Download Around the World in 100 Countries

Around the World in 100 Countries
The diary of two teachers and their travels to more than 100 countries
Ever wondered how to travel, see the world on a budget. These two teacher managed to
do it. Here are tips and a must see list for any future adventurer of the wonders the world
has to offer.
28. “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the
beginning of it.” – Charles Dudley Warner
29. “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on
arriving.” – Lao Tzu
30. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the
religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at
home.” – James Michener
31. “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T. S. Eliot
32. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than
miles.” – Tim Cahill
33. “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out
whether you like people or hate them than to travel with
them.” – Mark Twain
34. “Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over
again in the quiestest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat
Conroy
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
35. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien
36. “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than
I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli
37. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry,
laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each
other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou
38. “Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the
conversation.” – Elizabeth Drew
39. “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and
the universe”……Anatole France
40. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
41. “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in
other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then.
People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William
Least Heat Moon
42. “I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world
around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.” – Lillian Smith
43. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous
Huxley
44. “Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a
picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more
clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the
sharp contour and meaning of art.” – Freya Stark
45. “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” – Rudyard
Kipling
46. “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” – Paul Theroux
47. “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on
one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G. K. Chesterton
48. “When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you
comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman
49. “A wise traveler never despises his own country.” – Carlo Goldoni
50. “Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky –
forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the
way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In
this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless
cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This
will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins
Around the word in 100 countries is a journal of two teachers – A language and a History
and Geography teachers. Both scholars on their subjects and fascinated by the feast of
different cultures the world has to offer, they embarked in a journey that took twenty
years and 110 countries insofar. This book shares their thoughts, vision, perceptions and
insight into much of the world and its beauty.
Leonardo De Valoes is a language professor and he summarizes this book into a few
words that denotes his passion for traveling: “I used to be afraid of flying and have very
little interest on other cultures. I was born in Brazil, got my Education in Europe and
lived in the USA for the past 25 years. Travel is a journey, our journey into life. Once we
travel, we fell we are all passengers of this mother ship called earth. Travel is not only an
outwards journey – it is a journey to our souls, what the meaning of all of it we call life. It
is a quest for the full experience of the intense beauty that the planet and its passengers
have to offer. In traveling, one really finds oneself.
During the years, people ask me what the most of everything has been: the prettiest
country, the most sophisticated, the most adventurous, and so forth. I will disclosure now
that we classify the planet on its geographical, cultural, historical value. We covered all
seas and continents and truly can state that all countries have an amazing value from
these criteria cited above. This book is our journey of the beauty of it all: life and the
planet.
Our hope is to foster a passion for traveling and a fascination for the diverse nature and
culture our planet has.
Our Journey starts now
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” –
Mark Twain
Australia.
Place Australia on the top destinations to visit. The nation continent has much to offer.
We visited amazing places that give you a true appreciation of how beautiful; our planet
is. We visited New Zealand first so it was a short and cheap flight to Melbourne where or
journey begun. Melbourne is a live city – made us feel like we were in New York. Full of
hotels and restaurants, Getting around is not a problem for you can take the Double
Decker bus and hop on and off and see the entire city for dirt-cheap. We took a day to go
to an animal sanctuary a visit one of the most impressive things – the smallest penguins
in the world one thousand year daily journey back to land. We sit on the stands right on
the beach on sunset and just wait. Suddenly like a Swiss clock, we see they coming back
to land and realize their chicks were behind us and hear their mother voices. On the way
to this sanctuary, you can visit a Koala reserve as well and appreciate these adorable
animals on their natural habitat. Must also see is a preservation center or a mini zoo
where your kids can get close contact with wallabies, kangaroos and wombats. We have
just arrived in the country and its nature and people fascinate us. It did feel like we were
in another planet since every single animal is unique, even the pigeons on the streets.
Uluru – The Rock. We flew to Airs Rock or like the locals call it Uluru. It has a spiritual
significance for the aborigines. It is a sacred ground, and they just got back from the
Australian government recently. We had a hotel on the park, which allowed us to have
dinner under the stars – an amazing experience. After watching the sunset on the Rock,
we were amazed as it changes colors. Dinner was fascinating and Australian wine to
celebrate all the stars above us. But, wait, save your energies because they also have a
breakfast on the Rock. Watching the sunrise reflecting on the Rock gives you a full
appreciation of its colors and its beauty. You can buy calendars with the Rock and don’t
miss the opportunity to buy local Australian aborigines art from the locals. They sell for
hundreds of dollars in galleries and you can buy directly from the locals. Each art piece is
a story of their culture, like a storybook – and if you are lucky, they will tell you the story
while painting it like they did for us.
We drove to Alice Springs – interesting drive through the outback. The real danger is
dehydration, so we were warned against its signs. The funniest part was that camels
chased our bus. Really, furrow camels. Some idiot decided to bring camels to Australia
and now they are everywhere in the outback. Alice Springs is no springs. It is a dry run
that has a seasonal river once a year. It does though give you a feeling of the real outback.
For American, it is kind of having the feeling of the old Wild West. The flight from there
would take us to Cairns – so much more amazing nature to see.
Once we settle on our flat, we raced to the beach. Alligators warning were everywhere –
it was not for swimming. The city though built beautiful pools along with a marvelous
sidewalk. Amazed me how you can go to a local supermarket and then barbeque with the
locals at Modern kiosks. It is very stylish indeed.
Then there was the Great Barrier Reef – Amazing. Again, once more we took a trip to the
top of the mountain to see a sanctuary full of activities. The highlight tough was being
taken out to the ocean and dive into the reef. The water was clear as a blue-sky day, and
once you dive, you must wear this breathable blue suits that protects you against the U.V.
rays, or you will cook like a lobster while admiring the vast amount of ocean species. We
fed the animals – felt like being in the movie Nemo. You are instantly surround by
dozens of fish, some quite big. Exciting and bold, and for the strongest at hearts, scuba
will take into deeper place and ever bigger fishes.
Sydney: more than just an opera house, Sydney is classy city itself. Well worth travel is a
city tour of the bay and tour around while watching the sunset. The boldest at heart would
fancy a tour on the top of the bridge, which we declined due to bad weather. This city
makes us feel right at home, just like Boston – a touch of new world with flair of the
classic.
Must see in Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see! It is located in the Coral Sea, right off of the coast
of Queensland. It is the largest coral reel in the world, consisting of 900 islands and
stretching over a vast 2,600 kilometers. It is now recognized as a World Heritage Site
and is the habitat to a diverse sea community, including but not limited to whales,
dolphins, porpoises, turtles, sea snakes, stingray, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. A
popular pastime is diving; it is only one of the various ways in which you can explore the
sea world! Daily boat trips to the reef and underwater observatories are also available if
you are the type of person who doesn’t love the getting into the water. The best time to
visit is April through November. If you’re a city person, you can’t miss out on
Melbourne. It is known as the country’s shopping capital where everyone’s desires are
accounted for. If you are an arts person, check out the Arts Centre in the Southbank,
where you can see over 150 stalls of art. If you are more interested in markets, the Queen
Victoria Markets are the right place for you. You can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables
and bargain for clothing. For a more classy experience, the Royal Arcade is the perfect
place. It is Melbourne’s oldest shopping arcade. Parks and gardens are scattered in the
middle of these shops and offer peace and tranquility. The best time to visit is March. If
you love visiting national parks, you must visit Daintree National Park. You will never
get bored there; you can go backpacking, kayaking, snorkeling, climbing, or hiking. You
can even get a close look at the villages in the rainforest from a tour offered by an
inhabitant!
Source: http://www.embraceaustralia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-australia-4805.htm
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson
Easter Island
We have just returned from the paradise island. An incredible 6 hours flight from
Santiago Chile takes you to this most isolated place in the world. Rapa Nui has a lovely
ambience, people, and incredible scenery. The island is small and there is one flight in
and out of the island. The locals call the Island Rapa Nui, and a full day tour takes you
around the island. The most impressive aspect of these islands is the Moais – these
massive statues representing past kings. They were carved out of the mountains and
rolled down to the shore. As time progressed, the statues got bigger to represent the might
of their kings. Wars, famine due the environmental destruction and population
overgrowth affected the statues. They were topped and even destroyed during these
conflicts. On the bright side they are everywhere. Watching them gives you a great
perspective on conservation of the environment. You can walk to all restaurants – all
family owned - and the people are very friendly.
Must see in Easter Island
If you visit Easter Island, Rano Raraku is a landmark that you cannot bypass. It is
categorized as ancient ruins because Easter Island’s famous moai statues were carved
from volcanic rock. They are dispersed throughout the slopes of the mountain. You can
enjoy the archaeology, statues, hiking, and the beautiful landscape. Rapa Nui National
Park is another attraction. It exhibits ancient cultural remnants of the indigenous people
of Easter Island (formerly known as Rapa Nui). It is also a World Heritage Site, which
means that is has been listed by UNESCO as a place of extraordinary cultural or physical
importance. If you are a beach lover, you must visit Anakena Beach. Its breathtaking
waters and shoreline exude a sense of peacefulness and serenity. Swimming and hiking
are two activities that you can participate in, and the exploration of its archaeology is
another. Of course, when you travel, it is a must to shop! Museo Antropológico in
Hanga Roa offers exhibitions and shopping. You will never run out of activities!
Sources:
http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g316040-Activities-Easter_Island.html
http://easterisland.southpacific.org/
“All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus
implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first
joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to
repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” – Paul Fussell
3. Galapagos Islands
A short flight from Quito will take you to the Galapagos. We decided to take a cruise the
MS Explorer and it did pay off. While a lot of tourists stayed on one island and had to
take a small boa to visit each island, we instead woke up every morning in a different
island. A nice breakfast, then explore a new island, the snorkel. Lunch, explore a
different island, and snorkeled again. Finish the day with a wonderful dinner and the most
beautiful sunset.
The animals are incredible. They do not fear humans, so we walked around sea lions and
iguanas lie they did not notice us. In my opinion the gigantic turtles were the most
impressive animals and the blue-footed boobie was the most unique. Swimming with a
hundreds of years old turtle gives you a perspective how ephemeral we are compared to
natured – the blue-footed boobie is very unique with its colors walking, and talking. It is
a real spectacle seeing them.
Bartholomew
It has a land surface of 1.2 km2. It offers visits one of the most spectacular views of the
Archipelago. Visitors can climb 114 meters to the highest peak, the trail is both
challenging and worth taking. The trail passes by different lava formations and natural
vexations on the way to the summit. It’s famous for a scenic pinnacle which looks as if it
were sheared away from the cliff. Next to the pinnacle is a please beach with a calm bay
ideal for swimming. Bartholomew is also a must for the visitor who is interest in geology.
Penguin can sometimes be observed while swimming, snorkeling, or during a dinghy
ride.
Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Hiking, Dinghy ride
Type of landing: Dry and Wet
Type or trail: Moderate- Difficult
Espanola
It has a land surface of 60 km2 with an elevation of 206 meters. It is a relatively flat
island. Its rocks are among the oldest in the Archipelago. Some geologists describe it as
the remains of an eroded and ancient volcano. The vegetation corresponds to the arid and
transition zones. The west point of Espanola is one of the most spectacular sites in the
Galapagos.
Punta Suarez
Here you will find subspecies of marine iguanas with red and green pigments, large
seabirds including the waved albatross (April to December) and friendly mockingbirds.
Activities: Hiking
Type of landing: Dry
Type of trail: Difficult
Bahia Gardner
A nice and long white sandy beach offers beautiful landscapes and a large colony of sea
lions.
Activities: Walking, Swimming, Snorkeling
Type of landing: Wet
Type of trail: Easy
Fernandina
It has a land surface of 643 km2 and an elevation of 1,494 meters. Along with Genovesa,
this is the most pristine island you can visit in the archipelago. It is the home of the most
active volcano in the planet; its huge domed cone reaches 1463 meters. Its vegetation,
typical of the arid zone, is concentrated in kipukas (small areas left untouched by recent
lava). It has an impressive landscape, with a broad variety of wildlife and volcanic
features.
Punta Espinosa
The only sea of Fernandina opened to visitors; it’s formed by lava and sand. It harbors
one of the largest communities of marine iguanas, sea lions and flightless cormorants. It
has a lava field that hosts a large marine iguana colony. Flightless cormorants nest here.
Activities: Hiking, Dinghy ride.
Type of landing: Dry]
Type of trail: Moderate
Isabela
It has a land surface of 4.588 km2 and an elevation of 1.707 meters. Isabela was formed
by five independent volcanoes. It is the largest of the islands, and encloses the Wolf
volcano, which reaches 1.707 meters, the highest elevation in the Archipelago. The
Equatorial Line passes over this volcano. The island is inhabited in the southern tip and it
hosted penitentiary years ago; it is also characterized by its natural diversity. The
northwest coast is a sanctuary for whales.
Punta Vicente Roca
This small promontory known as Punta Vicente Roca is found in the southwestern edge
of Ecuador Volcano. The point rises like a jewel. The coves lie on each side of the eroded
remains of a volcanic ash cone which makes up the point. The sheltered bay is a popular
anchorage for boats and visitors may have a look around in dinghies. The surrounding
cliffs are actually the interior walls of a fallen volcano; there is also a partly flooded cave.
Activities: Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
North Seymour
It has a land surface of 1.9 km2. It was created from a geological uplift. It has typical arid
vegetation that includes the prickly pear cacti, Palo Santo trees and salt bushes. The
largest colony of magnificent frigate birds is found here, it is also the nesting place for
the blue-footed-boobies and swallow-tailed-gulls. Land iguanas and sea lions can also
been seen here.
Actives: Hiking, Snorkeling
Type of landing: Dry
Type of trail: Moderate
Rabida
Located south of Santiago, Rabida has the largest volcanic variety of the geology chain,
its eroded hills and lava emitted from spatter cones have contributed to the island’s
striking colors. The visit begins with a wet landing on the maroon beach. Marine iguanas
and sea lions are often seen resting under the shades of the nearby caves. The salt brush is
found behind the beach, this is where the brown pelicans make their nests. At Rabida
visitors can have the opportunity to see pelicans nesting up close. Blue-footed and
masked boobies can also be seen on the cliffs.
Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Hiking
Type of landing: Wet
Type of trail: Easy
San Cristobal
It has a land surface of 558 km2 and an elevation of 730 meters. The southwestern half is
inhabited and formed by an extinct volcano; this part is characterized by lush vegetarian
and abundant water (including fresh water lakes). The other half of the island, the
northeastern part, contrast dramatically with the flat, dry and harsh environments. San
Cristobal was colonized during the 1860’s, when Puerto Baquerizo Moreno was founded.
Life in this island is sedentary: it’s common to see sea lions resting on small boats. Many
businesses are closed for lunch. The natural splendor of its beaches will keep all visitors
delighted. It is the home of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center.
The Interpretation Center
The attractive building was donated by the Spanish government in the 1998. This stateof-the-art facility offers both tourists and native complete information on the islands,
from natural history to ecology. Since its inauguration, visits to the Archipelago are taken
to a new level.
Kick Rock
This beautiful rocky islet located off the west coast of San Cristobal is the nesting place
for different sea-birds species. El Leon Dormiso as it is well known in Spanish, is a
fantastic rock formation of two islets with a channel between them.
El Junco (Highlands)
Rainwater and condensation have been collected in the caldera for hundreds of year
forming the only fresh water forming the only fresh water lagoon in Galapagos with its
unique ecosystem. Hiking around the lake offers spectacular views of the entire Kicker
Rock.
Ochoa Beach
It’s a beautiful beach for swimming and observing sea anemones, beach vegetation,
seabirds, seashore birds, lagoon birds and mangrove trees. Enjoy your free time walking
on the beach and snorkeling.
Isla Lobos
This island lives up to the name of Sea Lion Island because it has a large and noisy
population of those frolicking and barking mammals. It is also the nesting place for bluefooted-boobies, the island is covered with basalt rocks, and offers excellent sports for
snorkeling.
Las Tijeretas
Its spectacular landscape is one of the reasons why you should visit Puerto Baquerizo
Moreno. The trail passes through Palo Santo vegetation and comes to a view point, where
you can enjoy the magnificent scenery.
La Loberia
This is home to a large sea lion colony and nursery. Dozens of sea lions are visible at all
times. Low tide is the best time to visit, since it is when mothers bring the pups into the
pool for swimming lessons. Sea lions and marines iguanas live on this long stretch of
coast.
Cerro Brujo
While coral beaches were you can swim and observe seabirds, shore birds as well as the
famous Galapagos sea lions. This beautiful sandy beach is also a very good place for
snorkeling.
Santa Cruz
It has a land surface of 985 km2 and an elevation of 873 meters. It was colonized in the
1920’s; it is the second largest island of the Archipelago. The sea constantly rushes
against the cliff forming white foam. Sea lions are aquatic iguanas rest on the white and
golden beaches. There is a forest of gigantic trees, luxurious green mangroves and salty
lagoons full of rosy flamingos. This island contains all the vegetation zones, ranging from
coast to pampas. Santa Cruz has nine of the thirteen Darwin’s Finch species.
Puerto Ayore
Its central location and many tourist amenities are what make Puerto Ayora the hub of the
Galapagos Island. It is the most important harbor of the Archipelago and the most
populated area of the archipelago. Although many tourist come just for a few hours to
visit the Charles Darwin Station, the various activates, restaurants and services make this
amiable town a destination rather than a place to pass by. Marine iguanas lounge on the
dock amidst unloaded cargo while boobies and pelicans lunge into the turquoise waters of
Academy Bay. The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin
Station are also located in Santa Cruz.
The Highlands
Santa Cruz possesses all the vegetation zones. You can see the contrast, from the arid
coastal zone to the remarkably refreshing highlands. The humid zones provide some of
the drinking water consumed in the town. The highlands house unusual trees and ferns,
colorful land birds, and a healthy population of giant tortoises. Sudden rains are common
so bight a light jacket and a plastic bag for your camera.
El Chato
This area is protected by Galapagos National Park Reserve; here you can observe the
giant tortoises in the wild. It is also good area for observing land birds like finches,
flycatchers, owls, and white-checked pintail ducks.
Lava Tunnels
We’ll visit Primicias, a private farm that is open to the public to watch the lava tunnels.
They are impressive in size and leng
th; you will feel as if you were inside a volcano. These tunnels were created during a lava
flow; as the outer lava cooled while the inner lava continued flowing.
Bachas Beach
This is a very popular beach of swimming and snorkeling. There are small lagoons
behind the beaches where you can admire the flamingos and great herons.
Cerro Dragon
Dragon hill was named after the large land iguanas that once thrived there; it is home to a
lagoon, where greater flamingos can be spotted.
Santiago
It has a land surface of 585 km2 and an elevation of 907 meters. It is the fourth largest
island. All vegetation zones, from coastal to humid, and represented in this island.
However, the vegetation of Santiago has been altered by the presence of feral goats.
Santiago is one of the best islands for observing the Galapagos fur seals and hawks.
Puerto Egas
Here you can find an array of captivating colors and shapes. The trails start at the blacksand beach and goes along the coats. Tidal pools are filled with bright green algae which
are eaten by the marine iguanas.
Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling
Type of landing: Wet
Type of trail: Moderate
Must see in Galapagos Islands
Fernandina is the runt of the Galapagos Islands, being the youngest. It erupts frequently
and therefore is the most volcanically active of the islands. Punta Espinoza is an
attraction, where you can see marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, sea lions, penguins,
and Galapagos hawks. Santa Cruz is another place that you don’t want to miss. It houses
numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, dive centers, and tour agencies. It is the perfect
spot to see the famous giant tortoises that live in the Galapagos. You can see them in
their natural habitat as well as “Los Gemelos” craters, which were formed from collapsed
lava tunnels beneath the surface of the earth. Santa Cruz is also the home to Tortuga
Bay, a beautiful white sand beach that offers surfing opportunities and Laguna Las
Ninfas, a great place to swim and observe wildlife.
Sources:
http://www.hipecuador.com/html/ecuador/regions/galapagos/galapagos_places_visit.htm
http://ecuador.travel/en/ecuador-travel-guide/galapagos-islands/galapagos-visitorssites/official-galapagos-visitors-sites.html
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had
longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac
4. Hawaiian Islands
Paradise is here. Honeymooners, this is your spot. Imagine Florida with mountains and
waterfalls (minus the humidity). There is a right way to do Hawaii – in a cruise. We
chose to cruise for the most bang for our buck. We arrived in Honolulu and were able to
see all islands. The experience is unequal, so I will highlight what stroke me as the most
impressive. Walking on the volcanic national park was amazing. It is a must for visiting.
You can literally walk inside the crater of a live volcano. At tour of a Macadamia nut
farm provided us a delicious afternoon and highlighted our interest in this local
production. Don’t forget to visit wineries (yes, Hawaii has wineries) and local nurseries. I
came to like Birds of Paradise as my favorite flower in the world. Hawaii is also a place
where you can encounter the creation at the beginning form – besides being astonished by
waterfalls everywhere; we could also witness a volcano spilling into the ocean. Nothing
can describe that experience.
Must see in Hawaiian Islands
If you are looking for a great vacation spot, go to Hawaii! Waikiki is a fabulous
gathering place for all people! You can visit Duke’s Canoe Club or RumFire to hear
some beautiful live music. The Royal Hawaiian Center is the perfect place for dinner,
where you can taste exotic foods, and the Waikiki Beach Walk is the spot for shopping to
pick up souvenirs. Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown, Oahu are known for their
exquisite art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Every First Friday, Chinatown offers open
houses for galleries, wonderful entertainment, and a lively nightlife. Waimea Canyon is
the largest canyon in the Pacific that you can’t pass up! You can take a downhill bike
tour for an exhilarating experience or see the physical marks from volcanic eruptions. If
you love national parks, you have to visit Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Parks in Big
Island. Its landscape encompasses steaming vents, deep craters, blackened lava fields,
and crusty cinder cones. You can even take a helicopter tour to see the extraordinary
landscape from the perfect spot: in the air! The special aspect of this national park is that
is combines both fire and ice; the snowfields on the Mauna Loa summit and molten rivers
of lava from Kilauea combine to put on a once-in-a-lifetime show.
Sources:
http://www.gohawaii.com/statewide/guidebook/hot-spots
http://www.enjoyhawaiivacations.com/PlacestoVisitinHawaii.html
“People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind
of people they ignore at home.” – Dagobert D. Runes
5. New Zealand
If you ever decide to visit a country that has it all New Zealand is your choice. From
tropical forests, to volcanoes and glaciers, New Zealand has it all.
We started our journey in Auckland, and impressive city. There is a hotel downtown,
which is the highest structure in the city, where you can have a panoramic view of the
city or bungee jump from there (no joke). A tour of city reminds you that this is a
volcanic country. Heading north, you can find lush tropical forests with waterfalls and it
is great for a walking. On this part of the island, the sand is magnetic, it is a real thrill to
pass a magnet and see how much it collects from the sand.
Rotorua is a volcanic area, a city where you can walk around hot lavas and hot vents.
They have a great visitor center, which is the most informative. It really felt like being in
another planet where the landscape is still forming. Now, a trip to New Zealand is not
complete without visiting s sheep farm and a Maori tribe. New Zealand has a population
of 40 sheep per person. Visiting a sheep farm is indeed a truly unique experience and
most fun. I never knew there were so many types of wool and seeing a New Zealand
shepherd dog in action is incredible. We spent a day with the Maoris, visiting their
cultural centers and a local village, and watching a cultural show and dinning with them.
I was not aware of much of the Maori culture and the visiting was most enlightening.
Their civilization covered a vast area, which stimulated us to visit their brothers and
sisters in Hawaii and Easter Islands.
Queenstown is a sky resort. We were there in July so the place was packed full of skiers
from Australia. It felt like being in Aspen, Colorado or Santiago, Chile. It is on a lake so
it is guaranteed to offer activities year round.
Milford sound is an amazing journey. When people ask me how it feels like in New
Zealand, I normally answer: put Hawaii and Alaska together. Milford sound is enormous
glaciers with pristine clear lakes. It is a photographer’s dream since they can have a
perfect reflection on the water of the landscape. A true moment of Zen in to start the
journey followed by dolphins and finish greeted by hunchback whales.
Must see New Zealand
If you are looking for action adventure and gorgeous scenery, head over to Queenstown.
It is a lake side town that is surrounded by mountains, a great tourist destination.
Activities include bungee jumping, jet boating, parapenting, white water rafting, and
skiing. Of course, you can also enjoy numerous cafes, restaurants, and shopping
locations. The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park, but
it is well worth your time. It has the best beaches in the country because it is located in
one of New Zealand’s sunniest spots! The sand ranges from gold to white and the waters
are clear and beautiful. Out beyond the beaches, the national park is home to a rain
forest. The very popular Abel Tasman Walk is a spectacular way to experience all that
the park can offer, lasting 3-5 days! Kayaking and resting in a sea taxi are two of the
many activities that you can enjoy in this park.
Source: http://www.virtualoceania.net/newzealand/travel/top10.shtml
The sand ranges from gold to white and the waters are clear and beautiful. Out beyond
the beaches, the national park is home to a rain forest. The very popular Abel Tasman
Walk is a spectacular way to experience all that the park can offer, lasting 3-5 days!
Kayaking and resting in a sea taxi are two of the many activities that you can enjoy in this
park.
Source: http://www.virtualoceania.net/newzealand/travel/top10.shtml
“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to
think you control it.” – John Steinbeck
6. Alaska
If you never left the continental U.S., Alaska should be your first choice. We chose to fly
to Anchorage and then rent a car and follow the Alaskan pipeline all the way to
Fairbanks. The landscape of that journey is out of this world. The endless tundra
contrasting with majestic mountains makes you feel you are in another planet. Fairbanks
is a fairly uncomplicated city and it has a wonderful city park. We were there in July, so
the place was full with artisans and local craftsmen. Do not miss the riverboat cruise,
considered by many experts as the best riverboat cruises in North America. We had the
chance to view local villages, sledge dog training and had all the smoked salmon one can
eat. It was a truly remarkable afternoon well spent. This is also your best chance to book
a short flight to the northernmost city in the U.S., Barrow. We tried to book an airplane to
go to there but understandably the locals had priority. They come to Fairbanks for
groceries and necessities, and the airplane is also a mail carrier. These are their only
supply line. The locals do not recommend driving to Barrow. We did not make the flight
so then drove to Denali National Park. We rent cabins right outside of the park; they were
cheaper and have all the amenities necessary. Waking up in the morning with moose in
front of your cabin was really fun. We booked a full day visit of Denali National Park. It
was remarkable. We were able to see at close distance grizzly bears. We took advantage
of additional tours and went kayaking and horseback riding. Kayaking in salmon season
was really fun, they bang themselves against the kayak and our tour guide just grabbed
one and put inside his wet suit. “Dinner”, he said and we all laughed. Another moment of
Zen was having bald eagles flying right above us. I never felt so strong the spirit of being
American. Once we drove back to Anchorage and visited its parks and museums, we took
the tour of Portage glacier. If you don’t have much time left in Alaska, this is a must. It is
a short scenic ride from Anchorage. The boat tour gives you a first glimpse of those
massive floating diamonds called glaciers. Pristine water, air and a spectacular view will
give you an adrenaline rush.
We departed Anchorage on our very first cruise on Holland of America. We felt in love
with the cruise. The service was outstanding, the clientele educated, and the cruise was
small enough to take us into places that the larger cruise ships can’t go. We visited Sitka,
Juneau and Ketchikan. We used Holland of America for our southbound trip. We
investigated and found out you see more this way for the ships go through the inside
passages. We finished our cruise in Vancouver and extremely satisfied of our first cruise.
Must see Alaska
Glacier Bay National Park, Wilderness and Preserve is a World Heritage Site that leads
into the Gulf of Alaska coastline. If you are a wildlife lover, this is the perfect place for
you! The water is the home of humpback and killer whales, five species of Pacific
salmon, and more. Birds fly over the shoreline while brown and black bears, moose,
Sitka deer, wolves, and wolverines live on the land. Kayaking is a favorite activity while
hiking is also popular. Water taxis are available to transport kayakers and hikers around
the park. Camping is also allowed; be careful and alert though! The Alaska Native
Heritage Center in Anchorage gives an educational and cultural experience to everyone.
It offers workshops, demonstrations, and guided tours. Here, you can dive deep into the
native Alaskan culture. Anyone will enjoy their time at the center.
Sources:
http://www.alaska.com/glacier-bay/
http://500nations.com/Alaska_Places.asp
“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home
and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang
7 Canada
We have done Canada twice and it still on our travel plans. The country is so extensive
that we almost need three trips to have a feeling of being there. On our Alaska journey,
we finished in Vancouver, which is by far one of the top cities in North America. Picture
this: many cities have a park in the center, Vancouver is on the center of a park. Walking
through its markets will give you a close encounter with the locals and market flavors.
Unforgettable as well was a whale watching experience. This one is a must. We were
there in the mating season, and out boat was right in the middle of them. We could almost
touch them. The tour was a well-spent afternoon that gave us great memories and a
suntan.
On the East coast, we arrived in Canada via Holland of America from Europe. I finished
my Masters degree in Spain and we decided to sail back to America. Holland of America
has been since one of our favorite cruise lines and the end of the cruise would take us to
Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador were our port of call and we were delighted to be
able to stroll through the streets and visit the local merchants. We also took a trip to the
site that Marconi made his first radio transmition. We on the most northeast point in the
America and cold almost hear Ireland from there.
Must see Canada
If you visit Canada, you simply can’t pass up Niagara Falls. Although most of the falls
are on U.S. territory, you have to be on the Canadian side to see this wondrous sight.
There are many attractions, including the Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes you close
to the falls, Journey Behind the Falls (the name says it all), White Water Walk, and
Niagara’s Fury, a 4D movie! There are restaurants and shops all around; it is the ultimate
tourist destination that is fun for everyone in the family! Vancouver, British Columbia is
one of the best places for a great time. You can enjoy the night life, go camping, hiking,
or whale-watching, or even ski. An outdoors person would definitely love to go to
Vancouver. Also, Banff, Alberta is a place that will take your breath away! Wildlife
sightings are guaranteed, whether it be elk, mountain goat, or deer, and the vast expanse
of snowfields offer skiing and snowboarding. Check out the outdoor hot-springs while
you are there as well! Banff is a very popular place to visit.
Sources:
http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/
http://jyledupuis.hubpages.com/hub/Top_Ten_Places_to_Visit_in_Canada
“Your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful.
It is the symbol of his liberty-his excessive freedom. He accepts his
boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost
with pleasure.” – Aldous Huxley
8. Mexico
¡Ay Mexico lindo! This is also another country you must visit in steps. I can assure that
our two visits to Mexico is one among many more to come. We traveled to Cozumel
twice, and both times we enjoyed the many activities the city provides. The experience
with dolphins is a must. We were inside a pool with these majestic creatures and felt how
smart these creatures are. The other must see is Chichen Itza Pyramids. One might
expect to see a Mayan pyramid at this short drive from Cozumel. What we saw instead is
a complex of Pyramids. For those who are history enthusiasts like us, this is
Disneyworld. This a massive complex of pyramids and you feel like you have been
transported to another time. It is pure magic and adrenaline rush. Adding a special touch
is the local shamans open the place with a special blessing. It reminded us that this is still
a sacred ground for them. The complex is in an immaculate condition; it even has a sports
arena where the Mayans played soccer at their own style. Our second time in Cozumel
was a stopover and we decided to walk through the city, mingle along the locals, visit the
churches and plazas, and have Mexican lunch at a local restaurant. It was an
unforgettable day. We even had time left for some souvenir shop.
Must see Mexico
Mexico City is such a fascinating city. Its Plaza Garibaldi is considered the “Times
Square” of Mexico. If you’re an art nut, you can visit Diego River and Frida Kahlo’s
studio, or others can explore ancient Aztec canals and pyramids. Mérida is four hours
from Cancún, where you can enjoy beaches and learn about its history. The architecture
is so amazing, with 17th century cathedral made from Mayan bricks. You can also eat
from the famed taco stands and take a tour that will allow you to see mangroves filled
with flamingos. Near the Yucatan Peninsula, the borders of Playa del Carmen house
cars, clubs, taco stands, and souvenir shops. It is a hot spot for tourists (especially
cruises), but the crystal clear waters on the beaches are to die for! Snorkeling and boat
trips are among the many activities that are offered. If you like a more educational
experience, make sure to visit Puebla. Its cathedrals and museum give you a direct look
at ancient artifacts.
Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/travel-tips-and-articles/76638
“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for
travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
9 United States
Our Travels have included the East Coast and the West coast of the U.S. We are saving
the Middle West for a later stage on our lives. The west Coast is superb. We flew to San
Francisco and rent a car then drove ourselves to explore all parks on the west coast. San
Francisco is a unique city. It has its own flair and must be explored. Once we arrived, we
drove to the Golden Gate Park to that we could appreciate the spectacular views of the
city. A visit to Napa Valley is a must. We booked one tour right at our hotel. It was
money well spent. We discovered so much about wines and even pink champagne – or
favorite since then. San Francisco cannot be left without a visit to Chinatown and
Alcatraz. Chinatown was the most impressive we have seen other than actually visiting
China. Alcatraz is day’s journey into an important piece of American history. It is
worthy to visit and travel to an important time in our history. We moved into our
exploration of National Parks: Redwood Forest, Creater Lake, Mt Reiner, Mt saint Helen,
Olympia National Park. All these parks including a visit to Portland and Seattle gave us a
great insight on our national natural treasures and our West Coast city cultures. Redwood
Forest is a land of giants – trees as tall as building, as far as the eye can see. Some of
those are so big you can drive through them. You feel so small in front of these giants
that are hundreds of years old. It makes you wonder how small we are in face of nature.
We stayed in a nice lodge on the base of Mt Reineer and climbed to the top. It was my
first time seeing snow. Creater Lake is one of the most amazing views in the world: a
lake on a top of a mountain. We decided to hike to the bottom of the crater and have
dinner on the lodge on the top of the mountain. Our lodging, though, was some cabins on
the bottom of the mountain – quite comfortable with all the amenities. Another first for
me was waking up and seeing deer o my front porch. Mt St Helen is an amazing site - it
gives you a view of the mighty destructive force of nature. You can see an almost
petrified forest everywhere you go. On the visitors sits, you can an idea on how the trees
were moved like toothpicks by the lava. On the other side, you can notice the miracle of
nature since you can see vegetation growing back on a quite fast pace. Our west coast
journey included Olympia National Park as our last stop. We could presence a tropical
forest in North America. For history and geography lovers like us this was an amazing
finding. We took our car back to Seattle right at sunset and enjoyed the city for a couple
of days. Seattle is a lovely city and we recommend a visit to the Needle as well as the
Rock and Roll Experience. These two visits alone made the trip worthy. On a final note,
Portland is a very exciting city. It is as of today one of my four favorite cities in North
America. Portland is a quaint flavor and very well designed for the walking public in
mind. Portland, along with Florianopolis in Brazil is one of the cities in the world that
fully implemented a comprehensive public transportation system.
Must see United States (Continental)
While in the U.S., New York City is the place to visit! It is the home of the Statue of
Liberty and is practically awake for 24 hours, buzzing with excitement. If you love
theater, check out a show on Broadway! Even if you aren’t a city person, you can take a
stroll around Central Park to get a breath of fresh air. New York City cannot be
discussed without mentioning its numerous dining places. The Grand Canyon in Arizona
is a landmark that is jaw-dropping. Visitors can hike, raft, or just stare at its beauty and
great depths. It is interesting to learn about its history and formation as well! New
Orleans, Louisiana is a lively and vivid center for music and food. Its culture still exists
today, even the famous Cajun food! Even after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, New
Orleans continues to be a very popular tourist destination. If you are interested in helping
to rebuild the city after the heart wrenching effects of the hurricane, you can participate in
voluntourism, a new type of tourism in which visitors can lend a hand. Mardi Gras is a
huge festival in New Orleans as well.
Source: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/10-places-visit-united-states-41879.html
“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to
lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are
constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things
– air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the
eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese
10 Belize (British Honduras):
What a pleasant surprise. Another port of call that created quite an impression on us was
Belize. It is the only country in Central America where English is the official language.
Belize city is very easy to navigate – a fresh breath of British colonialism in the middle of
Central America. We arrived with one thing in mind – nature exploration. We decided to
do a boat tour of the city through its river and explore its tropical forest flavors. It was
time well spent. We were quite surprised to see that much of lush tropical forest and we
were even greeted by hollow monkeys. In addition, this is a bird watch paradise. We also
recommend a full day tour to include a visit to the Mayan temple. As the sun set behind
us and we returned to our cruise, we understood why so many people call Belize their
second home and wandered why it was not more openly advertised in travel magazines.
Must see Belize
The Atolls are a very popular destination in Belize. The Half Moon Caye’s turquoise
waters and diverse sea life is the perfect place for diving and snorkeling. The land and air
animals, such as red-footed booby birds and frigate birds, can also be observed from
observation decks. The Cayes are also widely visited. It is calm and serene with a
relaxed vibe, like the Caribbean. Fishing, snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the sand
are among popular activities in the Cayes. Scuba diving is another popular activity in the
reefs and corals of the sea because scuba divers can see the marine life. Hol Chan Marine
Park in the Cayes offer people the opportunity to swim with rays and small nurse sharks
or take a boat trip to meet and spend time with manatees.
Source: http://www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/Central-America/Belize/Places-toGo.aspx
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing
things.” – Henry Miller
11 Costa Rica
There is a reason so many Americans retire in Costa Rica. The country is clean, safe,
people are very amicable, the country is very stable, and of course, this is the biggest
chunk of tropical forest closest to home. Costa Rica has all the amenities for nature
lovers. We arrived on the East Coast of Costa Rica and decided to do a full days tour of
San Jose and tropical forests. The feeling you have arriving there is pure energy. The
pureness of fresh air and the mystery of the jungle is a guarantee to uplift your spirit. San
Jose is a marvelous capital. As a language professor, I do suggest my students to spend
some time here. Their Spanish is very clear and concise. Classes are very affordable and
the cultural climate is excellent. We visited the Museum of gold. It is amazing how much
riches this small country has to provide. On a footnote – one of the former presidents is a
Nobel peace prize, the vast majority of the country is a national park, and Costa Rica is
the most wired nation in Latin America. We cruised there, but a short flight out of Miami
will take you to this lost paradise.
Puerto Limon was the place we arrived. The population is 80% of the West Indies, so
English is widely spoken. Costa Rica is flat on the Caribbean side, it has mountains in the
middle, and it is flat again on the pacific side. It sits on the pacific tectonic plate and it
already showed earthquakes on a 7.5 Ritcher Scale. The wind from the Caribbean side
brings sediments forming a massive alluvial area therefore bananas and pineapples
plantation flourish. Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator and has only two
seasons from May to December. Coffee has always been the main production of the
country; it begun with the construction of the railroad connecting inland. Local fruits
from the islands (especially Jamaica) were brought to appease laborers of the Panama
Canal. Todays, Costa Rica abides to the international treaty of ISO 1444, meanings it has
an international seal of approval for environmental practices. Bananas were introduced to
feed the locals that were building the railroad to export coffee. Bananas start sprawling in
6 months after 15 bunches. It is cute driving through a banana plantation and seeing them
covered with blue plastic bags – this is designed to create a microclimate so that the
bananas grow equally. A 12 day trip to US ripens the fruit and you can see the logo on
them from Dole products and the Chiquita banana. The second crop is pineapple which is
extremely hard to cross polinization.
Costa Rica has a population of 4 million educated citizens, around 200,000 American
immigrants but 450,000 other immigrants which poses a major issue since the country
only has a police force of 9,000. Its economy is microchip and software (Intel is here),
pineapples corporation, banana, coffee and ecotourism. The country has 32% of its
territory as a national preserve. San Jose is only the second capital and Costa Rica has
more diversity of plants, birds, and mosquitos than the US and Europe combined.
We left the country with great memories of the visit of the central bank and the national
museum. The national Museum is an old fort which houses gold and old civilizations
remains. If you are vacationing there, remember that the country is divided by the
continental divide: the west is dry and the east is wet. A visit to local restaurants will
enlighten your palates with tropical flavors and the number one beer is Imperial.
Must see Costa Rica
Tourist attractions are endless in Costa Rica. Corcovado National Park is among the
large number of possibilities. It is genuinely one of the best places in the world to
explore and hike through a tropical rainforest. Small lodges are being built, allowing
easier access to those who don’t like to trek through mud. Palo Verde National Park is
another popular destination. It has been referred to as an “undiscovered jewel.” The bird
population is relatively well known because it encompasses both native and migratory
birds. Trails also run through the park, but if you are a water person, boat trips offer you
the chance to explore some areas. The Barra Honda Caverns are the perfect place for a
spelunker or someone who is interested in geology. Their interiors are naturally coated
with limestone, which has been there for millennia. Travel back into history and see
what some of the first explorers saw when they discovered these caverns.
Source: http://costa-rica-guide.com/top_ten.htm
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing
things.” – Henry Miller
11.Honduras:
We arrived in Roatan not knowing what to expect. This was the most accessible way to
get there as well the most paradisiacal.
Must see Honduras
Roatan is a very lively and exciting place to visit in Honduras. Shops line the seashore of
West End, and it has been said that you can’t visit without getting your hands on a Salva
Vida (Honduran beer). If you want to sit back and relax, take a water taxi to West Bay or
sit on a pier and watch the sunset. More engrossing activities are available as well, such
as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea kayaking. And of course, the restaurants
are wonderful! San Pedro Sula is another must-see attraction. The Museum of
Anthropology and History is located there, and you definitely don’t want to miss it. It is
a two story museum that displays the history of the San Pedro Sula valley, including the
Spaniards’ arrival, their conquest of the valley, and the blend that was created from the
Spanish and indigenous cultures. The open-air market is also quite popular. Specifically,
there is one area in the market in which about 100 women make home-made tortillas, just
as they have been made for hundreds of years.
Source: http://sidewalkmystic.com/honduras_vacation_best_places_visit_travelogue.htm
A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.” – Moslih
Eddin Saadi
12 Panama
We arrived in Panama City ready for an experience of a lifetime. This is a plus on your
checklist of places to visit in the world. Panama City has a striking resemblance of Miami
Beach. It even has Trump Towers. Apparently, you don’t pay taxes on your retirement
income there, and since it is a short flight from the US, it has become a second home for
many Americans looking for a good condominium on the beach.
We had to be bused to Gamboadredding division inside the Panama Canal. And we travel
through the Gaylord cut, the most difficult and important part of the canal. We then
moved to Mirafloreslake and Miraflores lock, the last one. You can see live the this
passage at www.panamacanal.com. This trip was fantastic. Going through the Panama
Canal was a rush like no other. This trip was lengthy but well worthy. The ferry that took
us across the canal spoke in many languages and lunch was provided. The boat was well
ventilated and even had room with air conditioning. As I mentioned before, the first
impression that you have of Panama City is the resemblance of Miami Beach. An
interesting fact though is that the causeways that connect to the beach were built with the
rocks removed from the construction of the Panama Canal.
Must see Panama
If you travel to Panama, you cannot leave without visiting the Panama Canal. It connects
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and was one of the largest and most difficult projects
ever built. A trip to the canal will allow you to travel back into history. It opened in
1914, almost 100 years ago! It continues to be successful and a passage for international
shipping. You can even watch ships pass through the canal from balconies at the
Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks! Panama City is a thriving, exciting place. It is a
cosmopolitan city in which you can observe Spanish colonial ruins, visit museums and
parks, and enjoy the natural beauty that it is. The architecture, hotels, and restaurants are
exceptionally great. Casco Viejo is a historic hub. French Park, a monument dedicated
to the Frenchmen who initiated the building of the Panama Canal, and the French
Embassy are located on its tip. Take a walk around the monument and get a wonderful
view of the Amador Causeway and Bridge of the Americas and the Panama City’s
skyscraper skyline. Museums are abundant, including the Canal Museum, which gives
visitors the opportunity to learn about Panama’s history from before the arrival of the
Spaniards to present day, and the Museum of National History. The old cathedral is also
located in Casco Viejo.
Source: http://www.panama1.com/info.php
“When we get out of the glass bottle of our ego and when we escape
like the squirrels in the cage of our personality and get into the
forest again, we shall shiver with cold and fright. But things will
happen to us so that we don’t know ourselves. Cool, unlying life will
rush in.” – D. H. Lawrence
First of all, I would like to tell everyone that the country name is Colombia, not Columbia
as I have seen in many places, including official US documents. Now that we established
that, we arrived in a country with a mixed bag of feelings. Colombia has had a massive
reputation for civil strife but very little has been said on the phenomenal progress and
beauty and wonders of this country. We felt that Colombia is a well hidden treasure with
two oceans, mountains, and lots of natural resources.
We arrived in Colombia in Cartagena, our port of call. This port of call alone made pour
trip worthy. Cartagena is a very rich and exciting town full of history. Our first visit was
the church on a hill, San Pedro Claver, where we had magnificent views of the city. We
then continued to San Felipe Fort and drove through town. I had a pleasure to see the
house of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the Spanish writer of Latin America in my point-ofview. Strolling through downtown gives you a charming feeling of the old Spanish
country. People are welcoming and quite charming. For those with a brave heart, I
suggest the visit of the of the old inquisition churches. There you find all the toys the
Catholic Church use to trial individual for heresy. One that really blew my mind was the
weigh used to detect witches: if you are above a certain weight, you are certain accused
of being a witch for you carry demons therefore your weight; if you were below a certain
weight, you are certain a witch for witches are light and can fly.
On the brighter side, Colombia is emerald country. There you will find neighborhoods of
entire emerald shops: all qualities and prices. It is a great gift for a loved one or souvenir
for friends and families at home since they have emeralds for all budgets. Cartagena is a
wonderful introduction to Colombia, it is on my list of countries to return and explore
more. The feeling you have walking the streets of Cartagena are the same you get
walking old San Juan or Sevilla, Spain. On the curious cultural note, here is the
demographic composition of Cartagena:65% of the people of Cartagena are black, but
they are mixed: mulatos(black and white), sambos (indians and blacks) and
mestizos(Indians and whites). The color and variety of its people makes a melting pot of
so many cultures and smiles. It is a true magnificent gift of nature. One can see and fell
the inspiration for Gabriel Garcia Marques’ novels all over town.
“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest
sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark
28 Dominican Republic
Samana is such a lovely place. You can stroll through the streets and visit the local shops,
all of them very friendly and ready, willing, and able to bargain with you. The promenade
along the beach is tempting to just lie down and relax or maybe dive into the ocean. This
is also a perfect spot for whale watching. It is very tempting to also just sit back and relax
on the local kiosks and have a local beer since it is dirt cheap. The people of Dominican
republic are the friendliest and Samana is a perfect touristic spot. We discover a lot of
Canadians that chose the DR as their 2nd home. Samana is also a great spot for whale
watching.
Must see Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a part of the Caribbean countries. This is a favorite tourist
destination for families, friends, and newlyweds who are on their honeymoons. Malecon
is a waterfront avenue where you can see lots of casinos and hotels. There are numerous
shops to explore and wander around in. Plaza de la Cultura is the area where the National
Theater is located. You can also see various museums, including the Museum of Modern
Art. The Museum of Modern Art houses exhibits from famous local artists as well as
artists from other countries like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Eastern Santo
Domingo is also called Three Eyes because it is a cavern with an underground lake and
an open roof. You can visit Faro and see and explore the interior of a lighthouse! There
is also a monument that was erected in memory of Christopher Columbus. This now
serves as a museum as well as his burial site.
Source: http://amolife.com/great-places/10-places-you-can-explore-in-the-dominicanrepublic.html
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the
things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the
bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in
your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
29. Grenada & Deps. (Carriacou, Grenadines):
This was a fantastic place to visit with lots of extraneous exercise. Our first stop was and
extinct volcano and latter a long walk through the mountains to reach a waterfall. We did
swim in the waterfall which made up for the effort.
Must see Grenada & Deps. (Carriacou, Grenadines)
Grenada is the ‘Spice Isle’ of the Caribbean. Visitors can sink into the serenity of warm
breezes and soft moonlight, feel history in centuries old forts, touch the floor of the rain
forest, and swim among coral reefsThis land is full of spices, exotic flowers, and rare
fruits. The Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station is one of the largest nutmeg processing
factories on the island. Tours are available and it only costs $1.00. You can also visit the
stencil room and get a local jute bag customized with words of your choice. La Sagesse
Nature Center is a quiet estuary along the southwestern coast and is one of the best birdwatching locales on Grenada. La Sagesse includes three fine beaches edged with
coconut trees and also has a very good coral reef for snorkeling. The Carriacou Museum
in Paterson Street, managed by the Carriacou Historical Society, has Amerindian artifacts
and exhibits that trace the early British and French occupation of the islands. It also has
an African section. The museum is located in a restored cotton gin mill. How cool!
Source: http://www.intimateholidays.com/destinations/grenada/
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on,
deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard
33 Martinique
Another jewel in the Caribbean is Martinique. It is a rich French paradise within a few
hours from the US. This is a paradise to be explored. We did both tours and walking
visits of Fort-de-France. On our tour, we explore quite a good deal of the island by boat,
and had the opportunity to visit the Volcanology museum. It gives you an in-depth view
of how active this area is. We did visit the church and a gorgeous tropical garden. Just a
reminder to US visitors: French is the official language and Euro is the official currency.
Paris of the Caribbean," Martinique's former capital, is now the Pompeii of the
Caribbean. A 1902 eruption of nearby Mount Pele killed all but one of the 20,000
residents of St. Pierre and obliterated the town. In St. Pierre, you can visit the shell of the
town's once-grand theater, and modern structures were built atop the stone remnants of
the old town. Rum is the agricultural lifeblood of Martinique, and there are a dozen
operating rum distilleries operating on the island. Martinique is known for its agricultural
rum made directly from cane rather than molasses. The Neisson is a tour that includes a
botanical garden and art museum as well as a former distilling plant, aging rooms, and of
course a rum tasting at the end. In Trois Ilets, you will find bars, casino action, golf,
decent dining and water sports all in one location. The Hotel Bakoua and others resorts
are located here, making it a great base for walking to the local shops or taking the cheap
ferry across to Fort de France.
Source: http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/martinique/tp/Martiniqueattractions.htm
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is
unaware.” – Martin Buber
36 St. Lucia
This was one of the more relaxing days of our cruise. We took a catamaran and had a
spectacular view of the Pitons – Amazing. It reminded me of the Sugarloaf Mountain
in Rio de Janeiro. We swam on the beach and later we visited a cacao plantation. This
was a enlighten experience to my American family since they were not aware of how
much work is involved in processing chocolate. After lunch we had the opportunity of
visiting a volcano.
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and
adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only
we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
38. St. Vincent
We spend half a day in this island that had just recently being hit by a hurricane. The
place is a plus for a walking tour and visit, though it is very hilly. It is not a rich
Island, but the richness of nature make up for material shortfalls. There is a tunnel
that connects you through the bay, taking you to both sides of the island. The best
shopping was done at the port.
“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know
where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux
49. Bulgaria
We had a very interesting day in this country. We were docked in Sviston and drove
through sunflower fields for nearly 1 hour. The landscape is spectacular and the
vineyard fields made us feel right at home (In Maryland, we are surrounded by 5
vineyards). We had lunch at the Arbassani Hotel with spectacular views of the
valleys. I could have overnighter there. We continued our journey into a very old
church that on the outside looked like a farm but inside it was a byzantine church –
The church of annunciation was from the 1500 and it is a real treasure for mediation,
inspiration and history. Lunch was around the corner and we stopped for a local
Hungarian chicken. VelikoTornotto is an old communist style with a heritage home.
Our final stop was the fortress; from there you have spectacular view of the city. We
then strolled through the market street which is filled with local merchants and small
shops. We finished the day with a staff performance with local artists.
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able
to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a
position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for
granted.” – Bill Bryson
51. Croatia
We visited Croatia twice, and twice this country overwhelmed us with it distant and
recent past. On our first visit, we arrived in Dubrovnik, the capital. Now, here is your
chance to stroll through a medieval fortress city with all the glory its past can bring.
This is the same experience as visiting Rothenberg in Germany or Toledo in Spain. In
a cool summer afternoon, strolling through the city, visit the local shops and enjoy a
café was very soothing. Gene was bolder; he walked around the city on the wall that
surrounds the city. It takes you about 1 h 30m. The views are breathtaking, the coast
and the mountains.
The second time we visit Croatia, it was on a more somber tone. We arrived in a river
cruise in Vukovar, a city that was heavily bombed by the Serbs. The signs of war are
everywhere. A 10 minute walk will give you a vision of the intensity of the war for
there are bullets holes everywhere. Again, the human spirittriumphs – the Serbs
planned on taking over the place in 3 days but in fact took them 3 months. We headed
then to Osijek, the 4th largest city in Croatia. One of our first stop was a monastery,
which was a refreshing and peaceful visit. We were constantly reminded about the
atrocities of the Serbs against the Croats – including killing patients in a hospital.
This city has a refreshing rebirth which left us with a smile on our faces.
Next stop was a visit to the park prirodekopačkirit, one of Europe’s most important
wetlands. The visitor center was very informative and it was followed by a boat tour
of the wetlands. We saw black storks and white eagles. We returned back to our river
cruise through flatlands with sunflower fields. It was amazing.
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is
no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
54. Denmark:
Copenhagen will fascinate people of all ages. We have been there twice and the city
is suitable for all types of tourists. An immaculate transportation system will connect
you to anywhere you fancy going. We took a boat right outside the pier where we
were docked, and we could hop on and off all day throughout the entire city for
$12.50. Of course, we took a full advantage of it. The Tivoli Park is a must. This is a
trip back down in time. You will feel like in are in a time tunnel and relieve your
grandparents’ childhood. This is simply the oldest amusement park in the world. It is
a mix of rides, theater and zoo that is a guarantee to entertain the entire family. We
had the pleasure of visiting it during the day, but in my personal point-of-view, the
lights of the park at night are certain to bring a special charm and a journey into the
memory lane. The park is also a great choice for restaurants and has an array of show.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled
by.” – Robert Frost
56. Estonia: We had surprising first visit to this country that proved to be quite
charming, elegant, and quaint. On out tour, the first stop was a visit to the Olympic
village where communist buildings held the regatta. We marched on to the old town. It is
literally a 20-minute walk from the port. Don't miss as well ids a visit to an orthodox
church, and if you are lucky, you may attend a service, a quite unique experience. We
dropped our guided tour and found out on our own the most interesting part of the city –
lower town. It is lively with shops, a farmers market, and small bistros that invite you for
a coffee or an ice cream on a sunny day. Tallinn is a must if you are visiting the Baltic
Sea – it has a unique charm, traces of the communist era, strong German architecture
influence, and lovely people.
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” –
Lao Tzu
55. France:
Marseille: Since antiquity Marseilles was known as one of the most populated areas in
Gaul(France). The Latins called it Massalia and much sooner than Letetia (Paris) it
gained military and cultural power both ashore and at sea. It is an extremely interesting
crossroad which along the centuries acquired strategic relevance also from military and
political points of view. Its history is very ancient: experts have no doubts in maintaining
that Marseilles is the most ancient French city even though the theory whereby the area
would have been inhabited by the few survivors of Troy appears legendary. The legend
tells that the survivors apparently found shelter at the mouth of the Rhone River and
created a new civilization similar in all respects to the one which existed prior to the war
when they were defeated. The theory whereby Marseilles was directly populated by the
Greeks who landed there is less legendary and almost certain. The Greeks apparently
created their first and more flourishing colony in the Mediterranean. Besides the Greek
and Roman rule, Marseilles was subjected to several dramatic rulers. Its outlet to the sea
was too important as well as access to the internal part through the Rhone, particularly to
Province and Camargue. Very close to Provence whose culture was permeated by
romanticism, gentleness and attention to the arts and culture, Marseilles was more vital
and troubled. Not inclined to sign agreements with established power, people of this
region have always regarded economic and political independence as vital and as their
main aim. Marseilles is a rich city. Its story is similar to Genoa even though foreign
culture deeply influenced the events of the city. The Arab influence in particular, both in
the first phase of expansion of the city and more recently, since the end of the world war
to the present day, contributed to create a “multiracial” social, civil and cultural system.
The race mix is interesting: Arabs, North Africans, Europeans, inhabitants of the first,
second and third French colonies made the capital of one thousand languages, and one
thousand cultures also from the arts and music points of view, thus making Marseilles
extremely attractive and full of life. The central part of the city is very interesting from
the cultural and architectural points of view. However, Marseilles’ most extraordinary
feature is the port, which appears to sneak into the houses. People in Marseilles are very
tied to port activities and are said to always want to keep the traffic of ships under
control, an activity romanced in many films of a smuggle and illegal commerce theme. In
the center the most important monuments are Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral, a
church venerated as a miracle by people and enriched every year with gifts and a rich
collection of memorials dedicated to war and sea survivors. Notre Dame lies on the
foundations of a 13th century church with mysterious origins. The bell tower dedicated to
the Holy Virgin is very famous, at 47 meters high with a golden statue of the Holy Virgin
on top, who is the patroness of the city. Longchamp is situated nearby, an almost
renaissance palace, therefore very similar to Italian villas of the time, with an
extraordinary surrounding of gardens, water, allegoric fountains and statues. Not far from
Marseilles there is Avignon, the city which became renowned for a dispute, when seven
popes took refuge there between 1939 and 1403, building an extraordinary architectural
structure visited by millions of pilgrims and by tourists from all over the world.
57. Finland:
We visited Helsinki twice. This very classy capital always embraces you with lots of
activity. A must see is the church on the hill and the church on the rock. The church on
the hill is an orthodox church and visiting gives you a magnificent view of the city. After
that, we took a walk on the esplanade and had a picnic. We proceeded to the church on
the rock. The former church was very introspective, like all orthodox churches seem to
me, but the latter was a very Zhen experience. One struggles to figure out which religious
denomination it belongs to, but falls easy into the relaxed atmosphere. It is a nice place to
pause and reflect. As we walked in, they were playing the piano, and we were perplexed
by the reverence of parishioners and visitors alike. The city is easily navigable by bus and
by foot. Another beautiful park was the Sibelius Park for a lovely walk. This park is
dedicated to this famous finish composer; imagine a massive sculpture garden with
abstract art. It is a must.
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination
by reality, and instead of thinking how things
may be, to see them as they are.” – Samuel
Johnson
58. France:
Greece
Myths and Traditions
The history of the ancient Greeks, their civilization, their religious and social
beliefs, even the routine of their daily life all are admirably sketched in their mythology.
Apart from the mouths of the gods the hero’s which were common to all the Greeks; each
city had its own traditions and cults.
Of these, Athens derided its name from the struggle between two deities. According to
tradition, Poseidon, god of the unbridled forces of nature, of earthquakes and of storms,
claimed Athens from the goddess of wisdom, Athena. Poseidon’s truck the earth with his
trident and an untamed horse and a flood of water sprang from it. Athena’s gift to the city
was an olive tree, which grew out of the rock. In this battle between the two opposing
forces – of violence and the works of peace – the city awarded victory to Athena and took
her name.
According to the myths, Athena was first inhabited by the Pelasians, who were
responsible for the building of its first walls. The first king of the city whose name we
learn was cecrops, who had the body of a man from the waist up and of a snake below.
Another of its kings, Erichthonius, was the son of Hephaestus, the god of fire.
Hephaestus, failing to unite himself with Athena, fertilizes the earth. Thus, Erichthonius
is associated with the fruitfulness of nature – as is Cecrops, since his snake’s body is
symbolic of the powers of the earth, Erichthonious’s son was Erectheus, who also had a
snake for his symbol. One of Erechtheus’s descendants was Ion, whom the Athenians
made their commander –in-chief and king. This tradition in all probability reflects the
peaceful penetration of Attica by the Ionians.
The most important of the kings of Athens was Theseus, who was born in the
Peloponnesian city of Troezen. His mother was Aethra who had slept in the same right
with Poseidon and the king of Athens, Aegeus. As a child, Thesues believed that he was
the son of Poseidon, but he soon discovered that his father was the mortal Aegus and set
off to find him at Athens. On his way there, he killed a number of evildoers before
reaching his father’s palace. There he discovered that the king of Crete, Minos, having
lost his son in Athens, had imposed a heavy blood tribute on the Athenians. Each year
they had to send seven young men and seven young women to feed the Minotaur, the
monster of Crete. Theseus set out at once for Crete and found the Minotaur in the palace
of Minos, the Labyrinth of mythology. Mino’s daughter Ariadne fell in love with Theseus
and helped him to find his way out of the Labyrinth: she gave him a thread to hold by one
end and tied the other to the door of the palace. After killing the Minotaur, Theseus
returned to Athens with his ship, but forgot to hoist the white sails, a sign that his mission
had been successful, instead of the black sails of mourning. Aegeus saw the ship with its
black sails in the distance and, sure that his son had been killed, committed suicide by
throwing himself from the Acroploic of Sunium. According to one version, it was the
veent which gave the Aegean Sea, to the east of Greece, its name, as soon as Theseus
succeeded his father as king; he united the cities of Attica with Athens as their Centre and
introduced the ‘Synoecia’ festival to mark this event. He also changed the name of the
old ‘Athenea’ festival to ‘Panathenaea’ to symbolize the new political unity. Thesues is
said to have ruled his people well; he was killed on the island of Skyros by King
Lycomedes. The Athenians retained a profound belief in Theseus: it the Battle of
Marathon in 490 BC they had a vision of him fighting on their side against the Persians,
and in ancient times Athena was known as ‘the city of Theseus’.
62. Hungary:
We had the pleasure of visiting Budapest twice. This is a fascinating city with a
unique charm. We visited first with a tour and the second time; it was on a river
cruise. Budapest will dazzle you with its architecture and glamour. Buda and Pest are
two citiesconnected by bridges and separated by the Danube River. Your first stop
should be the heroes square - it is a wide plaza with the statue of the original Hun
kings all around. This is a nice entrance to the rich and proud history of the
Hungarian people. Next stop was the Citadel which will give you astonishing views
of Buda and Pest. A short walk will take you to the to the Liberation Monument, a
beautiful statue of a woman holding an olive branch and the cute statue of a man’s
victory over a dragon which represents the victory over fascism. There are three more
things that cannot be missed: local swear by that their spas baths are the best in the
world due to its natural hot spring source. We did not experience that, but we did
have plenty of Hungarian wine, which are on the top of my chart list. Now, the icing
on the cake, a night river cruise over the Danube – unmissable. The right wine, the
right dinner, and the lights overlooking all the main attractions of the city. The gothic,
neoghotic, baroque and renaissance buildings will shine like arts pieces at night.
Looking at Budapest is looking through a glass window of a past of glamour, grace,
history and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Acropolis & Its History
The rocky hill of the Acropolis rises to 156 meters in the middle of the Attica basin.
Three of its sides are sheer and its top can be reached only from the west. On top of the
Acroplise there is a large space; on its slopes there have been springs of drinking water
since antiquity. This naturally fortified rock invited settlement as early as the Neolithic
age. The first settlement has been located on the north western side of the Acropolis near
the spring over which the Slepsydra fountain was subsequently constructed.
Down to the Mycenaean opperiod the settlement developed considerably and extended to
two of the slopes round about. In the early thirtieth century BC, five platforms were
constructed on top of the hill, on which was built the palace of the Nycenaean ruler. At
that time, the top of the Acropolis was reached by two paths to the north, equipped with
steps. It was some time after the middle of the thirteenth century what the “well-builtcity”, as homer called Athens, acquired its first wall. This was known as the ‘Pelasgic
wall’, from the inhabitants, the Pelasgians. It encircled the whole of the rock and was
built of large boulders. On its western side it had a rampart-tower, parts of the have been
preserved under the Temple of Athena Nike. It was at this period that a secret
underground cistern was dug out on the north-west of the Cropolis, capable of supplying
the city with water in the ven of a siege. The area where the cistern ended, low down on
the rock, was walled in with a little enceinte, for greater protection. Today the remains of
these Mycenaen building are scanty, because of the constant building which has taken
place on the Acropolis. However, the traces of strong walls, of a palace and an
underground cistern show that Mycenaean Athens was no less important than the other
Mycenaen cities. With the decline of Mycenacean civilization, the Acropolis continued to
be inhabited down to the end of monarchy at Athens. When the political system became
of aristocracy, the administrative center of Athens shifted to the area of the Agore. From
that point on, the term ‘Acropolis’ was employed to distinguish it from the city below. By
degrees, the hill began to be transformed into what was primarily a place of worship. On
the basis of the evidence of homer, the first temple dedicated to Athena Polias much have
been started in the eight century BC, on the site of the old Mycenaen palace. In all
probability, this temple had some connections with the so-called ‘Cylonian pollution’. In
636 or 632 BC, a nobleman called Cylon attempted to impose his tyranny on the
Athenians and seized the Acropolis. Although Cylon himself escaped, his followers were
slaughtered on the Sacred Rock. This was regaurded as an act of sacrilege and gave rise
to acute social upheaval.
In the Archaic period the Acroplis became firmly established as the sanctuary of Athena.
Pisistratus re-organized the Panathenaea festival (566 BC), provided an approach from
the level western side of the hill, and built a temple to Athena Polias on the site of the
eigth century temple. He also began the Temple of Brauronian Artemis and the Sanctuary
of Dionysus. In the sixth century there must have been a large number of other buildings
on the Acropolis, if we are to judge from the scattered architectural members which
excavations have brought to light. Immediately after the Battle of Marathon (490 BC),
the Athenians, as a sign of national pride, planned the construction of a number of
important buildings. It was at this point that work began on a gateway at the western
entracnce and on the so-callled Pre-Parthenon, the forerunner of the Parathenon. These
projects were never completed because in 480 BC the Persians took the Acrtopolis and
looted its monuments. The athenaisn decided to leave the temples in ruins as a constant
reminder of the disaster which had befallen them. They did, hoever, on the initiative of
Kimon, fortify the Acropolis. Thus the old Mycenaean wall was replaced for the first
time in the year 470-460. Fragments from the ruined temples were built into the new
Classical wall, and these can still be seen from a disatance on the north side of the
Acropolis today, in 465 BC, the Athenians dedicated a huge statue to Athena Promachos.
In the time of pericles, the Acropolis was adorned with the monuments which gave it its
immortal fame. In 454 BC, the treasury of the Athenian League was transferred from
delos to the Acropolis, while at the same time, the silver mines in Laurium started to be
exploited. The revenue now coming into the Athenian state made it possible for Pericles
to implement his grandiose building programme, which the help of the sculptor Phidias,
the overseer of the work. The Parthenon, the monumental Propylaea, the Temple of
Athena Nike, and the Odeion were all the work of Pericles – but also of the people of
Athens, undertaking which were to demonstrate to all the superiority and the greatness of
their city.
Work was interrupted by the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War. Pericles’s programme
was completed after this death (429 BC) during a short break in the hostilities. It was at
this point that the Temple of Athena Nike was completed and work started no the
building of the Erechtheum.
The defeat of Athens in 404 BC meant the end of any building activity on the Acropolis.
In 334, Alexander the great dedicated Persian shields and the spoil from his victory at the
granicus river in the Parthenon.
In Hellenistic times, Demetrius Poliorcetes (304 BC0 used the Parthenon as a residence,
while Eumenes II, King of Pergamon, built a colonnade on the south slope of the
Acropolis and set up a bronze four-horse chariot near the Propylae.
During the Roman period, Sulla looted Athens and slaughtered its inhabitants on the
Acropolis. At the end of the first century BC, a circular temple was dedicated to Rome
and augustus, while in 52 AD a monumental marble staircase was added to the Proylaea.
In 160-161 AD, Herodes Atticus built an Odeion on the south-west of the Acropolis.
After the raid of the heruli in 267 BC, the Athenians fortified the western enterance with
a wall and towers.
In Byzantine times, the Parthenon, the Erectheum and the Propylaea were converted into
Christian churches. Later, the Franks and the Latin conquerors of Athens used the area as
a fortress and fortified it with two towers. They made the Propylaea and the Erchtheum
was used as the harem of the Turkish governor and the Temple of Athena Nike was
demolished. In 1687, the Parthenon was blown up by Morosini’s artillery. Between 1799
and 1802, the British Ambassador in Constaninople, Lord Eligin, with the permission of
the Sultan took to London a large number of works of art which had adorned the Sacred
Rock. In 1827, in the course of the greek War of Independence, a Turkish shell destroyed
parts of the porxch of the Caryatids in the Erechtheum.
Athens was liberated in 1833 and the new Greek state began excavation and restoration
immediately. Both Greek and foreign archaeologists worked on the restoration of the
monuments on the Sacred Rock, constantyly discovering hidden tresures in the ruins.
Since 1975 a sp[ecial ‘ Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments’ has
been responsible for this work.
The Monuments of the Acropolis
The Beule Gate
The modern entrance to the Acropolis corresponds to the gate in the walls built after the
raid of the Heruli in 267 BC. It is called the Beule Gate after the French archaeologists
who studied it.
The Shrine of Aphrodite Pandemos
The goddess Aphrodite, protector of the Deme, must have been worshipped near the Nike
bastion. a section of the architrave of her sanctuary has survived, and has been placed
near the Beule Gate.
The Monument of Agrippa
The huge plinth in front of the Propylaea was erected by Eumenes II, King of Peragmon,
as the base for a quadriga dedicated after a victory in the Panathenaic Games in 1788 BC.
In 27 BC, the Athenians used the plinth as the base for a statue of Marcus Agrippa,
benefactor of the city.
The Propylaea
The Propylaea was built in 437 -432 BC by the architect Mnesicles, to replace an earlier
gateway of 490-480 BC. It is a composite building, to plans which were revolutionary for
their time. This was the first gateway of antiquity to have the façade in temple form.
Indeed, the building may well have had functions connected with the cults of deities who
protected gates and entrances apart from its secular purpose.
The central section of the Propylaea consists of two hex style porticoes, one facing
outwards and the other towards the interior of the Acropolis. The faithful entered through
the intercolumniation, and animals being led to sacrifice used the central space, which
was the widest. The columns of the porticoes were Doric, but inside there were six Ionic
columns in the harmonious blend of two architectural orders.
The central gateway is flanked by two more buildings, of which that two the north was
known as the Pinkaotheke, or picture galley. Inside it, paintings hung on the walls and
there were couches on which those tired out by the ascent could rest. The south building
was smaller, partly because a section of the Mycenaean wall still stood in this position
and restricted it. Furthermore, the temple of Athena Nike was being built in the vicinity at
the same time, and space had to be allowed for it. The west side of the south building was
open, to permit access to the Athena Nike temple.
When the Peloponnesian War broke out in 431 BC, work on the Propylaea stopped, and
the building was never completed.
The Temple of Athena Nike
In the sixth century BC, a miniature temple in stone dedicated to Athena Nike was
erected on the Mycenaean bastion. The facing was installed in Pericles Time, and in 437
BC the architect Callicrates was commissioned to build a new temple in marble. The
work was interrupted by the Peloponnesian War and not completed until 427-424 BC.
The classical temple, now restored, consists of a cella and two porticeos of Ionic
columns, one to the east and the other to the west. The narrow dimensions of the site
dictated that this should be a tiny building.
The Ionic frieze contained sculptural composition; on the east was a group of the twelve
gods, and around the other sides were scenes showing the Athenians fighting other
Greeks and the Persians. This was the first time that historical rather than mythological
sciences were depicted on a temple.
In around 410 BC, the open sides of the platform were shut off with a parapet and screen
in order to protect worshippers. This was decorated with reliefs showing Athena and the
Victories.
To the east of the temple was a stone altar of Athena Nike.
The Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia
The cult of the goddess Artemios was brought to Athens by Pisistratus from his
birthplace of brauron. This traces which have survived belong to a sanctuary of the fifth
century BC which consisted of a stoa with two lateral wings. These contained an Archaic
sculpture of the goddess and another of the fourth century BC, the work of the sculptor
Praxiteles.
The Chalkotheke
This pillared hall of the fifth century BC housed the sacred bronze vessel and the
dedications of the faithful. In the fourth century BC a portico was added on the north side
The Parthenon
At some point after 490 BC, work began on the Pre-Parthenon, which stood on the site
now occupied by the Parthenon. This was th4 first large marble temple to be built in
Athens, and its length was identical to that of the later structure. The Pre-Parthenon was
destroyed when the Persians captured the Acropolis and members from it were later built
into the Wall of Kimon. In Pericles’ time, the temple of Athena Parthenon, the greatest
masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture, was erected on the foundations of this earlier
building. Work on the temple lasted from 447 BC to 432 BC. The architects were Ictinus
and Callicerate, both of them renowned in their own day. The sculptures were executed
by Pheidias, one of the greatest artists of all time; he was personal friend of Pericles, and
undertook the task of supervising all the work on the Acropolis. The Parthenon is built in
Pentelic marble, and is a fundamentally Doric structure with Ionic elements. There is a
cella and a west chamber, both of which stand on a crepidoma. On the east and west
facades are Doric colonnades of six columns/ the entire building is surrounded by a Doric
peristyle of eight columns on the short sides and seventeen on the long sides. The cella of
the Parthenon was 30 meters long. It is notably broad, a new development for the
architecture of the period. The purpose of ancient Greek temples was to house the cult
statue of the deity worshipped there. The space inside was usually limited since ritual was
never performed there: they took place at altars outside. In the Parthenon, we have the
first spacious cella, despite the fact that worship continued to be conducted in the open
air. There was another reason for this innovation: the cella was the contain a colossal gold
and ivory statue of Athena Partenos, twelve meters in height. This was the work of
Pheidias, who depicted the goddess in amour holding a small Victory in one hand. On the
pedestal was a representation of the mythological scene of the birth of Pandora. Directly
in front of the statue, on the floor, was a basin of water, whose purpose was to provide
the moisture necessary to preserve the ivory and, with its reflections, to add still greater
majesty to the scene. The statue was surrounded on three sides by a colonnade in the
shape of a Greek TT on two levels.
The west chamber of the Parthenon, divided from the cella proper by a cross wall, was
used as a treasury for sacred object. In its interior were four Ionic columns in two rows.
Apart from its parallel use of Doric and Ionic features, the Parthenon has a number of
other characteristics which make it a unique creation. In order to produce more
aesthetically satisfactory results, the architects made use of what are called
“refinements”: the horizontal surfaces of the building are not geometrically straight but
slightly curved the columns tapers as they rise and are inclined towards the center of the
temple, and the corner columns are thicker than the others. This was a way of correcting
the distortion created by the human eye and helping the monument give the impression of
being an almost living organism.
In the Parthenon, architectural perfection is combined with the power of the sculptural
ornamentation. The external Doric frieze had 92 metopes decorated with scene in relief.
On the east side, these depicted the Battle of the Giants, on the west, the Battle of the
Amazons, on the south, the Battle of the Centaurs, and on the north the Fall of Troy. The
surviving metopes can be seen today in the British Museum, the Louvre and the
Acropolis Museum, while some are still attracted to the temple itself.
The east pediment showed the birth of Athena from the head of Zeus, and the west
pediment the dispute between Athena and Poseidon. On the roof were acroteria in the
form of leaf ornaments. The greatest masterpiece of sculpture on the Parthenon was the
Ionic frieze which ran around the temple inside the peristyle. The work of Phidias, this
depicted – on a surface with a total length of 160 meters the most important religious
ceremony to take place in Athens: the Panathenaea Possesion. The Great Panathenaea
was held every four years in honor of Athena Polias. It lasted one week, consisted of
musical and athletic contest, and culminated in the Panathenaic procession, which ended
with the symbolic endowment of the wooden cult statue of Athena Polias in the
Erechtheum with a new robe. The robe itself was ornamented with scenes from the Battle
of the Giants and was borne to the Acropolis on a wheeled ship. The procession started
from the Pompeian in kerameikos, crossed the Agora along the Panathenaic way, and
then climbed the sacred rock. Delivery of the robe was followed by the sacrifice of
approximately a hundred animals and by a banquet for all the citizens. The Parthenon
frieze shows a total of some 360 human figures, and a whole host of animals. They are all
depicted moving east, towards the delivery of the robe in the presence of the gods and the
city officials. The magnificent composition is a blend of all the advances with Athenian
democracy had made. The surviving section of the frieze can be seen today on the west
side of the Parthenon, in the Acropolis Museum, in the British Museum and in the
Lourve.
The Temple of Rome and Augustus
This roman building dates from the end of the first century BC and was dedicated to
Rome and Augustus. It consists of a circular colonnade with nine Ionic columns.
The Sanctuary of Pandion
This open air sanctuary of the fifth century BC was used from the worship of Erechtheus.
Precinct of Zeus Poleios
Naturally enough, the Acropolis had to have sanctuary of Zeus, the first of the gods. As a
deity associated above all with the heavens and mountains tops, he was worshipped at the
highest point of the Acropolis. His little temple was the scene of the Dipoleia, an obscure
ritual, during it; we know that the worshippers turned an ox free to graze before killing it
with an axe. After the sacrifice of the animal, the axe was put on trial in a custom which
may well have been a survival of a prehistoric ritual.
The ‘Old Temple” of Athena
Between the Erechtheum and the Parthenon are the foundations of the Archaic temple of
Athena, dating from 570-560 BC. The building scheme was pushed through by Pisistratus
and was associated with the re organization of the Panathenaic Festival in 566 BC. In 480
BC, the temple was destroyed by the Persians; later, it was roughly repaired, and after
454 BC housed in its cella the treasury of the Belian Confederation. To the east of the
temple was the altar of Athena Polias and Erechtheus, where the sacrifices during the
Panathenaea took place.
The Erechtheum
The Erechtheum, one of the most elegant buildings on the Acropolis, dominated the north
side of the rocky platform. It was built into eh fifth century on the spot where, according
to tradition, Athena and Poseidon had disputed over the naming of Athens, Next to the
temple was the sacred olive tree of Athena, and in a well was the sea- water that was
Poseixdon’s gift to the city. The mark of the god’s trident could also be seen on the north
wall of the building.
The architect of the Erechtheum exploited the uneven surface at this point to construct
and unusual temple consisting of rooms built on different levels. Inside, Athena Polias
and Poseidon were worshipped, along with the deities associated with the mythical past
of Athens – including Erechtheus, who gave his name to the temple.
The Erechtheum is in the Ionic order with porches on its east, north and south sides. The
north porch has a monumental door, while the predominant feature on the south side are
the famous Caryatids. These are six female statues set in place of columns – and although
their function is primarily to support the entablature, they look light and graceful. The
bend in one leg breaks the monotony of the vertical axis, while the heavy, dense folds on
the other leg give the overall composition variety and balance. One of the Caryatids is
now in the British Museum, while the others are kept in the Acropolis Museum. The
figures we see on the Erechtheum are casts.
The Arrephorion
This small building was the residence of the Arrephorion, young Athenian maidens who
took part in various secrets rituals. During these they brought to the sanctuary of
Aphordite the so called ‘unspoken sacred things, which were pieces of break in the form
of phalluses and snake and the fruit of the umbrella pine. These rites must have been
connected with fertility and the fecundity of nature.
Votive Offerings
Throughout antiquity, the Acropolis accumulated a vast number of votive offerings from
the faithful. These works of art, which enhanced the sacred site, were usually statues and
most of them have been lost. Only those dedicated before the Persian invasion have
survived: the Athenians hid in pits near the Parthenon all they were able to save from the
disaster.
“All travel has its advantages. If the passenger
visits better countries, he may learn to improve
his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he
may learn to enjoy it.” – Samuel Johnson
65. Italy
Rome: The most impressive construction is the Coliseum, the great amphitheater
accommodating up to 80,000 visitors and the eternal symbol of the civilization. In the
surrounding area, you will admire the imposing Arch of Constantine, the last of the
triumphal monuments of the classical age, erected in 315 Ad to celebrate
Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge. Here you can have the
overview of the Forum and admire the Majestic columns and ruins from a distance,
immersing yourself in the political, religious and public life of ancient Rome. Visit
also the capitol, the smallest but most famous of Rome’s seven hills and the location
of the senatorial Palace, headquarters of the municipality of Rome. Also do not miss
of Rome’s most evocative churches: the Basilica of San Clemente. This church is
built on three levels and provides a cross-section of the age-old history of the city.
The first Basilica was built on the top of pre-existing Roman buildings in the fourth
century, then destroyed by the Normans and rebuilt in 1108. Our next step is a visit to
the church of of San Pietro in Vincoli on the Oppian Hill. It was built in the fifth
century by Eudoxia, the wife of the Emperor Valentian III, with the purpose of
housing the chains that bound St Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem. Inside
you also can admire Michelangelo’s magnificent sculpture, universally known as
Moses.
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Coloseum.
Constantine’s Arch.
St Peter’s Basilica.
Trevi Fountain.
Navona Square.
Venezia Square..
Espagna Square.
St John’s Basilica.
Marco Aurelio’s Column.
Maximun Circus.
The Pantheon.
Caracalla Baths.
Ancient Apia Street.
Shopping Area:
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Condotti Street, Corso Street, Spagna Square, Borgognona Street and Frattina
Street. What to buy? Leather items, “pret-a-porter” and high fashion from the
most famous Italian designers.
Genoa: This is an invitation to those who don’t know our city to come find a Genoa
of your own. In Genoa, every time you change your viewpoint, you discover a
completely different city. Look up as you walk through the narrow medieval streets of
the old city, Centro Storico, and the heights of the buildings will make you dizzy.
Densely packed together in the Middle Ages, they leave only a strip of sky visible
over your head. But your eyes will linger on the colorful frescoed facades, great
windows that give glimpses of paintings on the ceilings, and the elaborate corner
alters that face out above the crossroads of dark and narrow alleyways. From the sea,
from a boat, the port of Genoa arches around you. Pastel colored buildings with
arcades line the harbor starting from the ripa maris which follows the sea, to fade off
into the distance, leaving a vision of the old port, the Porto Antico-newly redesigned
by Renzo Piano-and the commercial port with its cranes at work, and containers like a
puzzle of colors. Genoa can be seen from above. From Spianata Castelletto, reached
by public elevator in less than five minutes from the center, the city is a labyrinth of
roofs of gray slate the characteristic “soft” stone from nearby quarries in the Gulf of
Tuligo-interspersed with stone towers andr bell towers that rise above the city. There
is a surprising amount of bright green, gardens whose existence cannot be guessed
from street level, and the blue Mediterranean is ever in the background. Higher up the
hills is Righi with its forts, and a unique view of the entire city, the valleys and the
sea. In Genoa the landscape isn’t the only thing that varies. History has left its traces
in layers. Every step takes you into a different epoch, a different style. In the dense
medieval enclave-Genoa’s old city, or historic center, one of the world’s biggest cities
in the 1300s-sudden Renaissance palaces emerge. The 42 Palazzi dei Rollo, all
UNESCO World Heritage sites, date to the 1500 and 1600s. With their frescoes
inside and out, along with twenty other museums, and exhibitions and events in
Palazzo Ducale and at the modern Trade Fairgrounds on the Sea, the Fiera del Mare,
Genoa is a living city of art. A walk-through museum under the sky. Genoa, city of
the sea, culture, and fun. We offer you itineraries for two weekends in the city. The
first for those who love art and history. The second dedicated to families and
relaxation. If you decide to spend a week to get to know a city better, you will find
that Genoa will surprise you. And you can explore easily on foot or by public
transport. Five minutes away from Genoa’s main train station, Stazione Principe, and
Genoa’s old port, Porto Antico, is Piazza della Nunziata, the starting point for our
weekend tour of the architecture and artistic beauty of Genoa. Facing onto the piazza,
the white Chiesa dell’Annunziata holds some of the most representative art work of
the 17th century artists who made Genoa’s Golden Century of painting so famous.
Inside you will find De Ferrari, Strozzi and Carlone side by side with later paintings
by Castello, Piola and Guidobono. Caravaggio, Rubens, and Van Dyck also add to the
beauty of the church. The famous French philosopher, Montesquieu, on a visit to
Genoa in the 1700s declared the Annuziata to the most beautiful church in the city.
Charles Dickins underlined this in his images of Italy, where he speaks of the
splendor and the variety of the churches saying, the church of the Annunziata was
built, like many others, by the noble family, and it is so finely decorated and painted
with gold that it seems like a giant enameled snuff box. Piazza della Nunziata lies at
one end of Via Lomellini, an elaborate pedestrian street which leads into the old city.
On Via Lomellini you will find the late-Baroque oratory, Oratorio di San Fillipino,
which often has concerts, and the house where Italian patriot, Giuseppe Mazzini, was
born, now the Museum of the Unification of Italy, Museo del Risorgimento. Via
Lomellini ends at Piazza di Fossatello. To the right is Via del Campo, made famous
in the songs of native Genoese singer-songwriter, Fabrizio De Andre, and to the left,
shopping street Via San Luca with low cost third-world immigrant shops mixing with
refined Italian boutiques. Half-way down Via San Luca is the tiny piazza of the
Church of San Luca that holds Nativita, a masterpiece by Giovanni Benedetto
Castiglione also known as Grechetto. The street ends in Piazza Banchi where Italy’s
first stock market was created in 1855 in the arched Loggia dei Mercanti, and the
lovely multicolored pastels of the Church of San Pietro in Banchi rise out of the shops
at street level below it. The story of the two levels of the church reflects the nature of
the Genoese: the noble Lomellini family wanted to put the area to commercial use,
the pious wanted a church, so the shops are below the church above. From Piazza
Bianchi the Street of the Goldsmiths, Via degli Orefici, leads into Piazza Campetto,
which holds the beautiful Palazzo Imperiale with its Museum of the Quality and
international events. Crossing through the open and vaulted ground floor of Palazzo
Ducale leads to a large square, Piazza Matteotti. Go down the tripartite openings.
Retracing our steps we turn left at the piazza to head for the Italian gothic Cathedral
of San Lorenzo on wide cobbled Via San Lorenzo this area is full of interesting bars
offering aperitivi with snacks, and typical restaurants. After dinner Carlo Felice has
the best acoustics of any Italian Artistic Artisan and shops. Vico San Matteo starts
here, to end shortly after in Piazza San Matteo, surrounded by narrow palacesbelonging to the Doria family in the Middle Ages- and its picturesque church, Chiesa
di San Matteo in Romanesque-Gothic style which holds frescos by Gian Battista
Castello and Luca Cambiaso. The cobbled street along the side of the church leads up
towards the geographic center of Genoa, Piazza De Ferrari, which holds the Opera
House, Teatro dell’Opera Carlo Felice, and the Palazzo Ducale, which in addition to
its beautiful architecture hosts many exceptional exhibitions monumental stairway
and to your left is the church, Chiesa del Gesu which holds the Rubens The
Circumcision and The Miracle of Saint Ignatius, along with an Assumption by Guido
Reni. The church is a spectacular example of Genoese baroque. Directly across from
the stairway of Palazzo Ducale, on the other side of Piazza Matteotti a small cobbled
street begins to wind away into the old city. This is Salita Pollaiuoli which will take
you past art galleries and Rive Gauche style shops to the Romanesque church, Chiesa
di San Donato with its classic octagonal bell tower decorated with carvings and a
triple order of bipartite and whose distinctive black stone and white marble striped
bell towers rise high above the street. Inside are works by Luca Cambiaso, Lazzaro
Tavarone and Gaetano Previati embellished by a multitude of marble columns of
many styles and origins donated by Genoese ships after their voyages. The cathedral
holds the ashes of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the city, and its museum holds
the Sacro Catino which some say is the Holy Grail. The neighboring Museo
Diocesano shows painted panels of the oldest jeans material in the world. To relax
after heavy sightseeing, opera house, and there are many theatres to choose from:
Teatro della Corte and Duse for prose, the Teatro della Tosse for experimental works,
Politeama Genovese for variety shows, and the lovely old Teatro Gustavo Modena
also called dell’Archivolto- a bit out of the way in Sampierdarena- has been cited by
the Ministry of Culture as a Teatro Stabile. The next day is dedicated to the palaces of
the new street, Strada Nuova, which was new and startlingly innovative in the 1500s.
Many of the Rolli Palaces, the Palazzi dei Rolli, are located here. The name “Rolli”
derives from the piece of parchment which listed the most luxurious palaces of the
nobles in the city, who were accordingly under obligation to host any passing king or
dignitary on official visit to Genoa. Forty of these luxurious palazzo are listed as
Unesco World Heritage Sites. Starting from the Piazza Fontane Marose, take a good
look at Palazzo Spinola of Marble with its typical white and black marble bands, then
turn in the Pallavicini, the second on the left has a Rococo Golden Gallery of
extraordinary beauty, the work of Lorenzo De Ferrari, and is now the headquarters of
the Genoa Chamber of Commerce. A bit further down on the other side of the street,
is Palazzo Nicilosio Lomellini with elaborate stucco decoration on its façade, but its
dark vaulted opening on the street frames a huge fountain outside the palace at the
back, a lovely ninfeo, with opposite direction where a wide and elegant street leads
away from the piazza. Now called Via Garibaldi, New Street was the talk of Europe
in the 1500s, and Rubens came to draw its palaces for his book. All are on the Rolli
list, all are worth visiting. Just to mention a few: Palazzo Tobia bright green ferns
sticking up through the gray stone. Next come the Palace-Museums of Strada Nuova,
Palazzo Tursi, now city Hall, also hosts a permanent exposition of decorative arts,
including tapestries, furniture, ceramics, and Ligurian textiles, not to mention the
violin belonging to famous composer and native son, Niccolo Paganini. And at the
end of the new street are Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco, the Red and the White
palaces, donated to the city by the Brignole-Sale family. Palazzo Rosso shows their
antiques and their art collection, including paintings by Van Dyck, Durer, Guercino,
and Reni, and a beautiful view over the city from its upper floor glass gallery. Palazzo
Bianco has a collection of Genoese, Italian and Flemish paintings from the 1400s to
the 1700s. The extension of Via Garibaldi is Via Cairoli, which was originally created
to allow more nobles to build fancy palaces outside the old city. It leads us once again
to Piazza della Nunziata, which leads into Via Balbi, the street of the University of
Genoa and the Royal Palace, Palazzo Reale. Once the palace of the noble Balbi
family, it was the residence for the King of Italy when he came to Genoa. Inside are
paintings and antiques, outside, the terrace is paved in an intricate mosaic of black
and White Sea pebbles. The university buildings also date to the 1600s and include a
baroque marble stairway that was the marvel of Europe, leading up to hanging
botanical gardens. The medieval old city of Genoa is Europe’s biggest, reflecting the
fact in the 1300s Genoa was one of the world’s four largest cities. A labyrinth of
narrow alleyways, bordered by the port, their character is still preserved intact after
all these centuries. Thousand year old Commenda di Pre- with its beautiful arched
Romanesque façade, across from the newly renovated Museum of the Sea- was a
hospice for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. Today their faces are projected
onto the gray stone walls to tell their stories in interactive exhibits.Via Pre heads east
along the waterfront toward the tall crenellated stone towers that guard one of the
gates to the city, Porta dei Vacca, erected in 1155 to defend Genoa from the Emperor
Barbarossa. Through the city gates on Via del Campo-made famous by singersongwriter, Fabrizio De Andre-leads into a maze of cobblestone pedestrian shopping
streets that wind through the old city. Via San Luca, the street of the Goldsmiths, Via
degli Orefici, Piazza Campetto, elegant pastry shops and old bars with glided mirrors,
trendy fashion boutiques and low cost immigrant shops that make you think of Delhi.
Palazzo Imperiale has Liguriastyle.it, a center of Ligurian artisan excellence,
neighboring Piazza Soziglia leads to Via Luccoli, with shops selling goods, tailors
making shirts. It all ends at the Piazza Fontane Marose, where cars and buses bring
you back to the 21 century. Via XXV Aprile goes to Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa’s
geographic center, but turn sharply left just before the Opera House, Teatro Carlo
Felice, to walk up the most expensive street in the city, Via Roma, which ends only
too quickly in Piazza Corvetto, with an equestrian statue of Italy’s first king
surrounded by colorful flowers, two theatres Teatro Duse and Politeama Genovese
and another elegant old-fashioned bar just beyond which is wrought iron and glass
roofed gallery that runs parallel to Via Roma. Galleria Mazzini, the pedestrian street
protected from the elements, leads back to the modern Opera House. Now turn left
and head down Via XX Settembre a long arcaded shopping street, especially popular
with the young, whose mosaic paving is done in Art Nouveau designs. Pass under the
massive stone arch of triumph, to an old iron building, the food market, Mercato
Orientale, whose stalls sell fresh produce, cheeses, breads. The street ends in a huge
square, Piazza della Vittoria, with a train station at one end, an Arch of Triumph in
the middle, and on the hillside closest to the sea, three huge caravels of Columbus
drawn on a green lawn in red and white flowers. Nearby is Teatro della Corte and
slightly further, the Trade Fairgrounds of the Sea, Fiera del Mare, which hosts the
Euroflora and the Genoa International Boat Show, the Salone Nautico. Back to Piazza
de Ferrari, and the area on the other side of Palazzo Ducale leads to a night life spot,
Piazza delle Erbe, full of trendy bars and outdoor cafes. From here Via San Donato
leads to Stradone Sant’ Agostino with Teatro della Tosse, and to Piazza Sarzano and
the Museum of Sant’ Agostino, an old medieval monastery that now houses sculpture
and Ligurian painting from the X to the XVIII century. A panoramic bridge goes to
the hill of Carignano with the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, described by
the famous French Writer, Stendhal. From the church of Carignano, Via Fieschi goes
down to Piazza Dante, where another city gate, Porta Soprana, divides the old city
from the new. In the shadow of its two stone towers lies the house where Christopher
Columbus, who discovered America, was born over 500 years ago. New street and
the Rolli Palaces where the talk of Europe when they were built at the start of the
Renaissance. Marveling at the wide street filled with palaces, Flemish painters came
to draw their images, which epitomized the splendor and the power of the Republic of
Genoa under the guidance of astute Andrea Doria. Thanks to commerce, native
Genoese industry, and the banking with loans to all the kings of Europe, but
especially Spain between 1536 and 1640 became known as el siglo de los Genoveses,
which in Spanish means the Century of the Genoese. You can easily relive the
atmosphere of the times here today in Genoa, because the conservative nature of the
Genoese means that little has been changed. New Street, is now called Via Garibaldi,
even newer street, via cairoli, but you can walk down them today and admire the
frescos and stucco decoration on the palaces, laid out in plan as an atrium followed by
a courtyard, monumental stairway, then landscaped garden. The palaces spread along
the borders of the old densely built medieval city to Via Balbi, Via Lomellini and Via
San Luca, as the noble families-who shared the city’s immense wealth among
themselves because Genoa has never had a king-rivaled against each other in pomp
and majesty. Most can be visited, many are now in museums of Strada Nuova,
including present day Genoa’s city hall, and the Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo
Spinola in Piazza Pelliccera, which is a lovely surprise buried in the heart of dense
closely packed medieval buildings. It houses antiques, ceramics, silver, and art
collection of the Spinola family. Palaces that are not normally open to the public can
be visited on the “Rolli Days”, but the Sala Viaggiatori di sguardo, in Palazzo Ducale
offers an audio-visual guide and a virtual tour that are always available for interactive
viewing. Genoa has many different seas to explore. There is the sea of the busy
commercial port, filled with tall cranes unloading big ships from all over the world.
There is a sea of tourist port bustling with the holiday-makers on the huge cruise
ships, and cars lining the docks to board ferryboats that ply the Mediterranean. Then
there is Porto Antico, the old port which has become a new entertainment port with
steamboats giving a tour of the harbor, or leaving on excursions for Portofino or the
Cinque Terre, whale-watching expeditions, or night time cruises to see fireworks
reflected in the waters of Riveria towns like Recco, Sori, and Rapallo. The STL,
Sistema Turistico del Genovesato, is promoting the one hour trip on the GenoaCamogli shuttle boat service to take tourists and commuters out to this lovely fishing
village at the foot of Portofino Mountain. The municipal bus service, Amt, also has a
bus-boat that takes you from Piazza Caricamento in front of Porto Antico, to Molo
Archetti in the Western Suburb of Pegli, giving a panoramic view of Genoa’s tallest
mountain coast. On the other side of the city center is the sea of beaches. Wide palmlined Corso Italia, has a tiled pedestrian promenade that lets joggers, strollers, cyclists
and roller skaters follow the shoreline, just a few meters above the waves. It ends at
the sea of the typical Ligurian fishing village with its dense wall of pastel houses
overlooking the boats pulled up on the pebble beach. Further to the east, on the edge
of town is Nervi, whose breath taking promenade, Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi skirts
the cliffs, with waves crashing on the rocks below you, and the purple silhouette of
Portofino across the waters. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the Riveria. It
starts at the tiny harbor, and ends on a small pebble beach surrounded by pastel
fisherman’s houses at Capolungo. Then there is the sea of song. Italy’s famous
singer-songwriter, Fabrizio De Andre, hailed from Genoa. His songs speak of the
relationship between the city and the sea which describes the low life around the port
in the fifties, and hopes for redemption. And then, Genoa has a sea of history. Of the
many historic sea events that have taken place here, perhaps the most important was
Garibaldi’s departure from the Rock of Genoa-Quarto with one thousand soldiers to
conquer Sicily and unify Italy, 150 years ago. Many of the patrician villas of Genoa
with their large parks and beautiful interiors are museums. Villeta Di Negro, whose
large gothic park occupies the whole hillside next to central Piazza Corvetto, houses
Europe’s biggest museum of Japanese art. Museo d’Arte Orientale Edoardo
Chiossone with pieces Edoardo Chiossone collected when he ran the Japanese Mint
under the Meiji in the 19th century. It holds collections of the Japanese painting dating
from the 1100s to the 1800s, arms, armor, ceramics, lacquered and enameled objects,
polychrome prints, musical instruments, theatre masks, textiles, bronzes and even big
sculpture, and is considered to be the most important collection of Japanese art
outside of Japan. Featured at the museum are masterpieces by Harunobu, Utamoro
and Hokusai. The Japanese atmosphere of the museum contrasts with the Gothic
landscaping of the park, with nympheum fountains, walk-through grottoes, ponds,
and a huge artificial waterfall that can be seen from the city streets on the other side
of the hill. The park was a memorable landmark in Genoa admired by many famous
visitors, including Manzoni, and Canova. Another Genoese world traveler and
collector at the turn of the century was sea captain, D’Albertis, now displays his
ethnic collections in the Museo delle Culture del Mondo. The grounds here are worth
visiting for a spectacular view and for the public elevator ride to reach it the
Ascensore di Montegalletto leaves Via Balbi as a single train car, then suddenly in the
middle of the tunnel is lifted into the air to reach the castle. Inside, displays from all
over the world have been artistically set up by Genoese designer and sculptor,
Massimo Chiappetta. From the panoramic terraces of the castle, you can look out
over the port, dominated by its tall medieval lighthouse, the Lanterna. A symbol of
Genoa, it also has its own museum in its park, Parco Urbano della Laterna. The
promenade here is panoramic as well as interesting as it crosses on the old city walls
and offers views of the busy port and the Gulf of Genoa. To the west beyond the
Laterna are the more industrial suburbs of Genoa. To the west beyond the Laterna are
the more industrial suburbs of Genoa, but include residential Pegli. This is the site of
two palaces turned into fascinating museums. Just behind the train station is Villa
Centurione-Doria, housing the navel Museo Navale, with the boats and rare
documentation dating from the Middle Ages to modern times. Another huge park
covering the hillside above, Parco Durazzo-Pallavicini is landscaped on an Opera
theme, with strange oriental-style buildings and water features, and the patrician villa
that houses the Archeological Museum which displays an amazing real grave of a
prince from the Ice Age, found on the Riviera. On the opposite, eastern, side of
Genoa, is the old fishing village of Nervi, which has a series of lovely villas in huge
parks on Nervi’s promenade along the cliffs of the sea. In the villa saluzzo serra, there
is a Gallery of Modern Art; Villa Grimaldi Fassio houses the Frugone Collection,
with art work from the 1600s to the present; Museo Luxoro is dedicated to the
decorative arts; and the Wolfsoniana, donated to by Mitchell Wolfson, displays his
collection of glass, silver, paintings, furnishings and sculpture from the 1800s and
1900s. In Carignano, above the sea near the center of Genoa is 18th century Villa
Croce, with a Museum of Contemporary Art which frequently features international
artists, along with its permanent collection of over 3,000 works by both Italians and
foreigners from between 1939 and 1980. Genoa is a vertical city. Its mountains rise
steeply out of the sea. As a result its famously tight-fisted inhabitants have learned to
make every square centimeter count with respect to their land. To do so, the
resourceful Genoese designed a public transport system around elevators and cable
cars. Tourists love the public elevator, Ascensore Portello-Castelletto, that goes up to
Castelletto, the elegant residential quarter above the city center, and offers incredible
view of the port and the city. Ascensore-Montegalletto-Castelletto D’Albertis travels
horizontally on tracks from the start of Via Balbi and then suddenly goes straight up
23 floors to the castle perched above the port. The cable car that connects Piazza
Zecca to the hilltop forts of Righi, gives a good view of the city, going higher than
Castelletto, and provides access to the trails along the crests of the mountains,
connecting the centuries old-forts that were last used to defend the city against
Napoleon. There is also a new Adventure Park in this area in the trees high above the
sea.
Must see list of attractions:
Civitavecchia: the first evidence of the stttlement in the area of Civitavecchia relates
to the ancient town of Centocelle, once the port of Ethuria and a rich Market centre.
Pliny the Younger refers in his writings to Centoncelle as the venue of peace council
held by the emperor Trajan. Contocelle takes its name from the style of village
houses, which resembled hives with small cells, and the tiny bays along the coast that
enabled ships to come and go. Due to its sheltered surroundings and easy acces to ,
Trajan built his most extravagant villa in the vicinity, mentioned by Pliny. The basic
structure of the port first developed by Trajan still remains. When the port of Ostia at
the mouth of the river Tiber became insufficient to handle the maritime traffic to
rome , Civitavecchia tool its place. The distinctive shape of the port is attributed to
the architect Apoodoro who decorated the original structure with engraving and
statues. After the fall of the Roman Empire , Civitavecchia maintained its maritime
importance and in a few centuries had become the most important port in the
Thyrrenian, competing for supremacy with Pisa and attracting the attention of Turkish
pirates.The port today manages light commercial and passenger traffic to the
Thyerrenian islands, while the medieval centre of Civitavecchia is still well
preserved. . Typical meals: “Buccatini all’amatriciana’ (noodle with tomato, bacon,
onion, and “pecorino” cheese; “Saltimbocca alla Romana”, veal meat with ham and
sage; deserts: cottage cheese tart and Tiramisu (creamy coffee cake). Most interesting
tourist attractions: Rome, Calosseum, Constantine’s Arch, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi
Fountain, Navona Square, Venezia Square, Spagna Square, St. John’s Basilica, Marco
Aurelio’s Column, Maximum Circus, the Pantheon, Caracalla Baths, Ancient Apia
Street. Shopping Area: Condotti Street, Corso Street, Spagna Square, Borgognona
Street and Frattina Street. What to buy: leather items, “pret-a porter” and high fashion
from the most famous Italian designers.
Palermo: Strategically placed between Europe and Africa, the island of Sicily has for
centuries been a focus of military and commercial activity. And the city of Palermo is
still today a fascinating centre of culture and enterprise. According to historical
research, the prehistoric inhabitants of Palermo, once named Panormus because of its
depp bay and anchorage, lived in caves and shelters around the 660-metre high Mount
Pellegrino, which dominates the city’s skyline. The city has been rulled by all the
great ancient powers of the region including Greek, Punic, Roman, Cathaginian,
Byzantine, Saracen, Norman, Spanish and Bourbon. Its Moorish characteristics are
influenced by the Normans, who dominated the city and a large part of the island for
a long period, both militarily and commercially. Frederick II established a
cosmopolitan court in the city, encouraging the creation of a vibrant cultural centre.
After the Angevin period, Palermo was dominated by Naples, until successfully
revolted during the Vespers revolution of 11282. Under Aragon rul, the city
flourished again. It then fell under Spanish and, subsequently, Bourbon rule, until
May 27, 1860 when Garibaldi and his 1,000 men put an end to their reign and the
island became part of Italy. The architecture and design of Palermo reflects this
complex history, producing a distinctive style and atmosphere. The most interesting
examples of Norman architecture are the Palace in the Piazza della Victoria, which
the renowned 12th century Palantine Chapel dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul.
The palace is richly decorated in mosaic and a mixture of Romanesque, Arab and
Byzantine art. Situated 7 km from Palermo are the beautiful 12th century Cathedral
and Benedictine Monastery at Monreale built by William II. Built on a panoramic hill
dominating the Golden Basin and Oreto river valley, it is a masterpiece of massive,
yet delicate, scale, with extraordinary mosaics. Situated 74 km from Palermo, is the
beautiful Norman building with glistening mosaics on a golden background. The
medieval town center is filled with shops and crafters man’s workshops, including
some specializing in wrought iron. The cuisine of Palermo is often richly flavored and
elaborates, for example, pasta with sardines, white anchovies or anchovies and
tomatoes, or pasta with aubergines and cuttlefish. Other typical dishes include filled
aubergines, arancini (rice balls with spices) stewed octopus, swordfish, tuna, and
hake. Sicily also has the reputation for delicious cakes including ricotta cake,
marzipan and torrone.
Arriving in Sicily in the morning was exquisite. We sailed through the cape Falconara
to the Sicilian coast and then through the strait of Capeggallo where you have the
famous beach of Mondelo and the port of the City of Palermo. Palermo is the 5th
largest city in Italy. It has a subtropical weather and its symbol it the medusa head
with 3 legs which represents the 3 corners of Sicily. Sicily has a shape of a triangle ,
and the Medusa head also has two heads that symbolizes good and evil. You find this
souvenir everywhere. We were quite pleased with the visit to Monreale he Church
there was built with a double purpose – a fortress and a church. Inside, you find the
tombs of the Norman kings. The one made of porphyry is where William the bad was
buried. The marble one is where William II (the good one) was buried. The church is
an interesting collection of mosaics. It has an interesting one of Jesus crowning
William II as a way of establishing his theocracy. The center of the nave depicts an
enormous mosaic of Jesus blessing human kind. He is dressed in gold with a blue
mantel. Underneath of it, you see mary dressed in blue with a gold mantle. Gold
signifies divinity and blue signifies humanity therefore you can conclude the
significance of these colors on these 2 figures. Also impressive is they built the
Bishop Palave, the Cathedral Church and the Royal Palace in 16 years. On the way
back to Palermo, do stop and appreciate the massive gates to its entrance. The
Cathedral of St Rosalia was built with lava rock from Mt St Edna and also has many
religious elements on it. An additional wing was built on the side with beautiful
skylights and even a sundial clock. The altar has 500 kg of pure silver. The center
also has a marble altar where kings are crowned. On the left also you can appreciate a
renaissance Madonna made of marble and beautiful colors with iconological
byzantine style. The Eucharistic is kept under the blue stone in the altar. Do not miss
also the massive silver Madona and the teatrino marble fountains despicting the
resurrection of Lazaro.
Savona: Chistpher Columbus passed through Savona. On the high grounds of Savona
between the gardens and the orchads there is a house dedicated to the explorer, called
“Christopher Columbus house”, given by Ligurian residents and natives of this town
in honor of the great navigator. Savona is rich in history and port activity. The first
welcoming monument of the town is the Leon Pancaldo tower, named after a famous
sailorwho in 1519 accompanied Magellano, on the first circumnavigation around the
world. During that adventure, he kept a diary which for centuries after was used as a
guide by vessels and saiboats exploring uncharted seas and oceans. The Tower was
once named “Tower of Quanda” and has acted as a guardian of the port for over 600
years.A short distance from the tower, the Priamar Fort stands on the rock that hosted
the first Savona settlement. This community was allied with Carhago against Rome
and has been mentioned already in 205 BC by the historian Tito Livio as “Savo
Oppidum Alpinim”. Savona’s importance quickly decreased when Rome founded the
city “Vada Sabatia”, Vado nowadays, but after the barbarian invasions Savona
became an important Byzantine settlement. Savona was destroyed in 643 by the
troops of the Rotari, longobord king and commander. During the IX and X century,
Savona became the capital “Aleramica”, and subsequent a free community increasing
notably in maritime and commercial importance and intensifying all traffic with
France and North Africa. The ascent aof the Pope Sisto IV (1474-1484) and
subsequent ascent of the nephew Giulio II (1503-1513) allowed Savona enter
international politics, and therefore entered its most intense period of history , the socalled “Roveresco Renaissance”. It was during this time that numerous building
works changed the face of the city: the generosity of the Rovere Popes, helped give
Rome some of its famous monumental characteristics of today, which at that time,
reflected on Savona. Sisto IV wanted to build a chapel in Savona in order to house his
parents tomb. Subsequently, he ordered the erection of the Sistine Chapel in Savona,
built by Lombard artists between 1481-83. The ascent of flourishing Savona suffered
a brutal crash in 1528 when it was conquested by Genoa. The port was buried, and the
city was ransacked many times and partially destroyed. Few years later the
Genoese demolished the beautiful cathedral and religious citadel which were both
situated close to the Priamar hioll in order to build the Priamar fort. Nowadays, the
Priamar Fort has been restored and transformed from a symbol of submission to the
centre used to host many cultural and social events. Three centuries later relief was
found in the arrival of Napoleon and later the arrival of the Piemontese. During these
times, the city saw an economic rebirth within the port and its industry. The
Mazziniane period at the beginning of the 1800 and the importance of economic
rebirth within the port and its industry. The Mazziane period period at the beginning
of the 1800 and the importance of labourism between 1800 and 1900 distinguished
Savona for its democratic and antifascist traditions. In 1927 Savona was recognized
as a “chief town” of the province. Today Savona is the most important town of the
West Lingurian Riviera. A short distance from Savona lay some of the most beautiful
and important lingurian seafront towns of Alassio, Loano, Varazze and Abissola
which is famous for its Ceramics workmanship.
Genoa:
66. Latvia:
We visited the capital, Riga; we had had a wonderful walking tour of the old town.
We visited a church and watched a concert with pipe organs. Amazing. One can
almost hear the angels. Riga is such a small town and quite quaint. The city square is
wonderful, and like most European cities, it is full of shops and plazas. The city has a
trademark, which are the roof with cats – very interesting.
72. Norway:
Excited to be here, since is a massive country, which is usually of the beaten path for
the cruises. As a rule, you have almost to the Norway by itself in a cruise. We got
luck that celebrity cruise lines served us with this itinerary. Our first stopped in Oslo
was the sculpture park and museum in Oslo – the Vigelenad Park. This is extremely
impressive; the quality of the statues and messages they display will stick you as a
living honor to humankind. The statues display the different stages of life and the
hope for humanity. It will inspire you to broaden you vision of life and the human
race. I did feel the inspiration to write this book here, since I already had 20 years of
diary note. The need is to share and to inspire. If this does not move you, city hall
will. There you feel noble presence in the air of the pavilion where peace prizes
receive their honors. It felt like a sacred ground when you remember those who were
there at that very same spot where you stand. Finally, for the sky lovers, we had the
chance to see the biggest ski jump in the world. Warning: it is an elevator ride and a
stairs climb, so be prepared. The reward is an incredible view of the country at large,
and a greater respect for skiers. If the weather is comfortable, I suggest a picnic or a
stroll at the fort by the pier. Our cruise parked right across from it. It is a solid historic
construction with many rooms and plenty of walking space. Private expositions are
provided but just laying down on the grass and appreciate the views of the ocean and
the city is quite as enjoyable. Norway is modern, elegant, and pleasant.
73. Poland:
We have been to Poland three times. Each time Poland seems to amaze us. This time
we arrived in Gdansk via Celebrity cruise lines. Quite frankly, we were expecting a
dull port city old soviet style. What we saw instead just blew our minds. The city is
extremely rich in both architecture and culture. We first taught that we had arrived in
Vienna. A must see is to visit the churches and their icons, but the most fun we had
been to walk through the city and mingle with its people. Gdansk is a vibrant lovely
city and its architecture has a strong Dutch influence. The city bursts with commerce,
arts, and people. Walking through town itself was magical.
75. Romania:
I was very intrigued by going to Romania. This is the last of the Latin countries that I
wanted to explore. You see, Latin languages are Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French
and Romanian. As a language teacher I was quite curious to hear Romanian and take
note and compare with other Latin languages. But our journey started with a delta
cruise. The day was sunny and it was a 3 hour cruise. He had excellent views of the
delta and observed the locals swimming, camping, and fishing. It was a definite way
of spending a hot afternoon – the river breeze made all the difference. We said
farewell to our river cruise with a spectacular dinner. This cruise surpassed our
expectations. Tomorrow, we head to Bucharest. And this Balkan’sriver cruise is on
the top of our list.
We drove for three hours to Bucharest on a pretty flat landscape. The city is a
massive conglomerate of enormous buildings, rigid lines and monstrosities in
architecture. We took a full day city tourto get the most of the day. The first stop on
our tour was the communist party headquarters. Across from it was the Presidential
Palace which is now a European Art Gallery. Next to it was the National Palace. We
drove along the boulevard and saw the military club, opera house, the university ,
presidential palace again, military academy and the monument of the unknown
soldier. Tis latter one was quite unique because it had the Comte Dracula displayed
on it. We kept driving along the marvelous boulevard toward a village passing the
Arc du Triomphe, a TV station, Liuzesku home and lots of fountains. The park we
visited was quite memorable because there were homes relocated from various
regions of Romania and Moldova. A restaurant Cure u Beer and the food were
excellent.Our dinning night was even more exciting – we ate in a restaurant that looks
like a church. The food was very hearty.
76. Russia:
We visited Russia twice 10 years apart. We first visited Russia not to long after the
fall of the Berlin wall and could see that the country would then become a modern
powerhouse. We fell in love with the enormous historical aspect of the motherland. I
can assure you that nothing in the world can compete with the material and historical
values of Saint Petersburg. Imagine that, most cities have magnificent museums;
Saint Petersburg is a living museum. Here are some highlights of our journey.
Visiting the Hermitage museum is a journey into good millennia of human history. If
you decide to appreciate each piece for 30 seconds, it would take 9 years to see the
entire museum. On our second visit to Saint Pete, we did a riverboat tour of the city.
It gave us a whole new perspective of the city with its canals and majestic
architecture. Our tour guide joked that tourist usually call Saint Pete the Venice of the
north, and locals call Venice the Saint Pete of the south. The winter palace is another
breathtaking journey into the time of the czars. Once you visit this palace, you
understand why the Russians had a revolution. There is no shortage of richness and
glamour. The statues along the mall are unique designed each one of them, and the
marble steps along the waterfall rushing outside of the palace are grandiose. We
spend a full day there and felt that still could not absorb all of its glory. The strongest
memories of Saint Pete are its glory, like the gold section of Hermitage. There were
pieces there that you have to use a magnifying glass to see the intrinsic detail of these
rich pieces. Russia is a jewel that must be discovered, explored and appreciated like a
fine diamond.
80 Serbia
We docked early in Belgrade, which proved to be an unforgettable experience. On a
hot sunny day we visited the Fortress Park, drove through the city and finally stopped
for refreshments downtown. Serbian people are very strong and proud people. They
are very proud of their heritage and their glorious past. Belgrade stands still. We can
see some heavily damaged buildings, but the Serbs were quick to recover and
reconstruct. A must see in the tour a reconstructed church downtown - Temple of St.
Sava. The interior height of the temple, from the floor to the top of its dome, is 65
meters, while the outside height with the cross is 79 meters and it can house 10,000
people. It is the most monumental building in the city and gives you a great view of
the landscape of Belgrade. Our tour included a folkloric Serbian show, which I highly
recommend. It gave us a nice welcome feeling into their country and their culture.
After that, bohemia is the name of the game – we had dinner and drinks at Serbians
bars. It was a night to remember.
“He who does not travel does not know the value
of men.” – Moorish proverb
83 Spain:
Palma De Mallorca – this is an enchanting city capital of the island of Mallorca.
Mallorca is the largest and most visited island in the Balneares. It accounts for a little
less than half a million inhabitants in surface of 3,660 square kilometres. The island is
approximately 100 km wide from east to west and at least 75 km from north to south.
The climate is mild in the winter and pleasantly hot in the summer, mitigated by a
wind coming from the Sierra del Norte Mountains, which peaks up to 1,445 meters.
Wind was one of the first sources of energy known to the island and to its population
devoted to farming and to cattle raising. Fruit trees and greenhouses, irrigated by the
tropical windmills and vegetation characterized by pine trees and oaks represent truly
pleasant view. The terraces utilized for inland farming are very typical and similar to
those in the Italian region of Ligura and other regions in the Apennines producing a
large variety of olives,almonds, grapes and apricots. The coast stretches along 400
km and offers nice contrasts with cliffs on the West Side hiding small and idyllic bays
(calas) and the rest of the island. Mallorca history started 1,000 years BC. and
artistically in the Talaiotic age whitenessed by monuments left on the island. In the
2nd century BC it was the safest shelter for the pirates of the Mediterranean. After the
Roman rule, the Arabs reigned up to the 8th century AD and in 1229 the Spanish
conquered it. In this period Mallorca grew remarkably both economically and
artistically. Since then Mallorca has been considered a Spanish province, and to all
effects, a sort of geographic appendix to the Iberian Peninsula. Palma, the most
important city in the island is renowned for its port and for tourism and It is divided
into three quarters: the old city surrounded walls with the cathedral in the middle, the
modern city developed on the west along the Gulf and the port with the promenades
near the Cathedral. It took almost 400 years to build the Cathedral which was restored
at the beginning of the 13th centuy by the famous architect Antonio Gaudi, the
Sagrada Familia designer. The size of the building is huge, with 13.3 meters of the
rosette, one of the biggest in the wold. The presbytery hosts the remarkable bishop’s
throne in marble. The reliefs date back to the 15th century. The most interesting object
of the Cathedral Museum is a silver tabernacle used in processions. The historical
quarter, Pueblo Español, is very typical and the dragon caves are another interesting
place for tourists with a legend full of mystery and charm. The caves stretch along for
some kilometers underground and the part that can be visited, in a highly peculiar
musical path, leads to enormous halls and to several underground lakes.
Must see:

Castell De Bellver – it has a fantastic view of the city, free admission and a
museum dedicated to the history of Mallorca. The Gothic-Style Bellver Castle
is an unique circle-shapped castle built in the early 14th century. You can have

an extensive panoramic landscape view bellow, across the city and
surrounding countryside.
The Cathedral- one of Gaudi’s finest work; you can appreciated this jewel
miles away, but a closer inspection will reveal Gaudi’s magic and finest
details. This is located in Palma’s lovely Gothic quarter and you can have an
external view of this 13th century Cathedral.
Valencia: Valencia represents a perfect example of what Spain has achieved over
the past twenty-five years highly significant progress in the spheres of both
business and tourism. The city has been completely revolutionized in terms of its
services, structures and infrastructures and in certain senses its very attitude,
which is more open than ever to the flow of tourism. If Madrid’s big breakthrough
was represented by the extraordinary boost created by political activity and the
turning point for Barcelona was marked by the Olympic games, Valencia
gradually built up its own profile, participating in the successful Columbus
celebrations of 1992, and from then on hosting numerous cultural, sporting, and
entertainment events. These include the motorcycle gran prix that rounds off each
season of the world motorcycle championships. The city represents the
extraordinary joie de vivre of its people, expressed in its refined yet wholesome
food, in sport, and music: the city center boasts many places offering round the
clock food, drink, and live music. Let’s start our analysis of Valencia good life
with the local cuisine, which is natural, simple, and traditional. The best known
dish, of course, , paella, the typical rice, fish, meat and vegetable concoction that
has become the very symbol of the city throughout the world. But we should not
forget the meat specialities , like Arroz al Horno or Arroz a Banda that is a
accompanied by a large platter of fish. Fideua is a delicious variation of paella
that features in spaghetti instead of rice. The cuisine is elevated yet higher by the
extremely refined choice of wines: whites, such as Alto Turia and Serranda or the
typical reds from the areas of Requena, Utiel and Campo de Lliria. The Valencian
menu is rounded off by a rich and incredible selection of desserts: rosetones, arrop
talledetes and arnadi are the highlights of a truly magnificent regional dessert
trolley. However, you shouldn’t hole yourself up in a restaurant for your entire
stay in Valencia (even though those who do so will find it very difficult to forget
the region’s delicacies): Valencia’s historical roots have given it a cultural and
architectural heritage that makes it an absolutely splendid city. Valencia is the
capital of the autonomous province of the same name and is situated at the mouth
of the Turia River. It was first colonized by the Romans during the time of
Augustus and embellished with many splendid palaces and buildings. Attacks
from the North, and the Visigoths in particular, were immediately supplanted by
the advent of the Arab culture: the city was conquered by the Moors in 714,
following which Valencia enjoyed a period of the extraordinary splendor,
capitalizing on the agricultural development of the entire region. After the fall of
the Arab Empire, Valencia came under Aragonese rule during which it became an
independent kingdom. Valencia grew larger and richer, becoming a city with an
enlightened government and a highly developed culture and legal system. Many
traces still remain of these times: it is no coincidence that Valencia was home to
great scholars and literary figures such as Joanot Martorel, who was probably the
first European novelist, Ausias March, Roig de Corella and Isabel de Villena.
Valencia has always been at the center of fierce dispute, precisely due to its great
political importance during all historical periods: the arrival of the Bourbons and
the alliance with the Archduke of Austria during the war of Independence upset
the equilibrium of the city and its region until the advent of a new cultural
renaissance that lasted throughout the eighteenth century. The War of
Independence, the Civil War- during which the city became the capital of the
Republican government for three years, from 1936 to 1939- the disastrous flood
of 1957: each of these dramas saw Valencia emerge stronger or even rise again,
becoming the city that we know today. A cosmopolitan metropolis that is
nonetheless built for people, open to change and international relations and free
from prejudices or impediments of any kind. An extraordinary city with great
potential that has inevitably become a cultural and tourist landmark of Spain. it
“The world is a book and those who do not travel
read only one page.” – St. Augustine
88 Vatican City:
The Vactican is the birth place of Catholicism. e we can find all the precious art
pieces that the popes have collected throughout the centuries. Check all the art pieces
from the classica period until the renaissance period. Next vsit the Sistine Chapel
which was painted by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Perugino and visit also the famous
“Giudizio Universale” by Michelangelo.. St Petter Square is a spectacular colonnade
from Bernini and the Basilica of St Peters.. This church was built above the grave of
St Peters and it is the biggest in the world. . Under the dome of Michelangeloyou can
find the most important art pieces from renaissance period to the baroque period
99- Israel
We arrived in Jerusalem and quite frankly I don’t think there is a more special city on
the planet. Our first order of the day was to visit the Old Town. We were able to walk
through the old walkways and see the merchants and the city coming to life. Our next
destination was the visit to the Western Wailing Wall. The energy there was
incredible. You can see people from many different faiths gathering together to pray
at the same spot. Touching the wall and praying at it was an experience like no other.
I could have easily spent an entire day there but had a tour to follow. Our group went
along and visited Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane which for my
Christian friends has a very special significance. I found the views of the city from
that spot absolutely amazing. You could simply sit and rest at the Mount of Olives
relax, sit and meditate. On our way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher - this is
considered the holiest place for all Christians.
101 China, People's Rep.
Our first stop at mainland China was Shanghai. Our first stop was a short drive to the
Buddhist temple where we could see the jade Buddha and the sleeping Buddha. The
sleeping Buddha was very impressive for its sheer pure size and the Zen smile on its
face, besides the room was very well air conditioned. Shanghai is an impressive
modern city and you can feel its vibrancy. One has the impression that if you blink
for too long, another building will pop up right in front of your eyes. Another nice
treat was to visit the children’s palace - an after school program for kids. Since we are
teachers, we felt right at home. We were treated for a recital of violin, ancient
Chinese instruments, and a ballet. It was a great pleasure to mingle with the kids, and
we even had a chance to dance with them. These are moments I will treasure forever.
The day and the tour would give us many more surprises. The Botanic Gardens are a
must see while in Shanghai. I got impressive not only with its trees but also the
architecture involved. I felt I was being immersed into so much history from a great
empire not gone. The museum of Shanghai will give you an in-depth view of the rich
history of the great nation. Be prepared to spend an entire afternoon there for the
riches you will find are too great to be described in this book. The museum also has a
great shop where you can buy reproductions of the main treasures that you will see. I
was delighted to buy a small painting made on rice paper with ancient Chinese
techniques which I have the pleasure to enjoy in my bedroom every night. Our last
stop was a silk factory, a must see in a trip to China. It is incredible the complicate
and delicate work they have to do to make silk works. The final work is always an art
piece and you will fall in love with anything silk, I promise.
Beijing is a modern capital with all its sins. Traffic is massive and pollution is very
bad, but the culture heritage and the impressive monuments make a trip to this fare
east well worthy. On our way to Beijing we were delighted to visit the Peking Duck,
one of the most traditional restaurants in China. The picture on the wall revelas its
former patrons like Bill Clinton, Margaret Tatcher, Fidel Castro, Mandela, or anyone
else who is a world stage player. The place is a bunch of separate compartments and
the food was deposited on the table with many plates on this enormous lazy Suzan so
that we could all share the experience. Our palates were satisfied and we felt like
dignitaries. This was a grand entrance to the city. Obviously, Tiananmen Square was
our first stop. It is a vast pleasant square with the watchful eyes of Mao-Tse-Tung.
Tung will lead you to a forbidden city which is a complex with many blocks of
buildings that reflect the glory of its emperor. The city will flow into the park at the
end, and by then you will have forgotten that you are in a major capital. You feel
transported to a graceful era where the royals would take an afternoon stroll through
its room and endless halls.Last stop will be 1h30m from Beijing – the Great Wall of
China. We arrived at the Bandaliu gate and took the hard climb. It had less people and
much less crowded but it was much steeper. The walk took us 1 hour to the first tower
and the views were breathtaking. Our last stop was the summer palace, which is a
hybrid of palaces and park. We took a boat across the lake and were delighted by the
palaces and the bridges. One palace was even on a shape of a boat. We reserved prt of
the day for shopping since Beijing is a Mecca for shopping. At night, we took a visit
to the Wangfung market street. We had a chance to visit the local food market where
everything under the sun is sold as food: snakes, beetles, rats and many more local
delights.
102 Hong Kong
Here is the first impression of Hong Kong: you arrived in Manhattan in the middle of
Asia. All our European friends, as well as the staff of the boat, were static to arrive
there. I did not know what the fuss was all about until we finally docked in the city.
Some said to me that Honk Kong is the reason why the Chinese veered towards
capitalism.
Our first tour was the visit to of course a diamond factory. The ladies in our cruise
were much anxious about this very first tour, but not as much as their husbands I
think. Next stop is to where the Aberdeen people live, which is literally on their boats.
In addition, they also have floating restaurants. It is a quite a remarkable feature
living on the water considering that Honk Kong is one of the most expensive real
estate in the world. Our next stop was the famous Stanley market where we could
feast ourselves in shopping on anything our hearts desire. I naturally choose paintings
from local artists depicting scenes of Hong Kong and the Great Wall. Next stop is
Victoria Park with a remarkable view of the city. The city has heavy air pollution but
is marvelous nonetheless.
103. Japan
My first and only experience with Japan was a visit to Nagasaki, and I can assure you
it was an experience of a lifetime. I grew up with many Japanese so I was accustomed
to their traditions and way of life, but visiting them on their own country was unique.
The people are polite, courteous and the city is immaculate clean. Our mandatory first
stop was the peace park, one of the many spots affected by the dropping of the bomb.
It was formerly a prison but it was leveled down. The feeling you have is airy, it was
the same feeling I had while visiting Auschwitz. This is such a solemn place that you
don’t even see the birds sing. The bright and hopeful part of the park is to see statues
donated by many countries around the world honoring world peace. We had a chance
to see how the ground looked like after the bomb – a sample of the ground showed
everything melted together – glass, metal, and cement. We then moved to the
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. It is an impressive spiral downwards ramp that
takes you back to the past. The remaining of much artifacts are shown – not for the
fainted at heart. One of the dramatic examples of this is a hand melted into cement. A
replica of the bomb is also displayed at the museum. It is very somber and very sad.
You know you are stepping on sacred ground. The hypocenter or ground zero has a
statue marking the exact place where the bomb fell and the remains of 150,000 people
are in a cement box in the middle of the area. Very impressive and very somber.

104 Korea, South
Royal Palaces Bring Special Glamor to Seoul
The Joseon (1392-1910) founder established Seoul as the capital of the new dynasty more
than 600 years ago. The Location was considered ideal according to geomantic theory,
with mountains to the north and a river to the south. It is also strategically located about
midway down the Korean Peninsula. Once the site was selected, the new government
immediately began constructing the Royal Ancestral Shrine, Altar to the Gods of Earth
and Grain for state guardian deities, and Gyeongbok Palace, the main palace compound.
Seoul has remained the capital for more than six centuries. This beautiful and vibrant city
grew rapidly in modern times, but tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
Traditionally, the capital served as the residence of the king and royal family members as
well as the seat of government. Palaces and shrines dominated the cityscape, while the
leading scholars and best products of the dynasty were concentrated here, at the pinnacle
of Joseon culture.
The capital eventually had five main palace compounds: Gyeongbok, Changdeok,
Changgyeong, Deoksu and Gyeonghui. The Royal Ancestral Shrine, Jongmyo, is also a
very important legacy of the Joseon Dynasty; both Jongmyo and Changdeok Palace are
on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Seoul royal palaces embody the governing
ideology of Joseon, which stressed ritual propriety, virtue and frugality. The numerous
pavilions on the palace grounds went through changes along with the fluctuating fortunes
of the dynasty. They convey romantic tales of princes and princesses and enlightening
anecdotes of sage rulers. Hence, the architecture can be described as dignified and
restrained. The palace halls are carefully maintained as a major cultural heritage of
Korea, and the palace grounds provide a relaxing place to stroll in the heart of a bustling
modern city. They are invaluable sources of wisdom and inspiration for citizens of Seoul
as well as visitors from home and abroad.
Beloved Residence of Later Joseon Kings
Changdeok Palace
Changdeok Palace blends in well with its natural surroundings and boasts outstanding
examples of traditional palace architecture and garden design. As such, this cultural
treasure was selected for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
Changdeok palace is called one of the “eastern palaces” (Changgyeong Palace is the
other) because it lies east of Hanyang, capital city. It was first built to support the main
compound, Gyeongbok Palace. Both were destroyed in the Japanese invasion (1592-98),
and Changdeok palace was first to be rebuilt immediately after the war, making it the
kings’ primary residence until Gyeongbok Palace was rebuilt in the 19th century.
The scale and makeup of Changdeok Palace are appropriate to serve as the main
residence for the king, and indeed it actually served that purpose longer during Joseon
than Gyeongbok Palace did.
Gyeongbok Palace was built on a wide open space, with the major halls arranged along a
north-south axis. The authority and dignity of the Joseon rulers are emphasized, along
with a beauty of orderliness and restraint. By contrast, the halls inside Changdeok Palace
are laid out rather freely in order to conform with the hilly terrain. The Joseon monarchs
enjoyed staying at Changdeok Palace probably because of the natural beauty and the
comfort of spaces that blend well with nature.
The rear garden, which is nestled among hills, is the largest and most beautiful of all
Joseon palace compounds. The topography has been maintained intact, and minimal
human influence adds to the effect. This is a quintessential example of Joseon aesthetics,
which placed high value on natural beauty.
King Jeongjo (r. 1776-1800), immediately after his coronation here, ordered the
construction of a royal library, the two-storied Gyujang-gak. Scholar-officials then were
invited there to discuss ways of improving government. This was one of the most
enlightened periods of Joseon rule.
Standing beside the pond, one may imagine the scene of the king and his scholar-officials
composing poetry and discussing matters of state.
The painting of the eastern palaces made in the late 1820s captures the beauty of
Changdeok Palace. The details include the terrain surrounding Changdeok and
Changgyeong Palaces, the palace halls, walls, and other structures. The painting also
shows how the compounds have changed over time.
Changdeok Palace is famous for its beauty. However, this was also the site where time
ran out on Joseon rule. The last meeting of Emperor Sunjong and his ministers was held
in Heungbok-heon prior to the Japanese annexation in 1910.
Stripped of power, Sunjong, along with his Empress, Crown Prince and Crown Princess
lived out their days here.
Gyeongbok Palace
Symbol of Joseon
Gyeongbok Palace is the oldest Joseon palace compound, built when the dynasty was
founded as the king’s main residence. This is also the largest of the Joseon palace
compounds, and the site was considered the most auspicious within the city walls.
The best carpenters and other artisans of the dynasty were mobilized and the best
materials were used for its construction. Each hall is carefully placed and built to the
scale befitting its purpose; the appearance is neither ostentatious nor overbearing.
The orderliness and restrained dignity of the architecture are manifestations of Joseon’s
Confucian value system, which revered propriety and virtue. “Gyeongbok” meaning
“resplendent happiness” refers a long-lasting and glorious dynasty. This name was
chosen to suggest that the Joseon kings had received the Heavenly mandate to rule and to
express wishes for peace and prosperity for many generations.
The reign of King Sejong (r. 1418-50) was the most vigorous and successful time in
Joseon when Gyeongbok Palace was in use. The fourth Joseon monarch oversaw the
invention and promulgation of the Korean alphabet.
Changgyeong Palace
Rich with Stories of the Royal Family
Changgyeong Palace was added during the reign of King Seongjong (r. 1469-94) to
provide a comfortable living space for queen dowagers. The inner court, for the women
and young children, is larger than the outer court which is mainly for the men, indicating
the compound was intended to serve more as a residence than a seat of government.
However, Changgyeong Palace has a throne hall and a council hall, as required for any
major palace compound, and the palatial halls are quite beautiful overall.
Because of its residential role, Changgyeong Palace was the setting for many interesting
episodes involving royal family members. There are tales of the kings’ extreme filial love
and devotion, the love and hate between king and crown prince, and conflicts between
queens and royal consorts.
Changgyeong Palace is also unique among Joseon-era palace compounds in that the
throne hall and main gate face east, instead of the customary southern exposure. The only
flat area adjoining Changgyeong Palace is to the east, while hills are located in the other
three directions.
Deoksu Palace
Where Tradition and Modernity Meet
Deoksu Palace was originally the home of a royal family member but then served as a
temporary palace when King Seonjo (r. 1567-1608) resided here upon his return to the
capital during the Japanese invasion (1592-98). It was designated as an imperial
residence in 1897 when Emperor Gojong (r. 1863-1907) moved into the compound and
proclaimed the founding of the Great Han Empire. The Altar to Heaven was built nearby
for him to perform the sacrificial duties of an emperor. This bold move by Emperor
Gojong was a formal declaration of independence of Korea from China and an expression
of his desire to lead the government in times of great political strife.
The legations of western powers and foreign missionaries were concentrated in Jeongdong, which made the area full of modern western style buildings rapidly. Some of them
were occupying the ground that would now become the palace property afterwards.
The palace compound today is only about a third the size it used to be in the era of
Emperor Gojong. However, it is still a popular place to visit to enjoy a quiet setting in
downtown Seoul.
Jongmyo
Sacred Shrine to Honor the Royal Ancestors
Jongmyo is the royal ancestral shrine of the Joseon Dynasty. The spirit tablets of the
deceased kings and queens are enshrined here, and memorial ceremonies have been
offered here regularly. These sacrifices to the royal ancestors were considered highly
important for the welfare of the state. As such the king presided over these solemn
ceremonies in person.
The Jongmyo grounds are nestled among wooded hills. The royal spirit tablets are kept in
two great halls, the Main Hall (Jeongjeon) and the Hall of Eternal Peace (Yeongnyeongjeon), while various other structures on the premises were used when preparing for the
ceremonies. The solemn architectural design and minimal use of color is in stark contrast
to the luxuriously painted halls of palaces and Buddhist temples.
The ancestral ceremony of Jongmyo is held on the first Sunday in May of every year.
Korea is the only country to have maintained this legacy of a Confucian state. UNESCO
placed Jongmyo on its World Heritage List in December 1995 and listed the memorial
ceremony and music accompaniment as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible heritage of
Humanity in 2001.
The Inner & Outer Courts
A Peaceful, Pristine Setting
A Look At Truly Korean Beauty
Injeong-jeon is the throne hall, which was used for holding the most formal of state
events such as audiences with ministers, coronation ceremonies, and receptions of foreign
envoys. This hall, though smaller than its Gyeongbok Palace counterpart, is suitably
dignified for its function. The plum blossom pattern on the roof ridge was added in 1897
to symbolize the imperial status of the Great Han Empire. The Western-style curtains and
chandeliers inside were added during a 1908 renovation.
Seonjeong-jeon is the ruler’s council hall and the only structure remaining at Changdeok
Palace with blue-glazed roof tiles. Such a roof is very expensive, but Prince Gwanghae
ordered them for both the throne and council halls during reconstruction of the palace
compound in 1612. The historical record notes that the ministers complained about the
excessive luxury, as Joseon tradition preferred frugal adornment for palace structures.
The king’s residence is Huijeong-dang, while that for the queen is Daejo-jeon.
Huijeong-dang was more than a royal bedroom; the king worked there informally as well.
Therefore, this comfortable residence of the king has a dang ranking, which is lower than
the queen’s jeon-designated residence. The carefully and beautifully adorned courtyard
behind Daejo-jeon were probably intended to improve her quality of life, as she was
virtually unable to leave the palace grounds.
Nakseon-jae
Styled as a Noble-class Mansion
A Mixture of Fond and Sad Memories
Nakseon-jae and Seokbok-heon reveal the deep love that King Heonjong (r. 1834-49)
had for Lady Kim, who became his concubine in 1847. He ordered this villa to be built
for her at that time. The king was deeply interested in art, and this compound served as a
private space where he could relax by reading books or appreciating paintings. Although
on palace grounds, the Nakseon-jae structures are not painted in the traditional decorative
colors of dancheong.
Seokbok-heon, a name that means “house where blessings are bestowed from Heaven,”
expresses the King’s wishes for his young concubine to bear him a son. The grapevine
pattern on the rear gate between Seokbok-heon and Sugang-jae is also a symbol of many
descendants. Unfortunately, King Heonjong died two years later without a male heir to
the throne.
This compound was used a residence by the last surviving members of the royal family
until quite recently. A small, terraced flower garden is behind Nakseon-jae, Seokbokheon and Sugang-jae. Curiously shaped stones and a lotus pond add to the aesthetic
effect.
The Rear Garden
Epitome of Joseon-era Landscaping
Palace Gardens, Where Kings and Queens Strolled
The Changdeok Palace structures are truly impressive, but the kings particularly loved
the spacious and beautiful garden in back. Preserving the original topography, garden
areas were planted in each hollow and a series of lotus ponds were dug. Small gazebos
were also erected along the stream that flows through the rear garden. As such, the
natural quality of the rear garden has been enhanced.
The rear garden takes up 60% of the entire area of Changdeok Palace, and in the old days
even tigers or leopards would occasionally appear. The beautiful sights are hidden in a
series of hollows, so the entire layout cannot be seen at once. One must walk down into
each of these hollows to the lotus pond and its pavilions in order to truly appreciate the
beauty of the place. The most popular walkway is from Jondeok-jeong to
Ongnyucheon.
The rear garden was intended as a place for kings and royal family members to relax, but
it was also a venue for various outdoor activities. The early Joseon kings would join in
military exercises here, and archery contests were held, along with banquets for the queen
dowager, prominent relatives of the king and high-ranking ministers. Spectacular
fireworks were displayed here during the reign of Seongjong (r. 1457-1494). The king
sometimes tried his own hand at planting and raising grain here, and queens would
engage in sericulture. Yeongyeong-dang is a traditional mansion with separate buildings
for the men and women. These plainly adorned buildings add to the special atmosphere
of the rear garden.
The Special Trees at Changdeok Palace
Changdeok palace is awash with nature. The natural elements appear to have been left
largely untouched but special care has been taken in the planting and cultivation of every
tree. Around the front gate, Donhwamun, are eight Chinese scholar trees (Natural
monument No. 472) ranging between 300 and 400 years old. This site used to be where
court officials had their offices, and the freely spreading branches of the trees were a
metaphor for the spirit of the various scholars.
The 750-old juniper (Natural monument No. 194) just west of the Royal Portrait Hall,
Seonwon-jeon, is related to the ancestral rituals that were held here. The juniper branches
were broken off and used as a kind of incense, and since the tree is older than Changdeok
Palace, it was most likely replanted here.
A roughly 400-year-old mulberry tree (Natural monument No. 471) near Aeryongji
pond in the rear garden, was among many that the Joseon queens cultivated for feeding
silkworms. The queens engaged in sericulture on the palace grounds as an example for
the people, and they presided over a sacrifice to the god of silkworm-raising. The
Chinese gooseberry tree (Natural monument No. 251), estimated to be 600 years old,
also offer a special sight with its 6 thick trunks intertwined and spreading out in all
directions. It is the largest and oldest of its kind in the country.
105 Malaysia
We arrived in Malaysia in a city called Kuantur. Where we spent a full day in the area
and had a quite interesting day. We visited s hotel where we had an enactment of a
wedding. Malaysia has Chinese, Arabic and Hindu influences. So the wedding is a
fusion of these three elements. The guests have to bless he newlyweds by placing
potpourri and water on their hands. After that, we had to dance for them. We had to
do all the work! After that we had a visit some local hobbies – spinning top, kit
running and the collecting coconuts using a monkey. It brought good memories from
my childhood the making process of kite using rice glue, but the audience was more
interested on the Monkey. A must see is a visit to a Batik factory. This was our first
encounter with this difficult and exquisite technique of block printing of fabric that
dates hundreds of years. The end result is magnificent and some shirts would sell for
hundreds of dollars. We decided to buy paintings instead and I had the pleasure of
repeating the experience in (of all places) Africa as well as St Kitts in the Caribbean.
We then drove along the seashore and visited a local fisherman village and watched
how they fish by using a water buffalo to pull the fish net. We also visited s sea food
sauce factory and then strolled through the town where most of the products were
seafood. We finished our visit with a stop at the blue mosque. I was satisfied with my
cultural immersion and with the variety of cultures and flavors that Malaysia has to
offer.
106 Singapore
This country-island-state is fascinating. Our first tour was to visit the highest point of
the island which involves using a telepheric. The views are outstanding. There you
can see the lions standing at the gate of the bay. Singapore means land of the lion. We
then moved to the most famous gardens of Singapore. The experience is amazing
since it is high in the mountains and they an enormous variety of flowers. The ones
that fascinated me the most are the orchids - they make hybrid ones and dedicate
them to heads of state of illustrious visitors to the country. We saw Queen Elizabeth
or Margaret Thatcher orchids. Singapore is a multi-religious state. We visited a Hindu
temple which was located right next to a mosque. The telepheric runs continuously
back and forth from the port all the way to the top of the island. Gene decided to
return to appreciate the spectacular views once more.
107 Thailand
We arrived from a very long flight Washington – Los Angeles – Narita, Japan –
Bangkok. We were very jetlagged but excited to be there. We heard so much about
this exotic country and almost afraid that our expectations were too high. Our journey
started on the right foot, our hotel was the best hotel we have stayed in the world –
The Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok. The service was superb and the facilities excellent.
There is something to be said about a place where Buddhist monks sweep the streets,
massages are available at every corner and the food is to die for. If Zen and exotic is
what you are looking for in a holiday, Thailand is your place.
We cured jetlag with lots of walk throughout the town and then we moved on to
explore the country. The name Siam changed to Thailand that means land of freedom.
A culinary experience will be to try duran, an enormous and delicious tropical fruit.
Throughout the country side, you can see the rice plantations and it gives you a sense
and feeling o perpetuity. This is also a paradise for silk, and precious stones such as
ruby and Safire. In NongNooch which is the most impressive garden state that I have
ever seen. I know that there is the Buchard Gardens in Canada, but this one was
practically hand manicured. We had the opportunity to watch a wonderful show with
traditional dances from different regions and even martial arts. Afterwards, they had
elephant shows with some of them even playing soccer, which quite frankly I found it
despicable. I am an animal lover and do not enjoy circus performance with animals.
Anyhow, the garden is one of the wonders of the world and you can stroll through an
entire afternoon to appreciate its beauty.
Of course visiting Thailand involves visiting Buddhist temples, we had a chance to
visit two and we were mesmerized: the first one was small but was right in downtown
and it had 15 meters tall statue of Buddha made of gold. On the second tour, we had a
chance to visit an enormous complex of Buddhist temples and the presidential palace.
In one of these monasteries, there was a statue of 60 cm of Buddha in a solid jade
piece. Each façade was decorated to the minimum details and reveals the excellent
artistic capabilities of the Thai people. This country has a population of extremely
amicable, highly spiritual and with a high degree of sophistication people. A great
way to get great views is to get a boat ride though the city and follow with a dinner
viewing the Mekong River. The feeling departing the country is that you left a piece
of yourself behind it. As our cruise ship departed Thailand, tears rolled down my
eyes.
108. Vietnam
We entered Vietnam early in what I describe as entering a delta. It was a very epic
moment in my life since I knew I was about to be embraced by a furious dosage of
history. The morning was rising and the Vietnam War veterans were already on the
deck telling their wives and friends the details of their last visit to the country. I was
remarked by locals in their small boats begging for passengers to throw food at them.
I have done over 20 cruises and never seen them so close to the cruise ships as in
here. Once we arrived, we drove for two hours towards Hochimin city formerly
known as Saigon. Our first stop was the Natural history museum which really pleased
me a lot. You see, we get easily wrapped in Vietnam recent history that we easily
forget that Vietnam has a long pre-historic era. As a linguist, it fascinates me to
discover the eight current cultural and linguistic group of Vietnam. Our next stop was
a pleasant surprise. It was one of the most ancient art events in Vietnam – the water
puppet show. It was amazing. The quality and skills of the artists are unequal, and the
end is very exciting. Our next stop is lacquer factory Tayson. There we looked how
intrinsic the art work of lacquer is done. Some of these pieces took a week to be made
and the layers have to be placed one at a time per day, so 7 layers result in a week’s
worth. Moreover, the work they make inlaid with mother-of-pearl is the prettiest I
have seen in the world. I took a 3 pieces panel back home with me. Buyers be aware,
they deliver at home anything in the sore, including furniture. I was really hard for me
not to have an entire Vietnamese room in my house right for the prices were very
affordable. Lunch with a live show was at a local hotel and the food is excellent.
Many people do not know this but Vietnamese food has a strong French influence.
We drove then trough the embassy roll where we could proudly see the American flag
displayed among many other embassies. Finally, we reached the apex of our visit to
Vietnam – the Presidential palace. We visited many elegant rooms full of history and
we were able to visit the secret rooms where war operations were conducted, and
even visited the prime minister room. Outside of the palace, we have a stand-alone
war tank that symbolizes the end of the war. The tank id from the North troop and
when they captured the presidential palace, the tank stood there, as a symbol of
victory. Then a visit to a Buddhist temple is a nice break for a meditation. At last, we
reached the famous Rex Hotel where the press stayed during the Vietnam War. We
drove back to our cruise for two hours looking at the rice fields outside and reflecting
on how much history both our countries had together. That was a lot to reflect on that
day.
Our next port of call was NhangTrang, which is a hot spot tourist destination. The
place was loaded with European tourists, especially Germans. We visited s mountain
that had pagodas that dated pre-Hindu and Buddhist time. It was very interesting to
enter those cave-like temples and see their Gods inside still being worshipped. We
moved on to another temple that had an enormous 66 meters tall statue of Buddha.
We had to climb 166 steps to see it. This was a very refreshing moment since the
place was ample, we had a time to meditate in a service, and we were escorted by a
Buddhist apprentice all the time. We tried to tip him, but he declined. We notice that
he carried some paintings with him, and he told us that he did them himself. We
bought them on the spot. Karma was good that day.
Our next stop was a beach resort where we enjoyed the dance of locals doing
traditional Vietnamese songs. It was quite pleasurable with coconut water drank right
from the shell. Next stop was the local market: it is so interesting to see a country on
its pre-capitalistic stage; it is almost like a trip back in time. Then we moved to a silk
factory where they do the fine embroidery by hand and in groups. Some of the art
pieces were several feet long and took a group of women weeks to do it. I can’t think
of anything more precious than these embroidery silk pieces. I bought one piece
which proudly displays on my lobby, but I could easily have bought dozens of them.
Besides, they make nice gifts, they are very affordable, and are very easy to transport.
Our weighted as much as a handkerchief. Nam is beautiful. We have a common
history, the landscape is fantastic, people are friendly and their artwork is incredible.
This is one country really worthy to revisit.
109- Turkey
We have been to Turkey twice. The first time we were in Istanbul which took us a
couple days just for exploring. Istanbul is a massive city it is have in Asia and half in
Europe. It is a mix of old and new world. Your first stops will be the Blue Mosque
which is quite impressive with its six minarets. The mosaics inside are gorgeous.
Another must see is theSt.HagiaSophia Church. The next mandatory stop is the Grand
Bazaar which is the oldest shop in the world, roughly 2000 years old. It is a maze of
hundreds of shops selling everything under the sun. This alone will take you an entire
day since you have to bargain for the price for each product. On our second trip to
Turkey we went toKusadasi we did a tour to see the Romans ruins and Ephesus. This
is the most complete set of Roman ruins in the world. It is like a trip back in trip,
since you are able to visit an entire Roman village: their homes, even their toilets. By
far the most impressive was the library with a 2 floor story facade completely intact.
Visiting Ephesus was like being in an old Hollywood movie. For the history books,
it’s a mandatory stop for the world.
MERGE
ABOVE
AND
BELLOW
SOUTH AMERICA
1. Argentina
People travel to Argentina exclusively to see the Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It
consists of 275 individual waterfalls and cascades that come together to create the beauty that
you will see when you visit. The “Devil’s Throat” is a semicircular waterfall that is 80 meters
high and 2,700 meters in diameter! You can reach out and literally touch them, all safely. The
falls are definitely a phenomenon that you want to see before your stay in Argentina is over!
The Perito Moreno Glacier is another site that you don’t want to miss out on! Just like the
Iguazú Falls, you can get very close to it. You can take short boat trips into the lake that the
glacier flows into as well. Its area measures 97 square miles and is 19 miles in length. Although
there aren’t many activities other than walking around and observing, your time spent there is
well worth it. You won’t be able to see such a sight anywhere else! Perhaps you may be able to
see the glacier calving! If you love snow, you must visit San Carloas de Bariloche, known as just
Bariloche. The town has a Swiss-German twist, offering skiing, Swiss chocolate, rafting,
camping, climbing, hiking, sailing, swimming, and fishing. If you want to ski, the Catedral Alta
Patagonia is a ski resort that has 40 lifts and over 100 kilometers of trails for you to follow. The
best time to go is from September 15th to October 15th.
Source: http://www.gringoinbuenosaires.com/places-visit-argentina/
2. Bolivia
La Paz is a huge, bowl-shaped canyon with a city centered on its floor and around its sides; it will
take your breath away. Of course, the view is stunning. The location is overlooked by Mount
Illimani which is topped with snow. The market stalls range from those that sell local
handicrafts to coca leaves to potions. Chacaltaya is a lodge around La Paz that is the world’s
highest ski resort. It is located at a height of 5,600 meters upon a cliff top. From the top you
can see Huayna Potosí. Although skiing is not recommended, biking is. Enjoy the exhilarating
view as you descend! The city of Santa Cruz lies far from the Andean peaks. From here, you can
see sloths lazily hanging in the main plaza and a crowd of worshippers in a massive bamboo
church. The religious craftsmanship is a sight to see. The beautiful churches are a significant
part of Bolivian culture and heritage. Ambor National Park is perfect for outdoorsy, nature
lovers. It consists of three distinct ecosystems that include the Amazon River basin, the Andean
foothills, and the Chaco plain. It is said to be home to a greater variety of species per hectare
than any other place.
Source: http://www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/South-America/Bolivia/Places-to-Go/SantaCruz-and-The-Jesuit-Missions.aspx
3. Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is perfect blend of sea, earth, climate, and people. The culture is a mixture of
Indian, White, and Black. As Brazil’s capital for almost 200 years, it is one of the main culture
centers in the country. It includes a lot of cinemas, theaters, museums, concert rooms, show
houses, art galleries, and libraries. You will never get tired of this place! The restaurants offer
variety, including international dishes to typical dishes from Brazil. Rio de Janeiro offers
modernity but also holds on to its important past and history. Baroque art can be found in
churches and monasteries, while deco art can be found in preserved residences. Music is also
widely popular. This city practically celebrates life everyday! The city of Sao Paulo is located in
southeastern Brazil. At an altitude of 800 meters, the climate is warm, mild, and pleasant.
Characterized by its ethnic diversity, the population is made up of Italian, Portuguese, African,
German, Lebanese, and Japanese descendents.
Source: http://www.placesonline.com/south_america/brazil/places.asp
4. Chile
Santiago, the metropolitan capital of Chile, is a charming city that allows visitors to enjoy the
meticulously landscaped parks. Although the city may be a bit busy, the parks offer visitors the
opportunity to get away from their busy lives and enjoy nature and its beauty and serenity. The
downtown area is clustered with museums, churches, government buildings, the central plaza
and cathedral, and the commercial center of Providencia, which houses numerous shops and a
variety of restaurants. Tours are available; you can explore from the top of San Cristobal Hill.
Source: http://www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/South-America/Chile/Places-to-Go.aspx
5. Colombia
This is the only country in South America with coasts on the Pacific and Caribbean. It's a
beautiful country, with the Andes Mountains, beaches, colonial cities and archaeological
treasures to delight the business or traveler. Bogota is the capital of Colombia. The colonial
traditions of Santa Fe de Bogota are very rich with a number of landmarks that are historically
preserved. Most of these are located in the oldest district in the city of La Candlearia. There are
many churches and the Capital Municipal Palace are some of the best places to visit. Museo del
Oro (Gold Museum) is an extraordinary museum in Colombia and another great place to visit.
Source: http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/coltripplan/tp/whattodo.--mx.htm
6. Ecuador
In South America, Ecuador is the fourth-smallest country. It is located on the west coast of the
continent crossed by the equator. There are a lot of attractive places to visit in Ecuador for
tourists from within and outside the country. Ecuador has many historic districts with beautiful
architecture, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Historic Center of Cuenca
Ecuador which is surrounded by the Andean Mountains. Quito is one of the most exciting cities
to visit. It is located 3000 meters above sea level. When you land in Quito, you will notice that
it is harder to breathe. This is because there is less oxygen in the air, due to the high elevation.
Quito has many Spanish colonial style buildings, national parks and eco reserves. Quito is the
capital of Ecuador and you will find many art galleries, cafes and Church of the Society of Jesus.
There are other important landmarks such as the monument of the Virgin Mary on top of El
Panecillo and government buildings which are located in Plaza Grande. If you love art you
should visit Museo National, Museo de Ciencias Naturales and Centro Cultural Metropolitano.
Quito also has many beautiful city parks like La Carolina to enjoy picnic and recreational
activities.
Sources:
http://www.placesonline.com/south_america/ecuador/places.asp
http://www.mytravelguideposts.com/2010/09/interesting-places-to-visit-in-ecuador.html
7. Paraguay
Paraguay is in the central part of South America with a land area slightly smaller than California.
It is bordered by Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the north, and Argentina to the west and south. As
of 2010, 6.4 million people reside in Paraguay. Most of the population is concentrated in the
southern portion of the country. The Paraguay River divides the nation in half. The Pantanal is
the largest freshwater wetland in the world. It floods annually, creating a massive nursery for
marine life. The short dry season from May through July ushers in birds and exotic land animals.
In Pantanal visitors might see river otters, jaguars, anacondas, monkeys, toucans and
cormorants. Asuncion is the capital of Paraguay and 1.2 million people live there. Asuncion is in
the southern part of the country along the banks of the Paraguay River, which separate it from
Argentina. This cosmopolitan city has colonial architecture with upscale shopping malls,
nightclubs and international cuisine. National Pantheon of Heroes is the best place to visit in
Asuncion. Outside this memorial to fallen soldiers, visitors can witness a changing of the guard
ceremony each day. The National Cathedral, National Congress, Visual Arts Museum and Fine
Arts Museum are the other interesting places to visit in Asuncion.
Source: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/interesting-places-landforms-visit-paraguay-35899.html
8. Peru
Peru is the most popular destination in South America for travelers from the U.S. and all over
the world. In the early 1500s, many of the churches in Lima were built by the Spanish when the
Conquistadores invaded. The Spanish had to concede to the local religion of Earth worship and
adapt Christian icons to fit in with local tradition. The buildings in Lima were made to be
earthquake resistant by using stone. Peru has Ancient temples, lost civilizations and so many
breathtaking destinations. The Inca Ruins at Machu Picchu are the jewels of South America.
Visitors can head to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca and visit the Amazon Jungle as well.
The Gold Museum has many artistic facts from the Aztec period and incredible views of the
Andes Mountains in Cuzco. It is about a one hour flight from Lima, one of the world’s highest
cities. Visit the Temple of the Sun in Cuzco and see Cuzco Cathedral, one of the most ornate
cathedrals in the world. This Cuzco Cathedral is made with about a tone of pure silver and
covers over 4,000 square meters. Another best place to visit is the Sacred Valley under the
Andes Mountains and the Inca temple at Urubamba Valley in Allantaytamba.
Source: http://placeswego.com/places-to-go/latin-america/peru/
9. Uruguay
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay. It is a beautiful place with European and colonial
architecture and even some similarities to the Porteño culture. Montevideo has a peaceful and
gentle environment, including the busiest areas of the city. Its top landmarks include the old
city quarter, the Puerta de la Ciudadela, the Teatro Solis, and the Parque Rodó. Do not miss the
Rambla, a wonderful promenade with more than 13 kilometers of white sandy beaches, where
the river begins to mix up with the Atlantic Ocean making it a very attractive place to play
sports, relax, and the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Montevideo can be visited from
Buenos Aires in one day by taking a three hour direct boat from Buenos Aires or if you want to
stay longer to enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of the capital, you can take a direct boat to Colonia. It
is a one to three hours boat drive from Colonia to Uruguay about two and half hour bus ride.
Source: http://www.buenosaires4u.com/2012/02/top-5-places-to-visit-in-uruguay.html
CARIBBEAN
10. Antigua & Deps. (Barbuda, Redonda)
Antigua & Deps. is divided into six parishes and two dependencies, the islands Barbuda and
Redonda. Dockyard Museum is located in the historic Nelson’s Dockyard. The Dockyard
Museum highlights the history of the only continuously working Georgian Dockyard in the world
and serves as the center of research in Antigua. The capital at St John’s is very colorful and is
the home to some antiquated buildings, which are on Long Street. In St John’s you can also
attend a game of cricket or eat in great restaurants of West Indian cuisine. Visiting Barbuda is a
good idea for a day to enjoy Palm Beach or the small village of this secluded Island. The main
reason to visit Antigua is for its beaches, sailing, diving and other water sports. There are luxury
resorts to barefoot beach bars which offer a wide range of attraction during holiday seasons.
Source: http://www.antiguanice.com/v2/thingstodo.php?cat=22
11. Aruba
Aruba is one of the most popular island ports in the Caribbean. Aruba has incredible beaches,
abundant sunshine, casinos, and gorgeous scenery. It has plenty of attractions for families
including tranquil waters, animal sanctuaries, and natural attractions. Aruba is an interesting
town to explore, considered a safe, friendly island, and outside the hurricane zone. Oranjestad
is island’s capital and has lot of shops and historical museums. Aruba is the world's largest
exporter of aloe. Aruba has several sanctuaries to interest biologists and animal lovers, such as
the Butterfly Farm, near Palm Beach , the Donkey Sanctuary, near the Ayo rock formations, the
Ostrich Farm, on the northern coast and the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, near the northwestern
coast. These are the best places to introduce your kids to bird-watching. They will love it!
Some facilities offer guided tours as well.
Source: http://travelwithkids.about.com/lw/Travel/North-America-and-Caribbean/Aruba-forFamilies.htm
12. Bahamas
There are a number of beautiful and exciting destinations around the world for
vacationers to choose every year. Some of the most popular destinations are tropical
locations with beautiful beaches and access to the ocean. One of the destinations fits this
description is the Bahamas. A visit to the Bahamas can be the perfect vacation for the
many people; it is paradise! Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island is a waterpark that
offers activities for children and adults of all ages. From tubing rides to floating down
lazy rivers and of course thrilling waterslides, a visit to Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise
Island is a must. Gold Rock Beach is one of the best beaches in the nation there and it
has everything anyone that anyone would need if a person was to spend the day there.
The beautiful crystal clear water is great to swim and splash around in. The surrounding
area is absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunset. Gold Rock Beach is perfect for couples
looking for a romantic time near the water. Balcony House the oldest structure in the
capital city of Nassau. It has had a long and fascinating history and is a great museum
that focuses on life during the early days of this paradise island. The colonial house is in
great condition and the interior has gone through a painful restoration process that has
returned it to what it looked like when it was used to entertain some of the most famous
guests who visited the islands.
Source: http://traveldoozie.com/top-ten-great-places-to-visit-on-a-trip-to-the-bahamas
13. Barbados
Barbados’ climate is warm throughout the year making it great for outdoor activities. The best
time to visit is from December to May. Their hurricane season is in September and October, so
try to avoid visiting during these months. Bottom Bay is one of the most spectacular beaches.
However, this is not a good swimming beach because of the heavy surf, but it is a wonderful
place to while away a few hours in paradise. There are beach chairs for relaxing in a grove of tall
palms, a cave to explore at the western end of the beach, and lots of coconuts for cracking and
drinking the cool water inside. The rural east coast is good place to visit, and Bathsheba is the
highlight. This is a tiny, relaxed fishing village that doubles as a surf town, due to the worldfamous Soup Bowl break just offshore. There are a few restaurants, rum shops and guesthouses,
but otherwise this is a wonderfully quiet place. Flower Forest is quiet atmospheric botanical
garden is located in the rolling highlands of central Barbados, in St. Joseph Parish. All plants are
labeled with both common and scientific names. The Flower Forest is on 50 acres land and is
larger than many of the other botanical gardens on the island. Take your time and enjoy the
self-guided trails at your own pace.
Source: http://aaronmegquier.hubpages.com/hub/barbadosgreatplaces
14. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is the top destination in the Caribbean and recently won the
prestigious Traveler's Choice award for 2011. Grand Cayman is famous for Stingray
City, Seven Mile Beach, world-class diving and duty free shopping and has been a
favorite destination for years. The Three islands that make up the Cayman Islands Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - each have something unique to offer.
Cayman's premier attraction, the Turtle Farm, has been transformed into a marine theme
park. The complex now has several souvenir shops and restaurants. You can tour ponds
in the original research-breeding facility with thousands in various stages of growth,
some up to 600 pounds and more than 70 years old. Turtles can be picked up from the
tanks, a real treat for children and adults as the creatures flap their fins and splash the
water. Animal Program events include Keeper Talks, where you can feed birds or
iguanas, and biologists speak about conservation and their importance to the ecosystem.
Sources:
http://www.destination.ky/
http://www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/cayman-islands/review-94335.html
15. Curacao
Curacao island has long been a popular destination for travelers having fun in the sun in
the Caribbean. The island is particularly unique when compared to many other islands in
the area. The island shows a great deal of influence from the Dutch who controlled it for
many years. Curacao offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation both on the
water and more inland too. One of the more unique sights to see during a visit to
Curacao is Ostrich and Game Farm. The food available at the restaurant is rated as some
of the best available in the area and tours of the farm are also available. One of the more
unique experiences on Curacao is visiting the Hato Caves. The caves are located near the
airport and will create memories that last a lifetime. During the island's history they
were used as everything from shelter for the natives living there to hideouts for runaway
slaves. Caves and the surrounding area tour are available and are a fascinating way to
experience one of the most unique natural wonders on the island of Curacao. Queen
Juliana Bridge is another must-see tourist attraction. This bridge is truly something
special. It the highest bridge in the entire Caribbean region and is built in such a way that
it is architecturally beautiful and also allows for cruise ships entering the harbor to safely
pass beneath it. Some of the best views of Willemstad can be seen from high above on
the Queen Juliana Bridge. Visitors can take a brief taxi ride across the bridge just to
experience the scenic views.
Source: http://www.squidoo.com/curacao-things-to-do-and-places-to-go
16. Haiti
Haiti offers many of the same things that other islands in the Caribbean do, but it also offers a
more undeveloped feel to it where visitors can experience life on the island in the way that its
residents experience it. Citadelle Laferriere is located in northern Haiti, near the city of CapHaitien. Laferriere is commonly referred to as the Citadelle. This is the largest fortress in the
entire Western Hemisphere, although it is located in a remote and difficult location. The
fortress sits atop a mountaintop and was built in the early part of the 1800s during Haiti’s early
days of independence. The fortress is open to tourists, though reaching it may require one to be
in good physical shape or a rental horse. Once there, visitors can not only enter most of the
areas inside this historic structure, but can also climb to the top of the fortress walls and
rooftops. Jacmel is another wonderful area to tour and experience the surrounding southern
coastline of Haiti. Jacmel is a colorful city featuring stunning Victorian architecture. Jacmel is
located near Parc Macaya, which is one of the most beautiful and interesting national parks in
all of Haiti. Jacmel offers a number of high quality and unique styles of accommodations,
restaurants, and shopping districts. Another popular place to visit in the community of Jacmel is
the Bassins Bleus which is a series of three small lakes that are all joined by a waterfall. SautMathurine is the largest waterfall in all of Haiti. The beauty of this scenic area is hard to describe
because it simply cannot be described in words! This remote location has allowed it to stay
relatively free of some of the negative effects of overuse and development. This is one of the
famous inland sights on the island for photography.
Source: http://traveldoozie.com/five-must-see-attractions-in-haiti
17. Jamaica
There is so much to see and do on a trip to Jamaica, including sun bathing on the beach,
swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling. Montego Bay is one of the most popular
tourist destinations on the island. It has a cruise line terminal and is also served by the
Sir Donald Sangster International Airport which is the largest airport on the island.
Montego Bay has some of the best beaches and resorts on the island. There are also
interesting sites to see and activities in the area. Many attractions like the Windsor
Caves, Rum Jungle, Cockpit Country, Rose Hall Great House, and the Bob Marley
Experience & Theater are great places to spend some time. You can also enjoy many
exciting activities including partying and entertainment at Margaritaville Montego Bay,
kayaking at Chukka Caribbean Adventure's River Kayak Safari, golfing at the Ironshore
Golf and Country Club, rafting on the Martha Brae, and adventure tours at Chukka
Caribbean Adventure's Canopy. Negril is very popular because of the Seven Mile Beach
with its stunning sunset backdrop and its alluring nightlife, fire eaters, and many Bob
Marley impersonators. Negril has an array of places to visit and activities to enjoy.
Negril's attractions include Cousin's Cove, Grange Hill, Bloody Bay, and May Field
Falls. Dunn's River Falls is a very popular waterfall located near Ocho Rios. It is also
known as one of the island's national treasures. Thousands of visitors visit the falls every
year to see the 1,000 feet of water gracefully cascading down tiered-like giant stair steps
with small lagoons scattered between the vertical sections of the waterfalls. It is
considered to be one of the most unique waterfalls in the Caribbean and is a must see for
visitors to the island.
Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/top-three-places-visit-jamaica-8953383.html?cat=16
18. Leeward Islands, French (St. Martin)
St. Martin is the French half of the world's smallest territory that is shared by two
sovereign states. The other half, St. Maarten, is governed by the Netherlands. French St.
Martin is 53 square kilometers in size and has a slightly smaller population than its Dutch
counterpart. St. Martin is lavish, elegant, and cosmopolitan. It is also much quieter than
St. Maarten and an ideal place for secluded rest and relaxation. The beaches on St.
Martin offer the best way to relax. Baie Aux Prunes beach is quiet since it is the location
for many of St. Martin's most exclusive homes. The Baie Nettle area is the French side
of Simpson Bay Lagoon and is near many hotels and the capital, Marigot. Many visitors
come here for water sports. Friar's Bay is a great place to bring your family since it is
protected from winds and heavy surf. Gallion Beach protected Nature Marine Reserve on
the windward side of St. Martin has trails to hike, reefs to snorkel, and sailboats to
charter. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas here as well as Sunset Cafe, which will
cater to your gastronomic needs. There are several beaches in this area. Restaurants,
bars, and shopping are easily found here.
Source: http://www.internationalyachtchartergroup.com/caribbean/about%20stmartin.php
19. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has so much to offer; each region is considered a destination on its own.
There are many places to visit along the coast, and the central hillside of the island is
filled with cultural, historical and Eco-adventures. There is something for everyone in
Puerto Rico. You can spend every day of the year exploring the island and you will still
need more time; this is one of the reasons Puerto Rico sees so many repeat visitors. If
you really want to get to know Puerto Rico, transportation is a must. The roads are great
in Puerto Rico and well marked with modern highways. El Yunque is the most treasured
natural attraction on the island. Explore the only rainforest under the USA flag and one
that has been nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. El Yunque is safe
environment, with wonderful hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and natural pools. From
San Juan you can take a day trip to the north coast of Puerto Rico which houses two
world wonders and the biggest radio telescope in the world. Also visit the Camuy
Caverns, which is the third longest underground river system in the world. Another
great destination in Puerto Rico is the island of Vieques. Here you will find pristine,
virgin, and secluded beaches. A visit to Vieques will be your perfect Puerto Rico
vacation.
Source: http://viequestravelguide.com/puerto-rico-vacation.html
20. St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis make up a two-island nation at the northern end of the Leeward Islands
archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The beaches are not
crowded, and lush rainforests, historic ruins and a laid-back atmosphere can be found here. St.
Kitts is about 69 square miles and Nevis is just half the size at 36 square miles. The best beaches
on St. Kitts include Friar's Bay, Banana/Cockleshell Bays and Frigate Bay. It also offers diving,
snorkeling, horseback riding, and golf. St. Kitts Scenic Railway takes sightseers on a leisurely,
relaxing tour of the entire island in under four hours. The cuisine of St. Kitts reflects West
Indian, Caribbean and indigenous influences, best sampled at local restaurants like Ballahoo,
Circus Grill, Marshall’s, and Bobsy's. For seafood and conch chowder, Fisherman's Wharf is a
popular spot. Nevis, or “Queen of the Caribees,” maintains a rustic and gracious ambiance.
There is one main road without traffic lights circling the island. Nevis has some of the
Caribbean’s most historic and upscale hotels and resorts.
Source: http://www.voyage.tv/the_caribbean_st_kitts_nevis.html
21. St. Lucia
One of the most gorgeous places to visit in the Caribbean is St. Lucia. One of the most
stunningly beautiful areas in St. Lucia is Pigeon Island National Park. This is great place
to take photographs. There are a number of hiking places in the park and also some
very important historical sites as well. One of the top attractions in St. Lucia is Errard
Plantation. It offers visitors the opportunity to see an area that was once a working
plantation during the glory days of St. Lucia’s past. There are a number of animals that
can be viewed while strolling along the land and the trails that lead off into the rain forest
and along the rivers are exciting and fascinating. The St. Lucia Rain Forest is a great
attraction, especially for those coming from an area where rain forests are not usual. The
beauty in the lush jungle plants and the excitement of possibly seeing some actual
wildlife make a visit appealing to many visitors. Anse Mamin is one of the hidden
treasures of St. Lucia and an old plantation near Jade Mountain that welcomes visitors
seeking to get away from it all and possibly enjoy some solitude during their vacation.
There is a beach bar and grill on site that provides food and refreshment to the visitors.
There are also some great hiking and biking trails that seemingly lead off in all
directions. This is a great little stop and the perfect accent to a St. Lucia vacation.
Source: http://traveldoozie.com/seven-must-see-places-to-visit-in-st-lucia
22. St. Maarten (formerly Netherlands Antilles)
The island of Saint Maarten (Dutch)/Saint Martin (French) is the smallest land mass in the world
to be shared by two different nations in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship
for almost 350 years. 37 square miles are jointly owned by France and the Netherlands Antilles.
The border is almost imperceptible and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they
are entering a new country. The Philipsburg Courthouse was completed in 1793. This
courthouse is one of the island’s oldest monuments. This court house is located on Front Street
in the heart of the city's famed shopping and dining district. This charming two-story structure
was severely damaged by a hurricane in 1819 and was fully rebuilt in 1826. The St. Maarten
Museum is located off Front Street in Philipsburg. Its collection, including an acquisition of old
photographs from the Royal Institute of the Tropics, is curated by Museum Director Elsje Bosch.
Bosch, a former schoolteacher, has always been a collector. The museum's establishment in
which she played the lead role enhanced her ardent interest in island history and heritage.
Source: http://www.experiencestmaarten.com/islandfacts/
23. St. Vincent & Deps. (Bequia, Canouan Grenadines)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines consists of 32 islands. It is an unpretentious and a relatively
quiet destination, where active, eco-friendly vacations focus on hiking jungle trails, catching
glimpses of rare parrots, trekking to spectacular waterfalls, and climbing an active volcano. The
Grenadines, on the other hand, dazzle visitors with amazing inns and resorts, fine white-sand
beaches, excellent sailing waters, and a get-away-from-it-all atmosphere. On St. Vincent, take a
taxi to Wallilabou Bay and walk on the forgotten "Pirates of the Caribbean" set. Wallilabou
Falls, one mile away, and stand in a waist-deep pool under 13-foot waterfalls. Bequia's summit
gives scenic harbor views from the Old Fort, a restored plantation house. It is very famous for
exceptional snorkeling and diving. Bequia attracts quite a number of tourists. The island is quite
hilly and well forested with fruit and nut trees. There are 30 dive sites throughout this island.
Each dive site can be reached in 15 minutes by a boat ride.
Sources:
http://www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines/
http://www.footprinttravelguides.com/latin-america/caribbean-islands/windwardislands/the-grenadines/bequia/
24. Virgin Islands, U.S. (St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas)
St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John are the three islands of the U. S. Virgin Islands. St.
Croix with 84 square miles is the largest of all the islands, while St. John is considered to
be the most pristine of the U.S. Virgin Islands due to its National Park that covers two
thirds of the island. Fort Christian is the oldest structure in the Virgin Islands. It was
completed by the Danish in 1671 and has been used as a government building, church,
and courthouse. Today this structure serves as a museum. The U.S. Virgin Islands offer
some of the most stunning and beautiful beaches. Magen’s bay beach is one of the top
ten beaches of the world and one of the sites most visited by visitors in St. Thomas.
Trunk Bay is another beach located on the neighboring island of St. John also one of the
top ten beaches. Coki Beach is very calm and offers safe diving. The fish at the beach
are used to being hand fed. Sapphire Beach is another beautiful beach with white sand.
This beach not as busy like other beaches.
Source: http://www.bigseaproductions.com/_U.S.Virgin_Islands/index.html
25. Virgin Islands, British (Tortola, etc.)
A visit to Tortola offers a genuine chance to experience other islands in the British Virgin
Islands chain. These include Norman Island, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, Marina Cay
and Virgin Gorda. Tortola and most of the British Virgin Islands are mountainous
islands. The climate and vegetation are much drier than many Caribbean islands. Tortola
has no rain forests. The dry climate of the islands has a beneficial side effect; because of
the lack of runoff, the clarity of the sea is more dependably higher than many other places
in the Caribbean. For this reason, the British Virgin Islands are a popular destination for
divers and snorkelers. Protective effect of the islands surrounding Tortola, seas tend to
be calm here most of the time making the region a welcoming destination for those who
are prone to motion sickness and want to participate in small-boat rides. The steady
winds and calm seas also make Tortola and the British Virgin Islands are one of the
world's premier sailing excursions. Cane Garden Bay at Tortola is the most popular
beach in the British Virgin Islands. Brewers Bay and Smugglers Cove both beaches are
considered to be the two best snorkeling beaches on Tortola.
Source: http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=16
ATLANTIC OCEAN
26. Bermuda
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo is a wonderful complex along North Shore Road
across Flatts Bridge in Hamilton Parish. Therea are more than 300 birds, reptiles and
mammals from oceanic islands. The Aquarium houses more than 200 species of fish, and
features the award-winning North Rock Exhibit. Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo is
one of the top Bermuda sightseeing places. Kings Wharf Bermuda a great dockyard and
naval base built by the British in the 19th century. This in one of the top Bermuda
tourist attraction. Bermuda Maritime Museum a fascinating story of Bermuda's maritime
heritage captured in a 19th-century fortress at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Sandys
Parish. This become The National Museum of Bermuda after additional buildings and
fortifications were added in December 2009. Dolphin Quest Bermuda a fantastic Dolphin
center in Royal Naval Dockyard. You can swim with dolphins, touch or feed them. This
is another must see Bermuda sightseeing place. Crystal Caves and Fantasy Caves
Bermuda has a guided tour within the caves complex to experience the spectacular
Crystal and Fantasy Caves. Crystal caves is located in Hamilton Parish.
Source: http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_000026.htm
27. Faroe Islands
The Faroe or Faeroe are 18 islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest
of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway. You will never be more than five
kilometers from the ocean at any given point if you travel to the Faroe Islands. The
countryside is flourishing with beautiful greenery. The Faroe Islands tourist season
operates between May and September because of its proximity to the Arctic Circle. In
the winter, only five hours of daylight so it is best to travel in the summer to get more
sunlight. Faroe Islands travel can consist of a visit to the numerous picturesque towns
like the capital Torshavn. The inner area of the islands has sharp mountain peaks and
plentiful wildlife. The Faroe Islands functions virtually as a magnet for birds migrating
over the North Atlantic Ocean. The birds are migrated from the east, but several North
American species have also been migrated here. There are just a handful of local birds.
There are lot of chances of finding rare birds at Faroe Islands. Rare birds can turn up
everywhere, but there is a tendency that birds concentrate at the northern, southern,
eastern and westernmost points, depending on the dominant winds. The landscape is
both helpful and challenging. Due to the lack of trees birds will often end up in gardens in
villages or seek shelter in the plantations. There are closely 300 different bird species
have been recorded at the Faroe Isalnds. Only 100 of them are regular migrants or
breeding birds. The rest of them are rare migrants and some new birds are add to the
Faroe islands list every year.
Source: http://europetravel.net/Faroe-Islands/
28. Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat)
Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located
between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Narsarsuaq is
a village in Southern Greenland. The term Narsarsuaq means the great plain in Greenlandic. The
small population of Narsarsuaq is employed in the airport and the tourism industry. Its
attractions include a great diversity of wildlife, gemstones, tours to glaciers, and an airfield
museum. Illulisat is a beautiful town near Sisimiut in Greenland. The word Illulisat means “the
icebergs.” There are number of reasons to visit this place including boat trips to view the
gigantic icebergs, helicopter sightseeing trips, and trips to the surrounding settlements. Disko
Bay is a bay on the western coast of Greenland. The bay characterizes the complete
Greenlandic adventure at a single location. Disko Bay, also called Qasigiannguit, is ideal for
hiking in the summer time, with tundra plains, gentle hills, green passes, blue fjords and
mountain tops. Sermermiut is a settlement situated in close proximity to town of Illulisat. A
tour to Sermermiut is one of the integral parts of Greenland tourism. This hiking tour is
accomplished under the midnight sun and takes you to Sermermiut Mountain which is located
less south of Illulisat.
Source: http://northamericantouristdestinations.com/category/greenland/
29. Iceland
Iceland's main attraction lies in its dramatic landscapes, which vary from glacial to
volcanic. Numerous sections of its coast are spectacular and its snow capped mountains
are glorious. During winter, the Northern Lights are worth a trip just for a view on a cold,
clear night. In summer, the sun will dip below the horizon late in the day. The capital
Reykjavik is a new and fun place to be in the New Year. Icelandic law places no
restriction on the use of fireworks, so this activity is very popular. This is reason why the
Icelandic people put on one of the best New Year’s Eve fireworks shows. Fireworks go
on all night and peak at midnight. In Iceland, Christmas holiday does not end until on
January 6th with a special celebration of the Twelfth Night. On this day the elves and
trolls come out dancing and singing and celebrate with the Icelanders that gather around
bonfires and celebrate with more fireworks. Whale watching in Iceland is an incredible
place to visit. The best time to visit this place is from May to September.
Source: http://www.thereareplaces.com/newguidebook/pdest/icpts.htm
EUROPE & MEDITERRANEAN
30. Austria
Austria is an amazing travel destination. This little country in the heart of Europe has a full
history, beautiful landscapes, and cultural riches. Fine hospitality attracts some millions of
visitors from all over the world each year. Schönbrunn Palace is the most visited tourist
attraction in Austria. Its unique style of imperial Baroque paintings in the archetypical
Hapsburg light yellow makes it the number one place to visit. Schönbrunn is one of the world’s
oldest and largest zoos which has been renovated recently according to the highest standards.
The Giant Ferris Wheel is a prominent Viennese landmark. The Giant Ferris Wheel was built in
between 1896 and 1897 and was recently revamped, making it better than ever before! Riding
the Giant Ferris Wheel gives an amazing overview of the Viennese City. The Schlossberg Graz
with the Clock Tower is the landmark of Graz, capital of the provincial state of Syria and Austria’s
second largest city. Swarovski Crystal Worlds is a theme-park exhibition showcasing the crystal
jewellery of Swarovski. This was built in 1995. The Basilica Mariazell is located a two hour carride in the South-West of Vienna. It is an important pilgrim location for Roman-Catholics.
Source: http://euro-pen.hubpages.com/hub/Top-Ten-Attractions-Austria
31. Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Minorca)
The Balearic Islands of Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza are the definition of a sun, sea and sand
getaway. Golden sands, clear seas and blue skies that are devoid of clouds is the amazing
landscape in the Balearic Islands. Each of the three main islands has its own unique
characteristics that appeal to different holiday makers. Majorca or Mallorca’s main attraction is
its thriving nature and fascinating architecture. Palma is the capital city filled with intricate
cathedrals, churches, and the stunning Bellver Castle. The Mondrago National Park consists of
pure white sandy beaches and some of the most incredibly clear waters in Europe. Some may
feel that a vacation to Menorca can sacrifice an exciting and busy nightlife. Ibiza is the Balearic
Island and party capital of the world. Ibiza lets you drink and dance until dawn and then start
all over again! Visit the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana and take the antique tourist
train from Plalms to Soller to see a breathtaking view.
Source: http://www.eurotriptips.com/guide-balearic-islands-majorca-minorca-ibiza/
32. Belarus
Minsk is the capital of Belarus. If you travel to Belarus, Minsk is a city that must become
one of your travel destinations. The Braslav lakes are one of the best recreational areas
in Belarus. They are popular for foreign visitors. If you want to see the open-air museum
village you should visit Dudutki. It is a great place to visit if you want to explore ancient
culture and way of life of a typical nineteenth century village. Here you can see
museums of folk craft, watch how a windmill works, and take a horsehide. Also you can
watch how village bakers bake bread and cakes to make a living for themselves. A
potter will make a pot for you and will even teach you how to make it yourself. It is a
very personal experience! Belarus has over 7000 lakes with hot, humid summers and
harsh, cold winters. You will feel invigorated and refreshed after a swim in the fresh
clean water. Mir Castle is the first monument in Belarus which was included in
UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This was built in 1540 and recently restored. This is
the fifth most visited location in Belarus. Polatsk is the most ancient city in Belarus. In
this city, the first library, the first monastery and convent, the first university, and the first
printing house were built. It is definitely filled with historical sites!
Source: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belarus/Things_To_Do-BelarusTG-C-1.html#ixzz1uNnPogpn
33. Belgium
Belgium is a beautiful and small country in northwestern Europe. It offers many places of
interest for every tourist. There are many interesting architectural buildings, monuments,
museums and beautiful parks and beaches. Bruges is the most popular city in Belgium and its
historic center is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This dominated place is filled
with many historical buildings, the romantic Minnewater Park, and its picturesque canals. The
streets in Bruges are narrow and covered with cobblestones, creating a cozy environment.
Belfry Tower, the Market square, and the Church of Our Lady and the Beguinage are some of the
best places to visit in Belgium. Belfry Tower can be seen when you are on the Market square
which is surrounded by medieval buildings. This tower is 88 meters high and can reach the top
after a climb of 88 steps and those who get to the top can see a beautiful panoramic view of the
entire city. The Church of Our Lady is likely to be the most famous church in Bruges. Many
tourists make sure that they visit this church because it houses the painting of the Madonna by
Michelangelo and the Gothic tombs of Burgundy. Leopold Park is the most famous park in
Ostend. This park is very popular because of its famous Floral Clock. This clock is made from
20,000 different plants. Maria Hendrick Park is another important park where you will find a
beautiful lake. Ostend is the largest city of the Belgium coast and a popular place for people
who like to spend some time on the beach. This place is perfect for for bicycling or walking in
one of their parks.
Source: http://europe.knoji.com/top-ten-places-to-visit-in-belgium-and-why/
34. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an amazing country located in the heart of The Balkan Peninsula. It is a small
territory, but this country has collected some amazing natural and historical sites. Rila
Monastery is the most outstanding monument of Bulgarian culture and architecture of the
Revival period. It is located at the heart of Rila Mountain at the altitude of 1147 meters
above sea level on the right bank of the Rila River. The Rila Monastery is listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site as a monument of an extraordinary value and significance
for world culture. Karadere beach is located on the north seaside. This beach is filled
with miles of sand, vines, trees and bushes around them. Boyana Church is a beautiful
Medieval Orthodox Church located in Boyana Quarter. This was built in the late 10th
century. This church was expanded a few times in the thirteenth century. The Boyana
Church is one of the most complete and perfectly reserved monuments of east European
medieval art. Etur is an ethnographic museum and is located in the town of Gabrovo on
the bank of the Siveck River on the north flanks of the Stara Planina Mountains. This
open air museum is located 8 kilometers north of Gabrovo; you can see displayed
traditional Bulgarian architecture, ethnography, folklore, the ancient handicrafts,
traditional dishes, interior decoration and design and the traditional clothing of the
Bulgarian Renaissance during the eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries.
Sources:
http://www.sofiahotels.net/places.shtml
http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-places-to-see-in-bulgaria-before-you-die
35. Crete
Crete is an island with so much variety that it can probably offer something attractive for
everyone. Lake Kournas, Argiroupolis and Ancient Lappa are located between Chania
and Rethymno. Lake Kounas is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. It is
surrounded by lush vegetation with a backdrop of the white mountains. A few
kilometers from Kournas Lake is the village of Argiroupolis. This pretty village is built
on the ancient site of Lappa and consists of two parts: the upper and the lower village.
Visit the waterfalls and the lush green vegetation at the lower village and visit Roman
Lappa in the upper village. The small seaside village of Loutro is located in South West
Crete, on the coast between the villages of Hora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli. Loutro can
be visited only by boat or on foot. There are no roads to or from the village. Being in
Loutro is like stepping back in time; there is nothing more pressing to do than swim, sip
an iced cold coffee, or enjoy a lazy lunch at one of the tavernas. The major activity in
Loutro is watching the ferry boats arrive and offload the tourists and village goods. The
village is located in a small pebble bay and consists of a number of rooms and small
hotels. Ferry boats run 4 to 5 times a day from Hora Sfakion to Loutro during the
summer season and the journey time is 20 minutes. Visit the Archaeological museum on
Halidon Street and the Maritime Museum at the far west corner of the harbour front. You
can explore the back alleyways and amazing gems that they have to offer. There are also
beautiful old Venetian buildings with courtyard cafes and cozy restaurants.
Source : http://carolinacrete.hubpages.com/hub/Top-Ten-Crete
36. Croatia
Croatia is absolutely beautiful and a worthwhile place to visit. The roads are great for travelling.
Bol (with golden cape) Golden Bay is the most impressive beach in Croatia. The streams and
weather design its tale and it is the perfect destination to visit for a daily swim and a walk. The
Plitvice National Park is a preserve located in central Croatia with outstanding nature. The area
is surrounded by nearly 74,000 acres. The park was recently established to save the beautiful
lakes, created by the karts rivers in the area. The lakes are arranged in cascades and waterfalls
which add even more beauty to this masterpiece of nature. Their colors vary in different shades
of blue and green. Brela Beach is another beach to visit in Croatia. It is located on the coast of
Adriatic Sea in the lovely Dalmatia. This beach is not only listed the best beach in Europe, but is
definitely the most wonderful seaside in the old continent. Surrounded by olive and fig trees, it
offers a breathtaking view and the calmness of nature. Visit the Medvedgrad Castle which takes
you straight into the Middle Ages. The castle is located near the old town of Medvedgrad near
Zagreb. The castle was built in the thirteenth century but was destroyed by an earthquake in the
sixteenth century and was renewed recently. The Medvedgrad Castle is located on a mountain
slope which offers one of the best views from the top towards Zagreb.
Source: http://www.vacationhomes.net/blog/2011/11/21/top-10-places-to-visit-in-croatia/
37. Cyprus Republic
Paphos is a town on the southwest coast of Cyprus. It is renowned in Greek mythology
as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Paphos has been inhabited since the
Neolithic period and in antiquity was the island's capital. The town declined throughout
the British colonial period and Paphos remained an underdeveloped and underpopulated
region of the island until 1974. Currently there was rapid economic development in
tourism. Today Paphos population is about 50,000 and is a charming, busy fishing
harbor and popular tourist resort. Cyprus houses a number of museums. Marine Life
Museum is one of them, located in Agia Napa'sTown Hall. It is the first natural and
unique museum in Cyprus. This museum exhibits past and present marine life and
promotes research and study. The Museum of Archeology and Natural Sciences exhibits
artifacts dating from the early Stone Age. In the late eighteenth century, the St. Mamas
Church and Icon Museum were built and they are now the most beautiful and the best
maintained Orthodox church-museums. Cyprus offers lots of pristine beaches. The
beaches in Kyrenia and Lefke provide lots of opportunities to those who love adventures
to enjoy water sports such as water skiing, parascending, wind-surfing, diving and jet
skiing.
Sources:
http://www.placesonline.com/europe/cyprus/paphos/introduction.asp
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/cyprus-attractions-3023.html
38. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a rapidly developing European nation. Prague is one of Europe's
most beautiful cities. Historic Prague is well preserved and has been designated a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was constructed between the eleventh and eighteenth
centuries. The Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town to the west
and is lined with performers throughout the day. On the hill is the Prague Castle and its
St. Vitus' Cathedral, a complex which dominates the city's skyline. The Castle (Prazsky
Hrad) is a popular attraction along with its palaces and cathedrals. Take a river cruise to
see Prague's beautiful sights from the Vltava. The Old Town Square and the Wenceslas
Square (a grand boulevard really) in the New Town (southeast of the Old Town) are the
two most popular meeting places in the city. The Old town is filled with colorful
buildings, good restaurants, and is quite interesting.
Source: http://www.thereareplaces.com/newguidebook/pdest/ezpts.htm
39. Denmark
Visit the National Gallery to see its collection of Danish and European art, the Viking
Ship Museum and Kronborg Castle, the castle from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Rosenberg
Castle, a beautiful building, was built in the seventeenth century and has been
transformed into a fascinating museum. Temporary and treasury exhibitions are open to
the public. The 10 mile Oresund Bridge Connecting Denmark and Sweden carries over
6,000 travelers by car or train everyday. Legoland is one of the most popular places to
visit in Denmark because almost everything is made out of Legos! The park was opened
in 1968. It still delights Denmark visitors each year. The park offers countless
attractions and fun rides for all ages, so everyone in the family will enjoy it! There are
some indoor activities, exhibitons, and new thrill rides. The Tivoli Park in Copenhagen
is another attraction that is pretty amazing. This park has serene park areas and activities
for the little ones and rides for the thrill seeking teens and adults in the family. Shopping
in Denmark is also a huge attraction. Stroget Street in Copenhagen is one of Europe's
longest shopping streets and one of Denmark's top sights. Here you will find low prices,
simple foods, clothing chains. The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen attraction is one of the
smallest but still one of the best and most unique ones as well. The Little Mermaid is just
4 feet tall. She is located close to the shore of the cruise harbor "Langelinie.”
Source: http://pongogirl2.hubpages.com/hub/The-Top-10-Best-Places-to-Visit-inDenmark
Numbers 55-108
England
England is a popular place that most people will visit in their lifetime if they go to Europe.
The culture is unique with much history. A good site to see is the Stonehenge. The
Stonehenge is a prehistoric creation estimated to have been built around 3100 BC. Another
great place is called the Chatsworth House. It is known as the one of the best houses in
England- large, antiquated and elegant. Besides the outside appearances, the inside houses
Europe's finest art collections; it is a great place to visit if you are an aesthetic. Many movies
such Pride and Prejudice or The Duchess were filmed at this location as well. Last but not
least, there are many tours to visit and places to eat, and don't forget to visit the Tower Bridge
in London!
Estonia
The Republic of Estonia is part of the Baltic region and close to Finland; they also
speak Finnish. Estonia is a land of freedom, entirely democratic. This state is full of history,
dating back to the Viking and has many national parks. Vilsandi National Park is one of the
most popular, consisting of 160 islands. This park is great for nature and animal lovers where
bird watching and seal observing is common. Vilsandi is an international bird sanctuary with
over 250 recorded bird species and was created in 1914. Estonia is also famous for its
diverse landscapes, for such a small country. Estonia's forests cover half of the country's land
and are home to a large range of wildlife including bears, wolves, squirrels, boar, deer and
elk. The hills near Otepää are popular for sight seeing and hiking. In the winter, people often
enjoy skiing there as well.
Finland
The Republic of Finland is a Nordic country located in northern Europe. Finland is known for
its connection between civilization and nature. Its most populated city is Helsinski, here you
can see the history of Finland through its many buildings and elegant cafes. In addition there
are many museums and restaurants that have not changed much since the 1930's; they show
visitors the culture and history background of the country. Oalu city has the fastest growing
population in Northern Finland with very warm summers and cold winters because of arctic
winds blown in from the sea. However, in the summer, the sea sides are a pleasant place for
leisure with its many beaches that are family friendly. There are also spas, pools, sailing,
boating and wind surfing.
France
As one of the most visited countries in the world, France is known for its long hot summer
days and and beautiful laid back scenery and lifestyle. Here are the ten most beautiful visited
places in France: Loire Valley- architecturally historical with beautiful gardens to see; Mont
Saint Michael- second to the Eiffel Tower as the second most loved landmark; Côte d’Azur famed for its famous coastal cities. ; Giverny- a riverside rural idyll located on the borders of
Normandy and famous for its birth of impressionism; Versailles- a wealthy suburb of Paris
most famous for its chateau the great Palace of Versaille that one homed kings of
France; Annecy-The Alps- These French alps are known for its prestigious ski resorts and
beautiful towns and homes and Annecy is one of its most attractive homes; ChampagneArdenne- the exceptionally scenic countryside with miles of trails to walk on, it is colorful
and also famous for its underground wine cellars and cathedrals; Strasbourg- this heritage
city is has distinct characteristics and is located on the border of Germany and France, it is
most famous for its river front half-timbered houses; Provence- this place has diverse
geography and irresistible countryside landscapes filled with lavender; The Gorges du
Verdon- As Europe's "Grand Canyon", this deep cliff gorge is a visitor hot spot with its
turquoise colored waters and abundance of wildlife- it is also great for climbing, hiking, and
kayaking.
Germany
Germany is a very filled country, including scenery, museums, history, family vacation spots,
sight seeing etc. It is home to about 4000 museums. A specialty is one called Cologne; it has
a chocolate museum! The architecture is amazing to see as well. There are palaces, parks and
gardens, and the castles are magnificent. One of the most popular is the Moselken,Eltz
Castle. There are also many park reserves as well such as Szczecin Bay. Germany has also
been known as the destination for gay and lesbians because of its tolerance and advocacy for
their rights.
Gibraltar
There are many places to visit in this country. One place that must be visited is The Upper
Rock nature reserve. It is a place that can be reached by car, although only by windy narrow
roads. Gibraltar Museum is also popular, it is situated in the center of the town, it tells the
history of the prehistoric beginnings of the country. Lastly, one must visit the Botanical
Gardens. These gardens are very old, originating in 1816, and gives visitors a rest from the
rush of the city.
Greece
Greece is a well known country, known for hits battles, its kings, its stories, and epic
tragedies. Everyone knows of the Athenian/Spartan history, but not the details. One should
go visit the city of Athens and see the museums and history there. There you can find
monuments built centuries ago, and learn many things about the culture of Greece through its
architectural carvings and drawings. Rhodes should also be visited because of its of its rich
historical past. It is the cultural and financial center of this country.
Hungary
Budapest has many interesting places that you must visit when you travel to Hungary. Some
of the places of tourist attraction are Applied Arts Museum, Andrassy Ut, Basilica of St
Stephen, Bela Bartok Memorial House, Budapest Eye, and Buda Hills etc. Another city is
Debrecen- The city is basically a metropolis and you will find the biggest Protestant church
of the country here. There are many museums that you can pay a visit to and this generally
takes up most of the time, when you travel to Debrecen, one of the famous places in
Hungary. Kiskunsag National Park should also be visited. It is basically a collection of
islands which is spread over an area of 760 sq km. The park has ponds that are alkaline, there
are museums and horse shows are conducted at regular intervals for the tourists. To get a
closer view of how the horses tread at their highest pace, you can undertake the Bugac tour.
Ionian Islands, Greece
Ionian Islands, Greece is a famous group of islands and is a part of Greece. They are often
referred to as the Seven Islands. The principal seven islands of the group of Islands includes
Kerkyra or Corfu, Paxi or Paxos, Lefkada or Lefas, Ithaki or Ithaca, Kefallonia, Zakynthos or
Zante and Kyrthi or Cerigo. These islands also serve as a popular honeymoon destination as
well as a romantic getaway. Also, they are good for beach activities, water sport, hiking and a
number of beach and water sports. They can also have candlelight dinners at the beach. The
popular tourist destinations in Ionian Islands, Greece also include the island of Kerkyra or
Corfu that is well known for its beautiful sceneries.
Ireland
Ireland has interesting tourist sites, although some may seem boring, they have centuries old
stories behind them. In Northern Ireland, the oldest daily newspaper in the world was
published and is still being published. It began in 1737 and the earliest copies are found in the
Linen Hall Library of Belfast. On the East coast, the Hill of Tara, one of the most ancient
stretches of land in Europe. These include passage tombs and burial mounds that date back to
4000 years ago. The place is wonderful for an escape to a somber place.
Italy
Rome is, of course the most visited city in Italy. It is known as the "Eternal City" because of
its long life span. The city dates back to the capital of a great Roman Empire and is full of
history. Rome has an incredible number of world-class attractions, including the Colosseum,
the Forums of the Roman Empire, gorgeous piazzas, stunning fountains, and fabulous
museums. Also in Rome, don't forget to visit other historical sites like the Capitoline Hill,
the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Pantheon, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Venice is indeed a
place that must be visited as well. It is known for its romantic and historical vibe. Canals,
beautiful buildings, world famous landmarks - Venice is an experience unique in the world of
travel. Whether taking a gondola down the Grand Canal or gazing at this romantic city's
unique setting and architecture, Venice is a vision that you will never forget. Florence should
be seen as well. From the point of view of art and architecture, Florence rivals Rome. Culture
is the strong suite of Florence; perhaps that is why its museums are so popular. Be sure to
see the Duomo (cathedral) and its impressive Piazza and the adjacent Piazza San Giovanni,
containing the famous Baptistery, the Museo of the Duomo and the famous Bell Tower by
Giotto. For art lovers, be sure to visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria Dell'Accademia,
which contains Michelangelo's world-famous sculpture of David.
Latvia
Latvia has diverse tourist attractions. Many of which are family friendly such as the Riga Zoo
and the Open-air sea Museum. A lot of the sites are nature park reserves as well. The top
ones include, Gutmana Cave, Zvarte Cliff, Slitere Nature Reserve, Tervete Park, Pokaini
Forest- beautiful and warm temperatures and Kemeri National Park in Jurmala. Architecture
wise, there are also quite a few buildings to visit. These include Art Nouveau (Jugendstil)
Architecture in Alberta Street, Elizabetes Street and Strelnieku Street, Riga, Lido, Turaida
Castle, South Pier in Ventspils, Rundale Palace, the Karosta Prison, Aglonas Basilica- with
its beautiful castle like designs, Cesis castle and the Palace Jaunmokas.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is not a significant tourist destination, but is often included as an extension of a
trip to Austria or Switzerland. The country is extremely small and lacks significant
destinations. The scenery, however, is spectacular. Liechtenstein's main attraction - the
Castle at Vaduz - is not open to tourists, but its prominence on the hillside makes it the focus
of tours of the town of Vaduz. Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and the most popular
tourist destination in the country. The Royal Palace looks majestic on the ridge above the
town but it not open to the public, as it is the home of the Royal Family. The town has a few
good quality restaurants and several nice shops. If Vaduz sounds attractive to you, you may
want to visit Balzers or Triesen, two towns that retain the distinct Liechtenstein ambiance but
are further up in the Alps.
Malta
There’s a vast range of things to see on this terrific island so let’s take a whistle-stop tour to
give you an idea of how diverse the choice is. Starting in the south with Marsaxlokk, is a
quaint and historic fishing village. Up the coast there’s bustling Valletta - capital city - with
immense history and charm. Next-door is trendy Sliema with marina, designer shops and fine
restaurants. Round the bay is Paceville, home to Malta’s liveliest bars and clubs. West is lofty
Mdina, medieval fortress town. North from here are the sandy beaches of Mellieha Bay and
the stunning cyan waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Maldova
The most popular and worth seeing destinations in Moldova: Chisinau is the capital of the
Republic of Moldova, a very modern green and cozy town in the center of our country. The
excursion includes visiting the historical center of Chisinau, administrative and cultural
edifices on the main boulevard Stefan cel Mare, the main square of the General National
Meeting, two central parks, churches and museums of the city, Central Market, market of
souvenirs, W.W.II memorial. Orheiul Vechi is an ancient settlement situated in the left bank
of the Raut river near the villages of Trebujeni and Butuceni in Orhei district (about 50 km
northeast of Chisinau). In the Middle Ages, two medieval towns were set up here. Ivancea
village is located on the road to Orheiul Vechi settlement, 5 km from the main road. It is
located in the heart of Codry forest reservation surrounded by 7 lakes. The village is
populated by Ukrainians that were settled here from the Middle Ages. A dialect of Ukrainian
is still spoken by the inhabitants of this village. In XIXth century Ivancea was the estate of an
armenian noble Karp Balioz who built a house and planted a big park here. It is transformed
into the museum of Moldovan handicrafts. Soroca town is situated 160 km north of Chisinau
on the western bank of the Dniestr river. In the medieval times it had a particular importance
for the defense system of Moldova against the invasions of tartars, polyaks, Cossacks,
ottomans and Slavs from the East. And these are only the beginning.
Monaco
Monaco is a great place to visit, and a nice stop near France. They speak mostly French but
English is also widely understood. From the old town, a veritable open air museum, to the
Place du Casino, unique in the world, discover the history of the Grimaldis. A modern town,
Monaco has extended its territory by reclaiming land from the sea; do not miss the
Fontvieille district rising up from the water, where technology sits side by side with art. You
must also visit the teeming town around the typical market of la Condamine and discover the
Moneghetti area. Monaco bus company offers you the possibility to move serenely in the
Principality. The network covers all the tourist attractions, museums, the exotic garden,
business centres, or even the Casino or the Louis II Stadium.
Netherlands
Widely known for its windmills, cheese and tulips, the little monarchy of the Netherlands has
really a lot to offer and attract tourists thanks to its relaxed life-style and comfortable,
involving atmosphere. Amsterdam is the center of the Netherlands and has a large variety of
foods, art and buildings. There are also beautiful lakes, and places to relax. Valkenburg, a
small town in the province of Limburg, is located in Netherlands. The city also known as
‘Valkenburg aan de Geul’ is one of the most important locations in the south of Netherlands.
Lastly, Rotterdam is situated on the Maas River, and from its origins as a small fishing
village, grew to become the largest port in the world, a position it held until 2004. It is still
the largest port in Europe, serving numerous international import and export companies.
Norway
Eastern Norway's Velmunden/Fjorda is its canoeing paradise – between the Randsfjord and
Sperillen Lakes. Here, the youngest members of the family can play at being Indians in an
almost totally unspoiled landscape of islands and lakes, with countless canoeing routes to
explore. A good area for canoeing, with a varied landscape 400 metres above sea level.
People who are interested in cultural history can visit old Finnish settlements, a memorial to
the immigration from the east that resulted from the famine in Norway's neighbouring
country of Finland 400 years ago. In the South, the Southern Norway archipelago from the
Rvvingen Lighthouse to the Jomfruland Island is a lovely archipelagos. It consists of
thousands of small and large islands and skerries, with literally tens of thousands of areas of
smooth rocky shore that are so popular with sun worshippers in summer. In central Norway,
the Nidaros Cathedral was one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations in the
Middle Ages. The interior of the cathedral was stripped of many of its art treasures in
connection with the Reformation, but it is by far the biggest cathedral in Europe to be located
so far from Rome, and the building itself therefore occupies a special place among Europe's
cathedrals. These are only a few of the many destinations in Norway.
Poland
Krakow is the perfect introduction for the first time visitor to Poland. The city was left
unscarred by the Second World War and today stands as one of the most beautiful cities in
Europe. Take a seat at one of the many pavement cafes in Krakow's Main Square. Walk
along the Royal Route to Wawel castle and cathedral. Visit one of the oldest universities in
Europe at Jagiellonian Universtiry or go to the Czartoryski Museum to see Leonardo Da
Vinci's "Lady with Ermine". Explore the old Jewish quarter at Kazimierz. Observe the rather
bizarre giant burial mounds dotted around the city as well. Wieliczka Salt Mines are not far
from Krakow and a trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps is an unforgettable
experience.
Portugal
Portugal can be divided into seven main regions. A visit to the North of Portugal is a trip
back to Portugal’s beginnings. A land of Celtic settlements, medieval castles, mountain
fortifications and imposing monuments, every hill and edifice has its own tale to tell. Green
valleys and slopes produce the finest wine, every village produces a gastronomic marvel and
the combination of old charm and new trends in cosmopolitan Porto will leave you entranced.
The central region of striking contrasts, where mainland Portugal’s highest mountain peak
lies alongside pretty coastal seaside towns. Home to one of the oldest university cities in
Europe, to fabulous wine-tasting routes and the solemn sanctuary of Fátima, your travels will
take you past glacier valleys, pine forests, beaches and the birthplace of Portugal’s legendary
queijo da serra cheese. Lisbon’s unique light accentuates the dignity of its monuments, the
scenic river Tagus glistens in the sunlight and the city’s unassuming cobbled streets lead you
into resplendent squares. Old and new co-exist harmoniously in a city that has a rhythm all of
its own where you will want to soak up its charm very slowly. Glamorous Cascais lies further
along the coast and just beyond that, the magical hills of the town that has always enchanted
the more romantically-inclined... dreamy Sintra. The Alentejo Region- Rolling sunflower
fields dotted with cork oaks and olive trees, a coastline full of beautiful beaches and a very
sedate pace await you in the Alentejo. Most of its towns tell of Roman and Moorish invasion,
its hilltop villages overlook tranquil rivers flowing towards the coast and the mouth-watering
cuisine testifies to the inventiveness of its people. Its first-class heady wine embodies the
region itself. The Algarve has fabulous climate, a wide choice of beaches, animated seaside
resorts, sophisticated villas and golf courses galore have all come together to make the
Algarve Portugal’s best-known region. Also a land of striking natural beauty, its protected
wetlands are home to migrating birds and its mountainous interior is a delightful mix of
blossoming almond trees, quaint historical towns and a peaceful farming life. The Madeira
Island, the ‘floating garden’ in the Atlantic owes its attraction as much to its beautiful
landscape and sub-tropical vegetation as to the wonderful climate and warm, inviting waters.
Madeira Island’s tempting sea acts as a powerful magnet on the hearts of its people and
visitors, beckoning all to its shores and offering endless opportunities for enjoyment. And
lastly, The Azores Islands are a region of untouched wild landscape, allpervading tranquility and a way of life that is equally devoted to land and sea, a trip to the
Azores is an authentic discovery voyage. A land of volcanic craters, breathtaking lakes and
dairy farming, its sea attracts dolphins, whales and ancient sea mariners from all corners of
the world.
Romania
Romania has beautiful scenery and culture, here are some of the places that you must visit in
this country. The Danube Delta is the second largest delta in Europe, after the Volga Delta,
and is the best preserved on the continent. The greater part of the Danube Delta lies in
Romania, while its northern part, on the left bank of the Chilia arm, is situated in Ukraine.
It hosts over 300 species of birds as well as 45 freshwater fish species in its numerous lakes
and marshes. Sighisoara is also a great site, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful
fortresses in Europe. For culture lovers, Timisoara is a city dating back to 1212, influenced
by many cultures over the years: the Romans, the Tatars, the Turkish. Lastly, the country is
full of religious attractions and the Voronet Monastery is one of the most famous off all
Romanian monasteries, because of its unique blue color.
Russia
Capital of Russia, home of the mighty Kremlin and the legendary Red Square and the city
that inspired dozens of spy novels. Moscow began as a small provincial outpost but has
become the cutting edge epicentre of Russia, with a fascinating history and a hedonistic night
scene. In Red Square, feast your eyes upon the intensely coloured onion domed St Basil's
Cathedral – the subject of countless postcards and an enduring symbol of Russia. Located in
the north west of Russia, just 30km from Estonia, the ancient and historical Pskov with its
fortified riverside Kremlin and Trinity Cathedral is a firm favorite amongst tourists. Pskov
dates back as far as 903, making it as old as the country itself. Pskov has retained much of its
medieval outer-town walls and is crammed full of tiny, picturesque churches and fabulous
examples of Byzantine architecture. St Petersburg - the jewel in Russia’s Imperial Crown, is
an enchanting city with a rich history and elegant buildings, formed around a series of canals.
It was from St Petersburg that the Autocratic Tsar’s ruled Russia for two centuries until the
revolution in 1917. Suzdal is a small, picturesque town in the Vladimir region, which is
officially protected against unsightly 20th Century development, and loaded to the hilt with
old buildings such as the Kremlin and Cathedral. Dating back to 1024, ancient Suzdal forms
part of the Golden Ring, with stunning medieval architecture and an astounding number of
churches and monasteries, making it a major religious centre in Russia. There are many,
many more cities and towns to visit, however Russia is too big for just one trip!
Sardinia
Cagliari, the capital of the province and the region, is located at the heart of the beautiful Bay
of the Angels ; like Rome, it was built on seven hills, which identify the
historic neighborhoods of the city. The city of Cagliari boasts a long coastline of eight miles,
the Poetto, the popular beach of Cagliari, which becomes a center for meetings and nightlife
in the hot summer evenings, thanks to the many restaurants and bars in the waterfront. If you
choose a hotel in Cagliari for your vacation, the beach Poetto will offer sea and sun during
the day, music and entertainment in the evening. Oristano, in Sardinian "Aristanis", between
the sea and ponds that abound in the area, became a province only in 1974, but the story of its
territory is very old. This privince also wild and pristine beaches. The Sinai Peninsula is
known not only for the spectacular sea that surrounds it, but also for the presence of the city
of Tharros, very important archaeological site of Phoenician origin. To learn more about the
history of Sardinia, we recommend visiting one of the many Nuraghe of the isle; there are
more than 7000, an average of one every 3 square km. In the province of Oristano we suggest
you visit the Nuraghe Losa, one of the most important and best preserved of the island.
Scotland
Edinburghe is Scotland's leading city for tourism. It features the dramatic Edinburgh Castle
on a mount overlooking the city and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse that is the official
residence of the British Monarch in Edinburgh. The city's "old" and "new" towns offer great
sightseeing venues, incredible museums, as well as a lively performing arts scene. The
Highlands and the Isle of Skye attract many travelers to Scotland as well. The Highlands,
which are described as separated into the Western and Eastern Highlands, are one of the most
scenic and evocative of Scotland's regions. In the west you can tour the beautiful Glencoe
area, which combines important stories from the history of the Scots with awe inspiring
scenery. Further west you will encounter the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, the remote,
craggy, beautiful and interesting Isle of Skye, as well as a journey to Mallaig from Fort
William on the train featured in several of the Harry Potter movies.
Serbia
Serbia is a country that once was a part of Yugoslavia, and it is situated in Southern Europe.
It is bordered by Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary,
Macedonia, and Romania. Like any other European countries, Serbia has a lot to offer its
tourist population. Palic is quickly becoming known as a summer place and is a favorite
summer resort. Here, you can see the lake and enjoy walks in Palic's baroque parks. Also, for
the culture buff, you have the monuments to see as well as the Film Festival and the World
Etno Music Festival. Staro Selo- in this area, you will get to see a 19th-century church that is
made of wood and was built by Vujica Vulicevic. During that century, this church was an
ingenious architecture as it can easily be dismantled once invaders like the Turks are in the
area and rebuilt in another safer location. This is now considered as one of Serbia's national
treasures. In Guca Village, each year there is a hosted brass music festival or what is
commonly called the Trubaci Festival. You will also enjoy the native dishes of Serbia here as
well as partake in the excitements and the lively atmosphere of the festival.
Sicily
Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy and also an island. Because many different cultures
settled, dominated or invaded the island, Sicily has a huge variety of archeological sites.
Also, some of the most notable and best preserved temples and other structures of the Greek
world are located in Sicily.
Some examples are Segesta, Eryx, Syracuse, Agrigento, Motya, Soluntum, Piazza
Armerina, Centuripe, and Palermo. There are also over 15 castles with beautiful
decor. Archeological park Valle dei Templi of Agrigento is also a great heritage site to visit.
Slovakia
Here, you can climb alpine peaks in East Slovakia like the High Tatras, explore a clifftop
castle in Trenčín, ski in Malá Fatra National Park and sit in as many old-town cafés as your
rear can stand in Bratislava. Having emerged from its frumpy, communist-era chrysalis in
time to welcome a horde of low-cost carrier junkies, the increasing numbers of flights and
EU membership have pushed costs up in the capital. Outside the city and you’ll find
traditional villages, terrific trails and prices a fraction of those in Western Europe.
Spain
Barcelona is certainly one of the most amazing cities in Spain. The Sagrada Familia cathedral
is considered to be the symbol of the city and one of the most beautiful cathedrals all over the
world. The Cathedral is a creation of the genius architect Antoni Gaudi who has spent all his
life to design and build this unique masterpiece. Gaudi had a fondness for natural patterns
and as a result you can see different elements of nature such as dandelions, sunflowers, palm
trees and lilies used in the decoration of the cathedral. In the western part of the Sagrada
Familia there is a museum, where sketches and models of the cathedral are kept.
There can be hardly found enough words to describe the beauty and splendor of the Royal
Palace in Madrid (Palacio Real de Madrid), which is undoubtedly one of the most impressive
castles throughout Europe. Lush fountains, crystal lakes, beautiful parks full of green plants
and statues of kings - that is certainly a picture that creates incredible feelings and memories.
Palacio Real de Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish king in Madrid. It is an
excellent workmanship built in 1764 to replace the castle Alcazar, which was burned 30
years earlier. It is decorated with works of famous painters like Velázquez, Caravaggio, Goya
and others.
A fantastic and exciting trip to Barcelona certainly should include a visit of Park Guell. It
was designed and built by Antoni Gaudi together with his assistant Josep Maria Jujol in the
years between 1900 and 1914. The park, which is not actually a park, but a failed
construction project, is very large area full of forms inspired by nature, spiral shaped towers,
ladders and giant lizards. Most of the park is covered with unique mosaics. There is a large
terrace in the middle of the park with a bench of beautiful mosaic, where you can relax and
enjoy the art, architecture, people and a great panoramic view of Barcelona.
Sweden
We all know about Stonehenge, but few are those, who are familiar with the monumental
stone formation, called Ales Stones. It is a colossal megalithic monument which consists of
59 large boulders, placed in the shape of a ship. Also with a valuable blend of ancient spirit
and captivating beauty, Visby is really remarkable and is maybe the best-preserved medieval
city in Scandinavia. It is the only ground with historical city status in the home of the ancient
Goths, the island of Gotland. Visiting the city of Visby, you will be fascinated by the cozy
cobblestone streets, spectacular botanical gardens, charming quaint homes and noteworthy
ancient churches. In Stockholms Old Town, you can make a carriage tour or just walk around
the town along its cobbled streets and medieval alleyways. Undoubtedly the most dominant
among the various ancient buildings in the old city is the notorious King's Castle. Exploring
the merits of the Stockholms Old Town, one can rejoice in its museums, tourist shops, studios
and wide range of restaurants.
Switzerland
Switzerland has more than 48 300 km marked trails, and the nature is mind blowing. The air
is fresh, and you often find yourself alone with nature. And even if you’re not the hiking type
of person, there are so many different day hikes you can do. Just going for walks in
Switzerland is a beautiful experience, at all times of the year. Even in winter time there are
beautiful walks you can take up at the ski fields. Another great place is Interlaken , it is like a
big outdoor adventure park. There is a lot to do for the adrenalin seeker: Sky diving over the
Swiss glacier, water-ski etc. It’s a beautiful area, and is also really close to the highest train
station in Europe which you can find at over 3,400 meters high. Visitors should also spend a
day in the capital, Bern. It is a beautiful city with a lot of history and old buildings. It’s nice
to walk around and let the old city take you back a few hundred years. All shops blend in so
well in the old buildings, and some shops have been there for decades.
Turkey
The first thing you should do in Istanbul is sample the local cuisine. The best place to start is
with a kebab house. Kebab is a typical South Eastern Turkish food and although you may be
familiar with the western version, there is nothing like a true Turkish kebab. A traditional
kebab may be cooked over a flame or grill, but if you prefer something in the form of a
sandwich, look for a Doner Kebab which is roast lamb, sliced very thin, on flatbread with
vegetables and a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. Fresh fish and seafood can be found in
abundance in Istanbul. For those who like a drink with dinner, Raki, a traditional (alcoholic)
beverage made with anise and grapes, goes particularly well with fish. Unseasoned drinkers
should beware of the strength of Raki. Shopping is also a must. The Grand Bazaar is known
the world over. There are some 4,000 merchants selling their wares on this series of covered
streets. Anything you may want to buy in Istanbul can be found here. You'll find gold and
silver, carpets, slippers, boots, books, purses, foods and much more. For those of you from
the west, where purchasing for the asking price is expected, shopping in the Grand Bazaar
should be quite a treat. In Turkey, merchants are generally offended if you simply pay the
asking price. They expect you to try to talk them down on the price. For those who enjoy
fishing, relax and take in the local color of Anadolu Kavagi. This is a small fishing village at
the end of the Asian side of the Bosporus. See the Byzantine fortress there on the cape and
then enjoy some fresh, inexpensive seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Ukraine
There are many places to visit Ukraine. A highly recommended attraction are the KamyanetsPodilskyy and Hotyn fortresses. These fortresses are no doubt on the first place of 7 wonders
of Ukraine. Kamyanets-Podilskyy town has the frotification system that is unique all over the
Europe and Hotyn fortrees was the center of numerous wars and fights. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
is a unique monastic complex, included by the UNESCO into the list of the monuments of
the world-wide significance. The complex consists of two parts: the above-ground (religious
constructions complex) and underground (caves). The famous St. Sophia Cathedral is the
principal temple of Kyiv Rus, founded by Yaroslav Mudry (Yaroslav The Wise), which
survived the centuries and extant to our days. Lastly, the most popular and famous castle in
Lviv region is Olesko. From a distance we can see the powerful defensive building on the
picturesque hill in Olesko, which walls are formed of the cutted stone blocks, they
"remember" a lot of invasions of polyglot invaders.
Vatican City
The Vatican Museums is the largest museum complex in the world with over 1400 rooms.
The Vatican Museum includes the museum, galleries with 3,000 years of art, the Sistine
Chapel, and parts of the papal palace. There is an astonishing amount of art, including a room
of works by Raphael. The Pinacoteca Vaticana is probably Rome's best picture gallery with
many Renaissance works. One of the most impressive halls is the Hall of Maps, with murals
of old maps of the papal lands. If you plan to spend much time visiting the attractions in
Vatican City, it might be convenient to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast near the
Vatican. Visitors should definitely visit the Vatican Gardens as well, it has 23 hectares of
beautiful gardens with a small villa and medieval fortifications separate the Vatican from
Rome on the north and west sides.
Botswana
Most of Botswana’s geography is a basin of sand and savannah laden with scrub. Its major
attraction, the Kalahari, is a vast expanse of semi-arid valleys made of sand. It stretches to
almost 85 percent of the entire Botswana, covering almost the whole of the central and
southwestern regions. If you have the occasion to go up North, the Okavango River is worth
visiting. It flows from Namibia and into the Okavango Delta. The country also has wildlife
reserves that make Botswana an authentic African country. Worth checking out are the
Moremi Wildlife Reserve and the Chobe National Park, as well as the Makgadikdadi and
Nxai Pans National Park, where you will see African fauna at its richest.
Egypt
There's no other place in the world that holds more mystery than the country of Egypt. This
ancient atmosphere seems to fill its every nook and cranny with secrets yet untold. The
Pyramids of Giza, popular and perhaps there is nothing more mysterious, and more worthy of
seeing in Egypt. These are the pyramids of Khufu, Kafhre, and Menkaura. These perfectly
shaped structures leaves everyone in awe and in wonder about how exactly they were made,
considering that the ancient Egyptians had no advanced technology to work with. Next there
is the Sphinx. This is one of the most mysterious structures in Egypt. Even now,
archaeologists are still arguing about its origin and its purpose, making it the subject of the
famous phrase, "the Riddle of the Sphinx." Lastly of the top places to visit, Abu Simbel is a
must see sight. These two temples were built by Pharaoh Ramesses II to commemorate
himself and his wife, Nefertari. It's a breathtaking place, and its temples are hailed as one of
the most beautiful in Egypt. What's even more interesting about the Abu Simbel is the
amount of effort put into relocating and preserving it.
Morocco
Beneath the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in the city center of Marrakesh lies Djemma el
Fna, a famous UNESCO recognized city square, where you will discover a world of
mysterious bazaars and a set amidst the ancient city walls of Marrakesh’s medina. It is a
unique L- shaped square best described as a labyrinth of mazes. There are souls sprawling off
the sides of crowed alleys that sell carpets, spices, metal and wood works and tourist trinkets.
Marrakesh has been built around Djemma el Fna and is often referred to as the heart of
Marrakesh. In the evening, snake charmers, fortune tellers, monkeys & musicians transform
this city Center into a medieval circus. Another great site-the Sand dunes. Moroccan legend
says that the Erg Chebbi sand dunes were sent by God as a punishment for turning away a
weary traveler from the desert. Moroccans believe that the dunes piled up outside Merzouga
to teach them a lesson so that they would never refuse to help tired travelers ever
again. These giant hills of smooth sand line the Algerian border and are a must see for
everyone.Today, arriving to the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga is a breeze in comparison to
decades prior; there are many options to take you there. In the Middle Atlas, just hours away
from the Imperial city of Marrakech, lies one of the most majestic waterfalls set among a
Berber village within Morocco. Morocco’s famous waterfalls, Cascades d’Ouzoud are argued
be the most photographic falls within this geographically lush green region. The falls are so
beautiful that even a novice photographer can capture their essence.
Mozambique
Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique. It is the largest city of Mozambique also with the
country’s most important harbour. It is situated at the mouth of the Santo River in the
extreme south 90 km from the border to South Africa. Compared to some other sub-Saharan
African cities the urban area feels small and concentrated with wide avenues and old trees.
People are generally out and about in the streets, walking driving and getting on with life.
The vibe is healthy and active, with little begging and lots of street vendors and markets.
There is no heavy presence of police during the day, and no feeling that it is
needed. Inhambane is a sleepy historic town some 485 km north of Maputo. It has some great
colonial architecture (in a low-key sort of a way) and is considered by many to be one of the
prettiest towns in Mozambique. It is situated on a peninsula overlooking a bay, and also
serves as a springboard to the coastal resorts around Tofo beach (some 30 km due east, along
a reasonably good road). Tofo Beach has been described as “the next Goa”, and while this
may be pushing it a bit, Tofo has definitely become a traveller’s mecca on the Eastern coast
of Africa.
Namibia
Although Etosha is not in the top 5 best National Parks in Africa, it is an excellent choice for
enjoying African wildlife. Known for its vast shallow pan, which was once a huge lake and
now is usually dry, but fills with water briefly in the summer, when it attracts pelicans and
flamingos in particular. In Etosha you can see almost everything: from black rhinos to lions,
elephants, impalas and all sorts of birds and reptiles. Etosha has also dozens of waterholes.
During the dry season they become an excellent spot to watch game. The best game-viewing
time is during the coolest dry months of May to September, but bird watching is at its peak in
the rainy season from November to March. Located in the northwest, Damaraland is one of
the most scenic areas in Namibia: Amazing, arid, unforgiving and dramatic. In fact,
attractions near this area are named “Burnt Mountain”, the “Petrified Forest”, the “Skeleton
Coast”. Really close to Damaraland you wild find Kaokoland. The most represented ethnic
group are the Himbas: a tall and svelt people that rub their bodies with red ochre and butter
fat to protect their skins against the climate. These friendly people are herdsmen, breeding
mainly cattle and goats while leading a semi-nomadic life. For them, clothes, hair and
jewelry hold a special meaning and form an important part of their tradition and culture. Due
to the uncontrolled influx of tourists, the Himba’s lifestyle and culture have become
increasingly endangered.
South Africa
Table Mountain- This flat topped mountain overlooking Cape Town is a key tourist attraction
for all visitors to South Africa and when here you’re probably going to want to get to the
top. Robben Island- located 7km off the coast of South Africa, it’s 3.3km long and 1.9km
wide. The notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for 18
years (1964-1982) is located on Robben Island. The prison is a poignant and moving visitor
attraction and a tour here will allow you to see how the prisoners lived. When you arrive at
Nelson Mandela’s 7ft by 7ft cell you find a replica chair, mat, bowl and blanket. Outside the
cell you will see a list of the food once served in the prison and also the separate menus for
black South Africans, mixed race/Asians and white South Africans. The Garden Route is a
very scenic stretch on the south-eastern coast of South Africa, starting at Mossel Bay and
finishing at Storms River. There are various excellent stop offs along the way including two
towns on this list – Knysna and Oudtshoorn. The Garden route has ten different nature
reserves which is home to dolphins, seals and the endangered Southern Right Whale. In
addition to the marine life there are almost 300 species of beautiful multi-coloured birds
living here.
Swaziland
Swazi Candles, situated in the Malkerns Valley in the Kingdom of Swaziland, has been
producing fine handmade candles since 1981. At Ngwenya Glass, a small group of Swazi
craftsmen and women - with age old artistry - breath life into enchanting interpretations of
the animals and birds of Africa, imbuing each with its own irresistible personality. Join the
vibrant Swazi song and dance performances while the pulsating rhythms of African drums
fill your inner spirit with a sense of belonging. The Mantenga Cultural Village is a mini
complex of sixteen huts, each with its own specific purpose, kraals and byres for cattle and
goats, reed fences that serve as windbreaks, and various other structures.
Tunisia
In 1st place is the Tunis. Be sure to checkout this City while you're in Tunisia . In 2nd place
is the Atlas Mountains, 3rd is the Toubkal National Park, 4th is the Mosque Of Uqba. Do not
forget El Ghriba Synagogue and Koutoubia Mosque as well. Lastly, there are other peaceful
nature views for the nature lovers. Ourika River is not the most photogenic, but is long and
historical.
Zambia
The lower Zambezi River basin is a short drive south of Lusaka and a great place for a long
weekend getaway. There are several lodges in the Chirindu and Chiawa areas near the
confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue Rivers. Great for bush camp excursions, safaris,
hunting, fishing and boat cruises. South Luangwa National Park is one of several national
parks in Zambia and by far the most famous. It features the most wildlife of any game park
in the country. It’s either a short flight or a 10-hour drive from Lusaka; flying is more
convenient but expensive. One of the world’s largest animal migrations passes each
November through remote Liuwa Plains National Park in Western Province. Thousands of
migrating wildebeest and head back toward Namibia. A word of caution – the park is
remote, and the roads are very sandy and difficult to navigate even with a 4×4. It’s advisable
to visit with an organized tour operator or in a caravan.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s capital is Harare and it is the largest city, followed by Bulawayo. Three
languages are spoken here, English, Shona or Bantu, and Ndebele. Three airports service
Zimbabwe: Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. There are safaris; you can bungee jump
from the Victoria Falls bridge if you’re one for adrenaline sports; there is hiking and
trekking; how about a splash into whitewater rafting, kayaking, or canoeing (depending on
your thrill level). There are parks to visit, whether it’s the Nyanga National Park, ancient ruin
sites like Great Zimbabwe Ruins in Masvingo Khami Ruins, Zimbabwe, Dhlo-Dhlo, and
Naletale; the Bvumba Mountains, and so on, the list is goes on. Then there are the “balancing
rocks” strewn throughout Zimbabwe, another wonder of nature.
Israel
One of the first must-see attractions is the Western Wall and the temple mount in Jerusalem,
it is the most sacred place for Jewish people. The second is the Church of the Holy
Sepulcher. It is by far the most important place for Christians and the location of Jesus’
tomb. The Third is the Dead Sea. Although name-wise it is unappealing, it is the saltiest and
lowest place in the planet that supposedly has healing qualities from its mud and salt. Israel
has numerous seas and gardens to admire and visit.
Palestine
Palestine is also home to the little town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Walking across the Manger Square and into the Church of Nativity, you can walk across time
and touch the spot where the Baby Jesus was born. Descending from Bethlehem, quiet roads
will lead you into the Palestinian village of Beit Sahour, where you will find the famous
Shepherd’s Fields, the very fertile fields where The Star of Nativity was seen by ancient
shepherds. After an interfaith experience, when you head to Ramallah, you will be convinced
that Palestine is a country of contrasts. You will be embraced into this city upon entering the
Main Square of the Lion Heads, which leads you into numerous streets lined with shops.
Lastly, you cannot leave Ramallah without making a visit to Arafat’s tomb. His burial place
is a temporary one awaiting relocation in Jerusalem.
China
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world. The longest wall in the
world, it is an awe-inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture. Its winding path over
rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery. Next is the Yangtze River,
it is the third longest river in the World, but the longest river within a single country. The
Yangtze River has a good case for being the most interesting and popular river in the
world. Another breath taking site is the Terracotta Army that has been laid underground
for more than 2000 years. However, in 1974, farmers digging a well uncovered one of the
greatest archaeological sites in the world. China is so large, that there are too many places to
visit and too many things to see in one trip.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a part of China, however a little more independent than its oppressive
country. Hong Kong Museum of Art – Located at 10 Salisbury Rd Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon,
the Hong Kong Museum of Art is open to anyone who wants to take a glimpse of Hong
Kong’s culture and history through its large collection of over 14,000 items ranging from
calligraphy, paintings, Hong Kong treasure, art objects, antiques, and lithographs. Hong
Kong Disneyland – The newly open and the first ever Disneyland in Asia offers total fun and
excitement for the whole family. The park is divided into four major attractions:
Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street, USA. Victoria Peak – Soaring
1810 feet above sea level, the Victoria Peak is premier destination for tourists who want to
take a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another
step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak. Lastly, Lamma Island - If
you want to see a different Hong Kong, try Lamma Island. It hosts several outdoor activities
such as swimming and hiking. And if you love to taste fresh Hong Kong seafood in great
dining ambiance, Lamma Island is still the preferred place to go.
Japan
The number one tourist place is Shinjuku, a massive, crowded skyscraper district within
Tokyo. Built beginning in the '70s, Shinjuku keeps adding new and bigger towers, and its
commuter rail station is the transit system's busiest, with nearly 2 million passengers a
day. Shinjuku has three main components: offices, shopping and nightlife. The shopping
consists of a flotilla of chic department stores, mainly branches of the stores you'll find in
Ginza or elsewhere. At night, many tourists head for Shinjuku's Park Hyatt, the hotel made
famous in the film Lost in Translation, to have a drink at the penthouse New York Bar and
take in the city-wide views. The Kabukicho district is also a popular hangout, thanks to its
many bars and lounges. Next is the Ginza neighborhood, a shopping mecca that's home to the
fanciest stores, Japanese and foreign alike. Beyond The Busy Capital, when tourists leave
Tokyo, they tend to go for the traditional cities often found on the covers of the guidebooks,
Osaka and Kyoto. Former capital Kyoto, in particular, is known worldwide as one of the
most beautiful places in Japan, and it's the place to absorb the maximum amount of
architectural beauty, culture and history in the shortest amount of time. Some visitors pick
Kyoto over Tokyo entirely, spending their visit among the ancient temples and serene Zen
meditation gardens.
South Korea
South Korea's capital city Seoul is a sprawling metropolis of 20 million people including the
surrounding cities. It's a fascinating mix of old and new, with ultra-modern apartment
complexes mixed in with 1000 year old temples and palaces. Koreans love to eat and drink,
and tucked away in every corner are delicious, cheap restaurants and Hofs (beer and chicken
pubs) that stay open to the wee hours of the morning. A semi-tropical island south of the
mainland, Jeju is indeed a paradise. The highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan is a
challenging one-day hike. Awaiting you at the top are spectacular views and an extinct
volcano crater. White sandy beaches abound at every corner. There are mountains all over
Korea, and hiking is the most popular weekend activity. One of the most spectacular
mountains is Songnisan National Park in central Korea. Beopjusa Temple, with a huge Gold
Buddha statue is a good start to any of the hikes. At the mountain village, there are hordes of
restaurants and home-stays where you can sleep the night.
Malaysia
Heeren Street which is also known as the ‘First Class Gentlemen Street’ or the ‘Millionaires
Row’, is a road with double storey houses similar to that of the modern terrace houses, but
much longer. The houses portray a rich and detailed mix of Chinese, European and
Peranakan architecture. Second, Khoo Kongsi, reputedly known as ‘The Heritage Jewel of
Penang’. The grand architecture is said to resemble that of the Emperor’s palace in China.
Myth explained that this was the reason that the clan house was burnt down only 29 nights
after its completion as a wrath from the Gods. Visiting Malaysia is never complete, if one
never visits this twin towers…. and that include Malaysians, be it from KL or any other parts
of the country. The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers is one of the world’s tallest buildings in
the world, soaring to a height of 452 metres above the city skyline. Designed by Cesar Pelli
in 1997 and mostly constructed with steel and glass, the towers were the world’s tallest when
completed.
Singapore
If you are in Singapore you need to visit this place which is located in the southern part of
Singapore. Marina Bay is one of the busiest and populated places in Singapore because there
are thousands of people here looking out for some kind of entertainment. This location is not
only popular with foreign and domestic tourists but also with local people who come here for
work and for living. Hence, you will find that there are lot of hotels, restaurants, shopping
malls and other lifestyle events happening here all the time. You can even watch the popular
iconic Merlion structure here which symbolizes Singapore in its own way. Hence, Marina
Bay is among the top places to visit in Singapore. If you want to break free from all kind of
stress and worries then you need to visit Sentosa Island which is a premier island resort that
will take care of all your holiday events. You can enjoy staying here and use different
facilities that are provided. The island is highly rated by most foreign tourists because they
get an excellent combination of high class facilities and comfort. Interestingly, the white sand
that you find on the beach is entirely imported from different countries. Sentosa Island also
has other facilities like Underwater World and Songs of the Sea. There is no doubt that
Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures and therefore you will find people from
different communities blending their culture at all time. Chinatown should definitely be on
your must-see list when you are in Singapore because this place will virtually take you in
Chinese world where you will find the best Chinese cuisines and shops. It is a unique
combination of Singapore-Chinese heritage that you won’t find in China as well. You should
not miss out this one.
Thailand
Bangkok is a restless and chaotic metropolis and an essential part of a trip to Thailand.
Although not everyone’s cup of tea, the culture-shock inducing capital has some incredible
places of interest that you would be foolish to miss. The impossibly bejeweled Grand Palace
should really be visited and if you have time, take a trip to Wat Arun and Wat Po which is
home to a huge reclining Buddha. The more adventurous head for the notorious backpacker’s
road Khao San, the bazaars and alleyways of Chinatown and the infamous Patpong Night
Market, located in the city’s red light district. Also, The Floating Market- made famous by
the James Bond classic “The Man with the Golden Gun” – can be found on the Damneon
Saduak Canal. Although now a major tourist attraction, the market is highly photogenic and
visitors can get an idea of what trading was like in Thailand before the modernization of the
city. It’s also tonnes of fun. If you want to buy something here you will have to hail down a
narrow long boat piled high with produce (which is quite an experience in itself). The region
also has plenty of vineyards, orchards and thriving local businesses which are great to view
by canal boat on route to the market. Lastly, The spiritual city of Chiang Mai is a much
calmer city than Bangkok but still an essential visit on the travellers trail if you want to see
the best of Thailand. Dotted with temples, craft shops, great restaurants and plenty of Thai
massage and cooking schools, the city has a somehow relaxed and comparatively tranquil
atmosphere. Many travellers often mention Chiang Mai as their favourite Thai city and once
visited it’s easy to see why the city is so popular. It’s location high in the north mountainous
region of Thailand also makes it a perfect base for the popular mountain treks. Organised
treks can be arranged very easily here with almost every other shop offering them. The trails
from Chiang Mai are although interesting are often a well-worn path and many backpackers
now head for the nearby small town Pai. Pai is a gorgeously located traveller’s mecca popular
with artists and musicians. It also offers less touristy and more ‘rustic’ treks and visits to hilltribes.
Vietnam
Halong Bay, Bay of Descending Dragons, is a UN World Heritage site, and it is one of the
top sites to visit in Vietnam. Halong Bay is a four-hour drive east of Hanoi, Vietnam in the
Gulf of Tonkin. It is spectacular with almost 2,000 limestone islands that rise like monoliths
over the bay. The largest island in the bay is Cat Ba Island and is 87 square miles. There is a
hotel on the island where many tours spend the night. In these islands are many caves with at
least 20 of them open to visitors. Do Go (Cave of the sticks). This is where in 1288 General
Tran Hung Dao stopped the invading Mongol ships by placing steel-tipped sticks in the
water. Hue, pronounced (hway) is the ancient capital of Vietnam and has many historical
sites as well, though many have been damaged through war, they are still very much worth
visiting. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An can be a side trip in the Hue area.
Hoi An was major international port from the 15th to the 19thcenturies. Hoi An’s Old Town is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon is also a
good place to visit.
PACIFIC OCEAN







1 Australia
2 Easter Island
Fiji Islands
French Polynesia (Tahiti,Tuamotu,
Austral, Gambier)
3 Galapagos Islands
Guam
4. Hawaiian Islands

5. New Zealand
NORTH AMERICA






6 Alaska
7 Canada
8 Mexico
Prince Edward Island
St. Pierre & Miquelon
9 United States (continental)
CENTRAL AMERICA (7)



10 Belize (British Honduras)
11 Costa Rica
El Salvador

Guatemala


11. Honduras
Nicaragua

12 Panama
SOUTH AMERICA







13 Argentina
14 Bolivia
15 Brazil
16 Chile
17 Colombia
18 Ecuador
French Guiana






Guyana (British Guiana)
19 Paraguay
20 Peru
Suriname (Netherlands Guiana)
21 Uruguay
Venezuela
CARIBBEAN









22. Antigua &Deps. (Barbuda,
Redonda)
23 Aruba
24 Bahamas
25 Barbados
Bonaire
26 Cayman Islands
Cuba
27 Curacao
Dominica








32 Leeward Islands, French (St.
Martin)
33 Martinique
34 Puerto Rico
St. Barts
35 St. Kitts & Nevis
36 St. Lucia
37 St. Maarten (formerly
Netherlands Antilles)
38 St. Vincent &Deps. (Bequia,
Canouan Grenadines)




28 Dominican Republic
29 Grenada &Deps. (Carriacou,
Grenadines)
30 Haiti
31 Jamaica




Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos Islands
39 Virgin Islands, U.S. (St. Croix,
St. John, St. Thomas)
40 Virgin Islands, British (Tortola,
etc.)
ATLANTIC OCEAN




41 Bermuda
42 Faroe Islands
43 Greenland (KalaallitNunaat)
44 Iceland
EUROPE & MEDITERRANEAN
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


























Albania
Andorra
45 Austria
46 Balearic Islands (Mallorca,
Minorca)
47 Belarus
48 Belgium
Bosnia & Herzegovina (Sarajevo)
49 Bulgaria
Corsica
50 Crete
51 Croatia
52 Cyprus, Republic
Cyprus, Turkish Fed. State
53 Czech Republic
54 Denmark
55 England
56 Estonia
57 Finland
58 France
59 Germany
60 Gibraltar
61 Greece
62 Hungary
63 Ionian Islands (Corfu, etc.)
64 Ireland (Eire)
Ireland, Northern (Ulster)
65 Italy
Kosovo




























ANTARCTICA
66 Latvia
67 Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
68 Malta
69 Moldova
70 Monaco
Montenegro
71 Netherlands
72 Norway
73 Poland
74 Portugal
75 Romania
76 Russia
78 Sardinia
79 Scotland
80 Serbia
81 Sicily
82 Slovakia
Slovenia
83 Spain
84 Sweden
85 Switzerland
86 Turkey in Europe (Istanbul)
87 Ukraine
88 Vatican City
Wales
AFRICA




89 Botswana (Bechuanaland)
90 Egypt
Kenya
91 Morocco


92 Mozambique
93 Namibia






94 South Africa
95 Swaziland
Tanzania (Tanganyika)
96 Tunisia
97 Zambia (No. Rhodesia)
98 Zimbabwe (So. Rhodesia)
MIDDLE EAST




Abu Dhabi
Bahrain
Dubai
99 Israel






Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Oman
100 Palestine
Qatar









105 Malaysia
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Philippines
106 Singapore
Taiwan. R.O.C.
107 Thailand
Tibet
108 Vietnam
ASIA






Cambodia
101 China, People's Rep.
102 Hong Kong
India
103 Japan
104 Korea, South
THIS LIST IS RECOGNIZED BY THE WORLD AS THE STANDARD OF
COUNTRIES AND DESTINATIONS THAT ARE POLITICALLY,
ETHNOLOGICALLY OR GEOGRAPHICALLY DIFFERENT.
TO DO:
1. Merge info with must see.
2. Quotes before each country.
3. Check which countries missing.
4. Add the blue countries.
5. Add the info you have.
6. Add the other info I am e-mailing you tonight.
7. Choose photos.
PACIFIC OCEAN







1 Australia
2 Easter Island
Fiji Islands
French Polynesia (Tahiti,Tuamotu,
Austral, Gambier)
3 Galapagos Islands
Guam
4. Hawaiian Islands

5. New Zealand
NORTH AMERICA






6 Alaska
7 Canada
8 Mexico
Prince Edward Island
St. Pierre & Miquelon
9 United States (continental)
CENTRAL AMERICA (7)



10 Belize (British Honduras)
11 Costa Rica
El Salvador

Guatemala


11. Honduras
Nicaragua

12 Panama
SOUTH AMERICA







13 Argentina
14 Bolivia
15 Brazil
16 Chile
17 Colombia
18 Ecuador
French Guiana






Guyana (British Guiana)
19 Paraguay
20 Peru
Suriname (Netherlands Guiana)
21 Uruguay
Venezuela
CARIBBEAN







22. Antigua &Deps. (Barbuda,
Redonda)
23 Aruba
24 Bahamas
25 Barbados
Bonaire
26 Cayman Islands
Cuba







32 Leeward Islands, French (St.
Martin)
33 Martinique
34 Puerto Rico
St. Barts
35 St. Kitts & Nevis
36 St. Lucia
37 St. Maarten (formerly






27 Curacao
Dominica
28 Dominican Republic
29 Grenada &Deps. (Carriacou,
Grenadines)
30 Haiti
31 Jamaica





Netherlands Antilles)
38 St. Vincent &Deps. (Bequia,
Canouan Grenadines)
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos Islands
39 Virgin Islands, U.S. (St. Croix,
St. John, St. Thomas)
40 Virgin Islands, British (Tortola,
etc.)
ATLANTIC OCEAN




41 Bermuda
42 Faroe Islands
43 Greenland (KalaallitNunaat)
44 Iceland
EUROPE & MEDITERRANEAN



























Albania
Andorra
45 Austria
46 Balearic Islands (Mallorca,
Minorca)
47 Belarus
48 Belgium
Bosnia & Herzegovina (Sarajevo)
49 Bulgaria
Corsica
50 Crete
51 Croatia
52 Cyprus, Republic
Cyprus, Turkish Fed. State
53 Czech Republic
54 Denmark
55 England
56 Estonia
57 Finland
58 France
59 Germany
60 Gibraltar
61 Greece
62 Hungary
63 Ionian Islands (Corfu, etc.)
64 Ireland (Eire)
Ireland, Northern (Ulster)
65 Italy




























66 Latvia
67 Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
68 Malta
69 Moldova
70 Monaco
Montenegro
71 Netherlands
72 Norway
73 Poland
74 Portugal
75 Romania
76 Russia
78 Sardinia
79 Scotland
80 Serbia
81 Sicily
82 Slovakia
Slovenia
83 Spain
84 Sweden
85 Switzerland
86 Turkey in Europe (Istanbul)
87 Ukraine
88 Vatican City
Wales

Kosovo
ANTARCTICA
AFRICA




89 Botswana (Bechuanaland)
90 Egypt
Kenya
91 Morocco


92 Mozambique
93 Namibia






94 South Africa
95 Swaziland
Tanzania (Tanganyika)
96 Tunisia
97 Zambia (No. Rhodesia)
98 Zimbabwe (So. Rhodesia)
MIDDLE EAST




Abu Dhabi
Bahrain
Dubai
99 Israel






Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Oman
100 Palestine
Qatar









105 Malaysia
Myanmar (Burma)
Nepal
Philippines
106 Singapore
Taiwan. R.O.C.
107 Thailand
Tibet
108 Vietnam
ASIA






Cambodia
101 China, People's Rep.
102 Hong Kong
India
103 Japan
104 Korea, South
THIS LIST IS RECOGNIZED BY THE WORLD AS THE STANDARD OF
COUNTRIES AND DESTINATIONS THAT ARE POLITICALLY,
ETHNOLOGICALLY OR GEOGRAPHICALLY DIFFERENT.