. The place offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and harbor. There is not much remaining of the castle. You can use the elevator to go up for a vey nominal price or hike up the stairs for free to go to the park on the hill top. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Rue de France Pedestrian Zone

The Nice pedestrian zone, locally known as ‘Zone Pietonne’,” is a hub of activity. If you are planning to buy souvenirs for your dear ones, this is the place! You will find plenty of street entertainers in this area. There are gourmet shops, news-stands, clothing shops, bookstores and more. Ducs de Gascogne store offers some real finds. Just grab your coffee, sit back and feel the life of the place!

Theatre de la Photographie et de l’Image

This lovely renovated building located only couple blocks off the busy Boulevard Jean Medicine thoroughfare pays homage to the photographic arts. It’s a unique museum that typically hosts exhibits of universal appeal; like an exhibition on American Indians or a show dedicated to portraits of Hollywood celebrities over the decades. Entry here is free of cost.

Russian Cathedral

The Russian Cathedral is one of the many Russian attractions in the city. Built by Russian Tsar Nicholas in the early 1900s, this church boasts some particularly fine wood work, as well as an extensive icon collection, and many other historic objects. The cathedral provides a rare opportunity to experience the former U.S.S.R. on the Cote d’Azur.

Nice Archaeology Museum and Roman Ruins

It’s not only the Russians who were mesmerized by the beauty of Nice. It allured the ancient Romans as well which enables the visitors to take a glimpse of the ruins of a Roman arena and bathhouses at this museum. It is situated right next to the Matisse Museum. The Archaeology Museum inside is home to an interesting amalgamation of historic and archeological exhibits of the area.

Nice Port

Most of the tourists tend to overlook the Nice Port area. But if you repeat the same, it will be a big mistake. The port is close the Old Nice and the Quai des Etats Unis. It’s a great place to watch the
Corsica ferries lift off. You can also some of the hippest night clubs of the city in the area nearby.

Las Vegas is considered as one of the most exciting and entertaining city in the world. You can’t find a city elsewhere that provides all the travel amenities that only a complete resort destination can offer: fine dining, luxurious casino hotels, state-of-the art convention, wonderful live entertainment and trade show facilities. The marvelous city of Las Vegas is one of a kind. Everything that you can expect from a world-class metropolis is right here. It is a city that offers something for everyone. During your trip here, make sure you see all the popular attractions that the city has to offer.

Best Time to Visit

There’s hardly a bad time to go to Las Vegas! If you prefer to avoid crowds, opt for the off season.  But the city offers so many options that even immense crowds can congregate in Sin City and it won’t feel all that claustrophobic. Hotel prices drop as thermometers rise; this makes the months of July and August ripe for better deals. The same goes for January and February as there is a tendency to be a slight drop off in business after the holidays pass. Most of the shows in Vegas run nearly year-round, so you don’t have to worry too much in this respect. The only things that will disappear are the seasonal shows.

Vacation Travel Options

Las Vegas is known for top quality entertainment that includes headliner shows and concerts, world-renowned resorts, scenic attractions and of course, shopping. If you enjoy the Wild West and outdoor recreation beyond the glamour and glitter of city’s neon lights, Las Vegas offers plenty to see. There are enchanting panoramas in the Red Rock National Conservation area, Lake Mead National Recreation area and at Mount Charleston. Tourists can also enjoy a walk in the warm desert evening, or take a stroll downtown and view a dazzling light show that spans an entire street, the Fremont Street Experience. Nightlife in Las Vegas will keep you up until dawn and art displays, music and museums take you on a journey from the classic to the contemporary. You can get a glimpse at the amazing re-creations like the Eiffel Tower, erupting volcanoes and the Sphinx of Egypt in front of various hotels and casinos. Downtown Las Vegas offers an energetic display of color with a bit of nostalgia and a glimpse of the future. You can avail Las Vegas helicopter tours, Grand Canyon tours, Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas Strip tours departing every few minutes.

Grand Canyon Air or Land Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting one of world’s most beautiful natural landmarks, then opt for the Grand Canyon Air or Land Tour.  This tour would be the perfect way to experience a different view of the American Southwest and a chance to take in the gorgeous environmental sights the region has to offer.

A sunset helicopter flight from Las Vegas over Hoover Dam & Lake Mead into the Grand Canyon can be an experience of your lifetime! A walk on the Skywalk, a glass bridge extending out 70 feet from the rim and 4000 feet above the floor of the canyon will provide you with a wonderful and unique view of the Grand Canyon. Land on the floor of the Grand Canyon for a champagne picnic and top it off with a dazzling flight over the world famous Las Vegas Strip – watch the glittering lights shine as night falls on Sin City.

Once your aerial tour is complete, your next stop is at the Grand Canyon National Park. Here you can enjoy nature trails only accessible from the park as well as guided tours and a museum with Prehistoric artifacts and information on the wildlife that populates the area.

Hoover Dam Tour

Exploring a great American icon, the Hoover Dam, during your tour can be a great idea! Most packaged tours include an all-access pass to all of the Dam’s areas. The Hoover Dam is an awe-inspiring Modern Wonder of the World that showcases the mastery of modern technology and engineering. The tour providers generally pick the tourists from the hotel and after visiting the dam, they drop tourists to the famous shopping malls of Las Vegas. Some guests even receive a complimentary gift bags from the tour providers as a memoir.

Freemont Street Experience

One of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring things to see in Las Vegas is the Fremont Street Experience. With a free lightshow that operates daily, this is among one of the most popular Las Vegas attractions. Located in the very heart of Las Vegas, Fremont Street has ten legendary casinos near the Viva Vision screen where the show takes place. There are also many restaurants and other attractions in this area.

Shark Reef

The Mandalay Bay Shark Reef is one of the most exquisite aquariums that you can visit within a hotel. Housing 100 different species, including five of the remaining twelve golden saltwater crocodiles, this is one of the most fascinating tourist spot in Vegas. Creatures such as the Arapaima Gigas or the red-tailed catfish thrive in the sunken temple scene that allows guests of the reef to see animals they would normally never be able to see.

Las Vegas keeps reinventing itself continuously; thus even if you have been to this city before you will never run out of fun things during your second or third trip, that’s a promise! So once you have gathered all tourist information on Las Vegas, get ready for the unique opportunities and attractions that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Turkey is a country with a history that traces back to the beginnings of civilization as well as friendly hospitality that greets visitors today. Straddling the line that divides Europe from Asia, it is a country where people go to study ancient societies, wander through old castles, gaze upon the stunning natural scenery, discover modern culture in the city centers and relax on the warm Mediterranean coast.

History buffs will fall in love with the multitude of ancient sites scattered around the country. It has more Greek ruins than Greece and more Roman archaeological sites than Italy, and because it served as a crossroads for Christians, Jews and Muslims, it has sacred sites for all walks of religious life, as well as a thorough collection of artifacts from the Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

On the Gallipoli Peninsula, travelers can consider the action that once took place on the Anzac battlefields, while a visit to Ephesus houses the remains of a Roman city that includes a 25,000-seat theatre. Anî, the former Armenian capital, also has a number of ruins from days gone by, and ruins from another great Roman city can be seen from Hîerapolîs.

Those hoping to spice up a holiday with outdoor adventure would be wise to seek out Nemrut Daği National Park, one of the most popular attractions in Eastern Turkey. At 2,150 meters high, Nemrut Daği’s peak is not just another mountaintop. Rather, the summit was created by a pre-Roman local king and is the site of countless statues.

Nestled deep in the heart of Turkey is Cappadocia, an area with an eerie landscape where former inhabitants lived in houses built into the cliffs and built their cities underground. Today tourists can stay in cave hotels and embark on exciting activities such as riding a hot air balloon over the landscape. The nature of the landscape results in a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun bounces off the cliff face. For even more adventure (and a stunning view of the natural beauty prevalent in Turkey), head to Ölüdeniz, where adrenaline junkies seek out Babadag for a heart-stopping but exhilarating paragliding experience.

City life is one of the highlights of any visit to Turkey. Istanbul in particular has drawn tourists from around the world in recent years that flock to its restaurants, bars, clubs and galleries. Istanbul also still shows many signs of its old ways of life, and a visit to Sultanahmet (the cultural center of the city) offers easy access to Aya Sofya, the former Byzantine church as well as the Blue Mosque, a massive structure with more minarets than any other mosque in Istanbul, tens of thousands of blue tiles and 260 windows.

Despite the growing metropolitan scene, traditional Turkish traditions can still be found in the bazaars, which are tucked into the folds of the city. Istanbul’s spice bazaar is known for its abundance of spices, nuts, honey, figs, fruit and soaps and is worth a visit for the smells alone.

Arguably the most picturesque location in all of Ireland, County Donegal has inspired writers, artists and the occasional traveler who vows never to return home after traveling here.

It is stark and vivid, with raw sea cliffs, barren mountains, jagged peninsulas, miles of green pastures, isolated coastline and moist weather that leaves a chill in the air. Donegal is organic and real, a must-visit destination for anyone hoping to escape from the hustle and bustle of Europe’s busy cities and get a feel for the authentic Irish countryside.

Though Donegal is the second largest county in the country, it is virtually unvisited and primarily populated by small farms and fishing boats. Glencolmcille Peninsula is the most visited area of the county, but visitors should also visit the Rosguill and Inishowen peninsulas. The Grianán Ailigh, one of the most beautiful 20^th-century churches in all of Ireland, is located on Inishowen. Its seating is arranged concentrically and sunlight is able to beam directly onto the altar. Tory Island, located 12km north of the mainland, is difficult to reach and therefore a hub of rich Irish culture.

Further inland, Errigal Mountain, Lough Beagh and Lough Gartan are particularly stunning and worth a checking out. Travelers looking for some exercise may enjoy a couple hours or even a whole day hiking up the ridge of Slieve League, which overlooks the Amharc Mór. These are supposedly the highest marine cliffs in Europe, and on a clear day, nearly one-third of Ireland can be seen from the peak.

Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, is rocky and weather-battered with few services. A cliff-top tower sits at the very edge of the tip, which is known as Banba’s Crown. A path from this area leads to Hell’s Hole, a chasm where the sea waters crash along the shore. Malin Head is a great place for bird watching; many endangered species live here including the corncrake, choughs, snow bunting and puffins.

Though County Donegal is known primarily for its exquisite natural beauty, travelers may want to stop by Donegal town and Letterkenny for a feel of “city life” here. Three-thousand people call Donegal town home, and it is the largest small village in Northwest Ireland. Visitors may want to check out Donegal Castle and the Franciscan Abbey before moving on to an afternoon of shopping, which is the town’s most popular attraction.

Letterkenny is the largest city in Donegal and offers a mix of historical sites, industrial growth and thriving nightlife. The Cathedral of Saints Eunan and Columba is beautiful simply for its architecture while the Donegal County Museum offers further information about the history of the city and county as a whole. An Grianán, the local theatre, is rumored to be one of Ireland’s best music venues. The city’s countless bars often have live music on the weekends.

Donegal town and Letterkenny serve as hubs to an extensive system of public and private bus services, though transportation to some of the more isolated and harder-to-reach areas in County Donegal can only be accessed by car.