Friday 12 March 2010

Brooklyn: New York's best kept secret

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and the tourist hotspots in the Big Apple, then Brooklyn hosts a whole array of fascinating sights, landmarks and parks to take you away from the crowds.


Brooklyn New York tours enable you to explore the city away from the tourist track and can make your trip to New York that extra bit special. Brooklyn is the largest of New York’s five boroughs and can be explored on foot on a Brooklyn New York walking tour, or, if your feet have suffered the blistered fate of most of New York’s shoppers, then a Brooklyn Bus tour is an equally stimulating alternative. Brooklyn Walking Tours are led by an urban historian who takes you through Brooklyn’s streets on a highly informative tour, telling you everything you need and want to know about Brooklyn, from its social history to contemporary politics and everything in between. Brooklyn is separated from Manhatten by the Brooklyn Bridge. As the world’s longest suspension bridge, Brooklyn Bridge has become a New York icon and a crossing of the Brooklyn Bridge offers spectacular views of the city as you look back on the famous New York skyline. Brooklyn New York Tours take you right into the heart of the borough to explore some of the districts most beautiful neighborhoods. The Brooklyn Heights district is one of the boroughs most exclusive and has a unique architectural heritage. Its brownstone mansions boast Wall Street financiers and investors as residents and its tree lined promenade is bordered not only by elegant townhouses but historic landmarks too – including the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims – a famous stop on the underground railway. Prospect Park was designed and constructed by the same landscape architects who created Central Park and, like its counterpart, is an urban oasis for Brooklyn’s residents and houses both a zoo and a forest in its 585 acres. NY Brooklyn tours include DUMBO – The Down under the Manhatten Bridge Overpass, which has a compelling maritime history. This former warehouse district has been transformed from a storage quarter to a premier art district and its galleries are a must see for any budding artist or collector. The slice of Brooklyn pizza tour is a fun alternative to Brooklyn walking tours and delves into the city’s Italian roots on a tasty journey where you can sample some of the best and most popular pizza in the borough. This Brooklyn tour combines sightseeing with pizza tasting and includes sights such as the entertaining Coney Island in its itinerary.

Brooklyn New York tours will prove that there is more to New York than great shopping. Just a bridge away from Manhattan, Brooklyn has its own rich social and political history and boasts the sights and experiences which will add a unique twist to your trip to New York.

Thursday 11 March 2010

Enjoy the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley region in Australia produces some of the worlds’ most notable wines. Its large sweeping vineyards house the famous Lindemans, Hardy’s and McGuigan estates as well as small boutique and independent family run wineries which have been passed down through several generations of wine makers.

The landscape is dotted with an eclectic mix of historic country estates and modern wineries which produce a variety of boutique and well known brands, offering a visitor to the valley a diverse tasting experience which blends traditional wine production with the modern.

Located just two hours from Sydney’s bustling streets, The Hunter Valley’s lush green landscapes and rolling vineyards are a welcome contrast to city life. On Hunter Valley Wine Tours, wine experts will take you to a whole range of vineyards and wineries to trace the wine making journey from grape to glass. You will walk among the vines learning the methods and conditions which produce different types of grape and then sample a vast selection of different wines on a wine appreciation course. Expert tutors will guide you on a delectable journey, where you will learn to identify the textures and tastes of different grapes and vintages, their impact on your palette and ideal food choices to best compliment their unique flavours and aromas.

VIP access is granted to cellar door pass holders who can visit eighteen of the regions best wineries as well as premium boutiques which are accessible only to those with this all access pass. Valid for twelve months, the cellar door pass is ideal for both those embarking on their first journey of discovery into the world of wine making and tasting or connoisseurs who are looking to add to their knowledge and wine collection. The cellar door pass has many perks and its best entitles its holders to six free bottles of Hunter Valley wines to take home with them.

A Hunter Valley wine tour is the perfect introduction to Australian wine production, and the quality and variety of its exports. The tour will take you from the vineyards to an informative behind the scenes preview of the wine making process, which includes acess to the cellars where the wines are eventually stored. Once your taste buds have been tantalised by the full-bodied white wines, 'medium weight reds', and excellent ports that Hunter Valley is known for indulge yourself further in some chocolate or gourmet cheese tasting for a truly luxuriant experience.

Scuba with Sharks Down Under



The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO listed world heritage site and as one of the original natural wonders of the world best epitomises Australia’s remarkable natural beauty. The Great Barrier Reef is a premier scuba diving destination which offers scuba divers and snorkeller’s alike, unrivalled underwater landscapes and an extraordinary abundance of tropical marine life.

Great Barrier Reef Diving trips can be catered to suit both certified divers and beginners and provides the perfect surroundings in which to learn or develop your diving skills. The Great Barrier Reef spans the Queensland coast for 2,600 kilometres but it is not only famous for its vast underwater world. Hundreds of tropical islands can be found along the reef including the paradisal Whitsunday islands and Green Island. The Great Barrier Reef Islands are truly picture perfect and the white sands and tropical shores of beaches like Whitehaven are world renown for their breathtaking beauty. Liveboard cruises as well as one day catamaran excursions trail the Whitsunday islands giving passengers the opportunity not only to dive on the reef but also to explore the shores of some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Live aboard cruises sail far from the coast to the outer reef where the corralled walled drop offs are even more spectacular. Green Island is a famous landmark on the reef because it is the only island with an inland rainforest. Timber board walks will take you straight from the island’s shore into the tropical canopies where you can admire all sorts of flora, fauna and wildlife. If you are exhausted by your diving experiences there is no better way to spend the afternoon than relaxing on the pure white sands of this secluded island.



Great Barrier Reef scuba diving trips explore the underwater wonders of the reef from different locations and swimming in the depths of this natural wonder is truly awe-inspiring. The immaculate visibility, rich variety of marine life and brightly coloured coral reefs provides divers and snorkeller’s with the most vivid underwater experience imaginable. Great Barrier Reef scuba diving trips and Great Barrier Reef snorkeling excursions attract people from all over the world. Diving the reef is made even more special by the abundance of bright tropical fish, sea turtles and friendly reef sharks as well as the knowledge that the seas are a shared breeding ground for humpback whales, manatees and turtles. Most tour boats have glass bottoms or underwater observatories, so if you don’t want to get your feet wet you can admire the marine life from the comfort of the boat with knowledgeable Marine experts on hand to identify the passing fish below.

The Great Barrier Reef is an underwater wonder and should not be missed at any cost. With a whole host of options, you do not have to be a diver to see Australia’s natural highlights. The underwater wonders may be some of the worlds best but the the tropical islands too have to be seen to be believed.

Wednesday 10 March 2010

Experience the size and scale of New York City



Depending on where you happen to be standing, walking, eating or sleeping, New York is either the most overwhelming and chaotic city in America or the warmest, most romantic town on earth. For all the bright-lights-big-city grandeur (Midtown’s twinkling canyons, Wall Street’s warp-speed intensity), one can always find a charmingly quiet neighborhood where the world feels no wider than a sidewalk stoop—and all these lie within mere blocks of one another.


You can experience the size and scale of New York City on a helicopter tour, get a glimpse of all the famous landmarks on a bus tour – but, to truly get to the heart of the “big apple”; to understand its people and get up close to the New York tourist attractions you really need to take a New York City walking tours.


New York is one of the world’s great walking cities and it is best to explore this city on foot. Venture into the green spaces of central park, go around the Brooklyn Bridge or just poke around the neighborhood cafes, shops, art galleries or museums.
Heading out to walk the neighborhoods of New York is a fun, involved, and adventurous way to see the sights and life of the city. Guided walking tours of New York offer a relaxed place and low-budget entertainment.


New York City walking tours can be an excellent choice for budget traveler. It also allows travelers to explore the street life of NYC.

There is a great range of New York City sightseeing tours available; whether you want to discover the historic districts, wander the streets of the ethnic neighborhoods or lose yourself in the magnificent Central Park. From a historic pub crawl to dishing the dirt on Wall Street to a scholar led tour walking tour of New York’s archeological sites (yes, archeological sites), New York walking tours are as diverse as the city itself. They also cover major New York tours and attractions, New York museums that can otherwise be visited by bus.

Some of the popular walking tours are:

The Wall Street Financial Crisis Tour
What exactly happened between 2007 and 2009 to bring the world economy to its knees? No, we’re not exactly sure either; or at least we weren’t until we took this wonderful New York walking tour. Led by a Wall Street insider this tour is a lesson in global banking and a sightseeing tour combined!
Greenwich Village Walking Tour – In the Footsteps of Edgar Allen Poe
Greenwich Village is one of New York’s most fascinating districts and definitely an area to be explored on foot. On this New York walking tour you’ll find out how, for well over a century, 'The Village' has nurtured struggling artists, writers and musicians from Edgar Allan Poe to the Beat poets to Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel.

New York Pub Crawl – East Village
Travel back in time on this New York walking tour which takes you to some of New York’s oldest pubs. Have a drink in a pub once frequented by JFK and the pub where Abraham Lincoln drank after making his Cooper Union address.

History of Central Park Walking Tour
For many New Yorkers, Central Park is the heart of their city. The 480 acre park is used for recreation, romance, culture, memorials and much more. This New York walking tour is led by an academic expert with vast knowledge on New York City’s history who will talk you through the history of Central Park, from the urban landscaping project which created the park to the innovative conservation movements that maintain it.

New York Walking Tour – Archeology
New York City may not be one of the destinations that you associate with archeology; however this New York Walking tour sets out to change that perception, giving you a fascinating introduction into urban archeology, where the ancient city meets the modern. Your guide, a trained archeologist will show you the foundations of the city and you will also visit the New York City archeology lab which is not open to the general public.

Jewish Cuisine and Culture Walking Tour
One of a more off-the-beaten-track New York Walking Tours, this tour takes you to the Lower East Side to visit an area which has been shaped by Jewish Immigrants from Russia and Eastern Europe. As well as providing a window to the history and culture of the area, your tour guide – an expert on Jewish Cuisine, will take you to many of the area’s most renowned deli’s where you can sample bialys, pickles and many more Jewish delicacies.

These are just examples. There are a lot more popular walking tours available at New York City walking tours. Just remember that you wear comfortable shoes and if you're walking during the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water. Last but not the least, don’t forget to bring your camera.

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Exploring Jerusalem


When planning your next vacation, consider Jerusalem, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world. It will be a hands-on lesson in religious history that you will never forget. Be aware however, that Jerusalem is not just a collection of ancient sites and shrines and temples. Buried beneath its historical, cultural, and religious significance is a modern, fun, compelling city waiting to be explored.


Depending on your interests, there are a variety of Jerusalem sightseeing tours available. You can embark upon tours slanted towards various religious perspectives (Jewish Tours, Catholic Tours, Christian Tours) or more generic ones (Holy Land Tours, Pilgrimage Tours).


However you decide to experience Jerusalem, make sure not to miss the Western Wall, the holiest shrine of the Jewish world, which was built to support the temple mount in 20 B.C. After the Holy Temple was destroyed, Jews were permitted entrance into Jerusalem only once a year, on the anniversary of its destruction, to weep over the last remnant of their Temple. Hence the shrine became known as the Wailing Wall. As this site is a popular location for Bar Mitzvah celebrations, you may get to witness a young Jewish boy reading from the Torah as he becomes a man.



Head to Ben Yehuda Street and discover Jerusalem’s perhaps unexpectedly vibrant nightlife. Dancing on the bar at Kings Bar or sitting at one of the tables outside of Zolly's or getting down at Bonita – all makes for a great night out.
Before heading home, absorb your historic religious experience (or recover from a night out on Ben Yehuda) while floating peacefully in the famous salt-satiated waters of the Dead Sea, or Devil’s Sea, as it was called in the Crusader period due to its uninhabitable nature. Then smother yourself in its therapeutic mud at the Ein Gedi Spa, located in the middle of the Judean Desert.
Return home from Jerusalem feeling rejuvenated and relaxed, if not a little more religious!



If you’re a little more adventurous, experience the wall in an ‘underground’ way and take a Kotel Tunnel tour. You’ll enter the Western Wall Tunnels through a secret passage and marvel at the shafts that Charles Warren dug through Wilson’s Arch in the 19th century while trying to discern the wall’s precise measurements.
Feel like sneaking in some shopping? Take a stroll through Jerusalem’s Old City and seek out the Arab souk (or market) that extends through the Christian and Moslem Quarters. You’ll find tons of souvenirs and gifts here, and the cheapest prices in the city.

Algarve, a lot of travel experiences



One of Portugal’s most sought-after destinations, Algarve offers an amalgamation of travel experiences. It is known for its beaches and golf courses, which make it the ideal spot for a relaxing vacation. But you can also find adventure at one of its many theme parks, and/or discover obscure beautiful scenery during an Algarve sea cave cruise.


With the creation of the Faro Airport, Algarve has become one of the most popular places to visit in Portugal. And there are so many things to do in Algarve. Enjoy breathtaking views in Cape St Vincent in western Algarve or indulge in some wine tasting – Algarve has so much to offer!



Traveling with kids? They’ll never forgive you if you don’t take them to Slide and Splash, one of the best water parks in all of Europe. Don’t worry, there is a Jacuzzi for adults to relax in while the kids are having the time of their lives! If you still have energy left, spoil the kids and take them to Zoo Marine and go swimming with dolphins or Krazy World for pony rides and quad biking – and then tell them not to expect any birthday presents this year!


Occupying the southernmost region of Portugal, Algarve is separated from nearby Morocco, and its culture, by a (relatively) small stretch of ocean. Thus, the Arab influence is well-established in this popular tourist destination. Algarve got its name from the Arabic word “Al-Gharb”, which means land to the west. Take one of many tours in Algarve and discover remnants of the Moorish influence in the architecture and farming practices.


Or, visit the museums, cathedrals, and markets in the main cities of Algarve: Faro, Portimao, and Silves. It’s easy to get distracted with all there is to do in Algarve, but don’t forget to visit Fatima, home to the Basilica of our Lady of Fatima and the Chapel of Apparitions. If you can, stop by Monchique. It’s not far from Silves and, located in the Monchique Mountains, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Algarve.


Eastern Algarve is less developed than Western Algarve, so if you’re looking for a more authentic travel experience, head east. There are several charming coastal towns waiting to welcome you – quiet and historic Estoi, the fishing port of Olhao, the rural village of Moncarapacho, unspoiled Tavira – take your pick or town-hop and visit them all!

Romantic Marrakech



If you’re looking to escape the dreary days of winter and experience a different culture, Marrakech is the ideal destination. Go for the weekend, for a quick taste of its cultural richness, or spend longer and get a full dose.
The hop-on-hop-off bus tour (which has become a popular tourist activity in cities across the world) is probably the most convenient and efficient way to see the main sights of both the Medina, or old fortified city, and the adjacent modern city. This makes it one of best Marrakech tours and one of can’t miss things to do in Marrakech. It is also how my friend and I spent our first day in Marrakech - sightseeing.
We even did the ‘Morocco Romantique’ leg of the tour in order to see the Jardin Majorelle, a pretty garden owned by Yves Saint Laurent that (in my opinion) fails to live up to the beauty depicted by photos of it. Then, we drove past one of the most elegant golf courses I’ve seen (complete with fountains), but I’m not exactly an avid golfer. There was no educational commentary for this part of the tour, instead Alicia Keys and someone singing about how he “didn’t want to go to bed mad at you” serenaded us as we observed camels lounging at the side of road.
To catch the bus, we had to make our way to Djemma el Fna. You’d think this would not be such a trying task (it is one of the busiest squares in the world) but seeing as there aren’t really any street signs (or streets for that matter) in the Medina, it’s easy to get lost in the complex alleys filled with souks (or markets) selling candles, lanterns, food, shoes that resemble oversize colourful elf footwear, jewelry, purses and other leather accessories, and tons of souvenirs. Luckily, all you have to do is pull out a map, ask for directions, or just appear lost, and children seem to instantly appear out of nowhere like mini tour guides to take you wherever you need to go – for a small fee, of course.
When we arrived at the square, I unfortunately needed to use the bathroom. In Marrakech, this requires three indispensible items: money, toilet paper, and antibacterial. My friend had item #3 and I should have had item #2 after having previously traveled through Thailand and parts of South America, but since we had just arrived the night before, we still did not have any dirhams. So we set out on a mission around Djemma el Fna for a bank machine and a pharmacy. We found a bank machine without too much trouble, except for the fact that a Moroccan band (for lack of a better word to describe Moroccan men with instruments) forced us to take a photo with them and then were very unpleased when we did not have any dirhams to give them. We couldn’t find toilet paper, though, and I had to settle for a napkin provided, grudgingly, by the lady at a gelato stand. So an hour and a lot of effort later I had relieved myself and we were ready to board the bus.
That night we ate a traditional Moroccan dinner of couscous, lamb tagine, chicken pastilla (aka, according to me, sugar chicken), delicious sugary pastries, and Moroccan tea (best described as mint tea with a lot of sugar – do you sense a pattern here?) at a fabulous hidden gem of a restaurant called Dar Zellij. It’s located in the Medina, behind one of those inconspicuous doors I was referring to. Our table was strewn with rose petals, no surprise there (the bed and bathroom at our riad were both similarly adorned upon our arrival). Romance seems to seep out of this city and followed my friend and I everywhere, like some sort of pesky shadow – which makes it a great place to visit with a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife!

Monday 8 March 2010

Marvelous Malta and Marrakech

In the mood to really get away but don’t want to spend all day in an airplane? Why not head to Malta or Marrakech – each under 4 hours from London by plane and each with a unique delicious foreign flavour.
If you’re a beach person, definitely go to Malta. Situated off the coast of Sicily, the officially-named ‘Republic of Malta’ is a small island, so it has tons and tons of beautiful beaches to choose from! In fact, Malta’s beaches are one of the reasons this destination is so popular among tourists.
This is no shortage of aquatic activities to choose from in Malta. You can go paragliding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, snorkeling, or take a Malta Diving tour and explore Malta’s diverse underwater world of reefs, caves, and wrecks.
Malta is not all just fun and sun, though. Malta tours will open your eyes to all there is to see and do on this memorable island – Malta possesses a rich cultural history that has rendered it a virtual open air museum.
Malta Sightseeing Tours will reveal some of the oldest known structures to mankind. As a Malta tourist, be sure to check out Hypogeum, a UNESCO world heritage site. This temple was discovered in 1902 when a stonemason uncovered the remains of over 7,000 people, dating back to 3600 BC, while he was laying the foundations for a house.
If you’re more of a city person (the idea of sitting on a beach all day bores you) then head to Marrakech. With so many things to do in Marrakech, boredom will certainly not be one of the sentiments you experience during this trip!
From the beautifully-decorated riads hidden behind inconspicuous doors in dusty alleys, to the wonderfully chaotic and colourful souks, Marrakech is just so wonderfully different. This city simply exudes an exotic feel.
If you’re looking for what to do in Marrakech, you won’t have to look for long. Chances are you’ll end up at the Djemma el Fna square, located in the Medina (or old quarter of Marrakech), without even trying. Here, snake charmers and performers will enchant you while henna artists and vendors try to befriend you.
Sightseeing in Marrakech will undoubtedly be a jam-packed activity. The Koutoubia Mosque, Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle, the Marrakech Museum, and the Palais de la Bahia are only a few of things you must see in Marrakech. And if you have any energy left, the nightlife in Marrakech can be quite lively, if you’re willing to look for it.
So, go to Malta and lounge about on the beach in between visits to some amazing historical sights or go to Marrakech and wonder at the beauty of its culture. Either way, a marvelously exotic vacation is only a few hours away.

Friday 5 March 2010

There is always something to do in barcelona


Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and a tourist has no shortage of things to do in Barcelona when they get there. Barcelona’s rich historical and cultural heritage will have most tourists heading straight to its medieval centre or towards Gaudi’s ingeniously designed buildings. The Sagrada Familia church has been in construction since 1882 and work on its completion is still going strong. Gaudi’s distinctive architectural style is truly unique and the Sagrada Familia is a feast for the eyes and it irrefutably hits the number one spot on the top 10 things to do in Barcelona list. Sightseeing in Barcelona largely focuses around Gaudi’s designs and you may need a map of Barcelona to ensure you don’t miss out on any of his works which are undoubtedly some of the best things to see in Barcelona.

La Pedrera and Park Guell are two more of Gaudi’s remarkable creations. La Pedrera, Catalan for ‘The Quarry’ was Gaudi’s last great civic work and was recently restored and listed as a world heritage site. The history of its creator and his surrealist vision is captured in the museum housed in the buildings attic. La Pedrera is the largest civil building designed by Antoni Gaudi. The apartment block was constructed between 1906 and 1910. It was Gaudi's last work before devoting himself to the construction of the Sagrada Familia.


Park Guell was was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, it has since been converted into a municipal beautiful garden with a mosaic dragon fountain at the main entrance. Gaudí incorporated many motifs of Catalan nationalism, and elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry, into the Park. The park also has a small house in which Gaudi lived in at one stage. The house has now been converted into a museum that contains interesting furniture also designed by Gaudi.


The popular starting point for sightseeing in Barcelona is the gothic quarter. This is the centre of the old city of Barcelona and houses many medieval cathedrals and churches. The gothic quarter has some of the liveliest nightlife in Barcelona and the popular shopping street Las Ramblas lies to the east of this district. Shopping in Barcelona may not be as reputable as that in Milan but its variety of designer outlets and colorful markets still attract a wealth of shoppers. The old quarter has a blend of commercial shops and small boutiques to suit all kinds of fashionistas.


Las Ramblas is a 1.2km long pedestrianised boulevard that cuts straight through the heart of Barcelona and is lined with an abundance of shops, market stalls and dining choices from small piazza cafes to fine restaurants. Akin to London’s Covent Garden, Las Ramblas Promenade is riddled with painted living statues, caricaturists who tease and buskers who entertain. A painted mosaic by the Catalan Joan Miro is a colourful landmark in the middle of the street’s floor and Christopher Columbus is poised on a column at the lower end of the promenade. The Bruno Quadras building can also be found here and playfully pays tribute to its former life as an umbrella factory. .

Thursday 4 March 2010

Discover Venice on a Gondola ride.


Venice is a city like no other and offers completely unique sights and attractions. If its rich architectural collection does not tempt you then an authentic gondola ride down the Grand Canal definitely will.

The Grand Canal is an ideal place to start your gondola ride and its banks offer a remarkable collection of architectural gems dating as far back as the 13th century. The mansions which are arranged along the edge of the canal offer a glimpse into the grandeur and flamboyance of Venice’s past while attesting to the city’s claim of unrivalled architectural examples of the Renaissance, Gothic and Byzantium eras. As well as cruising the Grand Canal, your Venice Gondola Ride will take you through the city’s backstreets. Your gondolier will use their local knowledge to highlight buildings of interest to tell you fascinating stories and trivia unknown to the guidebooks!


Venice is not your typical metropolis and it is a truly beguiling experience to tour a city built on water where cars, conjestion and traffic noise are all absent. The only way to tour Venice properly is on Venice Gondola rides. Cruising through the vast canal network, which in fact constitute Venice’s motorways, roads and streets, is a truly unique experience. A Venice gondola ride is the only way to see the city properly and your gondolier will take you wherever you wish to go and may even offer an operatic serenade to entertain you on your watery voyage. A Venice gondola ride serenade is a magical experience and you can be entertained by the soft Italian harmonies of your Venetian guide while you soak up the romantic atmosphere and beautiful surrounds.


Venice has a romantic and alluring quality which is only enhanced by its tragic struggle against the water which has made it so famous. Hailed as the worlds’ most romantic city, Venice indulges its visitors with its enchanting landscapes and timeless architecture which never fail to inspire and excite.


The iconic Rialto bridge, the oldest of the four bridges which cross the Grand Canal, has a strong romantic presence. You can sail under the Rialto bridge on your Venice Gondola ride or disembark to cross the river on foot, but be warned, the bridge is mostly steps and thus hard for the disabled to negotiate. Along the bridge you will find two rows of shops aimed at the tourist market, selling locally produced wares such as lace and glass goods. The Rialto Bridge is an ideal place for photos where you have amazing views of Venetian architecture as well as the gondolas whose musical harmonies resound below you as they sail pass.


Not all of the city can be explored by water though. St Mark’s Square sits in the heart of Venice and houses many of the city’s prime attractions. Doge’s Palace is a unique example of Venetian gothic architecture and dominates St Mark’s Square along with St. Mark’s basilica. St Mark’s square is a tourist hotspot and it is not hard to see why. The buildings in the square are truly magnificent and you can sit and admire them undisturbed by passing traffic or climb the bell tower to gain panoramic views of the whole city.

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Picturesque Prague


Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the most visited cities in Eastern Europe. It has been described as a fairy-tale city and it certainly gives off a fantastical aura.
The historical ambience in Prague is ubiquitous. In Old Town Square, the gothic and baroque architecture surrounds you as you wait for the Astronomical Clock Tower to chime. The Vyšehrad Castle, which overlooks the city, dates back to the 9th century and was once occupied by the Kings of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperors.
Take a somber stroll through Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto of Prague. While walking from synagogue to synagogue and through the crowded cemetery, which is the oldest existing Jewish cemetery in Europe, try to imagine what it was like to be a Jew living in Prague during the Second World War. It’s an eerie but educational experience.
There are also many other things to do in Prague like visiting the Prague Zoo or crossing one of Prague’s most distinctive landmarks, the Charles Bridge. Shopping in Prague is a great way to stumble upon authentic Czech souvenirs and Marionnette shops in the alleys branching out from the Old Town Square. The five-storey Karlovy Lazne is the largest club in central Europe and the highlight of the nightlife in Prague (and its interior dates back to the 14th/15th centuries)!
There’s definitely a romantic feel to Prague. The city is naturally decorated by roses that seem to congregate in various locations, providing a host of magnificent rose gardens to stroll through, hand-in-hand with your special someone. You can also enjoy an orchestral performance in one of Prague’s majestic concert halls, it’s a truly authentic and delightful experience, and romantic if you go just the two of you.
If you’re on a diet, be prepared to stray a decent distance away from healthy eating while you’re in Prague. Traditional Czech cuisine is hearty, savoury, and fatfull (not fatfree)! We’re talking Knedliky (flour dumplings), Gulas (a stew-like dish based on either chicken, duck, turkey, fish, rabbit or lamb) and Kolac (Czech cakes filled with jam), not to mention beer! One thing’s for sure, you’ll leave Prague nice and replete…with not only food, but culture!