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Travel Destinations
The Travel Destinations Blog from Resources For Attorneys is a series of articles, editorials and posts providing resources for and information about travel destinations throughout the world.

Encounter the Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos

"The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed around the equator, 525 nautical miles (972 km/604 mi) west of continental Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The Galápagos archipelago, with a population of around 40,000, is a province of Ecuador; and the islands are all part of Ecuador's national park system. The islands are famed for their vast number of endemic species and the studies by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle that contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection."

The Galapagos Islands known for its verdant greenery, gargantuan tortoises, and active volcanoes is on the heel of the recent eruption of Cerro Azul, casting lava some 10 kilometers (six miles). What could have been potentially harmful to a neighboring city and the islands' famed giant tortoises, luckily missed both.

In fact, the lava flowed along the same path it did during its last outbursts in 1978 and, 20 years later, in 1998.

But imagine if the Galapagos had not been so fortunate.

Luckily, this beautiful island cluster is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a pseudo-reserve for some of the Galapagos' very exclusive, and very endangered, animalia.

The center is free to guests and features the islands' baby and giant tortoises. Other exhibits include a land iguana section and 'Lonely George', a somber name for the last remaining member of its species.

Whether you cross paths in the wild, on a Galapagos tour, or at the Charles Darwin Research Station, getting up close to an active volcano or a giant tortoise can be found only on the shore of this lush Ecuadorian utopia.

By: Jonathan Hunt
http://www.galapagos.com

Making Your Summer Holidays In Crete Unforgettable

I must have traveled to Crete a hundred times; I go more frequently nowadays. Eventually I started to believe strongly that people like myself who love the place, deserve to look for a more permanent residence to stay for longer periods of time. At least getting a quality holiday house in Crete has become so inexpensive that can hardly be considered as financial risk.

I still haven't managed to see even half of Crete - it is a remarkable and complex combination of places, landscapes, people, customs, smells - what can I say? I have more than enough in me to share with others, and this is why I decided to write about it. All I ask from you is to keep an open mind, get a fully insured car, and decide to expand your eating and drinking habits (after all you will be visiting the World's capital of what is known as 'Mediterranean Diet').

Firstly, think seriously before packing your bags: do you deserve a good holiday? If yes, then: one, switch off your blackberry; two, don't sit next to a hotels swimming pool for two weeks pretending you are enjoying yourself with a drink in one hand and a paperback on the other. You didn't work hard for a year to deserve just this.

After landing, unpacking and taking a good sleep, prepare to expose yourself to the place and get the most out of it. Remember: you are safe, locals can help you anytime, thieves are practically non-existent, and you are an arm's length away from an English speaker.

Hit the road with your family on a daily basis leaving around 9am; make every day an excursion somewhere on the island, no matter where your location. Your hotel is for breakfast and sleep, for at least one week of your stay.

I recommend places like Vai in Sitia, Agia Fotia in Ierapetra, Ledas outside Heraklion, Falasserna outside Chania, Fodele and Panormo which are both close to Rethymno, and Skala village in Elounda. They all have beaches so take your umbrella, towels suntan lotions and plenty of water with you on every journey. Sunbathing on a beach is more effective than swimming pools: you get a glorious tan to keep for months to come. To be on the safe side, ask for the existence of jelly fish and wear plastic shoes when you walk inside the sea.

The other way of doing excursions is to join a safari group; ask your hotel for details. You will have a wonderful time, and you will be in a safer, more controlled environment with people guiding you, and people from your own group joining you. You will still see lots of places off the beaten track, and keep it all on a daily excursion mode.

You should eat at the local taverns; aim for the one that attracts most of the crowd. Open yourself to local food: try Dakos (wet rusk) small dolmadakia, fresh fish, oven food (like stuffed tomatoes and peppers), local pastries, and meat on the barbecue. Always have a salad on your table; ask for the local specialty. And always try the local sweets with honey and white sugar.

Except excursions, try and mix with the locals getting the most out of your journey. The unbeatable way of doing this is by sneaking into a local wedding; the best weddings take place on Saturdays at nearby villages. If you don't manage to get invited, just head for one uninvited in one evening of your first days, leaving it to pot luck. People will invite you on the spot, and it will be a unique opportunity to get acquainted, eat fantastic wedding food and get lots of tips for your stay. If you have thoughts about a more permanent stay, it will be good for you to start making contacts anyway; in Crete people are very social and you will soon discover the snowball effect that this will have on you.

Keep the last couple of days to ease off; it's time for swimming pool rest with plenty of reading, drinking and socializing with people from your group. Try to compare your experiences with theirs and see what difference this will make. I can definitely guarantee you that when you go back home you will talk about your holiday for the rest of the year. And maybe think of coming to stay in Crete for longer periods of time.

By: Kostandinos Papahatzis
Kostandinos Papahatzis works full time on real estate Crete finding homes to those who wish to stay longer and enjoy fuller, better and stress-free breaks in their lives. Learn more at:
http://www.crete-real-estate-property.com

Discover Historic Bulgaria at the Heart of Europe

As a recent entrant into the European Union, Bulgaria is slowly becoming better known and more widely explored as a result. It's a hugely historic country with an expansive and unspoiled coastline and fabulous winter sports resorts that embodies the best of eastern Europe and which is a thrilling destination for visitors.

If you're a city lover then Bulgaria won't disappoint either - it's capital city of Sofia is historically rich, culturally pure and a young, dynamic city at its heart now that it is benefiting from European Union entry and an increase in employment prospects for its citizens.

If you fly in to Sofia you can spend a few days exploring the city, enjoying the nightlife, discovering its majesty and really getting to know the Bulgarian people before you decide where you would like to expand your vacation.

If you arrive in the late autumn, in winter or early spring you can head to the dramatic and imposing Pirin mountains and visit resorts such as Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo and you will find excellent ski and snowboard conditions, affordable equipment hire and ski pass purchase prices as well as some fabulous powder and brilliant après ski.

Alternatively, if you arrive in Bulgaria from May to September you will want to head for the Black Sea coastline where there are any number of perfectly pristine, Blue Flag beaches, where there are beautiful ancient fishing villages alongside vibrant new resorts such as Sunny Beach, and where you can have a fun time.

Along the coast there is so much for all the family to do and enjoy. There are theme parks and water parks, there are historic castles and museums to visit, there are beaches to comb, restaurants' fare to sample and many friendly and welcoming local people to make your stay a memorable one.

Because Bulgaria is in the European Union now its border rules have relaxed and its visa criteria have eased so that it is now not only easy to take a vacation in Bulgaria, it's possible for many people to take an extended holiday and live and even work in the nation.

If you're thinking about taking some time out and exploring Europe and you want to fund your adventures, why not contact your nation's Bulgarian embassy and determine whether or not you can live and work there for a period of time.

By: Rhiannon Davies
Rhiannon Davies writes about living and property in Bulgaria abroad, to read more about living and property in Bulgaria as well as visiting Bulgaria, check out her site ShelterOffshore.com

The Beginning Of Discovery

Seeing new and exotic things has always been the appeal of traveling. Yet traveling itself, although grown more convenient and reliable, has grown to become more costly. It would be prudent to settle into a locale where one still enjoys the joy of discovery without the burden of costly travel.

New cities and cultures will always be intriguing, but none can strike as much awe as the pure beauty of natural wonders. When it comes to natural wonders, nothing compares to a city nature itself has created.

When you mention rainforest, images of tall canopies above misty green expanses come to mind. Often, one of the first things you'll think of the mighty Amazon River that traverses through South America. Indeed the rainforest is host to a large number of flora and fauna. Yet the Amazon isn't the only place you can go to for a taste of natural beauty.

Home to a rich variety of plants and animals is Costa Rica. It may contain only 0.1% of the world's landmass, but in the 0.1% thrive 5% of the world's biodiversity - that's the greatest density of species in the world. That's quite a lot of wildlife for a country so small. This is because 25% of the nation is composed of protected forests and reserves. Even though Costa Rica is a small country, Costa Rica is famous for year-round adventure tourism and outdoor activities. And if you're a frequent visitor of the country, having your own Costa Rica real estate will allow you to lengthen your stay and enjoy these activities more.

Costa Rica has an area of 51,100 square kilometers (slightly larger than Switzerland), making it relatively quick to travel from point to point, not taking more than a couple of hours' travel. A visit to a couple of the country's national parks gives visitors unique wildlife experiences that can easily rival anything the Amazon can offer.

The Corcovado National Park is internationally-renowned among ecologists for its biodiversity. Visitors can expect to see an abundance of wildlife like big cats and tapirs, aside from engaging in eco-tourism activities like zip lines through the canopy, or even just an elevated walkway for the faint of heart.

With a name meaning "full of turtles," Tortuguero National Park also boasts of a wide variety of animals. Spider, howler and white-throated Capuchin monkeys, the three-toed sloth, 320 species of birds (including eight species of parrots) and a variety of reptiles all reside here. Of course, Tortuguero is more popularly known for its turtles. The endangered green turtle makes this park its annual nesting grounds, making this the most important nesting site for this species. Rare species like the giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also nest here.

For those with a green thumb, there is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This park hosts two thousand plant species, including numerous orchids. Over four hundred types of birds can be found here, and over one hundred species of mammals. As a whole, around eight hundred species of birds have been identified in Costa Rica.

Because of the area's sheer biological diversity, several pharmaceutical companies conduct extensive experiments on its plant life in hopes of finding new cures and remedies for modern ailments and diseases. Some scientists even speculate that a number of new species of plants and animals have yet to be discovered here. Who knows, you just might discover one yourself.

By: Jedd Sullivan
Costa Rica real estate

Auckland's Beautiful Backyard

Auckland is a fantastic city. Its spectacular skyline glitters in the bay and its streets are filled with a breezy cosmopolitan air. But sometimes you need a break from the bright lights and bustle, and Auckland has the perfect solution. Twelve miles east of the city in the Hauraki Gulf lies Waiheke, a gorgeous green island dotted with sandy beaches, grassy meadows and eclectic homes.

The contrast is quite remarkable. Hop on a ferry from Auckland's busy port and half an hour later you pull up into Waiheke's quaint Putiki Bay. It's a whole world away from the city. There is a tangible feeling of community on Waiheke, but the regular influx of holidaymakers and city dwellers means that new faces are always made to feel welcome.

There is a definite bohemian vibe on the island. During the 1960s Waiheke was home to communities of artists and hippies. The majority have since moved on to the lesser-known Great Barrier Island further out in the bay, but their legacy lives on in the many painters' studios, craft shops and general artistic air.

Waiheke is about 20 kilometres long, and the climate is generally slightly warmer than Auckland's. Most of the island is uninhabited - all of the neighbourhoods and towns are situated towards the western end . The population is around 8000 but swells considerably during holiday seasons when Aucklanders and visitors from further afield flock to the island to enjoy the beach life and chilled-out atmosphere.

As well as the natural allure of sand and sea, Waiheke is popular for the regular dance parties held at Stonyridge Vineyard during the summer. The island plays host to a number of festivals including events dedicated to wine jazz, and these are definitely worth a look.

Wine is a huge part of island life. Waiheke is well known for its cabernet sauvignon which is famous throughout the world. There are over 20 vineyards containing around 300,000 vines. The Goldwater Estate is one of only two New Zealand vineyards to be named among the best in the world. Many vineyards offer tours and wine tasting events, and some have restaurants where guests can sample the local grape while enjoying scenic island views.

There is a range of accommodation available on the island ranging from backpacker hostels to luxury boutique villas. The island packs out during the summer months (November to February) so make sure you book well in advance to get the best rates.

By: Kris Barnes
For cheap flights to Auckland visit www.flightcomparison.co.uk

Flight Comparison specialises in finding cheap flights offered by leading online travel agencies. The site lists cheap air flights to Auckland from All Airports in the UK.

United Kingdom Vacations

The United Kingdom of Great Britain consists of four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The capital city of each is London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast respectively. The UK is a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, and parliamentary democracy. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the British Empire seemed to span the globe but since the two world wars it's power has decreased dramatically. Most of the countries of the British Empire have gained their independence but remain part of the British Commonwealth (which includes Canada, Australia and New Zealand).

Today the United Kingdom is part of the European Union, though not fully integrated many of it's sovereign powers have been transferred to the European Parliament. However, if you are planning a vacation to Britain you should be aware that the Euro has not been yet been adopted and the national currency which remains the British Pound. The British Pound is fiercely defended by the British people who see it as a symbol of their nationality. Maybe this originates from the fact that the economy of the United Kingdom is somewhat dominated by service sector industries such as financial services, with a strong history in banking and insurance.

Tourism continues to be an important element of the British economy with nearly thirty million foreign visitors a year. The UK is ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the world (about sixth) with a massive selection of varied tourist attractions. Many tourists are attracted to the historic attractions, such as the many castles, with the Royal Family providing much of the pomp and ceremony that remains in popular demand. Most of the most famous landmarks and attractions are to be found in London, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and London Zoo.

Scotland is extremely popular with tourists who flock to Edinburgh to visit Edinburgh Castle or one of the many festivals which are held throughout the year. Other popular vacation destinations in Scotland include the city of Glasgow, Stirling (popular for the historically important Stirling Castle) Pitlochry and other towns of the Highlands such as Inverness (now a city) and Fort William. The more adventurous tourists take their vacation in the Highlands and Islands with the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland being some of the remotest parts of the United Kingdom.

Wales is a predominantly rural nation with a number of fine castles and other historic tourist attractions. The capital city, Cardiff, is both an ancient town and young city, thoroughly modern in it's outlook. Cardiff, a city for around 100 years, has a castle which is claimed to be about 2,000 years old which is well worth a visit. The modern Millennium Stadium and the Wales Millennium Centre are some of the most recent attractions and are venues for some spectacular events. The Doctor Who Exhibition is of great interest to fans of the BBC show (filmed mainly in the city) and they will please to hear that the center is the number one attraction at the moment.

Northern Ireland is recovering quickly from the 'troubles' and is very quickly growing in popularity as a vacation destination. For many years there was conflict between those who wanted the region to be returned to the Irish nation and those who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom. Today it is peaceful and places such as Carrickfergus Castle, Ireland's finest Medieval castle, and numerous beaches such as Portrush Whiterocks Beach proving extremely popular with tourists.

Of all the vacation destinations in the United Kingdom England attracts most visitors. As mentioned London is the most popular tourist destination but places like Blackpool prove very popular with younger visitors. The Blackpool lights, Blackpool tower complex, the pleasure beach and fun fair make for a lively and enjoyable vacation and Blackpool hotels and bed and breakfasts seem to dominate the areas closest to the sea. Other seaside towns such as nearby Southport and Morecambe provide a quieter vacation destination while remaining within easy reach of many interesting tourist attractions.

Whatever your requirements for a vacation the United Kingdom of Great Britain can provide you with your ideal break. Look around online and discover Britain, you are guaranteed to have a most enjoyable time.

By: Andrew M Kelly
Andrew Kelly writes for a number of UK travel sites. As well as writing about his main interest of staying in hotels in Scotland (where he now lives) he also writes about hotels in England whenever he gets a chance to visit.

Dubai - Great Destination for Holiday and Shopping

Dubai is a perfect holiday destination for family as well as business tourists. The cheap hotels in Dubai give royal hospitality to people who visit here. Dubai is a perfect destination for family holidaying. The world's richest horse race is held in Dubai where horses of different continents compete with each other; there are million dollar lotteries that are held at periodic pace, there are other more attractions such as international tennis, golf tournaments and months long shopping festivals. Dubai presents the most impeccable lavish hotel - the Burj Al Arab shaped like a billowing sail-perched on an artificial platform in the sea. Some of the sightseeing places noteworthy to mention are Creek side Park, Wild Wadi Water Park, bird sanctuary, an indoor ski resort and the gold souk.

From attractive and enormous shopping malls to active and pulsating souls... shopping in Dubai is quite an incredible experience. Dubai Shopping gets you the best deals at affordable prices. Be it high fashion merchandise, most modern of all gadgets, home appliances, jewelry, furnishing products or any other products and manufactured goods available you will get the best of products. The two central attractions of Dubai Shopping consist of Dubai Summer Surprises and Dubai Shopping Festival. Being shopping oriented these festivals attract millions of tourists and visitors predominantly during the months of July and January, February. Boasting of several shopping malls, Dubai's cater to each shopper's requirements and need.

Recognized as 'Layali Dubai' in Arabic, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), came into being in the year 1996 by the Dubai government as a trading event that was primarily intended to promote trade and tourism in Dubai.

Dubai Holidays have evolved onto the world stage over the past few years solidifying Dubai as a multiple holiday destination.

Dubai was once professed as an unproductive land and a parched region, today it is among the most needed after holiday destination, mainly during the months of Dubai Shopping Festival. Once acknowledged for Desert Safari, nowadays Dubai boasts of providing a superb shopping experience. Beyond these you may as well pander to in different adventure activities like sea tours, parasailing, mountaineering, , skydiving, surfing, parachuting, golfing, sand over the desert, underwater adventures... fun, frolic ands excitement are in abundance here.

Visited by millions of tourists globally each year, the shopping festival of Dubai is a much sought after festivity. Heavy discount prices on recognized and designer clothes, tastefully done jewelry, electrical and technologically advanced gadgets, gizmos and machineries are available, lip luscious food to gorge, intermingling with interesting cultural events, wonder and awe inspiring fire works in the night. For staying purpose tourists are dotted with cheapest hotels in Dubai.

Dubai makes the most excellent of times. Also sought after by daring adventurers and daredevils, the city of Dubai provides exciting activities to indulge in. From sand surfing on the renowned golden dunes of Dubai desert, motto-crossing across challenging trails, and skydiving from a knee weakening height of 12,000 feet or swimming and foundling underwater life... you would comprehend that fun was never like this before until and unless you visited Dubai.

From attractive and enormous shopping malls to active and pulsating souls... shopping in Dubai is quite an incredible experience. Dubai Shopping gets you the best deals at affordable prices. Be it high fashion merchandise, most modern of all gadgets, home appliances, jewelry, furnishing products or any other products and manufactured goods available you will get the best of products.

By: Gagan Makin
Author is an associate editor of http://www.stayresdubai.com - The website offers exclusive information of online reservation of Cheap hotels in Dubai. We also provide information about hotels in Dubai, Cheap hotels in Dubai

Padua - Still a Lot To See

Padua, or Padova, is a very old city. It grew from a small fishing village to become one of the main cities of the Veneti region. It is also the motherland for one of the oldest European universities and a huge scientific and cultural centres of the Medieval. Narrow medieval stone-paved streets running from Prato della Valle will help you feel its charming atmosphere.

In his novel «Across the River and Into the Trees» Ernest Hemingway wrote that whenever you cross the bridge or pass the station at Padua, there are ruins all around. That's right, the Second World War has changed Padua's looks and the whole territory from the railway to the city centre is occupied by after-war buildings - such a pity since there was really a lot to look at there. Luckily, the central and the southern parts of the city were untouched by the bombings, that's why Padua - which, unfortunately, is often left aside from the popular travel routes - deserves your attention. Though, its true for the whole Italy, especially for its north - each city has something to show.

One of Padua's advantages is that it is easily accessible by train, bus or car from Venice, Milan, Verona, Bologna and Mantua. The city's main attraction is the Basilica of Saint Anthony, decorated with frescos by Altichiero da Zevio along with the bronze Madonna with Child, and six statues of Saints by Donatello. St Anthony's relics are kept in the richly decorated Treasury Chapel. Another work by Donatello is the equestrian monument of the Condottiero Gattamelata in front of the Basilica.

But those are not its architectiral treasures that you should see in Padua in the first place. First, visit its renowned Pedrocchi Cafè - one of the biggest cafes in the world. Everything is symbolic here: its location close to the second oldest univerisity - the hotbed for free thinking, as usually; its neoclassic style with antique-style porticos; its interior, with Egyptian, Eastern and other halls mixing luxury and naïvety. All in all, it is no wonder why its here that in the 40th of the XIX century the students' riots took place, thanks to which the Austrians were pushed out from the Italian territory. Another war. One of the halls contains a bullet hole, and opposite it there is a quotation from Stendhal's «The Charterhouse of Parma» describing the cafe. The menu contains lots of cocktails made of hot coffee and cold liquers - and you can hardly find a place where they would be prepared and mixed so excuisitely.

Then you can wander around the city, look into the Saint Anthony church, marvel at people's deep belief (there are many thank-you letters lying on the saint's sepulchre), then go to the Eremitani church and the Scrovegni Chapel. Don't forget, this must be the exact order. First, you have to see the beauty of what was the Mantegna frescoes - tiny pieces that survived the bombings. And then, go 200 meters farther to the Chapel where 700 years ago Giotto laid foundation to the Western art. The chapel was financed by the wealthy banker Enrico Scrovegni, to make satisfaction for sins of his father, a money-lender. He commissioned Giotto to decorate the chapel. The artist created 37 frescoes, known for the use of vivid colours.

And, finally, don't miss Palazzo del Bò, which houses the University of Padua. Many famous persons like Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca and Galileo Galilei worked here.

By: Tatyana Kogut
Book a room at allrez.com - online hotel reservation.

Madrid Spain Is The Home Of Great Art

If you've been to Madrid, you know the enormous selection of activities and sightseeing treasures the city has to offer you. If you haven't, make Madrid your travel destination for a touch of the art world. If you're an art lover like many tourists that travel to Spain, you won't have far to look to find some of the best art in the world. After enjoying some of the local recipes for sangria, visit The Queen Sofia Art Museum, located near the metro stations and the Atocha train. It has such an abundance of famous art works; you'll need more than one day to view everything. Some of the featured art works are by greats like Miro, Picasso or Solana.

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, which was opened in 1992, is considered the museum for 20th century art. Many art connoisseurs consider it the most prestigious art collections in Europe. One of the highlights of the museum is the famous Pablo Picasso piece, Guernica. This 1937 painting got its inspiration from Picasso's feelings on surrealism and the Nazi bombing of the town of Guernica. If you are a fan of Picasso, and I don't know who wouldn't be, there are many pieces of his work from a young age right up to maturity.

The museum is in a building designed in the 18th that was once a hospital. It was scheduled to be demolished when they decided to turn it into a house of art. Renovations and additions were added to the original building to make it what they needed to become a museum. Some thought it odd that an old building would be used to house modern art, but the plans proved to be exactly what they wanted. It was declared a national museum in 1988.

Queen Sofia offers the art lover a variety from the late 19th century right up to the most recent contemporary and modern works of art. If Solana pieces are what you are interested in, you'll get a glimpse of The Chorus Girls, Café Pombo, and don't forget The Meeting of the Pharmacy.

Most famous artists are represented by more than one piece of work, such as Miro whose work Man with a Pipe, Fleur, Toile and Escargot are all on display. They may have been painted in the 20s or 30s, but still manage to interest art lovers. The same can be said for Dalí, whose works spans fro his 1927 Still Life by the Light of the Moon to his 1945 Galarina portrait. You will be amazed at his realistic 1951 and 1955 paintings of the Crucifixion.

Paintings are not the only objects of interest to the tourists and visitors. The 46,000 square yard exhibit space is filled with many art objects as well as pottery and porcelain. They also have a library there in case you wish to look up some of the paintings or artists. You can find interesting reading and take it to the cafeteria they also have for your dining pleasure. If you happen to be traveling during the holiday, spend the perfect holiday in Madrid.

By: Leroy C. Calstard
The writer Leroy Calstard is really passionate about news corresponding to champagne sangria recipe and recipe for making sangria. His publications on sangria recipes are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com and also various other web pages.

A Short Tour Of Art Cities Of Tuscany - Discovering European Art History

Like hardly any other region of Italy, Tuscany unites art, nature and culture. Numerous art treasures, beautiful landscapes and the famous Tuscan cuisine await discovery and make this region of Italy one of the most popular destinations for relaxation seeking tourists and art lovers. Cities such as Florence, San Gimignano and Pisa with their breathtaking Italian Medieval and Renaissance architecture attract travellers interested in European cultural assets and heritage.

Siena is called one of the most beautiful cities of Italy. It is famous for the "Palio", a traditional horse race at the "Piazza del Campo" in the heart of the city which takes place two times a year.

Florence is the capital and fashion metropolis of Tuscany. Tourist should allow extra time if they want to visit all attractions. Besides the known sights such as Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi gallery and Palazzo Pitti Florence also has many museums for the culturally interested traveller.

The Medieval city of Lucca with its long Renaissance city wall invites to strolling through the twisted alleys of the picturesque historical old town and relaxing in one of the numerous cafes, bars or restaurants afterwards.

The small town of Montepulciano served as film location for several celebrated movies such "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Heaven" and "The English Patient". Furthermore, Montepul- ciano is world-renowned for its wine which is produced from the grape sort of the same name. The history of the town reaches back to prehistoric times, but the Etruscans are regarded as the actual founders of the city. In the Middle Age, Montepulciano became the pawn of the city states of Florence and Siena. Finally, Florence annexed not only Montepulciano but also its protecting power Siena. The town has largely preserved its historical city centre and its Medieval character. Most of the houses in the historical old town are built in Italian Renaissance style which is so typical for Tuscany.

Located at an altitude of 324 metres above sea level and dominating the Val d'Elsa, the city of San Gimignano has retained its unique Medieval appearance. Most of its architecture dates back to the 13th Century when it was an important trading post along the Via Francigena. Outlining the characteristic skyline of San Gimignano to the present day, the numerous tall towers were a symbol of the merchants´ wealth and testified the city´s prosperity in the Middle Ages. Gothic city gates lead to the historical old town where the visitor finds himself in a labyrinth of streets, twisted alleys, outside staircases, churches, tower houses and villas. The picturesque "Piazza della Cisterna" is a further worthwhile sight of the city. Besides the famous Vernaccia (amber-colored wine from different regions of Italy), the typical Tuscan craftsmanship can also be found in San Gimignano. Travellers shouldn´t miss the oppor-tunity to purchase high-class pottery or leather goods.

Due to its central location, San Gimignano is a good starting point for excursions to destinations in the near surroundings. Siena and Volterra are a 30 minutes drive away, Florenz, Pisa, Montepul-ciano, Montecatini and the sea are an hour´s drive away.

Further Medieval cities such as Massa Marittima and Pitigliano are also worthwhile day trip destinations.

The city of Massa Carrara is famous for its marble. Travellers should visit Cave di Marmor (the caves where marble is excavated) and do a sightseeing tour of the special kind.

By: Markus Mross
To learn more on Tuscany villas, please visit http://www.interdomizil.com/italy-villa ... uscany.htm.

Malmesbury - England's Oldest Borough

Malmesbury is a small town situated on the southern edge of the Cotswolds and in the north western corner of the county of Wiltshire, a county with its many historic monuments the most famous being Stonehenge.

Malmesbury is a hill top town almost surrounded by two branches of the river Avon. It has an Abbey which once boasted the tallest spire in England even taller than the one still standing 80 miles away in the opposite corner of the county on top of Salisbury Cathedral. The town also has one of the country's finest Market Crosses built for the poor folk of the town to shelter from the rain on market days.

Malmesbury today is very much as it was a thousand years ago, mainly stone built and tiled cottages set upon a street pattern that goes back probably another thousand years before that. The town is said to be one of, if not, the oldest Borough in England once having its own mint producing silver coins for King Stephen as well as being for a short period the Capital of all England.

King Athelstan was buried here and he granted to the free men of Malmesbury a charter gifting them 500 acres of land on the south side of the town as a reward for their assistance in his struggle against the Danes. This resulted in an institution know as the Warden and Freemen being formed to look after and control this land and they are still in existence to this day.

So as you can see Malmesbury is steeped in history and its character has been protected as far as is possible making it a very popular destination on the tourist trails amongst the natives and those from all corners of the world. There is an abundance of places to stay in and around the area from which to explore the town and all its history can be found in written form available from the towns Athelstan Museum and its Norman Abbey.

By: David Forward
Malmesbury Memories

Belfast - A Quick Guide

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. The city is the largest in Northern Ireland and the second largest on the island of Ireland. Located amongst stunning scenery, the city is surrounded by the Glens of Antrim, Castlereagh Hills, Divis Mountain, Cavehill and Black Mountain. The city has a mild, though occasionally rainy climate, and it boasts a population of 276,459 inhabitants.

Belfast has been a settlement since Bronze Age times and examples of Iron Age hill forts can be seen within the city. It was during the 18th century that Belfast began to become the bustling, industrial city that it is today. Between 1969 and the late 1990’s, the city suffered under ‘The Troubles’ - sectarian conflict between republicans and loyalists. However, following a ceasefire by both sides, Belfast has become a popular tourist destination.

Some notable attractions within the city include the impressive City Hall, which was opened in 1906 and is a stunning Classical Renaissance landmark. Resting close to City Hall is the equally impressive Saint Anne’s Cathedral and also the lovely Victorian-built, Belfast Central Library. Another Victorian-built landmark is the striking Queens University Belfast, which rests amongst beautiful gardens. Equally famed for its architecture is the Crown Liquor Saloon, which has remained unchanged since Victorian times and is charmingly gas-lit.

For those interested in nature, Belfast is home the lovely Botanical Gardens, featuring a mixture of local, rare and tropical plants. Another popular outdoor attraction within the city is Belfast Zoo, which is involved in world-wide breeding programmes. Many visitors to the city follow the Mural Tour of large-wall political paintings that can be seen throughout the city. While, for those less politically-minded, the city offers an abundance of cafes, pubs and shops – particularly in Smithfield Market, where one-of-a-kind items are sold by independent retailers.

By: Dara Ward
Dara Ward is an expert on all things Irish and is based in Wexford Ireland. He operates over 20 Irish travel websites including Hotels in Belfast and Hotels in Galway.

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