During the summer months, you can visit the European resort town of Marmaris, which is on the coastline of Turkey, and is known as a hub of sophisticated tourism. This town marks the beginning of the north eastern edge of the Mediterranean known as the famous `Turquoise Coast.` Marmaris, constructed on a large bay under the mountains with packed woods, has a modern marina for cruising through the Mediterranean, offering services for private yachts as well as commercial cruise lines Suleyman the Magnificient named Marmaris, according to local storytellers, when he exclaimed, `Mimari as!` after not liking the finished results of the stronghold he commissioned.which translates roughly to `Hang the architect’ If you love to shop then Maramis is the place for you. Fantastic deals can be found on items as diverse as jewellery, ceramics, leather and carpets with some of the best bargains coming at the Carsi Market located in the Ottoman Castle which features over 200 shops and a flea market open seven days a week, including a wonderfully lively Thursday market where locals come to sell fruits and vegetables along with fabrics and clothing. But in order to enjoy the Marmaris experience, one must be prepared. Vendors can be pushy and annoying. Shoppers, on the other hand, are expected to haggle with them over price everywhere but in the larger stores. An already inexpensive product can be haggled down another 30 percent with a bit of persistence. Shoppers are warned to be on their toes because many of the goods at Marmaris are actually designer knock-offs. great prices on expensive items should be a red flag that it is not a real item. Some imitations look good and are still well-made, so don`t be afraid to buy them while you`re in Turkey. Marmaris has many great dinning options at any budget level. A variety of foods are found here.Turkish delights, doner kebabs, and seafood meze dishes are well worth sampling along the way. The wild and exotic evenings in Marmaris are mostly clustered around Bar Street, by the waterfront. This is where all thnightclubs are bars are located and they`re full of people until 4am. Early morning partiers with the munchies are happy to find that most of the restaurants in the area are open 24 hours. The best clubs to visit include David Jones` Locker where you can dance all night and drink affordable cocktails, Vagabundo which is right on the beach and is known for its workers dancing on the bar, and Cheers where you can enjoy a drag act and outdoor seating away from the heat.



By: Amy Whittingham

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Sunshine, sparkling blue waters, exquisite beaches, colorful panoramas, great people, great food, exciting activities to get involved in – you name it. Hawaii and the islands have it!

A wonderful vacation is definitely one that is spent on the Hawaiian Islands. This archipelago of atolls and islands is entirely the right place for you to treat your senses.

All the must-sees and must-dos a person can have in the islands are definitely worthwhile. And there are more options when it comes to Hawaiian vacations. One great way to spend your time in the archipelago is to go cruising!

The Hawaiian Cruise Lines

There are plenty of attractive Hawaiian cruise lines that you can choose from.

To name a few, there is the Norwegian Cruise Line that takes its passengers in and around the fantastic Hawaiian destinations. You can also enjoy the cruises provided by Celebrity Cruises and have a wonderful time seeing Honolulu and the rest of the islands.

Princess Cruises is an ideal cruise line that offers you an absolutely memorable Hawaiian cruise vacations starting from Vancouver, Tahiti, Los Angeles, Mexico, and Ensenada.

There is also the cruise line Royal Caribbean Cruises that would take you to Honolulu from Ensenada and Acapulco, and from Vancouver, Canada and Mexico. There are other cruise lines of course, and it is up to you to choose the one that suits your needs.

The most important part there is you are going to have a beautiful time cruising in Hawaii.

Delightful Hawaiian Island Destinations

When you talk about Hawaiian cruises, there are plenty of exciting options in terms of places to go. One place you would really enjoy is the port of Honolulu port on Oahu. It has plenty to offer including pristine beaches, bazaars, cafes, five-star restaurants, and natural delights.

You might fancy seeing the island of Maui with its beautiful resorts, restored towns, and of course the Haleakala volcano. Taking one of the cruises could even get you to Kauai where you will experience the majesty of this tropical haven.

Indeed it is not wrong to consider your Hawaiian cruise truly a trip to paradise. The archipelago is lush, beautiful, colorful, vibrant, full of life, and simply amazing.

Cruising Activities

Of course cruising to Hawaii is not just about sightseeing and visiting the many wonderful islands that form this ribbon of bejeweled islands (there are over 100!).

There are a lot of other activities that you can enjoy when taking a cruise there. You can definitely include in your itinerary the many water activity possibilities.

Those cerulean waters lapping Hawaii’s shores are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and other aquatic ventures. So for all of you who want to sample adventure in the waters, cruise vacations are totally right for you.

There is also plenty of sunshine to go around, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the comforts of cruising. So if you are up for a vacation, a Hawaiian cruise is definitely the idyllic way to go.



By: Martin Haworth

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The holidays and excursions are helpful in making people relax after a hectic schedule. A hectic life schedule leaves a person with stress and anxiety. To cope up and get back to it in an energetic way demands soothing holidays. When it comes to holidays, sea beaches, adventure sports and cruises are something that first strikes the mind. Caribbean holidays are the one that offers such an exhilarating excursion. These holidays consists of various attractions that catch the attention of visitors from every corner of the world.

The Caribbean holidays are far more exciting than other beach tours because they contain a group of islands, which has a range of beautiful sea beaches. Moreover, these holidays comprises of sea cruises from one island to the other. An interesting thing about these vacations is that beach fun never ends here. The beaches are a spot where one can relax in the sand or indulge in adventure sports. For these activities to go true one must think of getting there. Holiday goers must find agencies or tour operators that offer splendid holidays.

Planning a holiday with travel agencies makes the trip go much easy. They offer all inclusive tours that contain a combination of varied holiday activities. These tours are meant for drawing maximum pleasure out of the holiday activities. The people visiting the Caribbean islands without an organised tour may miss out on some pleasant attractions. The tour operators that offer Caribbean holidays will make you cover all attractions. In this way, the optimum pleasure from vacations is assured.

The wonderful Caribbean Holidays consists of trips to beautiful islands of Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominican Republic etc. The fun and the pleasure of such holidays are remembered by vacationers for long. The only important thing that can be identified is a travel agent who can glorify the experience of trip.



By: Alfie James

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Despite many peoples perception of two separate islands, St. Maarten and St. Martin are in fact not two islands but one island that was originally split between the French and Dutch colonies for several hundred years.

The island is no longer divided in the sense that there is no separation that is noticeable to the tourist. Apart from the obvious and interesting cultural disparities between the two halves of this exiting tropical island.

There is so much to see and do that St. Martin and St. Maarten can satisfy even the most experienced traveler. The average daily temperature is a balmy Eighty degrees with a very plentiful supply of sunshine. The trade winds are a seemingly constant companion serving to keep the temperatures at bay, and providing a wonderful fresh feel to the evening air.

The culturally vibrant atmosphere is bound to stimulate the senses as the islands visitors are always enthralled by this culturally diverse, yet harmonious Caribbean getaway. The restaurants and stores have a distinctly European flavor tinged with a laid back Caribbean edge, offering foods and gifts that are very familiar yet somehow very different. The beaches can only be described as stunning, in a way that is only found in this little corner of the world.

Accommodations on the island tend to be up market apartments and villas, rather than hotels. It seems that most visitors prefer the unrestricted feel of doing their own thing at their own pace. With the quiet splendor and seclusion of a spacious self- catering villa or an apartment with a stunning Caribbean view from the balcony. Where tourists can partake of a cocktail, while watching the sun dip into the Ocean.

A vacation on this island is not complete without attempting scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear blue-white waters. With the opportunity to view the stunning array of marine life, that awaits you just below the surface of the wonderful warm, calm, seas.

These waters offer an endless supply of exiting opportunities such as sailing, deep sea fishing for Marlin and Barracuda. Wind surfing, pleasure boat rides and memorable romantic evening dinner cruises, there is also Jet Ski riding, or you could even opt for a simple swim in the constantly warm water.

There are also multitudes of historic sites that can be visited independently with a hire car, or you can just as easily take an organized trip to the many history filled locations around the island.

The highest quality five course French fare is every bit as wonderful as any to be found in the best Parisian eateries. There is also an enticing mix of European and local flavors that combine to stimulate even the most jaded travelers pallet.

It doesnt matter which island you choose St. Maarten or St. Martin, you can intermingle your vacation with these two wonderfully diverse and intertwined cultures that promise to give a taste of two old world European cultures, with a very distinctive Caribbean edge.



By: Scott Miscall

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There are many ways you can get to Hawaii for your holiday vacation and one very common and popular way is to take a cruise to Hawaii. In this way, your holiday vacation starts when the cruise ship leaves the port of your embarkation.

The Norwegian Cruise Line or the NCL for short calls very often at Hawaiian various ports. American citizens will need to bring along their passports for this cruise because besides calling on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai, the cruise ships also visit Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati.

This weekly 7 night cruise on the Norwegian Star, which is in service since 2001, will begin the cruise and end in the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu. Twice a year, the Norwegian Wind, a sister ship of the Norwegian Star, sails from Vancouver in Canada to Honolulu over a span of eleven days. Both the ships are huge and sometimes are sometimes called floating islands. Housed within the ships are swimming pools, volley ball and basketball courts, spas, fitness centers, theaters, beauty salons, dance clubs and of course, a wide array of restaurants catering to all taste buds.

The days of dining with two formal seating times for dinner at assigned tables are over. Passengers can now decide how they want to eat, when to eat and what to eat. They can choose from various cuisines such as Asian, Italian or French cuisines in either casual or formal wear. Modern day dinning in cruise ships are no longer formal affair unless you choose to opt for eating in formal restaurants.

To occupy yourself when in a cruise ship to Hawaii, you can go to computer classes, attend health and wellness seminars and enroll you kids in a variety of children’s programs. At each port of call, passengers may also choose a variety of land excursions and activities, such as visiting famous Hawaiian volcanoes, go scuba diving or whale watching or just simply relaxing by the beach.

Many other cruise ships also call on Hawaiian ports regularly. Some of these cruise lines include The Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess, Cunard, Seabourn and Celebrity cruise ships.

Booking and paying for your cruise way in advance could save you some money especially when the cruises are fully booked. However, if you intend to cruise to Hawaii during off peak season, then you can take a chance at last minute booking as the cruise lines may sell cheaper unsold tickets.

Before placing your cruise bookings, do ask about round trip, reduced fare air supplements and discounts for children traveling with full fare paying adults. Some cruises do offer summer family cruise packages and if you did not ask, you could never have known.



By: Chris Chew

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Madeira is known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic”.  It is a volcanic archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 310 miles from the African coast and 620 miles from the European continent, and a 1 and a half hour flight from Lisbon.  Madeira has a surface area of 459 square miles, is 35 miles long and 13 miles wide.

Madeira is a singularly beautiful island, with scenery which is memorable and remarkably diverse, especially bearing in mind the island’s modest size.

Madeira has been described as a ‘floating garden’, reflecting centuries of cultivation. The rich volcanic soil, mild climate and abundant rainfall (especially in the north) have been responsible for contrasting landscapes: lush river valleys, terraced hillsides planted with vines and bananas and dense primeval forest.

Madeira occupies a privileged geographical position in the Atlantic, which combined with its mountainous relief and the influence of the Gulf Stream provide exceptionally temperate climate with warm comfortable summers and mild winters, making it an enchanting holiday destination, all year round.

Madeira has very mild average temperatures, 22ºC in the summer and 16ºC in the winter, and a moderate level of humidity. The seawater temperature is also very mild, because of the influence of the warm Gulf current, presenting averages of 22ºC in the summer and 18º in the winter.

The island is full of small microclimates. The bay of Funchal, protected by the highest peaks, enjoys the best of sunshine. Further down the west coast at Ponta do Sol and Calheta, backed by the lower hills of the Paúl da Serra, the sun shines brighter during these months, but they are less protected from the sea winds.

The prevailing wind is the North Easterly Trade that gathers off the Portuguese coast and runs down to the Cape Verde Islands.  It brings moisture and large sea swells to the north coast, and often, particularly in the morning, adversely affects the weather on the eastern end of the island between Caniço and Caniçal.  However in a westerly wind these areas can be surprisingly dry and sunny, whereas the south and west coasts are duly soaked.

Madeira is of volcanic origin but unlike the other islands in the archipelago, which are barren, Madeira is lush and verdant and rich agricultural resource.

Madeira was discovered by the Portuguese in 1418, and is made up of the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens and Desertas. The archipelago was named after the most important island, which not only devises its importance from its greater size but also from its extraordinary riches.  The archipelago remains an autonomous region of Portugal, with native inhabitants holding Portuguese passports. 

The population of Madeira is 266,000 with about half living in the capital Funchal, which received its name from a plant named “funcho”.  The name Madeira came from the fact that the island was once heavily afforested hence the island of Madeira means “the island of wood”.

One can reach the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo by air or sea. There are two airports: Madeira International Airport – on Madeira, and Porto Santo Airport, on the island of Porto Santo.  The ports of Funchal and Porto Santo are often visited by cruise ships and serve as gateways to the islands, as well as departure points to other destinations.  Connections between the islands are either by air or ferryboats, which also transport cars.  Surface transport on the islands is trouble-free thanks to the modern road structure, which has been significantly improved in recent years. Practically all points of these islands are served by a good road and transport network.

When considering the size of Madeira, you can hardly imagine that this island has so much to offer!  From many historical monuments, squares and streets in the capital of Funchal to enchanting gardens, picturesque villages, amazing landscapes, impressive volcanic caves, rugged coast lines, beautiful natural beaches and, last but not least, breathtaking views, there is so much to see that you will soon realise that one visit to Madeira just isn’t enough!

There is a wide range of opportunities to satisfy your leisure requirements. The Atlantic invites you to go sailing, fishing, whale & dolphin spotting, water skiing, surfing, diving and of course swimming.  For sub aquatic enthusiasts, the Garajau coastline offers one of Europe’s first underwater nature reserves. The most enjoyable way to explore the island is to follow the course of the levadas (irrigation channels), which crisscross the countryside.

The island’s burgeoning coastal resorts are geared to the demands of modern tourism and the expansion of Santa Catarina Airport is expected to lead to a marked increase in the number of foreign visitors over the next decade.

Madeira keeps the promise of extraordinary holidays with its magnificent sceneries, mild climate, serene ambience, colourful folklore and, last but not least, its most seducing gastronomy. The indigenous food is based on a peasant tradition, and in general terms, the closer you can get to the traditional methods of preparation and cooking, the better it tastes.

Due to the long established fishing tradition on the island, fish plays an important role on the daily menu of the locals.  When you have spent a few days on the island, you will soon discover that Madeirans also have a sweet tooth!  Everywhere on the island, in all the cafés, snack bars and restaurants, you will find a wide variety of cakes, sweets and desserts.  Besides the world-renowned Madeira Wine, locals produce their own wine from different grapes – the so-called ‘vinho seco’ (dry wine).

If you are looking for a holiday on a beautiful island, with kind climate and hospitable, friendly locals, Madeira is thoroughly recommended.

 For further information on Madeira, how to get there and other travel deals, please go to http://www.travel-tastic.net

 

 

 



By: Bill Bailey

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“Eight days a week is not enough to show I care” crooned the guitarist, serenading us on the deck of the lunch-cruise barge as we drifted down the Loboc river on Bohol. “Eight days a week, I loooooove you” he continued, the plus-forties tapping their feet or singing along. I wouldn’t go out and buy a Beatles album, as I’ve heard their songs too many times, but I do like it when someone sings one, as some of my first memories are of their songs. I pondered what it is about the Philippines that makes its inhabitants so musically talented – pretty much everywhere you go there is a guitarist playing – maybe these guitar-playing and singing talents are something that the country can thank the Spanish for.

I don’t get the impression that the Spanish are thanked for much else except Christianity, judging by the reverence in which they hold chief Lapu Lapu, who killed the Spanish conquistador Ferdinand Magellan on the nearby island of Mactan in 1521. He had sailed there in order to teach the inhabitants who was boss and, badly misjudging their fighting spirit, had decided to leave all of his mercenary forces aboard in order to save the glory and gore for the meagre Spanish contingent. After telling the mercenaries to watch carefully in order to learn the superior Spanish art of war, he marched his band of country-men ashore, only to be promptly hacked to bits, with most of his companions. This display rather confused his audience of native mercenaries, one of whom remarked that he wasn’t very impressed with the superior Spanish art of war and preferred the old-fashioned approach of just lopping heads off with a big axe.  

This text about Magellan is a bit of a digression. As a further digression within this digression, the reader may be interested to know that, according to recent findings, the straits of Magellan off the Cape of Good Hope weren’t actually first discovered by Ferdinand Magellan at all but by a Chinese admiral in 1421. For a fascinating and plausible theory that the Chinese discovered pretty much everywhere before Europeans did, I recommend the reader check out the book “1421, the year China discovered the world”, by Gavin Menzies.

As if to reinforce my musical impression of the Filipinos, our lunch barge pulled up at a pontoon on which sat about forty ukulele players and singers, aged from about eight to eighty, their faces wreathed in huge smiles. The small children wriggled with impatience at having to sit still, whilst the young women fluttered their eyelashes and, when I smiled at them, blushed and looked away, giggling to each other. Granddad plucked intently at an instrument I didn’t recognise whilst a young lad strummed a guitar bigger than he was. After a while I noticed one of the parents nod an ‘OK’ to a group of boys, who promptly downed their instruments and dived into the river, one of them climbing up onto our barge and then using it as a diving board. Some of the day-trippers aboard backed away from the spot where he was climbing, fearing a soaking when he hit the water, but they needn’t have worried, as he jumped far out and dived in head-first, hardly causing a ripple as he went in, let alone a splash. “Hmm, maybe I should have a go at that” I thought, “then they’d really have something to worry about” (my water displacement is, shall we say, rather greater than the boy’s is). After the lovely pontoon music show we finished off our lunch. The food was competent rather than superb but was enjoyed by all except my son Nigel, who turned his nose up at everything, which was no surprise, as he’s only eight. Thankfully he eventually found something he could enjoy, the superb mango, watermelon and pineapple, which tasted way better than, in my experience, they ever do in Europe.

 

I sat and watched the jungle slide by on each side of the river. Palm trees reached out from either side and above the barge, their fronds swaying in the gentle breeze and the sunlight filtering through them, dappling the decks in hazy, soft sunshine.  As I watched my wife Fon fuss over my son, a feeling of contentment and peace came over me. Everything seemed OK, even the things about life that were less than perfect. I find that as I grow older I experience happiness in a different way. When I was younger it was all about losing myself in intense concentration while doing something exciting, now it’s more about tranquillity and family values.

 

Other highlights on Bohol are the great scuba diving and snorkelling. I’m not much of a scuba diver so I went snorkelling to a spot near the little islet of Balicasag, which I unreservedly recommend. We left our resort aboard a local banka boat at the crack of dawn in order to get a chance to see the dolphins that for some reason appear at that hour. I had somewhat cynically thought that this was probably unlikely to happen, but they appeared on schedule and in numbers, then swam around us for a good hour. They seemed to be swimming in family groups, some of them just barely breaking the surface and others (maybe displaying the exuberance of youth) jumping right out of the water.  They are such lovely creatures, with their funny faces seemingly permanently grinning at some private joke. We arrived at Balicasag a while later and, after an unusual-for-me breakfast of steamed prawns, friend eggs and rice (which tasted better than I expected it to), we boarded a much smaller, hand-powered boat. Motorised boats are forbidden to enter Balicasag Marine Sanctuary in an initiative to protect the flaura and fauna: this arrangement appears, judging from the profusion of fish swimming around the coral in the crystal-clear water, to have worked. A long column of fish swam in an almost military formation along the reef wall. They seemed so ordered and organised  that I wondered if one of them was in charge. Was it the fish in front? Or maybe he was just the expendable point-man and the fish behind him was the one in charge? 

 

A large cloud of small bait-fish swam by. I took off my life-vest (which had been supporting me in the most comfortable fashion as I had lazily floated and watched the marine life) and dived down, feeling pleased with myself for hiring flippers, as I’m a weak swimmer without them. I swam straight through the cloud of fish. At one point all I could see around me were little black fish, illuminated by scattered rays of sunlight. Beautiful, just lovely. The most beautiful thing about the experience was the way that they swam away from my moving limbs, almost as if by magnetic repulsion, all maintaining exactly the same distance from me. It felt like being clothed in fish. I don’t remember ever enjoying a snorkelling experience so much.

 

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are the island’s most popular tourist attraction and deserve the attention they get, as they look most peculiar. 200 hundred-foot tall earthen mounds jut out of a  flood-plain, most topped in grass and looking like the perfect place for a picnic. Almost all of them are almost perfectly conical in shape. I tried to research the reason for their strange shape, but couldn’t find an answer – a bit like the authors of the official tourist tablet at the site, who didn’t seem to know either. The hills are reminiscent of the English burial ‘barrows’ (or mounds) on Salisbury Plain, only much, much bigger.  It looked as is, instead of a few prehistoric chieftains lying underground, here there were dozens of dynasties of emperors, each interred under a couple of tens of thousand of tons of earth, in a scene a bit like Salisbury plain meeting the pyramids of Giza.

 

For our first visit to the Chocolate Hills we hired a driver and mini-van and were taken to the tourist centre on the single hill which has been developed for the purpose and which is covered in concrete, fast-food outlets, hawkers and screaming children. When I asked the driver if he could vary his route so that we could experience the scenery without the crowds, he reacted with the same incomprehension as I remember getting from a donkey at a sea-side fare in England, when I used my feet on its flanks to attempt to make it change its customary route. A few days after this disappointing experience we returned to try and experience the hills in a more natural way, hiring a motorbike on which we could meander through the lanes and take in the experience at our own pace. We had planned to hire a local guide (when I say ‘local’, I mean one of the farmers working amongst the hills) and to then climb one of them. We were thwarted by a rain-storm, which was a bit unfortunate, but at least gives us a good reason to return. Those readers who are wary of motorbike-riding in SE Asia are advised to get themselves driven to the Chocolate Hills in a minivan and to hire an additional helper to trail them on a bike, and then to hop on the bike when they reach the hills, where the small roads are relatively safe.

 

After checking out one of the Philippines’ best beaches, why not visit some of Thailand’s: www.andamanadventures.com

 

 



 



By: simon ramsden

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Nashville attractions are boundless and offer up a buffet of excitement and intrigue coupled with rich history and a tune to go with everyone’s beat. Nashville is known as “Music City”, but in recent years its reputation has grown to encompass a broad scope of entertainment. It is also the home of sporting events from football, hockey and baseball games, as well as and performances from the symphony, ballet, opera and theater.

Nashville is the capitol of Tennessee and is surrounded by lush, rolling hills and sparkling lakes, which translates into a lot of outdoor fun for visitors. With great Nashville theme parks like Wave Country and Nashville Shores, as well as hiking trails, campsites, boat and Jet Ski rentals, visitors can have a lot of fun while discovering the natural beauty of the area. The outdoor activities alone could take up several days of one’s vacation.

Due to its strong cultural and traditional background and over 20 colleges and universities, Nashville has also evolved to become a popular metropolitan area that it is often referred to as the “Athens of the South”.It is fitting that the ‘Athens of the South’ is home to the world’s only full-size replica of the ancient Parthenon.

Originally built in 1897, the Parthenon stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park. The 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon and is the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world. The basement galleries also serve as an art museum with permanent and revolving collections.

Despite its modern, urban feel, many people still visit Nashville just to come face-to-face with their favorite country music stars and tour the city’s famous publishing companies, record labels and Music Row recording studios. The 1950s-style RCA Studio B is said to have launched more hit records than any other recording studio in the country. If you catch a glimpse of someone on Music Row who looks an awful lot like Alan Jackson or another artist, it probably is. Many country stars have homes in Franklin and nearby Leiper’s Fork.

Visitors can also take bus tours of famous stars’ homes, catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry, and visit the beautiful Opryland Hotel. This great Nashville attraction boasts nine acres of lush indoor gardens and winding rivers where guests can take a tour on a Delta flatboat or enjoy a million twinkling lights during their Christmas Spectacular.

Located across from the Opryland Hotel is the loading platform for visitors to board and enjoy a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat. Live shows are performed during dinner in the beautiful two-story Victorian Theater located in the center of the boat. With four massive decks to take in the views, the 300- foot paddleboat takes guests down the Cumberland River to historic downtown Nashville.

The downtown area also features other Nashville attractions where visitors can enjoy the simple twang and narrative lyrics of country music. The popular Wildhorse Saloon sits on 2nd Avenue, and lying between 3rd and 4th streets lays Printer’s Alley, one of the top places to go for Nashville nightlife where visitors can walk through the alley and revel in the deep history it holds.

Another downtown Nashville attraction steeped in history is the world-famous Ryman Auditorium. During the daytime, visitors can tour the “Mother Church of Country Music” and stand on the stage to hear stories of when Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and other country legends performed there early in their careers. Memorabilia like stage outfits and guitars also are on display.

The Country Music Hall of Fame is nearby and features numerous exhibits on the history and impact of country music. The museum is the largest popular music museum in the world and features entertaining films, interactive displays, and an incredible array of costumes and instruments. From the early pioneers to the modern chart-toppers, you’ll find every era of country music well represented throughout.

During a trip downtown, visitors can buff up on history of a different sort and visit a replica of the original Fort Nashborough, which stands at the foot of Broadway. Fort Nashborough was the first permanent European settlement in the area and was built on the banks of the Cumberland River in 1779.

A list of Nashville attractions wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the great museums that are available. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts features some of the nation’s most cutting-edge masterpieces. Located downtown on Broadway, a visit to The Frist is a convenient and cultural experience where visitors also have the chance to express their creative side and create their own masterpiece in the Martin Artquest Gallery.

The Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art also features American and contemporary art while the Adventure Science Center can be an entertaining way to introduce children to science. Kids of all ages can learn about technology, the environment, physics, and health as they roam the museum pushing buttons and turning knobs in the interactive exhibits. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a zoo and historic plantation that is also a great place to spend the afternoon and learn a little something.

Sports fans can also get their fill during a Nashville vacation with Nashville Sounds baseball, Nashville Predators hockey and Tennessee Titans football. For those looking for some fast-paced fun, the Nashville Superspeedway is located just outside of town in Lebanon. If shopping is your sport of choice, the Opry Mills Mall is filled with dozens of brand name stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue, Old Navy and Bass Pro Shop. You can also take in a meal at The Aquarium Restaurant and watch dozens of sea creatures swim by in the huge 150, 000 gallon aquarium.

As you can see, Music City has a lot to offer its visitors no matter what they’re into. With more than 40 centralized attractions in the Nashville area, the city offers excitement and fun for every member of the family. Whether you’d like to sample music, sports, outdoors or history, there’s a Nashville attraction that is sure to entertain you on your next Tennessee vacation.

 

 



By: Kelley Falgout

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European Adventure Tours are fast becoming the ideal way to travel in Europe. If you want more excitement on your next vacation then a European adventure tour can give you just that. The activities on your adventure tour largely depend on your destination or destinations and the length of your tour. Take some time to research a few of the more popular adventure tour destinations. This is beneficial because your tour may allow you to visit multiple destinations. This comes down to the specifics of the chosen tour such as location and length of the trip.

Your Kind of Excitement

The most exciting European adventure tour should be one that caters to your interests. If you prefer intense physical activities then you should consider choosing a package that includes hiking, water sports, or bicycling through the countryside. Feeling that rush of adrenaline in the European setting of your choice will take the thrills to new heights. Physical exertion teamed up with your preference of classic or more modern surroundings can take your experience from one of mild enjoyment to pure excitement.

If you prefer spending all your time surrounded by the beauty of nature then you should focus on tours that visit the most idyllic natural settings to be found in Europe. If you have the time, consider choosing an adventure tour that visits country after country in its search for excitement.

Each country has some amazing sights and choosing the right destinations can provide you with the trip of a lifetime. Your length of stay can have an impact, but even if you are unable to stay too long, you can still find landmarks and activities that you’re your attention the most. This helps create an experience to be remembered for the rest of your life.

So Where Can You Go?

The beauty of a European adventure Tour is that you can go anywhere. Any tour includes its fair share of local sightseeing opportunities. Adventure tour packages allow you to add other activities that you plan on participating in, and this also helps create a more enjoyable experience customized for your trip.

When choosing a destination, consider the activities available there and decide if they cater to your interests. Getting the most out of your adventure tour is important, and this is why you should consider visiting multiple locations throughout the length of your vacation. Adventure tours are all about variety and a sample itinerary may consist of a trip beginning in Vienna, Italy for about 2 days. The group then travels to the cities of Prague and Berlin. The trip then ends visiting the cities of Paris and London. This trip would last about 20 days allowing a few days spend in each city. This would create an excellent experience, allowing you to witness the beauty of Europe.

Vienna, Italy is covered in breathtaking architecture, landscapes, and local flavor. There is also a lot of culture to experience in the city of Vienna. You can ride a gondola across the rivers of Italy. France is known for its cuisine, museums, and wine. Trying to sum up the rich culture of any European country or city is pure folly because each city is much different culturally and they all have their own unique take on food, architecture, art, and activities. If you know where you want to go then begin at that location. Knowing what you find exciting and enjoyable is the key to an enjoyable adventure vacation.

The most exciting European adventure tour is the one that you choose for yourself or your family. That way you can align the details, the stops, the pace, the activities, and everything else to your liking. You just have to ask yourself one question. What would be your greatest adventure?

The most exciting European adventure tour no doubt calls forth images of classic architecture, rolling countryside, and old world traditions. Whether you go seeking the modern or the classic, European adventure tours have something to offer to everybody. No matter what type of adventure you are looking for, you can find some of the best that the world has to offer on a European adventure tour. Go ahead. Choose your own adventure.

There are many benefits to choosing a European adventure tour. The main benefit begins with planning a trip to a new location in a group setting. Travelling as a group is recommended because some of your group mates may have been to the location before allowing you to learn more about your destination. A trip to Europe also allows you to enjoy local cuisine especially in the city of France. Famous landmarks worth visiting on a tour of Europe are Big Ben and The Eiffel Tower. There are many reasons for planning a European adventure tour but the main benefit is a relaxing vacation filled with European culture and natural beauty of the architecture and landscape.



By: Rachel Jackson

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The autonomous region of Catalonia boasts more than a thousand years of history, its own language and unique traditions and culture. 

Its 600km of stunning Mediterranean coastline stretches from Portbou at the French border to the Delta of the River Ebro. It encompasses the Costa Brava in the north, followed by the Costa del Maresme and then the Costa Dorada, where you’ll find the well-known resort of Salou, home to the largest theme park in Spain.

Catalonia is blessed with a remarkable variety of landscapes. To the north, the jagged peaks of the Pyrenees offer skiers, walkers and bikers a year-round haven.

The snowy peaks, reaching heights of 3,000km, tumble down through valleys of thriving pine and fir trees, clearing to reveal shimmering lakes. There are oddly formed mountain ranges like the extinct volcanic parklands around Olot, and the unique mountain range at Montserrat – so unique it has been declared a UNESCO conservation area.

Inland Catalonia is as diverse as its coastline: there are undulating hillsides, draped with rich vineyards in some parts, and in others, dry, flat land. The intense dedication of the land workers and the irrigation from the River Ebro favours the region with exceptional olive oil, wine and fruit.

The interior of Catalonia is also graced with amazing historic buildings, fortified villages, superb cities and stunning architecture.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. It really is one of the most amazing and lively cities in Spain and offers enough sights to fill guidebook upon guidebook with pages and pages of information.

Fact File

Language: Catalán

Location: Northeast Spain

Population: 6 million

Area: 32,000km2

Provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, Tarragona

Region capital: Barcelona

Costas: Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, Costa Dorada

Currency: Euro (€)

National Day: 11 September

Patron saint: Sant Jordi / San Jorge (Saint George)

Patron saints day: 23 April

Government: The Generalitat

Major Football Clubs: FC Barcelona, Espanyol

Catalan Tourist office: 00 34 934 849 900

Sport plays an important role in Catalonia’s tourism infrastructure. Here is a summary of what is on offer:



40 marinas for sailing

29 golf courses

3 flying clubs

15 ski resorts

A wide range of adventure and water sports



Don’t go home without visiting:

Tossa de Mar www.tossacostabrava.com

A charming coastal resort steeped in history, and overlooked by the turrets of a 12th century walled town, the Vila Vella (old town), which blends seamlessly into the Vila Nova (new town) – a maze of narrow winding streets dotted with boutique style shops, cosy bars and quality restaurants. Tossa’s strict ‘no high-rise’ policy means your scenic walk provides uninterrupted views from mountain to coast. The Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretation Centre, opened in September 2005, is something not to be missed. Located at the summit of the Vila Vella, the observation platforms offer spectacular views along this amazingly wild stretch of coastline and the centre itself offers an excellent guided tour and virtual demonstration on the history of the lighthouse.

Girona

Historical city Girona, lying inland, is split into two by The River Onyar. Its Cathedral, a fusion of many different historical periods and styles, highlights the old quarter. Take a stroll down the winding streets, shaded by tall, stone walls, offering an abundance of shops and quaint little riverside cafes – there’s one in C/Ballesteries that’s worth a look, its interior tiled with a hotchpotch of Spanish, Moroccan and Turkish influences and seating strewn with luxurious cushions. The Twelfth Century Arab Baths, the old City Walls, and the museums of archaeology and history are of notable interest whilst the churches of Sant Nicolau, Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants highlight the religious background of the region.

Don’t miss the Saturday market, a parade ground for the local farmers: savour the aroma of their fruit and vegetables, olive oils, herbs, hams, and cheeses. And don’t forget to stop off for some scrumptious freshly made Churros!

Montserrat

The Monastery of Montserrat is perched on top of a 1,200-metre mountain amidst breathtaking scenery. Here you’ll find a blend of nature, culture and holiness. This pilgrimage site is as popular as Santiago de Compostela, and travellers are greeted at their journey’s summit by the 12th century Madonna – the Romanesque statue of a black Virgin Mary, known as La Moreneta (the dark virgin). If you are daring enough to take the cable car to the tiny chapel at Santa Cova (the site of the discovery of La Moreneta), you will be amazed by the spectacular views – on a clear day it is possible to see Mallorca!

Montserrat is easily reached from Barcelona with trains leaving every hour.

Sant Feliu de Guixols

This town is at the heart of the Costa Brava, surrounded by pine and oak-filled woods. Of particular notability here is the hermitage of Sant Grau and the Gothic church with its celebrated iron gate, the Porta Ferrada. Water sports lovers are well catered for here, particularly in the nearby cove of Cala Salions and fish and seafood lovers will be well catered for with an abundance of beachside restaurants.

Mar i Murtra Jardí Botanic, Blanes http://www.jbotanicmarimurtra.org/

The Mar i Murtra Botanical Gardens in Blanes showcases over 4,000 species of plants from five continents, some of them threatened with extinction. The gardens also have a valuable research and study centre. Once you are in Blanes, take the special Jardí Botanic Bus from the port, up the hair-raising bends to the gardens, which are perched way above the sea, offering amazing views.

Les Illes Medes (The Medes Islands), Toroella de Montgri

The largest marine nature reserve in Catalonia and one of the most important in the whole of the Mediterranean area. The Medes Islands are a small archipelago made up of seven islets and several reefs just a mile off the Catalan coast from Emporda and the Montgri Massif. The area is one of exceptional biological and ecological worth. The varying depths of the sea water around the islands, and the contrast of the rocky and sandy areas of the seabed, combined with the rock-type which lends itself to the formation of tunnels and caves, all work together to attract a wide variety of species – as many as 1,345 have been recorded.

Figueres

In the heart of Catalonia you’ll find Figueres, best-known as the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali and home to the famous Dali Museum. Figueres is also the where the Sardana, the traditional dance of Catalonia, originated,. More must-visits are the castle fortress of Sant Ferran, the parish church of Sant Pere, the Museum of l’Emporda and the Toy Museum.

L’Escala

A small holiday resort at the southern end of the Gulf of Roses. It is a delightful fishing village well known for its delicious sardines. The resort offers much for the water sport enthusiast, two yacht clubs and a number of marinas. This is also the point of entry to the Roman colony of Empúries, the most visited archaeological site in Catalonia.

Barcelona

Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain and is known throughout the world for its amazing architecture as much as for it’s people and way of life.

There is much to see, here are some of the highlights:

La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family)

Antoni Gaudi’s world-renowned, still to be finished, masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Parc Guell (Guell Park)

Another of Antoni Gaudi’s works, this park is characterised by sculptures and mosaics by the designer, as well as pretty winding paths and tranquil greens.

Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)

Dedicated to the work of art legend Pablo Picasso, this park is a showcase for over three 3,600 paintings, sculptures and drawings.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona)

A striking white building designed by architect Richard Meier is home to a collection of Spanish, Catalonian and European modern and contemporary art.

Las Ramblas

Pedestrianised historical street lined with flower stalls, restaurants and bars.

La Boqueria

A popular and well known food market selling some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona.

Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)

Historic walking area with buildings dating back to Roman and medieval times. This is where you’ll find the Cathedral de la Seu, a fantastic Gothic cathedral right in the heart of the area.

Ciutat Vella (Old City)

A fascinating area, steeped in history, with narrow streets and squares, Gothic mansions, museums, historic churches, bars and restaurants.

L’Eixample

This district dates from the 19th-century and shows off works by famous architects such as Gaudí and Ildefons Cerdà.

Port Vell

Barcelona’s vivacious harbour, full of yachts and cruise ships, with a popular entertainment complex, featuring a mall, several restaurants, a cinema and an aquarium.

Tibidabo Mountain

A get-away from the main city, this mountain has a small amusement park and is a favourite walking route for hikers and those looking for a peaceful stroll.

Parc Zoologic de Barcelona (Barcelona Zoo)

Zoo famous throughout the world for being home to Snowflake, the only captive albino gorilla in the world.

Barcelona Aquarium

The largest aquarium in Europe, this is one of Barcelona’s main attractions.

Nou Camp Stadium

This gigantic football stadium, home to FC Barcelona, is the largest in Europe, with a seating capacity of 100,000.

Don’t go home without:

Sampling Crema cremada / Crema Catalana (caramelized custard cream)

No visit to Catalonia is complete without trying this dessert. Catalan cream can be described as crème brullee – creamy custard with a crisp caramel topping. Catalan creams are flavoured with lemon zest and are traditionally served in an earthenware dish.

Watching and Joining in The Sardana

The Sardana is a very old Catalan dance. It is an open dance that can be joined and left again at any time. It is danced in a circle, holding hands up in the air and coordinating the steps in accordance with a complex set of rules. The Sardana is performed to the tune of a typical band of ten musicians playing traditional wind instruments. The band is called la Cobla and their sound is very distinctive, and quite addictive.

Throughout the year there are many occasions when you will have the chance to see – or join in – this dance, from local to national fiestas.

Taking a trip by boat along the amazing Costa Brava coastline

Whether you take a ferry, a glass-bottom boat, a Catamaran cruise complete with barbeque and champagne, a submarine type boat or a thrilling power boat ride, you’ll be amazed by the bays and coves studding the craggy, pine-carpeted coastline. Some of the bays are only accessible by boat or on foot, making them wonderfully secluded, with tranquil turquoise waters, clear as glass but for the stirring of the breeze! Those daring enough to swim through the labyrinthine tunnels that sprout off some of the caves could even find themselves on a hidden beach, and you may even find some age old forgotten treasure left by pirates many centuries ago!

Watching People make human towers – Castellers

One of the most spectacular sights observed during a Catalan festival sees teams of enthusiasts form human towers – castells – which can be up to ten people high.

This complex task of organisation and perfect timing starts with a square of strong men linking arms to form a base, so that lighter men and women can climb onto their shoulders. Concentration is etched in their faces, as more lighter and smaller people climb up, increasing the storeys. Finally, the ‘anxeneta’, a young boy or girl, clambers bravely to the top, some 10 metres above the ground, and lifts one arm to show that the castell is complete.

Immediately after this, the castell begins to unravel – and sometimes the tower will collapse – to gasps from the surrounding crowd who all immediately strengthen their arms in readiness to break the Castellers’ falls.

Experiencing Sant Jordi – a day for lovers in Barcelona

The equivalent of Valentines Day falls on the day of St George, patron saint of Catalonia, 23 April. This is the most romantic day of the year in Barcelona and for those in love, the ideal place to be. There is an air of happiness and affection everywhere. Tradition says that on this day, men should give the woman in their life a rose, and in return, the woman gives her man a book as a sign of love and friendship. So you’ll see Las Ramblas lined with stall upon stall of roses and books, and lovers everywhere exchanging gifts – and kisses.

Catalonia offers a diverse range of experiences for the visitor. Whether you opt for one of its more animated resorts or prefer to spend your time in one of its charming coastal or inland gems; you will find plenty to do and see. Factor in a trip to the bustling city of Barcelona or the more tranquil yet equally inspiring Girona, and your holiday will be complete.



By: Sarah Mcinerney

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