Holidays in Egypt are an exciting and exotic experience. Egypt offers a diverse mix of breathtaking, historical sites and natural wonders. This article suggests three exciting destinations to visit while on your holiday in Egypt.
Cairo
Cairo is one of the world's largest urban areas with nearly 20 million people living in the capital city. As soon as you step out of your hotel in Egypt, your senses will be overwhelmed from the intense smell of spices and the noise from the nearby hustle and bustle of the city.
There are so many magnificent and wonderful sites to choose from in Cairo but no holiday to Egypt is complete without visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza.
There are several ways to enjoy the spectacular views of the pyramids. If you are adventurous, why not step inside and squeeze through the dark passage way all the way to the tomb, whilst imagining who would have walked this passage thousands of years ago. Or you could enjoy a camel ride around the Pyramids and picture yourself watching the nearby Sphinx being carved by thousands of people from just one single block of stone. With a bit of imagination and a sense of history, you can have a lot of fun making your holiday in Egypt an epic historical experience for yourself.
Sinai - Sharm el Sheikh
If you are looking for relaxation, some pampering and luxury accommodation on your holiday in Egypt, then why not follow in Lawrence of Arabia's footsteps and head to the coastline of the Sinai Peninsula.
Situated on the Southern tip on the Peninsula, Sharm el Sheik is one of many beautiful resorts in the area. Most people visit Sharm for its exceptional snorkelling and diving, and you will find excellent diving facilities at most hotels. Even beginners can enjoy discovering a new colourful world under the sea, as the Red Sea is very calm and it is just so easy to pop your head in the water and be overwhelmed by hundreds of multi-coloured fish - but watch out for the moray eels as they can be a bit territorial. Sharm el Sheikh is the ideal place to escape and enjoy the natural wonders of the underwater world.
If being under the warm waters of the Red Sea is not your idea of fun in the sun, on your holiday in Egypt there are plenty of other active excursions to enjoy in the Sinai region. How does an exciting jeep safari in the Sinai sound? On a day's excursion you can enjoy a brisk climb up Mount Sinai, which is famous for being the site where Moses received his ten commandments, followed by a tour of St Katherine's Monastery and if you don't mind a bumpy journey through parts of the desert you can take a ride on a camel.Although Sharm el Sheik is an ideal location to sit back and relax, if you fancy taking a break from your sun lounger for the day there are plenty of magical and exciting sites to explore.
Even in today's modern world, visitors to Egypt cannot escape the rich legend and ancient history which is entwined with this mystical land. The towering pyramids, exotic markets and barren deserts are only part of what makes holidays to Egypt such a magical experience. It is the country's history which draws us in and its mystery which keeps us entranced.
Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs
The story of Cleopatra is one of the most famous and high profile pieces of the Egyptian history puzzle and her legacy is apparent everywhere you turn. The sites and museums you can visit on your holidays to Egypt will unravel the story of her life, and you can experience first hand how she was transformed into one of the most famous Egyptian pharaohs of all time. From her ascension to the throne at only 18 in 51BC, Cleopatra lived a life that was fraught with drama and dissent. She claimed to have borne the son of Julius Caesar (which the great ruler refuted) and in later life gave birth to two sons by her great love, Mark Antony. Her liaisons with two of the ancient world's most powerful rulers inevitably led to their downfall, and the Queen of the Nile lives on in Egyptian legend as most famous femme fatale of them all.
Another well-known pharaoh is Tutankhamun, who ruled the 18th Egyptian Dynasty from 1336 - 1327 BC. He was just a boy of nine when he came to power and after serving as King for only nine years, he died. Mystery and conspiracy theories still surround the details of his death and he is a source of fascination to historians, Egyptologists and tourists alike. While few of the actual events in his life have been documented, he remains an icon. His tomb in the Valley of the Kings is visited by many tourists who visit Luxor during their holidays to Egypt.
Valley of the Kings
West of the Nile River lies one of Egypt's most famous historic sites - the Valley of the Kings.
From the 16th to the 11th centuries BC, all the Egyptian rulers and powerful people were buried in this incredible network of tombs, some of which contain up to 120 chambers. To date 63 tombs have been unearthed, and they have given us a valuable insight into the rituals and culture of ancient Egyptian civilisation. The intricate drawings and symbols which line the walls of the tombs reveal many secrets of how life must have been, and the Valley of the Kings is a must-see site; not just for history experts but for anyone fascinated by ancient history on their holidays to Egypt.
The Temples of Ancient Egypt
If you want to discover the spirit of this ancient world, a trip to some of the old temples will be an interesting and worthwhile part of your holidays. Egypt's civilisation revolved around spiritualism, and the ruling pharaohs would often build their own temples in line with their individual beliefs.
Ramses II was a ruler who was particularly prolific in his construction of temples, the most famous of which is the Great Temple of Abu Simbel. Originally built into a mountain just above Lake Nasser, the temple had to be dismantled and rebuilt 60 metres higher, to save it from the rising waters of the lake. The rebuilt temple stands today in all its glory, and is a fascinating sight to behold.
The hillside village of Kalkan, Turkey is a peaceful resort
with an easy-going atmosphere. This is a quiet Turkish retreat in a traditional town, suitable for couples wanting time alone. If you are looking for a get away from the hustle and bustle of city life or even of other typical holiday destinations, then Kalkan holidays will be perfect for you.
If your idea of a perfect holiday is a beautiful view of the sun over the mountains and the sparkling blue sea beneath, then you will be at home in Kalkan. Turkey is a country that offers everything for the holidaymaker: a stunning landscape, long beaches, the excitement of water sports and nightlife, a rich and varied history, and a summery climate. All of these elements can be experienced within a short distance of the resort, but Kalkan holidays are on the relaxed side of things, making it a good place from which to pick and choose. Two of the best beaches in Turkey, Kaputas and Patara, are just twenty minutes from Kalkan, and there's a pebbly beach at the resort too. While this cannot rival the neighbouring beaches for long days of sunbathing on the sand, it is a remarkably picturesque spot, ideal for quiet contemplation.
Kalkan holidays are about absorbing some of the local flavour and the Mediterranean joie de vivre. You can explore the quaint town's cobbled lanes and snug, winding market streets leading down to the water. At the pale, sundrenched rocky shoreline you'll find turquoise shallows leading to the deep blue open sea. The harbour is the heart and soul of the town, with yachts and pleasure craft passing through as they tour the bay. You can embark on a gulet cruise of the local islands from the harbour.
To get the best of the landscape, you will want to take a walk into the hills during your Kalkan holidays; the further you venture up into the hills, the more you will be rewarded with amazing views overlooking the bay. The resort is located on a hillside with the popular destination of Olu Deniz an hour and a half up the coast to the North West, and the Greek island of Rhodes about a hundred kilometres across the sea. Kalkan is Turkey's southernmost town of the Turquoise Coast except for the neighbouring town of Kaş, from where you can pick up a cruise excursion to see the underwater ruins at Kekova.
The town is intricate and colourful, with sloped streets and for the best view of Kalkan try dining in one of the many rooftop restaurants in the town, which serve fresh seafood dishes. If you intend to bring home souvenirs from your Kalkan holidays, there's plenty of window-shopping to be done. The shops sell silver jewellery and locally made Turkish rugs, which decorate and line the alleyways of the town. Both are examples of the traditional local craftsmanship. There are planning restrictions in place to limit further development of the resort and preserve the authentic local character of the town.
You can enjoy the best of the Turquoise Coast region on holidays in Kalkan: Turkey's hot, dependable climate and some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful coastlines.
A tropical jewel in the Indian Ocean; a land of lush wetlands and thriving lagoon life; a country so filled with joy it will inspire you. This is Sri Lanka. Holidays to this small yet multi-faceted island country are a treasure trove of unexpected delights.
The stunning natural beauty of the island's tropical landscape and the idyllic beaches of its coast make holidays in Sri Lanka extremely inviting. The temperate climate and renowned hospitality of the warm and engaging locals, has seen Sri Lanka holidays become increasingly popular.
From the rich cultural heritage of the island has emerged a diverse and eclectic ethnic community, yet the result is distinctly Sri Lanka. Holidays to the island are not just about relaxing on the beach - although the beaches are outstanding. And they aren't just about the culture - although the history is fascinating. Holidays in Sri Lanka are truly experiential - with the sum of everything you see and do; eat and drink; hear and feel; combining to form the perfect portrait of a memory of Sri Lanka.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
You will see elephants everywhere on your Sri Lanka holidays. They are depicted in carvings, artwork and coats of arms. They are almost a national emblem and one of the most rewarding things you can do in Sri Lanka is to visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Halfway between the towns of Colombo and Kandy in the central hills, the orphanage was established as a sanctuary in 1975 with four motherless elephant calves. Many offspring from those original four now live happily in the orphanage but it has also more recently become an important breeding centre. Now housing over 70 elephants - the largest group of captive elephants in the world - the centre is a beacon for conservation as well as being a popular tourist site.
Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is wonderfully well-preserved and a must see on your holidays in Sri Lanka. It was the island's capital between the 11th and 13th Century and is filled with ancient architecture such as the intricate Dagobas, strikingly beautiful statues, and monuments. It is an easy area to explore as it is so compact, and it is lovely to wander around the ancient statues and feel the history emanating from this ancient site. Today, excavations and conservation are underway in order to further preserve these fascinating ruins.
Bentota Beaches
Reputedly the best beaches to visit on your Sri Lanka holidays are around the Bentota and Aluthgama areas. The wide sandy beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and are a popular location for diving, fishing and of course swimming. Although there are a lot of resorts in the area and it can get quite busy, it is still possible to find some quieter beaches on which to take a long, relaxing solitary stroll. You can also take a river cruise up the Bentota River to enjoy the wildlife and experience the unique geography of the river which, in some places is separated from the sea by only 100 metres of shoreline.
The stunning natural beauty of the island's tropical landscape and the idyllic beaches of its coast make holidays in Sri Lanka extremely inviting. The temperate climate and renowned hospitality of the warm and engaging locals, has seen Sri Lanka holidays become increasingly popular.
From the rich cultural heritage of the island has emerged a diverse and eclectic ethnic community, yet the result is distinctly Sri Lanka. Holidays to the island are not just about relaxing on the beach - although the beaches are outstanding. And they aren't just about the culture - although the history is fascinating. Holidays in Sri Lanka are truly experiential - with the sum of everything you see and do; eat and drink; hear and feel; combining to form the perfect portrait of a memory of Sri Lanka.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
You will see elephants everywhere on your Sri Lanka holidays. They are depicted in carvings, artwork and coats of arms. They are almost a national emblem and one of the most rewarding things you can do in Sri Lanka is to visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Halfway between the towns of Colombo and Kandy in the central hills, the orphanage was established as a sanctuary in 1975 with four motherless elephant calves. Many offspring from those original four now live happily in the orphanage but it has also more recently become an important breeding centre. Now housing over 70 elephants - the largest group of captive elephants in the world - the centre is a beacon for conservation as well as being a popular tourist site.
Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is wonderfully well-preserved and a must see on your holidays in Sri Lanka. It was the island's capital between the 11th and 13th Century and is filled with ancient architecture such as the intricate Dagobas, strikingly beautiful statues, and monuments. It is an easy area to explore as it is so compact, and it is lovely to wander around the ancient statues and feel the history emanating from this ancient site. Today, excavations and conservation are underway in order to further preserve these fascinating ruins.
Bentota Beaches
Reputedly the best beaches to visit on your Sri Lanka holidays are around the Bentota and Aluthgama areas. The wide sandy beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and are a popular location for diving, fishing and of course swimming. Although there are a lot of resorts in the area and it can get quite busy, it is still possible to find some quieter beaches on which to take a long, relaxing solitary stroll. You can also take a river cruise up the Bentota River to enjoy the wildlife and experience the unique geography of the river which, in some places is separated from the sea by only 100 metres of shoreline.
Barcelona: A Culinary Adventure
Barcelona, regarded as one of Europe's most visually stunning cities, is mostly associated with art and architecture. Barcelona is considered a place to go for a cultural experience. With culture comes food.
From 2005 to 2006 Barcelona commanded culinary respect when it hosted a 12-month celebration and exhibition of food. Since then, Barcelona has not been able to live down its reputation.
Barcelona features chefs from all over Spain and around the world, but an appreciation of two qualities - local and fresh- bind them together.
People in Barcelona love fish, rabbit, duck, lamb and natural ingredients such as mushrooms and herbs from the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. If you've never been able to tell when dishes are made from frozen ingredients, a visit to Barcelona will grant you the ability.
Barcelona's chefs have a signature style which is unique pairing. You will find menus with creative and tempting food couples such as duck and pears and goose with prunes. Fish with nuts is also popular.
Visitors usually find the combination of flavors quite irresistible. More than a few travelers overspend because they are enticed by food adventures. For many, the tasty budget busting is well worth it.
Advice Before You Go Out
Speaking of money, there are a few things to consider unless the number of euros you peel off doesn't concern you.
If you choose to eat in touristy places, you will eat like a tourist. That means you will get scanty portions of somewhat authentic and mediocre food.
Lunch, usually served from 2 to 4 p.m., is the locals' main meal of the day. If money and value concern you, it should be yours too. Most restaurants offer a menu of the day which may be one of the most delicious deals in Europe. Usually you get three generous courses including wine and coffee for only €5.50 to €25.
Dinner in a restaurant may be something you wish to try for a night or two. If you plan to dine in restaurants every night, hopefully you are not a budget traveler.
People of Barcelona eat late and enjoy courses. Dinner rarely starts for locals before 9pm.
Don't be shocked to find that the portions are small, especially if you eat in a touristy restaurant. Usually items are a la carte. So you may find that you order a meat dish but vegetables, if desired, must be ordered separately. By the time you receive the bill, it can easily amount to 55 or 60 per person.
To do as the locals do, in lieu of restaurants for dinner, you will choose tapas. If tapas had to be compared to something, fast food would probably be best. But the offerings are not burgers and fries.
Tapas are small portions of fresh foods that are prepared quickly. A delicious example is gambas ajillo (shrimp in garlic). Tapas dishes are not designed to get you full. And, the tapas experience is not meant to be had in single location. The idea is to have a dish or two in one place and continue to the next and the next until you have had your fill.
Breakfast in Barcelona is far from an extravagant affair. For most people, a cup of strong coffee will do. Sometimes locals go for bread or patisseries.
Specialties
Barcelona's diet is a healthy one which thrives on seafood, fibrous vegetables and red wine. But the three absolute musts in every kitchen are olive oil, tomatoes and garlic.
Fideua is a good example of how the popular ingredients merge. This dish is like a special Catalan paella. It is cooked in a large flat pan with olive oil, shellfish, poultry, meat and vegetables. The unique twist is that skinny noodles replace rice.
Mar i muntanya (sea and mountain) is a specialty dish which is hard to hide from. In Barcelona, chefs have their own method of surf and turf. It is not merely the predictable steak and shrimp that most Americans know. Sea and mountain pairs game with seafood. So you may well find at your fingertips a platter of rabbit with prawns or meatballs with cuttlefish.
Pa amb tomaquet is thick rustic bread doused with olive oil and rubbed with garlic and tomatoes topped by a pinch of salt. This is a Catalan staple that is delicious anytime.
Espinacas a la Catalana is spinach made divine by cooking it in olive oil, with garlic, pine nuts, raisins and sometimes bacon bits.
Additionally, there are five sauces that lie at heart of Catalan cuisine:
Sofregit consists of fried onions, tomato and garlic.
Samfaina is sofregit with red pepper and eggplant.
Picada has a base of ground almonds accompanied by garlic, parsley, pine or hazel nuts, and usually breadcrumbs.
Allioli is pure garlic and virgin olive oil whipped into a mayo that you will find served with potatoes and vegetables.
Romesco consists of almonds, tomato, olive oil, garlic and vinegar. This sauce is sometimes used as salad dressing.
Drinking
Barcelona's cuisine is most often complimented with robust Catalan wines from the Pendes region. While you may enjoy the chase of hunting down a nice red wine, white wines are almost always better. Most popular is cava, a local sparkling white wine.
Sangria is also popular. Some restaurants place jugs of it on the tables. This drink is usually made with wine and fruit punch. But be careful. Sometimes sangria is laced with brandy. For those who aren't accustomed to the mixture, the end results can be heavy.
Estrella Damm is a local beer that has several varieties. If you are going for potency, you'll want Voll Damm. If you want to experiment with your brew, order a clara, which is beer with a generous splash of lemonade.
Bars, cafes, tapas, whiskerias (singles bars filled with professional escorts) xampanyerias (cava bars), restaurants and beer halls- each of these places have their own styles and offerings. In Barcelona, you won't go hungry or thirsty. And you won't be able to stick to a diet either.
Located in the Sants-Montjuic district of Barcelona, the Mossen Costa i Llobera Garden is considered by many to be one of the most important succulent plant gardens in the world. Dedicated to cacti and other tropical plants from as far away as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mexico, the garden offers a range of scenery unlike anywhere else in the area.
Mossen Cinto Verdaguer Garden
The Mossen Cinto Verdaguer Garden, which is also located in the Sants-Montjuic district, is known for its beauty and tranquility. Dedicated to aquatic, bulb, and rhizome plants, the garden showcases outstanding planning based on color and height, with extra consideration given to the blooming period of each species. The best time to visit is from March to April or July to September when the garden is in full bloom.
With so many beautiful gardens to see in Barcelona, it can be hard deciding on which ones to visit. For a unique experience, consider going to one of the city's thematic gardens. With a different theme featured in each of the three locations, you can witness spectacular sights unlike anything else in the city.
Paradise hotels are the most wonderful vacation accommodations you will ever experience. Learn more about some of these havens that bring us close to paradise in the Bahamas.
Paradise hotels are just a figure of speech to mean a very pampering and luxurious accommodations experienced anywhere near the beaches. The term was coined because the feeling of being one with nature, seeing the sun rise and set, and hearing the soothing whispers of the ocean waves are all equated to being in paradise.
Bahamas Islands are one of the best places known where most people book their long awaited vacation trips. They have more than just the world class casinos. They have what people called the Paradise hotels.
The islands of Bahamas offer more than just great accommodations. They offer a colonial island paradise with an inherent beauty. Travelers converge here from all over the world to marvel at the sights like no other. It is conducive to many water sports and other activities, with many pristine beaches around.
They are however not just beaches. The Bahamas bustles in commercial spots also for a great shopping experience. There are also historic sites and nightlife for entertainment. The island of Bahamas is like a medicine for those who need to unwind from their daily activities and busy schedules.
The downtown proper is the most visited place in the Bahamas. The area attractions that you can see here are the Junkanoo Beach, Pirates of Nassau Museum, Vendue House, Christ Church Cathedral and the Paradise Island Bridge. Visitors never forget to pass by these places of interest.
Hotels downtown are very luxurious. Some listed are the Compass Point, Holiday Inn British Colonial Hotel and the Chez Willie. The East Bay is a budget hotel yet not compromising its first class services. Another recommended budget hotel is the Red Carpet Inn
There is also the Cable beach. This is very much recognized by more to the hotel districts of Bahamas. The golden sands are a sight to behold especially in the early mornings. The beach presents many dining options. You could try the BBQ Beach, Capriccio and Androsia.
You could do a bit of shopping mostly found in the Marriott Crystal Palace. If you want a clear walkway you can find it at the center of Marriot and Radisson. It is quieter here than the downtown.
The next best thing that you can find in Bahamas is their Paradise Island. It is known to have the most expensive shopping areas. The first place visited here is the venerable Club Land'or. Golfing is the premiere sport.
Not everything is expensive here however. You will find stores selling affordable souvenirs and beach gears in the Hurricane Hole and Paradise Plaza. The Paradise Island might be the most expensive place in Bahamas but they are also the most tourist-oriented. You will never get bored in here.
There are other paradise hotels all over the world. They are scattered all over Europe and the United States. There are also some in Mexico especially in Acapulco. More and more people come to visit these places to experience pampering like no other. They yearn to have the most memorable trip, the closest to heaven they could get, as they say.
Tourist thinks that they can have the best way to have a vacation if they try the paradise hotels in Mexico. They give emphasis on the inherent splendors of the country. The paradise hotels give the visitors the Mexican heritage of the place. Mexican hospitality was known because of these hotels. As there are lots of paradise hotels in Mexico, the most famous are Hacienda Paradise, Paradise Village, Freedom paradise and Hotel Beach Paradise.
