Tuesday, 28 September 2010

Discover Rome


If you fancy visiting Rome at your own pace and with no hurry, the double-decker tourist bus is the perfect option for you! You can get on and off throughout the day, with just one ticket, you can go where you want and explore the rich history of the city through a convenient audio guide. The commentary is in 6 languages to insure you get the most out or your visit.

This comprehensive tour introduces you to the best Rome attractions in your own time. Hop on hop off Rome allows you to plan your perfect Rome sightseeing itinerary with ease insuring you see all the major sights. Whether it is architecture, food, culture, shopping or the romance that bought you to this incredible city this tour will help you to unearth your perfect Rome.

This ticket allows limitless Hop-On, Hop-Off access over a one or two day period. Hop on hop off at any of the 16 stops which are located close to all the most important sights. If you are looking for a new experience you have the opportunity of adding a 24 hour Hop-On, Hop-Off Tiber River Cruise ticket.

Rome was often nicknamed as the ‘capital of the world’. Spanning over two and half thousand years the city is brimming with historical artifacts and is just waiting to be explored. Center of the Roman Empire, home to the Vatican City and the capital of the kingdom of Italy, Rome is really worth a visit!

Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world with astounding sights hidden round every corner. St Peters can not be missed, being the heart of the Christian world and is visited by millions of tourists and pilgrims each year. Catholicism and art go hand in hand and the city’s churches ooze with grandeur and are brimming with gold, St Peters is no exception. Don’t forget to visit The Vatican City and decipher the work of Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and discover the endless highly decorated rooms.

After being dazzled by all the gold explore the Ancient Roman Forum and then hear about the brutality that took place in the Colosseum. There is so much to see and do in Rome, whether it is your first visit or not, there is so much to explore. To get the most out of your trip and avoid the hassle of transportation buy a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. The ticket allows you to discover Rome in your own time and in the most flexible way possible and at the most reasonable price. It is perfect for the whole family and making holidays stress free and relaxing.

After all the sightseeing don’t forget to explore the small ally ways that open into the most spectacular piazzas. Roman Piazza’s are magical places, usually punctuated by decorative fountains such as the Trevi Fountain. Hop on hop off Rome makes sure you can take your time. So relax in a piazza with a drink and soak up the truly unique atmosphere. Rome unquestionably won’t disappoint, it is truly like no other!

Romantic Evenings in Paris: The Best 5

1. 58 Tour Eiffel

This Eiffel Tower restaurant has been injected with a new lease of life thanks to collaboration between chef Alain Ducasse and designer Patrick Jouin and undergoing a rejuvenation such as that experienced after a holiday in the South of France. Formerly Altitude 95 this Eiffel Tower restaurant still retains its features and is the perfect place for a romantic meal in one of the most remarkable locations in the world. The 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is perfect for either an Eiffel Tower lunch or dinner, changing its menu has Paris changes its clothes with the setting of the sun. The views, the food and the laid back atmosphere of this restaurant over looking the City of Lights gives it the number one spot for a romantic meal in Paris.

2. Le Pré Catelan

If the bustle of Paris is proving too much then enjoy an evening in the haven of Le Pré Catelan in the Bois de Bologne. This venue would have an abundance of romantic charm even if diners had to forage for their own food on the forest floor. Thankfully, the food served is of the highest quality and diners are treated to sumptuous culinary delights in this calm, classy and chic restaurant. The Bois de Bologne has long been a haven for artistic and aristocratic Parisians who are in need of a break from frantic city life. Head chef Frédéric Anton brings variety and highly respected skill to the menu and supported by the ‘Best Sommelier in the World’ providing wine for diners. To make that date extra special, there is even a “table du chef” situated in the kitchen to see the master at work.

3. Jules Verne Restaurant Paris

Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world the Jules Verne restaurant Paris has the advantage of being the highest in metres and most highly regarded of the venues on the list, but misses out on the top spot due to price and high demand. The menu at the Jules Verne restaurant has also been crafted by Alain Ducasse, who is hard to escape in the food capital of the world. You will not fail to be seduced by the charm of one of the highest restaurants in Paris, and hopefully your dining partner will agree. An impressive array of food and stunning views of Paris are presented to diners at the Jules Verne restaurant Paris, and both are enjoyed enthusiastically on an evening of romance at the Eiffel Tower.

4. Les Ombres at Musee de Quai Branly

Known for housing the greatest display of overseas art in Paris the Musée de Quai Branly hides a badly kept secret of a restaurant above the collections. With a glass ceiling, an open terrace (in summer) and of course unmissable French food nowhere else offers such spectacular views and atmosphere so close to the ground than at Les Ombres. Guy de Maupassant used to dine in the Eiffel Tower restaurant so would not have to look at views of what he considered the ugliest creation in Paris, but now few trips to Paris are complete without dining in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Les Ombres restaurant has access to such a view, and woos admirers and aficionados of the Eiffel Tower. Dining in its shadow is celebrated in this restaurant and the décor has been constructed to capture the reflections of the great tower. The silhouette of the Eiffel Tower is visible all over Paris at night, but is best seen from the top of Quai Branly at Les Ombres restaurant. Translated as ‘The Shadows’ it refers to its position in relation to the most iconic shape in Paris, and is unfortunately eclipsed by 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant.

5. Le Cour Jardin

Yet another Alain Ducasse eatery makes the list, this one seemingly at odds to the other two included. A well kept secret in a miniature enclosure and known only to those who look, this restaurant is shielded from the rest of the city by the high walls of Parisian architecture. A clandestine venue perfect for an intimate date, and less showy than an Eiffel Tower dinner, Le Cour Jardin excels itself on summer evenings. The moment the the temperature rises the restaurant takes on more than its fair share of Parisian romance.

Sunday, 26 September 2010

Hassle free Paris


If you fancy visiting Paris at a relaxed pace and with no hurry, the double-decker tourist bus is your option! You can get on and off throughout the day, with the same ticket, you can change route and learn about the history of the city through a comfortable audio system. The commentary is in 8 languages to guarantee you don’t miss a thing!

This comprehensive Paris hop on hop off bus tour introduces you to the attractions of Paris at your own pace. Whether it is shopping, wine, history or romance that bought you to The Illuminated City this tour will help you to discover your perfect Paris.

This tour allows you unrestricted Hop-On, Hop-Off access over a one or two day period. There are four routes and more than 50 stops to choose from on this magnificent tour. All 4 routes are interconnected, allowing you to swap between them easily. This is very important for a sprawling city like Paris which is crammed with fascinating sights and attractions.

Paris has been ranked among the 3 most influential cities in the world. It was also voted among the 10 cities in the world “where to live in”. The city’s appeal is due to it being a world leading business and cultural centre which creates a truly electric atmosphere. A hop-on hop-off bus tour allows a visitor to get an insight into this energetic city and how it operates.

Paris is recognized to be stylish, this is evident in the architecture, food and the people. Even the cities most recognizable landmark the Eiffel Tower appears elegant, especially at night when it is lit up. Other landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame and the Musee d’Orsay, oozes sophistication! The city’s wide boulevards bordered with tree and flanked by beautiful apartments with balconies make a truly stunning location. The vast range of stunning parks adds to the city’s charm and need to be explored at length. The Tuileries Gardens for instance represents all the sophistication of Paris and was a common site of inspiration for many impressionist paintings. The garden encourages you to take a seat and take a moment in the tranquil location. This is one of the hop-on hop-off stops and is a perfect place to chill out and escape from the bustling streets.

Paris is awash with museums, galleries and churches all waiting to be explored. The Arts have such a prominent role within the city. Paris is bursting with world famous paintings, breathtaking operas performances and multitudes of concerts and shows.

Paris has so much to offer, whether it is your first visit or not, there is so much to experience. To get the most out of your trip and avoid the hassle of transportation buy a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. The ticket enables you to discover Paris at your own pace and in the most flexible way possible and at the most reasonable price. It is perfect for the whole family and making holidays stress free and relaxing.

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

The Last Supper in a Different Light

Discover why The Last Supper is one of the most famous religious images in the world. This article explains The Last Supper’s appeal and why it has been the centre of so much debate. It will highlight the elements that can so easily be missed and how being in its presence will make you reassess the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci.

If you are a lover of Leonardo da Vinci then you must buy Last Supper Tickets. This is the most breathtaking paintings produced in the Renaissance. The mural was commissioned by the extremely wealthy, art loving Duke Ludovico Sforza and his duchess Beatrice d’Este. Its purpose was to decorate the refectory in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie just outside Milan. Leonardo was famous amongst the Renaissance Court circles and was highly sort after by this point in his career.

Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous artist of all time and his work continues to intrigue fans from across the world. Leonardo da Vinci was as much a scholar as he was an artist. It is difficult to understand the power of his work without seeing it first hand. The Last Supper Ticket give you access to this master piece up close.

Controversy around this image has escalated over the years, suggesting Leonardo was conveying alternative meaning to the religious narrative. The condition of the mural has only aided fuel this debate. Leonardo’s experimental technique resulted in the painting to crack and crumble away during his own lifetime. Leonardo was a fantastic inventor and experimenter resulting in him making ground breaking discoveries. The Last Supper however, was certainly not a success! His experimental use of medium resulted in disaster and later restoration has only added controversy suggesting figures have been manipulated to change the images meaning.

Fresco painting was the typical medium of the Renaissance artists. The technique was painting onto wet plaster; the drawback was its time limitations. Work had to be completed before the plaster dried and could then not be changed. Leonardo used tempera made up of egg yolk and vinegar plus oil painting on dry plaster. He was able to alter his painting as and when he wished. Leonardo’s adaptations were an excellent idea but the paint didn’t mix with the plaster, and quickly decomposed.
The Last Supper’s crumbling surface has however not reduced the impact the image gives when seen on site. Its impressive size, standing at 15x29ft transforms the room bring it to life. This was not accidental. Leonardo has created a revolutionary form of perspective. Despite the image being well above the spectator’s head we feel like we are eye level with Christ. Furthermore the food, cutlery and glasses on the table are visible. The underside of the table should only be visible from as standing position. He has adapted our perspective so we can engage with this religious scene. Leonardo’s unique uses of perspective can only truly be appreciated when view on site, reproductions lose the fantastic achievement of the world greatest artist.

Leonardo da Vinci was fascinated with the idea of connecting the viewer with the scene and blurring boundaries Small element such as the table cloth and the cutlery would have matched the same used in the hall. It would appear that the nuns shared the same space as the holy figures as they too ate their supper. The painting would appear to be an extension of the room.

When visiting The Last Supper all pervious preconceptions will vanish. Your orginal understand of Leonardo da Vinci will certainly be challenged. When considering the painting’s decomposition and its relation to the view within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie you will realize why Leonardo da Vinci is consider being one of the world’s greatest masters. But decide for yourself, buy a Last Supper ticket and make up your own mind!

What Makes Venice so Special

Glide underneath bridges, alongside cafes, under balconies and through the atmospheric Venetian streetscape as your singing gondolier escorts you down the Grand Canal for a gondola ride like no other. A relaxing Venice gondola ride unmasks all the beauty that characterizes Venice.

The magic of Venice will come alive as you glide by gondola through the shimmering Grand Canal and turn down inner canals spanned by small bridges that make up a labyrinth of land and water. Gondolas have been a tradition in Venice for centuries. At first, they were used for transporting goods through the narrow canals of Venice, today gondolas are primarily used for sightseeing and ceremonial functions. Taking a gondola ride in Venice offers a totally different view of the city than experiencing it by walking. The best time for a gondola ride in Venice is in the evening when the waterways are no longer crowded with other boats.

A gondola ride down the Venice’s Grand Canal is believed to be one of the most romantic experiences in the world. Two people can fit snugly in the seat at the back and enjoy the sights along the Grand Canal.

Having a gondolier propel your gondola down the Venetian canals and sing beautiful Italian songs is and unforgettable experience. On your romantic gondola trip you will pass stunning buildings, historic churches and cozy cafes that Venice is known for.

Unfortunately, the gondoliers may try to scam you. The rule of thumb in Venice is that a gondola should be painted black and that the gondolier should be a local Venetian to have learned the techniques and trades of this profession.

You must still decide to go through with a romantic gondola ride, despite the scams. Seek out the Tronchetto, or the Piazzale Roma to the Ponte di Rialto and the Doge’s Palace. At any one of these places, you will most likely find gondoliers that offer that special Venetian experience.

The cost of a gondola ride in Venice varies. You can expect to pay at least €70. However, these so-called official rates are not usually followed, so you will most probably end up paying €100. This doesn’t even guarantee you the promised 50-minute gondola ride. Price hikes may also occur if you request some live entertainment from the gondolier. This occurs because gondoliers invest a large amount of money in their gondolas. It costs about €20,000 for a hand-built wooden gondola that can last up to 20 years. Aside from having to make a profit off of their investment, their means of living is also relatively higher, as living in Venice can be quite expensive.

Tips for an idea Barcelona Vacation

When you first step out of your hotel on the first day of your holiday there is often an overwhelming feeling of where do I begin? If you are only visiting for a limited time or you’re staying for a while a Hop-on Hop-off tour is the ideal way to see the city.


Hop-on hop-off Barcelona bus tours is no acceptation, it is the only way to see the city! Sightseeing has never been so easy. Regular buses mean you don’t waste time waiting at the bus stop. This flexible way of traveling is perfect for whole family. Go at your only pace hop-off when you want, as many or as few times as you want. Alternatively sit back, relax and absorb the cities sprawling street without the hassle of getting lost.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Unlike many cities that have a small nucleus of attractions in compacted area, much of Barcelona’s attractions are scattered. This make the Hop-on hop-off tour ideal to get the most out of your trip.


Barcelona has so much to offer. The more you see of Barcelona, the more you’ll understand why it was voted of the world’s most popular places to live.


In just one day on this tour you can visit the bizarre architecture of Antoni Gaudi at the Casa Mila. The city’s architecture is a feast for the eyes, as a world heritage site the variety of styles will blow you away. From Medieval, Art Nouveau to Modern the buildings sit side by side creating a complex array of interest. Discover the fascinating Catalan culture that still lives so strongly within the people of Barcelona in the Museum of the History of Catalonia. You must shopping till you drop in the innovate L’illa Diagonal, a fantastic shopping centre that was designed to look like a skyscraper lying on their side. Then take a walk in the beautiful Jardin de Miramar with its spectacular views of Barcelona Harbor. Alternatively visit one of the beautiful sandy beaches such as Nova Mar Bella which has over 500 meters of pristine white sand, perfect to top up your tan.

Everywhere you look the city has something new and exciting to offer and with the Barcelona hop-on hop-off tour you can see it all. Barcelona will not disappoint. This tour insures that you don’t miss a thing yet you take it at you own pace so you can relax and enjoy your stress free holiday.


Wednesday, 18 August 2010

Jerusalem - 3 of its best tourist attractions

Jerusalem is today’s capital of Israel. It is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, presenting a special combination of ancient antiquity, religious piety and vivid traditions. Only a few places inspire as much as Jerusalem.



Jerusalem is the Holy City to the world's three most practiced religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Jerusalem’s tourists are left touched and inspired by the shining glow of they city’s religious sites, picturesque scenery and brilliant golden limestone.



Jerusalem tours will reveal the can’t miss sights of Jerusalem. Here are Jerusalem’s top three highlights.



The Western Wall Tunnels are a labyrinthe of underground tunnels that make up a ceaseless chain of history. They snake under the Western Wall known to non-Jews as the Wailing Wall which is a surviving section of the wall encircling the Temple Mount and ist he most sacred site of prayer in the Jewish religion.



Temple Mount, aka Mount Moriah, is a site of tremendous religious significance to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike. It is one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks and can be found within the walled section of the Old City. The glinting golden dome of the Dome of the Rock rises impressively above Jerusalem's skyline and has become the city's most distinguishable aspect.



Church of the Holy Sepulchre also referred to as the Church of the Resurrection is a Christian church housed inside the walled Old City of Jerusalem. The land on which the church stands is worshipped by many Christians as Golgotha, the Hill of Calvary, where, according to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified. It is said to also contain the Jesus’ burial site (the sepulchre). The church has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century. Today it is the centre of the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Catholic Archpriest of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre.