Turkey, exotic, colorful, many-faceted, romantic, ever-old and ever-new, is the gateway and the key to the fabled East. Turkey has a magnificent past and is a land full of historic treasures.
Cheap Travel Europe Tour Guide
Well, I guess I’d be a somewhat unorthodox travel agency, but for those who are interested in adventure and not just the five star hotel and standard package, I could offer you some interesting spice for your travels.On my pages you will find my experiences while I travel through Europe, which I do on a full time basis, since I moved myself and my business into a caravan truck so that I could travel and discover the world. But while traveling I can stumble on and make friends with hidden and romantic little pensions which you would not find through your standard travel agent. Or I could recommend to you some secluded beach or hidden ruins not brought to your attention by the standard travel agent because these usually only sell you packages from which they make a profit. If you want to get off the trodden tourist trail and away from the bustling crowds and really discover a country, you want first-hand advice from a local, like me. Even though I’m a ‘local’ in many places.
 | On the Euro Trip page you will see maps of where I have been so far. While traveling, if I find a nice quaint pension which attracts my attention, I will collect their business card and can book a room for you. In time I plan to take pictures of hotels/pensions with their rooms and put them on individual country pages. I’ll choose only places where the staff seem nice and where I get a good feeling. Cook up a storm by the seaside anytime you want, and sleep under the stars like we did here. |
While driving around, wherever you want to go, get a fantastic view which you'll never get behind the tinted windows of a seat-crammed bus.
K-2 2nd Tallest Peak for HIKING Lovers Undated file photo provided by the Pakistan Tourism Office in Islamabad July 26 2004, shows the world's second tallest peak K-2 in northern area of Pakistan. A Pakistani tour operator says nine climbers are feared to have died in an avalanche after scaling the world's second-highest mountain, K-2. (AP Photo/Pakistan Toursim Office)
City Stop Over Tours | |
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| City Tours of India | |
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Kerala Tourism: Is Kerala Safe for Tourism?
Kerala tourism has been hit by the mumbai terrorist attacks. The tourism department is organising several steps to increase the inflow of tourists from all over the world. The website of kerala tourism www.keralatourism.org now features this banner.
Pamplona Holiday & Tourism Guide
Pamplona: home of the San Fermin festival, famous for “the running of the bulls” ritual. Travelers from all over visit this city to witness the fiesta that Ernest Hemingway immortalized in his world-famous novel The Sun Also Rises. The lush green Pamplona is also the historical capital city of the Basque Country and a charming tourist destination with its cobblestone streets and 16th century intact city walls.
Why Real Travelers vacation in Pamplona
ATV Ride in Ubud
Meet the friendly people
But of course Bali has much more than that, and for the people who want to experience what Bali is really like, we from BALI QUAD DISCOVERY TOURS have developed some unique off road adventure tours with quad bikes (ATV’s) four wheel drive motorcycles through a very authentic part of the island. Our tours combine a great experience of driving your own powerful off road 4-wheel motorcycle (or enjoying the ride while comfortably sitting on the back of the bike) with the opportunity to learn about the way the local people live. You will follow our experienced guides by driving between beautiful rice fields, pass the rainforest, drive up the mountain and cross some riverbeds. It doesn’t matter if you have ever driven a quad bike before, as the bikes are user friendly, and everybody will get a detailed instruction and practice on the spot before we start our tours.
We drive you into the heart of Bali
What makes our tour unique is the fact that we reach the most hidden spots on the island, were we meet the friendly local people, and we mostly use small tracks which are also used by them. To ensure that we don’t disturb the environment, and to give all our participants a maximum of assistance and service, we normally only drive with small groups with a maximum of 6 bikes. All of our tours are accompanied by two experienced, English speaking guides. If we have people joining with very different skills, we will split up in different groups, to make sure that everybody can enjoy in his own way. Therefore, our tours are suitable for all ages, as long as you are in a good physical shape.
Summer Tour to Khandala
There are many hill stations in India these all are the focal attraction in India. Every year numerous tourist visits in the state of Maharashtra look natural beauty of Khandala hill station. Khandala is a rich in natural beauty. Green picturesque surroundings Khandala hill station fascinate tourist. Khandala is very prominent in all over the world for its lush green hilly environs. There are many trekking trails which are the best way to observe scenic beauty. Another place that rich in green lush is Lonavala hill station. It is far way only 5 km from Khandala. Lonavala and Khandala hill station both have same geographical settings.
Khandala has lots of lakes some of them are Tugauli Lake, Bhushi Lake and Lonavala Lake. If you visit in Khandala then you should see Walvan Dam to store its memory in mind thought life. Bhaja and Karla Caves shows its history these are 16 km from khandala. You tour would be incomplete you didn’t see god gifted natural beauty. Khandala is a very famous tourist stop in the state of Maharashtra. Get free from cities’ hot and pollution Khandala hill station is the right and best place. You can enjoy here as well as observe green beauty of it.
Kalimantan Destination Guide | |
 | Quick Travel Information Links to Tourism destinations all over Kalimantan,Cities,Villages, Rivers,and National Parks,find information from distances, routes, interests, and main things to do per location, which can help you to make your dream holiday at Kalimantan, budget or luxery. |
That was the most beautiful Mayan Ruins I've seen across Latin America and South Mexico.
Little bit about it below.
The steamy hot jungles of the eastern Guatemala lowlands hide evidence of a vast Mayan civilization that prospered around 700 AD. Archaeologists exploring the region excavated forest-clad mounds that led to the discovery of a complex network of ancient cities.
Topoxte, Yaxhá, Nakún, Uaxatún, El Mirador and many more - but the most spectacular of all is Tikal, with its five skyscraper-like temples poking above the forest canopy. The highest, at 65 metres, is the Temple of the Two Headed Snake (Temple IV), which was built by King Yaxkin Caan Chac around 470 AD.
The base of the pyramid is a tangle of trees and vines with wooden steps leading steeply upward. At the halfway terrace is an entrance to a tomb. It is a welcome breathing spot and viewpoint over the forest. A steady stream of tourists from all over the world, young and old, bodies dripping with perspiration, pause to rest. Panting, they admire the view, study their guide book and take photographs before continuing upwards.
The final 8 metres is up a vertical iron ladder to access the summit ledge. I hesitate. Will I or won't I? Resting awhile to gather breath and confidence, I watch tourist bottoms disappear successfully upwards. Others give one look and shake their heads - "Not for me," they say. Really, the Maya have a lot to answer for - no thought for the well-being of tourists 1300 years later. I pluck up courage and ascend rung by rung, to burst forth onto the topmost ledge. Wow! What a view!
Temple of the Masks
Temple of the Masks
Jungle tops stretch to the horizon, punctuated by the summits of four stone temples. Some 700 metres distant is the Great Plaza, where the ruler Ah Cacao, alias King Chocolate, built the Temple of the Masks (Temple II) and the Temple of the Great Jaguar (Temple I), his burial site, ca 700 AD.
At ground level the tourists picnic under rustic shelters, sharing tidbits with the multi-hued ocellated turkey. Howler monkeys, shy of humans, swing in tree tops. Black vultures glide overhead and gather to roost on top of the Temple of the Great Jaguar.
Fascinating are the leaf cutter ants. These industrious creatures have a special tree from which they cut up leaves into tiny pieces and carry them to their den maybe fifty metres distant. A busy column of ants, coming and going, suggests how the Maya built these huge stone cities.
Tikal lies 71 km NE of Flores, the capital of El Petén Province. Flores is a tidy Spanish colonial village crowded onto an island hill in Lake Petén Itzá. It is connected to the mainland and the seedy town of Santa Elena by a half kilometre causeway. Santa Elena is a scary wreck of a place having unsealed streets frequented by roaming cattle, pigs and chickens. Walk across the causeway and you enter a new world - Flores the tourist town, with sealed streets, colonial buildings, craft shops, economical hotels and hospedajes, dinky cafés and restaurants with lakeside views.
Parrot
Macaw Parrot
There is much to see and do in Flores. It is a good place to linger and relax. The "El Tucán" restaurant on the lakeshore is a great place but watch out for the bird-life! Their pet Macaw parrot will insist on his share of your meal, and if he gets close enough will crunch to pieces any shirt button or ear-ring!
You can cruise the lake in a motorised dugout canoe, visit lakeside villages and a zoo, or go fishing for bass. The hilltop plaza houses the cathedral and a tourist information office.
A daily minibus service operates between Flores and Tikal with pickup at Flores hotels for US$7 return. Entrance fee to the National Park is US$10. Leaving at 6 am, you arrive by 7:30 am ready for breakfast at the rustic Gran Jaguar restaurant near the park entrance.
Early morning mists make the 1 km jungle walk to the first temple somewhat eerie. The jungle is as fascinating as the ruins. Fat-trunked ceiba trees and Spanish cedar bedecked with epiphytes and orchids, once provided timbers for houses and canoes. Spices and fruits abound and were used by the Maya, including pimiento and chicle, the source of chewing gum.
Grassy glades extend around the Great Plaza, the centre of the ancient city of Tikal. What a magnificent spot! East and west of the plaza are the Temples of the Gran Jaguar and The Masks, while to the north lies the sprawling Acropolis.
Coatimundi
Coatimundi
By midday the ruins are alive with tourists. The heat is stifling as the sun reflects off the white limestone walls and paths. I escape the blistering heat of the plaza by strolling the cool jungle paths - animals scamper here and there - the pizote or coatimundi, the rat-like capybara, and foxes do their thing.
Being surrounded by jungle makes Tikal so different from the other famous Mayan sites of Uxmal and Chitchén Itzá in the Yucatán.
Tikal was an important Mayan settlement for over 1500 years, starting about 700 BC. During the Classic Period 300 - 900 AD, the city prospered through trade and military conquest when the population peaked at 100,000. This period began with King Yax Moch Xoc, followed by King Great Jaguar Paw, Lord Water, General Smoking Frog, Lord Chocolate all playing their part. Lord Chocolate (682-734 AD) was the 26th successor to the throne after Yax Moch Xoc and he and others were responsible for building the two temples on the great plaza.
This civilization suffered a mysterious collapse after 900 AD when the cities became deserted and the jungle took over. Remnant Maya settled around Lake Petén Itzá and on the island now occupied by Flores. Their island village of Tayasal was captured by the Spanish in 1697.
The lost world of the Maya was rediscovered by European explorers in the 1840's and it rapidly became a focus for archeological research which is continuing today. The tourist boom is a comparatively recent phenomenon. Today the 576 sq km Tikal National Park with its thousands of preserved stone structures is there for all to explore and enjoy.
China Travel News
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Winter fun without the skis
Believe it or not, there is plenty of opportunity to rejoice in the thick white blanket covering New England in the winter,...without knowing how to ski. To live here, is to love the outdoors, and all it's beauty season after season. Get outdoors to see the landscape change into its winter clothes, and maybe, just maybe you'll learn to welcome the season that so many curse.
While skiing is their forte, their snow tubing is a huge draw in their Arctic Blast Park. Offering seven lanes of fast fun, there won't be much sitting around. With 2 lifts, snowmaking and night time lights, there is plenty of opportunity to go. All ages are welcome. Children 42 inches and taller may ride solo; little ones may ride with an adult. Two hour ticket is $22. If this is a hit, then purchase a season-long tubing pass for unlimited slippin’ and slidin’ all winter long for $99 per person. [Photo courtesy of Cranmore Mountain]
Yeah, so you don't even have to break a sweat to enjoy the season outdoors. Birding is for all ages, and all people. All you need to do is observe, appreciate, and identify our winged creatures that were not frightened into migrating south. On Plum Island, veteran birders host birding weekends for both the novice and the expert. In the winter you may spot a snow goose, mute swan, Great black-backed gull, snowy owl or red-bellied woodpecker. And if you haven't seen the dunes in the snow, I suggest you go and at least take in the landscape, letting the others identify all winged creatures for you! [Photo courtesy of Newburyport Chamber of Commerce]
3. Snowmobiling - Alpine Adventures, Lincoln, N.H.No, you don't need to know how to ride, you don't need to know where you're going and you certainly can bring the kids! Alpine Adventures offers rentals, guided tours, and expert advice on how to make the most of your experience. Alpine Adventures has been touring Franconia Notch State Park and the White Mountain National Forest under special use permits for 12 years. Many guests return each year for family events, a quiet couples outing or group adventure. There are 3 different tours available, and prices range from $69-$134 per person. They'll also help you with lodging packages and other events taking place during your visit, so you can continue with your fun all weekend long.
Botanic Gardens (Dublin, Ireland)
Many plants are grown in the Victorian glasshouses. These buildings have long been a great attraction of Glasnevin, especially the curvilinear range which was commissioned by David Moore in the 1840s and is now in the process of being restored. The central pavilion and one wing of this range was built by Richard Turner, the Dublin-born ironmaster, and completed in 1848. Twenty years later Turner ingeniously doubled the building in size by removing the walls and extending it back
© The Spa at the Omni Tucson National
The results are in. Mobil Travel Guide’s 2009 Four- and Five-Star winners include 44 Five-Star hotels, 20 Five-Star restaurants, and eight Five-Star spas. The Four-Star winners include 137 hotels and resorts, 159 restaurants and 95 spas. Which Las Vegas brand earned Five-Star ratings for its restaurant, spa and hotel? Which American city boasts more Five-Star hotels than any other? View our Star Awards winners page to see all North American and International winners.
© VISIT FLORIDA
we've gathered the best stretches of sand across the globe and recommended Mobil Travel Guide's favorite places to stay, dine and explore once you reach them. From Orlando to Oahu, here's the scoop on the world's best beaches.
© Yachts of Seabourn
Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned vet, there's a cruise for you. No longer just floating hotels, today's cruise ships are loaded with luxuries and diversions that keep you entertained while you're at sea, whether you're cruising to Alaska or Antartica. You'll find everything from celebrity chef-led restaurants to climbing walls, top-notch theater to world-class shopping. All you have to decide is on which one you want to set sail.
© Dennis - Fung
We at Mobil Travel Guide have the rare pleasure of rating, inspecting and exploring the world's most exciting cities. But Hong Kong is one of our favorite destinations. Once you visit Hong Kong and meet the people, experience the cuisine and have a cocktail at a lounge high in the sky overlooking Victoria Harbour, you'll see why. Check out our guide to the very best of Hong Kong...
© Macau Government Tourist Office
This former Portuguese colony is quickly becoming the biggest gambling destination in the world. All the big players have come to town with sprawling, over-the-top luxurious hotels and casinos, leading 30 million people to visit in the last few years. Why is Macau suddenly so hot? Read on to find out...
© Las Vegas News Bureau/Bob Brye
ve the same trip twice. You can stay at a different hotel each time you visit, eat in all new restaurants and check out the latest attractions. There is more to do in this city than you can imagine.
© Istock/Rick Hyman
A sprawling, massive city of more than 14 million people, Beijing got its start as a small northern trade outpost and grew over thousands of years to become the Chinese capital. And while much of old Beijing is being torn down to be replaced by shining, modern towers at an incredible speed, visitors can still find glimpses...
San Francisco Travel Guide
San Francisco is a hot spot destination for people both domestic and foreign. The city of San Francisco lies by the Bay Area and is famous for its diverse culture and political communities. It houses some of the best restaurants in the world and its scenic beauty & hilly terrain are worth a visit anytime. The city is known for its complete European ambience and has so many well known sites famous among the tourists. The perfect masterpiece work of engineering of the 19th century, the Golden Gate Park, is a well known place throughout the world and combines the customs of the museums with the beauty of its gardens. It also hosts the largest China Town in the United States, which is a popular tourist destination in itself.
The city of San Francisco has a great public transportation system in place with buses, cabs, and subways being the most popular one. Bicycling is also very popular in the city with more than 40,000 commuting to work on cycle everyday. Then there are also the well known cable cars which take you on a scenic tour of the city along major tourist attractions.
The easiest and the best way to reach the city is to take a flight. There are 3 main airports: Oakland International, San Francisco International and the Mineta San Jose International. There are many tourist agents who can plan the whole trip for you and booking tickets earlier can help to get some great deals. San Francisco is a great place to be all around the year which guarantees a great holiday.
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