The World's Ten Best Sights from Balloon Rides

Image via WikipediaIf only I lived in a balloon, I could see the whole world from the sky. These are the sights I would choose to see and the reasons why.


1.Grand Canyon, USA



Carved by the Colorado River in the state of Arizona, the Grand Canyon is 446km long, 29km wide, and in some parts 1.8km deep. The stone's burnt orange colour looks like terracotta and is absolutely magnificent.



2.Halong Bay, Vietnam



This "Bay of the Descending Dragon" consists of a dense group of 3000 colossal islands, each topped with thick, jungle vegetation, which rise dramatically from the ocean.



3.Ngorougoron Crater, Tanzania



Located at the eastern edge of the Serengeti, this crater lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation area, which covers more then 8000 square kilometres of immaculate African wilderness.



4.Machu Picchu, Peru



This "Old Mountain" is a pre-historic Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level. It is believed to have been built as an estate for the 15th century Inca emperor Pachacuti. "The Lost City of the Incas" is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca world.



5.Chichen Itza, Mexico



This archaeological site was built by the Maya civilization in the Yucutan state of Mexico. The three best known complexes on the site are the Great Northern Platform, the Ossario Group and the Central Group.



6.Egyptian Pyramids, Egypt



These spectacular pyramids were built as tombs for the country's Pharaohs and their wives during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods. The most famous pyramids are located in Giza and on the outskirts of Cairo.



7.Angkor Wat, Cambodia



Built between 802 and 1220 AD in the Kmer civilization, Angkor Wat represents one of humankind's most astounding and enduring architectural achievements. The site was covered for centuries until French explorer Henri Monhot brought it to the world's attention in 1860.



8.Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador



This wet broadleaf forest covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America. The basin encompasses 7,000,000 square kilometres and is home to 2.5 million insect species, tens of thousands of plants, and 2,000 birds and mammals.



9.Iguasu Falls, Argentina and Brazil



A collection of 275 amazing waterfalls spanning 3 km along the border of Argentina and Brazil. Standing before this emotionally powerful and stunning force of nature is nothing short of humbling.



10.Stonehenge, England



One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, these large, freestanding stones are surrounded by the most gorgeous earthworks. The Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments were erected around 2500 BC as burial grounds.



Ohhhh... If only I lived in a balloon....

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British Safaris provides hot air balloon rides in the south east of England. All departure points are easily commutable from London. Flying with Balloon Safaris an experience you'll never forget. Check out their website http://www.balloonsafaris.co.uk/



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Bed and Breakfast: A Different Way of Tourism in Sardinia and Sicily

Image via WikipediaBy: Paolo Pilia
Sardinia is a land that loves having guests. You get to know it slowly but it gives you a great warmth in return.

Its insularity is its character. It is a feature that limits it and at the same time gives it strength. It is not easy to reach and who lives in Sardinia knows it and its economy suffers.

The sea surrounds it and defines it with the grace of a gentle hug. But above all its position gives it a uniqueness that reflects in its nature, its history and its immense cultural heritage.

What stikes the visitor who arrives in Sardinia for the first time are its colors, the colors of its blue sea, its clear sky, the Mediterranean scrub and earth, sometimes dry, sometimes rocky, sometimes crossed by unexpected rivers.

But even more unique are its perfumes of sea and Mediterranean scrub, wood and mountains. Land of flavours to be discovered.




What is surprising about Sardinia is that despite of being bathed by a beautiful sea it is not a land of fishermen but mainly of agriculture and farming. The bed and breakfasts are a good solution in terms of hospitality and an opportunity to know the typical Sardinia. Especially during the summer the choice of a b & b in Sardinia, in the coastal areas or around hinterland areas, shows as a perfect solution to combine elements such as cheapness, authenticity and comfort.

The hospitality of the b & b, usualy family run, is obviously linked to the authenticity of its owners, but in Sardinia it is hard not to find this sacred ingredient. Such structures are located in every corner of Sardinia: in cities, by the sea, in hinterland areas, the choice is extensive and you can find the most suitable to your idea of vacation. It is important to note that the b & b is an excellent opportunity, if not the only one sometimes, to stay in those areas by location and convenience that has no equipped structure such as hotels, resorts and residences. The bed and breakfast thus allows to follow secondary routes, living in a comfortable environment that reflects the history and traditions of a ancient and fascinating land.

Sicily is the biggest island of the Mediterranean sea. It is also the most extensive and southest region of Italy. Sicily presents itself as a great land to be discovered. Its beauties are many and varied, different from area to area.

Along with amazing natural and unique landscapes there is a huge and complex historical - multicultural heritage.

Not to mention the wealth of local traditions and cuisine result of the resourse of the land and together with the wisdom of its inhabitants. In a frame so smooth, wide and varied there are many routes to discover its many faces. Colors, profumes, sounds and tastes of a single place are ready to accept and touch those who decide to visit.

A holiday in Sicily can take many forms depending on the destination and accommodation suited to the needs of individual travelers. Sicily deserves time to be seen since it is so full of attractions, and this applies to every single province.

Staying in a bed and breakfast in Sicily is a solution that certainly responds to a right decision for long stays. Indeed its main strength are the cheap prices compared to other types of accommodation such as hotels.

In addition there is the hospitality of the owners of these facilities and the possibility to share their lifestyle. That is with no doubt a source of personal enrichment and provides an opportunity to learn an important ingredient of this land and its inhabitants.

You can choose to stay by the sea, in cities, or in the hinterland of Sicily or you can study a route through one of the Sicilian provinces. Accommodations like this are distributed throughout the island and ensure good prices and familiar services.

About the Author
Paolo Pilia, is the marketing manager of the sardinian and sicilian Engedras TO. With Engedras you can tailor-make the dream holiday in B&B in Sardinia and B&B in Sicily.

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Buying Property in South Italy

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By:Peter J Flynn

I bought an apartment in Scalea, Calabria, South Italy three years ago and I must say that I am glad I did. Calabria is a very popular tourist destination for Italians from all over Italy, but is relatively unknown to foreigners, Calabria has not received the publicity and investment of the North but it does offer a real opportunity to find the holiday home of your dreams.

A word of warning.

Italy is known for it's red tape but the process of buying property is normally straightforward, the most important thing is the documents for the property. It can be difficult to purchase a property without the proper documentation. Properties are often handed down from generation to generation particularly in the South because as the people of South Italy tend not to move to different areas, the consequence of this is paperwork is not always available and it can be extremely hard to trace the original documents which could date back for generations. My advice is if the documents are not readily available it may be worth considering buying a different property because it could a long time before the documents are found it at all.

That said the buying process usually entails the following.

1. The price is agreed by the buyer and seller

2. There is a document called a compromesso which is the official agreement between the buyer and seller which must be signed by both parties

3. The properties details, including the catastal. The catastal is the rateable value of the property in question, this is what the tax and some of the notary fees are based on. It also states the conclusion date of the deal.

4. The buyer's (all parties who name's will be on the deed) need to obtain a "codice fiscale" personal tax code number. This applies to both parties whether they are Italian of not, no deal can be completed without these details. Registration for foreign buyers is free, you will need your passport when registering for your tax code.

5. You can also open an Italian bank account to transfer funds again you will need your passport for proof of I.D.

6. A date is then set to conclude the deal at the Notary office (a local government official), all funds must be available on this date before contracts are exchanged. The Notary does a check on the property to ensure there are no outstanding debts.

7. The details of the sale will be read out by the Notary in Italian - most agents will provide a translation service (extra fees usually apply).

8. The funds are transferred, then the keys are exchanged

9. The deed will be registered by the Notary and dispatched to the land registry office.

The deed will be registered in the new owners name. A copy is produced, stamped and returned to the Notary's office. This can take up to 6 weeks, you will then have your own copy and the original document is kept at the Notary's office.

Nowadays due to the current economic climate it is much harder to attain mortgages such as in the UK, but in Italy the restrictions are not so severe, and a mortgage can be obtained more easily.

In summary; once you have agreed the price, obtained a tax code, you have had the property checked out by the Notary and all the documents are in place, the monies are transferred and registered - the property is yours!

It is always advisable to seek legal advice before purchasing any property.

I hope you find this useful, having been through this process myself it is pretty painless, good luck.

To see FAQ's about buying property in Italy and finding out more about what South Italy has to offer please visit http://www.placeinitaly.com/property-faqs.html

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Iron Age Grave Site Discovered Near Novo Mesto - 29 July 2010 - Guide2Slovenia News

Image via WikipediaIron Age Grave Site Discovered Near Novo Mesto - 29 July 2010 - Guide2Slovenia News

Iron Age Grave Site Discovered Near Novo Mesto29 July 2010
Description:

A dual grave from the 4th century BC was discovered at an archaeological site near the city of Novo mesto in the Dolenjsko region (SE) on Monday. The archaeologists assume a man and a woman were buried together.

Since there were no skeletal remains in the grave the scientists had to make their assumptions on the basis of the objects found in the grave.

Finds such as this are very rare in the Halstatt culture area, two have been found near Novo mesto. The grave contained objects such as glass and amber beads, clay pots and weapons, said the head of excavations Borut Kriz of the Dolenjska Museum.

The reason for such double burials is still disputed. There could have been ritual reasons, as it had been recorded by the "father of history" Herodot for the people living in the Balkans, there could have been emotions or something completely different, curator Kriz added.

The area where the grave was discovered, the Kapiteljska field, is a rich archaeological site where in the three decades of excavation 36 sepulchral mounds, 300 Late-Bronze-Age urns and 700 Halstatt urns had been found.

The excavations, sponsored by the Novo mesto municipality and the Ministry of Culture, have been carried out throughout by the Dolenjska Museum. President Danilo Tuerk has also visited the excavation site.

Source: ukom.gov.si

Miracle of Saint Catherine of Bologna

Image via WikipediaCopyright © 2010 Bob and Penny Lord's Site
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Saint Catherine of Bologna
From Visionaries, Mystics and Stigmatists
Perhaps, one of the greatest Miracles is the incorrupt body of our Saint, seated on a regal throne in a Chapel to the left of the main altar in the Church of Corpus Domini in Bologna.
It remains intact, never having decomposed for over five hundred years!
In the beginning, after they realized they could not place her body in the grave, four nuns would carry Saint Catherine's body to the parlor on a wooden stretcher, every time visitors came to view the body, or the faithful wanted to venerate the Saint.
This went on for twelve years!
Then the nuns decided that the faithful could view her better if she were seated on a chair.
To their amazement, her body which had lost none of its suppleness, rigor mortis never having set in, became stiff, and the nuns could not place her in the chair.


It was only when the Abbess ordered her, did Catherine, out of obedience, sit unaided in the chair and in the same position she can be found to this day.



Our Saint wanted to be where all the people of God could venerate her easily, and so she appeared to one of the nuns of the Monastery of Corpus Domini and told her she wanted a Chapel built close to the outer church.



Previously, she had been in a Chapel inside the Monastery.



From the very beginning, Saint Catherine's Miracles and fame have brought people from all parts of the world, not only the simple faith-filled believers who fill and enrich our beautiful Church, but also future Saints, Kings and Queens and scholars.



Among the first to come was Queen Isabel of Naples, Italy, who arriving in her regal finery, venerated our Saint and then left her ring as a token of her affection. She was followed by Popes (one of whom was Pope Clement VII), Cardinals (including St. Charles Borromeo who gifted her with a precious vestment), Emperors, Princes and all kinds of personages.



Pope Clement VII granted the nuns permission to say the Office and celebrate Holy Mass in honor of Saint Catherine on March 9th which became her Feast Day. He inscribed her name in the Martyrology of Saints of the Roman Catholic Church. He was followed by other Popes who have granted indulgences and privileges to pilgrims coming to the Sacred place to venerate the saint.



The process for her Canonization was started in 1669 and was solemnly concluded on Trinity Sunday, the 22nd of May, 1712 when Pope Clement IX proclaimed to the whole world, to the whole Roman Catholic Church that we had a Saint!



The first time we went to visit Saint Catherine, it was out of holy curiosity; her body was incorrupt! But when we got there, we discovered a very powerful Saint who became very personal to us. We have loved her since 1977, the first time we brought our grandson, all of ten years old, to Europe with us. We hope reading about her that you will turn to her and get to know her with your head and heart, as we have.



[1]Every mortal sin is a sin against God. [2]make amends, restitution [3]a substance emanating from tar - used for waterproofing and covering roofs [4]refer to chapter on St. Catherine of Genoa

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Bob and Penny Lord are renowned Catholic authors and television hosts on EWTN, Global Catholic television. They are prolific writers about the Catholic faith, especially the Saints for which they have been dubbed "experts on the Saints." For more information about Visionaries, Mystics and Stigmatists like Saint Catherine of Bologna go to: http://www.bobandpennylord.com/vms.htm



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The Paris Top 10 Sights

Image via WikipediaCopyright © 2010 directline-holidays.co.uk
Paris is unsurpassed in it's natural beauty, charm and history. First time visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer amount of attractions to see, and how to fit it all into their limited time.
No wonder so many people return to Paris!
However, if you only plan on going to Paris once, you will want to see the best that Paris has to offer. With so many sights and attractions to see, it's very difficult to narrow the field of choices, but there are some sights which shouldn't be missed.
With that in mind, here are the top ten sights in Paris, chosen because of their historical significance, popularity or natural beauty.


The Eiffel Tower: When you mention Paris, most people automatically think of the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World Exposition. When the tower was first unveiled, the populace thought it was a towering monstrosity, and it was nearly torn down. Since then, more than 220 million people have visited the Eiffel Tower, and it has become a national icon. The tower is beautiful to behold when lit up, and offers a spectacular view from above, or below.



Notre Dame Cathedral: The Notre Dame took over a century to build, and was once the center of medieval Paris. It is probably the most beautiful cathedral in all of Europe.



Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees: The Arc was built by Emperor Napolean, and offers a fantastic view. No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the sculptures and reliefs that adorn the arch. The promenade offers some spectacular shopping opportunities, as well as an assortment of cafes.



Versailles: Versailles was home to the King of France, as well as the seat of their government for more than 100 years. A walk through this remarkable palace, will ensure you feel like your walking in the footsteps of nobility. Inside is the Hall of Mirrors, which consists of 250ft of sheer glass. The Louvre: The Louvre is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world.



Pere Lachaise Cemetery: The crypts are amazing to behold, and there are some extremely famous people buried here. Including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Richard Wright of Pink Floyd fame.



Seine River Cruise: See the majesty of Paris glide by while riding in a glass boat. You'll get to see the Eiffel Tower, old historic bridges and even the Notre Dame Cathedral.



Musee d'Orsay: One of the most visited museums on the planet, the Musee d'Orsay has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures produced between 1848 and 1914. If you're a lover of art, then this is a sight you won't want to miss.



The Sorbonne: Founded in 1257, the Sorbonne is one of Europe's oldest universities, and many a great thinker has wandered its halls.



Sacre Coeur and Montmartre: This basilica dominates the highest point of Paris, and was consecrated in 1909. It boasts gold mosaic interiors, and offers a magnificent view of the city below.

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To find your perfect Paris city break, visit directline-citybreaks.co.uk to search for the very latest deals & offers.



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Caravaggio And His Followers In Florence

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"The dark voice of reality"... is not the title of an unedited album by the Doors, but one of the most appropriate definitions ever given to the work of Michelangelo Merisi, also called Caravaggio. Indeed, Merisi's approach to life was that of a contemporary rock star. His short life, turbulent and dissipated, characterized by violence, riots and general excess (he was also condemned to death for murder, even if he was not executed) make him a perfect example of a "cursed artist", compared to which Mick Jagger and Ozzy Osbourne come across as little more than beginners.




Caravaggio, though, was much more than that. One of the major representatives of the Baroque, he was probably one of the greatest painters of all time. His ability to represent reality in all its rawness, along with the characters of his works, their faces distorted by emotions, deformities, seduction and fury, make him a real "man of our times". The strong contrast between light and shade and the gloomy and nocturnal atmosphere of his works still upset and attract real art lovers as well as amateurs from all over the world.



However, not everyone, at that time, understood the greatness of Caravaggio. Florentines in the first place (painters and non) remained indifferent to his work, regardless of the fact that the Grand Duke Cosimo II de Medici, a member of the most famous Florentine family, demonstrated his appreciation for his work on more than one occasion. After all, Florence has always been a conservative city and its citizens have certainly never been willing to be taught by a "foreigner". Therefore, even if the most important families of the city did appreciate his works, the Florentine artistic community remained anchored to the "academic" painting tradition in fashion at that time.



As far as we know, Caravaggio never went to Florence. He wanted to, but did not make it on time. Regardless of this Florence is, after Rome, the city where most of his and his followers' works are found. This is why the exhibition "Caravaggio and his followers", organised to remember the 400th anniversary of his death, is an unmissable and unique event. From the 22nd of May to the 17th of October 2010 Florence will host nine of the most important masterpieces of the Milanese painter and tens of his followers' works, which will be spread among Palazzo Pitti, Uffizi and Villa Bardini.



The exhibition will include paintings such as "Bacco", "Amorino Dormiente", 'Medusa', "Sacrificio di Isacco", "Cavaliere di Malta" and the "Cavadenti", displayed at the Galleria Palatina and the Uffizi gallery, and the "Ragazzo morso dal ramarro", displayed at the Villa Bardini. These are incredible paintings that revolutionised painting in the 1600's and still impress the viewers 400 years later with their modernity and emotional impact. Along with them, the exhibition will display "Ritratto di Maffeo Barberini" and the "Ritratto di Cardinale", both of which are paintings that have only recently been attributed to Caravaggio.



These last two paintings will be the greatest surprise for the public as these works have only recently been attributed to the Milanese master and are therefore previously unseen by viewers. Along with the works by Merisi, viewers will enjoy a wide range of works by the so called "Caravaggeschi authors" (including Spadarino, Gerrit Van Honthorst, Artemisia Gentileschi) who were inspired by the same intuitions as their master. These are painters who found in Florence the passionate support of local families, such as the Medici, who adopted the style and atmosphere of Caravaggio and who sometimes met him in person, but who cannot be called real disciples because Caravaggio was always too involved in his chaotic life to find the will or the time to transfer his knowledge to others. It actually seems that Caravaggio never liked the idea of having followers and imitators. Apparently, he was not the easiest of men to get along with....



However, the real reason why Caravaggio is still so successful in 2010 is his ability to mix the sacred and profane, beauty and curse, splendor and squalor, paintbrush and sword. The reason why he is still so beloved by contemporaries lies in his ability to avoid academic or symbolically rich language and to talk to everyone through the most powerful emotions common to all mankind: rage, hate, love, light and shade. This is why we feel so close to him. The shady artist from many centuries ago and us, always in search for real, concrete and authentic emotions out of the glittering fictions of our time.
 

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We rent two apartments in the very center of Florence, (by two-minutes walk you are in the Duomo square) equipped with all the comforts : air conditionning, tv-sat and everything you need to cook your own meals. A nice cheap way to visit Florence!
Florence Holiday Apartments




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Cheap City Break in Venice

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

By: Asif Khan
Holidays in Venice is possibly the most romantic city you'll ever visit. It is almost redundant to describe the charms of this fabulous floating city, surrounded by hundreds of tiny canals. While wandering through the maze of footpaths or sitting back in a gondola and exploring the city by water, be sure to stop and visit San Marco Square, the famous Rialto Bridge, the elegant Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. Venice is truly a place like no other, with its quaint alleyways, waterways and way of life.

Once you've reached the historic district, you may be surprised that, though there are no automobiles, getting around the city is relatively simple. While most tourists prefer to walk and take in all the sites, water transportation is the most popular way to get around the city quickly and serves as an adventure all its own. The most common means of water riding are the waterbus and water taxi, public boats that run consistently throughout the day and can be boarded with a ticket. Those planning on staying for longer periods of time can purchase Cartavenezia cards, which offer both convenience and a discounted riding fare. If romance and authenticity is what you're looking for, traditional Venetian gondolas are available, but expect to pay quite a price.
Piazza San Marco
St. Mark's Square is a popular tourist attraction and also is the most important square in Venice. The square also has Basilica, clock tower, major religious and political construction, shops, bars and amazing cafes such as café Quadri and café Florian. The square is usually crowded with lots of tourists and visitors holidaying in Venice as well as large flock of pigeons.
You will be able to find almost every sort of hotel in Venice. Some Venice hotels are budget hotels, while some are specially designed with a corporate look. If are looking forward for something lavish at the dazzling destination, opt for multi-star hotels in Venice, which are ready to offer you the most impeccable services. Comfortable beds, aromatic ambiance, flawless service, good food, plush spas and top quality gym are the normal features of these hotels.
About the Author
Log on to http://www.myvacations.co.uk/ and you'll find everything that you need for cheap Venice city breaks

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I Love Touring Italy - Hotels In Amalfi

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The town of Amalfi, population about 5,000, sits on the Gulf of Salerno some 20 miles (35 kilometers) south east of Naples. It had been an independent maritime state that brought the art of papermaking to Europe from Arabia. Before World War II this town was brimming with paper mills but most tourists won't miss them. The town itself is located at the base of a deep gorge (as in the word gorgeous) and is close to many other great tourist towns. The number one historical sight is the Duomo (Cathedral) which dates back to the Eleventh Century and has Moorish and Gothic influences. Don't miss the Chiostro del Paradiso (Paradise Cloister), the burial grounds for local bigwigs. The Basilica itself is considerably older and serves as a museum. The local lemons are famous as is the lemon liquor known as Limoncello. Local holidays include the feast days of Saint Andrew (June 25-27 and November 30) and Byzantine New Year's Eve" (31 August). For your convenience we have listed these hotels in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive. We have personally verified all website addresses making sure that they include English-language pages.


This three-star Hotel Amalfi has been run by the same family since 1972. It is situated in a completely renovated pasta factory. You'll love the garden whose oranges and lemons are served at breakfast on the glass enclosed rooftop terrace. And parking, often a problem in this part of the world, is available at a nearby garage. The address is Via dei Pastai 3, 84011 Amalfi.

The three-star Hotel L'Antico Convitto is located only two blocks from the Duomo but to get there you have to navigate an extremely narrow alley. Its 16 rooms were renovated in 2006. Try to get a room on the upper floor. The junior suites have vaulted ceilings and a Jacuzzi bath. The address is Via Salita dei Curiali 4, 84011 Amalfi.

The three-star Hotel Lidomare occupies a Fourteenth Century building situated between the town and the seashore. The property features beautifully decorated interiors, a cosy lounge area with library and an outdoor terrace with a splendid panoramic views. There are fifteen rooms varying from singles to quints. Breakfast is served in the room or on the terrace. Some of the rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi. The address is Largo Duchi Piccolomini 5, 84011 Amalfi.

The four-star Hotel Marina Riviera provides spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. Each of the 32 rooms offers a sea view and deluxe rooms have a private balcony. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room or in a verandah overlooking the sea. On-site facilities include an American bar, a restaurant with panoramic terrace, large terraces overlooking the Amalfi coast and cosy and elegantly furnished lounges. If money is no object, go for the Suite Amalfitana with a hand painted ceramic floor. The address is Via Pantaleone Comite 19, 84011 Amalfi.

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Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his new wine, diet, health, and nutrition website www.wineinyourdiet.com and his Italian travel website www.travelitalytravel.com.

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This is St Gervais Mont Blanc

Image by Ben Oh via Flickr

One of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world, located only 45 minutes from Geneva airport, and with immediate access to 450km of linked pistes... but you've never heard of it! Welcome to St Gervais Mont Blanc.

Some of you well-travelled skiers will have heard of St Gervais before, yet few have ever skied there or even know much about it, the British just don't tend to go there, with the massive drawing power of Chamonix and Megeve only 15 minutes either way down the road from St Gervais, it just literally gets passed by.

I'm going to tell you why it shouldn't (and why it's great that it does!).

Founded in the Roman era - the town flourished during the middle ages as one of the largest market towns in the Alps - and bringing in tourists since 1806, St Gervais is that very rare thing, a ski resort with real character and real history. The first ski lift, the famous rack and pinion railway, situated just 200m from our chalet, was installed in 1904 and still runs today as the highest rack and pinion railway in Europe!


St Gervais feels like a genuine French town, Why? because it is. Here is a town with a weekly market, a museum, a baroque church, two professional local artists, three local potters, a train station, an Olympic sized ice rink, a public library, an all year-round riding school, a husky sled company, proper primary school, and one of the finest spa's in the whole of France. Then theres the pretty town square with its stone fountain, park and permanent fairground carousel. This half of town is where you'll find the majority of the restaurants and bars, with the ski lifts just the other side of the bridge over the dramatic gorge that runs through the centre of the town. A casual 10 minute walk or a two minute ride on the excellent free buses gets you right to the lifts.

If you're after a crazy apres-ski and wild nightlife, then I highly recommend Val D'Isere or St Anton, they're great resorts, but its not really what we do here. Though not famouts for its night-life, St Gervais offers over 50 bars, cafes and restaurants. From classy cocktail and wine bars, to dingy little locals spots. But this is not a party town, we dont have drunken gordes stumbling home from the pub at 2am, and thats fine by us. For families there is a super little creche and ski school, quiet and well groomed pistes, and some great mountains restaurants.

Then there's the location. If you've skied in the Alps before, then I'm sure you know the pain of the transfer: your plane arrives on time only for you to sit on your bus for two hours because the other flight was delayed, then you drive for three hours along winding mountain lanes, There is none of that here; with numerous great value transfer companies, you can get from your seat on the plane to the cake in the chalet in an hour!

As for the important stuff, the skiing: St Gervais, and its area, the Evasion Mont Blanc, has 450km of runs. The area is predominantly suited to improving beginners and intermediates who enjoy being able to ski or board the whole mountain-range on empty runs without horrible blacks or icy blind corners.

So, St Gervais Mont Blanc, a beautiful, peaceful resort; easy to get to, great skiing and empty pistes. Just don't tell too many people...

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Jamie Forrest is a passionate skiier and chef, who has been running private Catered Chalet Holidays for 8 years. He now runs three in St Gervais sleeping from 4 -10 guests, and offering freindly service and great food. see why 'The Guardian' called him "the sweetest and most devoted chalet host in the Alps" http://www.ski-bliss.com

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Which British Seaside Resort is Ranked in the World's Top Ten Holiday Hotspots?

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British seaside resort Weymouth, in Dorset, has been named by online travel bible TripAdvisor as one of the world’s top ten emerging destinations.

Weymouth rated fourth in the prestigious list, and is in exalted company in what is a glittering top ten.

Exclusive luxury resorts such as Porto Cervo in Italy and Todos Santos on the Pacific coast of Mexico trail in Weymouth’s wake, while German ski resort Garmish-Patenkirchen tops the list.

The ‘emerging destinations’ list, compiled by TripAdvisor editors, was emailed to the website’s 47 million subscribers, and provides the Dorset seaside town with yet another feather in its cap.


The 2012 Summer Olympics may be otherwise known as ‘London 2012’, but a more accurate reflection would be ‘London and Weymouth’, as the sailing events will take place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, in Portland Harbour.

The circular email, also freely available on their website, went on to implore readers to ‘visit Weymouth’s beautiful beaches before the 2012 Summer Olympics introduces the rest of the world to the glory of the Dorset coast,’ and said ‘Hope Square and Brewers Quay bustle with shoppers and merrymakers’.

The town, which boasts a quaint 17th century harbour and a World Heritage coastline, has already seen a dramatic increase in popularity according to TripAdvisor.

The only other British resort to feature in the ten was Nairn, a seaside town in the Scottish Highlands

Patricia Yates, Strategy and Communications Director for VisitBritain said: “It’s wonderful to see travellers appreciating Nairn’s historic connections along with Weymouth’s beautiful beach and old-fashioned English hospitality. What’s more, Weymouth will soon secure its place on the global stage when it hosts the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games when VisitBritain will be promoting the town worldwide."

These are exciting times for Weymouth. The Olympic Games’ presence in the town is set to leave a lasting legacy, with super-fast broadband being installed for the Games and extensive road works being carried out – all designed to cope with the greater demand both online and on-road.

Weymouth’s picturesque Georgian seafront is the buzzing epicentre - a stretch of golden sands, sparkling waters, plus a unique attraction known as Sculptures in the Sand.

The Sand Sculptures have been around since the 1920's, and the original sculptor was Fred Darrington - who wowed both locals and holidaymakers alike with his art for nearly 80 years. Fred's grandson Mark Anderson took over the mantle and his work can be seen today opposite Alexandra Gardens.

Weymouth was expected to profit from its spell in the spotlight in 2012, but TripAdvisor’s accolade means Christmas has come early for England’s ‘Bay of Naples’. Set to be engulfed in tourists following the Olympic showcase, Weymouth in 2010 is ripe for a visit.

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Since 2001 Let's Stay has published over 20 online accommodation and tourism guides for popular areas of the UK. Looking for some great holiday accommodation in the UK? Choose from thousands of places to stay including cottages, hotels, b&bs, pubs, campsites and more => http://www.letsstay.co.uk/

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I Love Wine And Italy - Wine Touring In The Apulia Region

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So you want to tour Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Taronto. This is part of the south, in many ways the real, unspoiled Italy. The boot's spur is the beautiful Promontorio del Gargano (Gargano Promontory). You may want to visit the Foresta Umbra (Shady Forest), a real ecological delight bursting with animal and plant life. There's the mysterious eight-sided Castel del Monte. Don't miss the unique Apulian habitations, Trulli, that look like limestone teepees. Would you believe that some have been transformed into wineries? The Grotte di Castellana form the largest network of caves in all Italy. You may finish your tour in the relatively unknown city of Lecce, sometimes called "the Florence of the south." You'll find baroque architecture, a cathedral, historic churches, a Piazza, and the remains of a Roman Amphitheater. Don't forget to stop by the inexpensive Wine Bar Corte dei Pandolfini.




Apulia, also known as Puglia, is a high-volume wine producer. The plains are hot and fertile, so that sounds like three strikes against fine wine. To some extent this is true, but forward-looking producers are making a real effort to trade quality for quantity. The region's best-known wine is Castel del Monte DOC, which is produced near the capital Bari in the central north. It is made in a wide variety of styles, but I wouldn't usually write home about it. A usually better choice is the red or rosé Copertino DOC made from Apulia's signature red grape Negroamaro in the south near Lecce. If you manage to locate any Aleatico di Puglia DOC, grab it. The same goes for Moscato di Trani. These wines are both sweet and perhaps fortified. They are unfortunately rare.



Common white grape varieties include the local Verdeca and Bombino Bianco said to resemble a child with outstretched arms, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca, and Chardonnay. Common local red varieties include the local Negroamaro, Uva di Troia, and Zinfandel's cousin, Primitivo. You'll also encouter the Italian varieties Sangiovese and Montepulciano.



Companies that sell wine tours of Apulia include iExplore, Rustic Cooking, Wine Lovers Tours, and Alabaster and Clark Wine Tours Worldwide. Apulia wineries that accept visits include Conti Zecca in Leverano, Leone de Castris in Salice Salentino, and Azienda Vinicola Rivera S.p.A. in Andria. A few words of warning are in order. Make sure that you check ahead of time for opening hours and whether English is spoken. Some places may charge admission; others may expect that you buy some of their products.

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Levi Reiss authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books but he really prefers drinking fine wine with the right foods. He loves teaching computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com featuring a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines.



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I Love Touring Rome, Italy - Hotels In The Salario District

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The lush, green Salario district is situated in northeastern Rome. One of its highlights is the neo-Classical Villa Torlonia that was once rented by BM (Benito Mussolini) as his state residence. Would you believe the rent was one lira per year? The Villa's centerpiece is the Casina delle Civette. This property is no longer for rent; it contains a lovely museum. You might want to compare and contrast it with the Villa Albani that still belongs to the Torlonia family, that was rumored to be the wealthiest family in Nineteenth Century Rome. You may want to visit the Santa Constanza Church built under Emperor Constantine I, a mausoleum containing the remains of his daughters. The church interior is decorated with excellent Fourth Century flora and fauna mosaics and scenes of a Roman grape harvest. Make sure to see the Ponte Salario (Salario Bridge) parts of which date from antiquity. For your convenience we have listed neighborhood hotels in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive. We have personally verified all website addresses making sure that they include English-language pages.



The Domus Coppede Town House is a non-smoking property that was launched in 2008. There are only 6 rooms so you may want to reserve in advance. Breakfast is served in your room but there is a garden. The address is Via Reno, 23 - 00198 - Rome.




The Hotel San Giusto occupies 6 floors whose rooms were recently renovated. It's not very far from the Villa Torlonia. There is a breakfast room and a bar. They offer 17 single, 35 double, and 12 triple rooms. The address is Piazza Bologna, 58 - 00162 - Rome.



The Hotel Villa Florence (yes, we are in Rome) occupies a country house that dates from the mid-Nineteenth Century. Make sure to visit its garden with artifacts from Ancient Rome. There is one ground floor room for the disabled. You'll find a reading room, a TV room, and a bar plus a breakfast room and a panoramic terrace. The address is Via Nomentana, 28 - 00161 - Rome.



The four-star Hotel Villa Morgagni occupies an elegant villa that was built near the turn of the century, in other words in the early Twentieth Century. It has been completely refurbished. Some of the 34 rooms are equipped with a hydro-massage bath. In any case you can use the special relaxation area boasting a Turkish bath and sauna. You can eat breakfast in the roof garden during the summer. There is a meeting room with video conference facilities and a bar. The hotel address is Via Giovanni Battista Morgagni, 25 - 00161 - Rome.

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Levi Reiss authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French, German, or other wine, paired with the right foods. He loves teaching computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his wine, diet, health, and nutrition website www.wineinyourdiet.com.



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How to Find Cheap European Airfare

It goes without saying that getting the right type of European airfare is hardly an easy task. The reason for this is that there have been so many factors which have affected the prices of flights. For instance, just recently the fact that there was the whole phenomenon of volcanic dusts which had made flying impossible affected the whole airline industry badly. As a result of this, most flight operators had to increase their prices just so that they could stay afloat. With the rate of oil prices which are also going up and down, there is hardly much surprise in the issues flyers are having.




This does not mean that you cannot get cheap European airfare in this day and age. You just need to make sure you look all over the proper places before you make any choice. Thanks to the advent of the World Wide Web, you do have a whole host of information at your fingertips. Areas which you probably do need to consider would be trans-Atlantic budget airline options, discount airfare sites, charter flight options, the travel agency option and last-minute deal alerts. These would indeed allow you to seek the right type of European airfare.



Moreover, while the concept of European airfare is rather broad, you do need to consider where exactly you are going. For instance, traveling from America to Italy would be rather different when compared to traveling from America to Germany. These are a few factors which you need to consider when thinking about European airfare. Furthermore, it would be advisable for you to talk to various tour operators who also do get some of the best rates around town. This will certainly help you to tailor your trip according to the budget that you have in mind.



European airfare also happens to be a real issue for many people who do desire to travel in peace with no hassle. This is why you should also think seasonally. You will realize when thinking about European airfare, there is a chance for you to get real cheap rates during the off peak season. Ideally, you need to be aware of when these times would be. For example, Christmas time is one season when you will find it very difficult to find cheap European airfare, or for that matter a seat on most flights! Finally, it is in your best interests to check out European airfare online through the many sites which are present. Thanks to the issues faced by most airlines, you will find that they are offering a great many deals which are sure to work in your favor at the end of the day.

While we often travel by commercial jet, that's not our only option, as pointed out in the fascinating article 'Private Jets are Not Just for the Rich and Famous'. Also check out the Private Jet Resources Directory of web sites, info, articles and news about private jets.



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