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Showing posts with label City Guides. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City Guides. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Santander City Guide, Attractions, Events

A paradise in hiding, this Spanish city is host to many attractions, a busy port and beautiful seaside resorts. Most do not take the time to discover what Santander has to offer; they simply experience a small portion as they lay over, waiting to continue their journey to a more popular part of Spain. When we take a closer look at Santander, not only is it fashionable and beautiful but it has all the makings of a fun-filled and jam-packed itinerary. Santander is located on the northern coast of Spain. While Santander offers beautiful beaches, the climate may not always cooperate therefore the city offers other attractions such as historical sites, architectural delights, and abounding culture.

After King Alfonso XIII made this part of the Cantabrian coast his summer retreat, the city responded by catering to the aristocrats. With this in mind, visitors to Santander will now enjoy plush luxury and boutique hotels, impressive casino’s, world class restaurants, theatre’s with one of a kind talent and other fine buildings which add to the beautification of the natural breathtaking scenery. Santander is divided into two parts, the downtown region which is the hub of the commercialized city, where you will find impressive shops, historical sites and prestigious attractions and the beach resort of El Sardinero, where you will be witness to some of the classiest and esteemed suburbs including the former royal palace and the casino.

Wide tree-lined boulevards burst with delectable street cafés, prominent plazas, a beautiful waterfront promenade, dazzling parks and gorgeous gardens attract the attention of the visitors, providing days of pleasure and enjoyment outside of your luxury or boutique hotel room. While on holiday in Santander, you have a choice of two zoos, many fine museums, a planetarium and a prevailing arts centre which is the host for many of the varying cultural events that take place throughout the year.

The fun doesn’t end with the with the usual traveling itinerary and extravagant lusxuries found in your boutique hotel room. Other must see’s are specific to Santander. For example, you may want to see Casa Pardo, situated in a posh neighborhood offering breathtaking views of the Biscay Bay. While this house dates back to 1915, the upkeep is unmatched and is considered one of the most splendid mansions in all of Santander. Designed by Atilano Rodriquez, Casa Pombo dates back to 1875 and is a block long. Known for its exterior décor, this building boasts beautiful colonnades, domes and pillars that are both artistic and ornate. The Dique de Gamazo will tickle any seafarers or fisherman’s fancy. This maritime delight illustrates the historical importance of the fishing industry and offers the views of an exceptional jetty. This manmade area dates back to 1908 and measures 8 meters deeps, 180 meters long and 15 meters wide.

Just like any other robust city, Santander offers all of the national food chains found elsewhere in the world. It is highly recommended that while in Santander, you explore the local traditions, especially in their native cuisines. From comfort food to fine dining you can find delicious restaurants throughout Santander. Some of the top picks include La Cecilia, Cafeteria Zorbaa, Canadio, Los Troncos, Bodega del Riojano, Eh Marceino and La Mejillonera.

If you are looking for museums, Santander can meet that demand as well. First, you may want to visit Museo de Altamira. Here you will find prehistoric artifacts dating back over 15,000 years ago celebrating the caves of Altamira. For a diverse guided museum tour, visit Museo Etnografico de Cantabria Casa Velarde. You will marvel at an array of antiquities, furnishings, kitchen artifacts and paintings throughout the well stocked nine rooms. If you are a seafarer, visit the Museo Maritimo del Cantabrico. This nautical experience will drown you with artifacts from Spanish boats, ship-building techniques, cartography collections and marine biology displays. For more rare finds and older artifacts, plan to see the Museo Regional de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de Cantabria. The series of exhibitions will heighten your senses of things past including pieces excavated from the Iron Age and Roman Era, giant stone monoliths and other archaeological treasures. The best part is that most of Santander’s museums have free admission. When you return to your luxury or boutique hotel room, you will be thankful for the amenities after exploring how the ancient civilizations of Spain lived, or you may feel like a king who lived in one of the more extravagant palaces. Either way, this trip will bring you joy, pleasure, excitement and will please all of your natural senses.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Singapore City Guide for the Traveler

Singapore is a thriving city centre with 63 surrounding islands and one mainland. The size shouldn’t fool you as this robust city has grown in the last 150 years to become the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines, super tankers, container ships and passenger liners. Outside of being one of the world’s leaders in manufacturing, oil refining and distribution of electronic components, Singapore owes much of it’s success to the excellent facilities, fascinating cultural diversities and tourist attractions. With over 130 banks and the superb communications network, Singapore has become a mecca for business and pleasure travelers from all over the world.

There is so much uniqueness and diversity in Singapore that we will be listing the odd attractions and must do’s rather than the same old museums, comedy clubs and monuments. Stepping back in time by visiting a well liked hole-in-the-wall confectionary, Chin Mee Chin, is a good place to start. This 65 year old charming breakfast and teas shop is far from modern but can provide insight into a rich history and culture.

When you are looking to escape from the hip-chic and modernized night life, head to Wala Wala. The moos here is laid back, the dress is very casual and the live band takes center stage. This pub draws it’s crowds which are as diverse as the city itself, offering chicken wings to pizza and everything in between. This hopping night time eatery and bar will bring Singapore into the heart of any traveler.

If you are looking for line dancing and a more interactive night time treat, then the Far East Square is the place to go. Die-hards grooving to the music of Country, Western, pop hits and odd samba. This craze caught on a few years ago, and today you can find cowboy Singaporeans dancing the night away.

If you are in Singapore it is a must to try the national dish, laksa, which is rice noodles, shrimp, cockles, fish cake and chili paste in thick coconut-based broth. This staple has won the hearts and bellies of critics and dignitaries alike. Area restaurants battle in Katong Laksa Wars, but you can take a stroll and try the most famous of them in the four stalls, 47, 49, 57 and 328. The food is great, the competition interesting and the area dynamic.

An interesting attraction, home to 71 hectares of land, the Pasir Ris Park, on the northeast coast of Singapore is a tourist hotpot. Here you will find pond-fishing, beachfront dining, bike, blade and kayak rentals, mangrove forests, pool, beers and café’s.

All the walking that you will be doing in Singapore will leave you in need of a good foot rub. It’s a good thing that foot reflexology is a Singaporean must have, and you can find a fuss free shop on every corner which are open extended hours. You will have your nerve endings, which are in your feet, massaged. According to ancient Chinese medicine, this helps to normalize the function of the body’s internal organs. Your boutique or luxury hotel may have personal indulgences but this will out do any other experience.

We have come to know convenience at Wal-Mart but a 24 hour six story shopping mall that is full of bargains, sometimes half that of an entire department store, is a shopaholic delight. Even if you’re not a shopaholic, you will see this rare find as not only delightful but creative and convenient. From local finds to major appliances, this mall has everything. You can find late night bargains at 145 Syed Alwi Road.

In addition to the more unique venues, some of the great and trusted attractions can be found in Singapore. Venture out and soak in Animal Kingdom, Butterfly Park, Night Safari, or the Singapore Zoo. Visit the Ethnic Quarters and see Little India, Chinatown, Gevlang Serai and Kmpong Glam. Indulge yourself in the Isles of Singapore and enjoy Kusu Island, Pulau Ubin, Sentosa and St. John’s Island.

Landmarks, memorials and museums are plentiful in Singapore. Some notable stops include Dalhousie Obelisk, Istana, Parliament House, Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles, the Supreme Court and City Hall.

The Museums are a must see in any city and Singapore doesn’t fall short. There are over twenty major museums from toys to designs and art to coins. The Parks, Gardens, Themed Attractions and Historical sights are no exception as Singapore boasts over sixty-five other unique and intriguing city highlights.

Rome City Guide for Travelers

Rome is certainly known for the Vatican, but outside of that, this city is filled with rich history, beautiful architecture and a multitude of museums and monuments. Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t expect to see it all in a short amount of time either. In a four day time span, you may be able to see the major attractions, but you still wouldn’t have time to really soak in the splendor and culture that Rome has to offer.

Dining in Rome shouldn’t be a chore. A plethora of dining establishments line the streets and are on every corner. Most are superb and even the house wine is tasty. The restaurants serve up tasty yet simple dishes including pasta, pizza, veal chicken and seafood. Most waiters speak English, and are more than hospitable. Since there are so many delicious eatery’s, choosing may be difficult. Simply choose what landscape you want to view while dining, after all, there is little difference in the quality or food or service.

You will be seeing many sights during your stay in Rome, and your boutique or luxury hotel room may become lonely and the maid a little bored. To get from one attraction to another, it is recommended that you get the tourist tickets called BIT or CIS which are good for unlimited rides. The BIT is good for three days and the CIS is valid for one week.

Rome is rich in attractions, and there are far more than what can be mentioned in a city guide, but for now we will list the main attractions. This will give you more than a week’s worth of must do’s, and by the end you will need that luxury Roman hotel! Many of the attractions have sights from within such as the Roman Colesseum. Here you will find The Roman Arch, The Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum and Gladiators. At the Roman Pantheon you will find Pantheon’s Pronaos. St. Peter’s Basilica boasts The Vatican, The Colonnades, The Pope’s Windows, The Fountains and Museums. As if you aren’t already amazed enough, a visit to the various squares and fountains will amaze you further. Here you will see the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Novana, The Fountain of the Four Rivers, Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. The Roman Forum holds the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Temple of Antoninus and faustina. The Campidoglio offers the Capitol, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Piazza Venezia, Vittoriano and The Trajan’s Column. The Castel St. Angelo offers six sights including the Bridge of Castel St. Angelo and is absolutely breathtaking. The Aventine will leave you in awe with the Mouth of Truth, Circus Maximus, The Temple of Portunus, the Knights of Malta, Giardino degli Aranci, Isola Tiberina and The Temple of Hercules. Hadrian’s Villa offers The Canopus and the Maritime Theater. At the Roman Roads you will get to savor the Ancient Via Appia and the Roadside Tombs. For more lovely fountains, go to Tivoli Villa d’Este where you will find the Hundred Fountains and the Fountains of Ovato. The Ancient Ostia contains the Roman Theatre, Capitolium Temple, Tepidarium, Frigidarium and Caupona di Alexander. One of the most famous attractions are the Baths of Caracalla. At the Villa Borghese you will find the Temple of Diana and Galleria Borghese and lastly the Trastevere is an absolute must see.

It was difficult enough to just name the major attractions in a paragraph, imagine running all over the city to see them in person, snapping pictures, learning about the history and browsing the once in a lifetime scenes. Since the list is so extensive and Rome has such a robust culture, diverse architecture and extensive history, it is recommended that you research some of the above main attractions to narrow your itinerary. While some cities may appeal to different genre’s of tourists, Rome will please any type of visitor. Old, young, American, Asian, male or female…there is something here for you. At the end of the week, you may want to take a day to enjoy your luxury or boutique hotel, take a hot bath and soak up the softness of your plush bed and amenities; your body will need it and thank you.

Valencia City Guide for Travelers

Valencia is still a unique place to visit; a place where paradise has not slipped away by the tourist industry and the locals haven’t lost their heritage. Here you will find an eclectic mix of new and old, modern and ancient, and where the most cutting edge technology meets antiquity. The skyline screams with a blend of beautifully mastered and artful architecture from years past and visions of the future. If you are looking for luxury, history, heritage, culture and diversity, Valencia is the place for you.

The diversity of Valencia offers any visitor a fun-filled itinerary packed with activities and must see’s that is individualized and unique. One recommendation would be to enjoy all that the Historic Centre has to offer, including the museums, historic sights and architecture. You can find the typical tourist attractions year round, such as theatres, art galleries or fairs as well as the traditional fiesta’s known only to Spain.

The nightlife offers more than just a good night out. Between the futuristic and old world style architecture you will find a homely, yet friendly nightlife with cultural and ethnical experiences found nowhere else is the world, which is what has made Valencia well known for it’s after hour delights. If the town center, museums, art galleries, architecture and nightlife isn’t enough, or you simply need some rest and relaxation, you may want to check out Valencia Beach. Beautiful waters and soft sandy beaches will wash all of your worries away. Perhaps staying at one of the boutique or luxury hotels with an ocean view may be what finishes off the day of a perfect vacation or holiday.

The City of Arts and Sciences is a huge complex dedicated to the education of Valencia and designed by Santiago Calatrva. This space age city was inspired by animal skeletons, built in the futuristic view and presented as a present to Santiago’s home city. The walk around is free, in a climate that accommodates. You will see why you were able to find the boutique and luxury hotels after you spend a day enjoying an art gallery in it’s own rights; The City of Arts and Sciences is truly a city within a city.

You will find yourself away from your hotel room and at the Turia River Bed at some point during your visit to Valencia. Here you will find a beautiful landscape jam-packed with events such as festivals, musicals and fiestas. Playgrounds, sporting areas, watering fountains and the landscape makes this attraction a place to relax and see the local culture. The City of Arts and Sciences is just across the river and offers a beautiful view from the already stunning riverbed.

It isn’t difficult to see why Valencia is the third largest city in Spain as you visit the beauty of the natural landscape halfway down the Mediterranean Coast. The people are being themselves, a show without a collection plate and the natural surroundings are not fake simply for your enjoyment. This is paradise untouched and one which has preserved it’s beauty through the tourism and spectators. Valencia has became a place where visitors from all country’s enjoy this growing city which now caters to the expositions, galleries, exhibits, fairs, circuses and carnivals that most huge cities enjoy, but not at the cost of the rich history and diverse yet traditional culture.

From the Boutique and Luxury Hotels to the beautiful art galleries of architecture, Valencia will leave you in awe, with splendid memories and the rest and relaxation you deserve. While there are around a million residents in this one of a kind city, you will feel all alone and like a million dollars in your boutique or luxury hotel, a young kid when frolicking in the river bed and an art connoisseur when visiting the galleries. The home of the Holy Grail, Modernity, and Tropical Beaches awaits you in Valencia, Spain.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Melbourne City Guide for Travelers

Melbourne, the capitol of Victoria Australia, is quite diverse in it’s culture and architecture. You can find sites from native tribes, visitors from all over the world, and urban culture like no other. The architecture is splendid, from it’s high rises and contemporary forms to the meek and historic Victorian styles. The city was well planned and laid out, but that is no indication of the type of culture that you will find in Melbourne. The city has a deep cosmopolitan flair with a restless population seeking the most exotic and creative amusement. Traveler’s to Melbourne can expect to experience lavish luxury through boutique hotels, exquisite shopping and natural relaxation from over 100 natural hot springs throughout the Victoria area. While relaxation and luxury is plentiful, the city is robust with nightlife, events and attractions making this destination a Mecca for all types of world explorer’s.

Melbourne is made up of precincts, each having it’s own flavor and style. Dining in Melbourne is no exception. You can find a wide variety of dishes, ranging from exquisite meals prepared by some of the world’s most renowned chef’s to the ethnic selections that you may only find in the heart of a melting pot city. Fashionable Restaurants, Eclectic Bars, Classy Café’s and delectable Bistro’s line the streets permeating smells of delicious cuisine.

Melbourne offers a plethora of fine public and private art galleries, showcasing a variety of art including contemporary, colonial, historical and local pieces. Two of the museums that would rank at the top of any art lover’s list includes the Heide Museum of Modern Art and The National Gallery of Victoria which houses both the Ian Potter Centre and the NGV International. The Heide Museum was the birthplace of Australian Modernism and houses some of the best native art forms in all of Australia. The National Gallery of Victoria at Federation Square boasts over 20,000 pieces from Australian artisans’ at the Ian Potter Centre which has more Australian artwork displays than anywhere else in the world. NGV International has four levels of awe-inspiring collections from Europe, Asia and America. Both of the houses belonging to the National Gallery of Victoria displays art from the colonial period to modern day. Admission to the National Gallery of Art is free for the permanent collection while exhibitions may have a small fee.

While the memories you are making at the Luxury or Boutique hotel may have the content needed to produce a well written theatrical production, Melbourne has dozens of musicals spread throughout the city. You can find mainstream shows that are staged world wide as well as local talent. The Regent and Princess Theatres are good choices for more popular and professional theatrics while the Malthouse is the place to go for high-quality local productions.

Melbourne is not only considered one of the most livable cities, but it has also been consistently ranked as Australia’s cultural capitol. The Luxury and Boutique Hotels, Spa’s and Mineral Springs offers a personal escape of indulgence. The Victorian parks and gardens, Victorian and Contemporary Architecture and the diverse multi-cultural society offers the avid traveler all the ingredients of a vacation hot spot. No matter what type of getaway you desire, Melbourne Australia is sure to exceed your expectations.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Madrid City Guide for Travelers

Madrid, lined with museums, art galleries, tourist attractions, luxury and boutique hotels, shopping and some of the finest restaurants‘, is a very unique and diverse travel destination. Looking for luxury? Well, look no further. Stay at one of the many luxury hotels and visit your choice of more than forty museums. If you are looking for the same class and quality of a luxury Madrid Hotel, but want a smaller venue, try one of the smaller 15-20 room Boutique Hotels located in the heart of the city. Here you may want to relax, get a massage, and stroll through the many different shopping zones to find some unique bargains.

The Prado, a world renowned art gallery, is located in the heart of Madrid in an 18th century building designed by Juan de Villanueva. Here you will find collections from Velazquez, Botticelli, Bosch, Rembrandt and other highly acclaimed artists.

Leave your Luxury Hotel and visit Luxury at it’s finest. The Royal Palace will place you in awe, with the splendid architecture, magnificent gardens and Fresco’s by some of the most well known artists. Here you will find the work of Tiepolo, Goya, Rubens, El Greco and Juan de Flandes to name a few.

Going from your boutique hotel to the shopping the boutiques can be easy when you visit the Fuencarral Market. Spend the day and see the fashion forward clothing and shoe shops, home décor market places and jewelry stores. The music that plays in the centre sets the tone. In addition to shopping, you will find culture activities, movies until midnight and another art gallery. This truly is a must do and an entire day out of your itinerary.

If you are looking for some excitement, you may want to consider getting ticket to a Madrid classic, the Bull Fight (March-October), located at the Plaza de Toros Monumental de las Ventas. This event takes place on Sunday evenings at 7pm. While most tickets go to season ticket holders, you will be able to find yours a couple of days prior to the event at Las Ventas.

While fast food restaurants are available in Madrid, you may not feel comfortable leaving your plush luxury hotel and eating a cheeseburger. No worries, there are many fine restaurants in the city to choose from. Want to do more than just eat? Visit the renowned and uniquely decorated club, Torres Bermejas, and watch the famous Flamenco show while eating some of Spain’s finest foods. Compliment your dinner with some wine, cava or sangria. This night will be a night to remember.

From the Luxury and Boutique hotels of Madrid to the interesting culture, history and art galleries, your trip will be fun-filled and exciting. There is shopping, food, nightlife, entertainment, interesting architecture, splendid parks and royalty. Relax, see, learn and enjoy all that Madrid has to offer.

Sydney City Guide for Travelers

Sydney Australia is the perfect destination for just about anyone. Sydney, with it’s diverse culture, rich history, beautiful landscape and modern architecture will please travelers regardless of their gender, age or cultural background. The boutique and luxury hotels are no exception. Just sitting in the room of a lavishly decorated luxury hotel, viewing the stunning architecture, skyline and city lights would dazzle even the most avid world explorer. Now that you know you can spend a relaxing evening in your boutique or luxury hotel, let’s take a look at what adventures are available throughout this interesting and entertaining city.

The possibilities are endless when you think about exploring Sydney, Australia. There are a few must do’s within this pulsating city that are once in a lifetime opportunities. Visit Sydney Harbour, the oldest city and the gateway to Australia. Climb to the top of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge arch span, day or night guided by BridgeClimb or try surfing at Bondi Beach for a truly exhilarating adventure. Either way, be sure to see the kangaroo’s, taste some of the finest international cuisine waterside and browse some of the most exquisite boutiques that Australia has to offer.

Your visit to Sydney Harbour will entertain you with it’s six islands and one national park. While you can’t possibly explore this diverse attraction in it’s entirety on a day trip, the time that you spend will be fun-filled and memorable. If you just can’t get enough in one day, stay the night on the water or an island. You can take a scenic cruise, enjoy a charted yacht, or be daring and see Sydney from a birds eye view aboard a seaplane by Rosebay. Have you been looking at the beautiful array of plants in your boutique hotel lobby and wondering what species they are? Enjoy the day at Sydney Harbours’ Royal Botanic Gardens and learn all about the native and exotic plants that Australia has to offer. End the day reflecting on Australia’s European past by viewing the convict-built structures and historic forts before returning to your lavish and relaxing luxury hotel. All of this is found at the world-renowned Sydney Harbour.

While Australia offers paradise through natural landscape , much of the culture lies inside of the museums and architecture of the cosmopolitan style City Centre. Modern office towers, including Australia’s tallest structure, The Sydney Tower, is located amongst some of the richest historical sites. Catch a show at the Sydney Oprah House which was proclaimed as the 20th century architectural masterpiece. Move across town and view the Queen Victoria Building and The Strand Arcade, both with flair from the 1890’s; and while you are on your way take pictures of the street names, honoring early English governor’s. Everything in the City Centre screams heritage and history.

While you may have a view of The Blue Mountains from your posh boutique hotel room, nothing replaces the experience of this natural art-form itself. The beauty of the park includes the various breathtaking waterfalls, the blue tint of the dense eucalypt forest, and the natural diversity among the foliage. Add to the memory by taking a guided walking tour, try your hand at some daring rock climbing, or indulge in a horse back ride. If you are looking for a theme-park type scenic adventure, the Katoomba Scenic Railway is just what you are looking for. As the world’s steepest railway, it begins at the top of Katoomba and descends all the way down to Jamison Valley. If you haven’t had a kangaroo photo opportunity yet, you are guaranteed to see them in their natural environment at Euroka Clearing of the Blue Mountains National Park.

Sydney is full of diversity, beauty, history, and modern architecture at it’s finest. From Bondi, the most celebrated beach in the country where inhibitions are left behind, to the height of some of the most breathtaking mountains in the world, your trip to Sydney is sure to leave you with memories, erudition and contentment.