Travel blog

Most expensive hotels of Berlin

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:14:36 +0000

Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin
This 5-star design hotel is located in the heart of Berlin, from the windows offering views over the canal Landwehrkanal. It is 600 meters from the beautiful Tiergarten park. It offers elegant rooms and a modern spa with an indoor pool. Spacious rooms and suites, the Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin are decorated in a modern style and have panoramic windows. They include flat-screen TV, mini bar, spacious bathrooms and Wi-Fi. The spa is by Esplanade Grand Hotel has several saunas and a modern gym. Granted an exclusive massage and beauty treatments. A rich breakfast buffet is served each morning in the restaurant Elements.
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
This renowned 5-star hotel is located near the historic Brandenburg Gate in downtown Berlin. The hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, a restaurant that has Michelin stars and an exclusive spa. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin offers individually furnished rooms. Rooms are equipped with modern multimedia system and high speed Internet access. Many rooms have views of the Brandenburg Gate. A large, decorated in a Mediterranean-style spa hotel Adlon includes an indoor pool, sauna and gym. There are plenty of beauty treatments and massages.
Description of Hotel Radisson BLU Hotel, Berlin
Decoration of this unique 5-star hotel is a 25-foot aquarium in the lounge. The hotel has a spa with a swimming pool. It offers free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located in the heart of Berlin, opposite the Berlin Cathedral, right in front of the Alexanderplatz – 400 meters. Berlin Radisson Blu Hotel offers stylish air conditioned rooms with flat screen TV and a safe that holds a laptop. In modern bathrooms provide high quality toiletries and hair dryer. Many rooms have balconies. Guests can enjoy drinks in the Atrium Lounge in the hotel lobby.

Best time to travel to Portugal

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 22:12:13 +0000

Portugal is located in southwestern Europe, in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. Its membership also includes the Azores and Madeira archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean. Azores include nine islands and are in 1500 km from Lisbon. Madeira archipelago consists of islands of Madeira and Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagen. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 km from the African coast and 1000 km from the mainland. The area of the country, together with the islands is 92,391 square meters. km. On the east and north it is bordered by Spain and the east and south by the Atlantic Ocean.
Northern Portugal has busy strongly dissected plateau borderlands Meseta. The average altitude in the region 1000 – 1200 m and the maximum – 1993 m (Mount Estrela mountain range in the Serra da Estrela). Estrela is also the highest point of the mainland. The southern and central parts of the busy Portuguese lowlands, hills and low mountains. To the east of Portugal is bordered by the lowland plateau, some parts of which reach 600-1000 m along the Atlantic Ocean lowly and poorly dissected, beaches – sandy. Madeira and the Azores Islands – an archipelago of volcanic origin. Their landscape is dominated by mountainous terraces, rising from the coast to the central regions of the islands. On Pico Island, owned archipelago, is located the highest point of the whole of Portugal – Volcano Peak (2351 m).
The river network is dense in Portugal. Major rivers in its territory are Douro (Duero), Tagus and Guadiana. In the mountains, rivers typically occur in narrow and deep valleys have steep fall.
In principle, in Portugal, you can go at almost any time of year. The exceptions are the regions of Alto Alentejo, and Duro, where summer is unbearably hot, and clouds appear in the sky once a month. The official rainy season lasts from November to March, with most precipitation falls in the northern parts of the country and the mountain range of Sierra da Estrela. Peak tourist season falls in the middle of summer. The best time for skiing – January or February.

Most famous sea resorts of France

admin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:10:36 +0000

Côte d’Azur resorts enjoys a huge popularity not only among the French, but also with tourists from around the world. The local beaches are gorgeous and the mild climate evaluated in the middle of last century the British all this is thanks to Lord Henry. Breghemu appeared a well-known resort of Cannes, and the Americans strive for the development of the town of Juan-les-Pena, who gave the world the loudest jazz names.
Cote d’Azur France on the number of visitors firmly holds a leading position in the world, there are often many movie stars, musicians and politicians. Rest here in this prestigious, along the quays of Cannes, Nice and Antibes orderly lined up expensive restaurants and luxury hotels, elegant shops and boutiques, trendy nightclubs and casinos. Cote d’Azur is located in the south of France in the subtropical zone, but in the summer of extreme heat knocks the sea breeze and the winter in the southern soft – holiday where you can enjoy all year round.
Many resorts on the Cote d’Azur are well known – in Cannes in May is held the most famous film festival, during which the pass debut shows blockbusters and future world stars left imprints of their palms on the famous Walk of Stars. Saint-Tropez, famous for its many films that were shot in this beautiful place. The city became especially popular thanks to the cult film “And God Created Woman” with Brigitte Bardot. In addition, it is here that criminals were chased by a well-known movie policeman Louis de Funes, so beloved by Soviet audiences. In Juan-les-Penh, held one of the most important world music festivals – in July at local venues sounds to jazz, blues and rock’n'roll. All resorts of Cote d’Azur, including Monte Carlo, with its year-round rotating roulette and gambling spirit, attract many visitors from all over the world. From ancient times, Côte d’Azur had also been visited by the Russian nobility and the intelligentsia.
Grand festivals, colorful festivals, fashion shows and loud parties – all the resorts of the French Riviera is popular mainly among the wealthy, but the French seaside towns and attracted many young people here all year round noisy and fun.
The French Riviera was built with much love, so the Riviera resorts are still remarkable examples of “Mediterranean” architecture. Houses are surrounded by green gardens and pine groves and unspoilt sandy and rocky beaches last for many miles along the coast.

Best places for hiking in Italy

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:09:10 +0000

Hiking means a long walk, hike. To merge with nature and enjoy the mountain scenery, it is not necessary to go on a difficult climbing route. Climbing at low altitude with elementary equipment (shoes and hiking clothes) – are a very popular form of active recreation in the west because of the simplicity and the rise of aesthetic pleasure. You can do hiking unplanned. Simply select the mountainous territory and acquire a guide to the hiking route. Information services instructors are hundreds of times more expensive than the same services provided in the guide.
By choosing this way of conquering mountains, hiking, you choose for yourself the ease and freedom of movement and independence from men. You can go hiking with a group, book a tour. Participants will bear their own provisions, and sleeping bags. If properly designed backpack will weigh no more than 8kg.
There are dozens of magnificent haykingovyh routes. One of them is in Italy (the Alps). The length of this trail 55km. On track to meet mountain streams, ice. Also have experienced the sudden change of weather (snow, heat, wind, rain, etc.). Mountain top, you will overcome on this route, only 1278m but great experiences are guaranteed and with this height: the magnificent view from above, cauldrons of boiling mud, ice cave (1,5 km).
Sometimes on the tracks in the trees you will meet the mark and dotted yellow lines. These indications suggest you to follow the trail. Such a way you can find in America when climbing a mountain cascade (height 4100 feet).

Five best hotels in Rome

admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:07:32 +0000

Rome, as one of the most popular European cities, is always crowded with tourists – and it does not matter, if it’s June or September, December or May.
The ancient Colosseum and the famous Roman baths of ancient times attracted the attention of travelers from around the world. If you decide to visit the Eternal City, you’ve made the right choice.
But the joy of travel is not limited to sightseeing and visiting the usual stuff. Very important are the hotels where you can relax from the travel and adventure in the ancient capital of the Mediterranean.
Before you go on a long-awaited “Roman Holiday”, open the guide, ask around from friends, search the network the best hotels in Rome.
The most expensive hotels in Rome
By the way, not so long ago, a British critic of the Telegraph published a list of top Roman hotels. According to the British, in Rome it is best to stay at St Regis Grand, Hotel Majestic and the Aldrovandi Palace.
First on the list, St Regis Grand, boasts a historic interior and exterior of the building, which offers rooms furnished similar to antiques, luxurious rooms in the style of the late XIX century.
Needless to say, it is here that resting monarchs and high officials, famous writers (Zola, and Tolstoy) and contemporary Hollywood stars.
Of course, the best hotels in Rome are the most expensive, it’s worth to remember when going on a trip. So, one night in the St Regis Grand will cost you at least 350 (and a maximum of 950 euros), which is not so expensive, considering that the hotel is truly luxurious.
Another in the list of top hotels in Rome – Hotel Majestic. Built at the same time as the St Regis Grand, the hotel is very different from its competitor. Place is of pompous luxury and splendor.
The situation inside the building in English restrained, if not modest, but this was not seen poverty – the furniture is made from the best breeds of oak, and the curtains are made from the most brocade.
In addition, Hotel Majestic is located in the commercial heart of the city, close to Via Condotti, and therefore perfectly suited to the launch pad shoppers.
Concludes the three leaders of Aldrovandi Palace. The villa of the XIX century, in which both offers rooms adjacent to the gardens of Villa Borghese. The hotel itself is immersed in greenery and flowers and, coupled with a pool, more like an oasis of life in the heart of the “stone jungle”.
Near Aldrovandi Palace you can find the National Gallery and the Spanish Steps, one of the most interesting sights of Rome.
Democratic approach
Alas, no matter how great are our aspirations, not everyone can allow himrself to rest in the most expensive hotels not everyone can. And therefore worth talking about cheaper places to stop and stay overnight.

Main cities of Italy

admin — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:07:02 +0000

Virtually every town in Italy could be called an open air museum. This country has about 60% of the cultural heritage of Europe. And it’s not only about wealth in Italy. In addition to cultural monuments, the country has great natural resources and weather conditions, which have a significant impact on the development of tourism in the country. Location of Italy is that of a favorable climatic zone with a mild subtropical Mediterranean climate, the availability of all types of terrain – high mountains, the period of Alpine folding, plains, hills, all this interests tourists from all over the world. Currently, Italy has historical monuments, the ruins of ancient civilizations, beautiful natural environment, the slopes of high mountains, beautiful beaches and clear lakes of the north.
The capital of Italy is Rome. This city, is in itself perhaps the biggest attraction in Italy and around the world. In the center of Rome is the city-state Vatican City. City and its surroundings hold many priceless ancient monuments and architectural ensembles of antiquity. The most famous are the Roman and Imperial Forum, Via Appia, Arch of Septimius Severus, Basilica Emilia, the Curia, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the House of Vestal, the temple of Vesta, the Temple of Romulus, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Basilica of Maxentius, Arch of Titus, Palatine, the Domus Avgustana, Palazzo del Flavia, stadium, equestrian center, a symbol of the city – the Colosseum, the ancient Circus Maximus. The most well-surviving monuments include Roman building and a magnificent example of architecture of the period of Hadrian – The Pantheon, built around 125 by the year. er. as well – Baths of Caracalla, and countless other amazing buildings of the Roman period. Not less diverse are the medieval monuments, monuments of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The early Christians took refuge from persecution in the catacombs. Today we can clearly see what they look like. Perfectly preserved are early Christian and medieval churches, and even decorating the walls and ceiling of the magnificent mosaics. In the good state of preservation has reached us the most famous area of Rome – Piazza Navona, with three fountains, surrounded by the grandiose palaces, Plaza de España, Capitol Hill, Fontana di Trevi, the Jesuit church of Sant ‘Ignazio, the church of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of St. John Lateran (IV century., rebuilt in the XVII-XVIII cc.), the Basilica of St. Paul (IV cent.), the church Trinita dei Monti (XV cent.) Praksedy St., Santa Croce in-Dzherusalemme, Capella Santa Sanctorum, the Cathedral of St. John’s Cathedral of San Paolo Fuori-le Mura (St Paul’s Cathedral-out-Wall), Fountain of Naiad in the Piazza Repubblica and Fountain of Triton in Piazza Barberini, as well as a myriad of other attractions, which are indispensable to imagine the “Eternal City”. Chapel of Santa Sanctorum known fact that it is Scala Santa – a ladder on which Christ was raised at the court of Pontius Pilate. In the basilica of St. Peter-in-Chains, related to V in., Inside is a marble sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo’s own work.

How much to hire a boat in Venice

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:04:19 +0000

Great weather, great location, beautiful coastlines, friendly atmosphere. This is all in Venice. It is constant and contributes also to this is the fact that last season yachts were rented for a year, and the flow of tourists is increasing every year. This huge popularity is due to the fact that sailing – is a national pastime, but through our site you will find lots of interesting suggestions on rental boats.
Suitable options on rent a yacht in Venice (Venice) can be easily found via YachtBooker, but rather through an interactive menu YachtFinder ®, which is located in the upper left corner of this page. Wanting to find a yacht, just specify the necessary criteria such as: country or region navigation, yacht type, date and duration of your rental boats. On the right side of this page, you will find a list of articles. With convenient directory to search for information on yacht rental in nearby areas of Venice (Venice). All resorts are well prepared for the constant influx of yachtsmen. The articles you will find current information about living on board, replenishment of fuel and water, food, and the attractions of the place.

Where to go in Madrid

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:01:54 +0000

The most famous landmark in Madrid – Prado Museum (Museo del Prado), is one of the greatest art galleries in the world, assembled in their collections are over 7000 paintings, painted by Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Bosch, Titian, Rembrandt and Velazquez.
Museum originated from the royal collection, which was subsequently replenished with the descendants of imperial dynasty. Central attention is given to the Spanish masters school, particularly Goya, whose works are exhibited in chronological order from the sun-soaked scenes of gay festivities to sullen madness that characterizes his “black period”. Prado museum has few equals, and regardless of whether you are an avid art lover or not, you’ll appreciate it. For a thorough acquaintance with most of the works will need more than one day.
Goya’s Pantheon (Panteon de Goya) is also called Goya’s Sistine Chapel. The artist painted the dome and vaults of a small chapel, the frescoes depicted the wonders that St. Anthony did. It took 6 weeks and was carried out with a sponge. In some places were placed mirrors, for better display. In the chapel is also the tomb of the artist.
The main square or Plaza Mayor (Plaza Mayor) is located in the heart of Madrid. In medieval times it had the name of Arrabal (outskirts), as it is outside the city walls. The architect of the area was Juan Gomez de Mora, who works during the dominion of Philip III. When the Habsburgs and value of the area have increased due to the spectacles held there, including a horrific auto-da-fe, when heretics were burned at the stake. Bull-fights, jousting tournaments and festivals were also held in this square.
Three times the area of the building has been burned down – in 1631, 1672 and in 1790, but each time the area was renovated. After the last big fire area was radically changed by Juan de Villanueva.
On summer nights, the Plaza Mayor becomes a kind of living in Madrid, tourists sip sangria in the many cafes and listen to musical performances, many of which are organized spontaneously.

10 best photos of Taj Mahal

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 06:10:12 +0000

Magnificent, shining, and despite its 74-meter height, a light and airy, which is like a fairy tale dream, rises in the valley of the river Yamuna Taj Mahal – the most beautiful architectural creations of India, and perhaps the whole earth …

High in the sky flock of white marble domes – one large and four small ones. Reflected in the fixed surface of an artificial channel, the Taj Mahal as if hovering in front of us, showing a sample of extraterrestrial beauty and perfect harmony …

But not only the architectural excellence attracts the Taj Mahal millions of travelers from around the world. No less an impression on people’s hearts and makes history of its origin … History, more like eastern tale or legend, which any poet would envy …

This monument, the Mausoleum of the story about the love of Muslim Sultan Mughal Shah Jahan for his wife – a fabulous beauty Mumtaz Mahal.

Shah Jahan was still a prince, in the early XVII century, he married a girl of nineteen. The young couple loved each other dearly.

Despite the fact that Shah Jahan, as any oriental ruler, was a large harem, he was so in love with his young wife, as they say, did not pay any attention to other women. Beloved wife gave birth to his master and eight sons and six daughters.

But … Soon after birth, fourteenth child beauty Mumtaz did not become … Mount Shah Jahan was so great that he wanted to commit suicide.

Life without his beloved seemed devoid of meaning and joy. At the deathbed of his wife from the Sultan of grief turned gray …
And soon declared a state of two-year mourning period, during which banned parties, dances and music.

Later, in Agra, while the former capital of the Moghul empire, over the tomb of Mumtaz ascended the mausoleum, which on a plan of Shah Jahan has become a symbol of fabulous his deceased wife …

How to cook Ukrainian borsch

admin — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:25:27 +0000

Ukrainian borsch is a wonderful first course. It is thick, rich and delicious. If you want something hearty and delicious, then make borsch.
You will need 5 gallons of water
- 600-700 g of meat (pork or beef ribs)
- 4 pieces of potato
- 1 medium-sized beet
- 2 onions
- 2 carrots
- 2-3 tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 300 g of fresh cabbage
- Greens
- A small piece of bacon
- 1 clove of garlic
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste

1. Wash the meat and place it in the saucepan, cover with cold water and cook until done. If you have a big piece of meat, when the broth is ready, cut it into pieces.
2. Dice potatoes, cut the beets into strips, finely cut the onions, grate three carrots on a medium grater. Peel tomatoes (for 1 min put into boiling water, and then the skin can be easily removed) and grate three. Chop the cabbage.
3. Put potatoes in the broth. In a frying pan fry the beets, then add the onions and carrots. Fry until everything is golden brown.
4. Add the tomato paste and tomatoes, simmer for a few minutes. Once the tomatoes are a little thick pour in a glass of broth. Stew for 10 minutes. The potatoes are almost done – put the cabbage and cook it for 5 minutes, then add what you have fried on the frying pan.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes. We take a small piece of bacon, and a clove of garlic, finely cut the bacon, squeeze the garlic into the fat, mash everything together – in a mortar or a spoon, and toss in the soup. Now immediately turn off the fire. It is necessary to serve the dish with sour cream, garlic bread; you can also add finely chopped greens.

Preparation time: 40 minutes