VIENNA the PRIDE of AUSTRIA

VIENNA

the

PRIDE of AUSTRIA

Vienna, glamorous capital of Austria, is a paradise for lovers of classical music. Schubert, Strauss, Mozart, Bethoven can be heard at Vienna State Opera. Some concerts are performed in the original Mozart style period costumes. Sounds of Vienna can be heard in Houses of Music, Museums, Cathedrals. Many churches have frequent organ recitals. Also a number of restaurants offer concert and dinner packages. Vienna Boys' Choir can be heard in the Hofburg Chapel. A visit to Vienna is not just an ear please. It is an absolute joy for eyes as well. Its architecture astonishes at every step.  

The Belvedere, Baroque Palaces, surrounded by gardens, fountains and sculptures are now opened to visitors but used to be inhabited by royalty, Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Maria Theresa, Queen of Hungary in early 1700s.

A visit to Schonbrunn Palace shows a picture of the rule of Habsburg Dynasty.

Albertina presents famous paintings, Imperial Carriage Museum and Spanish Riding School show history and the old grandiose days, even City Hall is a masterpiece of architecture.

Above all, Vienna represents composers, imperial history and the grand era gone by.

However, Vienna has a special present day charm as well and many taverns that offer authentic cuisine and delicious wines. A Danube River Cruise is a way to relax after strenuous sightseeing and museums visits.

VIVA ESPANA

VIVA ESPANA

Spain dominates Iberian Peninsula. It shares the Atlantic Ocean with Portugal and extends its ownership to Canary Islands located in the south, of the African Coast. Its Mediterranean Coast from Costa del Sol to Costa Brava is not only full of beach resorts but boasts grand cities from Malaga to Barcelona. It also has easy ferry access to Baleric Islands.

Madrid, Spain's capital, is centrally located within the Iberian Peninsula, away from the oceans and the seas. Madrid boasts museums, Museo del Pradobeing an absolute must to see. Royal Palace – Palacio Real, numerous catherdals and parks with Parque del Retiro being the biggest and located in the centre of this fabulous city. 

Another must see and experience is Plaza Mayor. It offers delicious cuisine, restaurants and bars and markets.Just strolling along Grand Via is a joy. A visit to Madrid would not be complete without seeing a bullring, Las Ventas Bullring being popular, or the Cervantes Monument at the Plaza de Espana.

Spain has so much to offer, its history presents itself in Toledo and Avila, famous for Santa Teresa relics, its churches and cathedrals enclosed in the 11^th century old city walls.

Seville boasts its 15^th century Cathedral with its bell tower built in the minaret of a former Great Mosque.

The city has Andalusian flavor and a flamenco dance evening is enchanting. Granada is famous for its Alhambra Palace. Build by Moors in the 13^th century it shows stone cut lace architecture and is surrounded by gardens and fountains.

Spanish Mediterranean Coast, Costa del Sol with Malaga been a representative of architecture and history is lined up with resorts and superb views of Gibraltar.

Spain is a fascinating country, rich in history, architecture and diverse scenery. It offers delicious wines and cuisine and unforgettable guitars and dance of Flamenco. 

BON DIA PORTUGAL

BON DIA PORTUGAL

Portugal, separated from the rest of Europe by mountain range, Serra da Estela and stretching to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, is a country of history, architecture, amazing scenery, cork tree plantations and wonderful souvenirs made out of cork.

Cork is a pride of Portugal. Shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, umbrellas, even hats are made out of cork. Portugal manufactures quality footwear made out of leather and cork to combat markets swamped with cheap imitations. Cork tree plantations cover a large portion of Portuguese landscape together with almond, fig and olive tree plantations.

Lisbon, the capital, is a monument to history with famous towers and gates on the Belem Riverfront and the sculpture commemorating Henry the Navigator. Back in the 15th century, the Age of Great Discoveries, it was the playground of marine explorers and the starting point of their journeys into the unknown. 

Christopher Columbus departed from here back in 1492 on his discovery passage.

Coimbra was the ancient capital of Portugal between 12^th and 13^th century. Its University was build in 1290. The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest academic institutions in Europe. 

Now Coimbra offers archaeological structures of the Roman Era, aqueduct, architecture and churches.

Batalha, the ancient grounds of wars, one of them the famous battle of 1385 between the Portuguese and the Spanish, can be proud of its monastery Mosterio de Batalha.

Fatima is a well known pilgrimage site. Many visitors come to the Sanctuary of Fatima to worship and pray. It is a moving experience to partake in the positive atmosphere of believers celebrating appearance of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917 in Fatima.

Sintra is the picture of architecture of the rich who built their summer residences in this scenic countryside. The palaces add historical value to scenic countryside. Sintra with its Pena and Sintra National

Palace has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cascais used to be a fishing village until discovered and made a vacation destination by the kings in 1870. It still is a holiday destination with its sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.

In spite of being occupied from the early days by the Romans, then Muslim Moors, Visigoths and Spanish it became an independent country and expanded to Africa and Asia in the Age of Exploration. 

Portugal is a remarkable country that managed to preserve its culture, cuisine and art.

A Fado concert is a spiritual experience. The song & music dating back to early 1800s expresses loss and longing, puts one into a melancholic but appreciative mood. Many songs are devoted to love of this beautiful country or its wonderful cities and towns.

Stylish Portugal invites visitors to experience its history and culture, scenic Atlantic coast, grandiose architecture and delicious cuisine.

BONJOUR NIECE

BONJOUR NIECE

JEWEL of the FRENCH RIVIERA

 Niece is a jewel of the French Mediterranean Coast, Cote d'Azur. It has been discovered by European and British aristocracy in the 1800s as a holiday destination due to its impressive scenery and mild Mediterranean climate.

It is rare to find crystal clear water in a big city. However, the clean, small pebble beaches of Niece invite for relaxation and a swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

wSwimming and relaxing on the beach represents only one of many attractions of Niece. A gentle hike to the top of the hill and the old town offers scenic views over the bay Baie des Anges and the city.

TThe capital of French Rivera, Nice is called Niece la Belle and it lives up to its name, it is a beautiful city. 

The waterfront and Promenade de Anglais is the place to watch colorful sunsets and strolling along find a bar or restaurant to sample exquisite wines and excellent French cuisine.

 Nice is a charming city, scenic destination and a treasure of culinary delights.

                                                                      

MILANO BELLA ITALIA

MILANO

BELLA ITALIA

Milan is a good example of Italy at its best. It is a modern city, where EXPO 2015 is taking place, but it is also full of history, architecture, monuments and parks. A perfect mix of new and old. The ever present ruins and ancient architecture remind of the grandiose Roman Empire, while Palazzo Lombardia with Torre Unicredit and Torre Diamante are an ultimate modern contrast.

Milan is not only attractive due to the sights one can visit, like Il Duomo and La Scala, churches, cathedrals and basilicas, Leonardo Da Vinci's Monument, La Galeria, The Sforza Castle and many more.

 

The building of Il Duomo commenced in late 1300s and lasted for close to 600 years, the Gothic architecture becoming Neo-Gothic with time. It is a masterpiece of detail and sculpture.

Arch of Peace in Sempione Park built in early 1800s on the remnants of Roman Walls is part of the historic center of Milan.

Milan dictates fashion like Paris and London. In fact its fashion houses are recognized world wide and probably even more popular. Just a stroll through the narrow streets of fashon shops is an enjoyable experience until one has a look at the price tags. The ultimate delight is Milano Moda Week, Fashion Week of spectacular shows promoting Italian Fashion to the world.

And, of course, delicious Italian cuisine is available at every corner. Milan invites connoisseurs and is the playground to wine tasting. The wine making industry enhances not only the landscape of wine growing region but also makes Italy famous for its well known beverages. Italian cuisine accompanied by a choice of wines is a delicious memory of the visit to Milan.

MERHABA ISTANBUL

MERHABA ISTANBUL

Turkey is a fascinating country. Istanbul, where West meets East over the Bosphorus, is the prelude to fascination with Turkey.

Istanbul, the city of mosques, palaces, bazaars, restaurants, waterways and parks, can be proud of its history and architecture.  

Sultanahmet, the old town, is a marvel of history at every step. Topkapi Palace through which walls Ottoman soldiers entered Istanbul, known back in 1453 as Constantinople, and changed Byzantium into Ottoman Empire, was a royal residence for over 600 years. Now is a museum holding royal jewels, riches and treasures on display. Panorama 1453 History Museum illustrates the conquest of Constantinople.

Sultanahmet is also the location of Hagia Sophia, blue tiled Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the mid 500s, fountains and obelisks.

Crossing of Galata Bridge on the junction of Bosphorus and Golden Horn, brings one to a steep ascent through narrow medieval streets to Galata Tower built in 1348. It is a replica of old Galata Tower destroyed by the Crusaders in 1204. Built from medieval stone, Galata Tower still dominates the skyline of Istanbul today.

Dolmabahce Palace is relatively new comparing to many ancient treasures of Istanbul. It dates from mid 1800, was and administrative center of Ottoman Empire and a residence of Sultans and Caliphs till early 1900s.

Even after Turkey became a Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk lived there. The Clock Tower is guarding entry to Dolmabahce Palace.

Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, is a competition to any shopping mall and offers many oriental goods and delicious food, Turkish Delight being a “finger licking” true sweet delight. Leather accessories, jewelry,shoes, clothes and souvenirs are on display glistening with color and sparkling gold.

Istanbul with its unique cuisine is the joy not only for history and architecture lovers. The tastes of its culinary delights are an additional attraction.

PULAU TIOMAN MALAYSIA

PULAU TIOMAN

MALAYSIA

Pulau Tioman is a prelude to fabulous islands of the East Coast of Malaysian Peninsula. It is surrounded by crystal clear waters of South China Sea and coral reefs that create a Marine Park around the island as well as many small islands surrounding Tioman. Snorkeling and diving are the best spend moments on the island. The variety of marine life is amazing. Pulau Tulai has a variety of marine life and reefs. Sandy beaches and warm waters invite for a swim. The wildlife is everywhere, monkeys, monitor lizards, squirrels and a multitude of birds.

The island has limited roads so walking or bike riding are popular. Boats are used as transport to more remote parts of the island. They depart from Teluk Tekek the administration center of the island. Kampung Tekek has numerous duty free shops. Yes, Pulau Tioman is a duty free paradise.

There are also hiking tracks through the rain-forest, jungle and mountains, via waterfalls offering a refreshing swim, to the other side of the island, Juara Beach. A number of secluded resorts can be reached by boat or jungle walk.

Pulau Tioman can be accessed by ferry from Mercing, mainland Malaysia or by air from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. It is worth not just a visit but an extended stay would be rewarding.