Travel Around Planet

Archive for March, 2011

Take A Two-Day Mini-Cruise Through The Canary Islands

If you’re thinking of traveling to Portugal and the Canary Islands your travel plans just got simpler. A Spanish ferry company recently announced that they will offer a ferry service with stops in Madeira and several of the Canary Islands.

The ferry originates in Portimao Portugal each Sunday and arrives on Tenerife in the Canary Islands each Tuesday. Clearly this is no commuter ferry. It will however be perfect for those tourists who want a simple way to see the various sights in the area.

The ferry is able to carry automobiles as well as passengers. During the ride one may lounge in a twoperson cabin or enjoy the amenities. A swimming pool gymnasium and buffet service are just a few of the perks of traveling by ferry. The boat can carry up to 1000 people and 600 cars.

Now that there is an easy way to get around to all of these fabulous destinations what is there to do there? Portimao where the ferry begins its journey is a diverse and culturally rich city with a little of something for everyone. Music events sporting events wine tastings and theater are just a few of the offerings there.

The warm sunny beaches of Portimao and multitude of historical places of interest attract many tourists. Some come for the big game fishing and water sports. You can even play a round of golf against the spectacular backdrop of lush grass and clear blue skies.

When the ferry stops for its sixhour layover in Madeira you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lush foliage breathtaking scenery and traditional outdoor markets. If you have time to take a walk along the beach in Madeira seize the opportunity. There is nothing like the Madeira wind blowing on your face as you experience the pure beauty of the island.

After the ferry moves on you will eventually find yourself in Tenerife. This island is the largest of the Canary Islands and boasts one of the healthiest tourism trades of all the islands. Its gorgeous climate and beautiful beaches make it a yearround favorite vacation spot.

Tenerife has passed a restriction which does not allow new hotels with a rating of less than five stars to be built. Even fivestar hotels must have additional services such as golf courses before they are allowed on the island. This restriction means that you will find only quality places to stay on the island which is undoubtedly a good thing.

You can find anything in Tenerife that you would expect to find in a European tourist location. There are water parks theaters golf courses restaurants shopping and much more. Tenerife does have its own particular flavor though and even with all of the European influence on the island it is unmistakably Tenerife.

Now is your chance to visit all of these spectacular destinations without worrying about transportation between the mainland and the islands. The ferry does not operate yearround so your trip would be best taken in the summer when you can take full advantage of the ferry service.

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Tenerife tourist information is available at Tenerife holidays guide yourtenerife.netBoth Tenerife airports and a Tenerife map are available with self catering Tenerife villas information too.

Embark On A Spectacular Honeymoon In Niagara Falls Ontario

When you’re planning your honeymoon it’s likely that you and your partner won’t just want to go somewhere romantic: you’ll want to spend the first days of married life in a setting that’s unforgettably spectacular. A cosy New England cottage might do for some but others might expect nothing more than world class excellence on their honeymoon and rightly so! So if you’re keen to spend your honeymoon in one of the most glamorous settings on the globe take a trip to Niagara Falls Ontario the “honeymoon capital of the world”.

As the largest waterfall in North America Niagara Falls attracts over 20 million visitors a year and its refreshing scenescape and stunning greenery provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable honeymoon. In Niagara Falls you’ll find plenty for you and your partner to occupy yourselves with whether you’re both eager ornithologists or you simply want to party the night away in Niagara’s exciting entertainment venues. For starters pick up your “Official City of Niagara Falls Honeymoon Certificate” at the Niagara Falls Tourism Office located on Robinson Street. This often gets the bride free admission into a range of Niagara’s main attractions and can be kept as an enduring souvenir of your Niagara honeymoon.

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with Niagara’s main tourist and historical areas explore its beautiful Marina and discover the area’s wealth of natural gardens. From the Parks Botanical Gardens and Niagara Parks Floral Showcase to the Oakes Garden Theatre Niagara’s serene green landscapes are sure to be a highlight of your honeymoon. And if you and your new spouse are particularly fond of the Great Outdoors head towards the Niagara River Recreational Trail a 56kilometer paved path that’s renowned as one of the best hiking and biking paths in the continent.

For a really romantic activity on your Niagara honeymoon why not visit a winery? Niagara wineries can range from largescale operations to smaller familyrun vineyards and you’ll even have the opportunity to sample the local wine through winetasting sessions. Niagara Ice Wine for instance is one of the region’s most famous products winning many global awards. Often wineries will offer onsite restaurants so you’ll be able to taste Niagara wines alongside local dishes.

Afterwards traverse the streets of Niagara to locate its premier nightclubs and afterdinner shows. With a variety of outdoor bistros comedy clubs and casinos offering firstclass entertainment and musical extravaganzas you and your partner are sure to love what’s on offer in Niagara Falls at night.

Of course if you’d rather spend your honeymoon nights in a hotel you’ll be able to find a range of comfortable and romantic hotels in Niagara Falls in convenient locations. Having been accustomed to honeymoon travellers for many years Niagara Falls’ hotels will often provide their guests with a wide choice of luxury suites offering kingsize beds round the clock room service and whirlpool tubs that are more than big enough to fit two people so you may never have to leave the confines of your room!

About the writer:  Elisha Burberry is a freelance writer who loves her job and the occasional glass of red wine.

Basic Information About Venice Italy Vacations

When you decide to visit Venice you may have a lot of questions about Venice Italy vacations. Most people think that the only way to get around Venice is by gondola. That is true between the 188 islands that make up this city but once you are on each island the main mode of transportation is walking. Today it is mainly tourists that use gondolas just for the experience as most of the residents have their own private boats use waterbuses or taxis or ferries in places where there are no bridges. There are more than 400 bridges connecting the islands in addition to the canals.

The city of Venice is very unique because of its layout. The streets have very interesting names with the smallest ones being called calli and the strands that line the canals are called fondamenta. Canals that were filled in to make streets are called rii terra and a campo is a plaza in front of a church. The only real square in the city is St. Mark’s Square.

When you visit Venice there are certain rules that you must abide by. These are:

* You are not permitted to lie down in public places nor are you permitted to eat or linger on city streets.

* Swimming in the canals and in St. Mark’s bay is prohibited

* You cannot ride a bicycle or use any form of vehicle on the city streets

* You are not allowed to undress in public places or walk about without a shirt or in a bathing suit.

If you violate these rules you will be fined.

Every year millions of tourists come to Venice to watch or take part in the rowing regattas. In addition to the Historical Regatta there are more than 120 others. The rowing season is from April to September. Other annual events that take place in the city include the Farevetro which is one hundred arts and crafts techniques at one venue the Engraving of the City Views and the feast of the patron saint Madonna dell’Apparizone.

The Piazza del Marco is the most famous piazza in Venice Although it looks to be a rectangle it is actually a trapezoid with the Basilica of San Marco as the centerpiece. Some of the buildings along the piazza date back to the 1600′s. You will have an excellent view of the city from the bell tower of the basilica which is one of the highest points in the city. The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most romantic places in the city as well as being a historical landmark. Take a guided tour of the Monastero Mekhitarista to see some of the ancient manuscripts and relics collected and preserved by the monks since the beginning of the 18th century.

Accommodations are quite plentiful in Venice and in price ranges designed to suit all budgets. Experience the Venetian food or stick with the tried and true with the numerous restaurants and fastfood establishments. Get a map of the city and set out to explore on your own keeping in mind that you do have to be careful in times of acqua alta or the flooding of the streets during the thunderstorms that occur in the spring and fall.

About the writer:  For more information on Venice Italythe Venice climate and Venice Italy vacations visit http://www.VeniceVacations.net