Italy's Top Ten Places to Visit in 2009

With the new year upon us, we are excited to present our first annual list of Italy's Top Ten Places to Visit in 2009. A lot of time and feedback was put into compiling this list. We need to preface these selections by stating our aim was to find unique experiences within Italy outside of the traditional tourist spots.

#10 -Marina Grande - Located on the Northern coast of Isle of Capri, the charming port of Marina Grande begins our list of the best places in Italy to visit in 2009. This picturesque seaside village looks a lot like the villages of the Cinque Terre, but without the crowds. The town affords its guests opportunities to relax and experience all things Mediterranean. It's a great jumping off point for visiting the Isle of Capri, Naples, and Amalfi Coast.

#9 - Civita di Bagnoregio - It's proximity to Rome makes this city of 14 people very appealing for an interesting day trip getaway. Perched atop a large hill it offers great views in every directions of the surrounding valleys. Here it is easy to forget about your troubles while strolling the narrow cobblestone streets and admiring the beauty of the Middle Aged architecture.

#8 - Riomaggiore - Perhaps better known as the southern most of five villages that make up the famed Cinque Terre; Riomaggiore is a great place to set up camp while exploring the surrounding region. Riomaggiore also serves as a great place to explore the surround sea via it's local diving outfitters. If that doesn't suit you, perhaps a tour of it's many surrounding vineyards will quench your travel thirst.

#7 - Viareggio Carnival - The best carnival in Italy and renowned worldwide for it's amazing puppets, the Viareggio Carnival is a great experience for everyone, especially those traveling with children. After the daily parades and activities, treat yourself to some frittelle or chiacchiere.

#6 - Matera - What I like about Matera is it's kind of out of the way. Located deep in Southern Italy 40 miles from Bari, this UNESCO protected city is famous for it's sassi districts. Here you can find cave dwellings of some of the first human inhabitants in the Italian peninsula. It's white stone buildings perched atop the cliffside give the town a Greek feel with Southern italian charm.

#5 - Siracusa - Sticking to Southern Italy, Siracusa is a great town for calling home base while exploring Sicily. I like this town because it's not super glamorous and it can be done on a tight budget. In addition, it's fills a major gap in this list.....SUN! This former Corinthian colony is host to many ancient UNESCO sites, warm weather, and fantastic restaurants. What is it missing? Beaches. For those, will will have to venture even further south.

#4 - Pescara Jazz Festival - Usually held in July, the Pescara Jazz festival has been going strong since 1969. With past performers including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bob Dylan, it has solidified it's standing as Europe's most important Jazz music festival. Once you've had your fill of music and partying, take a load off at one of the many Adriatic seaside resorts.

#3 - Bolanzo - Nestled in The Dolomites, you can't help but notice the stunning views and Austrian feel and charm. This town of 100,000 people is a perfect jumping off point for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking and climbing opportunities with a range of difficulty levels.

#2 - The Vatican on April 12, 2009 - So what is so special about this day? It's Easter Sunday, and what better place to spend Easter than the Vatican. Listen to Pope Benedict XVI deliver mass to thousands packed outside of St. Peter's Cathedral. For tickets you should contact your local Bishop. Oh, and while you are there be sure to check out Rome - I hear it is worth seeing.

#1 - Florence - An obvious choice, but we have a soft spot in our hearts for the pleasures of Florence. Where else can you indulge in the finest Tuscan cuisine, explore the most important works of art of the Renaissance, and forget your cares while people watching over a bowl of gelato? Toping the list of Florence's culturally important sights are the Duomo, the Ponto Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. These sights alone are reason enough to make this city a permanent fixture on this list.

Hopefully this list has helped broaden your horizons when it comes to thinking of travel destinations in Italy. Italy offers us Rome, Florence, Venice, etc. Not to minimize these cultural powerhouses, but it is important to gain a deeper appreciation for the lesser known gems of Italy.

By Nate Pachl

By Nate Pachl

Are you interested in learning more about specialized and unique travel experiences within Italy and Croatia? If so please check out my site http://www.adriatictravelcompany.com.

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Beautiful, Historic Landmarks of Brazil

Brazil, considered as one of the most beautiful places to see in the world, making it one of the top tourist attractions. Most cities in Brazil are crammed with different tourists from all over the world, curious about Brazil's famous historic landmarks, tropical weather and culture. One of these historic landmarks is the Statue of Christ located on the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro. This statue is also one of the tallest statues in the world, the statue towers over the metropolis where it can be seen from all directions, surrounded by the ocean. The statue can also be reached by stairs and elevators.

Another landmark is the Rich Village of Black Gold, known as the Ouro Preto, Vila Rica do Ouro Preto to be exact, it's history influencing it's name from being once an old mining town. This wonderful city is located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. It is famous for it's spectacular structures. The city preserved it's complex architecture, it's churches and buildings with incredible detail and touches of gold. Til today it's kept preserved with only little touches of modernized city life.

The city of Sao Joao del-Rei is also one of the historic cities located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. It's known for it's many embellished cathedrals and churches. It is also known for it's famous inhabitants from the past that had an impact in Brazil such as Brazil's former president Tancredo Neves, their national hero Tiradentes, and the Brazilian cardinal Dom Lucas Moriera Neves.

Congonhas is also a historic town in Brazil, also located in the city of Minas Gerais. One of it's most famous tours is to the vast sculpture set made by the most well known sculptor in Brazil during it's colonial age, the Basilica. There you will see statues carved out of cedar wood and soap stones. Many tourists from all over the world and locals come to appreciate the beautiful sculptures and attend religious events held there.

These are only a few of the beautiful historic land marks Brazil contains, and Brazil isn't only known for this, it is also known for it's many events with colourful costumes and great food, their passion for futbol, carnivals which occurred once a year and it's many beautiful beaches. It is also in Brazil that the Amazon river is located, the largest river in the world by mass, basin of approximately 7,050.000 kilo meters, that being 2,729,000 square miles. Because of it's vastness, it has earned the nick name "the River Sea". There in the Amazon forest, lives an estimated 5000 different species of fish alone. Brazil is also filled with welcoming, euphoric people, known for their beautiful women and great Samba dance.

By Ian Pennington

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Landmarks of Brazil, please visit the Best Historic Districts website for current articles and discussions.

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Sample the Good Life in Stellenbosch

The picturesque town of Stellenbosch (affectionately known as "Stellies") was founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, who named it after himself - Stellenbosch means "(van der) Stel's forest". It is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ("First River"), just 55km east of Cape Town, South Africa.

Diverse and buzzing, Stellenbosch is often considered a "students' town", with the University of Stellenbosch forming a central point of entry and exploration, and not just of the mind kind. It is interesting to note that Stellenbosch University has produced many of the South Africa's great sporting heroes, including more than 155 rugby Springboks.

Local Stellenbosch attractions offer you a unique experience in this melting pot of language and culture And the helpful and friendly hosts you'll find at your Stellenbosch accommodation will happily guide you towards the best that "Stellies" has to offer.

With it's venerable old buildings, Dorp Street is the University's main thoroughfare, where modern student life sits comfortably side by side with abundant history and architectural heritage.

An important cultural centre, Stellenbosch has many galleries and museums housing important national and international art collections. The Stellenbosch Conservatoire is the country's oldest music school and once again, your host at your Stellenbosch guest house, hotel or bed and breakfast will be able to point you in the right direction of the must-see places to visit.

Your accommodation in Stellenbosch will perfectly position you for entry into some of the most enticing vineyards and wine routes to be found in South Africa. Stellenbosch forms part of the magnificent Western Cape Winelands region, and is renowned for its mountainous beauty.

The Stellenbosch Wine Route produces award winning wines and is arguably the country's most famous wine attraction and the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes 106 cellars, most of which are open to the public all year round. Enjoy a long day's wine tasting or buying and, you'll sip more than great South African wines - you'll experience a taste of a much-cherished South African way of life.

By Christopher Graham Mills

Your Stellenbosch accommodation booking is your passport to a world of wine and the good life, in its truest South African form.

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Tips to Ensure a Safe Travel in Foreign Countries

Traveling whether it is a family trip or a business trip should be enjoyable and at the same time safe. There are things that you need to do to ensure a safe travel. Of course you need to think of your safety and make sure that you will comeback home safely. Here are some tips:

Have the necessary documents ready. You have to make sure that you have a valid signed passport and visa, if required to ensure a safe travel abroad. To enter and leave any foreign country, a valid passport is required. Fill in the emergency information page of your passport to make sure that anyone related to you can be contacted in case of emergency.

Leave copy of your travel documents and itinerary to your family and friends. It is important that your family and friends knows your whereabouts to make sure that you can be contacted or reached in case of emergency.

Make sure you have a traveler's medical insurance. If you have an existing medical insurance, check with your insurance if their policy applies overseas and if it covers your travel medical emergencies and expenses. If your insurance doesn't cover travel's medical expenses then you have to get your separate travel insurance to ensure a safe travel.

Know the laws and conditions of your destination. Know the current condition of your destination to avoid being caught up in any emergency situation. As a foreigner, you are also subject to foreign countries laws so be sure to abide by the laws. Familiarize yourself with the local laws of your destination to ensure a safe travel in foreign countries.

By Gerry Restrivera

You have to take not of those safety measures to ensure a safe travel. Traveling should be fun and relaxing. The last thing that you want is to be caught up in a not so nice situation while traveling. You will also get the best out of your travel if you can save with your travel expenses and airfare. To find out how to get cheap airfare visit Your World Travel Guide

To travel on a budget visit Travel Secrets

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including Tips to Ensure a Safe Travel in Foreign Countries. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

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Visiting Bahrain For a Diverse Trip

The country of Bahrain has become one of the most sought after destinations for tourists looking for an exotic escape away.

Located in Persian Gulf, the small country of Bahrain is an archipelago that's located near Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Bahrain is often a stop-over for those looking to visit the Middle East.

The island's location means it lends itself to those who are seeking to partake in water sports, and it has developed a number of advanced golf courses and tourist developments for this reason.

The capital of Bahrain is Manama, which houses close to a quarter of the country's population. Manama is home to the Al-Fateh Mosque - one of the world's largest mosques. It is a vibrant city, which is also chock-full of Arab history; with cultural activities that includes concerts, the ballet and exhibitions.

Outside the city, it's possible to view the rest of the country in a fairly short amount of time. The famous Tree of Life is located outside Manama: the tree has lived in the desert with no water source for years, making it a scientific marvel.

Bahrain is also home to the annual Bahrain Grand Prix F1 race, which is considered one of the biggest yearly events in the country; proving popular amongst motor racing fans who wish to witness some of the best drivers in the world compete against each other.

Though Bahrain is the smallest of the Gulf States, the country has established itself as a popular tourist destination. There is usually warm weather all year round, though it can become unbearably hot between April and October. It is also important to remember that the summer can bring sandstorms; therefore, be prepared should you visit during this time of year.

There's no shortage of unique experiences to be found in this ancient yet modern country, with opportunities to take a ride on a camel's back, or to take a tour through the desert. In addition, there are plenty of famous souq markets - loud and packed full of colourful products, a souq is a truly unique market experience. At one time Bahrain was known for pearls, but now the country also provides plenty of other products.

Indeed, whilst being a modern country it also boasts plenty of history that has visitors entranced in the Middle East; and it's easy to see why so many would be drawn to Bahrain. In fact, with so much to see and do at this interesting destination that once you arrive from your flights to Bahrain, you can begin immediately planning that diverse itinerary.

By Isla Campbell

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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Essential Ingredients For a Holiday in Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating destination, a country that mixes traditional Islamic culture with a cosmopolitan European vibe, where ancient ruins sit along side upmarket beach resorts. When you are planning a holiday in Turkey, you get to select which ingredients to use to tailor make the experience to your liking. Here are a few of the 'flavours' you have to choose from to create the perfect holiday to Turkey - use as much (or as little) of each as you please...

Ancient Culture

Turkey is blessed with a treasure trove of archaeological delights. Numerous ancient civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans and the Byzantine Empire, have ruled over Turkey at one point or another, and some of the finest surviving ruins from these cultures are to be found here. Highlights include the cities of Troy and Ephesus, and if you are a history buff on a holiday to Turkey, this is one flavour you won't want to miss out on!

Stunning Beaches

Turkey is fast becoming one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Europe, and it is no wonder: the stunning Mediterranean coastline is rich with beaches and resorts that bask in the blazing sun during the summer months. The resorts range from naturally beautiful Olu Deniz to the bustling Marmaris, picturesque Kalkan to idyllic Akyaka. If you are going on a holiday to Turkey, you are sure to find a resort that is perfectly suited to your needs.

Exhilarating Istanbul

Nowhere else in the country is Turkey's cultural blend more readily apparent than in its capital city. Istanbul is a vibrant destination, where ancient mosques rub shoulders with boutique shops. Haggle for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar, stroll along the old walls of Istanbul, marvel at the wonders of the Sultanahmet Mosque, or simply relax over a potent cup of Turkish coffee in a traditional café - the city has a distinct flavour that it is impossible to forget, and whether you visit for a day or a week, don't exclude Istanbul from your holiday in Turkey.

Exciting Activities

While Turkey is better known as a beach, culture and city break destination, there are plenty of activities to keep more adventurous holiday makers occupied. Golfers on a holiday to Turkey should head over to Belek - this beach resort has been especially designed as a modern day golfer's paradise, with a dozen courses situated in a stunning location.

If you'd prefer to explore the country on foot rather than in a tour bus, the Lycian Way is the essential walk to take. Rated as one of the best footpaths in the world, the 500km route weaves along the Turkish coastline from Fethiye to Antalya, taking in spectacular beaches, mountains, and ancient Lycian ruins along the way.

Finally, if you'd like to travel in a more relaxed fashion, take a Gulet cruise along the coast - a cruise on one of these traditional wooden motor yachts is one of the most popular activities for a holiday to Turkey.

If these 'ingredients' have managed to whet your appetite, it is no surprise; Turkey is truly one of the most exciting and unforgettable destinations for a holiday in Europe.

By Shereena Lingiah

Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a company offering comprehensive advice and accommodation options for your holiday in Turkey (http://www.anatoliansky.co.uk/Home/Holidays-in-Turkey.aspx They provide holidays to North Cyprus and Turkey, including the entire Anatolian region.

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New York - An Island Built on Highlights

Manhattan Island is the place to see if you have a day or two in New York. Flanked by the Hudson River and the East River it is within reach from the John F. Kennedy International Airport. For a treat take the train and if in a hurry take a taxi back. In a matter of hours you can see the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building.

Orientation

With the Twin Tours as a burning backdrop the world took more notice of New York than any other city in the world. I was in Taipei that time and even Asians wanted to know where this was. While you get Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and each have their own attractions, Manhattan Island is New York City as far as tourists are concerned.

Taking the subway from JFK make sure you end up where you want to end up. A slight mistake and you could end up in the Bronx and coming down Manhattan Island from the other way you could end up in Queens.

Highlights

Buildings

The buildings in itself provide a skyline that you find hard to believe. Especially when you are in the street and can hardly see the sky above.

The buildings towering above you are impressive and worth taking pictures of.

Cultures

For most the enormous pudding of different cultures is what New York is about. The world seems to flock to New York. A hub around which the world turns. Spend some time in Central Park to soak up the variety of cultures.

Museums and Art Galleries

In the National Museum of the American Indian you will find Art and the focus on the Native American culture.

Statue of Liberty

The most enduring symbol of New York recognized worldwide is the statue itself. A boat ride to see the lady will also allow you to see Manhattan from the side. 354 steps will take you to the statues crown, the height equivalent of ascending a 22 story building.

Shopping

I will not mention anything else besides the fact that New York is a Shopping Mecca for tourists. You can start and will not stop for days. Nut then most women at least knows that.

Restaurants

With more than 18 000 restaurants you will find any kind of food you enjoy. Often at bargain prices, starting with breakfast and ending in dinner. Whether you are in Lower, Upper, West or East Manhattan a restaurant is nearby.

Madison Square Garden

This arena hosted some of the most remarkable Boxing contests in history. Muhammad Ali being one of the entertainers there. It also is where you will find the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.

By Leon Steyn

Leon is a writer and believes your travel reservation search has never been easier than to do it here Hotel Booking and Travel Reservation.

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New York - The Big Apple

The Great Reward or simply getting the big apple was what was meant when Fitzgerald used the term. He used this term to describe a trip to a New York racecourse as The Big Apple. Today New York could probably be described as the Capital of the World. You can get big apples there. Going to America will never been the same unless you make an effort to see New York When to visit NY The world does not stop for a second and there is no bad time or off season in New York. But September to October will be the best as far as the weather is concerned. Hotel prices will be scaled accordingly.

The Modern Day Sodom - My first visit to New York brought me in contact with the most porn shops I have seen in my life. But to focus on that would be to miss the rest the city has to offer. Around 6000 places to worship outweigh the few porn shops. Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Hindu worshipers can all find rest somewhere. Library The main branch of the New York Public Library at 42nd St and Fifth Avenue is also an architectural attraction. Even if you do not read much, a visit to the 3rd floor reading room is something that you will not often see. The room is a massive, majestic room with a beautiful decorated roof and wooden desks to sit and contemplate about matters of interest. Annoyances Beggars will cross your path and while it is not easy to decide who you should help, remember that most of the money will be spent on drugs and alcohol instead of food. Prostitution This is like any major city. They will be around and they will also be on the lookout for tourists. With the world where it is at present with Aids, the health factor should be kept in mind as it might hurt more than the hole in your pocket.

Drugs Along Amsterdam Avenue in the far East Village in Alphabet City; you will be approached by dealers so stay away or ignore them if you are not interested. Stay away when you have cash and it is late. Shopping This is one city where shopping continues for seven days a week. You can do shopping during the day and later visit bookstores and other specialty shops. Drug stores can be found 24 hours of the day. New York is a city that caters for everybody and you will find churches, and drugs. But there is so much to see that if you are not into something you do not need to be overwhelmed by it. Indulge in your own interests. Tip: Include New York in your trip somewhere else and stay over for a day or two. For places to stay use a search engine and simply put in your budget price. Accommodation includes hostels, hotels and the rest.

By Leon Steyn

Leon is a travel writer and recommends the following sites for an Easy Free Search for flights, hotels and other. Visit them at Hotel Booking and Travel Reservation.

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The Disney World Castle - Sleeping Beauty's Magical Palace

The Disney World castle is the iconic fairy tale fortress that serves as the gateway to Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom's theme park. It is not only one of the central icons of Walt Disney World resort, but its romantic beauty has also come to represent all of the Walt Disney Company. It really is small wonder why Disney World will come to most people's mind when seeing an image of the castle.

The Disney World castle, also known as Sleeping Beauty's castle, has been around since July 17, 1955 and is the oldest of all the Disney castles. It reaches a height of approximately 77 feet and used to feature an empty upper level that was never intended to be used. Walt Disney was not satisfied with the wasted space and challenged his Imagineers to find some use for the space. Starting in April of 1957 visitors were able to walk through the castle and view several dioramas depicting the story of Sleeping Beauty. The walkthrough was closed in October 2001 and though no one was ever given a real reason why, many people think it had to do with the terrorist attacks on September 11th 2001 and they wanted to eliminate the potential dangers.

Sleeping Beauty's castle is located in the heart of Magic Kingdom Theme Park, just above the central hub of the Park. Many Guests can catch their first glimpse of the castle from Main Street, U.S.A. When you first see the soaring spires, ornate turrets and shimmering moat, you know you have left the world of today and entered a magical new land full of fun and fantasy. While it may be initially startling to see a medieval castle at the end of a street right out of classic small-town America, the dream-like magic of the contrasting images captures the promise of the enchanted adventures awaiting you.

By Dee Schrock

For more Disney World castle information and fun facts, ride reviews, age recommendations, video footage, visit http://www.mouse-world-vacation-fun.com as well as tips for making Disney World affordable.

© Copyright 2009. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.

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Hawaii Family Vacation - Should You Plan a Family Vacation to Hawaii?

If you are thinking of a Hawaii family vacation, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. First, you're probably going to pay more than you would for a vacation to grandma's house, but it will also be a lot more fun for you and your family. But although it can be expensive, there is some good news and that is that even though you will be paying higher prices for the most part, there are still specials and packages available to save money.

Since Hawaii is universally recognized as one of the most dreamed about vacations, a Hawaii family vacation should be high on your list of things to do. You can check with your local travel agent or an online travel agency to see if they have some good deals on a vacation package to Hawaii. Often a package deal will allow you to take your family to this island paradise without having to take out a second mortgage. It is unrealistic to think that you are going to go there without spending anything, but you definitely can save money with these packages.

Now you will need to plan your activities once you arrive in Hawaii. It is rather unrealistic to assume that you will spend all of your time lying around on the beach. Yes, this is definitely a free activity and you won't have to spend any money to do it but it would also be rather boring. Especially given that there are so many activities in Hawaii for you and your family to enjoy. You can take in a helicopter ride to enjoy the great scenic views, visit a volcano site, take surfing lessons (great fun) or learn how to parasail, or even do some boating and golfing. Hiking is also a popular activity. Of course you'll want to do some shopping as well to pick up some Hawaii souvenirs.

A Hawaii family vacation will be something you and your family will always remember and treasure. If this is something you have always wanted to do, you should make a plan to spend your next vacation on the white sandy beaches of Hawaii and enjoy the peaceful serenity of this beautiful island paradise. While this family vacation will not last forever, the memories of it will always be there. So if a visit to Hawaii is your family's dream, what is stopping you?

By Terrie Bryan

A Hawaii family vacation can be affordable, all you have to do is click here!

Learn the little-known secrets to cheap travel!

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5 Things to See and Do in Lazio, Italy

Lazio has so much to offer the tourist with an abundance of things to see and do that are too numerous to cover all of them here. In this first of a series of articles we look at the area surrounding the picturesque and historic town of Tarquinia in northern Lazio. Tarquinia, just one hour from Rome by train with excellent road and public transport connections is perfect as a relaxing base from which to explore Lazio and Tuscany . Here we will start with 5 things to see and do in Tarquinia.

1) Relax by the sea and revitalize your body and soul. Just five kilometres from the town, the unspoilt beach at Tarquinia Lido is ideal for a relaxing walk and taking in the sea air. There are plenty of leisure resorts and facilities many offering entertainment for children in the summer months as well as a variety of beach and water sports. There are also some excellent restaurants with great views looking onto the waterfront where one can enjoy a mouth-watering dish of freshly caught seafood. The food, wine, comfortable surroundings and excellent service at Il Tirreno make it one of the many restaurants worth visiting.

2) Explore the world of the mysterious Etruscans by visiting the necropolis and museum. Tarquinia was one of the principal cities of ancient Etruria, home to the Etruscan civilization that occupied this part of Italy from around 900 BC. Today an air of mystery surrounds the Etruscans. While we know they were highly advanced both technically and culturally, there are many gaps in our knowledge as to their origins and the language they spoke. The cemetery just outside the town of Tarquinia with its 6000 graves some 200 of which contain remarkable wall paintings and the museum in the town centre house some of the finest examples of Etruscan art in the world today and present a unique insight into the fascinating world of this people.

3) For those of us accustomed to hurrying to the supermarket before it closes after a long day at work, it is a refreshing change to go directly to a producer and buy high quality fresh produce. Instead of checking labels for expiry dates and "unwanted additives" with who knows what adverse affects, visiting a farm, chatting with the producer and seeing food cultivated naturally is the best measure of quality available. Agriculture is as important to Tarquinia as tourism and many local producers welcome visitors who wish to sample and/or purchase their produce. Olive oil, local cheeses and of course wine are all to be sampled. One such producer is Sant Isidoro.

4) Tarquinia has long been a home to artists, a tradition which continues to thrive today. Almost every street in the old town has a workshop or artist studio. Visitors are often welcome so if you would like to see an artist at work, pick up a few pointers or share experiences look out for these studio with the sign 'ingresso libero'. Of the many artists with studios in the historic centre, the English born Brian Mobbs is one of the best known. His studio is on Via di Porta Castello.

5) For nature lovers the wildlife reserve at Tarquinia Le Saline offers a rare opportunity to view several species of migratory birds not often seen in Europe. Just as interesting and varied is the long history of this area from busy port to the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans to salt extraction. The 170 hectares is today a peaceful paradise, protected by the National Forestry and whose winding pathways are ideal for a relaxing walk or bicycle ride.

Tarquinia, at just over one hour from Rome with good rail and road connections, is a great base from which to explore Lazio. Low cost flights are available to Ciampino airport which is around 90 minutes drive from Tarquinia. A regular train service connects Tarquinia to Rome and the city of Pisa.

By Finbar Fitzgerald

Finbar Fitzgerald has been living in this part of Italy for almost 10 years now and has written several articles on this region of Lazio and Etruscan history and culture. Visit the area to experience the joy of Lazio first hand. You can find plenty of useful information on http://www.EtruscanVilla.com Read more of this author's work on http://www.EtruscanVilla.com/articles_and_further_reading

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San Francisco Open Your Golden Gate

If you decide to take a family summer vacation to San Francisco, here are some suggestions for accommodations and activities that are sure to please you and your family.

Plan to stay at the Westin St. Francis, located in the heart of Union Square. Here, you will have access to shopping, the theatre district, restaurants, and museums. The hotel has been touted as the best family hotel in San Francisco. This is not surprising as its accommodations are truly exceptional and you have a choice of family or deluxe rooms. Amenities include: refrigerators, cribs, rollaway beds, a childrens breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at the hotels restaurant.

What is so unique to this particular hotel is that upon arrival, your children will receive gifts such as hats, shampoo, and crayons, which is part of this hotels personality. With friendly and helpful staff, the hotel also offers a barber and beauty shop, concierge, dry cleaning services, fitness center, and room service.

There are three restaurants at this hotel that offer incredible cuisine from traditional to casual dining. They even have a Westin Kids Club for children 12 and under, as well as specialized meals that are high in protein and low in salt. Whether its formal meals or ala carte, you and your family will be delighted with the variety of meals available at this hotel.

Among the many activities you and your family can engage in while in San Francisco are the following tours: A ferry ride around Alcatraz Island (while all the way Tony Bennett sings his famous I Left My Heart in San Francisco), Yosemite and giant Sequoias Minivan tour, Monterey, Carmel and the 17-Mile Drive tour including Monterey Bay Aquarium, take a cable car tour of San Francisco, walk or drive down the most crooked street in the world" Lombard Street, visit Coit Tower, or rent a car and take a side trip to the lovely quaint town of Salsalito, just across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Plan on spending lunch or dinner at Fishermans Wharf where Ghirardelli Square is home to over 50 restaurants, shops, plazas, and incredible views of the bay. Take your kids to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop for their world-renowned hot fudge sundaes. Dont forget to buy a box of their world-famous chocolate as well.

Your family will never run out of things to do in San Francisco. With is rolling hills and beautiful landscape, this is one vacation that will steal your heart!

By Brad Matthew Alexzander

Discover this Cheap Flights Blog Full of Flights Discount Strategies and Discover this Flights Savings Guide

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12 Things to Do in Penang

Penang, Malaysia has been known as one of Southeast Asia's finest destinations for many years now. Aptly called as "Pearl of the Orient", Penang offers amazing cultural heritage and diverse population which cannot be found anywhere else around the globe. In general, Penang is a great place all by itself and travelers find this small place full of interesting things to do and many places to visit even on foot. Here are some recommended things you must do while visiting Penang.

01 Climb up Penang Hill: Your trip to Penang should include Penang Hill. This popular tourist spot is also known as Bukit Bendera, referring to its most developed peak, the Flagstaff Hill. The most recommended way up to Penang Hill is through the Penang Hill Railway. This is a funicular railway that will bring passengers all the way up to Flagstaff Hill. Funicular train leaves every 20-25 minutes interval and carries up to 80 passengers per trip. Penang Hill is also accessible by 4x4 vehicles through the "jeep track" which is a tarred road most commonly used by residents of the hill.

There are also trails that one can follow such as Moongate trail, trail from Air Itam Dam to Tiger Hill, trail from Hye Keat Estate and one coming from the Municipality Park. From Penang Botanical Gardens, it will take 3 hours to reach the top of the hill by foot.

02 Shop at Batu Ferringhi Night Bazaar: Batu Ferringhi Night Bazaar is a nightly affair in Batu Ferrunghi starting from 7pm until 1am. After the sun sets in, the whole stretch of Batu Ferringi is transformed into a night market definitely worth checking out. You will find over 1000 stalls in Batu Ferringhi which are lined near the main road. Shopping addicts will surely have a high time sorting out goods ranging from clothes to paintings and everything in between.

03 Enjoy food and sight at Gurney Drive: Gurney Drive is famous for its mouth watering cuisine. Aside from the food, this road is made popular by having the best view of the sunset. Just outside the Georgetown City, Gurney Drive faces the sea of Penang, truly a relaxing experience and quite fulfilling to the stomach as well. Dinners are served in this side of town where most hawker stalls open around 6pm. One can find something to please the palate, for sure. Top 3 recommended dishes to try are: Char Keow Teow, Asam Laksa and Hokkien Mee. You will also find Gurney Plaza Shopping Center in Gurney Drive which is one of the famous shopping spot in Penang. You will find popular Malaysian and foreign brands in Gurney Plaza.

04 Be a Shopaholic: With all the shopping centers in Penang, you will never run out of options. Penang is considered as the biggest shopping destination in northern Malaysia with huge department stores and shopping malls in and out of the island. Queensbay Shopping Mall in Bayan Lepas is the largest and longest shopping mall in Penang Island housing more than 400 local and international shops. Gurney Plaza, on the other hand, has the biggest Cineplex in northern Malaysia. Pranglin Plaza is noted for local finds.

05 Enjoy dazzling 360 view of Penang from KOMTAR: During your visit to KOMTAR, go to the 60th floor to enjoy the fascinating 360 view of the Penang Island. KOMTAR is the tallest building in Penang and proved to be an important landmark for the area. This building houses government offices, shopping complexes, hotels and exhibition center.

06 Ride a ferry from Butterworth: A ferry ride from Butterworth is hard to miss since this is the main gateway to Penang Island. All ferry rides to Penang come from Butterworth terminal and provide a great photo opportunity for travelers featuring a magnificent landscape. The ferries run 24 hours a day.

07 Take a Georgetown Heritage Walk: Of course, Penang travel is more or less equivalent to Georgetown Heritage Walk. Georgetown Heritage Walk features century-old, historical sites and religious temples from various faiths. It is located at the northeastern side of Penang Island. Some of its famous attractions are the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Islamic Museum, Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Queen Victoria Clock Tower.

08 Enjoy nightlife in Upper Penang Road: Your day in Penang is not yet over after dark, check out Georgetown's nightlife in upper Penang road with live music, DJs and bands. Karaoke is a popular activity, aside from dancing and just plain chilling out. Bring your friends for a round of singing and drinking til wee hours of the morning!

09 Cross Penang Bridge, one of the largest in the world: Penang Bridge is Asia's longest bridge and it offers a spectacular view of Penang. This bridge is the pride and joy of Penang and a national landmark. It is also a standing symbol of Penang's economic development. Penang Bridge is host to annual Penang Bridge Marathon.

10 Visit largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia: The Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si is situated in Ait Itam and it is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Kek Lok Si Temple is home to series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples and beautifully landscaped gardens. It is also the best known temple in Penang, Malaysia.

11 Meet Francis Light at Fort Cornwallis: Visit the historical Fort Cornwallis and meet the statue of Francis Light. This old star-shaped fort is located at the northeastern coast of Penang and the oldest of three lighthouses in the area. Fort Cornwallis also features the Seri Rambai Cannon as always seen in pictures.

12 Visit nearby Islands: Small islands surrounding Penang are also worth looking up to. Pulau Aman or Island of Peace is a small island that houses the traditional Malay village. Other islands include Pulau Tioman, Pulau Rawa and Pulau Babi Besar. Although there is limited information about these nearby islands, a local tourist guide can help you find them.

On the whole, Penang, Malaysia is a great place to visit due to its almost side-by-side visitor spots, travelers won't run out of things to do. This list is just a taste of what Penang can offer its visitors and it is not entirely impossible to fell in love with this beautiful island. Truly, a Penang travel is a trip worth remembering!

Copyright (c) 2009 Nowal Khan

By Nowal Khan

Nowal has been a freelance travel writer and photographer for almost 10 years now. Penang Travel Guide is his recent travel guide to the island of Penang. The guide provides travel and tourism information of Penang. You will also find Penang travel tips, attraction and accommodation reviews, photos and a lot about the famous tourist destination of Malaysia.

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India Tour Destinations

India has everything for all kind of tourists from spiritual, adventure or just to relax for sometime. You name it and we got it. Every corner has its own specialty but the two best spots which a tourist must stay while coming to India are Kodayala, Rishikesh for the ultimate adventure destination and Kerala backwaters for complete relaxation of mind, body and soul. In the north of India, the beautiful place of Kodayala lies in Uttarakhand just 100 kms ahead from Rishikesh. The place is situated in the best of the natural surroundings and camping around is the experience of a lifetime. The fresh water of river Ganga flows near your camp that makes the stay worth living. One can enjoy some amazing activities like river rafting, kayaking and water diving. The night is beautiful with stars all around you and bonfire is a must there. The shores attract you and the whole surrounding is breathtaking. And the holy dip in river Ganga just sums up your journey all the more.

The second ultimate destination to visit is Kerala backwaters, in south of India, truly heaven on earth. One can just stay in their houseboat and relax whole day without doing anything. The perfect way to rejuvenate your body is to get a Kerala massage, a must for a complete body relaxation. You can sit on your boat and catch the fresh fish caught for a perfect dining experience. And the greenery all around just accomplish your perfect trip to India which you will remember all your life.

So come to India and see some amazingly beautiful places which will make you visit to India every year.

By Kaushal Kishore

http://www.indianmemoirz.com

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Package Holidays Make a Comeback

With the economic crisis forcing tour operators and airlines to keep a watchful eye over the bookings being made by UK holidaymakers, interestingly package holidays seem to be retaining their appeal - and despite calls by some critics that they are hiding costs for travellers. Here is my list of the best package holiday destinations for the recession-wary traveller in 2009.

Turkish Riviera:
The number of visitors to Turkey has been growing considerably over the last few years (over 30 million in 2008), and that is set to continue in 2009. The country is already on the minds of many due to its location just outside of the Eurozone, meaning the destination will retain its value for money. But of course, Turkey's developed tourist spots also satisfy for those eager to save money by opting for a package holiday. If you visit Antalya on the Turkish Riviera during March and April it is possible to ski in the morning and swim in the warm Mediterranean sea in the afternoon. Historical amphitheatres and areas of great natural beauty are located within short distance of beaches and modern attractions.

Prague, Czech Republic:
If you are eager to say within the Eurozone in spite of the credit crunch, then Prague may well be a good all-inclusive bet. According to The Telegraph, many holidaymakers are considering taking shorter breaks on order to save money, and many European city hotels are currently offering free night deals (such as three for two) in order to keep bookings up. Prague is one such destination, and has grown to become the sixth most visited European city. The city is known for its architecture and intriguing attractions such as the Astronomical Clock and The Prague Metronome.

Phuket, Thailand:
Since the Tsunami disaster of 2004, Phuket has been completely rebuilt and restored - and modernized for a new era of tourism. As a result of this, resorts and hotels are scattered all around the island's long coastline. Patong, however, is the most popular resort on the island being an upbeat party town of bars, clubs, and discos - and a beach which stretches for 2 kilometres. However, if it is a more exotic, less commercial, area you are searching for, the North West Mai Khao and Siranat National Park area will also be suitable.

Cyprus:
If you are still eager to find the sun in the Eurozone, then Cyprus remains a package holiday hero. My guess is that 2009 might be the year to take full advantage of the island as many UK holidaymakers are eager to find somewhere cheaper. This, therefore, can have benefits to some who will be able to find that great deal without as much competition as other destinations. Turquoise waters and white beaches make Cyprus a well-established tourist destination, and a good choice to those looking for a hot package resort.

By Sarah Maple

Sarah Maple writes about how to book book cheap flights and package holidays.

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