A Guide To The Beautiful Cotswold Region Of The UK

The Cotswolds, an area in the South West of the UK, is widely acknowledged by both people in the UK, and elsewhere, to be one of the most scenic and beautiful parts of the UK. The rolling hills, windey lanes, and picturesque villages, are truly jewels in the UK’s crown. Despite being very scenic, the area is also very historic, with churches going back to the 8^th Century.

The Cotswolds - "One of the most scenic and beautiful parts of the UK"

The Cotswolds, as an area, are named after the area of hills that stretch across the west of England. The area that is covered by the hills is 25 miles across and 90 miles long. When people think of The Cotswolds, they usually think of Gloucestershire, and indeed this is the county that has the greatest coverage in the Cotswolds area. But the area also covers a few other counties at the edges, including Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

The Gateway and Capital of the Cotswolds is usually considered to be Cirencester. This pretty town has a population of 19,000, and is famous its Roman heritage – it was known in Roman times as Corinium, and was the second town in Roman Britain, after Londinium (London), and was the major Roman Administration town for South West England.  Cirencester contains one of the largest Agricultural colleges in the West; it welcomes students from all around the world, from as far as China and the US.

One great attraction to visit in Cirencester is the Corinium Museum, which hosts one of the finest collection of Roman artefacts anywhere in England. The museum contains stunning complete mosaics taken from Roman Villa excavations locally. The museum is also great for kids – it offers the opportunity to really explore what life was like for a Roman citizen in Britain, plus offers the opportunity to dress up as a Roman soldier, sword, helmet and all! Entry prices are pretty reasonable - £4.80 for adults, £2.40 for children. There are discounts available for senior citizens, families and students. There is also a lovely shop at the museum selling a wide range of books, souvenirs, and Roman inspired gifts, including plastic swords for the kids!

The museum is also the home of Cirencester’s visitor information centre, who advise on local accommodation, local transport info, local attraction info, and also sell maps and guidebooks.

Being a Roman town , Cirencester also has an Roman amphitheatre, which is great to visit, especially in the winter, when it is covered in snow and you can sledge down the sides! It remains one of the largest Roman Amphitheatres in Britain, and was built in the early second century. The amphitheatre would have been used for plays and productions, and possibly even gladiator battles. It was later the scene of the battle of Cirencester, between the Mercian King Penda, and the West Saxon Kings Cynegils and Cwichelm in 628.

Cirencester has great transport links to the rest of the Midlands and The South West, with connecting roads to Swindon, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol, Bath, Wantage, Chippenham and Stroud. There is also the train station at Kemble (just outside Cirencester), which offers good access to London and the rest of the country. The nearest airports are at Bristol, Kemble, London Heathrow, and Birmingham.

So you can see that Cirencester is a great place to visit in itself, but is also a good base to explore the rest of the South West.

Steppes Travel specialise in luxury and tailor made holidays to many locations all over the world. They offer the best in travel to South America, Africa and Europe.

3 Melancholy London Sights

This list features three of London's arguably more morbid attractions, sights that have a strong connection to an individual's end of days. Yes, death is at the heart of each entry and while that might sound a little grisly, it isn't necessarily so. Besides, I'm sure you've already ventured through the infamous London Dungeon and witnessed enough terror and torture from ages past? This trio of places is more about reflection on the act of departing this mortal coil.

Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery in London

Photo Credit: Thegirlwho

The most well known of the three entries Highgate Cemetery, is situated in Highgate beside Waterlow Park. Swain's Lane runs right through the middle of it and divides it in to two parts known simply as the West and East cemetery. It opened in 1839 and was designed by Stephen Geary. It was created essentially to create more graves because the inner city cemeteries were struggling for space as the burgeoning population required more and more room for burials.

The cemetery, seen as a desirable location to be placed to rest, quickly became fashionable and the graveyard flourished with the Victorians creating beautifully crafted Gothic tombs. And it really is a place of natural beauty with trees and flowers planted, but allowed to grow without human intervention. As such Highgate cemetery is given a Grade 1 listing on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. This means that although one can tour the East Cemetery freely, the West section can only be viewed now as part of a guided tour.

Sir Richard Francis Burton's Bedouin Tomb

Sir Richard Francis Burton's Tomb

Photo Credit: Svarochek

Our second entry is a single tomb, that of Sir Richard Francis Burton. Burton was a British explorer best known for his excursions to the continents of Asia, Arica and America. He truly was a remarkable man, among a life full of adventure and achievements are many examples of his desire to learn and educate in relation to cultures from all over the globe. These include travelling to Mecca in disguise, publishing the Kama Sutra in English and translating word for word, One Thousand And One Nights. It is also thought he spoke as many as 29 languages.

Burton's tomb fittingly reflects his life. It is built of stone but shaped like a Bedouin tent, though this common description is not entirely accurate. The tomb is actually modelled on a tent that Burton had made for his travels with his wife Isabel to Syria. Apparently it's most important attribute was that Burton could stand upright when inside. The tomb is located in Mortlake, South West London, and both Burton and Isabel now rest there. It is extraordinary and befits the man whom it now houses perfectly.

The Necropolis Railway

Necropolis Terminus

Photo Credit: Self

In the mid 1800s the Brookwood Cemetery was located 25 miles outside London. The only convenient method of getting bodies from the centre of the city to their final resting place was by train. In 1854 the Necropolis terminus was opened and the deceased and their mourners would travel to the cemetery together. However during the renovation of Waterloo station, to which the Necropolis terminus was attached, the dedicated station was demolished.

This led to a new station being built at 121 Westminster Bridge Road and this provided transport to cemetery as before. Unfortunately in April 1941 a bomb destroyed the building and it was never rebuilt. The facade and entrance of the building remain however and although the stone carved words London Necropolis have been covered and hidden it is very much as it was when in use. It remains a point of interest for anyone with a penchant for the macabre.

Copywriter David James writes on offbeat topics for the online gifts company Find Me A Gift, the online store for unique and affordable gift ideas for any occasion.

The World's Coldest Places to Live

The vast majority of people live in areas of the world that do not suffer from particularly extreme temperatures that can make day-to-day living a chore. The most heavily populated cities around the world usually experience fairly mild winters and fairly warm summers that aren’t anything so hot that living can become a struggle.

There are extremely hot places to live as you can imagine. Places like Death Valley in the USA, parts of Africa such as Libya and most desert regions. There are some extremely cold places too, where it feels like the air conditioning has been stuck on overdrive. We’re not talking fairly cold parts of the UK such as Scotland, but some truly freezing conditions that some people have to endure. These are the coldest places in the world you can live in:

Vostok, Antarctica – This Russian research station in Antarctica houses a select few scientists who spend stints out in the freezing cold in the name of learning. Temperatures reach a boggling -128.6(F) and that’s without the wind chill. You truly have to be gifted if you are to enjoy your time in an environment as cold and as hostile as this.

Oymyakon, Russia – We all know that Russia is a vast country with much of it remaining icy all year round. The northern parts of Russia and Siberia are subject to some of the harshest conditions on the planet, and you’d think living here was nigh on impossible for most mortals. Recorded temperatures of -96(F) have been reported, and local residents see this as ‘normal.’

Northice, Greenland – If you look on a map or atlas, you’re sure to see Greenland represented as a white country due to the amount of ice. There are very few inhabitants of this country and life is tough as the amenities are few and far between. There are only 13 towns with more than 1000 people living in them, so I imagine these communities are used to the cold and surely no air conditioning systems will be insight, unless they offer heating too! Common temperatures of -87(F) can be expected.

Yukon, Canada – Most of Canada has pretty cold temperatures, but Yukon reaches out towards the north of the country making it even colder. It’s a popular tourist stop for winter holidays as you’re promised to see some great scenery and wildlife including some famous polar bears across the wildlife reserves. Temperatures can reach -81(F) though, so wrap up warm!

Steve loves the cold weather and attempts to replicate in the UK with powerful aircon in his home and office. It was supplied by Air Options, a leading commercial air conditioning company.

What you shouldn't miss in Madrid at Christmas

The Christmas market in Madrid opened last week in Plaza Mayor. So, what are you waiting for? Go there to buy your Christmas decorations, food and sweets. You can already smell the Christmas spirit surrounding this historic square which once was the stage for public executions and has turned into a meeting place that gets full of good vibes at this time of the year.

Apart from this awesome Christmas market, you should buy funny items in the jokes and costumes market in Plaza Santa Cruz, a few steps from Plaza Mayor. There you will find funny stuff for New Year's Eve and the Día de los Inocentes on 28th December (Spanish equivalent to April's Fool).

Buy your Christmas presents in the thousands of shops in the center of Madrid or in El Corte Inglés department store. But first, take some time to watch the amazing and beautiful Christmas shows and decorations. Outstanding is the Cortylandia Christmas show which you can see on the facade of El Corte Inglés in Preciados street. If you have children, they are going to love it! Friendly, colorful robots dance at the rhythm of the catchy Cortylandia song.

After your Christmas shopping, you might be hungry. Why don't you have some churros with chocolate? Have a cup of hot chocolate and dip your churros into it! These typical strip fried doughs are delicious and the hot chocolate will help you stand the cold temperatures in December.

Would you like to go ice skating? Take your children to the artificial ice rink in Plaza Callao, very close to the Cortylandia show. This ice rink is only for kids and you will find a beautiful, decorated Christmas tree next to it. If you go to Plaza La Luna, you can go ice skating as well.

But the best of Christmas holidays in Madrid is that they are very long (at least for children), since they don't finish until the 6th January! That's great, don't you think?

Although Santa Claus also visits the city, Madrid children wait more impatiently for the Three Wise Men arriving on 5th January. These three magicians, in Spanish culture, go on a parade around the city, smile at children, greet them and throw them sweets. Their pages and lorries full of presents go with them. At the tail end of the parade, a lorry full of coal is the most feared and least loved by children. Tradition says that naughty kids will not get presents, but a piece of coal!

"If you don't go to sleep soon, the
Three Wise Men won't leave you any gifts!"

Once the Three Wise Men parade is finished, go quickly to your Madrid apartment to have dinner and go to bed early. If you don't go to sleep soon, the Three Wise Men won't leave you any gifts! And, don't forget to leave them a glass of water and some biscuits for them and their camels. They still have a very long night ahead!

The Historic City of York

I have always wanted to walk on the pavements of where the amazing kings and queens have walked on, where princes and princesses have held hands together, and where history of monarchy has unfolded little by little that I can almost have the glimpse of what it is like to live like royalty. Okay I maybe I sounded a little dramatic on my introduction, but there’s no doubt that one city has captured my enthusiasm for medieval facts, I give you the City of York.

This city has a lot of stories to tell coming from the mighty walls of their castles and palaces as well as their dungeons and other tourist attractions.

If you love long walks and great conversations, then the Medieval City Walls will be the perfect location for you to exchange amazing stories with your friends. These walls represent courage, loyalty to the country and monarchy. About 2.5 million people walk on these walls every single year so don’t miss your chance to be part of the statistics if you will ever visit York.

Now if you love going to scare houses in theme parks or want to show off how brave you are to a girl that you are trying to make a good impression on; then it’s a must that you visit Yorks famous dungeon.  This is one of York’s ultimate tourist attractions first because of the thrill and suspense that you could experience on your visit and next are the stories and the history on each and every area inside of it.

Trust me, they can be really creepy but the despite me having quite a nerve wracking experience, I can guarantee that you’ll leave this place fascinated of the events that happened centuries ago and that you’ll realize their significance on how they have molded the culture of this town. Prepare your courage as you visit it at 12 Clifford Street in York.

Your next step has to be the Jorvik Viking Center. Witness how the people lived back in the medieval ages. See all those 1000 year old houses and other materials that were used during those times and watch history unravel itself right before your modern eyes as the guides explain you the details of the culture and customs of the Vikings and the locals back in the old days. The astounding pieces of information that you’ll learn from all those things are indeed priceless.

York Minster

After the Viking center, take a trip to the York Minster and be amazed on the architectural structure of this massive cathedral. Europe has been blessed to be a place where amazing churches were built and York is one of those cities in this continent that has proved it. The interior of this church will blow you away because it has the word art written all over it. Here you’ll also find the Archbishop of York.

Now I know that roaming around York can be really tiring especially if you started at the City Walls. You’ll be hungry and you’ll need a nice snack after it so it’s time to check out their famous Betty’s Tea Room. Founded back in 1919, get to experience the finest tea and pastries probably in the world with this café’s awesome menus! Their vintage motif will complete an ambiance just right for you to feel classy and elegant as you sip their tea. They have packaged their materials in a way that is really capturing so they’re also perfect as gifts!

Speaking of gifts, you can also shop in this place with their specialty stores located in a place that will remind you of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley! Just make sure you bring a lot of money because the price tag on their items can be a little bit expensive.

If you think that it’s all Viking and medieval stuff in York, then let me tell you that their modern nightlife is actually really good! The people here know how to absolutely have fun in this millennium! Drinks and food are overflowing once the clock strikes 7 in their local pubs! York is indeed a must-see!

Written by http://www.worldwidetravelguide.co.uk

New Years in Barcelona and What to Expect

Experience the traditional Spanish party atmosphere with a New Year’s break to Barcelona this year! Whilst many of the city’s tourist attractions are closed during the day, the night is when the city will come alive each New Year’s eve. Here’s a bit on what to expect from New Years in Barcelona:

Midnight Grapes
Start your New Year’s Eve celebration by trying the odd Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes on the 12 chimes of midnight. If you succeed, it’s custom to make a wish! This tradition dates to as far back as 1895 and originated in Madrid, with links to the Puerta del Sol tower clock.

Lively Street Parties
Most of the locals start their evening celebrating with family and friends and a hearty Spanish feast, it’s after midnight that they’ll head out onto the streets to celebrate with neighbours and visitors to the city. Vibrant celebrations take place in Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya and young Barcelona residents usually head to the beach.

New Year’s Night Clubbing

New Year's Night Clubbing Spot

New Year’s festivities continue well in to the early hours of the morning, in fact clubs don’t usually open until 2am on New Year’s Eve. Favourite clubs with tourists and locals include: Razzmatazz, Jamboree, Catwalk, Sala Apolo and Shoko.

Arena Dance Parties
There are numerous indoor arenas which hold New Year dance parties for those who want to keep active during the celebrations, these usually sell out months before however, so do your research and book in advance to join in the fun.

Glamour Dress-Up
The people of Barcelona aren’t as obsessed with style as the Spaniards in Madrid, however New Year’s Eve may just be the one time of year when they really glam up! Whether you’re heading for a quiet evening dinner or hitting the town, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up and let your hair down.

Tapas with Friends
The restaurants on New Year’s Eve can be very busy, but if you are able to book a table then enjoying a traditional Spanish meal is highly recommended. Don’t forget to wash your dinner down with a glass of Sangria… or two!

Head to the Bars
Another place to go on a Barcelona New Year’s eve is the Gothic or Raval areas of Barcelona where you’ll find many bars in which to enjoy a drink and get to know the Barcelona people. Sometimes you’ll find you need to pay a large fee to get in, but check, there may be a free bar inside!

The ‘San Silvestre’ 10k Run
Looking for an unusual way to spend New Year’s Eve? In the day why not challenge yourself to the San Silvestre run, or at least watch it unfold. At around 5.30pm over 8,000 runners take part on this energetic tour of the city. If you get sponsored you could make money for charity too!

R. Hunt is a travel content writer for the easyJet holidays website and writes about city breaks to Barcelona and ideas for New Years breaks

Photo credit to Jim Reilly from Quebec

Disney Theme Parks: Taking The Fun Global

It all started with an idea. In the late 1940s visionary animator Walt Disney began to seek a way to transform his wildly successful television program, Disneyland, from something existing only in the minds and hearts of viewers and on the television screens to an actual place where people could visit. Walt Disney wanted to create a destination where children and adults could enjoy themselves at the same time in the same place. That idea took physical form with the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California in 1955. It was the first of the current roster of more than 14 Disney theme parks.

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse 

Disneyland was a groundbreaking concept. It is a place where cartoon characters come to life, walk around and interact with the people who have grown up watching them on television and in the movies. Add innovative rides, fun activities and entertainment for the entire family and you have the theme park Walt Disney envisioned over 60 years ago. But Walt Disney was a true visionary and a tireless worker. Almost as soon as Disneyland was completed he began making a plan and looking for land to make the Disney theme park bigger and better.

Although he did not live long enough to see it open, Walt Disney bought the land and created the plan for what would become Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It opened in 1971 and grew to become the world's most visited theme parks. This Disney park is also the largest single employer in the United States. The park includes the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. It has served as a model for innovation and growth with an army of 'imagineers' constantly creating new rides and other attractions which encourage people who have visited the park to want to return.

In the 1980s Disney took their theme park contest overseas. Tokyo Disneyland was opened in 1983. It was built by the Disney Imagineers and features the Magic Kingdom. Tokyo Disneyland has Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Westernland and Adventureland, four longtime Disney concepts, along with the World Bazaar, Critter Country and Mickey's Toontown. Tokyo Disneyland is the third most visited theme park on the planet. In 2010 over 14 million people passed through its gates. Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Disneyland's sister park, was opened on September 4, 2001. It was the most expensive theme park ever built costing over $4 billion.

Disneyland Paris was the second Disney theme park to be built outside the United States. Located in the suburbs of Paris, France, Disneyland Paris opened in 1992. After a few setbacks, Disneyland Paris is now the most visited theme park in Europe. In March 2002 the park added Walt Disney Studios Park, a concept similar to Disney-MGM Studios. The complex contains 7 Disney themed hotels. Three of them surround Lake Disney. The parks had a combined 15 million visitors in 2010.

The Disney brand continues to grow and provide unparalleled fun and excitement for millions of people around the world.

Click here for great deals and offers on disney orlando and cheap family holidays.

Image credit goes to Michael Sult of St. Petersburg, FL

Best Photo Opportunities in Barcelona

There are very few better ways to remember a holiday with then photos. And if you are lucky enough to be coming to the Catalan capital of Barcelona then you are sure to want to have some photograpic souvenirs for your trip. Barcelona is one of the most photogenic cities in the world and is a perfect oppurtunity to try out your photographic skills.

Parc Güell

Parc Güell

Antoni Gaudí has had a huge impact on Barcelona and most of the most iconic places in the city have influences from the Catalan artist. Parc Güell was built between the years of 1900-1914, the orginal intention was to built 6 luxury houses on the land with beautiful surrounding gardens in the English garden style away from the smoke and dirt of the city below as it is placed on a hill above the city. However, only two of the houses were built, Count Eusebi Güell moved into one of the houses and the other was unsold until Gaudi himself moved him and his family into the house and lived there from 1906 to 1926. The Parc itself is outstandingly beautiful and offers numerous photo oppurtunites as the architecture is magnificent. The sculptures are beautiful constructed and painted but the best photo oppurtunities in Parc Güell are the tremedous views of the city. As the Parc is situated on a hill, you are offered an amazing view of the city seeing out to sea in the distance, the mountain of Montjuïc to your right and dominating the skyline in front is one of the most iconic builidngs in Barcelona and another of Gaudi´s masterpieces, the Sagrada Familia. Park Güell is a excellant place to spend the day and get some great photos.

Montjuïc

Montjuïc

One of the mountains that dominate the backdrop to Barcelona is Montjuïc. A trip to the top of the mountain is a worthwhile experience as it is here that the Olympics were held in 1992 and you can see the beautiful surrounding areas of fountains and large open space created for the games. The stadium itself is also open to visitors and is free to enter so is a nice photo opportunity. Continue heading to the peak of the mountain and you will reach the Castell de Montjuïc, a large fortress built in the 18th century and still preserved today offering some great photo opportunities. Climb to the highest level of the Castell and you are rewarded with incredible views of the city below with the backdrop of the Tibidabo mountain. Look in the other direction and you are situated almost right above the harbor, and on a clear day, you will find a incredible view out to sea.

Tibidabo

Tibidabo

Tibidabo is the name of the highest mountain overlooking Barcelona directly facing the sea. Its peak is 512 metres and on the top of the mountain, there is a amusement park still featuring many of the original rides from over 100 years ago, the Torre de Collserola, a telecommunications tower and the magnificent church, Temple de Sagrat Cor. All of these places are fantastic photo opportunities espcially the Sagrat Cor. The mountain can be reached by bus or car but the best way is by the funicular, which runs up the mountain. The fenicular built in 1901 was the first in Spain. The real treat of Tibidabo for the photographer is again the spectacular view that is offered. As Tibidabo is located to the back of the city, it means that you are offered a 360º panoramic view of the city below making it the perfect photograph in Barcelona.

La Pedrera

La Pedrera

Returning to the magic of Gaudi, and you should head to the impressive La Pedrera. Situated on the photogenic street of Passieg De Gracia, La Pedrera stands out as a piece of art as much as a building. The building itself is very photogenic from the outside. The building was designed for a wealthy Catalan couple, Roser Segimon and Pere Milia by Gaudi from 1906-1910. It is on the roof of the building though that the photo opportunities increase as the unusual sculptures of the building mean that everywhere you look or turn, there is another photo opportunity. The rooftop also offers a unique view too of the Sagrada Familia, another of Gaudi´s building making La Pedrera a great visit.

The Beach

Barcelona's brilliant beach

One of the great things about Barcelona compared to many of the other great European cities is that Barcelona boasts a brilliant beach too. The Beaches within Barcelona also offer some incredible photo opportunities with the golden sand reflecting against the blue backdrop of the sea. Beautiful people on the beach are also perfect for a photo opportunity.

Font Màgica

Visit the Font Màgica 

One of the best things to do in Barcelona is to visit the Font Màgica. The Magic Fountain is the main feature of the collection of waterfalls and ponds on Avinguda Maria Cristina, which stretches from the Palau Nacional to Plaça Espanya in Montjuïc. It is one of the best fountain displays to behold and is the perfect phot oppurtunity. This is a spectacular fountain which is very popular because of its water arrangements, sound and lighting. 2,600 litres of water are pumped through this great fountain per second in three concentric pools which have a water recirculation system so the chance to grab a great photo is available.

As Barcelona is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the sea on the other, so there are numerous fantastic photo oppurtunities in the city to see one of the world´s most vibrant and diverse cities. The strong influence from the Modernista era is seen on many of the streets of Barcelona and just walking down any of the streets in Gracia particularly can provide you with some incredible photo oppurtunities.

Barcelona is a great place to visit for a extended break or just a weekend break and one of the best ways to enjoy the city is by renting a apartment. Article written by traveller and blogger for apartime.com, providers of Barcelona apartments for rent

A Magic Christmas in Tuscany

The Holiday season is approaching, and a large part of the world prepares to celebrate Christmas. Did you ever think about spending your Holidays in Tuscany?

During Christmas time this famous region in Italy becomes even more romantic than usual, making it the perfect destination for a quick runaway from your daily routine. Here are some suggestions for your relax, enjoyment and discovery of new places to return to or keep among your most treasured memories.

Wellbeing centers in Tuscany
The region literally thrives with spas, thermal baths, wellness resorts, hot springs and hotels with saunas and fitness areas. You just have to decide in what part of Tuscany you want to stay: the hot springs of Calidario near Livorno, or those of Saturnia, near Grosseto, or why not the Fonteverde spas in the province of Siena, in an unmatched landscape of rare beauty. Then if you prefer to have the benefits of relaxation without the therapeutic properties of natural springs, you may want to stay in Montepulciano, at the newly opened Etruria Resort. Here an ancient villa was restructured to accommodate you in wonderful hotel rooms, and the Etruscan cellars transformed into saunas and hot baths with massages and other beauty treatments. There are many more choices for your relax and beauty: Montecatini and Chianciano Terme, Bagni di Lucca and the Hotel Terme di Petriolo, totally immersed in nature.

Culinary and wine tours of Tuscany

On the rack, Tuscany wine tour

If you already feel well relaxed and in good shape, you can opt in for a wine and food tour of Tuscany. The Christmas season is a special time to be in a wine farm; the newly harvested grapes are being transformed into novel wine, available only for a short period of time, while last year's production is fully ready for tasting. You could go for an arranged tour, or you could delight in crafting one perfect for your needs. The first option removes all worries and burdens. All in all, not everyone loves to deal with bureaucracy and planning. On the other side though, you will have to abide to stiff timing and pick up rendezvous, fixed itineraries and destinations. First-timers will probably be better off with this option. However, if you love to organize your day, or are a seasoned traveler of Tuscany, you should decide on the cellars and restaurants to visit, gather all the info on your most favorite wines and producers, contact them personally to arrange everything, then rent a car to get the freedom and independence to move around at will. You may even go a step further and rent an RV. To make things easier, Tuscany was divided into "Wine Roads". These are common interstate roads that lay on a specific wine producing county. You may start with the "Strada del Chianti Classico", or "Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano", among the most famous ones.


Mountain ski trip to Tuscany
What better than a Christmas Holidays ski trip? The splendid mountains of the region offer a lot of fun for couples and families alike. You may rent a Tuscan cottage immersed in the snow-covered forest, yet nearby a village. A log cabin with fireplace and sauna: does it get more relaxing and romantic than this? The best mountains of the region are definitely the Abetone and Cimone, set next to one another at the border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Here you will find the longest slopes and the most beautiful landscapes of the region; however, mount Amiata and the Lunigiana and Garfagnana mountains also offer their share of splendid natural landscapes and fun. Beginning skiers, especially with young kids, will find their safe haven with them.

These are just a few suggestions for your Christmas holiday in Tuscany. But why choose just one? You could stay in a Tuscan villa on the Amiata mountain, then drive to the nearby coast to discover the fantastic Morellino di Scansano wine, and stop at Saturnia Thermal Baths on the way back. The region offers so much in a relatively small area that you can really take advantage of it all even within a short period of time.

Matt is a frequent traveler of Italy and set up his business there to rent villas Tuscany coast and help you find your perfect wedding villa Tuscany.

3 Alternative Ski Locations For Every Budget

It’s that exciting time of year when Christmas is nearing and the snow season is just around the corner. If you're like me, you are snowboard obsessed and you are probably already starting to plan your ski trip for this year.

It is good to explore and see new things, so rather than going to the same resort every year, why not try somewhere new? To encourage you to get started, I have listed 3 different resorts for 3 different budgets; Check them out!

Bansko, Bulgaria – Great Value, Great Culture
Bansko is the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, a burgeoning new location in the international snowsports arena. Bulgaria is a typical eastern European country with a rich culture. The ski resorts are small by other country’s standards, but they are cheap compared to larger resorts and still offer plenty of variety for a couple of weeks skiing.

The best thing about visiting Bansko in my opinion is the fact that it is not yet overly touristy, you can still walk into the old town and there are plenty of traditional Bulgarian taverns selling a fantastic array of food.
Since the prices are so much cheaper than in central Europe you can also get some fantastic hotel deals – many of which have spas with hot tubs and even outside heated pools to enjoy. All in all Bulgaria can provide a highly luxurious holiday at down to earth prices.

Ski break

Courcheval, France – High Peaks, Lofty Prices
Courcheval is generally regarded as being the most expensive an exclusive resort in Europe. In the most expensive areas property prices are as high as 37,000 Euros per square metre. The resort is also the highest resort in France at 1850 metres above sea level.

Courcheval is certainly a luxury location, with prices being so high most hotels are done to a high specification and cater for affluent skiers. The resort boasts some of the best quality pistes in the world and the sheer size of the resort can be quite overwhelming.

Gulmarg, India – A True Skiing Adventure
Yes you read right! It really is possible to go on a skiing vacation in India, in the Himalayas. Needless to say, being the highest range of mountains in the world, the Himalayas have a lot to offer, including some of the best snow in the world, massive areas of skiable areas including pistes and powder skiing.

The village of Gulmarg is widely believed to be the best resort in the Himlayas and the resort itself sits at an amazing 2,700m above sea level, which is almost as high as the highest peaks are in Europe. Unfortunately, the Himalayas still relatively under-developed as a ski destination, and are perhaps not an option for everyone, but if you have the funds and a strong sense of adventure they offer perhaps the best ski experience of any resort in the world right now.

This guest post was brough to you curtesy of Birmingham Airport Parking .com

Discovering historical Valletta City in Malta

Tucked away in a back street, far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, but no more than stone's throw away from Valletta City Gate lies the quaint, comfortable restaurant Rampila. A stunning locale for a restaurant, Rampila boasts sensational views and sumptuous food - a combination that offers a truly exquisite and wholly unique dining experience.

Whether tourists or locals are popping in for a spot of lunch or stopping by in the evening for a three course meal, the extensive menu at Rampila offers something to suit everyone's palette, providing an interesting and exciting combination of traditional Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine that includes tempting dishes of rabbit, quail and duck. Also available are daily specials of fine meats, fresh fish and fresh pasta all presented in a variety of mouth-watering dishes. The menu is topped off with a fantastic, reasonably priced wine list and a fine array of home-made desserts.

The Rampila is also a successful wine bar, however it is not just any Malta wine bar, but a tourist attraction all of its own. It sits nestled away in the tunnels built by the Knights of Malta in the 1500s in order to access the canon emplacements built to protect the beautiful city of Valletta. The tunnels now play host to this intimate, truly unique wine bar, supplying a fantastic and varied collection of wines allowing something for everyone, from the best local wines to the finest international tipples.

The thing that really sets Rampila apart from the competition is the charming wax work exhibition on display at the restaurant. Offering an interesting view of what life on Malta was like 100 years ago, it is an original concept that makes for excellent pre-dinner viewing and an exciting topic for discussion. This kind of experience is simply not on offer in any of the other restaurants in Valletta.

Rampila's fully heated terrace offers customers the chance to dine in the open air complete with a stunning view of the historic City Gate. Once home to two large canons that provided protection for the city, the terrace now offers a relaxing and romantic atmosphere, perfect for an autumn candle lit meal for two, or an excellent place to sit with a group of friends while enjoying good wine and good conversation.

The City Gate is soon to undergo an extensive reconstruction designed by multi award winning and world renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, so the Rampila's roof terrace will be the perfect place to watch on as a new chapter in Malta's history unfolds.

Rampila promises to offer its customers an appetising experience which goes far beyond just dinner and wine, giving them an authentic and enjoyable experience of traditional Maltese cuisine, along with tasting some fantastic local wines, but also offering to teach them about some of the history of the city. All of this, plus the friendly, welcoming and helpful staff are renowned for making their customers feel as if they have made a new friend.

Following Writers’ Footsteps in Oxford

Oxford has a long and rich literary history, having served as the stomping grounds for some of the most influential authors of the last century and a half. Here are a few of my favorite spots with significant literary associations that you can see walking from St. Giles all the way down the High Street all in a day—though I’d recommend taking a bit more time to enjoy the entire city.

The Eagle and Child
The main roads from North Oxford that feed into City Center combine on a street called St. Giles Terrace. On the west side of the road, you’ll find a pub called the Eagle and Child, known to locals as the Bird and Baby. In the main room, called the Rabbit Room, of the pub a plaque hangs on the wall that reads, “Until 1963 the great writers of the ‘Inklings’, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and others, met regularly on this spot. The conversations that have taken place here have profoundly influenced the development of 20th century English literature.” The literary genius of these giants has polished the dark wood interior of the Eagle and Child with a veneer of history that is only brightened by the greasy foods and stout pints that slip and slide between the kitchen, the bar keep, and the patrons. Cozy up in the midday with a cup or tea or in the evenings with a pint of lager; the cheerful, earthy atmosphere is absolutely palpable and a must-see for travelers.

Christ Church
One of the oldest and grandest colleges in the University of Oxford is Christ Church. The honey-colored, blue-domed quads on St. Aldate’s are easy to spot from nearly anywhere in the city. From the literary perspective, Christ Church is famous for inspiring notable fantasy fiction authors Lewis Carroll who wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and Philip Pullman, author of the His Dark Materials trilogy. Carroll, who studied at Christ Church and later taught math there, interested me most, and I had the chance to take a private tour of the Christ Church grounds with Mr. Stuart Fleming, Assistant Head Custodian while I was visiting. Christ Church’s grounds include a croquet field, a massive twisted tree, beautiful gardens, and secret passageways throughout the buildings. All of these elements and more inspired Carroll to write his timeless story for the real Alice, daughter of Christ Church’s Dean during Carroll’s tenure. You can pay a small fee for general admission (visit the dining hall and outdoor quads) or call in advance to arrange a special behind the scenes guided tour of areas normally frequented only by faculty, staff and students.

Magdalen College
On the High Street running east from City Center lies Magdalen College, pronounced maudlin. A small admission fee (even smaller for students) grants admission to the grounds where The Chronicles of Narnia author C.S. Lewis taught as Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English. One of my favorite walks through the Magdalen grounds follows the River Cherwell that winds through a few fields and a stand of trees. In one meadow, a fenced off area called The Grove, a herd of deer (a literary cousin of Mr. Tumnus, perhaps?) make their home during the dry months. When the rains come, the meadow floods and fills with pools of water that are sure to have inspired a scene early in Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew. On May Day, the first day in May, the Magdalen choir sings hymns from the top of the college’s tower at 6am, just in time for sunrise. The festivities are free to attend, though they’ll cost you a few hours of sleep.

Botanic Garden
Just across The High Street from Magdalen College is the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. The University charges a modest admission fee for visitors on the weekends, but during the week guests are free to frequent the garden as they like. Towards the back of the garden by a stone wall, there is an immense black pine that towers into the sky with thick, rough-barked arms. This pine was planted in 1800 and was the favorite tree of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings; indeed, one of the most popular photographs of the writer shoes him reclining against its trunk. The large trees that pepper the garden inspired Tolkien’s Ents—talking guardians of the forest. Behind the wall are more botanic exhibits including a low branched tree spreads over a wooden bench; someone has carved “Lyra + Will” into the arm in memory of Pullman’s His Dark Materials protagonists. And to the southeast, where the garden is bordered by the Cherwell, a stand of glass domes house tropical and desert plants; Lewis Carroll’s illustrator Sir John Tenniel incorporated the greenhouses into his illustration of the Red Queen and her Court meeting Alice.

Black Pine in the Botanic Garden

There are hundreds of other sites to see in Oxford, especially literary ones. The city deserves at least a few days of your time to properly enjoy them all.

Analise Marcus is a voracious fiction reader and anglophile. Analise lived in Oxford for four months as a cost-conscious student; she advocates the use of an Orbitz promotion code to plan travel adventures both domestic and abroad.

Debunking the Myths About The Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most visited nations, with the city of Amsterdam attracting millions of visitors every year. Despite this, however, numerous myths about the country continue to persist even in light of information to the contrary. From the name of the country to its reputation for vice and cannabis consumption, much of what people think they know about The Netherlands is inaccurate or even untrue.

One of the most common misconceptions about the Netherlands is that it is called “Holland” and many people use the two names interchangeably. This is, of course, incorrect. The term Holland refers very specifically to a region in the west of the country that is comprised of the provinces of North and South Holland; there are ten other provinces in the Netherlands. The Holland provinces do contain some of the country’s largest cities, including Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Haarlem, which may explain some of the confusion over the name.

Much to the displeasure of many natives, the Netherlands has developed a reputation as having something of a seedy side. Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District receives millions of visitors every year, due in part to the country’s legalisation of prostitution. While it is true that prostitution is accepted in Amsterdam, it is worth bearing in mind that it is also tightly regulated so that many of the problems most commonly associated with the sex industry, such as increased crime and violence, are not a serious issue in the city. Far from being seedy, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is actually one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city.

The Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, is notorious for its liberal drug laws, so much so that the city has become synonymous with its “coffee shop” culture to many people around the world. Many people, however, make the mistake of assuming that the possession and use of drugs is legal in the Netherlands, when in fact it is only softer drugs that are tolerated. Even then, substances such as cannabis and magic mushrooms are only decriminalised and remain technically illegal. Many Dutch people, however, have become dismayed at the influx of drug tourists and legislative changes may see Amsterdam’s coffee shops closed to foreigners by the end of 2012.

In the meantime, many tourists will most likely continue to use Amsterdam holidays as an excuse to indulge in what they can’t legally do at home. Whether the changes to drug legislation in the Netherlands will survive into the long-term or not, this looks to be one Dutch myth that will soon to be put to rest for the time being.

Jennifer Adams is a part of the digital blogging team who write about subjects like lifestyles and travel, such as Amsterdam holidays on behalf of a growing number of airline brands. To keep up to date with the latest in travel news.

Why visit Shropshire?

Shropshire is one of Britain’s best kept secrets; off the beaten track of most of the major cities, it’s a quiet and peaceful county full of potential, and what’s better? Chances are that most people either won’t have heard of it, or haven’t been there.

Don’t let the anonymity fool you though, Shropshire has got a great deal to offer to the adventurous tourist...

The Shropshire Basics

Shropshire is England’s largest inland county and lies to the west of Birmingham, which is just east of the Welsh border. Britain’s longest river, the river Severn, traverses the county through the Severn Valley. The river is overlooked for some of its journey by one of Britain's few remaining steam railways. The Severn Valley Railway offers a rare chance to observe the beautiful country-side while experiencing travel as it was at the turn of the 20th century.

Picturesque Scenery

Shropshire’s biggest draw is the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (yes, that is its real name) which covers one quarter of the county. It is a tranquil landscape with hills, woods and farms that offer the opportunity to walk, cycle and ride horses along its many paths and tracks.

It is one of Britain’s finest landscapes and includes open spaces, hidden valleys and river valleys; Wenlock Edge, the Stiperstones and the Long Mynd. These will all provide you with breathtaking views and memorable experiences.

Long Mynd

Market towns intersperse this area each with their own character, offering local produce and niche shops for you to visit and enjoy. Some of these famous towns have features which are truly unique, such as Bridgnorth with the only working inland Cliff Railway which is well worth a visit!

Shropshire and its scenic beauty

Medieval History

As part of Shropshire’s heritage this area also provides the opportunity to visit many castles and hill forts that once protected the border from Wales. There are 25 hill forts in Shropshire, evidence of Iron Age settlements, and an impressive 32 castles.

These include Ludlow Castle, an impressive 11th century structure that provides guided tours and impressive views of the medieval town as well as the opportunity to visit Michelin starred restaurants. Myths and legends abound these structures and are well worth a visit as well as spending time visiting the local area.

Ludlow Castle

Six medieval abbeys and priories, including Shrewsbury, Buildwas and Much Wenlock, are also open to visitors and, although are left as ruins, are preserved and accessible to visitors and provide an insight into life in medieval Shropshire.

Heritage from the Industrial Era

Shropshire’s heritage is not only medieval, it was also an important centre for the birth of the industrial revolution in England in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Situated on the banks of the River Severn, and close to the town of Broseley, lies the picturesque village of Coalbrookdale, an unlikely scene for the beginnings of industry. Nevertheless, it was here that Abraham Darby first developed techniques to refine the iron making process; several museums, the remains of the blast furnaces and the preservation of the Darby houses are open to visitors as a testament to their achievements.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museums include ten museums in total that cover the World Heritage Site, including the world famous Ironbridge itself. These museums are interactive and are family friendly, such as the Blists Hill Victorian Town which is a reconstruction of a nineteenth century town providing visitors with the opportunity to visit the shops, ride on a Victorian fairground, see industry at work and much more.

Ironbridge bridge and memorial

Accommodation

Finding somewhere to stay in Shropshire is a bit of a lucky dip. You can easily find yourself a nice hotel in Wolverhampton or Telford but to truly experience Shropshire you need to find a proper Bed and Breakfast.

For the most part these can be found online or in directories, but there’s always a chance that you’ll pass the perfect farmhouse with a sign in front so leaving your schedule flexible has it’s merits.

There are also several budget hotels chains in the area. Travellodge, for example, has 7 establishments in the county offering comfortable and clean rooms at affordable rates.

Shropshire has the lot: it has been the setting for many British films and television series; celebrities such as Harrison Ford and Calista Flockheart have chosen to holiday here in the past and even Bill Clinton visited as part of the GM Summit. Lord of the Rings author J.R.R Tolkien caught some of Shropshire's magic when he created Middle Earth. If you are looking for unspoilt towns, a range of activities and attractions and breathtaking views then a visit to Shropshire is for you.

This post was provided by Michael Derges from printer cartridge retailer Stinkyink.com.

The Beauty of Abruzzo

Abruzzo is located in Italy, fifty miles to the west of Rome. It is bordered to the east by the Adriatic Sea, Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and Molise to the southeast. The region is the considered as the geographic center of the Italian Peninsula making it prime area for both tourists and locals alike.

The region, owing to its rich medieval history, has become one of the prime tourist locations in the country. There are many castles and townships in the area, especially in the town of L’Aquila, earning for it the nickname “Abruzzoshire”. Aside from its rich history, Abruzzo is famed for their ski slopes, totaling twenty-one all in all measuring nearly four hundred kilometers long. The best ones are in Roccaraso, Campo Felice and Campo Imperatore. These three towns are located high up in the Apennine mountain range located in the heart of Abruzzo. The area is best known for cross-country skiing and other winter activities almost the whole year round.

With the Apennines as the backdrop, the sport of climbing also is one of the burgeoning tourist activities in the region. Located nearby is Italy’s highest peak, the Corno Grande. The area is also home to Il Calderone, Europe’s southernmost glacier. These together with the Corno Piccolo make the area ideal for mountain hikes for novices to sheer rock climbing faces for the expert ascents. For those just wanting to commune with nature, there is the Maiella, allowing individuals and families to hike and live with nature.

If you are not into snow and ice adventure, you can spend your days in the region on the sun under the sand. The Abruzzo region is 129 kms long of sandy beachhead where many beach resorts can be found. The best ones in the region are called Vasto near the southern coast of the region and Silvi Marina. Other well-known beaches are Giulianova, Francavilla al Mare and Pineto also on the southern coast while on the northern end are Alba Adriatica and Martinsicuro. Here, you can enjoy the fine Adriatic Sea with the sun and even the nightlife on the resorts to party and enjoy until the morning light.

Abruzzo offers the best places for tourists to choose from all of Italy. If you want to enjoy the white powdery snow slopes for winter adventure, then Abruzzo offers the Apennines region. If you want to enjoy fun in the sun, then there is the beachhead of the Adriatic. In between, you can enrich your history with a tour of the medieval towns in the region. All in all, this is the beauty of Abruzzo offered to its tourists and visitors.

For a more comprehensive discussion on purchasing property, do visit us at Secret Ski and Sun Region Revealed as Property Buyers Find the Price is Right please visit the author’s site The Property Community

Cardiff – The Beating Heart of Wales

When it comes to travelling around Britain, a lot of people will arrive in England and head directly to London where they will stay for a few days before probably taking off to visit a couple of the other major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham or Liverpool. And although there is no doubting the fact that you could probably spend a lifetime touring around London (and still not see everything) it would be a shame to judge Britain only on these famous cities alone. For one thing there are thousands of miles of English, Scottish and Welsh countryside to explore, and for another thing there are also the main cities of Scotland and Wales to check out. One such city which is worth making a detour for is Cardiff in Wales.

Cardiff has accomplished a remarkable transformation in recent years, turning its industrial heritage on its head to become one of Britain’s most exciting cities. Nowadays, instead of looking backwards to its coal-fuelled past, Cardiff is making the most of not just that industrial heritage but also the incredible range of ancient and historic sites on its doorstep, a wonderful collection of art galleries and museums and an eclectic and adventurous bar and club scene that is fast gaining a reputation as one of the party capitals of Europe. When you throw in the fact that in the last few years the city has also become an exciting new destination for sports fans it is easy to see why Cardiff’s stature is growing year on year.

For those travellers coming to Wales Cardiff is the first stop on any tour. You’ll need at least two or three days to just soak in the wonderful atmosphere of the city and to get around all the sites. Start off with the elegant beauty of the Welsh National Museum and the Gallery of Wales, which houses a world-famous collection that contains everyone from Renoir to Van Gogh to Monet as well as taking on the Civic Hall and Civic Centre which was constructed in gorgeous Neo-Classical white Portland stone. Then take an afternoon to mooch about the endless Edwardian and Victorian streets, parks and gardens, containing an eclectic mix of local boutique shops and all the usual chains. Another whole day can be spent simply touring around the wonderful parks and gardens that fill the city, with the quiet Bute Park being the perfect spot for a picnic or afternoon nap. And in the evenings, why not get out there and sample some of the best nightlife in the UK as well as a new and seemingly endless range of fine dining options. The city itself is packed with a fantastic range of hotels, with everything from grand old historic hotels to cheap and cheerful Holiday Inn, Premier Inn and Travelodge Discount Codes. Look around and you can find some amazing deals year round just by searching for travelodge discount codes or by waiting for last minute city break deals.

The best thing about Cardiff is you can use it as a base to explore the famous Welsh countryside. Head out of the city to take in the magnificent Cardiff Castle and then keep going to explore the hundreds of old castles and ruins that fill the region. Popular destinations include Castell Coch, an ornate and kitsch castle, Caerphilly Castle and Caerleon, the old Roman fortress that has been excavated to reveal a well-preserved bath complex and amphitheatre. Bring a copy of Wordsworth poems and get yourself to Tintern Abbey or pack your walking boots and get out on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Pembrokeshire Coastal National Park, with days and days of hiking trails along the coast to explore.

Cardiff and Wales are simply beautiful and worth heading a little off the beaten track for.

Alex is a travel writer and blogger. He loves writing about expensive, sunny and exotic places but usually ends up writing about rainy days and cheap holidays in Wales.