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Milan Walking Tour – From the Duomo to da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

August 20th, 2011

Milan, Italy’s capital, can be a hard city to crack for tourists. Some might argue there’s a more rushed feel here, a sense of hurry and a lack of the relaxed charm that radiates from other Italian gems. So to get a little help understanding what makes this city tick, I booked a three-hour tour with a private viewing of The Last Supper.

Milan Walking TourMilan Walking Tour

I met my guide Alice and group in the centre of the Piazza Duomo. We start with an introduction to one of Italy’s best-known and most beautiful buildings, the Duomo. For a cathedral that has had 30 kilos of pigeon poo dumped on it each day and was under construction for six centuries, Milan’s Duomo, the third largest church in the world is looking in pretty good shape the morning I see it.

The stunning facade that features over 2,300 hundred statues was put in place by Napoleon during the French occupation. Today we’re lucky enough to see it gleaming white and sans scaffolding, the result of a seven-year restoration and clean up that kept the building covered most of the time.

Alice explains that what we see today is like a dress- the real structure is underneath. Inside, we’re able to view the thick black that coats the soft sandstone inside. Having Alice guide us through allows us to admire the little things we may have otherwise missed on the tour. » Read more: Milan Walking Tour – From the Duomo to da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

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The Ideal Time of Visiting Venice, Italy

June 25th, 2011

The Italian city of Venice is still rated among the most alluring travel destinations of the world. The basic setup of this city has remained the same as what it was 600 years ago. Are you planning to tour this romantic city? Then this article will be extremely handy for you as it will offer you information about the climatic conditions of Venice.

The summer is probably the worst time for visiting Venice. During the summer months, the weather of this city remains extremely hot and humid. You will come across irritating things like smelly canals, mosquitoes, flies etc. However, if you come to Venice in spring or falls, you will never feel like going back. During these times the average temperature of the city ranges in between 5 and 15° Celsius. The tourist population in Venice is maximum during these parts of the year. If you want to avoid the rush, you may also plan the tour to Venice between November and January. Traveling through Venice during the winter months will surely be an extremely thrilling experience. However to tackle the extreme cold of Venice during winter months, you must carry a lot of woolens with you. In this time the weather of this city stays damp, windy and cold.

Another feature of Venice, you must be aware of before landing in the city is ‘aqua alta’ or high water. During an aqua alta, the water level of the lagoon rises above levels of streets and squares; it is almost like a mini flood and persist for only for some hours. Such incidents may take place suddenly for several times in a year. There’s no definite time for an ‘aqua alta’, however, it is more frequent during colder months.

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Find The Best Travel Deal To Las Vegas with Expedia

April 4th, 2011

Las Vegas attracts thousands of visitors every years for its stunning attractions. Known for the center of gambling, this glam city now has evolved to a sophisticated city offering a complete selections of fun and relaxing activities for unforgettable travel experience.

So, whether for business, leisure, or familiy vacations, there are many pleasure to enjoy in the city. From dazzling hotels, fine dinning restaurants,  a luctravie selections of entertainment designed to quench your thirst of joy, and great shopping destinations. And of course, that includes the wildest party at most reowned nigth life you can ever imagine.  What a totally great experience you shouldn’t be missed.

Hate gambling and get tired with all that neon lights attractions? Feel no worry, since there are myriad of other entertainments and fun activities you can enjoy here. For instance,  great circus performances for your children, art exhibitions, or even outdoor activities like Red Rock Canyon tours.

Simply put, there is something for everyone here. Therefore, if you are planning to take a Vegas travel, make a plan before fly.  Now, if you have decided to have Las Vegas Vacations, take your budget into consideration.  Make a smart decision on air travel and hotel and accommodations. This will help you spend your budget efficiently which will help you to have enough budget for all fun that have been waiting there.

One of the easiest ways is using Expedia coupons. With Expedia you can save up to $220 when you book flight and hotel. Furthermore, it’s very easy to use. Just a few clicks away and you will have set your Vegas trips carefully.  Therefore, book early is the key. With Expedia you will experience the ultimate travel deal and service including a complete guide of Vegas.  Now, finding the right trip to Vegas in the right place has never been easier.  Thanks to Expedia and its coupons.

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How to Have a Great Travel Experience in Paris ?

March 29th, 2011

Paris is definitely one of great destinations of the world.  This is the city that most likely has a complete attraction for the visitors. From panoramic views, culture-rich places, to romantic dinner. All you have to do is make your plan trip, get your suitcase packed, and go.

But wait a minute, before calling your travel agent for an airline ticket, make sure you are well-prepared, to make sure you will have a great time and portrait a memorable experience in Paris.

First thing first is accommodation.  The choice is apartment or hotel.  Hotel is ideal place if you plan to have a short time trip. If you go to Paris for business travel, hotel provides many facilities that will make your business activities much easier. It’s also ideal to having a meeting with your client or colleagues. However, if you travel with your partner and or family, apartment is a perfect solution.  Fully furnished apartment Paris will be great for short term-mid term family vacation. So make sure to find apartment that meets your budget and needs. There is always a decent cost for quality.

Well, are you looking for another challenge? Why don’t you try to stay in a wooden lodge construction, check cout construction maison en bois for exotic wooden house stay in Paris.

The last, vacation would not be perfect without a great culinary experience.  Be sure to sip the exotic wine of Paris while enjoying a delicious delicacies from Paris’s top restaurant. You can find your favorite restaurant at restaurant Paris 8. There will be a great restaurant for everyone and for every budget.

Anyway, it’s better if you do a few clicks on the net  to have more details about Paris. Have a nice trip and  unforgettable experience in Paris.

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Spring Break on the Cheap at Kiawah Island

March 24th, 2011

Kiawah Island near Charleston, South Carolina offers fun for the whole family. The kids will enjoy Night Heron Park or biking on the many trails. Dad will be in golfer’s heaven with five world-class courses. Mom’s going to love splurging at The Sanctuary Spa. And the entire family will spend hours on the ten-mile swath of hard-packed beach that fronts the Atlantic Ocean. What’s not to like? The price tag. The resorts at Kiawah are wonderful, but they aren’t cheap.

How do you save money on a family spring break to Kiawah Island? Book a vacation rental.

To begin planning your family’s spring break on Kiawah, start by researching online listings. I’ve had good luck with Vacation Rentals by Owner. How do you know your choice is a good one? Follow this list:

  • Study the map. Google the unit’s address to confirm the location. Is it close enough to the beach for you? How far is the bike ride to Night Heron Park?
  • Look for clues in the photos. What are the owners not showing? Why doesn’t the listing show an outside shot of the building? Where’s the photo of the patio? Did you notice a picture of a bathtub in the master bathroom? Maybe there isn’t one.
  • Does the rental include the use of resort facilities? You don’t want to arrive only to find out that the unit does not come with permission to frolic at the pool or exercise in the gym.
  • Pay attention to the details. Does the rental provide linens, cleaning supplies or free wifi? Is their a housekeeping charge?
  • Are extras like bicycles or beach equipment included? This will save you money.
  • Read the comments and recommendations. What did former renters like about the property? Did any remarks complement the owners? A word of caution: use your judgment when reading reviews, they can be manipulated.

Bonus tip: cooking your own meals is one of the biggest money-savers when renting a vacation unit. But come on, mom deserves a spring break too. Plan a dinner or two around the prepared meals at the upscale grocery store, Newton Farms, located in Freshfields Village, just outside Kiawah’s gated entrance. Now everybody’s happy.

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Milan Walking Tour – From the Duomo to da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

March 18th, 2011

Milan, Italy’s capital, can be a hard city to crack for tourists. Some might argue there’s a more rushed feel here, a sense of hurry and a lack of the relaxed charm that radiates from other Italian gems. So to get a little help understanding what makes this city tick, I booked a three-hour tour with a private viewing of The Last Supper.

Milan Walking TourMilan Walking Tour

I met my guide Alice and group in the centre of the Piazza Duomo. We start with an introduction to one of Italy’s best-known and most beautiful buildings, the Duomo. For a cathedral that has had 30 kilos of pigeon poo dumped on it each day and was under construction for six centuries, Milan’s Duomo, the third largest church in the world is looking in pretty good shape the morning I see it.

The stunning facade that features over 2,300 hundred statues was put in place by Napoleon during the French occupation. Today we’re lucky enough to see it gleaming white and sans scaffolding, the result of a seven-year restoration and clean up that kept the building covered most of the time. » Read more: Milan Walking Tour – From the Duomo to da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

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Offbeat Vilnius

February 25th, 2011

History, Shoes and Food

My tour of Vilnius starts at the Panorama Hotel, where the bus arrives from Kaunas Airport and ferries in passengers on Ryanair flights. A friend drives the short distance to Downtown Market Guesthouse, with charming market themed animal, flea market or flower rooms, whose hosts bring you breakfast in bed. Located just past the Gates of Dawn, where you can find a bizarre museum featuring the Last Supper in wax figures.

We walk down the hill into the old town, along the park where a fleamarket is held on Sunday mornings, past the music library where my friend performed on the stairs with his band back in the day, and Jaunimo Youth Theatre. My first taste of Lithuanian cooking is the chicken potato pancakes in rock’n’roll Bix Bar, which I’m happy to recommend! Another local dish is delicious white cheese with spices, best enjoyed with beer, or a sweet version baked with honey.

My personal guide takes me on a meandering route, determined by important kicker (foosball) bars, past and present, along the edge of Užupis (Artist’s Republic), across Fluxus Bridge past the former youth park – now Sereikiškių Park. He tells me the stories of the church. Napoleon wanted to take home in the palm of his hand, the statue of Adomas Bernardas Mickevičius, famous Lithuanian poet – claimed as a national poet by Poland – and three crosses up on the hill, which have a surprisingly relevant presence even today, as noted the theatre posters we find along this route.

Since his interest in monuments and old buildings is equal to mine (which is to say hardly any, as regular readers may know, I prefer to learn more about local personal history than the official version), we eschew actually going to any of these historic places. Although he does tell me the legend of the guy on the statue, Grand Duke Gedimina (1316-1341), who founded Vilnius based on a dream. Legend goes that he heard a lone iron wolf howling in a dream, which sounded like hundreds of wolves bellowing in unison. He summoned the High Priest to interpret and decided this was an auspicious place to build the city. » Read more: Offbeat Vilnius

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Top 10 Things to See and Do in Jamaica

February 17th, 2011

In Jamaica, lazy reggae rhythms, endless sunny days, miles of sugar-white sand beaches, and spectacular orange-hued sunsets dipping into the sparkling, azure waters of the Caribbean are a way of life. If you can pull yourself away from your beachside hammock, you’ll discover a rich culture of lush greenery and mouth-watering cuisine. For a primer to this island paradise, try our top 10 list of things to see and do.

Swimming with Dolphins in Ocho RiosSwimming with Dolphins in Ocho Rios

Take the Bob Marley Nine-Mile Tour

Music fans should definitely take the Bob Marley Nine Mile tour, which takes you to the birthplace of reggae icon Bob Marley. On your way through the Jamaican countryside, you’ll wind your way through rural villages and spectacular mountain scenery. The house where Marley lived as a child is filled with cool memorabilia and music, of course, is playing everywhere. Throughout the experience, a Rastafarian weaves tales of Marley’s childhood and musical sojourns.

Catch a Jamaican Sunset at Rick’s Cafe

There’s no denying it. Whether you come to this Negril waterfront hangout spot for dinner or daiquiris, you’ll be among other bronzed bodies who are here to check out the most spectacular sunset in Jamaica. And it is a sight to behold. Off the cliff that plunges 33 feet (10m) into the ocean, the sun turns a blazing orange and dips slowly beneath a shimmering blue Caribbean.

At the Bob Marley MemorialAt the Bob Marley Memorial

Bobsled through a Rainforest

Bobsledding in Jamaica? You bet! The normally cold-weather winter sport is alive and well here. Various tours will take you into the rainforest to a winding course high up in the Blue Mountains. Once buckled in, you’ll head down a path for an exhilarating ride through a lush landscape of natural springs and exotic flora and fauna.

Hang at a Beach Bar

Beachside bars are ubiquitous in Jamaica, from mellow posh resort spots to lively raffish shacks. And you are on holiday – so why not make a day out of it? Grab a seat, order daiquiri, a rum punch, or a bottle of Red Stripe and soak up the sights and reggae rhythms on the beach.

Take Home Jamaica

Don’t leave this tropical island pearl without bringing a little back with you. Crafts are abundant—woodcarvings, weavings, jewelery—especially at the Crafts Market in Montego Bay or at Harmony Hall in Ocho Rios. Blue Mountain coffee and Appleton Estate rums and rum creams are also favorite take-home treasures.

Snorkel the reefs of Montego Marine Park

You can spend hours lazing the day away on the dazzling white sands of Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay. But if the warm, turquoise Caribbean waters beckon, head over to Montego Bay Marine Park for some of the island’s best snorkelling. You can explore some 15 acres of vibrantly colored reefs, where a dazzling display of fluttering sea life abounds. For above-water frolics, rent a jet ski or take a glass bottom boat ride.

Jerk Stands Along Highway in central JamaicaJerk Stands Along Highway in central Jamaica

Taste Jamaica’s Authentic Jerk Flavors

Forgo lunch at a beachside restaurant and instead stop at one of the ubiquitous ramshackle roadside stands for some jerk. This is truly an authentic Jamaican experience—and a spicy one! Jerk is like Jamaican barbeque. Meats and fish are flavored in seasoning then grilled on slats of pimento wood over a wood fire. Too spicy? Order a bottle of Red Stripe beer to wash it down.

Explore the Green Grotto Caves

One of Jamaica’s most fascinating natural sites is Green Grotto Caves, west of Ocho Rios. Wander among a forest of stalagmite and stalactites that hang in these limestone caves, filled with eerie chambers that are home to bats and marine life. The caves were once used to hide runaway slaves.

Swim with Dolphins

A top not-to-be-missed Jamaican experience, swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove, in Ocho Rios, provides the best one-on-one encounter with these lively critters. This exhilarating adventure includes touching, holding, feeding, and swimming with the dolphins. Afterward, you can dig into a Jamaican-style buffet and linger over tropical drinks at the bar. The more adventurous should ask about the shark program.

Seven Mile BeachSeven Mile Beach

Take a Stroll along Seven Mile Beach

With nearly 7 miles of white, powdery sand, strolling Seven Mile Beach defines “tropical paradise.” Palm trees sway on the beaches, nude sunbathers soak up the never-ending rays, inviting aquamarine waters beckon snorkelers and swimmers, and reggae rhythms pulsate from the endless line of resorts, clubs, and beach bars. A true hedonistic wonderland. Families and conservative folk may want to go elsewhere.

- William Travis

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Indulge Yourself in the Wonderful Attractions of Israel

February 4th, 2011

Israel is one of unique yet complete world top destinations in the earth.  Just within a few hours you can enjoy the scenic view of snowy height of Mount Hermon and take a ride to the Judean Dessert and see the wonders of Dead Sea, the saltiest sea on earth. While on the go, you can visit ancient biblical cities, covered markets and a lively metropolitan in between.  This what makes Israel a worth-to-visit destination for unforgettable experience in a lifetime.

This tiny slice of land on the eastern Mediteranean offers so many attractions that hard-to-resist, from spiritual pilgrim to the ‘Holy Land’ of Jerusalem, to exhilarating cultural tours, attractive beach holidays and even eco-tourism.  All comes in one delicate packet to quench your thirst of quality destination.

Well, before deciding to book a ticket to your airline agency, let’s take a glimpse look to this wonderful land, so you can prepare your trip based on you interest and budget.

Basically, there are five famous attractions. The first one is Jerusalem. This place offers a pleasant climate, extraordinary historical sites and world-class museums. It reflects a contrast of ancient and modern, oriental and western.  Here you can find many sights that reflect the heritage of Judaism in The Old City. This place has significance relevance to Christian and Muslim.  That’s why this place is divided into quarters, represents four major communities in 19th century: Arab, Jewish, Christian and Armenian.

If you are craving for urban life then Tel Aviv is the perfect place. Known as “world city” Tel Aviv offers various museums, opera, theater to find dining restaurant providing diverse cuisines of the world. This sophisticated city will spoil you with great shopping experience and buzzing nightlife. Above all, Tel Aviv is also known for its sandy beaches. These are perfect places to relaxation and enjoy water sport activities.

The other great place to have sun bath is Eliat. This place has pristine beaches that rival any Caribbean destination you can think of. If you want more challenge you could take diving and snorkeling experience in Eliat. One of the stars is Israel’s Red Sea Riviera on the Gulf of Eilat where a wonder-sea of corals and exotic fish awaits. Or else, if physical challenge is in your blood, you could try hiking experience in the desert cliffs around Eilat and in the Negev.

The next stop that must be on your agenda of course the famous Dead Sea, the lowest point on the planet on dry land. The name derives from concentration of salt in its waters. Many visitors has come to have a healing destination.

Well, with so many attractions you find in Israel, making a trip plan is a bit tricky. You have to find a strategically located hotel so can go from one destination to others easily. It saves your time and your budget.

As you might have short time to spend and so many places to visit, then you can consider rent a car. One thing you should remember before choosing car rental company  is their reputation. You can check it by read testimonials left for the company. Don’t rely only on positive comments, but also examine negative ones .

The other consideration in choosing the right car rental company is their support.  You may ask if there is any technical assistance when you are having trouble somewhere while using the car.  The professional one will commit and provide technical assistance for their customer.  In this case,  choosing car rental that has wide network or branches over the country is ideal.

If you are looking for a quality rental car in Israel, you can try the sixt car rental Israel. This is the biggest car rental that offers various cars that suit to many occasions and budget.  Sixt car rental Israel has branches spread throughout the country, from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  With years of experience and first class services this car rental agency is ready to make your trip to Israel more meaningful.

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Mara Serena Lodge: Wild safari destination in Kenya

January 26th, 2011

Welcome to the only lodge in the internationally acclaimed Masai Mara National Reserve! Nestled in the heart of the popular ‘Mara Triangle’, Mara Serena Lodge is among the premier destination for a wild safari. Perched well on a towering bushy hill looking over the savannah plains as well as the below twisting loop of the hippo-filled Mara River, the lodge is among the nation’s most dramatic wildlife showground showcasing the greatest wildlife migration of the wildebeest.

Designed to reverberate the round motif of a typical Maasai farmhouse holding manyattas as domed huts of mud, the Mara Serena Lodge well unifies the raw African wildness with the international classiness via its twin lines of rooms each offering a great vista of the serpentine Mara River. The result is a sophisticated, but still a beautifully traditional looking lodge blending well with the environment.

Facilities and services
  • Non-smoking 74 rooms including 5 rooms for family
  • Swimming pool and sundeck

  • 3 game drives with wilderness guides daily in tailored traditional safari vehicles
  • Nature or bird-watching walks daily with a guide
  • Big Five spotting
  • Dining room

  • Gift shop
  • Business centre
  • Dinner in the bush
  • Breakfast by the hippo pools
  • Tours to the Maasai communities for buying their famous handicrafts
  • Maasai dance and guitar music
  • WiFi
  • Satellite TV (in communal areas only)
  • Hot air balloon flights
  • Balloon safaris

  • Conference centre
  • Baby-sitting, children’s dining
  • Special dietary services
  • Board games and library of Africana books
  • 24-hour on-call medical services

Each of the lodge rooms feature private balcony giving you the breathtaking views of the wildlife rich plains. No matter which you choose, each room is compact, eco-friendly, soothing, and luxuriously presented to accommodate the guests in its separate modular unit as well as spacious seating area. Spectacular views are also best enjoyed from the dining areas as well as from the rock-surround swimming pool.

Dining

Dinning facilities at the Mara Serena Lodge are also commendable. It offers quality cuisine in its principal restaurant as well as via its dedicated room service. The main dinning room is adorned very remarkably featuring three big as well as small domes replicating enlarged Maasai Manyattas for vacationing in Kenya. You will be treated with the expensive international menus, buffets, African cuisine, and outdoor meals. The meal timings are: Breakfast from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, Lunch from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and Dinner from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Rates

From $227 but subject to change as per the season – the highest being in December, February, and July.

Reaching the Lodge

It is nestled in the Masai Triangle that is at a distance of 320 km from Nairobi. By road, it will take you some 5 hours of drive from the capital of Kenya. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrive by air and land at the Mara Serena Airstrip that is just at  a distance of 2 km from the lodge. So, do expect transfer services.

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