A Visit to Mysore

Posted February 5, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

The Palace of Mysore, the home of the Maharaja of Mysore, highlights the city with its magnificent Indo-Saracen style and is the single largest tourist attraction in the state of Karnataka.  The walled-in palace with its stained glass, carved doors, mirrors and mosaic floors is sure to have you gazing in amazement. The paintings inside the palace offer an interesting view of life in Mysore during the Edwardian Raj and are maintained in pristine condition.  The nighttime illumination of the entire palace that happens throughout the month of October is a delightful experience.

The palace is not the only interesting place to see when in the city of Mysore. The Rail museum which houses a wood-panelled royal rail coach used by the royals and five steam engines bear testimony to the opulent and stylish life of the royals.  If the museum takes you back into the past, the St. Philomena Cathedral built in the neo-Gothic style during 1933 to 1941 offers you a serene space, right in the middle of the bustling city.

Wildlife enthusiasts must not miss a visit to the Mysore zoo, which dates back to 1892 and houses a wide range of primates, rhinos, big cats, bears and elephants. They can all be seen at close quarters while you stroll around the well-designed and maintained walkways.

A half-day excursion to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple situated at a spectacular height of 1062m on the Chamnundi Hills offers a view of the city of Mysore, and the Sri Chamundeshwari temple itself with its 40m high magnificent entrance-gateway and beautiful sculptures.

Categories: City Guides, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Getting From the Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the City

Posted February 1, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

It should be simple to get from an international airport into the city and in Ho Chi Minh City it can be, but here some tips to help first-timers to the city avoid being ripped off.

If you have not organised a pick-up on arrival then you can arrange it yourself once there, but be sure to do this before you exit the building and go out onto the street. 

After leaving the baggage claim and customs area, look out for small booths lining the wall inside the building.  Some of these booths will change money, but for transport, look out for a Vinasun (taxi) booth.  The Vinasun representatives speak English reasonably well and for a fixed price to your hotel (which you pay directly to them), they will escort you to a Vinasun taxi.   Ask for a copy of the receipt.  The Vinasun driver will drop you off at the designated place for the price you paid.  A typical price from the International Airport into Pham Ngu Lao will be around £3.80 to £4.50. 

Categories: Air Travel, City Guides, Travel Tips

A Weekend In York

Posted January 17, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

If you fancy a short weekend away combining history, culture and outdoor activities, a visit to York could suit all your needs.

Founded by the Romans in 71 AD, the city has a rich heritage encompassing Vikings, Normans and the industrial age, all of which has left behind an abundance of historical sights.

The famous York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, dates originally from the 12 century onwards and there are also traces of the original Norman Minster.  Visitors aged over eight years can climb the 275 steps of the central tower, and are rewarded with a panoramic view over the city.

Walking around the city’s medieval walls is a popular pastime, followed by a traditional Yorkshire tea in one of the many tea rooms that dot the Shambles, a narrow medieval street where the tops of the houses very nearly meet.

The Jorvik Viking Centre offers an interactive view into the city’s Viking days, whilst a number of medieval buildings such as Barley Hall and the Merchant Adventurers Hall, have been turned into living museums, the latter being the largest timber framed building still standing in the UK.

Coming into the modern age, the National Railway Museum, a few minutes’ walk from the current rail terminus, gives visitors access to 300 years of fascinating rail history.  The museum is free, and runs regular special events such as interactive science shows for children.

York is well connected and easily reachable by road.  Alternatively, a fast train service from London can get you there in around 2 hours.

Categories: City Guides, Travel Destinations

Historic Edinburgh: A Walk Down The Royal Mile

Posted January 5, 2012 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

First settled in the Bronze Age, the capital of Scotland has a rich heritage and history, much of which is impressively preserved.

The site of Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 12th Century, with much of the existing buildings dating from the 16th, and overlooks the city from its elevated perch on top of a volcanic crag.  Situated at the top of the Royal Mile at the west end of the city’s Old Town, it is a perfect starting point for a walking tour of the city.

The old town itself is still set out in its medieval plan, and – together with the 18th Century New Town – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.  The main street runs down the crag from the Castle, with a pattern of much smaller alleyways breaking off to the sides.

At the bottom of the Royal Mile stands Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, which dates from the 16th and 17th Century.  The Queen is occasionally in residence but the Palace is open to visitors when unoccupied.

Categories: City Guides, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

A Day in Abu Dhabi

Posted October 28, 2011 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Known as the Arabian Jewel, Abu Dhabi is a shimmering city of modern skyscraper buildings. This capital city is one of the wealthiest in the world, distinguished by its oil-rich lands. The city of Abu Dhabi is exploding with lush gardens, meandering canals and lengthy boulevards lined with massive palm trees. Abu Dhabi is well known for its signature Corniche, which faces the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. This area is perfect for rollerblading, walking or cycling. For those with less time, the Corniche can also be driven.

As far as hotels go, the interior of the Emirates Palace Hotel is well worth seeing. This lavish building has been decorated in glitz, adorned in gold and sits on 1.3 kilometers of the city’s finest beach.

The Cultural Foundation Gallery is another place worth visiting as is the Guggenheim Museum. This $400 million structure is located on Saadiyat Island. A visit to Dhow Harbour will have you filled in on the country’s maritime history and nearby, take a break on the beautiful sands of Al Raha Beach. Abu Dhabi is also home to the largest man made port in the world, the Jebel Ali Port.

Categories: Air Travel, City Guides, Travel Destinations

Time to Visit Toronto

Posted October 22, 2011 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

The Canadian city of Toronto stands on the shore of Lake Ontario.  It is the country’s largest city and has all the great facilities and sophistication you would expect from a major metropolis.

Flying in from the UK, you arrive at Toronto Pearson International airport, an easy 17 miles from the city centre.  Once you have settled in, you will not be short of things to do during your visit.

If you are interested in exploring Canadian culture, Toronto offers theatre, opera, and symphony orchestra productions.  Its world famous museums and art galleries contain works by Flemish Masters, Italian Renaissance painters, and French Impressionists.  Give yourself a whole day when visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario if you truly want to see all that it has to offer.  A visit to Toronto’s iconic landmark, the CN tower, is also highly recommended.  From the tower you can cast your eye over the staggering panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. 

The Distillery Historic District is a good place to visit for boutique shopping, independent artist studios, and galleries, also being well served by a selection of restaurants, bars, and cafés.  Set in restored Victorian distillery buildings, the five-hectare site is a pedestrianised precinct that hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the summer.

In Toronto you are also within striking distance of Niagara Falls and day excursions are available if you want to see these magnificent waterfalls.

This is an exciting, modern, and welcoming city that deserves its reputation as a top travel destination.

Categories: Air Travel, City Guides, Travel Destinations

What to Look for in Budapest

Posted October 20, 2011 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

Budapest, Hungary is a fun and exciting city of bridges, bathhouses, palaces, and architectural diversity.  It is a wondrous place where getting lost amongst the central streets will only add to the adventure.  Budapest is home to many impressive buildings, but one that stands out above the others is the State Opera House.

Declared one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the State Opera House is definitely worth a visit.  This Neo-Renaissance building opened its doors in 1884, after nine long years of construction.  The inside auditorium and staircase were designed by Miklos Ybl, one of the most prominent architects of his time, and the decorative frescos were painted by world-renowned Hungarian painters.  The State Opera House is still considered one of the best in Europe.

Fishermen’s Bastion is also a great site worth visiting.  Located in the Castle District on the Buda side of the Danube, Fishermen’s Bastion was the city’s main lookout during the Middle Ages.  The seven towers that adorn the walls represent the Magyar Tribes that settled there in 896.  In the centre of the square is a bronze statue of Stephen I.

Atop this large hill are several other areas worth a visit; including the magnificent Romanesque style Matthias Church, which was originally built in 1015.  During the second half of the 14th century it underwent extensive reconstruction, and now represents the late Gothic style.  It was restored yet again in the 19th century, and remains the second largest medieval church in Buda and the seventh in the Hungarian Kingdom.

Categories: Air Travel, City Guides, Travel Destinations

Ideas For Amsterdam

Posted October 7, 2011 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

If trying to decide which European city offers the best combination of art, museums, nightlife, and café culture then you would be hard pressed to find a better choice than Amsterdam.  Famous for their tolerant attitudes, the people of Amsterdam are very welcoming.

Getting there

Schipol International Airport is only 15 km outside the city and is one of the largest and busiest airports of Europe, reachable through all the main international airlines. Once there, trams are the main form of transport in the city.  The central district is flat so walking can be a pleasant option, or you can copy the locals and hire a bicycle to get around.

Things To Do

There are so many attractions in Amsterdam that it is hard to know where to start.  Art lovers flock to The Van Gogh Museum, which houses 200 works of art.  The Rijksmuseum, a world-leading gallery, also exhibits artwork by famous artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.  Anne Frank’s house is also a popular place to visit and see where the Jewish schoolgirl hid from the Nazis during the war.  You can still see her diary in which she wrote her famous story.

Taking a boat ride along the canal is a great way to view the city’s fine architecture.  Also if the alternative culture of Amsterdam interests you, why not visit one of its famous bohemian café bars or take a stroll through the red light district.

The unique atmosphere of Amsterdam is hard to define but easy to enjoy. So what are you waiting for?

Categories: City Guides, Travel Destinations

Exeter – Gateway to the South West

Posted September 29, 2011 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

There are many reasons for visiting Exeter, the capital city of Devon. Exeter seamlessly combines access to historic buildings and to modern shopping, in a light and airy atmosphere, whilst the Devon hills can be seen in the distance from the high street.

Historically, a settlement has existed here since Celtic times and the Roman occupation in 50AD resulted in the city walls that still contain much of the original brickwork.

Visit Exeter Cathedral – set in the large, recently renovated, Cathedral Green, where people can be found relaxing on a summer’s day. Marvel at a building so beautiful, and yet over 1100 years old, which houses the largest Gothic vaulted ceiling to be found anywhere in the world. Take some time to study the intricate carvings on the west front and see how some have been damaged by both weather and war.

Visit the quayside, once of great importance for trade, especially in wool, but now home to several delightful craft shops, cafés and bars. Watch the hundreds of swans on the river along with geese and ducks. Then take a ferry down to the pub at ‘Double Locks’ where you can stop for a pint, or continue all the way to Exmouth.

Exeter’s Princesshay shopping centre boasts many famous high street stores and designer names, or venture down Gandy Street and you will discover a variety of independently owned clothes, jewellery and gift shops.

When the time comes for refreshment you will not be disappointed; you will be spoilt for choice as you decide which café to visit to sample that most traditional delicacies of Devon, the ‘Cream Tea’.

Categories: City Guides, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips

Madrid – a Spanish Holiday with a Difference

Posted September 3, 2011 By almeriavilla and has no comments yet.

British holidaymakers are no strangers to Spain.  For decades they have been flocking to the Spanish Costas in their millions.  But how many have considered visiting the county’s capital of Madrid?  Admittedly, in Madrid there will be no sand or sea to enjoy, but there is art and culture along with the chance to appreciate Spain and its people in a new light.

Madrid offers holidaymakers some wonderful art galleries. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and the Museo del Prado are worth a visit by those who appreciate adding more than a dash of culture to their holiday itinerary.

Madrid is not, however, all about culture.  The city boasts a first rate nightlife with popular clubs and restaurants.  The Teatro Joy Eslava is a renowned dance club, and the Café Central is famous among jazz enthusiasts.

Accommodation won’t be a problem for tourists and holidaymakers because Madrid has no shortage of hotels and hostels.  Hotels such as the Petit Palace Londres in the centre of the city, and the modestly priced Centro offer holidaymakers plenty of choice.

Unless you enjoy the heat a visit to Madrid during the height of summer – July and August – might be best avoided.   Winters tend to be cold, so spring and autumn is considered by many to be the best time to visit this city.

Madrid is well served by UK airports and the city boats a first class rail network once you have arrived there.

Categories: Air Travel, City Guides, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips