Latest Travel Articles

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Travelling the Eastern Mediterranean is a life changing event as you explore the cradle of civilization. The ancient Pyramids, the Acropolis, the ruins of Ephesus and the Blue Mosque are just some of the significant historical sights you can see in the region. There are many other pleasures too like excellent beaches, fabulous food and wine, stunning scenery and some unique shopping experiences. Take a look at this roundup of the fascinating Eastern Mediterranean for ideas on your next vacation.

The Greek Isles

• One of the world's top destinations for all types of travelers, the Greek Isles offer everything you could want in a vacation: Sun, sand, scenery, history, excellent nightlife and glowing sunsets.
• Cruising is the perfect way to experience these magical isles. Viewing them from the sea, as they were by ancient mariners, is a dream experience, then go ashore and explore at a leisurely, Mediterranean pace. Discover such magical places as Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete.

Greece

• Mainland Greece will captivate you with its mix of archaeological sights and museums. How could you not be moved by experiences like standing at the top of the Acropolis in Athens, looking across the city where modern democracy was founded?
• There's a wonderful culinary heritage here as well. Food and wine is meant to be enjoyed with friends leading to some very lively tavernas wherever you go. You'll see fresh sea food hanging to dry on nets along the waterfronts. This could be your next meal!
• From the mountains of the north to the southern Peloponessos, often called the real Greece, there are many intriguing regions to visit. The mountaintop monasteries of Meteora; the spiritual center of Delphi and ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began are just a few of the important sights to see.

Turkey

• Turkey is filled with highlights for travelers. From the therapeutic pools of Pamukkale, one of the natural wonders of the world, to the rock cut churches of the Cappadocia Region, there is much of interest for visitors.
• Straddling Europe and Asia is the city of Istanbul. It sits on the Bosphorus River, with Europe on the west side and Asia on the east. Here you'll enjoy the majesty of the Topkapi Palace, the famous Blue Mosque and Haghia Sophia, now a museum of Christian and Islamic art. The Grand Bazaar is more like a small town than a market. Home to 4,000 shops, along the miles of passageways you'll come across mosques, police stations, banks and restaurants.
• Ephesus is one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. Dating back to the 12th Century BC, this thriving city had a population of 250,000 in Roman times. Notable sights include the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the well preserved Celsius Library, a favorite with visitors.

The Near East

• At its most easterly, the Mediterranean borders the countries of Israel, Lebanon and Syria, countries off the beaten tourist track yet rich in history with much to offer visitors.
• Israel draws pilgrims to the holy land to visit biblical destinations like Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea and more.
• Israel's Tel Aviv is a very popular resort destination right on the coast. In this cosmopolitan city English is widely spoken and the people are known for their friendliness. The fabulous beaches have warm, clear water and no rocks so swimming is comfortable. Cuisine is Mediterranean and delicious accompanied by local wines which are surprisingly good, both red and white.

Egypt

• This is a place of legend. The Pyramids, Great Sphinx of Giza, Temple of Karnak, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tutankamun conjure images of Egypt's spellbinding history.
• Modern Cairo is a bustling city with many museums and street markets of interest while coastlines from the Mediterranean to the coral reefs of the Red Sea offer some outstanding beach resort locations.
• Cruising the Nile River is a great way to see the interior of the country. Uniworld offers 9 and 13-day Nile sailings which they tell us are "like watching 5,000 years of culture unfold before your eyes. Marvel at the contrasts as you sail past simple villages surrounded by luxuriant palm groves, fertile plantations, romantic desert hills, lush oases, modern cities and ancient colonnaded temples and pyramids."

The Eastern Mediterranean is one of the richest areas in the world for discovering ancient history. In this extraordinary region you're sure to enjoy some of the most enriching and powerful experiences possible.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Enjoy Japan’s culture, food  & traditional performing arts. Here are some of the things you can experience

Take a moment and simply admire the sheer beauty of Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple, in Kyoto, Japan.  Surrounded by water, rock gardens & manicured trees, its still reflection is certain to make a lasting impression on you.

Experience the traditional values or wabi (elegant stillness,) and sabi (antiquated elegance with calm,) which is essential to Japanese art.  a Tea ceremony is a means of training concentration or spirit and of learning manners. There are a number of school in Japan, each presenting their own style of tea ceremony. The kimono is the traditional dress of Japan. It is common to be asked to remove your shoes before entering a tea ceremony. 

Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, which is famous for its principal sanctuary built on a steep cliff. The Temple was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. The 139 zelkova pillars that support the balcony are over 12 meters tall. It commands a wonderful view of the city of Kyoto. Expect a considerable amount of walking from the parking lot to the temple.

Geisha have to undergo intensive training. Geisha are trained in a number of skills: traditional Japanese dance, singing, playing instruments like shamisen (three stringed instrument), flower arrangement, wearing kimono, Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, alcohol serving manners and more.

Japanese Kaiseki is a traditional, multi-course dinner.  Kaiseki-ryori uses the fresh ingredients of the season and are cooked in ways that enhance the original taste of the ingredients, and include anywhere from 6 to 15 different types of food including soup, vegetables, grilled fish, rice and dessert.

Shabu-Shabu is a popular beef dish in Japan.  It is basically boiling meat in a broth…healthier than using oil at the Melting Pot! Some restaurants offer a Maiko performance during dinner.

Visit our Asia website for a selection of Japan travel packages.

Each Operator may have a different policy. Please check the operator site for more details. Operators: Abercrombie and Kent Globus Tours | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Asia mesmerizes visitors with its ancient alleyways, bustling colors and magnificent relics from a culture that dates over 6,000 years. This ancient past has not been overtaken by modern buildings, but rather many cities offer both. See skyscrapers and modern architecture, and not far away, visit amazing shrines, monasteries and temples. Walk the Great Wall of China. Walk through a Zen garden. Shop in a modern mall, or visit local markets. Participate in time honored traditions such as a tea ceremony or dance the night away at a modern nightclub. Eat at a stylish five start restaurant, or join the locals for exotic food cooked with Thai, Malaysian or Indian spices. Need transportation? Depending on what Asian city you are visiting, you may see cars, bicycles, rickshaws, a high speed bullet train or even an elephant.

Popular cities to visit in China include Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Some of the popular tourist sites include the Forbidden City in Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian.

Popular cities in Japan include Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Visit highlights such as the Golden Pavilion Temple, Mt. Fuji and Todaiji Temple, which is home to the largest bronze Buddha in Japan.

Singapore and Thailand have also become popular destinations for those traveling to Asia.

Traveling on a land tour is the best way to cover various cities in Asia. Tour operators offer packages as short as eight days which would visit just two cities such ash Beijing combined with Shanghai or Hong Kong. These packages are more basic and include just hotel accommodations, transfers and some sightseeing, with a lot of free time. Tour operators also offer more comprehensive tours of two weeks or more that cover at least four major cities in Asia with more inclusions, but still plenty of time to explore on your own.

If you feel that touring is not right for you, then you may want to consider a Yangtze River cruise or a cruise of Asian countries onboard a mainstream cruise line such as Princess, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America or Royal Caribbean.

Sue Brage blogs about the latest news, travel advice, tips and deals for Atlas Cruises & Tours => We invite you to read more about Asia travel including travel tips, vacations, tours and river cruises @ http://www.escortedasiatours.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Brage
http://EzineArticles.com/?Asia-Tours&id=3216746

Friday, November 20, 2009

Travel to the age-old traditions and dazzling modernity of the Orient, or the golden spires and emerald landscapes of Southeast Asia.

As cruise lines expand cruise offerings in Asia, they are beginning to add new and interesting ports of call. In 2010, new ports are included in Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. We anticipate these itineraries will attract not only new passengers, but also those who have already cruised in Asia, that can now enjoy new ports.

Malaysia:

Sandakan: Founded in 1879, this bustling port was once the capital of British North Borneo and home to the greatest concentration of millionaires in Southeast Asia during the heyday of the timber industry. Today it is renowned as the gateway to exotic wildlife, including the endangered proboscis monkeys.

Kota Kinablu: Situated on the South China Sea, the capital of the state of Sabah is a favorite of nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Nearby rainforests are inhabited by orangutans, and the coral reefs teem with marine life.

Kuching: The capital of Sarawak, Malaysia is reminiscent of a bygone era with its mix of ornate temples, historic buildings and Chinese shop houses. From here you can take a shore excursion to a village housing the once feared Dyak tribe which practiced head hunting into the last century.

Indonesia:

Padang Bay, Bali: More than 17,000 islands make up the Indonesian archipelago, and none is as enticing as Bali, with a rich Hindu culture that has produced some of the finest arts and crafts in Asia including exquisite wood carvings and sculpted masks. Bali's 10,000 temples are scattered across a lush landscape of terraced rice paddies, volcanic mountains, tropical rainforests and river gorges.

Semarang: Gateway to the mammoth Buddhist temple complex at Borobudur, it is also adjacent to the island of Lombok where villagers practice ancient Sask weaving techniques handed down over the centuries.

Komodo Island: Home of the fearsome Komodo Dragons, the largest lizards in the world, that roamed the earth during the dinosaur era.

South Korea:

Jeju Island: Known as the "Island of the Gods" and the "Hawaii of the Orient," Jeju has some terrific beaches and is famous for its shitake mushrooms and cactus plants. Dominating the island is 6,000 ft. Mt. Halasan, the highest point in Korea which last erupted in 1007 AD. It is a popular hiking spot.

Mokpo: Here you can sample exotic cuisine, visit the fascinating Mokpo Modern History Museum and take an excursion to stone age dolmens that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Of course, popular ports are still being offered including Singapore, Hong Kong, Halong Bay, Phuket, Bangkok, Shanghai and Xingang.

In 2010, cruise lines offering Asia cruises are Costa Cruise Line, Azamara Cruises, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean.

Sue Brage blogs about the latest news, travel advice, tips and deals for Atlas Cruises & Tours => We invite you to read more about Asia Cruises & Yangtze River Cruises @ http://www.escortedasiatours.com/Cruises.asp.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_Brage
http://EzineArticles.com/?Asia-Cruises-For-2010&id=3249675

Monday, October 26, 2009

Can any city in the world top Hong Kong’s phenomenal energy? Judge for yourself as you ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, join the surge into countless markets and watch the hardworking world of Aberdeen’s fishing junks.

1.  Star Ferry:  Enjoy sensational views of the Hong Kong Island that stretches from Causeway Bay to downtown and up to the Peak.  This has been named by National Geographic as one of the ” 50 places of a lifetime.”  Step aboard the fabulous double-decker “Shining Star” ferry, a beautiful re-creation of the ferries that plied Victoria Harbour in the 1920s. Relax and enjoy the magnificent view while sipping a cup of fine coffee in an air-conditioned, on-vessel cafe or soak up the sun on the open decks while enjoying the cooling sea breezes.

2.  Harbor Cruise:  Board a chartered traditional-style Chinese junk to take in the dramatic views of Hong Kong Island from the water. You’ll tour one of the world’s most exotic ports on a narrated cruise around Victoria Harbour. At night, Hong Kong’s spectacular skyline becomes a dazzling neon cityscape. Pristine skyscrapers are lit up against the night sky, including the Bank of China, the HSBC headquarters and the International Finance Centre–the tallest building in Hong Kong.

3.  Victoria Peak: Peak Tram funicular railway to the top of Victoria Peak to enjoy a panoramic nighttime view of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula spread out far below. The Peak sits at 1,805 feet above sea level. If you have time, enjoy a meal at Café Deco, an art-inspired restaurant on the top of Victoria Peak, which commands spectacular views of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula.

4.  Markets: Visit the Bird Market where the amazing array of artistically crafted bamboo birdcages are on display, and the “warbling” competitions must be heard to be believed. Walk along Flower Market Street–row upon row of shops and stalls selling cut flowers and potted plants from all over the world. The Jade Market is a great place to browse and pick up souvenirs. To the Chinese, jade is the most important stone, as it is said to have great spiritual value and to represent wealth, good fortune and power.  Stanley Market is one of the must-go places for tourists when in Hong Kong. It is a large open-air marketplace where you will find an array of small shops selling silk garments, arts & crafts, Chinese jewelry and souvenirs. 

5.  Lantau by Skyrail:  Visit the stunning monastery on the nearby island of Lantau. You’ll travel to the top of the Ngong Ping 360–a spectacular four-mile cable car journey brings you to the Big Buddha, where Chinese devoutly worship and visitors are amazed by the immense statue and vast views. Combine this visit with a stop at the exciting themed village, to add a cultural and spiritual dimension to Hong Kong’s visitor offerings.

If you’ve already been to Hong Kong, then we recommend visiting Macau:  Macau is just 60 minutes from Hong Kong by fast ferry, and is an ideal tour for those who have previously visited Hong Kong. The island was colonized by Portugal for 400 years, but reverted to Chinese rule in 1999 and is known as “the Monte Carlo of the Far East” for its annual Formula 3 Grand Prix race through the streets. The territory is an intriguing blend of cultures–unmistakably Asian, but nonetheless draped in a cloak of intriguing atmosphere and faded Mediterranean charm. See the Buddhist temple, and the Porto do Cerco gate which marks the old border between Portugal and China. Visit the ruins of St. Paul’s–a 16th-century church built by Italian and Japanese Jesuit priests–and the Macau Tower. This is the 10th-highest freestanding tower in the world.