Visit torrevieja in the costa blanca

Torrevieja, Spain has more to offer than its sandy white beaches on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. This city, which is approximately thirty miles south of Alicante in the Costa Blanca, is a unique combination of the past and modern day. A tour of Torrevieja is like stepping into the past of an old Spanish town yet with all of the luxuries of today, but the highlight of Torrevieja sightseeing is Old Town Torrevieja.

Torrevieja now hosts many tourists annually and is a popular vacation area, but it began as simply a small fishing village and salt-mine. Despite its growth, it is still known for its salt industry and fishing harbor. It produces over a half million tons of salt per year. However, Torrevieja is named literally for an old tower dating back to the early 1800s, but its amazing old tower is not its only sightseeing attraction. Tourists are also captivated by La Immaculata Conception Church. The Museum of Sea and Salt is also popular along with the fish market which, actually, actions fish occasionally.

Its location as a port city offers a beautiful harbor for tourists to relax and take a scenic stroll along the water or beach. You can experience sightseeing in Torrevieja by a guided tour. There are guides that speak both Spanish and Valencian, as well as English for the more popular sights.

Along with many of the Costa Blanca destinations, Torrevieja offers great entertainment and nightlife to serve everyone’s interests. After a relaxing day at the beach or experiencing Torrevieja sightseeing, you can enjoy the quiet sunsets at the harbor to the fast beat of the bars and clubs. There is also a street market each summer evening where you can walk and shop for clothes or all kinds of souvenirs. Of course, there are many restaurants available also where you can enjoy local food including fresh fish, in particular with the nearby harbor, as well as food choices from all over the world.

Local fiestas are also held throughout the year offering visitors a great way to experience the local and regional culture. The Fiesta of the Three Wise Men is held in January, celebrating the end of the Christmas holiday season, the San Juan fiesta is held in June and the Virgen de Carmen fiesta takes place in July.

Whatever your preference, there is terrific sightseeing for everyone from families to couples to singles. Everyone can find the perfect place to relax and the perfect activity to enjoy whether indoors or outside. You can experience the sightseeing of Old Town Torrevieja, the local nightlife or one of the many fiestas and restaurants.

Hello from sicily a fantastic driving tour around mount etna

Today was Italian Labour Day, a big national holiday that presented the perfect opportunity to do a little out of town excursion: a drive around Mount Etna. So together with Jill, a co-student of mine from England, we rented a little two-door Lancia to go on a country driving tour. At 50 Euros the rental was not exactly inexpensive, but we figured it would be worth it to be able to explore the countryside around Taormina.

First we had to deal with fuelling the car: our rental car was essentially empty and we were supposed to only put about as much fuel into the car as we thought we would use up so we’d be able to bring the car back empty as well. The gas stations were officially closed on this holiday, and unlike in North America, there was no option to use a credit card for payment at the pump. The pump, however, did have a little slot where you could feed in bills and one of the local drivers patiently took his time to explain the system to me.

With enough fuel to get us a couple of hundred kilometers we set off on our country excursion. At Giardini Naxos we turned inland towards our first destination: the “Gole di Alcantara”, the Gorge of the Alcantara River which is cut from black basaltic rock. The signs on the country road pointed towards the parking lot for the Alcantara Gorge, so we parked our vehicle and entered the complex. A simple 20 minute tour to see the river and the strange rock formations would cost 3 Euros, while longer tours and wading tours through the river are available also. We descended several sets of stairs to get down to the riverbed from where we got a good look at some of the interesting rock formations. Unless you wanted to walk through the river, there was no other place to go than back up through another set of stairs.

Once at the top we found out that if we had taken this entrance we would have been able to view the gorge for free. We were a couple of hundred meters away from our parked car and by the roadside there was a little stand which actually was the tourist information booth for this inland area. Two ladies supplied us with a range of brochures and information about the villages surrounding Mount Etna, and I have to admit that the service was better and more knowledgeable than the tourist office in Taormina, which happens to be a much bigger tourist centre.

We decided to explore a few of the gorgeous hilltop towns which are patched up against the rocky outcrops, providing an amazing vantage point of the surrounding countryside. Following a sign for a village called Motta Camastra we turned into a winding narrow road that was slowly taking us to the top of this crag. At the bottom of the town there was a public parking spot and we figured it was better to park our car there and walk up than to try to navigate the unimaginably narrow roads that were snaking through this little hilltop town.

Just as we had parked our car a local resident in his fifties started shouting at us in Italian from his balcony and waving at us. It took us some time to realize that he was actually inviting us up into his abode for a beer. We graciously declined, and continued our walk. Jill commented that local Sicilians had been showing a marked amount of interest in her and attributed it to her noticeably pale English complexion. After about a 10 minute walk through tiny cobble-stoned walkways we reached the main square which featured a bar with about 20 older men sitting outside. Most of them were wearing caps similar to French berets and they were engaged in a very spirited discussion. Not a woman was to be seen.

Our walk continued to the ancient church and from there we followed a walkway past narrow houses to a lookout point overlooking the entire mountain area. Sleepy cats were lounging lazily on the pavement, here and there women were watering flowers in front of their apartments. The vista towards Mount Etna, the Alcantara Valley and various mountaintop villages perched precariously against different rocky outcrops was breathtaking.

After Motta Camastra we decided to explore another one of these hilltop towns and following a beautiful drive through a countryside full of vineyards we reached a place called Rocella Valdemone about 45 minutes later. We parked the car right next to the old town church and strolled across the piazza. At the other end of this public square we saw the obligatory bar which again featured about 15 to 20 older gentlemen fully engrossed in an animated discussion. My guess was they were probably discussing soccer. We got the definite impression that tourists don’t come here very often because we certainly stuck out like a sore thumb and the locals were looking at us a bit as if we were a novelty. Again, women were conspicuously absent, with the occasional exception who was sweeping the pavement in front of the house and then disappeared inside again.

Nature was calling and we asked at the bar if we could use the bathroom. One thing about Italy is that there are very few public washrooms, but fortunately local bars are quite easy-going about their facilities being used by non-paying strangers. This particular facility was in rather abysmal shape, though, and when I came out of it I instructed Jill to make sure not to touch any of the surfaces for fear of contracting a horrible communicating disease. The facility did the job, but it certainly was everything but a shining example of hygiene and cleanliness.

Our driving tour continued with a drive into the mountain area. Tree cover got sparser and all of a sudden we were in a mountain area that must have been about 1500 to 2000 m high with a beautiful 360 degree view northwards and eastwards down to the sea and southwards and westwards towards Mount Etna. Hundreds of local Italian families had their cars parked in small side roads that were leading onto what looked like pasture lands for goats and they were having picnics. We didn’t seem to see any tourists at all, and we realized that this is what Italians do on a public holiday in Sicily: they go for a picnic in the high mountain areas surrounding Mount Etna….

We had come prepared – before our departure we had picked up some prosciutto, cheese, fresh buns, fruits and drinks at the local supermarket in Taormina and this was our time for our very own little picnic. Due to the chilly wind that was blowing on this high mountain plateau we actually stayed in the car to eat our lunch, but nevertheless our view out the windshield was simply gorgeous.

After a very satisfying improvised meal we drove back down from the mountains towards Mount Etna, past a large number of parked cars whose owners had gone hiking somewhere in this mountainous terrain. At an intersection a local woman was selling home-made cheeses and sausages, evidence of Italian culinary craftsmanship. We neared a town called Randazzo, with the volcano majestically draped in the background which impressed us with its Cathedral of Santa Maria, which was started in the 13th century and rebuilt several times. The bell tower dates from the 18th century, an example of the various different styles composing this imposing church.

We started our leisurely drive around Mount Etna, at times right next to the Ferrovia Circumetnea, a small-gauge railway that encircles Mount Etna for about 90 km between Catania and Riposto. Terraced vineyards spread far in front of our eyes, and the drive through little towns like Maletto, Bronte, Adrano and Paterno was enjoyably peaceful. Once we approached the coastal side east of Mount Etna things got a lot busier. We started realizing that this was indeed a public holiday and all the locals were out and about. The traffic was starting to get crazy. Continuing through Nicolosi, Trecastagni, Zafferana Etnea (where saffron used to be cultivated, introduced by the Arabs), we continued through Giarre and Fiumefreedo di Sicilia towards Gardini Naxos, located right on the Ionian Sea.

The traffic in the coastal areas was now enormous and beside the road along the shoreline stretching north of Giarre, thousands of cars were parked, belonging to people who had been enjoying a sunny day at the waterfront. We continued through Giardini Naxos at a crawling pace. This resort town south east of Taormina was founded in 735 BC by the Greeks and represents one of the oldest Greek settlements in Sicily. We drove past Isola Bella and Mazzaro and took the northern entrance into Taormina and got into a major traffic jam where we sat virtually without moving for about 45 minutes, a distance that should have taken us about 5 minutes under normal circumstances. No doubt everybody was on the road.

It was a relief to finally have reached Taormina when we drove through the tunnel underneath town to reach the rental company on the western side of town. Just like the roads had been full of people, the town of Taormina was now packed with people strolling. Thousands of people were milling up and down the main strip, Corso Umberto, and we were literally rubbing shoulders with the other walkers. We decided we would have dinner outside of the city gates on Via Pirandello, where the pedestrian traffic was not quite as crazy and grabbed a nice table on a terrace at Trattoria Da Lino’s, a little restaurant where I had already had a couple of chats with the owners who recognized me and gave me a friendly hello. From the terrace we had a great view over the northern part of town and the Ionian Sea below us. After a filling pasta dinner we received a little free treat: a tasting of Amandola liqueur (made from almonds) on the house – a great way to cap off an exciting day to catch a rest for another day of Italian lessons…

Disneyland family reunions

Disneyland is a favorite vacation destination for kids, and those who are still kids at heart. So it only makes sense to hold your next family reunion at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Your Disneyland family reunion is easy to plan and is guaranteed to be a success.

To arrange your Disney family reunion, call the Disneyland Vacation Planning Services Department. The service staff will help you book rooms at the resort hotels, and arrange admission tickets to the park. By purchasing in bulk, you should be able to receive discounted prices on tickets for everyone in your family.

When you call, ask to book the "Happiest Place on Earth Picnic". This joyful setting will accommodate all of your family members and includes admission to the park for your entire party. You have the choice of a selection of fully catered meals, specially created for the event. For families from 100 to 300 people, your picnic will be held at Big Thunder Ranch. Larger Disneyland family reunions, with a group of 300 to 1000 people, will take place at the Festival Arena.

If there are fewer than 100 people in your party, you may not be eligible for the catering services. This is at the sole discretion of Disneyland, so you will need to work out these details with an attendant at Guest Services or the Planning Services Department. If catering is not available, you will be offered reservations at one of Disneyland' many restaurants.

In some cases, special Disneyland family reunion discount rates may be available at Disneyland resorts. If you book well in advance, book a block of rooms and hold your event during the off-season, discounts may apply. If family members are flying to Orlando, purchase the tickets well in advance and ask about bulk savings.

Planning your Disneyland family reunion can be simple when you use a travel agent to help with flight arrangements, and consult Disneyland Vacation Planning Services to work out the rest of the details. For best results, choose one family member to work with the planning services and travel agent, and relay information back and forth between the service departments and the people in your party. Having one person collect and share information will cut down on confusion and

misinformation when you are making travel arrangements for a large group of people.

Any family reunion takes organization and work. Choosing a Disneyland family reunion can actually be easier, and it will be one party that no one will ever forget. Ask the Vacation Planning Services Department what other services are available to make the experience even more unforgettable.

Toddlers, teens, even Grandma and Granddad will love a Disneyland family reunion. Celebrate your heritage and enjoy your get together at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Should you timeshare or not

Timeshares are a large part of the vacation travel industry. Travellers who cannot afford to own a home abroad, or who don't want the worries associated with exclusive ownership, often see timeshare as an affordable alternative.

However, unscrupulous salespeople, poorly maintained properties and unexpected hidden costs have brought a lot of bad publicity to the industry. A well-informed consumer can avoid the common pitfalls.

It is always risky to buy property sight unseen, but many people do this when they purchase timeshares. If you purchase in an area where you wish to vacation, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you arrive at your destination.

However, many timeshares are purchased with the intent of trading them for others in different locations, and in this case the location of the property is a bargaining chip, not the actual physical property. Timeshares in prime locations such as Hawaii are easier to trade than others.

Recently, big corporations such as Disney, Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt have entered the timeshare market, and their properties are of a uniform standard around the world. First, you should know that if you buy a new unit directly from a timeshare company, it may cost up to 60% more than if you purchased from the resale market.

Buying from a time-share company is more expensive primarily because of the company's marketing costs, which include free trips, meals and vacation activities for prospective buyers. Most customers of these timeshare companies buy on impulse, without any intent to purchase when they first walked into the timeshare seminar. Hard-sell tactics and "Buy-it-NOW-one-time-only-offers!!!" are the rule, and to avoid being pressured into a bad deal, the best tactic is to avoid these sales presentations altogether.

Try the resale market for better deals. Time-share resales are listed on many websites, on eBay and with independent time-share brokers. The search term "timeshare resale" produced approximately 500,000 results on Google, so there are plenty of services to choose from.

If you buy directly from an individual, a resale broker or a lawyer can handle the closing for a charge of $300 to $500.

If you are buying a timeshare for the resale value, consider regular real estate instead. Timeshares do not increase in value in tandem with conventional real estate. From a strictly financial point of view, time shares are poor investments.

Most real estate increases in value, but this is not always the case with time-shares, especially those bought directly from timeshare companies. If you get a good deal on a resale timeshare in a prime location, it may increase somewhat in value. But usually time-shares are like cars -- they are commodities to be used, and are resold for less than the original purchase price. Don't think of timeshares as real estate; you are buying a vacation plan.

Also, unless you buy in a prime location, swapping them may not be easy. Timeshares are frequently sold on the claim that the buyer can trade a week in one place for a week at another location. This is only true if the location is in demand by other vacationers. Otherwise, expect to vacation in the original location each year.

To find out whether or not you will be happy with a timeshare, it may be a good idea to rent one for your next vacation. Many timeshare units are placed on the rental market by owners who couldn't get away to vacation at their alloted time, and these units often rent at bargain prices. Check the same websites that offer timeshare resales for available rentals.

There is a new "points" system being offered by some timeshare properties. Instead of getting a week each year, buyers purchase a set number of "points." These can be redeemed for a week's stay during the peak season, for longer periods during the off-season, or even spread over the year in two - or three - day segments.

Some large hotel companies such as the Marriott also offer a points systems whereby a stay at their hotel earn points in the company's time-share system. Points systems can be confusing, so be sure you have a clear understanding of the services you are buying. For instance, find out how much advance time is required to reserve a week at the resort during peak season, whether the points have an expiration date, and if it is possible to transfer the points to other facilities in the same resort chain. However, when it comes to vacation planning, the points system offers more flexibility because the buyer is not locked into the same week every year.

Most important, don't forget the annual maintance fee. Time-share owners are responsible for paying a portion of the property's upkeep. These annual fees, including maintenance and real estate taxes, typically range from $300 to $700 per week of ownership.

In summary, timeshares can be a good buy if they offer some flexibility in terms of transferring to other locations and timing your vacation. The typical timeshare is a small condo with kitchen facilities and one or two bedrooms, ideal for a family vacation, and since such units rent for $150-200 per night, a timeshare purchase may be a cheaper way to travel. However, if you are a mobile traveller who likes to stay in a different town every night, a single person who doesn't need the extra space, or if you travel at unpredicatable times, then a time share may not be suitable.

All-inclusive beach resorts

When you're vacation, you have some pretty important things to think about. Order the garlic shrimp, or the fettuccine alfredo? Snorkel first, or scuba dive? Get up early to watch the sun rise over the beach, or don't bother going to bed at all? Of all the things you have to worry about on vacation, the one thing you shouldn't think about is your budget.

Most of us never get to live the life of the rich and famous, taking lavish vacations and spending unlimited sums on the best of everything. Instead, we live the life of the rich and famous at all-inclusive beach resorts.

To be sure, budgets are a fact of life. But should having a spending limit necessarily mean suppressing all of your desires, just because they're not listed in your budget? Of course not. When you're on vacation, you deserve to be pampered. You've worked hard all year, and you've earned the right to eat, drink and go a little crazy.

All-inclusive beach resort vacations make it possible for vacationers to get the most out of their travel dollars. Today there are over 400 hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico alone offering all-inclusive beach resort vacation packages for budget-savvy tourists. However, all-inclusive beach resort vacations aren't always as problem-free as they may seem. You need to carefully compare available resorts before choosing your vacation destination.

Research and compare all-inclusive beach resorts, and you'll find that the packages, accommodations and resorts themselves can greatly vary. Some hotels offer packages that are designed for couples only. Others are created for singles, for gays or lesbians, or for families. Many beach resorts are intended for adults only, so be very careful if you're planning a family vacation.

Aside from the resorts themselves, vacation packages can vary in terms of the services they provide. Unfortunately, not everyone's perception of "all inclusive" is the same. Some include airfare and hotel. Others encompass airfare, hotel, transfers, and some meals. There are resort vacations that are all-inclusive, with the exception of airfare. Some beach resorts include all alcoholic drinks, as long as they're not premium brands, or served before 7 pm or after midnight. Compare prices and offers, and you'll find ways to save money. Including airfare as part of an all-inclusive package can be cheaper than booking and paying for your own flight, and will save you extra steps in planning your trip.

If you want to find the best deal, it's best to first identify what you want and need in your all-inclusive beach resort vacation. Once you realize the features and amenities you're expecting, you can begin to sort through all the vacation deals you'll find. Travel agencies and the Internet are great ways to find many resorts and packages to compare.

The greatest advantage to booking an all-inclusive beach resort vacation is having everything you need for just one price. Knowing this, you can relax and enjoy your holidays knowing there won't be any nasty surprises waiting at your destination. Your budget will stay intact, and all you'll have to worry about is whether to have the pina colada, or the marguerita.

Make decisions choosing accommodations pattaya hotels on vacation

The starting price should be used as a general indicator only. You can also browse Pattaya, Pattaya hotels by price, alphabetically or by class. Below is a comparison of the price range and facilities of three Pattaya hotels that can help you choose your accommodations on vacation. Agents rates for on-line bookings at international class hotels in Pattaya.

Beaches in Pattaya are urban beaches, mere steps from hotels, guest houses, restaurants and food stalls. View each Hotels Pattaya page to find guest reviews, pictures and photos and to do searches for hotels in Pattaya. Our guide to Hotels Pattaya provides a wonderful directory for helping make decisions on choosing accommodations. The Pattaya hotels and resorts guide provides a brief summary, customer ratings and reviews for hotels or resorts. For a quick summary see the list of hotels and resorts in Pattaya.

These shops are located mostly around the main street of South Pattaya and inside the upmarket hotels. Moreover, these hotels and resorts are located the most popular locations in Pattaya. Or you can just relax yourself on Pattaya beach; enjoy various services and food from numerous hotels and restaurants. Or you can just relax yourself on Pattaya beach ; enjoy various services and food from numerous hotels and restaurants. For detailed Pattaya hotels information or to make a reservation, select a hotel and let asiahotels. com be your Pattaya travel agent.

Read Pattaya hotels descriptions, reviews by former hotel guests or place your own Pattaya hotels review. Many Pattaya hotels are situated on the beach with magnificent sea views from room balconies. Amenities within Pattaya's hotels are second to none, with fine dining in multiple cuisine restaurants and coffee shops, bars, pubs, karaoke and games rooms. For others types of rooms, please use the search box and check rates for Pattaya hotels. Sports were always a key attraction in Pattaya from the early days when hotels introduced tennis courts and clinics.

We have every kind of lodging, cheap hotels, discount resorts and villas, luxury accommodation in Pattaya and all over the world. The hotels are not so grand, the restaurants smaller, and here you will find the beginning of Pattaya's bar-beers, or open-air bars. A thriving metropolis, Pattaya has a great many resorts and hotels to suit every pocket. Nightlife beyond Pattaya's hotels is more liberated, with discotheques, transvestite cabarets, nightclubs, karaoke bars, go-go bars and open-air bars. rabbitresort. com/

Some of the many things to do in key west

Key West is one of the most beautiful places in America, and a trip there can be a trip of a lifetime. Key West offers many different attractions that can make your stay there unforgettable.

The only bad thing that I can see about Key West is that there are so many different things to do; if you do not make a game plan before you go you might be overwhelmed. However once you get an idea of the different activities that you can do during your stay, you should have no problem having a great time. Key West offers many different attractions including fishing, snorkeling, museums, shopping, and many different tours of the area.

Fishing in Key West is out of this world. Key West boasts many professional fishing tournaments every year, because of the many different species that thrive in this area. You can catch blue marlin, sail fish, many different species of shark, as well as red snapper or grouper. If you would rather swim with the fish instead of catching them, then snorkeling might be right up your alley. The beautiful crystal blue waters of Key West allow you to swim with more than 200 species of fish.

If you would rather go back in history then the museums in Key West will take you where you want to go. From the Curry Museum, to the Ernest Hemingway museum, you will get an insight into the life that was enjoyed by the people that lived here many years ago. Of course Key West would not be a great place to visit without great shopping. This area offers many great places to shop from wineries, to island shops, to wonderful hand made furniture stores. Everyone can find what they need or want during their stay in Key West.

If you feel like you just do not know where to start then you can always take one of the many different tours that are available in Key West. The tour guides here are very friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, and are more than willing to help make your stay a memorable one.

Wildlife and outer space in orlando

So, time for your annual holiday. And everyone in the family wants to do something fun, but maybe not the same thing. It’s more than likely that you don’t want to go to three or four places to satisfy everyone, nor to split up the family into different vacation spots.

The answer? Orlando.

Indeed, rarely has such a small city packed such a punch for giving the vacationer more than they ever bargained for.

There is of course Disneyworld for starters. More than a few families have found that place diverse enough fun enough for everyone in the family for their whole vacation.

I can almost hear you saying: “So, that’s one famous theme park. But we’ve got a whole vacation and don’t want to be driving everywhere to find some variety and some great fun. Oh well, maybe we’ll just go to New York or to California…”

Well, before you do something that drastic, let me tell you more about Orlando. You want theme parks? How about the seven world class theme parks in Orlando? Not to mention three water parks. And dozens of other classy attractions. One commentator claims that you would need 67 days to take in all of Orlando’s attractions.

So, let me tell you about some of them.

How about Gatorland for instance? Why a park devoted to these fearsome alligators and crocodiles? Well this isn’t Iowa and there are a huge amount of these reptiles in the Florida swamps. This 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve is home to thousands of crocodiles and alligators; and though Orlando is a most friendly city, these ‘hosts’ at Gatorland may give you a bit more of a scare than you bargained for. Besides ‘gators and crocs, you’ll also find here an aviary, a petting zoo, a nature walk and reptilian shows such as Gator Wrestling, Jungle Crocs of the World, and more.

Educational offerings include viewing the breeding process and other wildlife programs.

Another famous attraction is Busch Gardens, in Tampa Bay, about an hour drive from Orlando. The gardens are a fair distance from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, and easy to get to, which is a selling point for some tourists.

Busch Gardens brings the wonders of Africa close to home. There are more than 2,000 animals here, in a natural setting, though some of the thrills for both kids and adults include a roller-coaster ride and the Sky Ride cable car, with an excellent view of the park. The park also features the Serengeti Railway. There is also the Haunted Lighthouse, which is a 4D show for kids over seven. You can see KaTonga, a musical celebrating African fables, and the tomb of King Tut of Egypt. We can also recommend the rides at the Land of the Dragon. And don’t worry; you don’t have to hunt for your meals, as there is a wide range of dining at the Gardens.

Changing directions quite a bit, Kennedy Space Center invites you to embark on “Mankind’s Ultimate Journey”.

Just 45 minutes from Orlando NASA’s launch headquarters is located on a huge island wildlife refuge. In fact, it’s about eight times the size of Manhattan.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex gives you a rare opportunity to tour NASA’s launch and landing facilities. You can get a feel for space travel with their interactive simulators and live shows. Have you seen space rockets on TV or in the movies? Well, here you can see how big they really are. You can also meet a real member of NASA’s Astronaut Corps

Enough for a few days? Keep in touch and we’ll tell you a lot more about a city that’s bound to be one of your favorite vacation spots for a long time to come.

Casa de carmona hotel near seville

The Casa De Carmona Hotel has been described as one of the most unique and elegant hotels in Spain. It is a lovingly restored 16th Century palace to a small hotel of character, with 33 bedrooms in the tiny ancient, hilltop, walled, picturesque town of Carmona, only 20 minutes outside Seville and 15 minutes from the airport, and to stay there is to stay in the house of a Spanish Nobleman with good taste.

Our first sight of Carmona, and the Casa de Carmona was in the early evening driving towards Seville. We saw what looked like an ancient walled city perched on a hill, and could instantly imagine it in medieval times holding off hordes of invaders.

Finding the hotel itself was a little tricky through the tiny streets of the town, but it was well worth the effort. I was very worried about parking and unloading our Chrysler Voyager, but very quickly I discovered that the Casa de Carmona is different. The narrow streets leads to what seems an impossible car park, but suddenly there was a porter to park my car, and a hotel boy, dressed in pantaloons and tights, who took our bags to our room.

A charming young lady receptionist will met us at the door of the hotel, and not only showed us to our room, but also around the hotel.

We stayed in room five which is closest to the pool and very romantic too. If you are looking for the ideal weekend retreat, perhaps to impress a lover, or even better a honeymoon stopover, then you have found your almost perfect destination. You can be assured of tactful privacy, in a place where refined good taste is almost a bye word!!

First impressions still remain vivid, and as you enter the Casa through a deep-red terracotta patio, which leads through to the reception area you realise this is different. A second patio, filled with plants in large pots and decorated in the same rich colours, forms the central focus of the hotel. There are lush plants, marble colonnades, fragrant flowers, the singing of birds and the gentle gurgling of fountains. A romantic walled patio with an exquisite formal garden features a picture-perfect swimming pool fed by five fountains.

This is an oasis of tranquillity, and whilst it may just lack a little of the luxuries of a top hotel, you will know you have found a gem.

After looking around the courtyards and gardens you will end up in the library and a complimentary drink from the free-bar. The greatest joy is that your chambermaid will unpack for you if you want, and you can leave your shoes outside your room to be polished, all you need to do is ask the receptionist.

The public rooms of the hotel are around the central patio, with a chess room, and library, which are a little formal, and could almost be a museum to the antiques. However the? loggia? Next to the pool is altogether lighter and brighter. As well as everything you expect in a luxury hotel, you'll also find a variety of books and magazines to read, a VCR and music system to play and hundreds of films and CDs to enjoy. However this is definitely a hotel for people who like to relax in the courtyards, shaded from the sunlight, and smell the scent of the orange trees and the jasmine. The world of the 21st century will quickly seem far away.

If you want to see photographs of The casa de Carmona go to worldwidevacationspots. com/articles/10/1/Casa-de-Carmona-Hotel-near-Seville/Page1.html

Everywhere you will find the same aristocratic elegance, with carefully chosen pastel hues (predominantly pale blues and greens) and a generous range of antique furniture, including cabinet desks, ornate mirrors, brass lamps, and a tall hatbox. It's verging on the fusty, but a range of modern facilities keeps it real: hi-fi, air-conditioning, video, ambient lighting. A concealed mirrored door leads to an impressive large bathroom, with elaborate brass taps and wide shower heads, double sinks, green and terracotta walls. It would be fair to say the plumbing can gurgle, and the paint is a little faded, but somehow it all adds to the glamour.

The restaurant is situated in the space that used to be the stables of the palace. Only the life-size frescoes of eerily staring white horses remind you of its past.

The antique tables, chairs, glassware are all in keeping with hotel.

Breakfast: is between 8.00-11.30 am, and is a huge buffet of pastries, fruit, hams, cheese, and cereals, where you are attended by waitresses in country wench garb. Lunch is between1.30-4.30 pm, and Dinner 8.30-11.30 pm when there's plenty of choice of Andalucian appetizers, soups, seafood, stews, meats, tarts, fruit and creamy desserts

If you choose to dine out, the San Fernando (on the plaza of the same name) and La Ferrara (attached to the Hotel Alcazar de la Reina) come recommended.

Summary

The Casa De Carmona Hotel is just right for anyone seeking elegance and tranquillity, with a predominance of British and American couples.

Although one child under 12 stays free in the parents? Room, this hotel is only really suited to calm and sophisticated young adults, and definitely not for small children.

It’s a great base for exploring Seville, and a week would not be too long

The Casa De Carmona will give you peace and quiet, great comfort. The town of Carmona is a gem, but realise as with many town centre hotels, there are no large gardens, but if it is a romantic dalliance you are after, and then look no further!!

Torrevieja hotels on any budget

A hotel, villa, apartment or inn is your home away from home when you travel, so you want to make sure you know what you are getting and that it is the right fit for you. Torrevieja hotels are no exception, since Torrevieja is such a popular tourist spot on the Costa Blanca. You can find a property that will serve your business or vacationing needs and provide you with all the amenities and conveniences you desire. So, city side or ocean side, let’s take a look at the best Torrevieja hotels.

Top of the Line Hotels That Don’t Disappoint

If your idea of vacationing is luxury all the way, then you won’t be disappointed in what you will find in and around Torrevieja. To begin, there is high rise luxury to be found in the city’s centre. These types of hotels can provide views of the sea with all of the modern conveniences of a complex. The hotel lobbies host many amenities specific to the needs of tourists. Court yards with pools, restaurants, cafeterias and conference facilities can accommodate meetings and conventions or provide amusement for both adults and children on a family vacation.

Some popular hotels in downtown Torrevieja include:

 Cabo Cervera

 Club Aldea Del Mar

Just on the outskirts of town there are also plenty of choices in hotels. Some popular picks include:

 Traina, San Pedro del Pinatar

 La Lagua Spa & Gold, Rojales

 La Zenia, Oriheula

 Hotel Marina Palace, Santa Pola

 Nelva, Murcia

Long Visits & Summer Get-Away Plans

Extended stays in Torrevieja as easily accommodated by many property owners in the areas. They will rent apartments by the week, month or season. This can make extended stays more affordable and comfortable as you set up housekeeping in a one or two bedroom apartment, complete with kitchen, living area, laundry facilities and more. You will have the extras most hotels offer in many of the high rise apartments because several have swimming pools, shops, restaurants and more right on the premises.

Booking Some Beach Side Bliss

Quiet, relaxing, resort type properties dot the coast of Torrevieja. The Marina 2 Torrevieja Internacional for example is located within a calm residential area, yet within steps of the coastline. These types of luxury accommodations also have the amenities of the high rise hotels such as pools and restaurants, but provide a completely different atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out Club Aldea Del Mar beach front lodging at Playa de los Locos.

Spa treatments, massages, and quiet strolls along the boardwalk will help you relax and rejuvenate on your vacation. Just minutes away from the downtown section of Torrevija, these accommodations let you relax by day and party and dance by night.

Choices in Getting There

Torrevieja is located central to two airports. The Alicante (ALC) airport is just 35 km from these hotels and apartments. Even closer, though a smaller airport, is the Murcia San Javier (MJV) located just 25.8 km from the city centre. Once you arrive, taxis and busses can transport you to your hotel. Car rental services are located near the in-town properties for convenient travel to surrounding cities such as Javea, Santa Pola, and Benidorm.

What To Do Once You’ve Settled In

Now that the hotel choice is out of the way, what to do next? There are amusement parks, golf courses galore and plenty of sunny days to last the entire vacation. Short drives to other nearby historical cities in Spain make for great day trips from your home base. Then it’s to the beach or city centre for some night life. Discos and restaurants abound and the cuisine choices are truly continental.

Enjoy a unique holiday in munich and bavaria

A hotspot for those seeking culture as well as those that enjoy taking in fascinating architecture, Munich, Germany, is an excellent choice of destination for those wanting to enjoy a truly memorable vacation in a fabulous European city. The capital city of Bavaria, when you visit Munich you will find yourself within easy reach of many attractions ranging from museums and galleries to breathtaking sights such as the Bavarian Alps. Those into sightseeing will find plenty to explore, and getting around is easy and convenient so you can explore the city and its surrounding areas in comfort and with minimal hassle. There are various ways to travel here depending on where you are coming from, such as flying to Munich airport from where you can easily get to your chosen hotel or accommodation. You will find a range of Munich hotels to select from, including accommodations near to the airport as well as a range of lodgings within the main city and many others in its surrounding areas.

Enjoy a host of attractions in Munich, Germany

You will find many attractions and sights to explore when you visit the charming and beautiful city of Munich. This is a destination that boasts plenty of character as well as elegance and charm, and you will enjoy a fully itinerary when you visit here. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and joviality at the Hofbrauhaus tavern site, visit the Marienplatz situated at the heart of the city and home to many sites of historical significance, take a trip to the fabulous Olympia Park complex, take in the Allianz Football Stadium, or enjoy the arts at Alte Pinakothek. Also due to host the soccer world cup 2006, Munich is destined to be more popular than ever this year, so visitors will enjoy a truly vibrant energy that has to be experienced to be believed.

Look forward to a diverse vacation in this city

Munich is famous for many things, from its culture and architecture to its breweries and events. When you visit this area you will find plenty of events and festivities that allow you to sample to local lifestyle and culture as well as enjoy some fun and excitement. Oktoberfest is a popular festivity here in Munich, and takes place the last two weeks of September. Held in a huge field, this is a beer festival like no other, and anyone that enjoys their beer will be delighted with this vibrant and thriving event. Other events held throughout the year include the Opera Festival, Ballet Week, the Fasching, and a variety of other local events. A good choice of bars, restaurants, and theatres will ensure that you can continue to enjoy this city even when the sun goes down, so come day or night you can enjoy making the most of your time in Munich.

Northern euboea island the glorious past

In this gulf of Euboean sea, this deep blue channel of water abound with dolphins and seagulls, the sun's reflection and the aroma of jasmine meet embrace Aedipsos. The crystal clear sea "the blood of Greece" and its briny shores invite you to prolong your days. In the background the Telethrio, the mount of peaceful silence, aborns Aedipsos with its shadows.

In the ancient Roman Times, Scylla the general, left his traces in Aedipsos. It is said that in the hot springs of that place he was cured of the gout which had tormented him. His "cave", the style of the thermal bath of that time, and the historian Stravon, confirm his presence. According to many historical references of that period, Aedipsos was a cosmopolitan center for thermal therapeutic baths, entertainment and enjoyment.

The historian Plutarch, notes "the village of Aedipsos on the island of Euboea is a place for pleasure and entertainment, full of elegant buildings and entertainment centers providing luxurious stays".

The marble inscribed plaques from that distant past, which can be seen today in Aedipsos, relate the history of the Emperor Adrian, Markus Aurelius and others, and the statue of Julia Domna displays her fascinating beauty.

Both mortals and immortals became blissful when enjoying the beauties of the place and the pleasures of the place and the pleasures of its well-organised society. Times came and went.

In the Middle Ages lords passed through and after then came Constantine the Great followed by Theodosius, each in turn seeking both pleasure and cure.

Three thousand years have passed but the history remains firmly in our minds and the scenes from that time retain its tradition. In the years after the 1st World War, Aedipsos flourished once more. It is the period when spas became internationally popular. In the hotel lounges one could meet international personalities of that time, famous actors, artists, writers, state-men, politician and successful entrepreneurs and ship owners. You could get a glimpse of Prince Edward and Mrs. Simpson secluding themselves from the public eye and Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos enjoying a break. In this cosmopolitan environment the picturesque inhabitants lived alongside enjoying their lives to the full in the small taverns and coffee shops. These people living in the shadows of the rich and famous are vividly described by the Greek writer Loudemis in the famous book "Adieu Life". Later Aedipsos hospitates the shipping magnet Aristotelis Onasis the Father of Victory Winston Churchill, the great opera singer Maria Callas and the glamorous Greta Garbo. Chefs catered for the most delicate palates in the luxurious hotel restaurants.

"They were the high paid chefs of that time" says the writer Lilika Nackou. Some of the most beautiful hotels and villas standing in Aedipsos were built during that time, sucj as the T. Scylla, the Heracleon, the Ai Piyai, the Ethinkon, the Capri and the villa of Pneumatikos.

The pros and cons of class a motorhomes

These days, lots of people choose Class A motorhomes as their vacation vehicle over trailer travel and fifth wheel. You can see them all over the place now. And make no mistake, there are lots of advantages to traveling in one. There are also a few disadvantages, though, and you should be conscious of them before you decide to get one. Here’s a brief discussion of the pros and cons of Class A motorhomes:

The Advantages:

1. It couldn’t be easier to drive a Class A motorhome on the highway.

2. The kinds of comforts and amenities offered by Class A RVs are second to none. You won’t get the same thing with smaller motorhomes that have less room. You can get almost anything you want in a Class A.

3. You don’t have to worry about compatibility problems. When you tow a trailer, you constantly need to ensure that your vehicle and the RV you’re pulling are completely synchronized. If they aren’t working in tandem, you’ll have a devil of a time with the steering wheel during your whole trip. Nobody needs that hassle. A Class A motorhome has the convenience of being one package. You get in and go—there’s no complicated procedure.

4. When you get to your destination, you don’t even need to leave your RV in the event of bad weather. If you’re towing your RV, by contrast, you’ll need to do some initial set-ups, and you’re going to have to go from your vehicle to the RV. When you’ve got a Class A, home is waiting for you at your destination—wherever that might be.

The Disadvantages:

1. Cost. Class A motorhomes are often very pricey, as the people who make them load them full of expensive features. This trend is likely to continue, unfortunately. New Class As also depreciate pretty badly, so remember that when you’re thinking of getting one.

2. Once you get to your destination, if you want to drive around town for any reason you’ll probably have to tow a more suitable vehicle with you. That’s going to add to the cost. It’s a big pain to get your Class A all set up and ready to go every time you want to go to the store. You can always bring a bicycle or two, of course, but you’ll be limited in your range and ability to travel longer distances in nasty weather.

3. Should your Class A break down, you’re likely going to be spending a night or more at a motel as it gets repaired. Most RV shops will try to give you a turnaround the same day, but if you’re in need of serious repairs, or requiring hard to get parts, you may be out of luck. On the other hand, if you have a towed RV you can always stay “home” while your vehicle is in the shop.

4. Class A motorhomes can be quite long, particularly the higher-priced models, and thus you’re excluded from some campgrounds because they lack the right facilities.

These disadvantages shouldn’t be any reason not to buy a Class A RV. They’re just intended to give you a bit of perspective before you buy. Consider both the pros and cons, and then make a proper decision. Everybody is different, so choose what’s best for you.

Lanzarote villas - how to pay for them

More and more people are buying a villa in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. So youґve spent many, many hours searching for the perfect villa, and youґve found it! Everything is arranged with the estate agent at lawyer, now you just need to pay for it. So how do you send over the money?

The cheapest and easiest way is to use a specialist broker. You will see them advertised in overseas property magazines and the internet, or your estate agent can recommend one for you. By using a good broker you can achieve very favourable rates of exchange compared to what you might get at your high street bank, saving you perhaps thousands of pounds on the purchase price. When buying abroad, normally you have to pay a deposit to secure the property and have to pay the balance in 2 or 3 months time. For the deposit, you are likely to use a Spot Contract. This is where the rate of exchange is fixed at the moment in time when it is asked for. This rate of exchange can move quite a bit even in just one day. For the balance of the money, the most common method is to use a Forward Contract. This fixes a price today for a transaction to be made in the future. This eliminates the risk of currency fluctuation changes and means you know exactly how much your property is going to cost you.

Currency levels can fluctuate quite markedly as weґve said. Sterling to Euro levels have moved by over 5% in the past 6 months, which means that on a property of 200,000 pounds sterling value, fixing the rate at the start could have saved you 10,000 pounds by the time it comes to hand over the money. Of course it can work the other way and you could lose the opportunity to gain through the fluctuation of the rate of exchange! Do you want to take the gamble?

Denia spain is a great place to visit

The northern part of the Costa Blanca has many lovely cities, and Denia is surely one of the loveliest. The Costa Blanca extends from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south. The weather in this area is typical of the rest of the Costa Blanca: hot summers, warm springs and falls, and temperate winters. There is very little rainfall in any part of the Costa Blanca, so the city of Denia boasts an average of about 320 sunny days every year.

Since Denia is located between two airports, it is easily reachable. People coming to visit either fly into Alicante or Valencia airport. Each one is about an hour and a quarter drive to the city. Once you are in Denia, you may want to explore the surrounding area by renting a car. There are a number of car rental booths at each airport, so getting a car is no problem, but you should make reservations, especially if you plan a visit during the busy summer season.

Denia is a true Spanish town, and not just a tourist attraction. Staying here, you will get the feel of really living the Spanish life. In the more touristy areas, there are so many foreigners you don't even feel you are in Spain. You can always drive to the larger touristy cities but return to your little corner of Spain. Since Denia is not a tourist town, everything stays open all year long. Visiting off season is not like some other towns where the shops and the bars and restaurants are all closed. Fine dining and shopping are at your disposal at any time.

If you are interested in a spa vacation to relax and recharge, Denia has a number of spas to choose from. You will find them both in the mountain area and in the beach area.

Among the many sites to see in Denia, the castle is one of the most interesting. This landmark, built in the sixteenth century, can be toured any time of the year. The views from inside the castle out onto the surrounding region are spectacular.

Nature lovers will also enjoy Denia. The Montgo mountains are situated between Denia and Javea, and are very popular for walkers. You can go alone, but there are walking groups that make the trip much more fun and interesting. They will know the routes to take in order to enjoy the stunning views over the town and over the water.

Denia has a long coastline with 20 kilometers of clean sandy beaches. Denia has even received a Blue Flag award for the quality of the water and the sand on its beaches. If you are a water sports enthusiast, be sure to take advantage of the beautiful water for these. Dive, snorkel or windsurf; you can find many shops to rent from. Be sure to check out Les Rotes, a rocky area that is popular for snorkeling and diving and where beautiful underwater life can be viewed.

St. croix - island of opportunity

Having just returned from St. Croix, I’m still trying to figure out what’s happening with this island. Is it dying a slow death from neglect, or swollen with opportunity & poised for serious growth? Its current state might lead one to either conclusion.

While there, I had a great time, enjoyed some spectacular scuba diving, ate excellent food at super prices, and even had time to drive most of the island looking through history and rainforests.

But the thing is, most everywhere I looked, the place seemed like it was falling apart. It reminded me of the 3 C’s of rehabbing houses – Clean it up; Cut the grass; & Cover the walls. With the exception of a handful of places in Christiansted, and the Frederiksted Pier & park area, much of the rest of the island could use some serious attention.

Many roads are a nightmare, and “scenic drive” should not mean the absence of anything resembling pavement. Simply cutting the 6’ tall grass obscuring oncoming traffic on most northern roads would make those steep, sharp turns far less hazardous. It would also let visitors enjoy the gorgeous views, not to mention restoring 2 full lanes for vehicles.

The island has a lot of history, but sometimes it’s hard to see or even find. For example, while visiting the Whim Plantation, most of the signage describing the exhibits and past culture were either faded away, washed out, or missing entirely.

In Christiansted, I followed a map that notated the location of the house where Alexander Hamilton once lived. But arriving at that spot, found no sign, plaque, or other indication I’d arrived at the correct place. After asking several locals, one finally verified the correct structure.

St. Croix has so much going for it, that it’s hard to understand why those who should be interested in its welfare don’t appear to be doing anything about improving the islands image. The advertising and promotional materials found in all the usual places indicate that tourism is indeed desirable, and an acknowledged contributor to the local economy, but I got the overall sense it wasn’t a particularly high priority.

This was really surprising to a first-time visitor, but the message coming across was clearly one of “what you see is what you get – take it or leave it”.

I would suggest that those there, in government and other groups involved in the tourism industry, who clearly talk a good game, get serious about sprucing up their island and making it inviting to tourists.

Otherwise, the promotion noise rings hollow. They should stop doing it immediately, and just fade away entirely.

For those who may be interested in finding their own place in the sun, I have to say that St. Croix still has a lot going for it, regardless of whether it gains more prominence as a tourist destination. It’s a beautiful island, and one where prices remain well below most other Caribbean destinations. You can still find plenty of places to build, or existing places to buy, without breaking the bank.

Whether the tourism industry gets its act together or not, doesn’t really matter to someone looking for a good deal on property. If things stay as they are, property values will continue to grow gradually, and the island will remain much as it is.

On the other hand, it’s a good time to get in, and values could increase dramatically. The islands large size (compared to many others) would allow for years of growth before it comes close to becoming densely populated.

So whether St. Croix stays stagnant or spruces up and gains attention, there’s not really a down side for those looking for property.

I for one hope they get serious about fixing up and promoting the island. The handful of things mentioned earlier would be a good start, and take hardly any time to rectify.

Whether they do or not, as someone interested in scuba diving, it’s still worth several trips back, just to spend time visiting the famous “Wall” along the north shore, where the reef drops off a few thousand feet down – awesome diving!