Travel

Rhodes Island, located in Dodecanes  Archipelago in the Eastern Mediterranean, is the meeting place of west and east, with a wonderful nature that combines golden sand beaches with valleys, hills and mountains, lighted by the sun the whole year. The Romans, the Knights of St. John, the Ottomans and later, at the beginning of the XX century the Italians have stopped on this island, each leaving behind his fingerprint, but not managing to know the Greek roots of the island.
Rhodes Island has been inhabited since the Neolithic. From 1100 I.C. when the Dorriens arrived on the island, they founded the three localities of Lindos, Ialysos and Kamiros, which were developed as a commercial center and transit for goods. This made the island to develop as an important commercial node. The most well-known and brave mariners in antiquity, the inhabitants of the island, have developed the first navigation laws, laws on which the Nautical international code is based even today.

Around the year 800 I.C. the three localities along with the island of Kos and fortresses of Halicarnassus and Cnidus in Asia Minor have formed an alliance, political and religious called the Dorian Hexapolis, and in 408 B.C. is decided that the north town of the island should become the capital of present Rhodes. The new capital plans were designed by the architect Ippodamus, but a devastating earthquake destroyed the city in 227 B.C.
The 3rd century B.C. is the moment when the island is conquered by the Romans and later by the Gots. From the 3rd century A.C. during the Byzantine Empire, the island has passed from the Arabs to the Genoese. In 1309 the Order of the Knights of St. John conquered the island from Genoese and laid here for more than two centuries, during which time they have fought against Muslims and they have developed economy and commercial relations, building the castle and fortifications, which were kept in very good conditions until today.
The Ottoman Turks have dominated the island for approximately  400 years, for which reason the old city area is full of mosques. In 1912, the Italians come into possession of the island after a short war with the Ottoman Empire and make this “Pearl” an Italian colony. The Italians built many buildings with public interest: the new market, the aquarium, in a very particular oriental Mediterranean style. They rebuild walls of the fortress, but they are all partially destroyed during the Second World War.
Rhodes is the capital of island and was founded 2400 years now. The tour begins with the exploration of the ancient “Acropola” city, located on Smith Mountain, where there are ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the stadium. Near the Acropola you will discover a different world, with high walls and narrow streets typical of the medieval Knights fortress. Byzantine churches, built in Gothic style, palaces, inns and mosques coexist with the modern style of new buildings that surround the historic and ancient port bordered by the magnificent statue of Colosseum  ave ry long time symbol of the Rhodos.
A Greek  evening with different traditional food in the  Restaurant in the town of Pastida: vestibules for 4 persons, salad, tzatziki, humus, mainly as a mixed-grill, dessert made of season fruits and 1 bottle of wine.

The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world with over 18000 islands. It is located east of the island Java.
Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in Asia surrounded by beautiful coral reefs spectacular landscapes with rivers and mountains and many rice terraces that can be found up to the peak of the volcanic mountains.
More than 3 million people live in this archipelago working and living in the true Asian spirit, most of them following religion called Hindu-Darma (a mix between budhism and hinduism).
The capital city of Bali is Denpasar and it is also the biggest city in Bali with a population of 300.000. The people here are extremely meticulous and well organized. Every activity is carefully planed and completed as fast as possible. No wonder that Indonesia is economically one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Some of the islands have mobile phone access and wireless internet.
Bali is a beautiful region not only thanks to the climate and the natural beauties but also for the splendid combination of 2 Asian religions, cultures thus creating a unique brand o people and splendid architecture that can be found here.
Hinduism spread to Bali between the VIII-XI th century when the nearby island of Java was lead by hinduists. In the XI th century Bali becomes part of Java. Between the 15 th and 16 th century islam is introduced to the people of Bali by muslim merchants. Many priest, teachers politicians flee to Bali the XVI th century when the Majapahit empire falls thus forming a unique mix between hinduist and budhist culture.
The Dutch are the first Europeans to come in contact with Bali in the year 1597. Durring the second world war the Japanese take over Indonesia and in 1950 Bali becomes part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Nowadays Bali is a select destination where tourists can go to admire beautiful architecture, splendid landscapes or just relax in the sun.
Popular places to visit are: The port of Padangbai where the Dutch first landed. Nowadays the port is the main hub for traveling to the other islands and it is filled with yachts and fishing ships. Near the village of Padangbai one of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found.
The Hall of Justice (Kerta Gosa) is a beautiful and tipical building architurely painted in the specific style of the region.
Panelocan is a city situated near an active volcano called Batur. This is also a popular tourist destination.
Bali is a paradise that has witnessed extraordinary economical growth in the past years and an explosion in tourism. It is truly one of the marvels of Asia worth visiting as many times as possible.

This is the most visited and largest recreation resort in the world.It contains four theme parks,two water parks, 23 themed hotels,and lots of shopping,dining and entertainment areas.

It is situated in the southwest of Orlando,Florida and it was opened in 1971.One of the attractions is Disney`s Hollywood studios:this amazing and relaxing place it`s a theme park that brings Hollywood glamour and excitement to life and lets you live your own make-believe adventure.

The Magic Kingdom is also a beauty that you can`t miss in the fairytale world of Disney. The simplicity and the charm of this “kingdom” maintained the visitors interested in it over the years,being a place where families join in a place where dreams come true. This “Kingdom” maybe was built for people who want to be transported back to their childhood from time to time, or for children witch need to find themselves. At the Magic Kingdom you can visit Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland.

Other favorites like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Haunted Mansion offer lots of great time and fun to the visitors.
If you want to have fun but also to learn new things the Epcot theme park is the place to visit. This park is dedicated to international culture and tchological innovation.

The world of animals and their mistery is also captured in the Disney`s Animal Kingdom. It is a kingdom of animals,real animals,ancient animals and also imaginary ones, all of them in a balance between survival and harmony. To animals from Africa, Asia, to animals from your favorite cartoons, like Mickey and Minnie, all of them are here, waiting for you to visit them.

You can relax and swim a little at the Typhoon Lagoon,a water park that looks like a tropical place full, of palms and mountains witch owns a wave pool, a surf pool, caves, waterfalls and other things where you can hang out and have a great time.

This beautiful place makes the tourists come here because it shelters things that you cant`s find in another place. There are other mysterious things to explore in here, but you should come and see it with your own eyes.

Karlovy Vary is situated in the western Bohemia at the confluence of rivers Teplá and Ohre, nearly 120 km west of Prague. It is the largest and best known SPA in the Czech Republic. At Karlovy Vary you get after crossing for about two hours after the exit of Prague, a rural area with localities and vast cultures of rape.
The city was founded in the XIV century by Charles IV. According to the legend, the emperor built the city shortly after the accidental discovery of mineral waters during its trips for hunting. The facilities and mineral waters benefits enjoyed many royal houses since XVI. Balneo-therapy has developed in that period.
After a few hundred meters from walking on the Tepla River, admiring the buildings in Art Nouveau style, the cafes, the luxurious shops, terraces and impeccable cleanliness, you get to the thermal springs center.

The hottest spring has 70 degrees, and the highest, over three m. Hundreds of tourists, mostly in large groups accompanied by guides, stand quietly in line to taste the hot water and salt, that u must drink in special cups, which can be bought from any kiosk with souvenirs, nearby.
The thermal water is famous for its therapeutic qualities, used to treat more than ten types of diseases . There can be treated many types of diseases, such as digestive and metabolic diseases, diabetes, gout, obesity, gingivitis, convalescent cancer, neurological diseases, and others. Also here are held annually numerous cultural events and sports.
The International Film Festival of Karlovy Vary attracts many fans from around the world.
Between the thermal springs and a glass of liqueur with 38% alcohol there is, in apparent, a single connection: many “degrees”. Actually, the two are linked by history over four centuries of the resort Karlovy Vary. The 14 thermal springs, treatments SPA hotel with impressive architecture and the museum of the traditional drink Becherovka attract not only celebrities from the world of art and politics, but also many tourists. The history of the drink that the Czechs have a real culture is presented for about 40 minutes by a guide who explains the medicinal properties of the potion only if you visit the museum. The drink contains 27 plants, macerated in alcohol, having a final drink of 38 degrees.
It is always a cold drink and said that two glasses of 20 ml. every day is a source of guaranteed health …
Tour presentation ends with a tasting of the original Becherovka and the other two sort of company. Finally, the visit to the museum ends with a meal at the restaurant … after so many tasting!

Athens, divided between the old culture and the beach areas, is one of the great cities of Europe, which offers a unique vacation: museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and if you want a change of scenery, seaside resorts will wait shining and full of life. You can visit Athens only for its Acropolis, and the Parthenon Museum, where you will find some of the most beautiful traces of ancient Greece and you’ll feel the charm of the sacred monuments and art.
If u climb the Acropolis and you watch the view and the city, you will discover every time another city, full of contrasts and surprises: the ancient, the Byzantine, the neoclassical, the modern, the happy.
The city’s joy can be seen everywhere: in the ancient theaters, in the modern exhibitions, in sport competitions, near the columns of an ancient temple, at a concert or even near a glass of Raki in a taverna. Or, also here, you can enjoy the night life that this city offers you generously through its restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Athens enjoys an excellent location, giving visitors the opportunity to know the ancient theater Epidavros, Mycenae and Delphi - home of King Agamemnon. Also, you can take cruises up to the nearby islands: Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Artistic Events, festivals, sports competitions, anniversaries and many other fun moments choose their hosts here in the town of the Olympic Games.
The best place to do shopping in Athens, and where you can find stores near stores, is Ermou street. Brands such as S. Oliver, Mark & Spencer, Benneton, Zara and more expect tourists to pass the threshold, and prices are up to 50% lower compared to other countries. Neither of souvenirs fans will get bored here. Some stores have incredible prices that skip your eye without even knowing. Here you can choose from dozens of pairs of shoes, from summer until winter. And if you have a few hours until the plane will go back home, just go back to Monastiraki. It’s time for a rich lunch and for souvenirs.
From Monastiraki there is not much and get up to ten minutes in Plaka, an old neighborhood with narrow streets, buildings that housing shops on the ground floor with souvenirs, clothing, jewellery and even restaurants. Street sellers will tempt you with watches and sunglasses. Linen blouses made for men, earrings and necklaces made of gold and silver for women, all kinds of articles that seem they want to disturb the tourits’ eyes with flashy colors , restaurants whose menu is in view, waiters bearing huge plates with unknown food. Everything is a wonderful mixture of life and color.
Tourists can find everything they want, but some souvenirs are to be doubted. Shops display copies of famous statues and Greek vessels, spread through the world’s museums.
After many hours of course that you have been hungry. If you wish, you can remain in Plaka, but due to the large number of tourists you might not find a place in a free meal or even if you find, you will have to stay cramped . You should better go to Psyrri, near the subway from Monastiraki, the area which is not so much circulated because there are just a few shops. A rich meal does not exceed ten euro with the drink included. The meal includes half of a chicken with gasket made of all sorts of vegetables. Do not be scared by the pitcher of water that no-one ordered: is just simple water, just for your thirst and will not appear on the bill.

Japan is about the size of Germany and has a population of aver 120 million. Although is has a huge population it has the lowest criminality rate in Asia. The country is covered almost entirely (about 80%) by mountains. It is a culturally rich country with unique architecture modern and old.

The capitol city is Tokyo and it is a very crowded city with a population of over 8.5 million. It is a beautiful city where modern architecture superbly combines with the old and gives tourist the unique cultural heritage of Japan.

Skyscrapers are in great numbers here and the city is divided in neighborhoods which seem cities themselves. Tokyo is also one of the cleanest cities in the world. Tourists can delight themselves by going to one of the many traditional restaurants or buying china, traditional clothing and many more items from one of the many shops here.

The Imperial Palace in the middle of the city is also a popular tourist attraction. The palace is surrounded.by beautiful gardens and is available for tourists only twice a year.
Yokohama port is a huge port with over 3 million people working there and tourists tours last more than an hour. Chinatown can also be found here where tourists can admire the luxurious neighborhood called Bluff where mostly foreign people live.

Tourists also visit the neighborhood called Ginza. This neighborhood is full of shops, clubs, restaurants and beautiful parks with big lakes where tourists can take relaxing boat rides. A large number of museums can also be found here where visitors can admire antique objects, old clothing and many more.

The old capital of Japan is Kyoto. This is traditional Japanese city. Historical buildings, old castles (Nijo from the XV th century), traditional food can be found everywhere in Kyoto. The most popular temples here are Kinkakuji and Sanjusangendo.

The sacred symbol of Japan is mount Fuji. This mountain is well known around the world for its perfectly symmetrical peaks and also the fact that its peaks are always covered in snow. The maximum altitude is 3775 m The mountain is considered by the Japanese people the home of the passed souls and also the home of the gods. The mountain belongs to the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park which is the biggest National Park in Japan. This area is an extraordinary place where tourists can take fishing and hunting trips, hiking trips or just come and enjoy the silence that gives the place its mystical aura.

Széchenyi lánchíd or Széchenyi Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Budapest, and was opened in 1849.
The Two ends are:The Roosevelt Square with the Hungarian Academy and the Gresham Palace and the other one is Adam Clarck Square with the Zero kilometre Stone and the lower end of the Castle Hill Funicular,leading to Buda Castle.

The bridge was designed by the English engineer William Tierney Clark in 1839, after Count István Széchenyi’s initiative in the same year, with construction supervised locally by Scottish engineer Adam Clark .It is a larger scale version of William Tierney Clark’s earlier Marlow Bridge, across the River Thames in Marlow, England.

The bridge was opened in 1849, and thus became the first permanent bridge in the Hungarian capital. At the time, its center span of 202 m was one of the largest in the world. The pairs of lions at each of the abutments were added in 1852. The bridge was given its current name in 1898.

The bridge’s steel structure was totally updated and strengthened in 1914. In World War II, the bridge was damaged, and it needed to be rebuilt. The rebuilding was completed in in 1949.Among the anecdotes relating to the bridge, the most popular is that the lions were sculpted without tongues and the sculptor was mocked so much that he jumped into the Danube in shame. The lions do have tongues (although they are not visible from below, which is the usual point of view, as the lions are lying on a stone block some three meters high).

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous community in north-eastern Spain. It is also the second biggest city of Spain after Madrid. Barcelona is on the Mediterranean coast, 160 km south of the Pyrénées mountain chain, which is the border with France.

Barcelona offers a unique opportunity for tourists, to walk from the roman remains to the medieval fortress, and to the modern city, a city with opened boulevards and all its crossroads left over large by the buildings cut in a unique way. The historical centre of the city is almost flat, while the modern city extends to the surrounding hills, with streets that increase in altitude, which remind one of San Francisco.

Places to visit …

The Gothic District

It is the oldest and interesting part of Barcelona. San Jaume square, a former Roman Forum, along with other ruins, City Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat. On the Taber mountain lived before the Roman tribes. In King’s Square (Plaza del Rei)is situated the Real Palace, the Holy Agata Church, the Palace crown of Aragon, the great Gothic cathedral built between 1298 and 1450, with a dome of 90m and medieval places like Casa dels Canonges, Pia Almoina and Ardiaca.

Las Ramblas

This boulevard of 2 km long, between the Catalunya Market and the port is the essence of Barcelona. You’ll see here people of all ages and social classes, boys who clean shoes, stands with flowers and vegetables, street actors, immense galleries, sweet shops, terraces and some of the biggest theatres of the city. Among the most interesting buildings is the Academy of Sciences with the giant clock from 1868, the Betlem church in Gothic and Baroque style and the Moya Palace with its beautiful halls and extraordinary pictures, often used for exhibitions. The Boqueria Market is the most popular market in the city, being situated on the site of the old city center of Barcelona. Another building that houses art exhibitions frequently is the Palace of Virreina. Burno Cuadros House is famous for the dragon in front. This is the area where once lived the bourgeoisie, being in present the heart of neighborhood artists, full of typical tempting bars.

The Port

Situated at the end of Las Ramblas, it is dominated by the column of Christopher Columbus, from the top of which one can admire a panoramic view of Barcelona

El Ensanche

The modern center of Barcelona, built between 1970 and 1936 by architect Cerda, in order to create a neighborhood for the bourgeoisie luxury of time, increasing the city five times compared to its original size. All the streets here form an angle of 90 degrees, an unusual thing in European urban planning. The most famous monuments in this area are the works of Antonio Gaudi, as the great cathedral Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and the Palace with the same name, the Punxes House and the Amatler House all the great work of modernist architecture. The Central Square, called Catalunya Square, with dimensions comparable with those of the Vatican City in Rome, stands as symbol of people’s mentality area, to change and innovation. In a regular basis, this market is changed. We should not forget Gracia Boulevard, a spacious boulevard with banks and palm trees and El Diagonal boulevard that crosses this part of the city from one part to the other.

Tibidabo

On Mount Tibidabo one can reach using the only train which left functional in Barcelona, and once you come here you can enjoy one of the most famous spectacular parks of entertainment in Europe.

Ciutadella Park

Here was held the World Exhibition in 1868. Also in the park is located the Parliament of Catalunia, the statue of the “Lady with the umbrella”, the symbol of Barcelona, and also various museums and Zoo.

In the 15 and 16 centuries, Portugal was a great maritime power, putting the foundations of a vast colonial empire, but it decades in the second half of the 16 century, the greatest part of its territory being conquered by the Netherlands and England. Between 1580 and 1640, Portugal is attached to Spain. In 1910, the monarchy is abolished and Portugal is proclaimed republic. In 1926 it recognizes the right to self-Portuguese colony and sovereignty. Portugal joined the EC 3 (current EU) in 1986.
Here you can discover the many vacation opportunities that are infinite: you can choose the healthy resorts of the sophisticated coastal neighborhoods, or you can visit the medieval towns of historical Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Coimbra. If you are indeed passionate of history, you can make a tour of the country (renting a car is not expensive in Portugal), stopping overnight at a pousada of famous monasteries, castles or former Boyar houses that provide accommodation at incredibly low prices. For those seeking an active vacation, Portugal is an excellent choice , being one of the top golf destinations. Fishing, horse riding or water sports such as ski and windsurf are also points of attraction of this destinations …
Clearings in which you can see how the almond trees grow up quietly, forests of cork trees and golden fields in Alentejo, farms in Ribatejo, narrow paths in Alfama, Lisbon, carts pulled by bullocks in the Minho and vineyards in the Douro. Azalea and cane growing everywhere, the sound of fado music is heard in small cafes. The mills clack in front of the Atlantic breeze; boats filled with sardines waving in gulfs, and white houses are drown in the sun. The sea is always present and the sound wave is the sweetest music ever created by nature.
Portugal is one of the most favorite touristic places. The beauty of the country, the quality of tourism services and collaboration with the best local partners have turned Portugal into a successful destination, being chose by more and more tourists.
The blue sky, with wonderful and sunny bays, shining colors, oak forests and plantations of olive trees, castles and pousadas are only a part of the tourist attractions of Portugal.
A country of seafarers and conquerors, the country of Vasco da Gama, a country of miracles, a country with a fascinating combination of styles of architecture, and a wine country Porto, Portugal is a destination worth to be seen.

Manhattan is one of the  beautiful neighbourhoods from New York the biggest city in the U.S.A. In this borough of contrasts, everything is possible. If you want to have a good time,you can go out and feed your curiosity, meeting new people and learning more about the culture and habits of the Manhattan people.

If you just want to relax and read a book,you can go and get lost in the beauty and in the silence of a park, like Teardrop park.

Teardrop Park is a public park in downtown Manhattan, in Battery Park City near to the site of the World Trade Center. The park design includes artworks specifically designed for the park location by Ann Hamilton. The park was designed in anticipation of four high residential towers that would define its eastern and western edges. At Teardrop, play elements are integrated into the landscape with the intention of providing city children with play experiences that encourage  imagination through interaction with natural materials including water, plants, rock, and sand.

Many tourists all over the world come in Manhattan to visit the collections full of history sheltered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Represented in the permanent collection are works of art from classical antiquity and Ancient Egypt, paintings and sculptures from nearly all the European masters, and an extensive collection of American and modern art. This amazing museum owns one of the world`s largest art galleries. You can also find collections of musical instruments,antique weapons and other things that reminds us the beauty and the mystery of the past .

If you love modern art, your eyes are spelled by the abstract and high tech works of art, the Modern Art Museum is the right place to go.

Considered by many to have the best collection of modern Western masterpieces in the world, this museums`s holdings include more than 150,000 individual pieces in addition to approximately 22,000 films and 4 million film stills. The collection houses such important and familiar works as the following: “The Sleeping Gypsy” by Henry Rousseau, “The starry Night” by Van Gogh, and other works of art that worth seeing them. An art photography collection its exposed at this museum and also a film collection, so there are great things to see at the Modern Art Museum.

Another amazing museum you can visit in Manhattan is Whitney Museum of American Art.
This museum was named after the founder of it, a great woman involve with art.She founded her own museum because her art collection was turned off by the Metropolitan Museum.The museum displays paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, installations, video, and photography. Every two years, the museum hosts the Whitney Biennial, an international art show which displays many lesser-known artists new to the American art scene.

Manhattan its an amazing place,and attracts tourists because  everything is possible in here. From huge party’s to relaxing spots for your children and you, and even a centre of culture owning important museums full of culture and knowledge. Manhattan is the place were great and big buildings tickle the clouds and the blue sky.