What is Angkor Wat? 

The answer is simple, the destination is not, but well-worth the effort for the curious, intrepid traveler.

Angkor Wat is the famous Hindu temple to the god Vishnu, located a few miles outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia.  Siem Reap, once the center of the Khmer empire, is now a rather quiet city which seems to exist for  tourists.

After you’ve checked into your comfortable, quiet hotel in Siem Reap you may wish to avail yourself of a soothing message…very welcome after traveling the long hours many miles you’ve come for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your hotel will probably have an in-house masseuse, swimming pool and the luxury amenities which will be so surprisingly available in this exotic corner of the world.

The best time to visit the vast temple complex (containing many temples and monuments) is in the morning, before the heat of the day overwhelms you…always carry bottled water with you and purchase it ONLY at your hotel!  A knowledgeable guide is preferred, but a good guide book will assist you in making your way around this vast collection of architectural wonders!!!  You’ll need a guide to interpret the mural-like carvings, which tell the stories of warriors, gods, goddesses ; victories and slightly risqué encounters.

There are ladders to climb to heights with breathtaking views, cool, shady corroders whose stone walls are covered in magnificently preserved carvings. Walk with care because many areas are being restored  There will be touring monks in saffron robes…don’t be surprised if they take your picture and feel free to ask you to pose with you for your camera.  Many are mendicants and will politely accept charity, but will not confront or pester or pester you.

The breathtaking site of  Ta Prohm will dazzle you!! This is the oft-photographed temple that has been left as it was found when this area was re-discovered.  The jungle has invaded and vast trunks and branches inundate the buildings.  You will be amazed how nature can reclaim vast areas of man’s endeavor!!

Before you say farewell to Angkor Wat, you must await sunset at Angkor Wat:  the golden hues of the magnificent towers glisten in the setting rays and the shadows elongate…the lake provides a mirror reflection of this amazing sight, and you will take a picture (in your camera or in your mind’s eye) that will be a momento of a fantastic adventure.

Here are some other  tips to reduce stress during travel.

• Get away long enough time to let go of your daily grind.  A week is recommended.
• Watch your time zones – too many time zones actually increase your stress on your body’s natural rhythms.
• Don’t over schedule your trip – Make sure you have quiet time each day.
• Be social – making new acquaintances has a restorative power.
• Enjoy physical activity – moderate exercise like swimming and walking are great energy boosters.

How sad that a third or us do not use all our vacation days!  Hopefully this will inspire you to take some time to better your health with travel.

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The third largest river in the world, the Yangtze River winds 3,900 miles through the country from west to east cutting through 10 provinces before disgorging its water into the Yellow Sea. The Upper Reaches are the most attractive part to cruise with wild mountain ranges, unbroken ravines, and charming landscapes. Along this 130 mile stretch, the river passes through the Three Gorges. There’s plenty of time to unwind and plenty of opportunities to see the sights and the history of Magical China.

We suggest at least 12 days to enjoy a few nights before and after a Yangtze cruise in cities such as Shanghai, Xian & Beijing, although the cruises are normally only 3 or 4 nights.  Prices begin as low as $2,500 per person, not including airfare. There are trips as long as 23 days, but this is to spend more time in Asia, not a longer cruise experience. Visit www.escortedasiatours.com to see a great selection of packages. Rivercruisetours.com also has a great selection.

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

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.

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.

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

Among Chongqing’s attractions are the three-story wood River View Pavilion, the Sichuan Fine Arts Academy, Renmin Hotel which was built in the style of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, Wangjianglou Park and the Chongqing Zoo.

Chongqing Zoo is famous for its Panda Bears.   You see plenty of Giant pandas, Lesser pandas, Golden hair monkeys & the rare South China Tigers.

Hotpot is Chongqing’s culinary specialty.  Meats such as beef, pork, duck and vegetables are cooked in a spicy broth.

Many itineraries spend two nights in Chongqing, so there is time to travel to Dazu, which is listed as a UNESCO World cultural heritage site.  Dazu is a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings dating back to an estimated 7th century A.D.

In 2012, Avalon Waterways is also enhancing its cruising experience in Egypt by chartering the MS Mayfair, a five-star ship that is one of the newest vessels on the Nile today and the MS Kasr Ibrim, a ship designed to evoke the elegant leisure of an early 20th Century cruise. Named after the ancient citadel, this deluxe ship sails Lake Nasser – a new waterway for Avalon.  With these ships come three NEW Egypt itineraries: 9-day Highlights of Egypt (priced from $2,606); 12-day The Pyramids, Lake Nasser & Nile Highlights (starting at $3,441) and 13-day Egypt & the Nile in Depth (priced from $3,538).

Also new for 2012, is a 13 day Jewish Heritage cruise out of Budapest on October 29^th on the Avalon Tapestry, and three European History and Politics cruises in July and August on the Avalon Luminary.

In 2012, Avalon will offer free wireless Internet for all passengers, and guests staying in the royal suites will have use of in-room iPads.

There are many reasons to take a family vacation: to encounter different destinations or cultures, to give the kids a personal interaction with places and sights they learn about in school, and to simply reconnect and spend some uninterrupted time together away from the stresses and schedules of everyday life. Getaways with the family are recognized as so important that nearly half of all leisure travelers took a family vacation last year.*

Whatever inspires you to travel as a family, Globus offers the best vacations in the industry. From a private boat tour along the Venetian canals and a visit through King Ludwig’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle to a high-speed Eurostar train ride and a chuck wagon cookout in the American Wild West, Globus’ special Family Travel itineraries have been refined over decades—and include more fun, hands-on experiences for parents, grandparents, and kids alike.

Planning your next family vacation? Check out these great Globus packages:

From the Colosseum to the Eiffel Tower – 10 days
(Rome, Tuscany, Venice, Lake Maggiore, Montreux, Paris)

London to Munich – 12 days
(London, Paris, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Munich)

Ciao, Italia! – 7 days
(Rome, Tuscany, Venice)

London & Paris: A Tale of Two Cities – 7 days
(London, Paris)

Canyon Country Family Adventure – 7 days
(Scottsdale, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Las Vegas)

Wild, Wild West – 8 days
(Jackson, Yellowstone, Cody, Sheridan, Mount Rushmore, Rapid City)

Click for more information on Globus family tours.

(For families interested in packaged travel without the tour experience, Monograms, part of the Globus family of brands, offers getaways in Europe, the U.S., South America, Asia, and Africa, as well as On The Road driving vacations in North America and the South Pacific. Go http://www.independentvacations.org/ for more information.)

*Ypartnership/Harris Family Travel Study

Exporations tours bring you up close and personal with destinations from Italy and Australia to Egypt, Asia and Peru. What's special about this unique brand? With a group size of no more than 28 passengers on every departure, you'll gain access to historic sites and exlusive expeirnces so that you will have a more personal journey.

Culinary classes, meals with local, sightseeing off the beaten path, plantation tours, wine tastings and culturally immersive acitivities open you eyes, your mind and your heart to what these destinations are really all about.

The power of small groups:

Explorations combines the benefits of escorted travel with the more personal and interactive experiences of small group touring. Travel as part of a group of individuals. With just 16-28 passengers , Explorations tours go where larger groups can not.

Engage your senses:

There are many ways to experience the world.

Taste: Food and drink – the stuff of life. Sampling the local cuisine is one of the best ways to participate in our world’s cultures. Let your palate be your guide. Whether it’s rolling up your sleeves for a cooking class or indulging in a local delicacy, culinary adventure awaits.

Live: On an Explorations tour, your accommodations are more than a place to lay your head. They are highlights of the journey, bringing you closer to the soul of the destination. Relax in comfort when you stay in quality, authentic hotels, resorts and villas that reflect the local culture.

Explore: At the heart of Explorations is the desire to really explore the world. From ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza and the “Lost City” of Machu Picchu to a relaxing ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, every tour brings you up close and personal to the best our world offers.

Connect: Venture off the beaten tourist path when you meet the locals and interact with them in various ways from sharing a meal to mingling with them in the community. Learn the rhythms of daily life. Come away with a truer sense of who they are – and who you are, too.

 

After Explorations

Return home with great stories, sharp memories, and a new perspective.

Start "exploring" this new vacation experience today, by browsing the 15 exciting Collette Explorations tours.

Italy...1500 miles of undiluted history of art, architecture and above all, human endeavour. A cross section of 3000 years of history, beautifully displayed, tangibly visible and also “exhausting”.

Every moment of this tour is a constant reminder of human ingenuity and fallibility. An exhaustive trip to the roots of western civilisation. A trip of a lifetime.

From the primordial and indigenous tribes of the Italian Peninsula, to the nomadic tribes of Asia Minor, the exciting Greek influence, the glories of the Roman empire, the gloom of the dark ages and the Barbaric hords, the Arab and Norman invasions, the sophistication of the Swabe dynasty, the apotheosis of the Italian Renaissance, the gradual decline, the Spanish and French invasions and finally the utopic dream come true, the unity of Italy in 1861.

Italy is not only a beautiful and fascinating country, it is also a beautiful way of life. Every facet of this country is to be experienced, understood and frequently pardoned. It is sometimes confusing and yet proud, chaotic and efficient at the same time, a world-leading industrial and financial reality and yet politically a banana republic. A country of extreme contradictions. A country of sailors and poets, a country of frustrations and indifference.

Every moment on the Insight “Best of Italy” is aimed to share with you a whirlwind experience of a country worthy of many repeat visits, a taste of (always) better things to come, never a dull moment. You leave with a lingering feeling of enrichment and an extraordinary feeling of humility, as well as a sense of achievement.

For all the above reasons and many more, you have to experience the truly Best of Italy!

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

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.

Learn more about Asia tours and cruises