Zheravna (attractive tourist destination in Bulgaria)

The village has 330 houses and 550 inhabitant. It is an architectural and ethnographic reserve of over 150 houses, a workshop for church candles, a small school, a convent, a church, 8 drinking-fountains, inns and shops, preserved from the time of the National Revival period. Some of them are over 300 years. Every of them is unique monument to the culture,created from unknown master. The village originated between the 12th-14th century. In the 17th-18th century it gained in wealth mostly due to the development of handcrafts, stock-breeding and trade. At that time the typical Zheravna wooden house took shape. Houses, churches, schools and other buildings have been preserved and turned into museums. Zheravna is the birthplace of Yordan Yovkov, an outstanding Bulgarian writer, whose house is now a museum.

Zheravna is situated in the eastern part of the country, in the middle of the Bulgarian Balkan mountains. It is located 55km from Sliven, near to town Kotel. The distance between Zheravna and the Black sea is only 110 km. Zheravna is the best place to spend your vacation. Opyimum geographic position and mountainous relief to Zheravna give an opportunity to relaxation and tourism. Excursions, picnics, fishing, photo-tourism and ecological walks. That is only part of attractions to Zheravna.

Into the bosom of Zheravna-between the cobblestone alleys, behind the tall fence walls, to uncover the flowered gardens, the intricate woodcarvings and traditional furnishing of the Bulgarian Renaissance home.

Bonaire island (the right place for the amazing vacation)

Bon Bini on Bonaire!
If you want to practice a lot of diffrent sports from scuba diving to windsurfing or just relaxing at the beaches, you`ve just found the right place for the amazing vacation.
One of the most extra ordinary thing to do in Bonaire is to see the wildlife. Iguanas meditatively toast themselves atop the desert rock formations of Washington Slagbaai, while vast orange-pink clouds of flamingoes drift across bone-white salt flats. There are only four places in the world where flamingo colonies breed-Bonaire is one of them. In fact, more flamingoes live on the island than humans. This chariness seems to be unnatural: if nature ever dressed a diva, the flamingo is it. The pink cotton candy feathers, the graceful, wavy neck, and the long sinewy legs all seems to cry “look at beautiful me“.In fact, the birds are so sensitive to noise and intrusion that the slightest disturbance will cause them to quickly flee. They will never come close to people, and on Bonaire, you must go to them. There are two places to see Bonaire’s flamingoes. One is at the Pekelmeer Sanctuary to the south, where the birds flock around the salt ponds; the other at Lake Gotomeer, in Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north.

St. Barts (the dream destination, a good choice)

  St. Bart- otherwise known as St. Bart, St. Barth, St. Barths, or St. Barthelemy.
You are looking for quiet, nice place just for relaxing under the gigantics palm trees. Well, St. Barts is one of the most magnificient places in the world with lots of these trees. It has beautiful beaches, so take off your shoes, take a walk on the beach and find your palm tree.
One thing is for sure – You’ll never have an experience as pleasant and romantic as what you’ll find on this miraculous French-owned Island.

Out of a crashing, volcanic explosion, came St-Barts, the pearle of the Caribbean. 25 square kilometers of land, 22 beautiful beaches, many luxurious boutiques, hundreds of traditional Creole houses and secret gardens for your dreams of avoidance. Nonchalance, happiness, calm, luxurious, warm – St. Barts has it for you. Your stay will leave you with the elegant souvenir of balmy tropical evenings swayed by the local biguine music, flavored with vanilla and peppered with Caribbean spices. Lazy days, sporty days, the sea is the king, the excellent restaurants, the refinement of the hotels…everything you need to spend a good vacation.

Taal Volcano and Lake ()ManilaOne of the most visited tourist spots in the Philippines

One of the most visited tourist spots in the Philippines, is a geological phenomenon a volcano within a lake within a volcano. Taal is the world’s smallest volcano, but do not let appearances deceive you, it can be quite deadly when it erupts. A 45-minute ride on a banca (wooden boat) will take you to the volcano, a 15-minute trek will take you to the top of the crater. An older and larger volcano is an hour away, which requires the assistance of an experienced guide.

  The volcano has erupted violently several times, causing loss of life in the populated areas surrounding the lake. Due to its eruptive history and location close to population centres, the volcano has been designated a Decade Volcano worthy of close study to prevent future natural disasters.Taal Volcano is part of a chain of volcanoes along the western side of the island of Luzon, all formed by the subduction of the Eurasian Plate underneath the Philippine Plate. Taal Lake lies within a 25–30 km caldera formed in four giant explosive eruptions between 500,000 and 100,000 years ago. Each of these eruptions created extensive ignimbrite deposits, reaching as far away as where Manila stands today. So if you are goind to the Taal Volcano i may advise you to wear jeans or rough clothes cause it is very dusty. You should also wear a hat which can be purchased as you get off boat. It is indeed a nice souvenier. Great day/value you can haggle price from P2500 down to P1500.
Google Earth Placemark

the Caribbean sea (tropical paradise)

The country is located in West Indies, the Caribbean sea. Antigua is tropical paradise. Antigua’s economy has become increasingly reliant upon tourism, and it markets itself as a luxury Caribbean escape. Many hotels and resorts are located around the coastline, and the island’s single airport. St. John is the capital city of Antigua. It is situated in the northwest, near to the airport and has a deep harbour which is able to accommodate large cruise ships. It is the biggest commercial center of the island. He is also administrative center since 1632 when the country was colonised. The nation gained its independance in 1981.

Sights to see in St. John:
* St. John`s Cathedral
* Museum of Antigua and Barbuda
The church was designed by Mr. Robert Cullen and had a short steeple at its western and. The Cathedral is built of freestone and the architect was Mr. J. Fuller of Bath and the Clerk of Works was Mr. F. Rowe of Bristol. After over a century, the church was elevated to the status of cathedral when the Diocese of Antigua was created in August 1842. The Cathedral is dominated by twin towers at the west end and provides a distinct baroque flavour. They are 70 ft high and the cupolas that crown the towers are aluminium in colour. Originally the south gate was the main entrance to the Cathedral. On top of its pillars are the bronze figures of St. John the Divine and St. John the Baptist.

The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda is housed in the colonial Court House, which was constructed in 1747 on the site of the first city market, and is the oldest building still in use in the city. The museum displays both Arawak and colonial artifacts recovered on archaeological digs on the islands. It also features a life-size replica of an Arawak house, models of sugar plantations, along with a history of the island, and Viv Richards cricket bat.

Gardens by the Bay (The latest unmissable tourist attraction in Asia)

“Gardens by the Bay” is one of the largest horticultural attractions in the world. It consists of three distinct waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central, set in the heart of Singapore’s new downtown Marina Bay. The Gardens are being developed in phases. Bay South was completed and opened to the public on 29 June 2012. The full master plan implementation of Bay East and the development of Bay Central are part of the next phase of development.

Designed by Grant Associates as tree-like structures between 25 metres and 50 metres in height (9 to 16 storeys), the 18 Supertrees are uniquely designed vertical gardens, with emphasis placed on creating a “wow” factor through the vertical display of tropical flowering climbers, epiphytes and ferns. The towering structures, stretching 50 metres into the sky, have giant steel and concrete trunks and thousands of thick wire rods for branches. Fitted with solar panels, hanging gardens and rainwater catches, the trees will be used to display plants from across the globe. At night, these canopies come alive with lighting and projected media produced by Lighting Planners Associates. The Supertrees are embedded with sustainable energy and water technologies integral to the cooling of the Conservatory.

18 giant solar-powered, plant-growing “Supertrees” are only part of the £500 million complex. The 101-hectacre gardens comprise three separate landscapes and include two massive (but energy-efficient) biomes designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects that contain tens of thousands of Mediterranean and tropical plants. Bay South is the largest garden of the three garden at 54 hectares located next to the Marina Bay Sands and aims to showcase the best of tropical horticulture and garden artistry. The overall concept of its master plan draws inspiration from an orchid as it is representative of the tropics and of Singapore, being the country’s national flower. The conservatory complex comprises two cooled conservatories – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, situated along the edge of the Marina Reservoir.

Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM daily
Standard Admission: Adult $28, Senior Citizen $28; Child $15

Simien Mountains (the chess table of gods)

The Simien Mountains are located in North-Western corner of Ethiopia and contain the country’s highest peaks. The tallest point is Ras Dashen (4543m), the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Many tourists would say that Simien Mountains offer the most dramatic mountain scenery on the continent. They have National Park status and consist of a high plateau which ends abruptly in deep escarpments up to 2000m deep from which there are vistas of up to 100km over the surrounding lowland valleys. The Northern escarpment offers the most dramatic scenery with wonderful views to numerous deep canyons, dramatic ridges, and isolated monoliths and spires.

According to an ancient greek myth this mountain is “the chess table of gods”. The lot of spires, towers, canyons and rock formations shows this is true. There are lot of villages, where the local Amharic people live. The mountain is not a home only for the local people, than the home for some endemic species. These attributes means the mountain has got a unique, beautiful and the same time wild faces.  The mountain lies in the northern part of Ethiopia. The mountain is a huge 60 km long escarpment.
Large section of the mountain has been incorporated into the Simien National Park, covering almost 180 km². The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

he mountain is home for some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife and birdlife species. In the mountain range, you will meet plenty of troops of Gelada Baboons, with their scarlet bleeding heart on the chest and long fur on their body.  The other endemic mammals is the Wyala ibex which is usually stand on the rocky edges of cliffs. The world population of these mammals about 400, which over half lives in the Simien.

The highly endangered Ethiopian wolf rarely show himself. In Ethiopia has got about 500 survivors!!! These wolves lives in the afroalpine zone, only in the Simien Mountain and the Bale Mountain which lies in the country’s south part. Above the rocks the huge endemic bird, the Lamergeyer – unique species of vultures – shows its sometimes almost 3 meters wing-spread. These species have some of the biggest measures, but this mountain is home of some smaller animals and home for 3 species of rat…While the afroalpine zone means mountain grassland this spotted plant gigantism. The highest plant is the giant lobelia, which is common in every african alpine zone, like in the Simien. Other important elements of the flora are the erica grass, heathers, everlasting flowers, and the yellow flowers saint john’s wort.

How to get there: The town in Debark is the gateway to the Simien mountains which ascend immediately East. Debark is located approximately 100km North of Gondar, which has an airport with daily flights to the Addis Ababa. Buses from Gondar to Debark take about 3-4 hours along an unpaved road and leave daily.

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (A picturesque location above the water)

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is a Roman Catholic monastery set in a stunning position clinging to the rock face on the south-east shore of Lake Maggiore. Perched on its “balcony” overlooking the Borromeo Gulf, the monastery is located in the municipality of Leggiuno, in the Province of Varese, the region of Lombardy, Italy. This is one of the most intriguing historical sites on Lake Maggiore. Originally only accessible by boat or via a steep staircase down the cliff from 60m above now you reach it from the lake by climbing a flight of 80 steps or you can descend the 268 steps from the car park above.

The Hermitage was founded in the 12th century by the merchant Alberto Besozzi of Arolo. In 1195 he built a tiny, isolated church in recognition of his deliverance. The present buildings date from the late 13th – early 14th centuries.A legend said that the shrine was used as hermitage by the blessed Alberto Besozzo, who miraculously took refuge on these rocks during a tempest and retired there after a solemn vow to Santa Caterina, the patroness of sailors. The monastery consists of three buildings: the southern convent, the convent and the main church. In 1914 it was declared a national monument. Inside there are some important well-kept frescoes dating from the 14th to the 18th century. Today the monastery is run by a community of Oblate Benedictines.

The inner courtyard of the complex opens onto the church, whose portico is formed of four rounded arches in Renaissance style. Appealing to tourists from all over the world, there is a new possibility this year for those wanting to visit the hermitage: the newly inaugurated elevator that provides easy access for the elderly or disabled.

Lulama (an ideal getaway)

Lulama is simply a hidden treasure, a secret hideaway amongst the pine trees of the Phantom Pass in South Africa. This luxurious cabin will rejuvenate your soul in its breathtaking and tranquil surroundings, and is an ideal getaway for nature lovers. This cabin can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. It has three spacious bedrooms with spectacular forest views and an extra loft bedroom. Guests are greeted with freshly laid out linen and towels.

The main bedroom, with a queen size bed and large picture windows, has the most beautiful forest views – you might not want to get out of bed!. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and shower, and while lying in the bath you will feel closer to nature than you could ever imagine… It also has an entrance onto the outside deck, as does the second bedroom, which has a double bed (and the stunning views!). The third bedroom and loft each have two single beds. The second bathroom also has a bath and shower, and situated between the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms.

The lounge has 2 large very comfortable leather couches, a log fireplace perfect for winter, satellite television and a CD player. Large sliding doors lead onto the spacious deck, ideal for early morning breakfast, sundowners or a tasty meal around the table.
Enjoy the luxury of a kitchen fully-equipped with every convenience, including a washing machine, and the open-plan dining area has a large 8-seater table. Tea, coffee and sugar are also provided.

The braai / barbecue area is situated in the end of the garden, with unsurpassed views over the valley. Enjoy the warmth of the fire pit and relax in the serenity of the surrounding nature… Double under cover parking is available.

 

Muhu Island (a great holiday destination)

Muhu Island is an Estonian paradise, charactarized with sleepy fishing villages, working windmills, thatched cottages, plenty of deer, moose and birds, tombstones and is one of the oldest in Estonia. Muhu is more secluded than the two larger islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, yet easily accessible. At 198 km² Muhu is a small, but still Estonia’s third largest island in the Baltic Sea. It is linked by ferry to Virtsu on the mainland, and to Saaremaa by a causeway, the Vainatamm. In winter, when its cold enough an ice roadconnects the island to the mainland.

The island is also home to thousands of sweet foxes, deers and moose and lots of birds – even three couples of the rare and majestic sea eagle nest on Muhu Island. Muhu is also famous for having a working traditional wooden windmill. St. Catherine’s church is one of the oldest in Estonia and is notable for its trapezium-shaped tombstones with pagan symbols. The most intricate tombstone depicts the pagan Tree of Life.

Over the centuries Muhu has developed at its own pace and its traditions are well known throughout Estonia. The famous Muhu patterns are a refined expression of folk-art as are popular souvenirs made of aromatic juniper wood. Each midsummer a jazz music festival takes place in Muhu, features famous international musicians and attract jazz fans from far and aside.

Muhu is a great holiday destination for those who value nature and culture,luxury and relaxation, peace and quiet.It’s also an ideal location for walking, riding, fishing, camping and swimming. Nearby attractions include Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Islands.

Leadwood Lodge (an extremely exclusive accommodation)

Leadwood Lodge is an extremely exclusive accommodation in South Africa, and offers the ideal self-catering bush lodge in a secure and secluded bushveld setting. The lodge is tucked amongst large indigenous trees overlooking a non-perennial riverbed where game such as impala, giraffe and zebra roam freely, and guests can enjoy listening to the calls of abundant bird life.

he lodge boasts with two spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and comfortable king-size beds in the main lodge, and there is a separate self-contained room with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and a kitchenette. Indulge yourself in a unique open-air shower experience. Take your sirit on bush walks, game drives, mountain bike rides or simply relax.

The right location of the lodge is in the area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate which is a mere 40-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. The town of Hoedspruit offers various restaurants and supermarkets where you can stock up on personal food supplies. Visit the surrounding areas such as the Panorama Route, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.

The staff at the lodge will made your experience very enjoyable. The lodge even had a very romantic dinner set up and Mack, which is the safari guide, is an excellent one. He really knew his stuff and will manage to find everything you want to see. The intimacy of the lodge is great and it will make the personalized service so much more enjoyable. You will feet like you were visiting a family. You can’t wait till the next safari.

 

Amber Lagoon (ackpackers can truly relax and enjoy the real beauty of nature)

Amber Lagoon is a backpacker´s dream buried in the heart of the Klein Karoo, bordered by the Swartberg Mountains and the Gamka Nature Reserve, South Africa. Surrounded by ostrich farms, Amber Lagoon is a green oasis abundant in indigenous and foreign plants, trees and birds. It is here, where backpackers can truly relax and enjoy the real beauty of South African nature.

The Amber Lagoon is surrounded by vast open space and beautiful views, relax in a malaria-free and especially safe environment, as well as enjoying freshly home-cooked meals in lovely open-air restaurant.

Relax at the big swimming pool and jump in when the African sun is beating down. Head out for an ostrich egg search with the farmer´s 4×4 and learn about ostriches and real ostrich farming. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Swartberg Mountains over the pass or go visit the Cango Caves, where there are vast drip-stone caverns and beautiful formations created by nature.

Visit the reserve located in the Gamka Mountains, which is the home to the endangered mountain zebra, an unusual protea, Khoisan rock art and marine fossils. Only 25 km from Amber Lagoon, lays the little village of Calitzdorp, famous for its wine and especially its port.

Iketla Lodge (an unparalleled natural scenery)

Iketla Lodge is unspoilt African bush with unparalleled natural scenery. The lodge is nestled in a natural basin formed by spectacular mountains and cliffs. Visit this private nature conservancy of 540 hectares and experience peace and total relaxation – at an affordable price! Iketla is located on the northern end of the Panorama Route, near the Blyde River Canyon, in the Mpumalanga Province en-route to the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Guests are accommodated in spacious stone-and-thatch cottages – all with en-suite facilities and private patios.

 

 

Cottages overlook a natural valley with a spectacular amphitheatre of mountains and cliffs. Unique en-suite bathrooms provide a stone-built shower, hand-made ceramic basin set in a hardwood slab and a separate toilet. All cottages also have a very private outdoor shower with view. A maximum of 16 guests per night guarantees exclusivity and privacy. A central thatched area houses the lounge, dining area and bar and has stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An open sundeck overlooks a sparkling pool. Traditional South African food in a convivial atmosphere. Dinner around the camp fire when the weather permits. Activities include nature hikes, guided walks and superb bird watching.