- sightseeing
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Lugano is a beautiful city but it's hard to do it justice if you're not on a banker's salary.
One surprisingly cheap option is to hire one of the boats on the waterfront and explore the lake. The views are wonderful and you can make it over to restaurants on the other side.
Just walk along the main waterfront, the hire places are easy to spot.
Directly in the centre of the city around the Akropolis a large archaeological park has been built with many paths, pedestrian and low-traffic streets. With a bike, you can relax, enjoy and discover hidden Athens. Take a ride to the new Akropolis museum or explore the hidden streets in old Athens (Plaka).
On a bike you will able reach locations that are sometimes difficult for pedestrians to access and a lot of more ground can be covered, giving you more time to admire and photograph important ancient monuments and sights that are found around Akropolis.
Address: Ag. Theklas 18 – Psirri,
P.C.: 105 54 – Athens
Telephone: +30 2130 423922
Mobile: +30 69 8323 7400
Fax: +30 2130 423922
Email: info@athensbybike.gr
In April, we spent an unforgettable weekend with friends in Krakow. We lived in apartments in the heart of the city. TPO Travel arranged our trip to Auschwitz. Very good service and reasonable prices.
booking by email: tpo@tpotravel.com
tpotravel.pl/pages/city2.aspx
This was an AMAZING way to see the Grand Canyon - we had so much fun! - I would recommend it to anyone visiting Las Vegas.
The trip even includes a champagne breakfast so what more can I say!
I suggest going in the early morning like we did because that was really good light for taking photos.
There are a few different tours to choose from but we did the Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour and it was excellent.
www.activitybookers.com/las-vegas/las-vegas-helicopter-tours-c-139_140.html
We visited Turkey in September / October 2009 and, apart from the return flights, Veni Vidi Turkey made all the arrangements to suit our timetable and budget, including private tours with guides and drivers, hotels and internal flights and transfers. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip, which took in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, classical sites in the Aegean area and Gallipoli. Everything worked very well and we had excellent service from Mr Bulent Albayrak and all of our guides. It was a truly memorable holiday and we would have no hesitation in returning to Turkey or in recommending Veni Vidi to anyone. Malcolm & Erica Lee, England
First off, if you're driving to Taormina, ensure that your directions to your hotel are spot-on perfect: the twisting hills are confusing. The Michelin Guide directions (online) are extremely detailed.
I liked the Bel Soggiorno: great location and some character. But I hated my room. Book a perimeter room with a balcony/view.
Another tip: be careful of crime. I'm pretty sure that I was targeted while I was there.
The Palazzo San Domenico hotel is an atmospheric place: sneak in and roam the halls at night.
I regret not having visted Castelmola, the village on the cliff overlooking Taormina. I've since heard that there's a phallic-themed bar (Bar Turrisi).
Michelin Guide:
www.michelinguide.com/us/index.html
Hotel Bel Soggiorno:
www.belsoggiorno.com/uk/
Bar Turrisi:
www.barturrisi.com/
My Sicily trip report:
www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/
I love the wonderfully bizarre Atelier Sul Mare art hotel in Castel di Tusa: each room was designed by a different artist. If you're in the area you should spend a half-day in the charming village of Cefalu and climb La Rocca: the view is worth the work.
Atelier Sul Mare: www.ateliersulmare.it/applicazione/index_asm.asp?lang=en
My Sicily trip report: www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/
I hated Palermo. With the exception of the Capuchin Catacombs (just outside of town: a quick bus ride or walk, depending upon where you stay) and the Villa Palagonia.
The Capuchin Catacombs are not for the faint of heart. Fascinating, though.
The Villa Palagonia (aka the Villa of Monsters) is in Bagheria, an easy train ride from Palermo. If you appreciate the bizarre, you'll like PV.
Capuchin Catacombs: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capuchin_catacombs_of_Palermo
Villa Palagonia: www.villapalagonia.it/
My Sicily trip report: www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/
I hated Palermo. With the exception of the Capuchin Catacombs (just outside of town: a quick bus ride or walk, depending upon where you stay) and the Villa Palagonia.
The Capuchin Catacombs are not for the faint of heart. Fascinating, though.
The Villa Palagonia (aka the Villa of Monsters) is in Bagheria, an easy train ride from Palermo. If you appreciate the bizarre, you'll like PV
Capuchin Catacombs: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capuchin_catacombs_of_Palermo
Villa Palagonia: www.villapalagonia.it/
My Sicily trip report: www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/
I hated Palermo. With the exception of the Capuchin Catacombs (just outside of town: a quick bus ride or walk, depending upon where you stay) and the Villa Palagonia.
The Capuchin Catacombs are not for the faint of heart. Fascinating, though.
The Villa Palagonia (aka the Villa of Monsters) is in Bagheria, an easy train ride from Palermo. If you appreciate the bizarre, you'll like PV
Capuchin Catacombs: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capuchin_catacombs_of_Palermo
Villa Palagonia: www.villapalagonia.it/
My Sicily trip report: www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/
The 28 tram is THE iconic method of transport in Lisbon and a great way to see some of the major sights of this gorgeous city: the Se, Castelo de Sao Jorge, the Baixa and more.
However, it can get really crowded with tourists during the summer months and around the middle of the day. Many visitors often appear not to realise that this is not a tourist tram specifically for them but an integral part of the city's transport system used by many old grannies and locals with little children etc.
A tip for getting a seat is to take the green metro line (LInha Caravela) from Baixa-Chiado or Rossio to the Martim Moniz stop. From here you can jump on board the 28 tram at the start and be assured of a seat - and a fantastic view, unless there's a giant bottom in your face - all the way through town to the terminus at the other end by the Cemiterio dos Prazeres.
Be sure to give up your seat for a grannie, though!
Martim Moniz metro stop (Green line - Linha Caravela)
Tram No. 28
However long or short your visit to Berlin, you must go on at least one of Brewers daily walking tours.
We had only seven days, and as it was the first time we had been, we wanted to see all the historically significant sites as well as the off-the-beaten-track places. We went on two tours because the first all-day Best of Berlin walking tour was so interesting we couldn't wait to go on another!
There is a choice of tours to all parts of Berlin to suit all interests. Both guides we had were so knowledgeable and amusing and had interesting stories about all the places which really opened your mind as well as your eyes to what makes Berlin such an amazing place.
There were frequent stops for photos and lunch both days was excellent;. The tours are incredible value for money and are not to be missed!
Details of Brewers Berlin Tours are:
www.brewersberlintours.com or email info@brewersberlintours.com
The island of Rhodes has it all. I have recently returned from a wonderful holiday in Rhodes and stayed in the charming town of Lindos.
Firstly you have to visit Lindos, the people here are wonderfully friendly and welcoming, the beaches are stunning and although slightly overcrowded still very clean. The restaurants and Tavernas are top notch and my family and I spent most of our time eating in Nama and Acropolis.
If you want to do a bit of sightseeing, you have a few places to visit. Me and my wife went up to the Acropolis of Lindos; she got to ride a donkey up to the top, where as I was not allowed and had to walk or drag myself up there.
Once up to the Acropolis you can explore the ancient fortress and look through the excavations, but the views from the top of the hill are stunning.
We also went to Rodini Park, which is a strange nature reserve, typically Greek I suppose, and we also visited the valley of the butterflies which is a sight you can't miss.
The best time to visit Rhodes in my opinion would have to be in early Summer when the weather isn't too hot, or in early September. Also stick to the east side of the island, its much windier on the west side.
www.holidays2rhodes.com/rhodes-guide.html
www.rhodesguide.com/rhodes/rhodes_greece_about.php
On a recent trip to Singapore I took a day trip to Malacca in Malaysia by coach. Malacca is a small historic town with plenty to see and it all fits into a day, albeit a long one, with a delicious buffet lunch at a central hotel, it is well worth the visit at a reasonable price. Don't forget to take your Passport!
From most Singapore Hotels or day trip Coach Companies
A short sightseeing cruise by this vessel called Minneapolis Queen really helps you understand what Minneapolis means.
Upper St, Anthony Lock and Dam is a unique experience and do not miss it when you visit Minneapolis.
Minneapolis is well connected and St Paul is its international Airport.
Gocar is a whole new way to explore and discover a city. It is a GPS guided tour that once you step on the Gocar will start telling you all about Lisbon but in a funny way. The car tells jokes, teaches you to speak Portuguese and even tells you all about the main sights of Lisbon. As a Portuguese, I tried and had a lot of fun.
Rua dos douradores,16
In New York the best value sightseeing tour is that relaxing Circle Line boat trip around Manhattan Island. For just $34 those aboard get to see it all with great commentary. Remember: sit on the left (or port for more seasoned voyagers) side of the boat!
If you're interested in more than lying on a beach, Romas Mansion will give you an interesting glimpse into the history and culture of the island.
It's an old mansion built in the 1660s and was used in the 19th century as the seat of government on Zakynthos. It was the home of the aristocratic Romas family and has now been opened to show the interiors and furnishing of the home of a wealthy Zakynthian family in the last century.
You'll find beautiful furniture, family portraits, leatherbound books and furnishings which would not look out of place in a stately home in England.
You can see photos of how the house was damaged and rebuilt after the earthquake in 1953 which destroyed most of Zante town.
Romas Mansion, Louka Carrer 19, Zante town, Zakynthos, 29100
www.romas.gr/english/
I booked two private tours at Izmir (Ephesus etc.) and Istanbul (the works) with Byzas Tours / Tours Istanbul. Their service was impeccable. Booking was a breeze and the actual excursions went perfectly. Very knowledgeable guides, practically brand new vehicles, punctuality, no hidden costs. If I could, I would even attribute the good weather on the days to them but obviously, that was just good luck.
www.turkeytravelservice.com
www.ephesustourguide.com
Phone: +90 212 458 2191
Address: Binbirdirek mah. Klodfarer Caddesi No: 3/36 Sultanahmet - Istanbul
E-mail: info@ephesustourguide.com
On clear days, it's hard to beat the view from the Nanpu river in the South of Shanghai.
Tickets cost 68RMB to go up the elevator to the start of the bridge's arch. From there it's some 360 steps to the observatory deck at the top.
From this point you can see the Expo site (opens in June 2010), and the city laid out like a map as far as the eye can see: The Pearl Tower, the Financial Centre, People's Square, and miles of skyscrapers in every direction.
Ticket office at the very end of Lujiabang Lu (near Xietu Lu).
farm2.static.flickr.com/1292/543456092_f3b2854f9b.jpg
ispyshanghai.com
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