The Egyptian Museum is composed of two floors that encompass a total of 107 halls. On the ground floor, you will come across a vast display of papyrus as well as coins all of which date back to the ancient times. These countless small fragments of papyrus were actually big in size, but all credit goes to their rotting over the time of two millennia. When you look at these fragments, also look for the inscribed text in several languages such as Arabic, Latin, Greek, and the hieroglyphs writing language. Coming to the coins, they are made up of various metals such as silver, gold, and bronze. Not all of them are Egyptian; some are Greek, while a few are Roman as well as Islamic. Spotting this difference is important as it is the proof that reveals about the trade of Egypt with these cults on the planet in those days. Apart from these coins and papyrus fragments, you can also spot the New Kingdom’s artifacts that date back to somewhat around 1550 B.C, which include coffins, big statues, and tables.

Talking about the first floor, this is the venue of the artifacts that are from the final two dynasties who ruled over the ancient Egypt. Check out for the items that were discovered from the tombs of the Pharaohs namely, Amenophis II, Thutmosis III, Thutmosis IV, Maherpen, and Queen Hatshepsut. In this area of the Egyptian Museum, a majority of items are those which were discovered from the Valley of the Kings, the hilly section of Egypt where all the pharaohs were cremated in their burial chambers. It is only on this floor where you surely get a chance to gaze at the Tutankhamun treasures, ornaments, and mummies. For the last one, head towards the Royal Mummy Room where more than 25 imperial mummies reside, each one dedicated to a pharaoh of some dynasty. After remaining closed for some four years due to the order of the President, it today houses fewer mummies that are dedicated to the kings as well as queens of the New Kingdom. In number, only 9 mummies are on display of which the most recently found mummy of Queen Hatshepsut forms the center of attraction. Also, explore the next room where you can marvel at a few mummified birds as well as animals.

If you want to explore the Egyptian Museum section wise, you can do so by visiting each of the seven sections. The First Section is dedicated to the treasures of the most famous pharaoh who is known for its curse, Tutankhamun; while the second section holds the monuments that are from the Old Kingdom as well as pre-dynasty times. In the Third Section, there are monuments belonging to the intermediate as well as the Middle Kingdom eras. The Forth Section is totally the home of the Modern Kingdom’s artifacts, whereas the Fifth Section is devoted to the monuments of the Roman as well as Greek times. Coins and papyrus exhibition adorns the Sixth Section, while the Seventh Section houses the scrabs as well as sarcophagi of the pharaohs.

An entry to the Egyptian Museum is allowed daily from morning 9 to evening 4:30 with the admission fee of £e50. However, if you want to also visit the Mummy Room, then you need to pay an additional £e100.

In structure and style, it bears a markedly strong resemblance to Machu Picchu and is littered with architectural gold dust in the form of buildings that sit on terraced hilltops. Legend has it that this city was the last abode of the Incans after they fleed Cusco in the 16th century. This was constructed during the time of King Pachacuti Inca Yupangui and is nestled away in the Salkantay mountain range high above in the valleys of the Cusco region. Archaeologists have only uncovered about a third of the entire city but the parts that have been excavated is classical in its Incan ways. The temples and buildings stand on a square with the living quarters of commoners not far off and the niches used and styling of the doorways shows that the city was once an exalted one in Incan culture. The city itself is so inaccessible that it wasn’t until the 1970’s that excavation work begun.

Strangely, and maybe even impressively, carvings and figures of Llamas and Alpacas are freely found all around Choquequirao on a set of terraces and it is strange to see the animals so carefully worked into the terraces using white rock. It is perhaps true then that these creatures held a special position in the way of life of the Incans. If the Peruvian government has its way, more people will be able to enjoy little wonders like this because as it stands getting to Choquequirao involves taking a two day hike from Cusco, but the government has mooted a cable car service that will cut traveling time drastically. While this means that the place will lose its uniqueness, it is also a good thing in some ways since the hike is very treacherous as of now with mud slides and rock sides a common occurrence, especially once the rains set in. It is far more difficult to trek that the route to Machu Picchu and the dirt trail is unending and maddening. Perhaps all of that will be a thing of the past now, which is a shame for the trek itself is a rite of passage to a city lost in the bowels of time.

Russia:

Russia famous for James Bond movie is much beyond that, an enigma with kind of history and turmoil’s this country has seen. From being s super power, with cold war and Warsaw pact inflicting in its history and gradual breaking up of this country, Russia always comes from long way. Russia is enigmatic charm to foreigners, from being monarch to communist and then to being socialist today, Russia has been playing a role of supporting actor in world history. But at the home turf, its natural resources and human resource is vast, one day Russia will rise to top of international circle again.

Moscow and St Petersburg cities are the testimonial of the Russia’s revolutions, St Petersburg, then Leningrad and then again ST Petersburg. Still there are glimpse of past that are to be seen, which tuned the tide of History today.

Places to see: Legendary Battle ground- that’s what is called taste of adventure and excitement, seeing the ground where the Germans clashed with never to die spirits of Russians during the World War two, see those grounds where men lost their lives that became tuning point of war in western front. Battle of Stalingrad and don’t miss out exploring the place where the ‘Bloody Sunday’ took place: St Petersburg where the Tsar’s soldiers did the flip and changed the Russia.

France:

Remember in your History book there must be a quote of Louis XIV where he said to his peasants that if they don’t have bread, why not eat cake. And that brought French Revolution. But in between who can forget that “Reign of terror” ruthless killings of people of monarch-kings, prince, queens which brought in fury of other monarchs European monarchies. Paris is ‘city of love’ yet it bears those scars of hatred ness, streets are still strained and who can forget their great invention of “Guillotine”.

And this is the land of Leadership of Napoleon, land of brilliant thinker that has changed the world’s attitude towards what a country, its government and its citizens should be from the great views of Jean Jacques Rousseau. Enlightenment and Renaissance had quick hold of ground here.

Places to see: France gets listed in all the lists for tourism, exploring the country in this respect will make you revere this country more. Go to Palais de Versailles to explore opulence of French Aristocracy and see the place where the decisive treaty of Versailles happened which as we all know sowed the seed for World War Two.

China:

China is known for its mythology, for Tibet and its upheavals and for Chinese calendar. China is land to explore to see the dragon king, to see the Terracotta army sculptures and nobody should miss out the most important and that is The Great Wall of China. China though remained closed economy for longer time, but now its open to all. China is all together a different world, a point to be noted is so many of the countries today have china town. China offers travelers a different experience.

Places to see: Hong Kong, Tibet, Shanghai, Macau, The Great Wall of China.

Portugal and Spain:

Well these two countries need a special mention and applause. Reason being from here originated all the voyagers and explorers who found the distance lands, regions which produced spices, fabrics and much more which led to the race of colonization and imperialism and to wars.

Places to see: Spain Salamanca’s massive monuments/Portugal: Sintra’s Historical castles

North America and Latin America:

This combination of places itself is such that there can be another top ten list on them only.

North America is great for American culture and history. United States of America’s birth itself has marked an important page on history, thirteen colonies becoming fifty states of US. But amazing thing is its utopian growth and creation of wealth.

Places to see: Oklahoma, Yukon, Quebec, Nevada Alaska.

Latin America is pride place with rich culture. Three leading civilizations which settled was Mayas, Aztecs and Incas which has impacted the art and culture and influencing the lifestyle. Latin America is testament of blends of cultures along with Spanish culture.

Places to See: Cuzco Machu Picchu in Peru

Egypt:

This place has taken human kind to life beyond death with its Tombs, and their mythologies and with books of death and book of Pharaoh. Seen movie ‘The Mummy’ which stared Brandon Fraser, for real experience go to Egypt for the ultimate tour and voyage through the river Nile. Egyptian Explore the tombs of famous leaders of ancient times from pharaoh Ramses and female pharaoh Hatesheput. Worship their Sun god Ra, see the engineering marvel of Great Pyramids and Egyptian art which reflects the grandeur.

Place to see: Cairo, Great Pyramids, Sphinx of Giza, Temple of Hatesheput

Iran:

Ancient Persia, like the story place of ‘Alladin’ when Cyrus the Great had defeat Medes and that led foundation of Acheamenid Empire. Persian Empire was from Greece to India, crossing Caspian Sea, Red Sea and Arabian Sea. Cyrus devoted Zoroastrian. And then came Arabs that took over Persians converting them into Islam and then influencing the art and culture.

Places to See: Ruins of Persepolis

India:

India explore it for seeing the civilization of Indus civilization and today it’s the melting pot of so many cultures, traditions and customs. So many languages and their dialects, a country that gave the world number “0”. Birth place of Mahatma Gandhi who led India to glorious freedom with principles like non violence, Taj Mahal epitome of love and one of the seven wonder of world.

Places to visit: Taj Mahal, Kashmir, Leh Ladakh

Greece:

This place doesn’t need any introduction, all any explanations for visiting it. With its Greek empire, civilization, Greek Gods and Goddesses, Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad, amazing philosophers Aristotle and Plato and remember Alexander the Great which conquered most of the world, and took Greeks towards unprecedented heights.

Place to See: Athens and their temples dedicated to their gods and goddesses like Temple of Arthemis

Italy:

Roman Empire and city Rome takes the high position in this list for being the number one in places to visit for historical and cultural significance. Roman Empire began with Romulus and Remus, but climaxed with killing of Julius Caesar. See the remnants of Roman Empire, and also learn about Renaissance, about the middles ages and why dark ages were so dark. See the arena where five thousand animals were killed just for fun.

Place to see: Rome which has remains of Roman Colosseum etc, explore the ancient Rome.

If you’re a city lover then Bulgaria won’t disappoint either – it’s capital city of Sofia is historically rich, culturally pure and a young, dynamic city at its heart now that it is benefiting from European Union entry and an increase in employment prospects for its citizens.

If you fly in to Sofia you can spend a few days exploring the city, enjoying the nightlife, discovering its majesty and really getting to know the Bulgarian people before you decide where you would like to expand your vacation.

If you arrive in the late autumn, in winter or early spring you can head to the dramatic and imposing Pirin mountains and visit resorts such as Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo and you will find excellent ski and snowboard conditions, affordable equipment hire and ski pass purchase prices as well as some fabulous powder and brilliant après ski.

Alternatively, if you arrive in Bulgaria from May to September you will want to head for the Black Sea coastline where there are any number of perfectly pristine, Blue Flag beaches, where there are beautiful ancient fishing villages alongside vibrant new resorts such as Sunny Beach, and where you can have a fun time.

Along the coast there is so much for all the family to do and enjoy. There are theme parks and water parks, there are historic castles and museums to visit, there are beaches to comb, restaurants’ fare to sample and many friendly and welcoming local people to make your stay a memorable one.

Because Bulgaria is in the European Union now its border rules have relaxed and its visa criteria have eased so that it is now not only easy to take a vacation in Bulgaria, it’s possible for many people to take an extended holiday and live and even work in the nation.

If you’re thinking about taking some time out and exploring Europe and you want to fund your adventures, why not contact your nation’s Bulgarian embassy and determine whether or not you can live and work there for a period of time.

In his novel “Across the River and Into the Trees” Ernest Hemingway wrote that whenever you cross the bridge or pass the station at Padua, there are ruins all around. That’s right, the Second World War has changed Padua’s looks and the whole territory from the railway to the city centre is occupied by after-war buildings – such a pity since there was really a lot to look at there. Luckily, the central and the southern parts of the city were untouched by the bombings, that’s why Padua – which, unfortunately, is often left aside from the popular travel routes – deserves your attention. Though, its true for the whole Italy, especially for its north – each city has something to show.

One of Padua’s advantages is that it is easily accessible by train, bus or car from Venice, Milan, Verona, Bologna and Mantua. The city’s main attraction is the Basilica of Saint Anthony, decorated with frescos by Altichiero da Zevio along with the bronze Madonna with Child, and six statues of Saints by Donatello. St Anthony’s relics are kept in the richly decorated Treasury Chapel. Another work by Donatello is the equestrian monument of the Condottiero Gattamelata in front of the Basilica.

But those are not its architectiral treasures that you should see in Padua in the first place. First, visit its renowned Pedrocchi Cafè – one of the biggest cafes in the world. Everything is symbolic here: its location close to the second oldest univerisity – the hotbed for free thinking, as usually; its neoclassic style with antique-style porticos; its interior, with Egyptian, Eastern and other halls mixing luxury and naïvety. All in all, it is no wonder why its here that in the 40th of the XIX century the students’ riots took place, thanks to which the Austrians were pushed out from the Italian territory. Another war. One of the halls contains a bullet hole, and opposite it there is a quotation from Stendhal’s «The Charterhouse of Parma» describing the cafe. The menu contains lots of cocktails made of hot coffee and cold liquers – and you can hardly find a place where they would be prepared and mixed so excuisitely.

Then you can wander around the city, look into the Saint Anthony church, marvel at people’s deep belief (there are many thank-you letters lying on the saint’s sepulchre), then go to the Eremitani church and the Scrovegni Chapel. Don’t forget, this must be the exact order. First, you have to see the beauty of what was the Mantegna frescoes – tiny pieces that survived the bombings. And then, go 200 meters farther to the Chapel where 700 years ago Giotto laid foundation to the Western art. The chapel was financed by the wealthy banker Enrico Scrovegni, to make satisfaction for sins of his father, a money-lender. He commissioned Giotto to decorate the chapel. The artist created 37 frescoes, known for the use of vivid colours.

And, finally, don’t miss Palazzo del Bò, which houses the University of Padua. Many famous persons like Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca and Galileo Galilei worked here.

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which was opened in 1992, is considered the museum for 20th century art. Many art connoisseurs consider it the most prestigious art collections in Europe. One of the highlights of the museum is the famous Pablo Picasso piece, Guernica. This 1937 painting got its inspiration from Picasso’s feelings on surrealism and the Nazi bombing of the town of Guernica. If you are a fan of Picasso, and I don’t know who wouldn’t be, there are many pieces of his work from a young age right up to maturity.

The museum is in a building designed in the 18th that was once a hospital. It was scheduled to be demolished when they decided to turn it into a house of art. Renovations and additions were added to the original building to make it what they needed to become a museum. Some thought it odd that an old building would be used to house modern art, but the plans proved to be exactly what they wanted. It was declared a national museum in 1988.

Queen Sofia offers the art lover a variety from the late 19th century right up to the most recent contemporary and modern works of art. If Solana pieces are what you are interested in, you’ll get a glimpse of The Chorus Girls, Café Pombo, and don’t forget The Meeting of the Pharmacy.

Most famous artists are represented by more than one piece of work, such as Miro whose work Man with a Pipe, Fleur, Toile and Escargot are all on display. They may have been painted in the 20s or 30s, but still manage to interest art lovers. The same can be said for Dalí, whose works spans fro his 1927 Still Life by the Light of the Moon to his 1945 Galarina portrait. You will be amazed at his realistic 1951 and 1955 paintings of the Crucifixion.

Paintings are not the only objects of interest to the tourists and visitors. The 46,000 square yard exhibit space is filled with many art objects as well as pottery and porcelain. They also have a library there in case you wish to look up some of the paintings or artists. You can find interesting reading and take it to the cafeteria they also have for your dining pleasure. If you happen to be traveling during the holiday, spend the perfect holiday in Madrid.

Guests staying at this hotel enjoy its boutique atmosphere. After completing a 70 million dollar remodel in 2004 the hotel now has beautiful raised ceilings, upscale amenities, granite and marble bathrooms, and a roof-top swimming pool. Many also like to visit the luxurious Aria Spa. A rather unique aspect–the hotel is both a literary and historical landmark. With only three literary landmarks in all of the United States, this hotel has housed authors such as Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Anne Rice and Richard Ford–many of these authors have actually included the hotel in their works. Guest also enjoy visiting the “Carosoul Bar” made famous by Ernest Hemmingway’s writings.

Family owned and operated, the hotel is proud to say that many of its staff members have worked there for 25 years, some have even provided as many as 40 to 50 years of service. In particularly special cases, staff members have known guests since they were children visiting the hotel with their parents. With years of experience, staff at the hotel are known for their excellent hospitality services. Whether it is helping a guest who has misplaced their wallet, fixing a flat tire, or taking a guest’s dog for a walk, the staff is always happy to lend a helping hand. One happy traveler comments, “The attention to detail, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall feel of the hotel itself couldn’t be better.”

Overlooking the Mississippi River and the French Quarter, the hotel receives a 5 out of 5 stars for its prime location. One guest comments, “This hotel is the best—it is located a block from the French Quarters.” Close enough to the fun of New Orleans, but far enough from the noise, guests love all the action in the surrounding neighborhood. Described as a place for leisure travelers, Hotel Monteleone is also a great place for business travelers. With 24,000 square feet of meeting space and 25 meeting rooms, many business travelers bring their spouse along for an extended leisurely stay at the hotel. The hotel also offers a “Girlfriend’s Getaway” which includes the Tale of Cocktails tour around famous New Orleans bars and the “Romantic Interlude” package complete with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a three-course dinner at The Hunt Room Grill and breakfast at Brennan’s.

For those looking for a piece a literary history, combined with the luxurious amenities in the the heart of New Orleans, the Hotel Monteleone is the place to be.

Historical Carnival: Every year it ends up badly: he gets burned, he is tossed in a gorge, he is tried and condemned to death after a strange public ritual, he drowns in the sea, he undergoes a funny vivisection, he is buried, he is cast out, eventually he is abandoned in a balloon in the sky.

Ronciglione is situated about sixty kilometers (forty miles) north of Rome in the Cimini mountains. It is home to fewer than ten thousand people. The Ronciglione Carnevale is based on the Roman Renaissance Baroque Carnival. After the Big Bell is rung, the keys to the city (town) are presented to King Carnival. Then come the Barbary races, the Saltarello (jumping dance), the allegorical floats, and the sad ritual of the Carnivals death with the final Moccolata a jumping dance.

Then it’s on to Rome, almost in the center of Latium, not far from the center of Italy, and according to many, the center of the world. Roma has a long Carnival tradition. In fact, during the Renaissance the Roman Carnival was even famous in all Europe than the Venetian one. Alexandre Dumas entitled Chapter 36 of his famous book, The Count of Monte Cristo the Carnival at Rome. But over the centuries Roman authorities abandoned the city celebrations.

Happily, Carnevale has returned to Rome, the city hosts over thirty events located all over Rome. Activities include circus horses that jump through flames, masquerades, fireworks, open-air theaters, folklore dances and parades with floats that keep Rome humming for about eight days. Don’t miss out on the Castagnole,& traditional Carnival cakes. There are activities for all ages. You’ll get a chance to tour the Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne and Palazzo Sfroza Cesarini (both located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele) that present dance and music performances and offer costumed tour guides. A major highlight comes on Sunday afternoon (check the events calendar), an equestrian show in the Piazza del Popolo that showcases Cossack riding purebred Berber horses. And you’ll see a kind of basketball played on horseback.