Knowledge Wanders
Wandering the great places…

Archive for September, 2009

29
Sep

Getting Around The Landmarks Of Cyprus

Posted in Travel  by Graham_McKenzie on September 29th, 2009

Cyprus is located in the middle east of Europe. It is an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Turkey is located in the northern side of Cyprus.

The terrain mostly consists of plain land in the central region and mountain ranges in the north and south. The southern coast is dotted with wonderful sceneries. The region of Cyprus is divided into half - northern and southern.

The buffer zone in between is strictly controlled by the United Nations. Even though the economy is booming here, it is mainly dependent on the tourists. Agriculture also forms main part of the economy.

Amidst all the very well known tourist destinations over the world, there is a popular destination located in the serene climate of Eastern Europe which is famously known as Cyprus.

Not so big in size and equally less in terms of population (3,572 square miles & 855 thousand respectively), Cyprus is abundantly bestowed with the rare combination of scenic beauty and the old world charm.

It has the beautiful beaches straddled with the historic Greek mountains neatly put together in an awesome landscaping. This beautiful country can be reached via all the possible modes of travel e.g. Air, Water and land.

Major three airports in Cyprus are quite close to the city-centers and are known as Larnaca (happens to be main airport!), Pafos and Ercan while the major passenger ports being Heraklion, Rhodes, Haifa and Port Said.

The only word of advice here would be to ensure that tourist take the Airways in winters especially as the waterways has limited services during winters. Enough care should be taken to ensure that the ports chosen for entry into Cyprus are not declared illegal.

Cyprus had not adopted the Euro as its currency until 2008. But now the Euro can also be used here. The local currency is Cyprus Pounds and it is traditionally more in value than the Great British Pound.

The banks over here open during the morning and there are many ATM machines all across the nation. During the festival time, especially during Easter, ATM machines run out of cash, so that is something to keep a note of. It is also fine to use credit cards and the debit cards too, as they are widely accepted. However, some shops accept only cash.

The public transport in Cyprus is limited to only buses. In town the buses run at a frequent intervals but in the rural areas the service is irregular. So it is a wise option to hire a car, and you will be able to see the nation at your own will and at a decent price.

It is a great solution to explore the countryside and see various tourist destinations. There are many car rental agencies that will willingly provide you good cars and good driver policies, and you will get full tanks upon arrival.

Limmassol is yet another town that is very popular with the wine lovers. Here you can find many festivals captivating the city for the entire year. The September Wine Festival is perhaps the best known.

In case you want to shop for the handicrafts, you can go to the Folk Aet Museum. Another place where you can visit is housed the 14th century castle - Cyprus Medieval Museum. The village of Amanthus has numerous excavation sites and they can quite enthralling to watch.

Cyprus has a vibrant night life. The Ayia Napa is a small town which is home to a medieval monastery and this is where all the partying takes place. The town welcomes many international DJs who keep the parties alive all round the clock.

There are many bars and restaurants over there. The dancing is on a non-stop basis. However, the pubs and the bars do not open until afternoon. This should not make you feel bad as you have the entire night for you.

While the party does not begin, you can go for a stroll on the beach or scuba diving. Or better still you can take a car on rent and go to the countryside.

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.

29
Sep

Travelling To Italy Made Easy

Posted in Travel  by Graham_McKenzie on September 29th, 2009

The Grand Tour was established in 1660, and for Italy, it literally put tourism on the map. Surprisingly, travelers still love the same sights and destinations that were favorites on that tour.

Every tour of Italy should include the jewel of Renaissance Italy, Florence. For centuries, the Medici had great influence in this city, supporting artists such as Michalangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, Giotto, Pontormo and Boticelli. A few highlights you will want to see are Michelangelo’s David, the Palace of Bargello, Basilica of San Lorenzo, Cappelle Medici, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the San Lorenzo market.

Venice is an amazing city, built on 117 small islands. It has more than 150 canals, and 409 bridges spanning those canals. Certainly, the Grand Canal is a tourist favorite, and so is the Vaporetto. Other attractions you’ll want to see include the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, St. Mark’s Basilica, Palazzo Pisani, the Clock Tower and San Rocco.

You will find Pisa on the right bank of the Arno River. It’s most famous attraction by far is the Leaning Tower, but a few other sights worth seeing include the Baptistery, Campo Santo, Pisa Cathedral, National Museum, Santa Maria della Spina,and the Campo dei Miracoli.

Bologna offers visitors a chance to see Roman baths, temples and amphitheatres, mixed with Baroque palaces, churches and squares. Make sure to visit the Archeological Museum, Bevilacqua Palace, Palazzo della Mercanzia, St. Dominic’s Church, San Martino, Casa Isolani and the Basilica di San Pietro.

What can one say about Rome? It is a vacation, all by itself. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum, Campidoglio, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pizza is probably one of Italy’s most famous foods, and it originated in Naples. This marvelous city is close to lots of great attractions, so it makes a perfect base for tourists. While you are there, however, be sure to see the Piazza del Plebiscito, Piazza Mercato, The National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Via Toledo, Spaccanapoli, the Duomo, Santa Chiara Church, Castel Dell’Ovo and Teatro San Carlo.

With 2,000 year old temples, villas, and art, the ruins of Pompeii were unearthed in the 18th century. While visiting here, make sure you see the Stabian Baths, the House of the Vettii, Necropolis, the House of the Gilded Cupids, the House of the Mysteries and the Street of Tombs.

Still partly buried beneath the modern city of Ercolano, the remains of Herculaneum offer visitors a unique look at history. While you’re there, make sure to visit the Suburban Baths, House of the Bicentenary, House of the Deer, Palestra, and Sacello degli Augustali.

Italy offer visitors a glimpse of Renaissance art, architecture, and Roman antiquities, but it also provides its own heritage of food, wine and music. From the canals of Venice to the Vatican, there is something here for everyone.

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.

29
Sep

Iceland Travel Ideas And Tips

Posted in Travel  by Graham_McKenzie on September 29th, 2009

Iceland is a mountainous island in the North Atlantic, located between Europe and North America. Although a bit austere, Iceland is a country of unreserved natural splendor.

The almost unreal beauty of lava eruptions, hot springs, geysers, fissures and glaciers make this land truly unique. Nordic and Celtic people settled Iceland in the 9th century, and in fact, Ing’fur Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking, founded the first settlement on the site known as present day Reykjavik, which is Iceland’s capital city.

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is one of the most famous attractions for tourists. Although it is thought these lights are only visible in winter, the truth is they can be seen all year long.

Another of Iceland’s attraction is the Midnight Sun. When this occurs in Scandinavia, during early summer months, the sun is visible at midnight. Its opposite is called the Polar Night, and occurs during the winter months.

At some point of their vacation, visitors usually find themselves in Reykjavik City. Iceland’s capital is thought to be one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world. The nightlife in Reykjavik is vibrant, with an amazing variety of pubs, bars, cafes and dance halls.

In fact, live music is fast becoming a trademark of this city. You can find a concert on almost every night of the week. There is also a variety of local craft shops and Scandinavian designer stores in Reykjavik, and the Kringlan shopping mall is a popular draw for locals and tourists alike.

No trip to Iceland is complete unless you try one of the whale-watching tours. Surrounded by an ocean that provides a natural habitat for whales, dolphins and seals, Reykjavik is ideal for this activity. The tours will also take you past Puffin Island, as well.

Reykjavik’s landmark, the Perlan, or Pearl, is simply a must-do on any itinerary. Built in 1988 atop huge tanks, which store the natural hot water for heating the city, this rotating restaurant sits under a huge glass dome. The cuisine is top-notch, and the views breathtaking.

Is Viking history your thing? If so, check out some of Reykjavik’s museums. Also make sure to visit the Sun Voyager, which is a massive steel sculpture of a Viking ship. Created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, it can be found on Mt, Esja, and is best viewed at sunrise or sunset.

Another stop that is well worth making is the Restaurant Fjorugardurinn. Here you will experience a traditional Viking feast, amidst Viking decor. This unique eating establishment allows you to step back, and get a first-rate taste of Viking culture.

A very popular tourist attraction in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. This outdoor, geothermal seawater pool is approximately 45-minutes, by car, from Reykjavik. The fluorescent blue pool, covered in steam, stays at about 104-degrees all year long.

Iceland offers tourists a wide variety of inimitable experiences, all of which both enchant and awe. Both strikingly and strangely severe, a trip to Iceland is simply unforgettable.

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.

29
Sep

The Relaxing UK Flights In Visiting Switzerland

Posted in Travel  by Graham_McKenzie on September 29th, 2009

Switzerland is one of the most popular and thriving countries in the Western world. The attraction and uniqueness of the country makes UK tourists keep coming here throughout the year. Two of its cities, Zurich and Geneva are ranked among the world’s top cities having a high quality of life.

The country is also synonymous with banking and high quality goods. Switzerland is not part of Europe even though its neighbors are Germany, France and Italy. The country is a base for many important international organizations (Switzerland long being a country that takes a neutral stance on many wars and politics) such as the Red Cross, the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.

As Switzerland is a sought after destination, the prices are reasonable. You may take a flight from the international airports in United Kingdom, such as Manchester and Heathrow.

Some of the airlines, you can fly with are BMI, Flybe, Jet2, Austrian Airlines, Iberia Easyjet, Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways. If you are looking for competitive flight rates then you get can get it about 36 ticket; however remember that it needs to include the taxes.

The country is famous destination throughout the year, mainly the summer, when there are ample choices available. Therefore, make your booking in advance or just at the last minute to get the best deals. Even though Switzerland is not a part of Europe, still you can enter the country with a valid UK passport.

Switzerlands whether is usually fair and pleasing. This can however vary greatly as many parts of the country are located on mountains and are extremely cold. The southern part of Switzerland has a Mediterranean climate. It can be rather dry here while the high Alps experience the wettest climate.

In the north, where the Alps are, the temperate varies with altitude, but the average annual temperature is 9 degrees centigrade. In the South or for example the canton of Ticino has a warm and slightly humid Mediterranean climate.

Like England, the climate can vary if you are visiting the mainland then the summer months are the most popular since they are a little warmer, if you are visiting the Alps then it will be cool all year round. Regardless of the weather, there is plenty to do all year round.

Switzerland is famed for his hiking trails and winter sports. Various ski resorts like St Moriz, Klosters and Verbier are known for their facilities here you can snowboard, ski, and climb and so on. Some of the high end resorts will also offer snow polo and a bob sleigh run. At Klosers and St Moritx, you will find health resorts, known to relax and rejuvenate you.

If you like the idea of a carnival, visit Basel. The carnival of Basel takes place between February and March and there are three days of masked street parties and fancy costumes.

If you visit the cities like Geneva, or Zurich, then you must try a cruise which goes down their lakes. This will let you enjoy the view of the architecture in the cities, at the same time lazing in the pleasant weather. Paddle steamers (the old fashioned boats) are also available on the lakes.

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.

29
Sep

What To Do in Visiting Belgium

Posted in Travel  by Graham_McKenzie on September 29th, 2009

The country of Belgium is situated on the western part of Europe. It is bordered by the countries of France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

A land known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, great chocolates and temperate climate, Belgium is now becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Europe.

It offers travelers a perfect blend of the old, the new and the natural. If you are planning to head out to Belgium, here are just some helpful travel tips to make the most out of your trip to this wonderful country.

In fact Belgium is a very popular tourist destination within Europe. There are lots of romantic places to exwith its meandering canals and cobblestone streets and it’s known as Europe’s best-preserved medieval city which guarantees heaps of history and historical sites to visit.

Like all travelers heading out to Belgium for the very first time, you would want to make the most out of your trip. Here are just some tips to help you do just that.

When to Go In Belgium?

Belgium, like most countries in Europe, is visited by travelers from all parts of the world throughout the year. This is partly due to its climate. Because Belgium shares its borders with the North Sea, the country experiences a maritime climate.

This means that locals and tourists experience warm winters and even warmer summers in Belgium as compared to its neighboring countries. In fact, the coldest temperature recorded in this country, which is during the month of January, does not go below 3 degrees Celsius.

Places to Visit in Belgium

Shopping malls, restaurants and hotels in Bulgaria accept most of the major credit cards such as American Express, Visa and Mastercard. If need to withdraw money from the local ATM using your debit card during your stay here in Bulgaria, takes note that ATM machines have a limit on the amount that you can withdraw on a given day as well as the number of transactions that you can do.

Nesebar - Situated on the eastern side of the country, this ancient city and seaside resort is one of the top tourist destinations in the country, primarily for its pristine beaches and unique cultural heritage.

For a dose of culture, head out to the town of Bruges. Here, travelers can visit a number of different museums that feature some of the finest artworks by both contemporary local artists as well as some of the famous artists in all of Europe.

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.