Whenever people talk about an African vacation, images of the open savannah, spectacular landscapes, free roaming wildlife, proud tribes, and exhilarating safaris come to mind. To most, Africa is a mysterious place, a continent full of many strange secrets that yet have to be solved.
The call of the wild has lured many, and for most travelers, their African safari holidays are some of the best they ever experienced. They were adventuresome, eventful and delivered everything they promised. Regardless if they were splashing in lagoons, flying low over the sand dunes of the Skeleton Coast, observing the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania, or witnessing a beautiful sunrise over the world’s oldest living desert at Sossusvlei (Namib Desert); whatever activities they had planned, they all turned out and created unforgettable memories.
African safari holidays can become an incredible experience, as long as you follow a few simple rules.
• Know what kind of vacation you want. Africa is the second largest continent in the world and offers many tourist attractions. Having your objectives in place when you head to your expert safari travel agency will save you lots of time. It also helps to narrow down the countries – or areas – you should consider.
• Book your trip through a reliable and experienced African safari company, one that focuses on your needs, rather than their profits. Find multiple reviews online and carefully read what other trekkers experienced using the safari agencies you are considering.
• Collect as much information as you can about your travel destinations. This includes matters such as appropriate clothing, what medications, insect repellant, sun screen lotion, you should take, local customs, etc. Do not hesitate to contact your safari provider if there are issues you do not clearly understand. The more you know before your departure, the better.
• Always inform your tour operator if you are dealing with medical concerns. Ask your health care provider for vaccinations, as well as detailed instructions on what should be done in case a health problem arises while away from home. Pack plenty of medication, and add some spare in case of a travel emergency. It would not be the first time passengers are stranded at the airport.
• The clothing you should be wearing on your african safari holidays is lighter, less colorful and made from breathable materials. Ask your safari provider what shoe ware is appropriate for the kind of trip you reserved, and don’t forget to pack a hat.
• Once your adventure has started, always carry a sufficient amount of food and water with you. While observing the leopards, elephants, giraffes or other wildlife, drink as much fluid as possible to stay hydrated. Keep yourself covered at all times to avoid annoying insect bites and painful sunburns.
• Keep your precious belongings, like you passport, cash and other important documents on you, or have them locked up in a safe, if you are staying at a respectable hotel. Photocopies of your important paperwork should be kept separately; you can also save them in a secure internet file, which you could access from a local computer, in case the originals are lost or stolen. Thieves are everywhere, no matter where you are.
• If your journey was planed way in advance, observe the local currency so you are familiar with its fluctuations. Calculate in these ‘ups and downs’ when exchanging your money, so you know with certainty that you will have sufficient spending money for the entire trip.
• Ask your safari provider if you require certain permits or permissions to visit certain places. The last thing you need, while on your African safari holidays, is to end up in jail, simply because you were unaware of certain restrictions. Ignorance is no excuse, not at home, and not in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, or any other African nation.
Leave your worries at home and enjoy your safari!
About the Author
Encompass Africa creates dream african safari experiences. You will stay in the heart of the action, get up and close to the animals and see the beautiful landscapes on your african safari.
Tags: Africa, safari
Many of the best-known Snowdonia attractions are in the north of the region – Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Conwy and Pwllheli are all popular, for example – but the southern end of Snowdonia also has plenty to offer.
Many notable historic events have taken place in Southern Snowdonia. In Machynlleth Owain Glyndwr reputedly held his parliament in 1404, and from Dolgellau the Quakers took their message to America in the 17th century. In Bala, in the 19th century, plans for a Welsh colony in Patagonia were first discussed; and Harlech Castle’s surrender to the besieging parliament forces in 1647 marked the end of the Civil War.
But even if history isn’t your ‘thing’, there are still many excellent reasons to visit Southern Snowdonia. We’ve put together a list of ten fun things to see and do in Southern Snowdonia; but there are many, many more!
1. The Glassblobbery, Bala
The Glassblobbery is a glassblowing workshop, and a gallery of all sorts of crafts from Wales and the UK. Entry to the Glassblobbery is free, and they sell so many beautiful glass statues, jewellery, ceramics and other crafts, you’re unlikely to come away empty-handed!
2. Fairbourne Railway
This miniature steam railway will take you on a scenic tour of the stunning countryside of the Mawddach Estuary, from Fairbourne along the beach to the Barmouth Ferry, where you can ride the ferry to the seaside resort of Barmouth. The station at Fairbourne also houses a small museum, tea room and gift shop.
3. Ty Siamas, Dolgellau
Ty Siamas – the National Centre for Welsh Folk Music at Neuadd Idris, Dolgellau – houses interactive exhibitions on Welsh folk music, and plays host to a number of musical performances throughout the year. There’s also a cafe and a shop where you can buy a wide selection of Welsh folk CDs, musical instruments and souvenirs.
4. Corris Mine Explorers
Explore the former Welsh slate mine of Braich Goch with Corris Mine Explorers, for a really unusual day out. As you explore the mines you’ll discover abandoned tools and machinery, and learn about the hardships of a miner’s life and the history of the mine.
5. Parliament House, Machynlleth
This 17th century former townhouse occupies the site of an older building, reputed to have been the site of Owain Glyndwr’s parliament in 1404 to organise his revolt against King Henry IV of England. Inside you’ll find fascinating displays and exhibitions about Glyndwr and his military campaigns.
6. Coed y Brenin Forest Park
Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau, is home to some of the finest mountain biking in the UK – and it’s also great for woodland walks. You can bring your own bike or hire one once you get there; and for the smallest members of your family there’s an exciting tiered children’s play area. Make sure you visit the cafe – as well as offering a wide range of refreshments, the views can’t be beaten!
7. Cader Idris
Everyone’s heard of Snowdon, but Snowdonia has another very famous mountain – Cader Idris, or Idris’ Chair in English, in homage to the giant who once lived there and used the mountain as his seat. The mountain is home to lakes that are, in legend at least, bottomless; and it’s also spawned many stories in folklore, such as “if you sleep a night on Cader Idris, you’ll come down the next morning either a madman or a poet”.
8. Shell Island
Shell Island is a peninsula just off Llanbedr, a few miles south of Harlech. It’s home to one of the biggest campsites in Europe, and between January and June you’ll find over 200 varieties of shells washed up on the beach. Shell Island is also home to many varieties of wildflower, growing untouched in their natural habitat. A must-visit if you enjoy solitude, tranquillity and watching nature at work – although there’s also a pub, restaurant and snack bar if you’re feeling sociable.
9. Barmouth
Lovers of the good old-fashioned British seaside resort won’t be disappointed with Barmouth. As well as stunning beaches, ice creams and a little funfair, Barmouth has plenty of shops, amusement arcades, pubs and picturesque views. There’s also a Sailor’s Institute where you can learn about the history of Barmouth, and a fascinating shipwreck museum.
10. Harlech
There are many excellent reasons to visit Harlech, but here are the top three: First, the clifftop medieval castle which dominates the skyline; second, Royal St David’s – one of the top golf courses in Wales; and third, Theatr Harlech, which hosts an eclectic range of events from world cinema and popular music to art exhibitions and dance workshops. Oh go on then – just one more… the views across the dunes are to die for!
About the Author
Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose not-for-profit Snowdonia Mountains and Coast website provides visitors to Snowdonia with a wealth of useful information about the region. Visitors to the website can also find out more about things to do in Snowdonia
Tags: Snowdonia, United Kingdom, Wales, Welsh
Britain has a lot to offer for a short break and many people are choosing to stay closer to home for holidays. We can see this as a knock-on from the financial crisis, but this does not mean people have forgotten the benefits of holidaying away in France, especially as the economy looks more confident.
France is a country filled with tourist delights that are certain to impress even the most discerning traveller. The reason for this is because of the diversity in scenery and pace which can be found across the various regions, ranging from bustling urban site seeing to laid back, relaxed country getaways.
If the fast paced, lively atmosphere of a city takes to your fancy, then France has a number of cities drenched in history. Of course the most popular of these is Paris which provides visual pleasures such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and the infamous Notre Dame. However, many people tend to overlook cities such as Calais, Dijon, Lille and Nice, each with their own take on French culture.
If city life isn’t for you, then France has many secluded cottages, vineyards and farm houses dotted across the vast rural spaces. These sorts of properties may be stereotyped to the rich and wealthy for their summer getaway, but holiday planners can rent French cottages catered especially for tourists.
After booking a stay in a French cottage, you can expect to choose from a huge variety of activities ranging from wine tours, skiing and relaxing on the seaside.
Recent reports found a six per cent drop in tourists last year, thought to be a result of the economic crisis, but it is claimed the industry is feeling positive about the prospects for this year and explains the cheap cost of travel to France from the UK is a huge bonus. The use of the Channel tunnel and rental cars, have brought France even closer and holiday reps have countered the economic crisis with some great deals.
So now is a great time to hop across the Channel and enjoy the sights and sounds of France for this summer, be it for a weekend, a week or a fortnight.
About the Author
VFB Holidays – Which? Holiday Favourite Tour Operator 2010, providing an exciting range of choices, from French Cottages, Italian Villas and themed weekend city breaks throughout Europe.
Tags: France, French
1. Provence – East of the river Rhône, Provence begins with the neighbouring départements of Vaucluse and Drôme, regions of mountains, fertile plains and rivers which display all the magnetic beauty and contrast of Mediterranean mountain country. Unspoilt Drôme is famed for the clarity of its mountain air, its Mediterranean warmth and for its timeless little villages, tucked away in peaceful valleys. It is in the Rhône valley that the most important historical landmarks of Provence are to be found and no other part of France better displays the art of Roman civilisation.
2. Brittany – Jutting out into the Atlantic, France’s most westerly province stands surrounded on three sides by the natural boundary with which its prosperity is traditionally associated. Yet it is precisely the isolation of Brittany from the rest of France which accounts for the preservation of much that is unique about the gentle Celtic land. Most of France’s provinces have their individual identities but, with Brittany the impression is almost of being in another land.
3. Normandy – The historic province of Normandy encompasses five départements, from the wide cereal plains of Eure in the east to the patchwork countryside of little fields between high earth banks that is the bocage of the Cotentin peninsula. Behind the sheer chalk cliffs and sandy beaches which extend almost uninterrupted along Normandy’s coastline lies a region whose wealth of man-made and natural treasures could surely justify the claim that this, among France’s many beautiful provinces, is the richest of them all.
4. Atlantic Coast – Something for every taste, from the riches of its history to the unrivalled quality of its wines and the broad sandy beaches which make it the preferred holiday destination of the French themselves. The western littoral of France unites the indomitable Atlantic with a green and pleasant hinterland. The region stretches from the Vendée at its northern extremity, where sandy beaches lie framed by rocky cliffs, to the mouth of the Gironde estuary to the south. Here an extraordinary variety of landscapes can be found.
5. Dordogne – Discover the famous rivers, historic sites, picturesque villages & renowned gastronomy of these two neighbouring regions. Stretching south and west from the lower plateaux of the Massif Central, the Dordogne is a region which, perhaps above all others of the Midi, inspires the greatest feeling of bien-être. This is a land of sunshine, of history and renowned gastronomy, with a temperate climate and green, hilly countryside and quaint French cottages. The rivers wind their way along the valleys, wandering first this way then that in a series of picturesque meanders.
6. Languedoc – Roussillon – Languedoc-Roussillon border the Mediterranean along the Golfe du Lion for some 150 miles as it sweeps round from the Camargue to the pyrenean frontier with Spain. The area covered by these two provinces consists of four départements; a region of mountains, plains, ancient cities and ultra-modern resorts. It is blessed with a dry climate and that intensity of light which is so characteristic of Mediterranean countries.
7. Alps – A superb holiday region with great lakes, snow-capped peaks, charming flower filled chalets, pure mountain air and a variety of activities for everyone. From the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean at Nice, the climate changes from alpine to sub-tropical while the scenery is transformed from the gently pastoral, picture-postcards valleys of Savoie to the white limestone wilderness of Haute-Provence.
8. Burgundy – One of the richest and most charming of France’s provinces, Burgundy’s fame is universal, for Chablis, Mâcon and Nuits-St-Georges are among the names of its many great ambassadors. From Lyon north to Dijon, the wide valley of the Saône is virtually one uninterrupted mass of vineyards. The little roads which wind through the countryside are dotted with charming wine-producing villages and French cottages, as pretty as a picture, whose old stone houses, light gold beneath wide roofs of red and brown, stand out resplendent as the sun beats down.
9. Loire – The garden of France sung about by early poets, a long ribbon of precious land displaying wide, fertile horizons, sunny vine-clad slopes, green valleys and colourful flower-decked villages. The valleys of the Loire and its tributaries are renowned for their magnificent Renaissance châteaux and mediaeval citadels, some of which are considered to be among the finest examples of architectural genius in the world. To visit is to take a step back in history and to sample her douceur de vivre.
10. Pyrenees – Contrasting sharply with the vast, undeviating coastline of the Côte d’Argent, the Côte Basque is characterised by cliffs, creeks and jagged rocks. It is a short but fine coastline, pounded by Atlantic rollers which offer some of the best surfing in Europe. ‘Beautiful people’ are attracted to the sophistication of Biarritz and the colourful animation of fishing ports like St-Jean-de-Luz. From the coast, one is drawn to the silhouette of the Pyrenees coming down to the sea.
About the Author
VFB Holidays – Which? Holiday Favourite Tour Operator 2010, providing an exciting range of choices, from French Cottages, Italian Villas and themed weekend city breaks throughout Europe.
Tags: Brittany, Burgundy, France, French, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Normandy, Provence, Pyrenees
Whale watching has long been a favorite activity in Southern California, especially in San Diego. For almost 60 years, since 1955, locals and visitors alike have taken to the California waters to observe and understand these diverse mammals. Perhaps the fascination has to do with seeing enormous creatures whose size is dwarfed only by their seeming gentleness. Or perhaps we are thrill-seekers intrigued by the tales of “Jaws.” Whatever the reason, So Cal whale watching is high on the list of interesting things to do in the Golden State.
Although there are many spots in San Diego you might want to explore, whale watching in Southern California can be done from a variety of locations. Take whale watching in Los Angeles, for instance. On a private tour, you’ll likely see the California Gray Whale, who calls these shores home. But on a chartered or commercial whale watching cruise, you may also see Fin Whales, Blue Whales, Humpback Whales and Mike Whales. Even Orcas – most commonly thought of as “killer whales” can occasionally be seen there. Los Angeles is only about an hour north of San Diego, and the drive along the Pacific Coast is well worth the trip.
Watching whales in Long Beach is also popular. This destination is even closer than Los Angeles, maybe a half hour from San Diego depending on where you start. Most of these excursions depart near the port where the famous Queen Mary sits proudly in her slip. Some whale watching cruises in Long Beach offer special trips featuring Orcas, who you may be surprise to know, are not actually whales at all but rather the largest species of dolphins. Maybe that’s why many whale watching operations also offer dolphin cruises as part of their services.
Other cities in and around San Diego also offer a variety of whale watching cruises. Dana Point, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach are all popular spots to watch whales and dolphins.
There are several things to consider when planning a whale watching outing in San Diego. Not all whale watching cruises or dolphin watching excursions are alike. Price is of course always a consideration, so make sure you do your homework before signing up to do any OC whale watching. You’ll also want to investigate the size of the boat for your outing, how long the trip will be, what you can expect to see depending on the current migration pattern, and what kinds of accommodations are on board. You may want to know if you can rent binoculars while on board, or how many restrooms are available, and what the age requirements for children are designated. Whale watching tours can range from 2 hours to all-day excursions, so make sure you plan ahead!
San Diego whale watching is only one of the exciting activities you can enjoy in this region. Restaurants, movies, theaters, kids’ playgrounds, shopping and people-watching are just as popular as taking to the sea to see whales and dolphins. Just laying on the beach in San Diego is also a popular pastime.
San Diego also has a terrific nightlife full of dancing and music if you’re in the mood. As a major tour destination for many musical acts, San Diego offers a wide variety of concerts and special theater events. Just take a look in the local paper or online and we bet you’ll find your favorite band is giving a concert sometime soon.
Whatever your pleasure, on the sea or on land, San Diego is a great place to find it!
About the Author
San Diego whale watching is only one of the exciting activities you can enjoy in this region. Restaurants, movies, theaters, kids playgrounds, shopping and people-watching are just as popular as taking to the sea to see whales and dolphins.
Tags: California, San Diego, United States
The cruises on Lake Windermere are truly worth a go as the magnificent scenery can be taken in fully. Taking out a Lake District boat charter is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion. Windermere Lake cruises can be taken out for half days, full days or as bespoke charters.
Windermere in the English Lake District is the longest natural lake in England. Set in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, Windermere and its surrounding areas have been a favoured holiday destination since 1847. Lake Windermere is 10.5 miles long and ranges from a quarter of a mile to one mile wide.
Starting from the south of the lake and Newby Bridge is where you will be. Continuing up the lake and you pass Cartmel Fell, Far Sawrey, Bowness-on-Windermere, High Wray and the lake comes to an end at Waterhead, only a short walk into the centre of the bustling Ambleside. The views are of course sights to be hold all the way down but the most spectacular are towards the north of the lake where the Fairfield Horseshoe, Great and Little Langdale and Coniston Old Man are in view. The Windermere Marina continues to thrive with around 400 boats having mooring there, the largest inland marina in the North of England.
Sailing on Lake Windermere is an excellent way to travel. In the summer moths the roads are blocked continually due to the high number of visitors or when essential road works are being carried out. Sailing on the lake is direct, allows the stopping off at the top destinations along the lake such as Bowness, Ambleside and to the many Lake District hotels and makes for a very relaxing journey with not a hint of road rage!
The town of Windermere is located on the east bank of the lake and is in actual fact one and a quarter miles from the lake. With a population of approximately 2,295, Windermere is one of the larger towns in the South Lakes. Many businesses have offices and shops in the town due to its location to the many smaller villages in the area. It has a supermarket, many local independent shops and the flagship Lakeland Limited store right next to the train station.
Surrounding the town and all the way down to the lake are a plethora of Windermere hotels and Lake District hotels. The choice really is endless. Boutique and niche hotels have begun to pop up making Windermere a quality destination suitable for young and old. Windermere has an excellent choice of Lake District restaurants and they really are spoilt with the amount of fantastic local produce. Cumberland sausage, herdwick lamb and fantastic cheeses are in abundance along with artisan bakers and chutney producers. The real ale in Cumbria – the Lake District is second to none and what better drink to go with Cumberland sausage and mash! There are micro breweries in the back of public houses through to breweries where they offer’s tours.
About the Author
Applegarth Villa and JR’s Restaurant, one of the finest Lake District Hotels in Windermere also providing Windermere lake cruises.
Tags: England, United Kingdom, Windermere
It is the family that many tourism operators are hoping will be returning to holiday in the UK. For the last 20 years, more and more families have been going abroad to Europe for their summer holiday and year on year the UK market has been decreasing. The UK seaside used to be thriving and although such places as Devon and Cornwall are still busy in the summer, on the whole, it is less popular. The UK has so many fantastic places like Scotland and Wales for walking, the Northumberland coast where there is 10 miles of coast with some of the cleanest and whitest sand in the country, down to Dorset and the Isle of White.
The UK of course does have a downside in the weather but what the UK lacks in sunshine, it makes up for in activities and good old fashioned fun. The Lake District is especially suited to families with its vast choice of activities. Firstly there are the fells. Walking and taking in the spectacular scenery in the Lake District is not only good exercise but it is free. Other activities in Cumbria and the Lake District are Muncaster Castle, the World Owl Trust, Ravenglass Steam Railway, Lake District Coast Aquarium, Puzzling Place and Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick, Beatrix Potter Museum and cycling tours at Grizedale Forest. A trip to the Lakes isn’t complete without a boat trip. Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater are the main lakes for boat trips. It gives a different perspective on the fells from the water than on land.
An organized Lake District family holiday break takes away all the stress of having to think of what to do each day. An organized package takes care of all the booking of venues and has an itinerary each day. This kind of holiday helps families get the most out of their Lake District holiday and can include activities such as sailing, walking, museum trips, picnics and cycling. Many have been designed to enable families to spend time together but also making consideration for the parents by giving them a few hours of freedom with the children only activities.
The Euro is not the only reason UK family holidays are predicted to increase. The awareness of climate change and the impact of flying on the environment is something that is making families think twice about going abroad. A return flight from London to Barcelona for example produces half of tonne of carbon dioxide per person. That is an awful lot when compared with a return car journey from London to the Lake District which creates a 10th of a tonne of carbon dioxide. Once a family has realized what good they are doing for their children’s future, money saved and most importantly, how much fun can be had on a holiday in the UK, it is sure to make the UK tourism industry flourish once again.
So, to conclude, Who needs the hassle of travelling abroad, waiting around in depressing airports and arriving at disappointing destinations, when you can choose a place, where you and the children can arrive and leave, when it suits you, where the language is English and the hospitality is second to none.
About the Author
Lake District Hotels offer a choice of six family-owned luxury hotels in the Lake District. Each hotel provides an ideal venue for Lake District family holidays.
Tags: Cumbria, United Kingdom
In many ways, Ghislaine Alexander was the Victoria Beckham of her day. No event was ever considered complete without her presence and every change in her wardrobe caught the attention of the press. Now, two dresses that were worn by the socialite and TV personality have been saved for the viewing of the nation by Bath Museum. The council administered Fashion Museum has acquired the two exemplary examples of 1930s ‘haute couture’ by celebrated Parisian designer Madeleine Vionnet. This outstanding pair are part of a collection of a total of nine evening dresses previously worn by the star who later went on to become Lady Foley. These dresses were in danger of being sold abroad, but have been saved from the trip across the pond. The collection of dresses has been divided between the Bath museum attraction and the Bowes Museum in County Durham and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The dresses were classed as unique because of the high quality of the pieces and the range of textiles and techniques used to create them. Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw used his powers to stop the exportation of these important pieces, believing them to be of museum qualtity and a part of the heritage of the land. The two dresses will be displayed from December and fashion students will also be able to view the pieces as they are being readied for exhibition in the museum. Lady Foley, who was actually a panellist on the 1950s TV program known as What’s My Line? Was a six foot tall woman who was often described as one of the most beautiful women in the world. She passed away at the age of 77 in the year 2000.
Councillor Terry Gazzard, who is a cabinet member for the culture at Bath and North East Summerset Council, which runs the Assembly Rooms attraction was quoted as saying “The Fashion Museum is already designated by Government as a regional museum of international importance and these dresses will take their place in its collections alongside the work by some of the world’s other top couturiers.” The two dresses were purchased for £101,365, £50,000 of which comes from The Museums Libraries and Archives Council / V&A Purchase Grant Fund. The balance was made up by The Art Fund, which is an independent charity who gave £31,365 towards the purchase of the dresses and a council museum acquisitions fund, along with the West of England Costume Society and other private individuals and supporters. Stephen Bird, The Council head of Heritage Services, said they rely heavily on the donations and support from kind and generous benefactors, however, like any quality museum, they also have a modest acquisitions fund that they are able to use discerningly when they can lever in match funding and or grant aid in order to acquire an exceptional piece. The purchase of these two dresses have been the first such acquisitions for the Fashion Museum for nine years.
One dress is a 1934 full length evening gown made of cream silk tulle with a bodice that is decorated with intricate smocking. The other dress was made in 1938 and is created of white cotton organdie and is embroidered in white threat in large single sprig motifs of bouquets of flowers and sheaves of wheat.
About the Author
This article was written on behalf of Bailbrook Lodge providing Bath Bed and Breakfast ideal for a Short Breaks in Bath.
Tags: Bath, United Kingdom
A walking tour of Florence is perhaps an ideal way to see the city and to experience all that this location has to offer. There is no doubt that around every corner you will find another aspect of Florence’s past. There are many different buildings, churches and pieces of art scattered throughout the city that are significant. Yet, it is difficult to experience this type of city without actually walking through it.
Some say that the city speaks to you as you walk its streets. Walking in Florence is not difficult. It is, in fact, the way that most people get around, especially in the historical areas of the city. Tourism is quite important here and therefore you can count on there being many others along with you.
What will you see? Florence walking tours will take you through many of the main attractions in the city, including the following: Michelangelo’s David: This beautiful piece of art, created by Michelangelo prior to his 30th birthday, represented the spirit of the New Republic. It takes to 1494 and is one of the most important pieces of history you will find in Florence.
Piazza della Signoria: Walking in Florence will likely take you through the Piazza della Signoria. Thisplaza dates back to the medieval times. It has always been a civic center for the city. Public festivals, feasts and tournaments take place in this ancient brick paved area.
Duomo of Florence: An amazingly rich site with some of the most beautiful architecture you will find is the Duomo of Florence. Here, the Basilica of Santa Reparata stands, with a number of other religious buildings. The Baptistery is a portion of it and it in itself is one of the most beautiful you will see. There are two monumental churches here, Santa Maria Novaella and Santa Croce.
Walking tours in Florence will also take you to see Loggia of Lanzi, the Giotto’s Bell Tower, Uffizi Palace and the Accademia Gallery, just to name a few. In addition, there is much more to see here than just these historical, ancient buildings. A walking tour of Florence will also allow you to experience the city’s culture and its rich heritage. Florence’s culture is one that has not changed much over the hundreds of years since its founding. However, there are many modern amenities throughout the city. Those looking for modern amenities and things to do will find that here too.
Walking in Florence is a great way to experience the city. Take the time to book Florence walking tours. You will find a wide range of things to do throughout the tour. Keep in mind that stopping into all of the shops and artisan workshops throughout the city is something you can do as you are walking in Florence. A walking tour of Florence is an inexpensive yet rich experience that anyone who is visiting the city will need to take into consideration. Enjoy the marvels that this city has to offer as you walk along the stone pathways.
About the Author
Susanna Nardi is expert in the history of art and she’s one of the professional tourist guides of http://www.walksinsideflorence.it , the organization which offers Florence, Italy guided tours for small groups of people. Susanna’s work is to introduce people to the Florentine culture through private and semi private walking tours in Florence.
Tags: Florence, Italy
The Isle of Wight has been called little England as it basically has a sample of all of the different terrains of the British Coast within its 56 miles of shoreline. From the white cliffs rising up to meet springy chalk downs to the river estuaries and salt marshes filled with reeds. The Wight coastline is speckled with sailing villages to traditional beach goers resorts. The Southern coast is dotted with Gothic Victorian mansions and semi-tropical gardens. More than half of this island bears the designation of an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”. This island has inspired a multitude of writers from Keats to Dickens.
On the East Coast of the island, Bembridge is part sand and part rock pools. It is popular for families during the summer but is still unspoilt by visitation. Sandown and Shanklin beaches together form a long arc of golden sand. They are blessed with safe swimming areas as well as areas for water sports. There are beach cafés as well as traditional resort type activities offered. To the south is Ventnor which has a sand and shingle beach. The locals tend towards the more wild sands of the Southwest that are reach only by climbing down cliff steps. Compton Bay is one of the most accessible beaches.
Shanklin Beach and Sandown beach are both part of Sandown Bay which is world famous for its sparkling sandy beaches and safe bathing areas. The activities available on the beach caters to a multitude of different tastes from just relaxing and sun bathing to taking a wild ride courtesy of the wind via a windsurfing board. The town is filled with enjoyable amenities and there are plenty of ‘Longshoreman’ that provide traditional and more modern leisure pursuits. If you want to step away from the beach, there Shanklin Center is just a short walk from the seafront at Shanklin beach. Lifegards are on patrol to watch the shoreline and to help make your visit as safe, enjoyable and relaxing as possible. There is a Water Safety Zone that is in place to ensure bathers and sport recreational users are safely separated. There is a first aid center should anyone suffer minor injuries. During the summer, Shanklin Beach is cleaned by machine, ensuring that all litter is removed on a daily basis. They also remove large amounts of seaweed that is collected and given to local farmers to use as compost. Inshore Rescue is also available as are the Coastguard. Shankin beach has been able to fly it’s Seaside Award Flag and also display its Water Quality award continuously since 1996.
Ventnor Beach is a hotbed of water sports activities. There are many events that take place at this beach including wakeboarding. The area also hosts festivals of all kinds so when you get tired of wind surfing, wakeboarding, traditional surfing or just relaxing on the beach, you may be able to take in a festival or enjoy the beautiful offerings of Ventnor proper. Ventnor is a land of beauty that looks over a vista of blue water. You won’t have trouble figuring out what to do in this location.
About the Author
This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Luccombe Hall who offer Holiday Accommodation Shanklin based breaks and other Shanklin Accommodation options.
Tags: Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
