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Regarded as one of the hottest cities on the globe, Istanbul is a place rich with history, with lots of buildings dating back to the Ottoman Empire. But it is also a modern capital city with many art galleries, restaurants and shops, and with a vivid night life in the many clubs. The city has come a long way from a desperate state of poverty to the rich and energetic city it is today.

Back in the age of the Ottoman Empire, the heart of the city was the Hippodrome, with a rich history of political catastrophes; it was the place where the emperor was overturned after a chariot race that ended dramatically. In modern times a spot of equal importance to the tourist visiting Istanbul will be the Grand Bazaar, strategically placed in the center of the town, where tourists can shop to their hearts content. Throughout the ages, this “heart of Istanbul” has been the center for business as it still is today, with many restaurants, workshops and also ancient mosques and other relics from Byzantium times. Another part of the city that will be popular among the shoppers will certainly be the Kapali Carsi where almost everything is sold.

One of the sights that are not to be missed when visiting Istanbul is without a doubt the Aqueduct of Valens, a structure that looks out over the Ataturk Bulvari, completely made up out of limestone. One of the best known monuments in the city is the Aya Sofia, which the Greek refer to as Hagia Sofia, and was built on the orders of Emperor Justinian. A sight not to missed is that from the Galata Bridge, be sure to watch a sunset from there, to see some spectacular panoramas.

Of course a visit to Istanbul is not complete without visiting a few of the many ancient mosques, like The Mihrimah Sultan Camii, with its windows constructed from stained glass. For the scholars amongst us, Istanbul holds many artifacts from the Ottoman era, like the ruins of the palace of Anadolu Kavagi Kalesi, and a tour of the Topkapi Palace is not to be missed out on.

The climate in the area is ideal for a trip to Istanbul during spring or autumn, with mild temperatures and lots of sunshine. It is also the time for the many activities that are held in the city every year, like festivals and musical events. For sports lovers there is Formula 1 racing in June as the Grand Prix starts. The summer months are less suitable for visits to the city, with very high temperatures and the majority of the many attractions are closed during that period.

In and around Istanbul there are many means to move around in the city, like buses, ferries and the popular cabs. Typical transportation in the area is by boat.

Over the years Istanbul has developed into a true world city, with all the comforts of modern day while maintaining its rich culture and history, which is why it has become one of the most popular holiday destinations.

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Large sandy beaches, a wide variety of wildlife and speed boats, make it obvious you have left the familiar environment of your home. Sydney is a unique city, with lots of attractions suitable for the whole family. Australia with its unique flora and fauna will never seize to amaze, providing breathtaking scenery, along with a lively nightlife and plenty of sites to visit, it is a place where children as well as the parents are set for a great time during their holidays.

Where there are beaches there is water, and at the Sydney Harbour you will find many different vessels ranging from private yachts to a fully fledged destroyer and submarine from the Australian military. It is also the home of the famous “Spirit of Australia”, which ranks amongst the fastest ships in the world.

A ride on the ferry will take you to Manly, passing each of the gorgeous golden beaches and pines. Once there, be sure to tag along with the others to the main beach and avoid the smaller ones next to the ferry terminal. Also while you are there, be sure to take a walk over the Harbour Bridge. You will see scenery that will take your breath away, and when you feel up to it, participate in a three hour climb organized by BridgeClimb, that will take you to the highest point which is over 400ft above the water.

The Taronga Zoo was built on a large hill that provides a view over large parts of Sydney, just like the Harbour and the Opera House. The Zoo itself contains plenty to see with an excellent selection of wildlife, including facilities where one can observe the nocturnal wildlife of Australia up close, providing a sight rarely seen otherwise. It is also the home of Australia’s official Easter Bunny.

Sydney also houses one of the largest interactive museums of the world, with many exhibits all related to the technological accomplishments of mankind. Allow yourself to be fascinated by the many wonders of technology as the trip will be well worth the time.

Of course a trip to Sydney would not be complete without visiting at least one of the wildlife reservations it holds. The animal selection is nothing short of awesome and all the animals are well treated. Surely you would not want to pass up the opportunity of going on camera with Australia’s most famous animal, The Koala.

Besides wildlife and museums, Sydney offers plenty of opportunity to shop and of course excellent waves for surfers at Coogee Beach.

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Paris commonly referred to as the city of light has always been associated with romance and the finer things in life. Paris is a city with a rich history with lots of places to visit and with limited time one can never see them all.

A trip to Paris is not complete without exploring the old Paris with its nostalgic cobblestone paved streets, alleys and atmospheric cafes. Walking past the ancient fountains will invoke the feeling of time travelling as you are visiting a part of the city where life has never changed for centuries. The rich history of Paris surrounds you from all sides, visiting the same places the likes of Ernest Hemminway have visited before you along with many other famous names in history. While there be sure to experience the Pantheon after which a visit to the famous Notre Dame is an absolute must. These are just a few highlights that a visit to Paris holds in store, there are many more famous sites to visit and explore.

After a day filled with exploring the sites have a seat in one of the many cafes that are always nearby. Should you be a traveler originating from the United States, tasting the typical French coffee is recommended, you will find it to be very different. All the places are easy to visit using the famous Metro system in Paris, so go and visit “Place Monge” for some typical French cuisine. France has always been famous for its kitchen and not just because of its wines. You will find the prices very reasonable.

Paris was built on the two sides of the Seine and its best known monuments are nearby. As darkness falls these are covered with lights, so get on a cruise down the Seine and experience how Paris got its nickname. The site of a completely lit up Eiffel Tower is majestic to say the least, and so are all the other sites. The sight of these will be engraved in your memory forever.

A visit to Paris is not complete without a visit to Montmartre, a large community built on the top of a large hill. From there one can oversee all of Paris. Especially when looking over Paris from the large church which gives an overview of Paris of approximately 30 square miles. Montmartre became famous during the 1860’s when practitioners of the fine arts sought it out in order to experience the gorgeous sights first hand. The fame of the area was made complete by the paintings of the area from the hand of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Another site in Paris one must visit is without a doubt the Louvre, home of a collection of art that is unrivaled. One could spend a day at the Louvre and never see all the pieces in their collection. The pieces the museum is most famous for are the Mona Lisa and the legendary Venus de Milo.

Besides the arts, the food and the wines there is one other thing Paris is famous for, which is fashion. With this premise it is safe to say the shopping is fabulous in Paris, especially their large department stores and shopping malls.

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Lisbon is an easy going city filled with friendly people that take the time to stop for a chat, but over time the city has fallen victim to decay and renovating it had become a main priority.

Over the last couple of years Lisbon has been cleaning up the city and the European Football Championships that were held there in 2004 gave those renovations a large and much needed boost. The event brought back the former glory of Lisbon and now the city has begun a new age.

In the past Lisbon was known as the calling port to Europe but years of decay and construction sites left the city and its residents anxiously awaiting better days when it could reclaim its past glory.

Central Lisbon was like going back in time with cobbled streets and alleys that gave the impression of being warped into the eighteenth century far away from modern Europe.

These days Lisbon has been fully restored to its former glory and is eager to promote itself as such in order to attract tourism and bring about a brand new era.

In 1755 the whole town had to be restructured due to a large earthquake. Reconstructions were necessary just to keep the capital city of Portugal running. The infrastructure that was put in place at that time still is the basis of today’s infrastructure in modern Lisbon.

By a waterfront is a gorgeous square that is called The Praca do Comercio. Looking out to a beautiful archway on one side, the waterfront on the other, it is a square that attracts pigeons while around it stores are keeping shoppers busy with plenty of bargains to be had.

This square functions as the central point of focus for a large part of the local population where they gather to engage in conversation while their children play. It all adds to the unique atmosphere giving an excellent impression of the city. Restaurants in the area provide an enticing smell of cooking, and the native food they serve will certainly appeal to your appetite.

Another must see in Lisbon is the Elevador de Santa Justa, which is an outdoor lift providing those without the fear of heights with spectacular views of the streets below. The sight of tiny figures moving through what looks like mere alleys is truly a remarkable sight. The Elevador de Santa Justa dates from 1901.

To the east many influences of ancient Moorish culture still remain and remnants of Christian influences, after their victories during the wars. The cathedral that still exists there was built on top of a mosque back in 1147.

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There can be no doubt about the historical validity of the city of Rome, filled with historical riches and lots of places of interest. The Roman civilization on its own is breath taking. Many major occurrences of the past that left a mark on European history still show in the city which still looks like a replica from the time of the Roman Empire. Everywhere you turn, monuments of a time long gone, remind us of the cities might at the height of the Roman Empire. A walk through it is like a trip through history, with evidence of those golden years of glory still visible at every corner.

Besides the old Rome, there is also modern Rome which is a modern world city in every sense of the word, containing all the comforts a modern city should have and geared towards tourism, with many hotels, clubs and restaurants of all tastes and an exciting nightlife filled with bars and clubs that will keep you entertained during the evenings.

When travelling to Rome the first places to visit would be the Forum and the magnificent Colosseum which are world famous places from Roman history. Next on the agenda would be without a doubt a visit to the Vatican to gaze in wonder at the beautiful Vatican City. The Vatican is officially the smallest country in the world that is still independent.

Another stop on any visit to Rome must be the Cistine Chapel where one can view the works of the most famous artists of all times, like Michelangelo, Rubens, Bernini and Caravaggio. After the chapel make a stop at the beautiful piazzas and fountains and be sure to visit the Fountain of Trevi which is the most famous one of all. After visiting all these amazing historical places you can shop at the many boutiques and have dinner in a traditional Italian restaurant to get a taste of the modern Rome of today. The Italian kitchen belongs to the finest in the world (If not the finest) and offers much more than pastas and pizzas. There is a wide variety to choose from and whatever choice you make there is always a good Italian wine that will go well with it.

Near the famous places of Rome there are always plenty of cafes and restaurants which makes getting a quick bite or drink easy and convenient and at very affordable prices. In case of any problems, or should you need directions, hotel staff is the best source to ask. You will be amazed at the service you receive from them.

No matter your taste, or reason to visit Rome, as a tourist you will never be disappointed by it because it simply has everything you could want, a rich culture and lots of historical places to explore, a modern city filled with clubs, bars and more to keep you entertained while participating in Rome’s exciting night life, and a unique atmosphere that still breaths the presence of the Roman Empire from long ago.

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When travelling to Athens the first thing that attracts attention is the unique mix of modern day city buildings blended in with historical gems, making the city a gold mine for those that like to explore. The striking look of a modern city, in which the ancient past still makes up for a large part of it, almost looks magical, especially against the setting of the blue Aegean Sea. No matter where one goes in Athens, reminders of it being the start of western civilization are always present, giving the city a unique, almost surreal look and feel.

In 2004, Athens went through a complete makeover in order to be prepared for the Olympics that were being held there at that time. Due to this makeover they discovered that because of the high level of smog historical artifacts were affected by it and eroding fast. Out of this need to decrease the smog the makeover also included a new concept for transportation through Athens, which makes the city now very easy to navigate through because of its well marked streets. Transportation in Athens is now regulated better than ever before.

In the first century Greece was at the height of its society, it was the time when beautiful monuments like the Temple of Athena were created on Acropolis while schools were created by Plato and Socrates to spread their so called western thinking. All these famous constructions of that era reside in the heart of Athens, but a visit to other parts will also bring encounters with many significant places of that golden era of Greek society. Not only the influence of ancient Greece is seen in Athens, but also the Turkish and Persian elements, remnants of many wars, between those nations. These wars went on throughout all ages until the twentieth century when the great Ottoman Empire collapsed.

While ancient Greece is fabulous and a source of inspiration to many there is more to Athens than old artifacts alone, like excellent restaurants and cafes located on almost every street corner and clubs one can visit in the evenings. Athens is famous for its sparkling nightlife that comes to life as tourists return from their explorations in and around Athens. Whether one visits Athens for exploring the ancient artifacts, a wild party vacation on one of the surrounding Islands, or a peaceful holiday enjoying the sea, Athens has it all and will please even the most demanding tourist. With its large cultural influence still very much present in today’s modern life Athens is one of the most unique places one can choose as a holiday destination.

A journey to Athens is a trip that will take you through the golden age of Greece while enjoying the unique modern day facilities one can expect from a modern city. After the wars that destroyed large parts of its historical legacy, once again Athens as the capital city of Greece is an example of the great society it used to be, built on the foundations of their ancient history.

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If you love scenic spots, beaches, an exciting nightlife, and historical structures Zahara on the Atlantic coast of Spain, 30 km north of Tariffa, is the perfect spot for a vacation. With some of the best natural and architectural marvels the scenic village exudes a charm that few can resist.

The Zahara village plains are mostly uninhabited and are filled with some of the most scenic natural spots. The main attraction are the beaches and the weather complements the rough and rustic charm of the village quite beautifully. The temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius lending the place an enviable climate. The coasts being windy, humidity in the summer is felt to be quite tempered and perspiration is less of a problem than in most parts of Spain.

Spring is known to be the best time to visit the place. The temperature wavering mildly around the 20ºC mark, a bloom of the local flora sets many tourists amazed. Photographers are known to frequent the village on the Spanish Atlantic coast in large numbers during this time.

The region is also known for the wide availability of apartments for long term and short term stays. A great number of tourists choose this site for rejuvenating and use long term stay schemes in the apartments. Honeymooners find the region a great place to visit with the convenient availability of hotel bookings. There are also excellent dining options that one can find in the place. With a range of local delicacies to choose from, tourists can look to having a great time sampling the dishes.

With so much to offer, Zahara village is easily one of the best places to unwind and relax.

Located along the coastline of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, one can find the district town of Varna. With a population just over 350,000 residents, it is by far one of the more isolated beaches in Bulgaria. Featuring a seaport known as Varna Bay, just outside of the town at the edges of the bay is where you will find the Black Sea. With its old world charm and coble stone paths combined with its modernized culture, Varna is a definite must for visitors to Bulgaria.

With no chilling Baltic winds or the dangerous torrential currents found elsewere in Europe, relaxing along the shores of the Black Sea on Varna Beach is an excellent choice for worry free relaxation. If you grow tired of the beaches though, the surrounding areas around Varna have some very scenic and picturesque views. There is also a great number of museums, art galleries as well as historical buildings located in and around Varna making the entire holiday that much more enjoyable.

From the Seaside Park to the Varna Halocline Necropolis there is always something to see or do around Varna. The Necropolis itself was discovered along the shores of the Black Sea here in Varna back in 1972 and dates back well into the fifth millennia B.C. Along with the necropolis, archaeologists also found some of the oldest records of cultivated gold in this same region. With so much history around Varna, why would anyone pick any other place in Bulgaria for their holiday?

Peurto Banus is a marina on the Costa del Sol on the west of Marbella, Spain. It is named after the property dealer Jose Banus, who built it in 1970 as a luxury location for the rich and famous from all over the world.

Today Peurto Banus is open to everyone who wants to enjoy a luxurious holiday among beautiful beaches in a city that is the best place to shop, eat and have fun. Peurto Banus has something for adults as well as children.

The city revolves around the marina which has moorings for 915 boats some of whom belong to royalty, celebrities and industrialists of the world. Boats and yachts moored to the marina have unobstructed views of the shops and cafes lining the pavements but also of the rugged yet spectacular landscape.

A 3600kg statue of a Rhinoceros by Salvador Dali is another recent attraction for Dali fans that holiday in Peurto Banus. The streets behind the harbor are dotted with roadside cafes, boutiques and flagship stores of some of the most celebrated designers from Europe and abroad.

Peurto Banus is the number one destination for Stag and Hen Weekends simply because it has the best selection of bars, restaurants and nigh clubs offering boisterous adult entertainment that includes male and female strippers and companions. The clubs are open till the wee hours of the morning allowing visitors to enjoy a real night out. Parties and events are also held on any of the beaches or any other venue of your choosing.

Peurto Banus boasts seven beaches, Casa Blanca Beach, El Ancon Beach, Nagules Beach, Rio Verde Beach, Nueva Andalucia Beach – El Duque, San Pedro Alancatara Beach and the Peurto Banus Beach. While all these beaches are picturesque and calming, there are others that are filled with an atmosphere of merriment through out the day and night.

The marina has as much to offer children as it has adults, there are numerous theme parks that are sure to be a hit with children and young adults. Beginning with Tivoli World the largest amusement park in this part of the world, Peurto Banus also has a Sea Life Centre where there are shows at regular intervals to amuse children. There are many numerous options for children to see wild animals and creatures in some of the best natural zoos in near by Costa del Sol. Not to be missed is the ANCRAA Giant Donkeys Park to see the fast disappearing Andaluz donkeys in their natural habitat.

Peurto Banus also offers a range of activities like Go Karting, Cable Skiing, Clay pigeon Shooting, Sports Fishing, Mountain Biking, Quad Bikes, Paintball, Canyoning, Horse Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Dolphin Spotting and Horse racing among others. Tours of Andalusian villages can also be arranged on request by most tour operators or the hotel management. The Aloha Golf Club is an attraction that no serious golfer would wish to miss out.

Shopping is a serious business in Peurto Banus given the plethora of boutiques of well known and local designers. Apparel and accessories can be bought at one of the many fashion houses or at lower priced departmental stores, hyper markets or even at the local bazaar. Every Saturday the farmers markets offer the freshest farm and dairy products along with antiques and local crafts and art.

Getting around in Peurto Banus and whereabouts is not that difficult if you have accurate information about the various types of available transport and minimum fares. Taxis can be found at any time of the day but ensure you know exactly where to get them after dark as they have specific stands in certain places for them.

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Torremolinos a beach resort in the neighborhood of Malaga was once a tiny obscure fishing village on the Costa del Sol. Today, despite retaining a mix of traditional and modern culture and lifestyle, it is one of the most popular beach destinations along the Spanish Coast.

Torremolinos has a separate municipality than that of the Costa del Sol. Its history goes back 150,000 years when it was first a settlement, a vantage point, refuge and camping ground for armies. Skulls belonging to Greeks, Phoenicians and Arabs with some belonging to humans from the Bronze Age throw considerable light on its historic eras.

However it was only in 1948 post the Siege of Malaga that Christianity spread in Torremolinos. Later it came under the rule of Malaga and was named Torres de Pimentel for a few years around 1502. Consequently Torremolinos was put on the map by Francisco Llobet a map maker by profession and after a brief albeit fruitful dependence on Malaga, Torremolinos became independent again in 1988.

Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol enjoys a good climate throughout the year as it is located in the middle of high and low mountains and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Summers are very intense so it’s best to plan a holiday during autumn or winter when there aren’t too many other tourists.

What to See

Torremolinos has three famous museums, the Museo Del Tatuje “El Templo”, Museo Picasso Malaga and the Museo Casa Natel de Picasso. The first museum is a favorite with tattoo lovers, in English it simply means the Tattoo Museum. The Museo Del Tatuaje “El Templo” showcases more than 100,000 tattoos along with other relics that tell the story of tattooing in the ancient times.

The Museo Picasso Malaga in Torremolinos features various collections by Picasso. The collections are housed in the Palacio de Buenavista, a 16th century building of Andalusian architecture. It also has some interesting remains from the Phoenician, Roman, Moorish and Renaissance periods, to give visitors a slice of Malaga history. The museum which is closed on Mondays offers a significant discount to students.

The Museo Casa Natal de Picasso at the Plaza de la Merced is the third museum of interest in Torremolinos. It is the birthplace of the great artist Pablo Picasso. The museum is open throughout the week and a must see for all Picasso fans. Another museum worth a visit outside Torremolinos but still along the Costa del Sol in Malaga is the Bonsai Museum in Marbella.

What to do

Torremolinos has the busiest beaches on the Costa del Sol which are safe for children and just right for surfers. Sun beds, complimentary shades and skilled lifeguards can be found at regular intervals along the stretch of this nine kilometer beach as well as local chiringuitos, or beach bars that serve a mix of local and international cuisines in a rather fun ambience.

The beach offers a chance to sail, water-ski, dive, and windsurf, paraglide or fish with experienced anglers. Or simply take a walk to La Carihuela, the ancient fishing quarter that has survived the ambush of mass tourism for a traditional seafood meal at one of the typical diners. There are numerous outlets that teach beginners how to dive, water ski and paraglide among others.

The Aqua Park Torremolinos is the biggest water park on the Costa del Sol, which has plenty of new and old attractions including a wave pool, tropical lake, wild river ride, a bubble pool, kamikaze death slide and foam slides. Sea Life Centre is another huge family attraction located in the port area of the neighboring beach Benalmadena. Kids will also love the Tivoli Amusement Park, Benalmadena Cable Car, Crocodile Park, Yelmo Cinema and the Karting for Kids to name just a few of the many attractions.

There are a large number of bars and night clubs that offers senior citizens and adults equal entertainment opportunities. The other main attraction in Torremolinos would be the promenade off the beach that has cafes and restaurants along its sidewalks.

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