Five Reasons you must Visit Venice

Posted on January 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

Five Reasons you must Visit Venice

Hero shot link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drsavage/2744917134/

Venice travel: for a real sense of history, culture and romance all wrapped up on one easily walk-able island, this Italian ‘city of water’ can’t be beat. And if you book in to a Cheap Venice Hotel, you’ll have a bit more cash to spare for poking around. For some ideas on where to start, see our five reasons to visitVenice below…

  1. TheVeniceCarnival

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iz4aks/4356937825/

Starting a fortnight before Ash Wednesday and ending on Shrove Tuesday, Venice Carnival is hedonistic, colourful and bizarre in equal measures. Revelry tops the agenda with masked street parties and balls running day to night (the mask tradition started in the 12th century as a way for aristocracy and commoners to mix on equal ground), and the prize for “La Maschera piu bella” is selected by a panel of costume and fashion designers. Wander around St. Mark’s Square armed with a camera to draw flocks of posing, creatively-costumed carnival-goers.

2. Eating Gelato

Forget everything you think you know about ice cream – you haven’t tried real ice cream ‘til you’ve gone for a gelato inVenice! With cafes, corner shops and special parlours selling artisanal ice cream on every street and a scoop costing around a Euro, it’s easy to sample, too. Gelato is made fresh on most sites (as opposed to from a frozen, pre-packaged mix) and flavours range from chocolate and strawberry to weirder concoctions like fig or avocado. Go for a different scoop every time!

  1. Following James Bond

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/3499633141/

Venicehas been the setting for many a classic movie. To follow in the stars’ footsteps, start out at Palazzo Pisani, east of campo Santo Stefano, where the final shoot-out at the end of James Bond movie Casino Royale was filmed. You can move on to thechurchofSan Nicolòdei Mendicoli and Palazzo Grimani, where Don’t Look Now was shot, and St. Mark’s Square, where Indiana Jones emerges from a man hole in the Last Crusade.

4. Amazing Art

From Titian to Tiepolo, the history ofVeniceis intertwined with the history of art and artists. The Galleria dell’Accademia is your first stop for discovering the city’s store of great works: it includes Titian’s last painting, Pieta, and also holds da Vinci’s pen-and-ink Vitruvian Man drawing (which is displayed only occasionally). For more Titian, his Assumption is above the high altar at I Frari church, and Tintoretto’s Crucifixion can be seen at Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

Grand Canal

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertpaulyoung/63359643/

You can’t talk aboutVenicewithout mentioning theGrand Canal, the city’s main artery for commercial cargo for over 1000 years. Take a vaporetto (water taxi) from the main railway station to St. Mark’s Square to get a load of the stunning palazzos and churches lining the water-front. If you’re feeling flush or particularly romantic, upgrade your ride to a private gondola. The canal also plays host to Venice Historical Regatta, a boat race between competing Venetian neighbourhoods that takes place on the first Sunday of September every year.

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Travel Adventure Show Series 2012

Posted on January 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Travel and Adventure Show is a series of exhibitions held throughout America in various locations. There are shows throughout the year in some great venues. The beginning of the year is particularly busy season for these events with four events running early in the calendar. The Los Angeles show will takes place in the Long Beach Convention Centre in early January, whilst the Chicago leg of the tour runs between the 28th and 29th of January at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre.

scuba diving

scuba diving

The penultimate show is in San Francisco at the Santa Clara Convention Centre in mid February, and the final show is in Washington D.C. at the Washington Convention Centre towards the end of March. Each show has a similar structure although there each leg of the tour has features and visitors which are specific to that geographic location.

The shows are and opportunity for people to find new and original travel packages and experiences, pick up exclusive deals, take part in competitions to win trips and have and entertaining day looking around the various exhibitors. There are hundreds of travel professionals to interact with and compare prices on your next holiday. The show also has various guest speaker hosting talks and seminars offering travel tips and stories. There will be several practical displays and experiences to enjoy as well including zip-lining and scuba diving in a specially constructed tank. There is also a new food challenge to try and a variety of music and dance performances on the Global Beats Stage, giving an insight into some of the world’s cultures. Are you a travel exhibitior? Buy exhibition stands online for travel show.

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The Cardiff Chameleon

Posted on October 12, 2011 | Leave a comment

Capital of the ancient land of Wales, Cardiff’s metamorphosis from industrial
powerhouse of the British Empire and then into its gradual decline to an
obscure and decayed former port city, and through to its current incarnation as
one of the most vibrant and visited cities in the UK. Cardiff is a chameleon
that has shifted its colours through almost 2000 years of history. The city’s
prominence first grew due to the fact it was at one time the busiest docks on
earth. Coal that was pulled from the deep inside the mountains and valleys to
the north of the city was then shipped to the four corners of the globe out
through the mouth of the rushing River Severn, a vast stretch of bickering tidal
currents that separates Wales for England. Cardiff became a wealthy city and
testament to this if the fact that the world’s first million pound cheque was
signed in the offices of the world governing Coal Exchange, that still stands
on the key-side of the once notorious Tiger bay, now known more malignly to the
city’s population as simply ‘the Bay’.

cardiff

Cardiff, Wales

Visitors will at first be struck by the scale of the city. For a capital it retains none
of the sprawling urban growth that has always plagued London or to a lesser
degree Manchester, and its half a million residents reside tightly packed into
the inner and outer suburbs that surround the Cardiff’s historical centre. This
can give the impression that you are in a city that is perhaps three times its
actual size as the dense few square miles that surround its exquisite castle
and the Edwardian Baroque elegance of its Civic Center contain a host of
stylish shopping centres, restaurants of every variety, museums, galleries and beautifully scenic parks. Visitors to Europe’s youngest capital city will find that getting around its many sights is easy and can be done for the most part on foot.

The city centre itself is a made up of a few square kilometers of streets that are
a delight to walk around. One of the most charming aspects of the city is its
Victorian arcades. These covered streets are remnants of Cardiff past and
criss-cross the city center connecting its different areas of business and are
kept in beautifully antiquated style. The city also has a myriad of different
bars serving food, authentic and more modern minded pubs and for the evenings, a host of chic night spots and clubs all focusing in and around the now largely pedestrianized St Mary’s street, the city’s central artery.

The nightlife itself can sometimes leave its visitors a little shocked as Cardiff,
in some ways more than most other UK cities, has an underlying drinking culture born of the fact that its satellite towns flood the city’s streets on a weekend in search of the kind of revelry lacking in their own towns that are somewhat more disparate and removed from Cardiff’s bright lights. The main thoroughfares are jam packed with people ready to party of a weekend and travellers looking to sample the city’s more delicate cultural offerings may be advised to avoid the drinking hot spots on a Friday and Saturday night. Another feature of the city, and a somewhat more endearing one, is its reverence of the sport of Rugby. Wales is considered by many to be the spiritual home of the game and its fans are without doubt the most passionate in the world.

International Rugby games at the city’s 75-000 capacity Millennium Stadium will effectively cause the city to shut down, ensuring that buses, cars and taxis will have to give way to the mass of colours that descend upon the capital to cheer on the respective teams. Cardiff on a ‘match day’ as it is known, is as impressive a sight as can be seen anywhere in the world of international sport, as the tribal nature of British football is nowhere to be seen and supporters of both
teams freely mix in the many pubs that have welcomed foreign fans to the city
for generations.

Cardiff is also home to an internationally renowned and highly established arts and high culture scene that is of a world class standard. The impressive Wales
Millennium Centre in is home to the Welsh National Opera and plays host to some of the finest classical singers and musicians in the world throughout the year. Those travelling to the city will also be spoiled for choice when looking for
accommodation as Cardiff retains an excellent selection of bed and breakfast
and apartments that can be privately rented for travellers wishing to stay in
the historical heart of Cardiff or the modern cityscape of Cardiff Bay.

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5 Exhibitions and Expos to attend in Paris, France each year

Posted on September 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

The city of Paris in the North of France is one of the most popular cities in Europe for tourists. This is for a range of reasons, including the vast culture and
history, the perceived romantic qualities of the city and the good quality nightlife in Paris.  There are however, a number of exhibitions and expos which occur in the city each year which also have a part to play in the draw of the city. Below are just some of these events:

The Box

This event held at the Porte De  Versailles is an International fashion accessory show. Paris is considered to  be one of the most fashionable cities in the world, and as such, any fashion  event held here is regarded in high esteem in the international fashion  industry. The event is primarily an exhibition, with hundreds of international  exhibitors displaying their latest and best offerings. There are also a number  of shows throughout the event.

Paris

Paris

E Learning Expo

Distance and online learning is  highly popular in developed countries around the world. It provides people with  the opportunity to gain qualifications and skills from the comfort of their own  home whilst still maintaining a full time job. This E Learning Expo held at the Porte de Versailles is an opportunity to learn all about the latest innovations and issues in this industry as well as to meet many of the leading players.

ESC Congress

This is considered by many to be the largest exhibition in the world for the cardiology sector. The event exhibits all of the latest developments in the industry and demonstrates how the most pressing issues are being tackled. There are a number of interactive events which the approx 60,000 professionals who attend from around the world can participate.

Manet Exhibition

Manet, an artist who lived in the 19th century, was one of the forerunners for what is now considered modern art. This exhibition looks at some of Manet’s best artistic creations as well as looking at some of the other issues in which Manet was involved, including his political influence and the changes in the media at the time.

Salon Mondial Body Fitness

This is the most comprehensive fitness equipment exhibition in France. It is an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their products to buyers and the public alike. The products on display are for use in commercial environments as well as at home. There are also many exhibitors from industries such as fitness analysis, fitness education and training and fitness club management systems.

If you do plan to head to Paris, you can find some useful Paris guides online and Holiday Velvet are a good company we have used for Paris holiday apartments for short stays near to the main exhibition centre’s in the city. You might also be interested in our old post on holidays in South France if you are travelling to Paris.

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5 Best Tourism Attractions in Wales

Posted on July 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

Away from London there are other areas in the UK which are well worth a visit. This includes Wales. Below are some of the best tourist attractions in Wales.

Cardiff Castle – Cardiff Castle is ingrained in the city’s history and its location smack in the middle of the city can sometimes be deceptive in terms of the sheer size of the castle. If you enter inside the gates you can enjoy great tours and a number of events.

Welsh Museum of Life – This is probably one of the best life museums in Europe. Over the years, houses from different areas around Wales have been taken apart and re-constructed in this outdoor museum just outside of Cardiff. There is also an indoor museum and a shop set up exactly as it would have been in the olden days.

Castle Coch – There are a number of historic castles around Wales, but Castle Coch has something about it which makes it stand out. Perhaps it is the fairytale appearance of a castle surrounded by a moat or the glorious surrounding land.

Oakwood – This is a large and successful theme park in the west of Wales. The rides vary in size from large roller coasters for the most daring adults to small but imaginative rides for young children. The train ride from the car park to the park is a nice touch.

Big Pitt – Coat mines are a huge part of Welsh history. For centuries it was one of the main industries in the country and supported a number of towns around Wales. The big Pitt is a museum dedicated to Wales’ mining past and offers the visitor the opportunity to experience a mine as it would have been during its heyday.

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle

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5 Reasons you must Visit Venice

Posted on June 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

Venice travel: for a real sense of history, culture and romance all wrapped up on one easily walk-able island, this Italian ‘city of water’ can’t be beat. And if you book in to a cheap Venice hotel, you’ll have a bit more cash to spare for poking around. For some ideas on where to start, see our five reasons to visitVenice below…

1. Venice Carnival- Starting a fortnight before Ash Wednesday and ending on Shrove Tuesday, Venice Carnival is hedonistic, colourful and bizarre in equal

Venice

Venice

measures. Revelry tops the agenda with masked street parties and balls running day to night (the mask tradition started in the 12th century as a way for aristocracy and commoners to mix on equal ground), and the prize for “La Maschera piu bella” is selected by a panel of costume and fashion designers. Wander around St. Mark’s Square armed with a camera to draw flocks of posing, creatively-costumed carnival-goers.

2. Eating Gelato – Forget everything you think you know about ice cream – you haven’t tried real ice cream ‘til you’ve gone for a gelato inVenice! With cafes, corner shops and special parlours selling artisanal ice cream on every street and a scoop costing around a Euro, it’s easy to sample, too. Gelato is made fresh on most sites (as opposed to from a frozen, pre-packaged mix) and flavours range from chocolate and strawberry to weirder concoctions like fig or avocado. Go for a different scoop every time!

3. Following James Bond – Venice has been the setting for many a classic movie. To follow in the stars’ footsteps, start out at Palazzo Pisani, east of campo Santo Stefano, where the final shoot-out at the end of James Bond movie Casino Royale was filmed. You can move on to the church of San Nicolòdei Mendicoli and Palazzo Grimani, where Don’t Look Now was shot, and St. Mark’s Square, where Indiana Jones emerges from a man hole in the Last Crusade.

4. Amazing Art – From Titian to Tiepolo, the history of Venice is intertwined with the history of art and artists. The Galleria dell’Accademia is your first stop for discovering the city’s store of great works: it includes Titian’s last painting, Pieta, and also holds da Vinci’s pen-and-ink Vitruvian Man drawing (which is displayed only occasionally). For more Titian, his Assumption is above the high altar at I Frari church, and Tintoretto’s Crucifixion can be seen at Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

5. Grand Canal - You can’t talk aboutVenicewithout mentioning the Grand Canal, the city’s main artery for commercial cargo for over 1000 years. Take a vaporetto (water taxi) from the main railway station to St. Mark’s Square to get a load of the stunning palazzos and churches lining the water-front. If you’re feeling flush or particularly romantic, upgrade your ride to a private gondola. The canal also plays host to Venice Historical Regatta, a boat race between competing Venetian neighbourhoods that takes place on the first Sunday of September every year.

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Too early to begin thinking about Xmas in Phuket?

Posted on April 6, 2011 | 1 Comment

Many of us plan holidays way in advance and as spring rolls in, is there anything wrong with already planning holidays for Xmas? If you happen to be staying in Thailand during the Xmas season, try and spend Christmas in Phuket, where celebrations go on from Christmas eve through midnight until the early morning of the next day. This is a great place to spend your holiday, especially if you would prefer a warm tropical paradise instead of a white Christmas.

Xmas in Thailand

Xmas in Thailand

When spending Xmas in Phuket, prepare yourself for a beach party. The region can get very crowded in December and there are sure to be throngs of people everywhere you go. During this season Phuket experiences its peak holiday tourist traffic and many restaurants often have to have three sittings to take care of all the customers.

 If you are staying at a beach resort, you will be able to bring in the Xmas festivities with tropical cocktails, music and dancing in a nightclub like atmosphere. Most resorts will have someone dressed as Santa Claus to come in ring in some cheer. You can also opt to visit one of the beach bars and sip on Mai Tais, Margaritas, Pinacolodas and other cocktails while having a grand time with your companions.

 For those people looking for a more traditional Xmas, complete with the tree, decorations and eggnog, The Green Man pub in Chalong is the place to visit. This traditional English pub will feature a Christmas dinner of turkey, pies and even a proper Xmas pudding to complete the evening. The pub also hosts a Christmas Pantomime, a carol sing along and has Santa Claus come in to greet the guests and children. After this, there is dancing and merriment while ales are passed around, amidst tables of gingerbread cookies and candies.

On Xmas day, festivities go on throughout the day, with every resort featuring a special lunch and dinner. However, do remember that on Boxing Day, the region will mourn the loss of lives that occurred during the Tsunami.

Although this will in no way interfere with your holiday preparations, most visitors tend to have a quiet day in respect of Thailand’s traditions. You can learn more about flying into Thailand via Bangkok from Bangkok Culture.

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24 hours in Amsterdam as a tourist

Posted on March 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

On my first trip to Amsterdam which was business related, I decided to take a day off and play tourist and see as many attractions as I could in one day.  Amsterdam has plenty of things to offer the tourist and although one day is in no

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

way enough to see the city, you can use 24 hours to get a general idea of what Amsterdam is all about.

The first thing to do is to go on a half day tour of the city. Instead of wasting time planning out a travel itinerary, take an Amsterdam highlights tour. These tours are offered by most tour agencies and can be accomplished via cruise ship and bus. You will be able to tour the city from the canal and make stopovers at popular hotspots where tour buses will take you around the city region. This way, you can see as many attractions of Amsterdam as possible including Museumplein, Vondelpark, and possibly the Dam while being instructed by a guide. You will also get your canal boat ride in this package.

You may have lunch aboard the boat or can opt to have a meal at one of the local eateries like the Café Luxembourg. In case your tour has not included places like the Anne frank House, Damrak which is a good place to shop and the Red light District, do try to make a trip to these regions before the evening ends.

Leidseplein is an interesting place to walk around and view the canal bridges, and when tired you can stop for a snack at one of the many cafes there.

You can also visit one of Amsterdam’s malls if you want to do some shopping, or opt to visit a local flower market and see the beautiful flowers on display or take the Heineken tour, if you have the time.

End your evening with a rich dinner in one of Amsterdam’s many restaurants. If you wish to sample the nightlife, head out for a drink at one of Amsterdam’s nightclubs.

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The secrets of Cyprus – 21

Posted on February 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Cyprus is to many, the jewel of the Mediterranean. Year round sunshine, friendly locals, rich heritage and an abundance of beautiful beaches and bays where warm azure water laps the shoreline are just some of the things that

Cyprus villas

Cyprus villas

Cyprus is famous for.

There’s quite a bit to pack into a holiday in Cyprus so if you are short on time, here’s our list of the 5 absolute unmissables – things you have to see and do whilst you’re on the island.

5 Cyprus Secrets

Petra tou Romiou – Rock of Aphrodite

This is a must-visit when you are in Cyprus. There is the added excitement of the possibility of seeing a column of water (that only forms in certain weather conditions) that for a moment appears to resemble the human form. A sight to behold if it’s true but a nice legend if it’s not.

The Petra tou Romiou is a formation of huge rocks off the southwest coast of Pafos and is certainly one of the most impressive natural sites of .

According to legend, this breathtakingly beautiful spot is where Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty,  is said to have risen from the waves hence the legend of the column of water.

Protaras beaches

Protaras’s Fig Tree Bay is by far the best beach on the entire island. The golden sand is so soft, its simply the perfect place to lay out your towel, soak up the sun and do your best Adonis impression.

The eastern Cypriot resort of Protara is where the locals and those in the know go. There is a lengthy seafront which is perfect for those late afternoon bike rides or early evening strolls. There are also plenty of options when it comes to eating with a myriad of restaurants and bars within short walking distance of the beach.

Archbishop’s Palace

A national and political monument, the Old Archbishop’s Palace is an 18th century building in the heart of Nicosia and is draped in modern Cypriot history.

It sits next to its modern day replacement – which was built in the ‘50s – and houses a number of museums and exhibitions. If you are visiting this area then both the new and the old buildings are worth a visit.

Pitsilia Wine Route

This secret of Cyprus is more of a day out activity really but the time spent , I guarantee will not be wasted!

This mountainside region of Cyprus exudes a rural charm with vines growing freely throughout the area including the numerous ‘forgotten’ villages that enhance the appeal of a day out here. The Pitsilia locals are some of the friendliest on the island and are always happy to see respectful tourists enjoying their culture and heritage.

Classic Cypriot grape varieties are predominantly grown in the vineyards of Pitsilia, so there’s plenty of wine to taste and good times to soak up.

Nicosia Race Track

There are few things more pleasant than an afternoon in the sunshine but how about the chance to win some cash too? The Nicosia Horseracing Track is the only licenced track on the island and offers a superb day out for anyone looking for something a little different to do whilst they are on holiday.

Horseracing is a popular sport in the UK but many people are put off by the terrible weather, fearing they may have to huddle inside the grandstand to avoid the downpour. At the Nicosia race track you won’t have this problem as it enjoys year round sunshine and the chance to enjoy the sport of Kings in opulent surroundings.

This was a guest contribution from James at Villas for sale in Cyprus.

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What to see and do in the Vatican – 20

Posted on January 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Vatican City is the home of the Pope and the seat of power of the Catholic Church, and tourists will find plenty of things to see and do while on holiday there.

Vatican Guards

Vatican Guards

St. Peter’s Basilica housed in Vatican City is by far the most popular attraction in the region, next to the Pope of course. To see the Basilica, visitors will first have to enter Saint Peter’s Square, which is another interesting place to visit in Vatican City. The Basilica is reputed to be one of the largest churches in the world and stands on the tomb site of Saint Peter. Visitors to the church will also be able to view the tomb of old popes while in the vicinity. Other churches you must visit include the Sistine Chapel and the Pope’s church.

The Vatican Museum should be your next stop and this is a great place to help tourists understand the history of the City. The museum houses 1400 rooms and features the artwork of master artists like Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as collection of old maps.

You can also view the papal apartments, where the pope lives and St. Peter’s Dome. Other interesting places to visit include the St. Angelo Bridge, the Castle of St. Angelo, which is near the Tiber River, and the Vatican Gardens. Tourists can also try to secure an audience with the Pope if they are able to reserve tickets for the Pope’s General Audiences held every Wednesday. Some of the rarer sites include the Tomb of St. Peter and the excavated underground sections of the Vatican; although these regions are cordoned off to tourists, it is possible for some people to get specially requested permission to view it. Tourists may also enjoy watching a small marching parade of the Swiss Guards, depending on when they visit.

You can also stay in the area with budget Vatican apartments from a number of rental agencies and other Rome tour ideas and Rome family holidays are detailed on Rometravelitaly.com

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