CYPRUS - A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Cyprus is tucked away in the Eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of three continents. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean.
This position makes it an ideal location for exploring other nearby exotic locations. It is a short flight to Greece or the Greek Islands, Egypt and the Middle East are also close by. So perfect for a two center holiday.
Surrounded as it is by these diverse cultures Cyprus has become rather a melting pot of external influences. It does however retain it’s own unique culture, history and art as well, giving it a truly distinctive character.
Cyprus has been under Persian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Roman, British, Italian, and the Ottoman Turks rule. All have left their mark on it’s history and architecture. Archaeological sites abound!
Cyprus is known as the Island of Love because it is the birthplace of Aphrodite. But two other famous lovers are also connected with Cyprus. Marc Anthony who loved the island’s sweet wines, gave Cyprus as a gift to his lover Cleopatra.
For a relatively small island it is very diverse. Whatever type of holiday break you wish to enjoy can be found on this island. City breaks, beach holidays, winter skiing, sailing, fishing, hiking in the Troodos Mountains, photography, archaeology, historical research, special wedding and honeymoon holidays, diving, water sports, cruises and just plain relaxing in the sunshine.
Travel Advice will be including further more detailed articles on the various cities, holiday resorts and fabulous sites in Cyprus.
MEXICO - FOR A MAYAN ADVENTURE
In Mexico, a fantastic adventure awaits you, exploring the ancient temples of the Mayan Civilisation. For the adventurous, archaeologists, photographers and historians this is an exciting holiday visiting these World Heritage Sites. Explore one of the most powerful and mysterious empires of the ancient world.
Mexico, a vibrant and colourful country is home to the finest legacy left by the ancient Mayan Civilisation. The Mayans built magnificent temples and pyramids. These ruined limestone buildings, built originally in their huge cities, are amongst the world’s most impressive sites. Apart from religious functions these buildings were also used for sacrificial rituals. The Maya greatly respected death and rituals were an important part of their religion. Here are some of the larger, accessible sites:
Chichen Itza (”At the mouth of the well”) in the northern centre of the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the largest of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dominating the centre of Chichan is the Temple of Kukulan. The Temple of the Warriors complex is a large stepped pyramid with rows of carved columns depicting warriors. Seven courts have been identified for playing a ball game by the Mayan where men attempted to hit a ball through a stone ring using only hips and shoulders to strike the ball. One story is that the loser was sacrificed on the spot! Other buildings include an observatory, El Caracol, the High Priests Temple and nearby are caves with idols still in position
Calakmul is one of the largest cities ever uncovered, being discovered from the air in 1930. The city probably supported a population of 50,000 and has a series of water management features, including the largest reservoir in the Mayan world at 22 square kilometers.
Palenque is a smaller site in Chipas State and contains some of the finest Maya architecture, carvings and sculptures. Important structures include, The Palace, which is a complex of connected buildings and courtyards, The Temple of Inscriptions and a set of four temples on top of stepped pyramids The Temples of The Sun, Cross and Foliated Cross.
Coba is 90 Km east of Chichen and is built around two lagoons. It contains several large pyramid temples, the tallest, known as Nohoch Mul being 42metres high. A unique feature is the elevated, stone causeways (sacbeob) which radiate from the centre of Coba. Some of these reach the Caribbean, with the longest being 100 Km in length.
Uxmal before any restoration was in better condition than many other cities due to the quality of its construction. Its architecture is only matched by that of Palenque. Its buildings include, The Governor’s Palace, the Adivino or Pryamid of the Magician and The Nunnery Quadrangle which was a government palace. There is also a large Ballcourt.
These are just a selection of the many temples and pyramids you can visit. This is truly a unique holiday experience seeing at first hand the marvels of this ancient Mayan civilization.
GRIZZLY BEAR WATCHING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Posted by Roy
You can’t say we don’t bring you variety and excitement in our holiday choices on this site! You might think this sounds crazy but just keep reading. Our next suggestion for a great adventure holiday is grizzly bear watching in British Columbia.
If you are looking for an unusual holiday for next year and are starting your search and planning now, consider a trip to Northern British Columbia,“Canada’s Playground” to see the Canadian Grizzly bears in the wild. The Great Bear Rain Forest is situated in a beautiful river valley deep in the Coast Range Mountains. The river and its estuary are considered some of the best places in the world to see Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Wolves and the Bald Eagle. The best time to visit is early May through to October
Wooden, floating, hotel lodges are moored in the salmon-filled river and provide perfect bases and viewing platforms to observe the bears. A perfect place just to watch or to take fantastic photographs of the grizzlies. An added bonus is the beautiful scenery and the spectacular waterfalls cascading down the granite cliffs into the valley.
In early spring the bears descend from hibernation in the mountains to graze on grasses and other succulents and to mate. Later, mothers may be seen teaching young cubs the essentials of survival. In the summer and early fall, the bears are also attracted to the many salmon-spawning streams which feed both the valley and the numerous coastal inlets. The bear population reaches its peak in October before they move back into hibernation.
In spring the light is perfect for photography enabling you to record this unique scene of bears in their native habitat.
Given the wild terrain in this part of the world, the easiest access is by floatplane from Port Hardy. Such flights are an adventure in themselves with small floatplanes being an essential means of travel in this beautiful part of Canada. The low level flights between mountain peaks (you could almost touch!) along deep valleys and over lakes provide passengers with a unique flying experience not gained on normal commercial flights.
British Columbia is sure to leave a profound impression on most people who witness its splendour. The region has long been committed to the conservation of the wildlife which abounds on land and in the rivers and sea.
So for all you adventurers out there who are looking for something new and exciting to do and to tell your friends about you can’t beat grizzly bear watching in British Columbia for a truly exciting and unique experience.
ICE FISHING IN ONTARIO
Posted by Sunny
Ontario is Canada’s number one fishing destination. Ontario is an “Iriquoian” word meaning beautiful or shining waters. As Ontario has some 250,000 lakes there is plenty of beautiful shiny water about. Most people know it as a fisherman’s paradise in summer but don’t forget it has a great winter season too. Why not consider ice fishing in Ontario this winter.
Fishing in winter is more of an adventure holiday. For the Canadians it is an everyday event and no big deal to cut a hole in the ice and start fishing or to haul out an ice fishing hut and ice fish in comfort. For everyone reading who is not from North America you probably won’t know much about ice fishing or ever have considered it for a winter holiday. But for all you keen fishermen and women out there it is a fantastic experience that you should not miss.
You can chose literally any type of holiday you want and combine it with some ice fishing. The lakes and rivers are so numerous that wherever you chose to stay you are going to be in reach of a days fishing.
If you are traveling with the family and you are staying in the city you can still arrange an ice fishing guide, an ice hut and fishing equipment for a day out on the lake fishing and enjoying the wonderful scenery.
If you are on a skiing holiday you can bet you can fit in a days fishing. Ice fishing trips may also be featured as a sideline during snowmobiling, dog sledding, Native Cultural experience or adventure lodge trip holidays.
There are hotels, motels cabins and B&B’s all dedicated to the winter fisherman. You can rough it or stay in five star luxury. You can get a guide to show you the best fishing spots and you can sit out on the ice or have the comfort of a basic hut which will keep you warm and keep the wind off or a luxury ice fishing hut complete with heating and kitchen.
There are basic safety rules, the main one being make sure the ice is at least four inches thick, but a skilled ice fishing guide will see you have everything you need and update you on safety rules. You will also need warm, water proof clothing. Everything you need can be hired.
There are a number of ways to get to fishing spots. The easiest, you just drive up, get out of the car, tramp out across the lake and start fishing. But for the more adventurous you can snowmobile out to a more secluded spot or really go for it and hire a light plane to take you to the more remote areas of Ontario. Whatever you do you will see beautiful winter scenery and have some of the best fishing of your life.
This will be a unique fishing experience and it gives you the chance to potentially catch some very big fish. Depending where you chose to fish you might catch, lake trout, northern pike, walleye, whitefish or rainbow trout. There are 180 varieties of fish in Canada and 144 of them are found in Ontario! Of course after catching your fish You will want to eat it and what could be better than an open fire out by the frozen lake and the smell of fish cooking while you enjoy all that beautiful winter white Ontario scenery.
So when planning your next winter holiday my travel advice is to consider ice fishing in Ontario. For the fishermen out there it is a holiday that is hard to beat for the adventure and the sheer thrill of the fishing.
POLAR BEARS - ADVENTURE HOLIDAY
Posted by Roy
Why not visit the “Polar Bear Capital” of the world in Churchill, Manitoba to see these magnificent carnivores in their winter habitat. From late November to December, the bears gather on Cape Churchill, on the western shores of Hudson Bay to wait while the Bay freezes over, to enable them to move onto the ice floes. These semi-aquatic mammals have adapted to life on land, sea and ice
This migration of Polar Bears on to the ice is one of the great wildlife spectacles and enables them to feed on the many seals which also populate the region. In fact, the bears will eat anything they can kill and are certainly liable to attack humans. With males weighing up to 600Kg, they are an awesome killing machine but despite their size and aggression, they have a curious nature which has caused the inhabitants of Churchill some problems in the past. The town rubbish dump has had to be closed to prevent scavaging by bears.
As soon as the waters of Hudson Bay freeze, the males and the non-pregnant females having returned from their summer ranges, move onto the ice and stay there for the winter, hunting seals. Pregnant females have already hibernated in October and give birth to two or three cubs in March. Cubs stay with their parents until they are 3 years old and may be seen at this time.
The waters around Gordon Point and Cape Churchill are normally the first areas to freeze and provide ideal viewing points for visitors – and of course the keen photographers. The accepted method is to travel to the areas in what are known as “Tundra Buggies. These are specially converted vehicles with heating, large tundra tyres and a viewing platform at the rear which allows incredible photo opportunities. Bears are often seen inspecting these vehicles and occupants at close quarters! Never fear! You are unlikely to be eaten if you are inside the buggie.
While other wildlife is absent in the winter, Caribou, Wolves and Arctic Foxes may be seen, together with Snowy Owls and Ptarmigan.
Those staying longer will witness the incredible phenomenon of the “Northern Lights”. This region has the highest density of auroral activity in the Arctic which provides spectacular colour in the night skies
This must be a dream trip for photographers and wildlife lovers alike, to get so close to Polar Bears, in safety and to appreciate their awesome size and presence.
Why don’t you have a look at the “Polar Bear” Cam on this site?
INDIA - LUXURY RAILWAY JOURNEYS
Posted by Roy
A holiday to the mysterious sub-continent of India is one that we feel should not be missed. However, the planning of such a holiday can be an awesome task given the vast area and distances involved.
So why not take one of the great journeys of the world. See India on a Luxury Railway Journey. We have chosen two of those on offer from Indian Railways the Deccan Odyssey and the Rajasthan Palace on Wheels. For rail buffs and for those seeking a different experience and an adventure it will enable you to sample the unique sights and sounds of India.
Both of these trains, like the Orient Express in Europe, provide immaculate service and luxury reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel. Smooth and air-conditioned, the trains visit up to 12 wonderful sites and historic cities.
The Deccan Odyssey which is a joint venture between Indian Railways and the Government of Marahashtra starts and terminates at the bustling commercial centre of Mumbai (Bombay) Leaving that city it travels overnight to one of the finest beaches on the western coast at Ganapatipute. Then on to Sindhudurg, the Fort of the Marahatas, which guards the port of Malvan. The train continues to Goa – one of India’s most popular beach resorts and on to Pune, the capital of the Marahatas, followed by the World Heritage Site caves at Aurangabad; before returning to Mumbai.
The train consists of 13 deluxe coaches with twin-bedded suites, en-suite bathrooms and personal servants. Special assistance is available for the disabled. Two restaurants and a bar serve food and drinks for the inner man. For the workaholic there is a Business and Conference Centre with library, telephone, and fax and internet connectivity. For the unforeseeable, a doctor is always available at the next stop.
The 14 re-conditioned coaches of the Rajasthan Palace on Wheels were originally built for rulers of the states of Rajputana and Gujurat, the Nzam of Hyderabad and the Viceroys of India. Travelers enjoy similar facilities to those on the Deccan Odyssey and travel in the height of luxury.
The first stop after leaving Delhi is the “Pink City” of Jaipur, built in 1727, after which comes Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert. Next morning the train is in Jodhpur, a city full of palaces and its solid rock Mehrangarth Fort. After Kolhapur is Aurangabad with its Ellora Caves which house 34 temples dedicated to the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The next stop is Ajanta and Nashik with dramatic views of the Waghora Valley. The valley houses caves older than Ellora, dating from the 7th Century. Final destination is Mumbai the commercial capital of India.
Journey’s end but no doubt this unique travel experience will live long in the memory and ensure a return visit to the fantastic sub-continent of India.We hope to bring you information on more of these luxury railway journeys. So, you can look forward to reading about train journeys to Peru, South Africa, Australia and Asia. For now we hope you enjoyed reading about a new and different type of holiday in India.
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