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 Rome 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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Thai People and Living in Koh Samui – 19

Posted on December 18, 2010 | Leave a comment

I would be making a mistake if I put all Thai people within the same category and say that they are all alike. However, the Thai people share certain similar characteristics that make me love the Thai people and living in Koh Samui.

Thai culture

Thai culture

I enjoy living in Koh Samui with these people because they are a relaxed and unhurried lot, it would seem as if it is their nature to be gentle and polite. Thais attach a lot of importance to good food, friends, family members and community living, which makes them very friendly towards foreigners. They are also a fun loving and peace loving people, who are both reasonable and sensible, conforming to established rules and laws, and very tolerant of outsiders. If you find yourself in Koh Samui, you are sure to find yourself warmly welcomed and accepted.

 I also cannot help appreciating the Thai love for food since I share it. The Thai people not only eat well, but also make sure that you do the same. The most common question asked in Koh Samui is if you have eaten. Surprisingly, the Thai people hardly get fat although they snack all the time.

The best feature of Koh Samui is the abundant availability of food stalls, where delicious snacks are offered throughout the day. The most popular Thai breakfast is jok, which is a type of rice porridge served with pieces of pork and eggs. Other popular Thai dishes are khanom krok, which is a type of rice and coconut pudding; pad Thai, which is a dish of lightly fried noodles and ba mee, which means egg noodle soup.

I love living in Koh Samui with the Thai people not only because of their delightful nature, but also because Koh Samui offers great shopping locations, entertainment centres, food stalls and restaurants. The only downside is that you cannot expect to live in a 100 percent Thai community because a large percent of the population of Koh Samui comprises expatriates. Learn more about Thailand including Bangkok Travel for visitors to the country.

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Summertime in Prague – 18

Posted on November 17, 2010 | Leave a comment

Prague is a magnificent city to visit if you are touring Europe, but becomes particularly delightful if you happen to be visiting during the summer. For me, this warm season is my favourite time of the year since I get to see the picturesque city of Prague in bloom. One of my favourite things to do during the summer is to visit the many parks in Prague and have a picnic with my family.

Prague summers

Prague summers

During the summer, the countryside is abloom with flowers and the parks are full of locals and tourists out to enjoy the warm weather and have a picnic under the trees. Places like the Imperial Gardens are only open during this season and is a very popular place to visit. Indeed, summer is the best time to see Prague in all its splendour and tourists throng to the city during the months of August and September.

Prague also features several events during this season to take advantage of the hike in tourist traffic and the good weather. During this time, you will be able to participate in several open air events and even dine outside on restaurant terraces or sip creamy coffees at one of the roadside cafes.

Some of the activities I would recommend if you are visiting to the city for the first time, include hiring a bike and going on a cycling tour of the region. If you are an adventurous person who likes activities like trekking, the city has many walking tours to choose from.

Interesting attractions that you can visit while in Prague include Petrin Tower, which will give you the best view of the city, Charles Bridge which is near Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter which houses a quaint old Jewish Cemetery. You can also op to go on a ride on the Funicular.

W have stayed in Prague very year for the last 10 years and always use Holiday Velvet rentals. They offer Prague and Rome apartments for short term stays.

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