Sicily: Culture and History (Italy)

Those looking for a cultural trip in a sunny climate should consider the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily. Looking like the sharp piece of rock being kicked by Italy’s heeled boot, Sicily is a modern island with a rich history, and a fantastic place to explore by car. Comparing car rental rates and organising your own transport from one of the four airports before you get there will leave you free to start your tour as soon as you arrive.

Palermo, the island’s capital, is a real cosmopolitan city and its long history (including occupation under the Phoenicians, Roman and Byzantine Empires, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards) can be seen scattered across its streets. The twelfth century Cathedral of Monreale is an Italian national monument and one of the most spectacular examples of Norman architecture in existence. The interior is covered in mosaics (made up of around 2200 kilos of pure gold), and among the depictions of saints and kings is one of the first portraits of Thomas Becket following his murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.

The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo is an extraordinary place to visit. Now a popular tourist attraction, the catacombs were originally intended for burying Capuchin friars when the monastery’s cemetery became too full in the sixteenth century. As time went on burial here became a symbol of status, and wealthy residents asked to be preserved in the catacombs in their finest clothes. Around 8000 mummies line the walls, and one of the last people to be buried here is now the most famous: two year old Rosalia Lombardo who died of pneumonia in 1920 and has been so remarkably preserved she looks as though she is only sleeping.

On the east coast of the island is that familiar 10,922 foot tall active volcano, Mount Etna. There are a number of mountain treks with fantastic valley views to choose from depending on the time available and the level of difficulty, and although walking around the summit is obviously not advisable, cable cars get visitors close. Most trips around the south side of Mount Etna depart from the port city of Catania, around 130 miles drive from Palermo. Catania has had its fair share of trouble, being destroyed by earthquakes in 1169 and 1693 and Mount Etna’s violent eruption in 1669. After these catastrophes the city was rebuilt in Baroque style and is now home to World Heritage-listed architecture. You may wonder why the city was continuously built up at the foot of an active volcano; the reason being volcanic ash makes exceptionally fertile soil for farming.

Two hours’ drive south from Palermo near the city of Agrigento is the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Valley of Temples. This huge site includes the remains of seven Greek temples in varying degrees of preservation, two almost complete and others with only their columns still standing. Their different uses as places to celebrate weddings and pray for health give a nice insight into the social history of the period surrounded by the grandeur.

Sicily is full of cultural and historic highlight which can be enjoyed in sun-drenched comfort of this Mediterranean highlight reel.

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Escape the Crowds in Barcelona (Spain)

Countless numbers of tourists flock to Barcelona each year to catch a glimpse of world famous sights and landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas and the Camp Nou. This often leads to swarms of tourists clogging up the city centre (especially during the summer months) and ignoring the many wonderful things there are to see and do that are just a stone’s throw away from the Catalan capital. So, if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, or if you’re already there, then here are five worthwhile ways to escape the crowds.

Montserrat

This breathtaking mountain is situated just an hour so away from Barcelona and is a must see for all those travelling to the city. It proudly boasts UNESCO World Heritage Site status and rises majestically to 1235m above sea level boasting panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. However, the main attraction is the mysterious formation of rocks found here and the beautiful Royal Basilica. Tours to the mountain are available all year round.

Sitges

Sitges (top photo) is where locals go to unwind on their days off - a strong recommendation indeed. It is the perfect place to escape the tourist infested beaches of Barcelona. This charming little town is situated just 40km outside of the city and is easily accessible by train. It’s well known as an historic centre with beautiful beaches, a peaceful ambiance and a thriving gay community. It is a true jewel of the coast and is ideal for families and friends to spend a fun and relaxing afternoon.

Illa Fantasia

This water park is located just a 45min drive from Barcelona city centre and makes for a great way to cool down from the sweltering heat during the warmer months of the year. With lots of wet and windy slides, picnic areas and eateries, a trip here is ideal for families, couples and groups of friends looking for a fun day out. Julia Travel will get you entrance, as well as travel to and from the park, at a very reasonable price!

Hot Air Balloon

Tear yourself away from the sights of Barcelona for one day and treat yourself to something unusual by taking a ride in a hot air balloon. Take in unrivalled views of the city from above and enjoy an experience that is truly unforgettable.

Barcelona Cruises

Taking a cruise from Barcelona is the ultimate way to see the city before setting sail on to other stunning Mediterranean destinations. Another excellent option is catching a ferry to one of the nearby Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza), which offer one of either the perfect party or peaceful getaway from the city.

So there you have it - five fantastic ideas to escape the tourist crowds in Barcelona! All that’s left is organising accommodation for your stay in the city. It’s a good idea to base yourself centrally, where the fantastic transport system will allow you to reach all of these destinations with ease. Renting apartments in Barcelona is often a popular choice amongst visitors and will allow you to live close to these transport links, thus leaving you free to explore all of these wonderful places at your convenience.

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The Trolls Way (Geiranger, Norway)

Everytime I think of the travel wonder of Trollstigen (the Troll’s Ladder), one of Norway’s and Europe’s finest drives, I am reminded of a great story told to me as a child.

It is the story of Three Billy Goats Gruff, a fable told to children around the world (but especially Scandinavia) for over a century. In this tale, there are three goats who have run out of grass in their field and to get to more grass, they need to cross a bridge guarded by a nasty old troll (a stout Norse mythology creature with an oversized nose) who likes to eat goats. The first goat is challenged and explains that his older brother is coming and the troll let him pass with the promise of a larger meal. The second goat wanders across the bridge and again explains that his eldest brother is following closely behind and is allowed to pass. The eldest goat crosses the bridge and as the troll goes to eat him, he is gored to death, leaving the bridge safe for all times.

Trollstigen is a snaking single lane road carved out of the mountainous path between Ǻndalsnes and the extraordinarily beautiful Geirangerfjord in central Norway – an aquamarine highway of water sandwiched between towering granite walls that stand tall even among the stunningly exceptional fjords which pockmark the west coast of Norway.

The road is engulfed by a chessboard of mountains with evocative names like The King, The Queen and The Bishop. The pounding waterfall of Stigfossen finds a more direct way down the mountain cutting under the road in a few places, falling into a gushing dark stream where it is easy to believe that trolls have stealthily inhabited for centuries. Even road signs warn motorists (and cyclists – apparently trolls like cyclists) of troll crossings.



Having survived the climb of Trollstigen, its eleven hairpin turns and avoiding being on the troll’s morning tea menu, you are rewarded with a superb vista of Geirangerfjord. A ferry ride and a drive down the Eagles Road (Ørneveien) past some turf-roofed farms of yesteryear and you arrive at the delightful village of Geiranger and its extraordinary waterway.

Tourist boats ply these waters regularly in the warmer months. The steep walls of the fjord are punctuated by towering waterfalls several hundred metres in height. The two most notable falls are the lead players in another Norse tale. The elegant Seven Sisters is being wooed by a matching fall on the other side appropriately called The Suitor (these Norwegians have rich imaginations!).

Strangely on this most treasured drive, I am sure I spotted a few trolls in the distance but I didn’t see a single goat. Maybe the trolls still manage the Trollstigen crossings.

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Flora and Fauna of the Seychelles

If your idea of the perfect break involves fantastic wildlife and plants then you may want to consider going on holidays in the Seychelles.

As the African island nation is awash with amazing flora and fauna, you are sure to have a fascinating time discovering the country's natural beauty during your break.

And as it is home to some of the rarest animal and plant species in the world, you could soon get back to nature.

With just under half of the country's landmass consisting of natural parks and reserves, there should be plenty of opportunities for you to take in some beautiful fauna and flora.

Be sure to visit Aldabra, which is the world's largest raised coral atoll. By visiting this set of four coral islands you will be able to see a range of plants and creatures that have been specially protected from the effects of human habitants.

Some 152,000 giant tortoises live on the atoll, the largest population of the creature to be found in the entire world. This number includes 100,000 of the Aldabra species, with the islands their only remaining habitat in the world. If you want to see these creatures in their natural environment you will have no option but to go on a holiday to the Seychelles.

However, the Aldabra giant tortoise is just one of hundreds of species of fauna to be found at the Unesco World Heritage site. Flying foxes, the Aldabra brush warbler and the Aldabra drong can also be seen here.

It is also the only place in the world where a reptile - in this case, the tortoise - is the dominant herbivore.

You will also find the atoll is home to a diverse array of flora. Some 273 species of flowering plants and ferns are to be found here, including seagrass meadows, mangroves and pemohis acidula. Around 20 of these are endemic, with a further 22 only shared with neighbouring islands.

Tourist access to the atoll is carefully controlled, so you may need to book in advance in order to see the stunning sights that can be found here.

Some fantastic natural scenes can also be seen at the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island. Like the Aldabra atoll, this is a Unesco World Heritage site and contains an amazing array of species, including the coco de mer plant which bears the largest seeds in the entire plant kingdom.

Numerous other forms of palm trees can be seen in the reserve so make sure you take the time to check these out, you may want to pack a digital camera to show your friends and family back home the fantastic flora you have seen!

There will also be plenty of birdspotting opportunities for keen ornithologists, including the endemic black parrot, the cave-nesting swiftlet and the Seychelles kestrel (photo).

If you like reptiles, keep an eye out for green geckos, chameleons and Seychelles wolf snake - these are just some of the cold-blooded creatures that can be seen.

Flora fans should also consider visiting the Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden in Mahe. More than 200 species of plants can be seen here, so it is the perfect place for any horticultural enthusiast to stop by when on a holiday to the Seychelles.

A range of animals can also be found here including rabbits, giant tortoises and guinea pigs.

However, in order to preserve the precious plants and species that are in the garden, groups are requested to make a reservation before visiting.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The Seychelles is home to such a diverse array of beautiful flora and fauhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifna you are bound to find a holiday here to be captivating.

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Wartburg Castle: A Thousand Years of German History (Eisenach, Germany)

The unrelenting climb up the forested slopes outside Eisenach (whether by foot, donkey or shuttlebus) past the towering plain walls highlights the imposing location of Wartburg Castle. Shaped like a cigar (click layout to enlarge) with one narrow gated entrance and with such natural defences, Wartburg Castle has played a significant role in German history and is a powerful symbol of the Reformation. Almost a thousand years old, the castle is a pot-pourri of building styles and architecture and has played witness to some of the most significant aspects of German history.

A tour of the castle focuses on the historic Palace (or Palas), built in the 1100s. On the ground floor are the cavernous Knight’s Hall and Dining Room along with the unusual Elizabeth’s Bower. The room was encrusted with glistening mosaics last century in memory of Saint Elizabeth who in a remarkable but short life married Wartburg’s owner in the early 1200s, donated to the poor her entire life, reputed had bread taken from the castle for the poor miraculously turn to roses, died at age 24 and was canonised by the church only four years later. An entire passage way details her life in a sequence of murals.

The first floor includes the chapel and the Hall of Minstrels where a famous singing competition (a kind of 13th century American Idol) were conducted resulting in a Wagner opera (Tannhäuser) centuries later and a beautifully painted room with excerpts from medieval. Six of the finest voices competed, with the poorest effort to be punishable by death (which would focus the practice sessions to say the least!!). The top floor is a grand festival hall that continues to be used and which leads to an excellent museum.

The highlight of Wartburg is undoubtedly the Bailiff’s Lodge and Luther’s Room. It includes a modest wood-panelled room where Martin Luther in 1521, excommunicated from the Church (after nailing his demands to a Wittenberg church), hid as the Knight George or Junker Jörg (as the portrait behind the desk shows) and translated the bible into German (in a frenzied ten weeks). Sadly the furniture isn’t original but it is a moving location, and a pilgrimage site to many. Witness and feel how a man in disguise changed German and Christian history and culture, a change that continues to affect the world today.

Luther bought commonality to the German language, a new branch to Christianity (Lutherians) improved methods in translation and bought the words of the most powerful book in Christendom to the common people. Two centuries later Goethe, the father of German language, worked at Wartburg bringing a more modern Bible translation.

In 1817 as detailed by a beautiful woodblock painting, Wartburg Castle was the central rallying site for students protesting for German unity (Burschenschaften). Having hidden Luther and having recently defeated Napoleon, Wartburg was an ideal symbol for German nationality and was the source of the black, red and yellow tricolour that became the German flag a century later.

Enjoy the grounds and the various buildings before taking a final walk up the South Tower, which offers a superb view of the tiny township of Eisenach, the castle grounds and the Thuringian Forest. Wartburg Castle is UNESCO World Heritage Listed and one of Germany’s finest travel wonders. View a thousand years of architecture and history where a saint lived her short life, Martin Luther made his dramatic impact on Christianity and students protests led to the eventual unification of Germany.

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Mount Ngauruhoe (New Zealand)

Published as part of the Blog4NZ campaign (twitter #blog4nz) to highlight the travel wonders of New Zealand and to promote that New Zealand is very much open to tourism despite the recent earthquake in Christchurch.

Mt Ngauruhoe is a stunning conical and highly active volcano in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand and part of the exceptional one day Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek.

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Destination Review for the Canary Islands (Spain)

The Canary Islands have long been associated with all inclusive holidays. Tripadvisor.com has recently voted the Canaries as having six out of ten of the best beaches in the whole of Spain. However, there is far more to the archipelago than just glorious temperatures, crystal clear waters and powder soft sand.

Canary Islands Overview

The Canary Islands are group of Spanish islands situated just off the north coast of Africa. Because of their location they are subject to equatorial weather conditions, which gives them the added advantage of almost guaranteed sunshine 365 days a year. They have a long and complex history, with evidence of Neolithic settlements across the islands. The Canaries have also been visited or invaded by a number of races including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Europeans, Arabs and Portuguese. Each invader has left remnants of their culture behind, reflected in the eclectic cuisine, architecture and numerous festivals of the islands today.

For those looking to incorporate a natural angle into their sun holidays, the Canary Islands are filled with fascinating and unusual wildlife, both on and below the land. There are four national parks, two of which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The other two are recognised as World Biosphere Sites, reflecting their ecological importance. These are regularly visited by tourists on nature trek holidays, where they can see over 600 endemic species of flowers, birds such as the Blue Chaffinch (photo) and Tenerife Ringlet and animals including geckos and the El Hierro Giant Lizard.


Below the waterline, the variety of life is even more spectacular. The seas surrounding the once-volcanic islands play host to a multitude of vibrant and colourful creatures such as Leatherback turtles, starfish, sea anemones and a breathtaking array of fish. Many visitors enrol in the local scuba schools so they can experience the marine life in its natural environment.

Attractions

In addition to the Islands’ natural splendour, the Canary Islands are well served for holidays of all types. There are seven islands, each with its own unique character. Golf is a popular pursuit across all of the islands and there are over 20 world class courses to challenge even the most dedicated player. With the islands being so well served by the ocean, it is small wonder that the PWA World Windsurfing Championships are held here, and the Lanzarote Volcano Triathlon sees competitors swimming five kilometres as part of their trial.

Visitors looking to soak up some culture will enjoy other aspects of Canarian life such as the Tenerife Gastronomy Fair or the Gran Canaria Opera Festival. While the Canaries are synonymous with a hedonistic party scene, this tends to be only on certain areas of certain islands. While revellers flock to areas of Tenerife and Lanzarote, families and those looking for peace and quiet can remain undisturbed on the same islands, albeit in different areas.

Families will have no problem with entertaining younger visitors. In addition to the beaches, water sports and wildlife reserves, there are a variety of theme parks such as Tenerife’s water kingdom, Siam Park, and Aqualand in Maspalomas.

The Canary Islands are as rich and diverse in what they have to offer as they are in the bounty of wildlife and stunning panoramas. Sun is an integral part of any holiday, but it doesn’t have to be the deciding factor, especially when there is so much more to discover.

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The Walled Cities of Spain

Throughout history, large walls surrounded many cities to protect their citizens and leaders from siege and attack. Sadly, most of these city walls have gone either torn down by attackers, removed by cities to allow expansion or simply taken apart to provide building materials for more useful buildings.

Spain has an impressive number of cities whose complete (or near-complete) city walls (or muralla) are so significant, well preserved and impressive that they merit UNESCO World Heritage listing. All are rich in history with four of the five can be easily visited as day trips from Madrid.

Ávila (Avila)

Not that far from Madrid, the city of Ávila is impressively located perched on a high plain that rears sharply from the arid treeless surrounds. With a domination of churches, monasteries, convents and basilicas under the name of the ascetic Saint Teresa (whose mummified hands are in one of the churches), the pious city was subjected to battles for centuries between the Muslims and the Christians. The 12th century construction of 2.5 kilometres of superbly maintained walls, 88 towers and 9 gates eased the battles and today the exterior makes for a superb walk. At night the elegant crenellations add a regal imposing look to the city while three parts of the walls can be walked for a closer look.

Segovia

Near Ávila, Segovia is an enchanting small honey-coloured city strategically perched on a rocky outcrop and encased in an 11th century wall. With history dripping around every corner of its narrow lanes, its undoubted highlights include a towering double-arched Roman aqueduct that cuts through the city, a cavernous cathedral and the fairytale Alcazar (and the world’s oldest existing industrial plant with the 1583 Mint). The Alcazar is an evocative 900 year old royal palace that emerges majestically from a rocky crag, its long narrow shape, sheer sides and witches-hat roofs being the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s residence.

Toledo

Immortalised by El Greco and a former capital city, Toledo is a treasure trove of medieval buildings and cultural sights. Dating back to Roman times and ideally sited for fortification with a loop in the river protecting three sides and two imposing walls protecting the fourth, the city is jam-packed in a maze of streets with places of worship for Christians, Jews and Muslims, highlighting its wars and battles over past centuries. Toledo makes for a superb one day trip from Madrid walking the labyrinthine laneways soaking the medieval charm of so many historic structures.

Cuenca

Just east of Madrid and encased by deep gorges on three sides, Cuenca was purpose built for fortification. More famous than its city walls are its exceptional hanging houses (las casas colgadas) grimly clinging to the cliff sides, their balconies protruding into fresh air and highly unsuited for those uncomfortable with heights. One excellent example now serves as the Abstract Arts Museum.

Lugo

In the very north-west of Spain and surrounded by over two kilometres of Roman walls built in the third and fourth centuries (yes, over 1700 years old), it is the only complete Roman wall anywhere in the world. With the wall being six metres thick and with a twenty metre wide moat around the walls, Lugo was near impregnable. Eighty-five towers rise out of the wall giving vantage points in every direction to give the city warning of any pending attack.

While there are a number of examples of walled cities throughout Europe, north Africa and Asia, Spain has an impressive concentration of them, each making for a superb one-day visit. Other Spanish cities including Girona and Badajoz also boast well preserved city walls. While all the cities have sprawled well beyond their medieval bounds, it is a chance to imagine the importance that these walls bought in protecting the city and the efforts that leaders went to maintain the city against the constant threat of attack.

Photo Credits: Avila Night, Avila Walls, Toledo, Cuenca, Lugo

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Rivers of Grass (Everglades, Florida)

Sandwiched between the ugly urban sprawl of Miami and the alluring beaches of Florida Keys are the exceptional Everglades. This unusual subtropical wilderness of 1.5 million acres is full of sawgrass marshes, cypress swamps, mangrove beds and shallow waters and harbours a remarkable range of birdlife, marine life and the infamous alligators.

Waters creep slowly south across Florida carrying huge amounts of grass giving an appearance of a moving unkempt lawn. Walking a couple of short path near the Royal Palm Visitors Centre, alligators abound most seemingly oblivious to folks tiptoeing awkwardly in a strange combination of apprehension, speed and fascination to not rouse these demonised creatures. A huge variety of water birds including ibises, the elegant pink roseate spoonbills with their skillet-like beaks, eagles, osprey and kites populate the area.

Further north, the Shark Valley area includes a hideous concrete walkway that provides a superb panorama of the area showcasing the unusual feel for this marshy world.

Canoeing is the best way to see the area. Slithering along the peaceful and shallow waterways among the mangroves, near the islands (can’t land on most as they are nesting sites) and through the sinister brackishness in the 10,000 Islands area shows the area at its finest. While sighting alligators only protected by a few millimetres of fibreglass is a little unnerving, the tranquility (broken only by incessant mosquitoes) after visiting Miami or Orlando is worth any discomfort.

Outside of the park, rides are available on airboats, a hovercraft with a giant fan attached to the back and remarkably manoeuvrable. Though it makes a hideous din, it buzzes along at 30 to 40 kilometres per hour, tree branches whisking past your ears and the wind tousling the hair. Slamming on the brakes (or is that turning the fan off?), the craft pulls into a grassy knoll and sure enough peering through the reeds are the beady eyes of an alligator lying peacefully in the weak afternoon sun. Many more are spotted each staking their own territory with the dedication of a medieval army.

Another alligator cruises up to the boat in their haunting whisper-quiet glide, ripples slowly falling from its eyes, the only part above the water line. This prehistoric monster so ideally evolved for its environment rides to less than a metre from the craft before it is time for “see you later, alligator” and on through further lagoons, accelerating through the shallows of the Everglades.

Take a break from the hectic theme parks of Orlando or the glitzy beach life of the Florida Keys and spend a day or two exploring the unique and tranquil wilderness of the Everglades. Though commercialised with alligator farms and airboats, try to escape for a quiet hike or peaceful canoe through this most unusual ecosystem.

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