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"Moscow Greater" is one of the best think I have faced in my trips. To be sincere I was a little doubting in asking for the help of "Moscow Greater" and when I applied online I didn't took it seriously, but I really appreciated your being correct and interesting in showing us Mockba :)
Instead of specially trained guides, it’s the inhabitants of the Russian capital themselves who operate the walking tours of the “other” Moscow’s lanes and alleys. They show guests their personal Moscow, the one they know and love… the one that no guide book, even the most detailed, can reveal to tourists.
For sure I'll recommend your "Moscow Greater" to all my friends, because you are Great :)
Thank you and hope to meet again.
Best regards, Orieta
Agia Pelagia is a small fishing village which doesn't really qualify as a mainstream tourist resort - and that's a good thing. Situated 23 km west of Heraklion, it has a rich history going back to Minoan times when, because of its strategic and sheltered location, it was an important harbour.
Nestled in the curve of a wide bay at the foot of a hill, its picturesque setting was noticed by a few intrepid businessmen who understood the area's potential in the burgeoning tourism industry of Crete. Slowly but surely, hotels and restaurants were built but never too many and so the area has kept its charm. Today, it is a popular destination for families and couples who prefer a quieter getaway.
Near Agia Pelagia is the small hotel&aparts Villa Bellevue built just over the beach of Ligaria.
The hotel is nestled at an idyllic spot in Agia Pelagia.
Villa Bellevue Apartments, +30 2810811102, www.agia-pelagia-bellevue.com
The Best and The First istanbul Guide. We offer you selected hotels of istanbul with online reservation chance. In all the areas of istanbul you will able to find different class of hotels. From Historical district, Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Laleli, Kumkapi, Beyazit, to new city center Taksim, Beyoglu, Pera from new business district of istanbul Levent, Maslak, Atatürk Airport area, to Asian side of istanbul Kadikoy, Kozyatagi or Sabiha Gokcen Airport area, Tuzla, Pendik, from Tuyap Fair Center till CNR Fair center we do cover whole istanbul with the best prices and availability. We share our power being local in istanbul with you to bring you best availability and accommodation prices.
Review and list of Istanbul hotels and aparts, your perfect source of review before travelling and choosing hotels and aparts in Istanbul.
I use the site www.plymouthdevon4u.co.uk. It has some handy info on Plymouth, particularly the latest events.
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
Turkey Travel Tours, Cusromized Holidays & Tour Packages in Turkey.
Travel packages, sightseeing holidays, vacations, trips & tour packages in Turkey. We desing personalized small group or private guided tours in Turkey for independent travelers with our very special travel agency rates. Travel packages, sightseeing tours, hotels, holidays Turkey, trip to Turkey with your Turkish travel agent in Istanbul. Zen Turkey Tours – www.zenturkeytours.com
Highlanders! If, like me, you hate travelling, wasting a precious day of what remains of your life and arriving sweaty, dishevelled and exhausted in central London, forget the plane.
The Caledonian Sleeper leaves Inverness every evening. Standard Class passengers travel in a spotless, comfortable berth with bunk beds, a sink, towels, soap, hangers and bottles of Scottish spring water. There's a lounge car on the train which serves food and drinks.
It is a lovely feeling to be lulled to sleep by the movement of the train. You're woken by a member of staff who brings you tea or coffee and a biscuit and get into Euston just before eight o'clock feeling wonderfully rested and ready for a day of metropolitan business or pleasure.
There are a number of "Bargain Berths" each month.I booked online. My ticket cost £39, but some are even cheaper. Lone travellers may be required to share with someone of the same sex. I travelled mid-week and had the berth to myself.
I'll never fly to London again.
www.scotrail.co.uk/caledoniansleeper
in person - principal staffed stations
Scotrail Telesales - 08457 550033
We have been home for nearly 2 weeks now but I wanted to write to thank you once again for organising our 5 day trip around Turkey. We thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. Our hotel accommodation was excellent, our tour guides were all very informative and we had some lovely meals. Thank you too for providing us with free transport to the airport on the morning of our departure. We are already recommending One Nation Travel to everyone we speak to about our trip and are hopeful that we will be able to pass some business your way. Our best wishes to you and your colleagues at One Nation Travel, Kind regards Gary and Jennifer Zerna
www.allistanbultours.com
www.onenationtravel.net
www.onenationtour.com
www.gallipolitour.com
Atzaró is an agroturismo located in the center of Ibiza, between Santa Eularia and San Lorenzo.
Known for its restaurant and its stunning location immsersed in the green heart of Ibiza, Atzaró offers also spa and accommodation services.
Often hosting events and weddings this place is surely one of the most glamorous and beautiful places on the island.
The first time I went there I got quite impressed by the atmosphere created by the statues and the interior design/ decoration.
I suggest you go in the daylight to see it in all its beauty.
Ctra, Sant Joan KM 15
Ibiza, Spain
Tel: +34 971 338 838
www.atzaro.com/
'Ley ho ma?' (That's 'How are you?' in Cantonese) and welcome to Hong Kong. You'll be arriving at Hong Kong International Airport (www.hongkongairport.com), just 25 minutes away from the Hong Kong Island and regular winner of the Best International Airport award. Hong Kong International Airport (IATA Code: HKG) serves as the gateway to this buzzing city or as a hub to further connections to the rest of Asia. Terminal 1 serves as the low-cost terminal and features a full sized cinema as well as the Hong Kong essential - shops. Yes, shopping (along with eating) is the national pastime in Hong Kong with shops staying open until late. Service is generally good (as long as you are spending money) and best of all - Hong Kong is has no sales tax.
Tip 1: Forget the 'duty-free shops' at the airport. The whole of Hong Kong is duty-free so the airport is often the most expensive places to buy your souvenirs. The Hong Kong Airport Express train offers an efficient way straight to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. Note that Kowloon station is not very well connected to the MTR (the distances are quite large - if carrying a suitcase, you may want to take a taxi from the station).
Practicalities and getting around
As a former British Colony, Hong Kong is a breeze to navigate even for the most novice business traveller. Signs and announcements are typically in three languages (Mandarin, Cantonese and English, although written Mandarin is the same as Cantonese) so as long as you can read English you shouldn't have a problem getting around. Most people in the main business areas also speak English but it's always worthwhile having the address of where you want to go to written down in Chinese, just in case your taxi driver doesn't know the English name for the destination (street names have both English and Chinese names - sometimes they don't correlate and they certainly aren't pronounced the same). The Hong Kong Dollar is pegged to the US Dollar so this is the most common currency of exchange.
Tip 2: If you have spare US Dollars on you, it may be more cost efficient to change USD into HKD as the exchange rate will be fixed. However, given the current weakness of the USD vs GBP, you might want to capture a good rate now. (www.hsbc.com.hk)
Tip 3: Get yourself an Octopus card - accepted as payment on the MTR and public transport systems - buy one with an Airport Express ticket included at the airport (www.octopuscards.com).
Where to stay
Hong Kong benefits from a strong portfolio of hotels which can cater for all tastes and budgets - ranging from the surprising and excellently located YMCA to the pinnacle of luxury - the Peninsula Hong Kong. However, one common denominator can be found across most hotels - service is generally outstanding and standards are higher than those found in North America and Europe. Hong Kong is split across three key areas - New Territories, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. New Territories is the area that borders China and is not usually frequented by business travellers and tourists alike. Given the lack of business or tourist interests in this area, I would not recommend staying here. Kowloon is connected to the mainline and features shopping (the national pastime), food (the other national pastime) and business. This area tends to be slightly older than Hong Kong Island but it does benefit from slightly more space (which is hard to come by in Hong Kong) and offers greater value for money.
Tip 4: Always ask the hotel if offers special corporate rates. Most tend to do and you may be able to benefit from a complimentary upgrade or better price.
Kowloon hotel recommendations
Budget
YMCA - USD120 per night
Located on Waterloo road right by the Peninsula hotel, this YMCA is unlike any other YMCA in the world. Despite the name, it functions more as a main stream hotel rather than a hostel, offering clean and modern rooms are at great prices. Staff are friendly and down to earth. Location is perfect for exploring all that Kowloon has to offer.
Tip 5: If you want a taste of luxury - why not upgrade to a suite at the YMCA. This could at a cost similar to that of a normal luxury hotel room.
Standard
Marco Polo Prince - USD180 per night
Located as part of the huge waterfront (Harbour Plaza) shopping complex, you will never be short of all things to do in this classic Hong Kong institution. This hotel forms part of the Marco Polo chain and you will find other Marco Polo hotels adjacent to this hotel. Well located for shopping and perfect for journeys on the star ferry. Traffic in this area can sometimes be bad which means travelling by car is not ideal.
Luxury
Peninsula - USD450 per night
Look up luxury in the dictionary and you may find the Peninsula Hong Kong listed. Every whim and care is catered for in this five-star complex. Famed for its old colonial style, high tea still features strongly on the tourist trail. As a guest, you will benefit from access to the first class spa and pool facilities. Try whiling away the day and escaping the rush of the city as you sip cocktails by the pool. Rooms are luxurious as expected and even the smallest detail is catered for.
Hong Kong Island recommendation
Budget
Lang Kwai Fong Hotel - USD200 per night
Small but well formed, the Lang Kwai Fong Hotel is actually located about a 10 minute walk from its expat haven namesake but the hotel is close enough to wonder back to after a night out. It is also five minutes away from Hong Kong's Soho district which is famed for its al fresco dining and the outdoor escalator which claims to be the world's only outdoor escalator. Rooms are small but the location is excellent for anyone wanting to stay centrally without the cost.
Standard
Lanson Place - USD250 per night
This boutique hotel is the real gem of Hong Kong. Set back from the hub of Causeway Bay, shopping and dining are just moments away. Rooms are well decorated and feature small kitchenettes. Breakfast is generally included in room rates and the hotel staff are very helpful. Rooms feature flat screen TVs and DVD players. The hotel lends out DVDs and books as part of its library. The gym is well equipped and modern.
Luxury
Four Seasons - USD450 per night
Perfectly located on top of Hong Kong Station (connected to the Airport Express), this bastion of luxury does not disappoint. The rooms are bright and well appointed and can overlook the harbour. Conveniently located by the International Finance Tower, the Four Seasons hotel boasts one of the most convenient locations for business meetings. As a business traveller, you may find it very convenient for your trips in and out of the airport and to meetings.
Where to eat
Hong Kong's streets are filled with places to eat. Depending on how adventurous you are, you can eat for as little as a couple of USD and be very satisfied with the fresh and delightful food. Food halls also offer a convenient and accessible way of finding a quick lunch. Recommended food halls include Pacific Place and the shopping centre attached to Kowloon Tong. Try market stalls (they have been cleaned up post-SARs) for a true experience of local Hong Kong. The one over the road from Soho, Causeway Bay, is the most accessible (although apparently the most expensive according to locals).
What to do
Top ten Hong Kong attractions that won't take too much out time out of your schedule. Estimated time for each is included so that you can squeeze it into your busy schedule.
1. Peak tram - great views of the city travelling up the Peak Tram.
www.thepeak.com.hk
Time required - 2 hours
2. Star ferry - cross the harbour with classic style on board the famous (and fantastically cheap) Star Ferry.
www.starferry.com.hk
Time required - 20 mins
3. Shopping - shop till you drop at huge shopping malls. Try Pacific Place, Hong Kong Island and Harbour City, Kowloon
www.pacificplace.com.hk
Time required - 2 hours
4. Ladies market (Tung Choi Street) - better to browse rather than buy, this market features cheap goods and 'almost authentic' goods.
Time required - 1 hour
5. Stanley market - step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy this small former fishing town and its market.
Time required - 2 hours
6. Ocean Park - if family are accompanying you, then take them to Ocean Park for some marine-themed fun.
www.oceanpark.com.hk
Time required - 5 hours
7. Causeway Bay - best seen at dusk - watch the hip and trendy come out to meet for movies, karaoke and of course food and shopping. Check out the Times Square shopping centre and restaurant complex.
www.timessquare.com.hk
Time required - 2 hours
8. Happy Valley racecourse - check online to see the race timetable. Get yourself a general admission ticket or arrange a box for an experience you can bet on. www.happyvalleyracecourse.com
Time required - 3.5 hours
9. Ride a tram - be taken back to Hong Kong's colonial past whilst riding on these trams that run through Hong Kong island's central district.
www.hktramways.com
Time required - 20 mins
10. High team at the Peninsula - OK, not so much Hong Kong but luxury at its finest. Enjoy fresh pastries in a delightful setting. Reservations recommended.
hongkong.peninsula.com
Time required - 2 hours
mtr.com.hk/eng/airport_express/intro_index.html
www.discoverhongkong.com
www.hongkong.peninsula.com
www.marcopolohotels.com
www.ymca.hk.org.hk
www.lankwaifonghotel.com.hk
www.lansonplace.com/lphk/lanson.swf
www.fourseasons.com/hongkong
It's an hilarious Dublin guide filled with serious tips.
I had to arrange a 20-person minibus to take my group from Girona airport to our Barcelona hotel, and after looking around to find the best deal, I called an airport transfers company called Suntransfers - and I'm glad I did. The price was the cheapest I could find, and the British guy I dealt with (Bob, I think) couldn't have been more helpful. The minibus was modern and arrived on time, with the child seats I had asked for already installed. Recommended!
When booking Eurostar to Holland it's sometimes cheaper to book London to Brussels (actually valid to any Belgian station), rather than buying your onward ticket to Holland separately.
Down the south of Brussels about 20 miles away lays lovely town Waterloo, the famous battlefield, where Napoleon was finally defeated by Wellington.
Worthy to climb the Lion Hill or take the guided tour around the spot for five euros (especially the tour mirrors the battlefield spirit). Also maps are only 1.50 euros.
It is best to visit on a Sunday, as that's the day for the famous flea market in Waterloo (next to Careffour supermarket) with antiques and about 300 food stalls.
Waterloo is approachable by train (a return is only three euros on weekend) from central station, or by bus from Brussels.
When travelling around the city by a hopper ticket for four euros which entitles you to unlimited tram and metro travel for 24 hours enabling you to see the most of this beautiful city.
The number 44 tram takes you on a very pleasant journey from Art Nouveau Montgomery, in the east of the city centre, to suburban Tervuren, with wonderful parks and cafes, and its famous, controversial African museum.
The tram trundles along avenues of Art Nouveau mansions and impressive embassies, past parks, boating lakes (and Brussels tram museum!), and even through a forest all on its own, on a dedicated track away from all other traces of civilisation!
Buy the Amsterdam Pass which allows access to most attractions/museums either free or discounted.
Passes are for 24, 48 or 72 hours and include public transport to get around the many sights, and also gives you a free canal tour.
Romanian railways make a nominal surcharge for excess baggage. Its hard to define when a bag becomes excessive but the fine is 10% of ticket. They call it 'baggage voluminous'
When staying in Strasbourg over a weekend or public holiday, a great way to explore the region by train is by purchasing a "Pass Evasion" rover ticket at the railway station.
This allows unlimited travel throughout Alsace as well as Basle in Switzerland and parts of Lorraine.
It is available at the bargain price of 13.50 Euros per day and for parties of 2-5 travelling together it is exceptional value at 26.60 Euros for the whole group.
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