Nineteenth Century Exploration of Australia

Although Australian coasts were charted in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and the first permanent European settlement established in New South Wales in 1788, exploration of the interior of the continent was entirely a nineteenth century phenomenon. During the 1800s a great number of intrepid (but sometimes foolhardy) adventurers, prospectors, surveyors and naturalists crisscrossed the continent in all directions, more than a few of them losing their lives along the way. This website comes about as something of an accident. While involved in research on the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913), I happened upon a wonderful map published in 1893 for inclusion in Wallace's regional study Australasia, Volume 1: Australia and New Zealand. Prepared by the master London atlas-maker Edward Stanford, it neatly summarizes the routes taken by the period's major explorers of the Interior. The map was so charming that I decided to make it the central feature of an Australia exploration-focussed service; to reveal its detail we have reproduced it in three overlapping panel sections that, hopefully, retain most of its original feel. The three sections of the map can be accessed by clicking on the thumbnail versions below. Each map section includes a copy of the key used to distinguish the explorers' routes. One can move directly from section to section by clicking on the arrows placed at the top of their left/right margins. We have also sought out Web-based information on the explorers. Links to such appear both in the left-side panel on this page, and at the bottom of each map section (for those explorers whose routes are actually found on that particular section). Since so little online material exists for some individuals, however, we have supplemented this information with related text from 1893 Wallace included in the part of his book reviewing Australian history. A caveat . . . History has of course moved on since 1893, and in the interim additional information has come to light regarding both the routes taken by these explorers, and the details of their travels. Thus, don't think that the story ends here! --C.H.S.

"Fasching", "Fasnacht", "Karneval" 2009

"Fasching", "Fasnacht" or "Karneval" are all terms used to describe carnival, an ancient tradition which is celebrated all over Germany but particularly in the Rhineland and in the strongly Catholic regions of Germany. Mainz, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn are hotbeds of carnival fun. In southern Germany the traditional Alemannic Fasnet is celebrated. The "fifth season" begins on 11 November and ends on Ash Wednesday. Carnival season reaches its climax in the week from "schmutziger Donnerstag" (literally: "dirty Thursday") to Ash Wednesday. There are major street processions on the Monday of that week, known as Rosenmontag or Carnival Monday. People dress up in humorous costumes or in traditional dress and masks, and join in processions and street festivals. The tradition stems back to the ancient custom of driving out winter.Thursday, 19 February: "Womens Carnival Day" Monday, 23 February: Rose MondayTuesday, 24 February: Shrove TuesdayWednesday, 25 February: Ash Wednesday
Carnival in Cologne - "Alaaf!"The word Karneval - thought to come from the medieval Latin carnelevare: "to take away meat" - is used for the Carnival in the Rhineland. Karneval was established as an autonomous Carnival form by the Organising Committee founded in Cologne on 10 February 1823. Its uniformed guards and female soldiers hark back to the municipal guards of the Napoleonic era. The Cologne Carnival traditionally starts at 11.11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Besides the many Carnival gatherings with their lively speeches, the highlights are the women's Carnival on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, the Rose Monday procession (the highlight of the street carnival) and the burning of the Carnival spirit on Shrove Tuesday, when life-size straw effigies are burned.http://www.koeln.de/tourismus/karneval/Carnival in Düsseldorf - "Helau!"The Düsseldorf Carnival has its roots in medieval tournaments and fancy-dress balls at court. The key figure here is Hoppeditz, a typical Carnival fool, whose awakening at 11.11am on 11 November in front of the town hall marks the start of the annual festivities. The first highlight of the Düsseldorf Carnival is on New Year's Day when the new season's Carnival king and queen are chosen. The city's first Carnival king was elected in 1825. Other Düsseldorf highlights are the old women's Carnival, during which the town hall is stormed by Möhnen (old women), the street carnival on Carnival Sunday and the Rose Monday procession, when it's time once more for cries of "D'r Zog kütt!" (the parade's on its way).http://www.duesseldorf.de/top/thema010/events/veranstaltungen/karneval/index.shtml Mainz CarnivalThe Mainz Carnival has a long tradition believed to date back to crazy goings-on in the 16th century, although the city's first Carnival societies were not founded until the 19th century. The Mainz Carnival Society was established in 1838 to bring order to the colourful, unrestrained jollity and increase its aesthetic appeal. The Mainz Carnival Society is traditionally accompanied by its own uniformed guards, the Ranzengarde. Every year Mainz's "fifth season" begins with the reading of the eleven Carnival laws at 11.11am on 11 November. Other highlights are the Rose Monday procession, the children's masked parade on Carnival Saturday and the numerous Carnival gatherings, which traditionally begin on New Year's Day after the fools' parade.http://www.mainz.de/WGAPublisher/online/html/default/MKUZ-5VPCY6Swabian-Alemannic Carnival - "Narri-Narro!"In south-west Germany, celebrations take the form of the regional Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, which also has its roots in medieval festivities designed to use up perishable foods before the start of Lent. Dancing, parades and plays also became Carnival customs in the 14th century, and wearing simple Carnival disguises became fashionable during the baroque era in the 17th century. Although the tradition disappeared for a time in the wake of the Enlightenment, it was revived at the beginning of the 19th century. The Swabian-Alemannic region looked to return to long-established traditions to distinguish itself from the Rhineland Carnival, which it saw as dominated by the educated bourgeoisie. Having previously been restricted to the three days before Ash Wednesday, the Carnival season was extended in the 19th century. Twelfth Night came to mark the start of Carnival in many locations. The Association of Swabian-Alemannic Carnival Guilds was founded in 1924. One special feature of the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival are its Carnival characters. The masks are made mostly of wood, but also use cloth, paper and even wire. It is traditional for the costumes to be handed down through generations. Devil figures and fools are among the oldest-established characters. The Carnival witch, a totally new character for the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, was introduced by the Witches' Guild founded in Offenburg in 1933.http://www.narren-spiegel.de/ Carnival in Thuringia - "Woesinge Ahoi!"Wasungen on the river Werra in southern Thuringia has one of the oldest Carnival traditions in Germany. Established in 1524, the Wasungen Carnival is still unique despite the passage of time - instead of a Carnival king and queen, it has a prince escorted by two female pages. The prince's reign begins on Carnival Saturday and ends on 11 November. The highlight of the Wasungen Carnival is the colourful historical procession on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, which has a reputation, even today, for upholding popular local traditions.

Greece to Turkey Ferry Map and Travel Information

Notes on Greece to Turkey FerriesSome ferries run only during the summer tourist season, while others have a drastically reduced winter season. Note also that port taxes are astronomical.You can find general information on ferries from Aegean Ferry Services. Many tourists make ferry reservations on the run, stopping in a port city, going to the port or to a travel agent and booking a ferry trip. Aegean allows you to book online, if you find that necessary in the heart of tourist season.Turkey Map and Travel PlannerFor more information on vacation activities on western coast of Turkey, see our Western Turkey Map.Turkish Ferry Port CitiesIf your destination is Turkey and you like visiting ancient sites, The Samos to Kusadasi route might be your best bet, as the extraordinary sights like Ephesus, Pamukkale and Aphrodisias are easily accessable from Kusadasi. There is lots of lodging available in Kusadasi, and nightlife is lively.The Kos to Bodrum route might be my second favorite route. Bodrum, a modern resort town built on the ruins of Halicarnassus in 1402, features a 15th century Crusader Castle (which now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology), an airport, lots of shopping and a very lively nightlife.I enjoy the island of Rhodes, so my third route preference might pass through it. Fethiye is known for its beaches and yachting. You can take a 12 island Yacht cruise from the harbor at Fethiye.Chios to Cesme brings you to a pleasant sun and beach town with good beaches and good restaurants along the waterfront and along the main street.The Lesvos (Lesbos) to Turkey Ferries are more popular with Turkish tourists and those folks who like seaside resorts (Foca is popular with windsurfers).

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Editorial ProfileA visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village is a step back in time to 19th-century Ontario. Forty authentically restored homes, workshops, public buildings and farms recreate the atmosphere of life in a rural Victorian community of the 1860s. Craftspeople and workers wearing period costumes demonstrate skills such as open-hearth cooking, bread-making, looming, milling, blacksmithing, sewing, printing and more.Walk through the village and into the homes and buildings, visit the inn, and stroll through farms and forests. The Hands on History Centre lets kids try their hand at traditional trades and pioneer survival skills like building a log cabin or weaving cloth. During the holiday season in November and December, the village offers many special events to celebrate Christmas as it was 130 years ago.The Event Pavilion opens its doors to a host of possibilities for Black Creek Pioneer Village. The covered pavilion includes a stage, seating for up to 300 people and a snack bar. In the past it was home to the Métis Arts Festival and the Celtic Sounds Festival.Getting There:By Car:The Village is located one set of lights east of Jane Street, on the South side of Steeles Avenue (follow the Village signs). It is easily accessible from Highways 400, 401 and 407.By Transit:Using public transportation is quick and convenient from the Finch subway station using the Steeles 60 West route, or from the Jane Station using the Jane 35 route.DetailsKid Friendly: YesSeasonal: YesHistoric Site: Yes

Iceland

Wild, rugged and colourful, Iceland, ‘the land of ice and fire', is a country like no other: a contrasting landscape of black lava fields, red sulphur vents, boiling blue geysers and green valleys. Bays and fjords dot the coast, while in the interior rivers and waterfalls abound.Iceland's volcanoesA large island in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Hekla, in the south of Iceland, has erupted no fewer than 16 times, and was once described by clergymen as the gateway to Hell. Certainly, Iceland's seething mountains contribute to this sense of otherworldliness.ReykjavíkAround the coastal regions, Iceland is a bustle of activity, particularly in the capital city, Reykjavík, where more than half of Iceland's population lives. Reykjavík is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs, creating a natural central heating system and pollution-free environment. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings. Despite being a relatively small capital city, Reykjavík has managed to forge a reputation for partying, and its nightclubs and bars are regularly filled with hordes of fun-loving citizens.Icelandic activitiesWhether you wish to quietly watch for birds or whales, or prefer to get active and ski, glacier skidoo or horse ride, Iceland amply provides for both.

59th Berlin International Film Festival

The Berlinale - not only the city's largest cultural event, but also one of the most important dates on the international film industry's calendar. With more than 20,000 film professionals from 120 countries, including 4000 journalists the Berlin International Film Festival is among the top-events of the industry. On top of that it is the world's biggest public festival which shows films of all genres, lengths and formats. Among them are many world and European premieres. Seven international stars and film experts decide who can take home the golden bear and the silver bears. The Scottish actress and Oscar winner Tilda Swinton presides over the jury this year.At the 59th International Film Festival visitors can expect lots of exciting films in the sections Competition, Panorama, forum, Generation, Perspective German Cinema, Berlinale Shots, Retrospective and Hommage. Interesting special series and the Berlinale Talent Campus complement the programme.This year Tom Tykwer's "The International", a high-profile action thriller starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts opens the festival. A Berlinale special series is dedicated to the End of the Cold War 20 years ago. "After Winter Comes Spring - Films Presaging the Fall of the Wall" Initiated by the German Federal Cultural Foundation and the Deutsche Kinemathek the series presents German and East-European films of the last decade before the Reunification. They presage in varied manners the upcoming, profound change.The Retrospektive is all about the film format "70 mm". Under the title "Bigger than Life" it celebrates the stunning and powerful visuals as well as excellent sound of wide-gauge films which were emphasized from the mid 1950s in the big cinema palaces. It features amongst others "Lawrence of Arabia", "The Sound of Music" and the "West Side Story".Food connoisseurs can indulge with all their senses in the successful film and event series "Eat, Drink, See Movies - Culinary Cinema". The films with corresponding food to enjoy deal with culinary topics. Discussion forums of film makers, food connoisseurs and food experts talk about film, food and ecology. The series opens on February 8th with the documentary "Food Inc.".This year's Hommage is dedicated to the French, repeatedly Oscar-winning film composer Maurice Jarre. He is awarded the golden bear for his lifework as one of the most important and most popular composers. His musical influence can be enjoyed in films such as "Doctor Schiwago" or "The Tin Drum".Children and youths will enjoy the Berlinale section Generation. More than 1000 films have been proposed for the competition - a record. The German contribution "Lippels Traum" by Lars Büchel has its world premiere at the Festival.Just like every year the International Film Festival is accompanied by numerous receptions, parties, panels, discussion forums, workshops and art performances.59th International Film Festival Berlin, February 5th - 15th, 2009Contact and further Information:Internationale Filmfestspiele BerlinPotsdamer Straße 510785 BerlinTel. +49 (0)30 259200Fax. +49 (0)30 259 20 299The programme is available at www.berlinale.de from January 27th, 2009.
Advance Tickets can be booked from February 2nd, 2009.

London's Secret Waterways

Located within easy reach of the heart of the capital, London's hidden waterways offer a wealth of history and outdoor opportunities far removed from the usual hustle and bustle of city life. The Grand Union and Regent's Canals and Rivers Lee and Stort create a green corridor winding through central London and leading right up into Hertfordshire.Together they offer over 90 miles of walking, cycling, angling, boating, wildlife, heritage and more. Or if you prefer, you can just take it easy and enjoy a peaceful cruise on their calm waters or relax with a drink and a meal at a waterside pub.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Editorial ProfileA visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village is a step back in time to 19th-century Ontario. Forty authentically restored homes, workshops, public buildings and farms recreate the atmosphere of life in a rural Victorian community of the 1860s. Craftspeople and workers wearing period costumes demonstrate skills such as open-hearth cooking, bread-making, looming, milling, blacksmithing, sewing, printing and more.Walk through the village and into the homes and buildings, visit the inn, and stroll through farms and forests. The Hands on History Centre lets kids try their hand at traditional trades and pioneer survival skills like building a log cabin or weaving cloth. During the holiday season in November and December, the village offers many special events to celebrate Christmas as it was 130 years ago.The Event Pavilion opens its doors to a host of possibilities for Black Creek Pioneer Village. The covered pavilion includes a stage, seating for up to 300 people and a snack bar. In the past it was home to the Métis Arts Festival and the Celtic Sounds Festival.Getting There:By Car:The Village is located one set of lights east of Jane Street, on the South side of Steeles Avenue (follow the Village signs). It is easily accessible from Highways 400, 401 and 407.By Transit:Using public transportation is quick and convenient from the Finch subway station using the Steeles 60 West route, or from the Jane Station using the Jane 35 route.DetailsKid Friendly: YesSeasonal: YesHistoric Site: Yes

Ulm Minster

The Gothic Minster with its gigantic west steeple is the dominating feature in the centre of Ulm. The town's most famous landmark, it is also known far and wide for having the tallest church tower in the world. The world's tallest steepleThe building of Ulm Minster was originally financed entirely by the people of the town. It is the second-largest Gothic church in Germany after Cologne Cathedral, and in the Middle Ages this monumental place of worship used to accommodate more than 20,000 church-goers. Its enormous west steeple, the tallest in the world, rises an impressive 161 metres into the sky. It was added to the basilica in 1890, after a long period without further building, making the church famous around the world. If the weather is fine, you can see as far as the Alps from its observation platform.Ulm's many museums offer a range of insights into the history of mankind. Ulm Museum takes visitors through the history of the town and the surrounding region, the Breadmaking Museum focuses on the fascinating theme of breadmaking and the Danube German Central Museum documents the history of Danube German emigration.Art & cultureUlm is renowned for its unique art trail in the grounds of Ulm University. Herbert von Karajan, the famous conductor, appreciated Ulm's charms and held a post at Ulm Theatre. Designed by an international architect, the modern Stadthaus in the heart of the town is an arts and communication forum for local people.

Thematic Trails : Masterpieces of the Louvre – Accessible Self-Guided Tour

On their first visit to the Louvre, people often want to see the museum’s three great ladies — the Venus de Milo, the Victory of Samothrace, and Mona Lisa. As you follow this accessible guided tour, you will (re)discover these and other key works and reflect upon that indefinable notion of “masterpiece.” When the museum first opened in 1793, playing host to the former royal collections, its goal was to provide illustrious educational models for the artists of the future to ensure the revival of the “grand style” of the past. Although you will still come across students and copyists in the exhibition rooms today, museum policy has changed radically. Nearly six million visitors from every country and culture in the world flock to the Louvre each year, and there are several different ways of visiting the museum. However, there is always a quasi-universal crowd around certain “masterpieces,” which seem to strike a chord in the hearts of all spectators, whatever their nationality or culture.In the 4th century BC, the Greek philosopher Plato wrote that an artist could never attain ideal Beauty. Artists of every generation have been confronted with this question of supreme, timeless Beauty and suggested answers that reflected the age in which they lived and their particular genius. Some of these answers still seem to find an echo in us today. But with the arrival of the 19th century, the work of art acquired new functions and the masterpiece was no longer necessarily synonymous with Beauty, with aesthetic abstraction intended to delight the eye. Some works resounded with this new tone, in many ways heralding the status of contemporary works in present-day society.Far from being chronological, this tour spotlights works in front of which visitors spontaneously come to a halt.RouteStarting from the Pyramid, head toward the Sully wing. Go round the escalators and take elevator D or E (on your right) to the mezzanine floor ("Mezzanine-accès aux collections"). Enter the Sully wing and head toward the Medieval Louvre; turn left at the entrance and take elevator G to the 1st floor. Turn right out of the elevator, and cross the landing to enter the Bronze Room. Go straight on into Room 74. Turn right; elevator C is on your right when you leave the room. Take the elevator down to the ground floor to Greek Antiquities. The first work on the trail, the Venus de Milo, is on your left when you enter Room 7.

Mongolia... an Uncommon Adventure

The last great nomadic culture... rolling grassy steppes... Buddhist temples and shamans... the Naadam Festival.... The Reindeer PeopleFrom the Gobi desert to the snowy peaks of the Altai mountains and the crystal waters of Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia is truly an uncommon adventure that will challenge and fascinate the most experienced traveler.In 1994 Boojum Expeditions became the first US outfitter to offer tourism in Mongolia. In 1998 Boojum/Khovsgol Lodge became the first Mongolian-American joint venture tourism company. From your first inquiry to our Bozeman office to your last day in Mongolia, you are in the hands of an integrated group of travel experts with over 35 years experience.NOTE: For families, small groups and those with special interests, we excel at designing personalized departures and all our itineraries below can be run as custom trips.
Scheduled Tours:
2 -5 $2395.00 6-12 $2260.00 (+internal air)Visit Ulaan Baatar, the Gobi Desert, Kharhorin-Chingis Khan's ancient capital, Erdenzuu Monastery and the Naadam Festival. A concise look at the many faces of Mongolia including the spectacular Naadam festival: horse races, archery, wrestling and uniquely Mongolian games like "ankle bone shooting". We'll stay in ger camps and comfortable hotels, traveling by minivan or jeep in the company of your local guide. This trip is suitable for all ages and abilities; bring your sense of wonder and a flexible attitude.

Bridging Two Great Mountains

“This is going to change everyone’s mentality about how they go skiing here,” says big mountain skier Ian McIntosh about the Whistler Blackcomb resort’s new, $52 million Peak 2 Peak Gondola. “It looks crazy. It’s hard to believe they were even able to build this thing.” Starting December 12, the state-of-the-art Austrian system will employ 28 dangling cabins (two with glass bottoms) to shepherd as many as 2,050 passengers per hour. They’ll cross the 2.73-mile gap between the resort’s two previously platonic mountains in a mere 11 minutes, giving powder lovers even more access to North America’s largest ski resort (it has more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain). If you can’t make it to what is now the longest unsupported span on Earth (it’s a whopping 1.88 miles across Fitzsimmons Creek, at 6,069 feet above sea level), check out the Discovery Channel’s documentary about the two-year project, Peak 2 Peak, airing this spring.This article originally appeared in the January 2009 issue of Men’s Journal

Special Exhibition at Sprengel Museum Hannover

Visitors are already looking forward to the exhibition "Marc, Macke and Delaunay. The Beauty of a Fragile World (1910-1914)". From March 29th to July 19th the museum shows around 90 paintings and about 100 water colours by Franz Marc, August Macke and Robert Delaunay. The exhibition focuses on a very intense creative period of the 3 expressionist friends in the years 1910-1914. During this comparatively short period Marc and Macke who died in World War One produced their artistic lifework. Delaunay established the basis for his further opus.Franz Marc and August Macke met in Munich in 1910. Macke was fascinated by Marc's works. From a first visit to Marc's studio developed a deep friendship. Two years later the two artists met Delaunay in Paris. Despite several difficulties such as financial straits and language barriers all 3 expressionists were united by their arts, especially the topics light, its fragmentation and colour contrasts. Nevertheless, each single one of them developed his own style.Numerous companions and friends played an important role for the exchange of ideas between Marc, Macke and Delaunay, acting as mediators between different forms of art and languages. Amongst them are Sonia Delaunay. Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky as well as members of "Der Blaue Reiter". The exhibition also pays tribute to them.Contact and further information:Sprengel Museum HannoverKurt-Schwitters-Platz30169 HannoverTel: +49 (0)511 168 43875Fax: +49 (0)511 168 45093Opening hours:Tuesday 10.00 - 20.00Wednesday-Sunday 10.00 - 18.00Closed on MondaysOpen 10.00 - 18.00 on the following holidays:April 12th and 13thMay 1st, 21st and 31stJune 1st

Banbury, Oxfordshire

Extensive improvements at the heart of Banbury have created a regenerated and vibrant canal corridor through the town, with new bridges and access for wheelchair users as well as a canalside shopping complex. The renovated historic Tooley’s boatyard, now part of the new Banbury Museum, provides a working monument to Banbury’s past alongside the dramatic new shopping centre and museum.New moorings have been created to encourage boaters to stop and explore the many delights of the town, including its bustling market on Thursdays and Saturdays and farmers market on the first Friday of every month. Banbury Cross is also a short walk away. The present cross is a replica of the original, referred to in the nursery rhyme “Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross”.

Russian Federation

OUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Russia is a vast and diverse nation that continues to evolve politically, economically, and socially. Most Americans find their stay in Russia both exciting and rewarding, but travel and living conditions in Russia contrast sharply with those in the United States. Major urban centers show tremendous differences in economic development compared to rural areas. While good tourist facilities exist in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some other large cities, they are not developed in most of Russia, and some of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Russian visa requirements are highly complex, and U.S. citizens must take care that they do not unintentionally violate entry and exit regulations. Travel to the Caucasus region of Russia is dangerous. The Department of State recommends Americans not travel to Chechnya and adjoining areas.SAFETY AND SECURITY: Due to continued civil and political unrest throughout much of the Caucasus region, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya and all areas that border it: North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. The U.S. Government’s ability to assist Americans who travel to the northern Caucasus is extremely limited. Throughout the region, local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including Americans, for ransom. U.S. citizens have disappeared in Chechnya and remain missing. Close contacts with the local population do not guarantee safety. There have been several kidnappings of foreigners and Russians working for media and non-governmental organizations in the region. Due to the ongoing security concerns, U.S. Government travel to the area is very limited. American citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot be effectively guaranteed.Acts of terrorism, including bombings and hostage taking, have occurred in Russia over the last several years. Bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, residential complexes, and on public transportation including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights. Hostage-taking incidents have included a raid on a school that resulted in horrific losses of life of children, teachers, and parents.There is no current indication that American institutions or citizens are targets, but there is a general risk of American citizens being victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. American citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices. Americans are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation. When traveling, Americans may wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of their itinerary. Americans should avoid large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures. Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business.American citizens living in Russia or traveling there for even a few days are strongly urged to register with the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate General. Registration will allow the embassy to provide direct information on the security situation as necessary. Registration can be done on-line and can be done in advance of travel.

Valentines day travel ideas

Valentines Day is the most romantic holiday. Ditch the flowers and candy, and plan a romantic travel get-away to Paris. A trip to Paris is a great way to show that special someone in your life how much you love them.Maybe a leisurely stroll on the streets of Rome will make your hearts sing. Book a cruise with Cruises By Kate and take a "Roman" holiday. Of course, your Valentines day travel plans do not have to be that exuberant. If you're not sure where to travel for Valentines day, pick up a video from Travel Video Store. They have videos on railway journeys, weekend explorer, and so much more. You can plan your holiday get-away with the help of these videos. There's no doubt that your Valentines day will be very special.Traveling and spending time with the one you love is great way to strengthen your relationship. Hilton Hotels has thousands of hotels in 70 countries. They are one of the most well-known and respected hotel brands. You can even book at the last minute. Your Valentines day travel plans will come together in no time.
Valentines Day IdeasRoad tripEuropean cruiseStay at the local Hilton Hotel and ResortRailway journeyStay at a bed and breakfastHawaii makes a beautiful backdrop for an amorous holiday. Don't forget to bring a gift. For the woman in your life, buy her a heart-shaped necklace. For the man in your life, give him something that he will enjoy. If he's an avid golfer, buy him a set of personalized golf balls. If he's a sports fan, give him season tickets to his favorite sports team. For your Valentines day travel, make sure to pack something special. Ladies this may include some new lingerie and a little black dress. Gentleman, this may include dinner attire other than jeans; bring a suit. It's nice to get dressed up once in awhile. Dinner for two under the stars at a 5-star restaurant is very romantic.Nothing is more relaxing than staying at a bed and breakfast. These quaint places are usually nestled and tucked away against beautiful scenery. They make the perfect Valentines day gift. Take a moonlit stroll with your sweetie and you have the makings of a memorable Valentines day.Out of all of the holidays, Valentines day is very special to people. Love fills the air and it seems to deeply affect people. For those who do not have someone special in their lives, show yourself some love. Instead of staying home, travel to wherever it is you would like to go. Book a spa vacation at a hotel and resort. Pamper yourself because you're worth it. Love yourself and love will find you.Sometimes the "passion" in your relationship may fizzle. While you're on vacation, if you still feel the need to give a gift, check out soem fun Valentines day gift ideas.

Wildlife and the environment

We know lots of people are worried about the negative impact tourism has on the environment and local cultures - but here are some practical tips on how you can be a responsible tourist.There’s information about carbon offsetting to minimise the impact of air travel, information on conserving natural resources.And tips on finding ethical tour operators, shopping responsibly and helping to protect endangered species.Before you goask your tour operator when you book your holiday where your money is going - staying in locally owned accommodation benefits local familieswhen you’ve finished with your holiday brochures pass them on to a friend or recycle themask to see your tour operator’s sustainable tourism policyask whether your hotel operates sustainablysee if you can you book excursions that contribute to the local economy and protect indigenous cultures and wildliferecycle packaging from new clothes and toiletries before you go - waste disposal is a major expense in poorer countriesif you are travelling to an impoverished country think about taking gifts which will benefit the local community such as stationery for a school.Air travel and carbon offsettingThe amount of carbon burnt fuelling your flight will do more damage to the environment than any other aspect of your travels.Organisations like Climate Care and Carbon Neutral can help you offset your carbon emissions by investing in projects that prevent or remove an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.If you are only making a relatively short journey consider other methods of transport such as trains, ferries or coaches.Shop responsiblyhelp the local economy by buying local produce - shop at markets or local grocers and buy local crafts and productshaggling can be fun but don’t be obsessed with getting the lowest price - remember how wealthy you are compared to local people in some countriesproducts made from endangered species, hardwoods or shells are often illegal-you could face prosecution or a fine if you try to bring them back into the UKFor more information on wildlife souvenirs and a list of banned products see the UK CITES Souvenir Alert website.Use natural resources sparinglyin many destinations natural resources such as water, wood and fuel are precious—local people may not have enough for their own needsconserve resources in your hotel, lodge or camp by turning off (or down) heating, air conditioning, lights and the TV when not requiredlet staff know if you are happy to re-use towels and bed linen rather than having them replaced dailyuse public transport, hire a bike or walk where possible—you’ll meet local people and get to know the place betterdon’t drop litter - use biodegradable products, re-use bottles, plastic bags and other containers and take used batteries home with youPreserve the environment and wildlifehelp preserve the natural environment for others to enjoy - don’t pick flowers and plants or collect pebbles and seashellscoral is extremely fragile and takes decades to grow - don’t step on or remove any coral when swimming or divingcomplain to your holiday rep if wildlife or habitats are disturbed on organised excursionsAnd don’t support activities which exploit wild animals - swimming with dolphins, watching dancing bear performances and having your photo taken with lion and tiger cubs, monkeys or snakes can condone and encourage animal cruelty

Car model

A car model is a particular brand of vehicle sold under a marque. From an engineering point of view, a particular car model is usually defined and/or constrained by the use of a particular car chassis/bodywork combination or the same monocoque.This engineering frame may have derivatives, giving rise to more than one body style for a particular car model. For example, the same car model can be offered as a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a station wagon, or even as a folding-roof convertible, all derived from the same engineering body frame. An example of this is the BMW 3-series.Also, the same car model can be offered with different mechanical internals, such as a choice of several engine sizes, automatic or manual transmissions, different suspension, braking or steering systems, etc., all of these options considered fairly interchangeable on that specific body frame. It is common for any specific car model to carry additional badges or letterings to announce the mechanical option(s) incorporated on it.However, when the same engineering body frame is sold under a different marque or by a partner automaker, it usually becomes, from a commercial point of view, a different car model.Sometimes the marketing department may give each body style variant its own trade name, creating as many car models as body variants, even though they may share a large parts commonality and the engineering department may continue to consider them all part of the same project. An example of this is the Volkswagen Gol / Voyage / Parati / Saveiro. Conversely, the marketing department may advertise a car model as a convenient derivative of some popular car, when in fact they may be completely different engineering projects with almost no parts commonality.The same car model may be sold by the automaker in different countries under different names. An example of this is the Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero.In any given market, the same car model may be available in multiple model ranges or trim levels (having the same body style, but different equipment packages.) It is common for any specific car model to carry additional badges or letterings to announce its trim level. For example, the Renault Scénic includes entry-level trim (badged Renault Scénic Authentique), the next model up (additional badge: Expression), mid-range trim (Dynamique) and luxury trim (Privilège). Another example will be Toyota Camry's trim levels: CE (Classic Edition), LE (Luxury Edition), SE (Sport/Special Edition), XLE (Extra Luxury Edition), and plus limited and anniversary editions.There may also be a high-performance GTi version, and a level (sometimes called "SRi") in between standard and performance models.A particular trim package may define special edition and limited edition models which have limited production, special badges, unique color schemes, special equipment packages, designer brand names, and sometimes called collector's editions because of the rarity and high resale value. For example, the Ford F Series has an extensive line of special and limited edition models: the F150 has the Lariat, 4x4 Off-Road, King Ranch, STX, Eddie Bauer, Harley Davidson, SVT, Lighting, Chip Foose, NASCAR, Anniversary, Sport, Chrome, Texas, Platinum, Hurricane, Heritage, Jack Roush, Limited, and many other editions.Offering an array of body styles, mechanical specifications and trim levels allow manufacturers to target the same car model to different market niches. For example, the cheap, basic-trim-level, three-door variant of some popular car may be right for the student on a budget, while the station wagon with comfort package may suit the needs of an elder lady, and the very expensive, high-performance, semi-racing variant may catch the eye of the sportier-minded executive with a fat wallet, all of the three variants having arisen from the same project and carrying the same commercial name. An example of this is the Ford Focus.A car model may be further subdivided into model years, all cars from a particular model year sharing approximately the same characteristics (given the same trim level, body style, engine option, etc.) but sometimes with slight differences from others of a different model year. In this context, a facelift may be used to slightly update the looks of an aging car model without a major engineering revision, giving way to a so-called "second series" of that particular model, and sometimes becoming the opportunity for a marketing re-launch of the same car.Many times a manufacturer decides to completely redesign the car, but with the aim of offering the new model to the same specific public or in the same market niche, keeping it similarly priced and marketed against its usual competitors from other manufacturers. The car is usually considered a different model by the engineering department, carrying a different model designator, but, for marketing reasons, it is offered to the consumers with the same old, traditional, familiar name. An example of this is the Toyota Corolla.Total production run for a given car is usually calculated regarding the engineering project name or designator. The marketing department may advertise figures for a continuous-production tradename instead, divided in so-called "generations". However, for government or sport regulatory purposes, each body-style/mechanical-configuration combination may be counted as a different model.

Wildlife and the environment

We know lots of people are worried about the negative impact tourism has on the environment and local cultures - but here are some practical tips on how you can be a responsible tourist.There’s information about carbon offsetting to minimise the impact of air travel, information on conserving natural resources.And tips on finding ethical tour operators, shopping responsibly and helping to protect endangered species.Before you goask your tour operator when you book your holiday where your money is going - staying in locally owned accommodation benefits local familieswhen you’ve finished with your holiday brochures pass them on to a friend or recycle themask to see your tour operator’s sustainable tourism policyask whether your hotel operates sustainablysee if you can you book excursions that contribute to the local economy and protect indigenous cultures and wildliferecycle packaging from new clothes and toiletries before you go - waste disposal is a major expense in poorer countriesif you are travelling to an impoverished country think about taking gifts which will benefit the local community such as stationery for a school.Air travel and carbon offsettingThe amount of carbon burnt fuelling your flight will do more damage to the environment than any other aspect of your travels.Organisations like Climate Care and Carbon Neutral can help you offset your carbon emissions by investing in projects that prevent or remove an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.If you are only making a relatively short journey consider other methods of transport such as trains, ferries or coaches.Shop responsiblyhelp the local economy by buying local produce - shop at markets or local grocers and buy local crafts and productshaggling can be fun but don’t be obsessed with getting the lowest price - remember how wealthy you are compared to local people in some countriesproducts made from endangered species, hardwoods or shells are often illegal-you could face prosecution or a fine if you try to bring them back into the UKFor more information on wildlife souvenirs and a list of banned products see the UK CITES Souvenir Alert website.Use natural resources sparinglyin many destinations natural resources such as water, wood and fuel are precious—local people may not have enough for their own needsconserve resources in your hotel, lodge or camp by turning off (or down) heating, air conditioning, lights and the TV when not requiredlet staff know if you are happy to re-use towels and bed linen rather than having them replaced dailyuse public transport, hire a bike or walk where possible—you’ll meet local people and get to know the place betterdon’t drop litter - use biodegradable products, re-use bottles, plastic bags and other containers and take used batteries home with youPreserve the environment and wildlifehelp preserve the natural environment for others to enjoy - don’t pick flowers and plants or collect pebbles and seashellscoral is extremely fragile and takes decades to grow - don’t step on or remove any coral when swimming or divingcomplain to your holiday rep if wildlife or habitats are disturbed on organised excursionsAnd don’t support activities which exploit wild animals - swimming with dolphins, watching dancing bear performances and having your photo taken with lion and tiger cubs, monkeys or snakes can condone and encourage animal cruelty

Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of Vancouver Island’s most popular activities. No wonder: about 80 magnificent Orcas (killer whales) alone live in the waters off the southern island coastline year-round. Vancouver Island boasts some of the world’s highest-density and most accessible whale-watching locations, including Tofino & Ucluelet, Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill & Alert Bay, the Southern Gulf Islands and Victoria.Orcas, minke, grays and dolphinsThe waters of the “Salish Sea” (collectively the waters of southern Vancouver Island and of the southern Gulf Islands) abound with marine life: in addition to Orcas, gray whales migrate through in massive numbers between March and October, while porpoises, dolphins and sea lions reside here.Further north, the protected waters of Johnstone Strait as well as of the Blackfish and Broughton archipelagos offer accessible and often predictable locations to view Orcas — plus minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions and seals.This area is also alive with 10,000 years of Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations culture, which you can learn about as part of a guided excursion.Spot whales from May through OctoberThere are some outstanding whale-watching operators in the region that offer fascinating expeditions - check our listings for details on these companies.What to expect on a whale-watching tour:Tours are usually comfortable and smooth; but be prepared for bumpy rides at times, especially in the smaller, high-speed zodiacs. On windy days, expect to get wet (operators usually provide waterproof life-preserving suits to wear over clothes).Hydrophones have been added to many of the tours so that while watching, you can hear them communicating with one another. Onboard guides — often marine biologists and naturalists — also offer their expertise, enriching the overall experience. Expect to spend about 3-5 hours for each tour and remember not to disturb the whales and other wildlife while close to them.What to wear on your guided, whale-watching journey:It is always cooler on the ocean, so dress accordingly. Layer, layer, layer: on a warm summer day, you can wear shorts, t-shirt and sandals, but bring along pants and a fleece sweater or vest, along with soft-soled shoes. Pack cameras, sunglasses and sunscreen, bottled water and a plastic bag to keep personal items dry.On cooler days, layer up with pants, short or long-sleeved t-shirt, fleece sweater, gloves, toque, soft-soled shoes and/or rubber boots. Check with your tour operator for more information.Whale watch from a kayakAn ideal way to explore the maze of islands, sheltered waters and marine wildlife is on a guided kayak tour. Some operators set up base camp on small islands that offer easy access to whale-watching areas — though you can often spot them right from the shore.Expect to paddle, on average, 4-5 hours a day on guided tour. This varies considerably depending on weather conditions, tides and currents.

JAPAN GOURMET TOUR

14 days Tokyo to KyotoTokyo, Takayama, Koya-san, Osaka,Hiroshima, Kyoto, cooking classes.A culinary journey into Asia's most enigmatic land. With so many different methods of Japanese cooking to sample, from Okonomiyaki to Sapporo crab, there is no end to the variety and beauty of the art that is Japanese cuisine. This is a trip through Japan's heart and kitchen.Days 1-2 TokyoYou can arrive at our joining point hotel at any time today as there are no planned activities. Please note that check-in time at our joining point hotel is not until 1.00 pm. Your leader will contact you to arrange a group meeting for the evening of day 1 followed by dinner.We will be up early on day 2 to visit the famous Tsukiji markets and will breakfast there. The external market here is great souvenir-hunting territory.Days 3-4 TakayamaTakayama is famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the outdoor museum of the Hida Folk village. There is free time to explore the many folk art galleries, local markets, museums or just wander the streets of this delightful little town nestled amongst the Japanese Alps. One option is to hire a bicycle to get around this peaceful town. We will also spend time in the kitchen of a ryokan discovering the secrets of san sai, mountain vegetables cuisine, miso, Hida beef, and soba noodles.Days 5-6 Koya-sanWe have an opportunity to stay in a Buddhist monastery for two nights at Koya-san. It's a simple vegetarian fare here with a chance to help cook (and clean up) with the resident monks whilst sampling delicious vegetarian cuisine and taking part in Zazen meditation.Days 7-8 OsakaOsaka provides the adventurous with a chance to visit a Fugu (poisonous blowfish) restaurant - at your own risk!! We also have the opportunity to make our own buckwheat noodles in the back streets of this feudal hub. The local Takoyaki (Octopus balls) are said to be the best in Japan.Days 9-10 HiroshimaHiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history (approx. 5 hrs from Takayama by train). We have free time to visit the ruins of the A- Dome building, one of eleven structures left partially standing after the nuclear bomb blast on 6th August 1945, left as a horrifying reminder of the destruction of nuclear war. Around its perimeter is the peace park, with monuments and a museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international peace. You can spend an afternoon at the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Watch out for the inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the streets of Miyajima.Days 11-14 KyotoWe travel on to Kyoto via Himeji-jo Castle, a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this five-storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture, but a great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Kimeji-jo is approx. 1 hour, and then it's a further 1 hour on to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do, with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. The magnificent gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple should not be missed, nor should a cultural performance at Gion Corner (optional). We can spend a day at Nara, home of Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to a 16m high Buddha. Kyoto is also a great place to get 'lost' in - walk the streets and soak in the wonderful atmosphere. The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening. There is so much to do in and around Kyoto youmight choose to extend your stay here. You can depart Kyoto at any time on day 14. We recommend you use your JR rail pass to get back to Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya airports for departure.Travel Style Gourmet Travel is the perfect trip for food lovers. Travelling in countries renowned for their delicious cuisine our Gourmet Adventure trips make the most of "food glorious food" while not forgetting to explore the cultural and environmental highlights. From elaborate banquets to street side stalls, from busy markets to frenetic kitchens we taste and discover a country, meeting its people and experiencing its culture as we get to know the localsand enjoy an insight into their lives and palates!

Florence Day Trips

Arezzo – This charming old hill town less than an hour from Florence is noted for the Piero della Francesca frescoes in the Bascilica of San Francesco. Around the Piazza Grande stop into a café for a gelato. Since Etruscan times, Arezzo has been famous for it's goldsmiths, and today, the world's largest gold manufacturing plant is in Arezzo. Spend some time browsing in the gold and silver shops for souvenirs.


Horseback riding around Florence – Arrange for an excursion in the countryside on horseback. Contact Centro Equitazione Vecchio Texas (055 959126), Axienda Agrigola Sportiva il Paretaio (055 8059218), Centro Ippico di Bracciatica (055 8729223).


Museo Leonardiano di Vinci (Vinci) – Visit the town of Vinci, and the Leonardo da Vinci museum, situated in a medieval castle. The museum is chock full of exact models of Leonardo's inventions – his flying machine, tank, steam cannon, helicopter, and scads more! For more information about the museum
Tip: The museum is open daily, but try to go on a weekday, weekends can be crowded.

Fiesole

Fiesole, on the hills above Florence, was once a bustling Etruscan settlement, then a Roman town, and quite the equal of Florence until the medieval era. During the Renaissance, Fiesole became a nice retreat for the Medicis, who built villas on the hillsides. Here in Fiesole today, kids can get a glimpse of earlier inhabitants, and it's a great escape from busy Florence.

Etruscan tombs (Tombe Etrusche) – Walk to the end of town, approximately a ten minute walk on Via A. Gramsci, to visit two little Etruscan tombs, more than two centuries old. The tombs are the perfect size for children, quite open, kids can go inside the tombs and climb on the stones. The walk also has views of the Tuscan countryside, just imagine Etruscan settlements dotting the hills. There's also a long section of existing Etruscan wall (which defended the town) on Via delle Mura Etrusche, behind the Roman theater.

Visit the ruins of the Roman Theater and Archeological Museum (Teatro Romano and Museo Archeologico). The Roman amphitheater, built between 50 and 0 BC, could hold a big crowd of 2,500 people, and is still used for dramatic productions. Don't miss the ruins of the Roman baths and a Roman-Etruscan temple.


Public Garden (Giardini Pubblico) – Looking for a place to spread out your picnic? Head for the public gardens, it's just a short walk from the central piazza. Heading north west, follow the signs up the hill toward S. Alessando. On the right, in the gardens are shade trees, grassy areas and benches.
If you continue up the road a little more, on the left is more of the public gardens, with panoramic views of Florence. On a clear day, the Duomo and surrounding Florence look like a Renaissance map.

Walk from Fiesole to San Domenico – For a stroll in the hills, take a walk down the Via Vecchia Fiesolana, the old road that goes from Fiesole in the direction of San Domenico. It's a delightful walk down a one lane road, lined with stone walls and villas, olive trees and flowering trees in spring, birds singing. The road ends at the little town of San Domenico, and there you can pick up the bus (regular or City Sightseeing) back to Fiesole.

Florence - Oltrarno

The south side of the River Arno in Florence is called the Oltrarno. The Oltrarno is great for kids – there are parts of the old city walls, gardens, greenery and open spaces, and excellent views of Florence. It's quieter here, and it seems that the Tuscan countryside is in your backyard.
Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti) and Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) – The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are really the Medici's creation. A Florentine banker Lorenzo Pitti built the palazzo, but sold it to the Medici's in the mid 16th century. From there on, the Medici's expanded the palace and formal gardens, and like Versailles, this is extravagence at its best.



Tip: When we visited the Pitti Palace, it was a combined ticket for the Galleria del Costume, Museo degli Argenti, and the Boboli Gardens. The Galleria Palatina was separate ticket.



Galleria Palatina – The Galleria Palatina is the lavish living quarters of the Medici's, stacked to the ceilings with glorious paintings (just like home ...). As you explore the Galleria, strolling past the portraits and marble statues of Medici princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, through the red throne room, the green brocade room, the blue bedroom, the Chinese dressing room, look for fabulous works by Raphael, Boticelli, Fra Lippo Lippi, and Tintoretto, especially the luminous Madonna and child paintings. And don't miss the incomparable portraits by Titian and Raphael, the people in the paintings look so contemporary. The Medici jeweled trinkets are also fun – gold, enamel, ruby goodies, and a tiny golden baby crib, decorated with diamonds and pearls.



Galleria del Costume – The Italians are famous for fashion, and here you can see what a boy and girl wore in the 19th century, empire dresses, wide flared skirts and flounces, rich black velvets and and men's embroidered coats in the 19th century, beaded dresses in the 1920's, and evening gowns galore. Don't miss an amazing beaded jacket decorated with the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, plus jewelry, purses, shoes and parasols.



For the jewelry-minded, visit the Silver Museum (Museo degli Argenti) on the ground floor of Pitti, with gems, semi-precious stones, crystal vases, engraved cameos and gold cups.
Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) – The Boboli Gardens are filled with marvelous grottos, ponds, fountains, an Egyptian obelisk, and Roman statues. It's like a huge maze, paths covered with trees that meet in the middle, or a whole shady forest, populated with chirping birds. There are benches and grassy spots to sit down, and room to run and stretch your legs. The gardens cover a big area (111 acres), plenty of places for kids to find their own secret spot.



Tip: There are different entrances to the Boboli Gardens. In addition to the entrance to the gardens through the Pitti Palace, there are also separate entrances near the Forte di Belvedere and the Porta Romana.
Museo Zoologico - La Specola – Next door to the Pitti Place is the oldest zoological museum in the world, opened in 1775, and has an amazing zoological collection, especially extinct birds and animals, such as the Tasmanian Wolf, Great Auk and Passenger pigeon. There are two rooms of birds local to Italy.
Forte di Belvedere – Just above the Boboli Gardens is the Forte di Belvedere, a 16th century star-shaped fort. Entrance to the fort is free, there are grassy areas and benches, and super views of the Duomo. Bring a picnic and relax, away from the hustle and bustle of central Florence. To get to the fort, walk up Costa di San Giorgio.
Next to Forte di Belvedere is Porta San Giorgio, and a whole section of the old city walls (see next section).
Old city walls and gates – In the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, Florence was often feuding with some other town – good defenses were very important. Starting in the late 13th and 14th century, stone walls, gates and watch towers were built to protect the city.
Today in the Oltrarno, whole sections of the walls and five gates still stand (Porta san Niccolo, Porta San Miniato, Porta San Giorgio, Porta Romana, Porta San Frediano). The wall starts at Porta San Niccolo, the oldest gate (built in 1327), on the eastern edge of the old city, just below the Piazzale Michelangelo.


Walk the city wall from Porta San Niccolo, along Via dei Bastioni, to Porta San Miniato. Continue following the wall (along Via di Belvedere) to Porta San Giorgio. The stone walls certainly look like they could keep out an army – crenelations, bastions, and solid construction. Walking along the city walls, kids can imagine Florence centuries ago, these walls give shape to the old city.


There's a gap in the city walls, as parts are now incoporated into the Boboli Gardens, but the next section to explore is Porta Romana to Piazza Torquato Tasso. The Porta Romana gate is impressive – very solid, massive masonry gateway, with two huge ancient studded wooden doors. Follow the city wall from the Porta Romana, all the way to the Piazza Torquato Tasso (follow the wall on the east side, it's more peaceful than the west side of the wall on Viale Franceso Petrarca).



The last section of city wall and gateway is Porta San Frediano, just south of the River Arno, at Borgo San Frediano. Walk from the gateway north, up Via Lungo le Mura di Santa Rosa, to the river and Lungarno Soderini.
Piazzale Michelangelo – Take a break from museums and head out to the Piazzale Michelangelo (you could drive or take the bus, but it's most fun to do the walk). Start at the River Arno, pass through Porta San Niccolo, and stroll up to the Piazzale Michelangelo. Here you'll find a wide open panorama of the city, ice cream and snacks are available at the restaurant and from vendors. The square also has copies of Michelangelo's David, and copies four statues from the Medici Chapels.
San Miniato al Monte – Just beyond the Piazzale Michelangelo is the church of San Miniato al Monte. It's well worth a stop, this exquisite church is much older than the Renaissance, and there's a great story that goes with it. In the 3rd century AD, St. Minias was a hermit living on this hillside. He was beheaded, but picked up his head, crossed over the river and returned to this site, where a shrine, and later the church was built.
Inside the church is an amazing 13th century mosaic of Christ and the Virgin Mary, embellished with fabulous winged creatures. Green and white geometric marble patterns adorn the church inside and out and in the crypt are supposed to be bones of St. Minias. This is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.



From San Miniato al Monte, it's a great walk back down toward the Arno on Via Monte alle Croci (you'll come back down at Porta San Miniato). Or, if you have teens and want to take a longer walk, follow south on Viale Galileo Galilei, then return on Via di Leonardo, which ends at Porta San Giorgio and Forte di Belvedere. This is a super walk, the whole area is hillsides covered with greenery and olive trees, dotted with villas, it's an open feeling of what Florence was like outside the city walls in centuries past.

Florence - Centro

Piazza del Duomo – The Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Florence, and it's not just some dusty old cathedral – all the buildings in the Piazza are a startling vision in pink, white and green marble, with stripes and rectangles, rosette windows, licorice-rope arches, geometric patterns, shining sculptures, every inch is covered! These are buildings kids can relate to, like giant marble gingerbread houses, and they are dazzling.


The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) – The Duomo, with its brick red cupola, is a Florence landmark and an architectural tour de force. In the 15th century nobody had plunked such a big dome onto a cathedral, and skeptics thought it would fall down. But the architect Brunelleschi had an innovative design, and hundreds of years later, the dome is still the largest masonry (stone and bricks) dome in the world.



When you go inside the cathderal, it's quite a contrast to the vibrantly decorated exterior. Stained glass windows and frescoes provide color, but it's amazing stand under the dome itself and look up – what an incredible sense of wide open space, it takes your breath away. Kids can imagine what it was like for the workman to build the dome, using 15th century tools and techniques (no cranes), eating their lunch inside the vault high above the ground.
Also look for the fresco by Michelino, with Dante in his stocking feet, showing off an open book, the Divine Comedy. Behind Dante on the left is a wedding cake topped by Adam and Eve and other poor people in purgatory, and on the right, a surrealistic scene of the Duomo itself.



Campanile (Campanile di Giotto) – Next door to the Duomo is the Campanile, the bell tower started by Giotto in the 14th century. Climb up the tower, the stairs go round and round, with cool slits to peer through as you ascend. At the top of the Campanile are stellar views of the Duomo just across the way, and views all around of Florence. Each level is fenced in, so there's no worries about the safety of kids. This is one our favorite things to do in Florence, but go early in the day.
Baptistery – The Baptistery is the oldest building in Florence, and the spot where kids were baptised each year on March 25. Don't miss the glorious gilded bronze doors, the "Gates of Paradise" outside, and inside the incredible mosaics on the Batistery ceiling. The mosaic scenes of hell show the devil with horns and snakes coming out of his ears, purple demons and green newts.



To see a wooden model of the dome, stop in to the Museo dell'Opera Duomo. Also in this museum is the heart wrenching Pieta by Michelangelo. In this sculpture, the face of Joseph of Armithea is a self-portrait of Michelangelo at the end of his life.

Leonardo da Vinci Museum Activities (Via dei Servi 66) – Leonardo left tons of drawings of his inventions, and in this museum, kids can see and touch large wooden models of Leonardo's machines. Turn the wheels, watch gears and mechanisms move for the bicycle ornithopter, machine gun, ball bearing, mortar cannon, revolving crane, floats for walking on water, printing machine, and more. This museum brings Leonardo's drawings to life.

Galleria dell'Accademia – The place to see the Michelangelo's original David statue is the Accademia. It was originally situated in the Piazza della Signoria (where there's a copy of the statue today), but moved inside to the Galleria dell' Accademia in the 19th century. At the Piazzale Michelangelo is a third copy of the David statue.


A block away from the Accademia is the Piazza Santissima Annunziata with a super fountain, two winged monkeys perched on top of two sea creatures spitting water. Also on the piazza is the Spedale degli Innocenti, the first foundling hospital in Europe, decorated with blue and white ceramic rondels of kids in swaddling clothes (Renaissance diapers).


Piazza della Repubblica – In the Piazza della Repubblica, toddlers will enjoy a ride on the old-fashioned carousel with lovely scenes of Florence painted on the top. Also at the piazza, indulge your sweet tooth at cafe Gilli, all sorts of Florentine sweets and pastries.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello – The Bargello museum is housed in a fabulous Renaissance palazzo, with blue and gold ceilings, and decorated with the 14th and 15th century coats of arms. On display are sculptures, including Donatello's incomparable bronze St. George and Verrocchio's David (standing on Goliath's head), a lovely Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, plus Turkish armor, Egyptian swords, miniature bronze statues of knights, rearing horses, peacocks and lions, and Renaissance cameo jewelry. This museum is a hidden gem.


Galleria degli Uffizi – The Uffizi is chock full of spectacular art, but you'll need to plan your visit (tickets have a timed entrance), and it's also chock full of visitors. Once inside, head for the Botticelli room to see those truly exquisite Birth of Venus and Allegory of Spring. Room 16 has maps of Tuscany painted on the walls and a copy of Galileo's telescope. For more info about the collections, check out the Uffizi Gallery Web site.
Tip: To buy tickets for the Uffizi in advance, click here.


Museo Salvatore Ferragamo (via dei Tornabuoni 2) – Shoes, shoes, shoes, a traditional Florentine art. This is the perfect destination for a teen or anyone in your family who likes shoes. Pick your favorites from this imaginative collection of fabulous hand-crafted shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo from the 1920's to the 1960's, black and white stripes and swirls, emerald green, electric blue, ruby red, multicolor shoes, encrusted with embroidery and rhinestones.


Museum of the History of Science (Instituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza) – Right next to the Uffizi is the Museum of History of Science, which might sound dry, but it's not. The Renaissance was also a time of wondrous scientific discoveries. The museum has Galileo's scientific instruments, old telescopes and microscopes, all kinds of clocks, and other scientific apparatus. Don't miss Galileo's gold-covered middle finger preserved in a glass bubble.


Church of Santa Croce – The church of Santa Croce is famous for it's lovely Giotto frescoes, depicting the life of St. Francis, but it's most fun for the famous people buried there. You won't be able to walk through the church without stepping on tons of tombstones, and stopping to look at different marble monuments. Stand on one side of the church and you'll see Michelangelo's ornate tomb – right across the way is the tomb of Galileo. Machiavelli is also buried in Santa Croce, and there's a memorable monument to Dante as well. Not a destination for little kids, but something for older kids.

Walk along the River Arno – During your stay in Florence take time to just walk along the River Arno. There are wide promenades on either side. Starting at the Ponte Vecchio (which has withstood invading armies and flooding), going east, walk all the way to Piazza Piave (then take the electric bus back). Walking west, follow the Arno all the way to the Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Or, at any point, cross the river on the bridges, and make a loop.

Destination : First Time Travellers : Best of Southern Africa

12 Days/11 NightsDepartures: DailyTaking in three of Africa's most exhilarating countries, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, this tour is the perfect introduction to the Southern region of this exotically mysterious continent.On this African journey discover the cultural diversity and splendour of Cape Town and its surrounding areas. Feast your eyes on palpitating game viewing when you visit South Africa's Kruger and Botswana's Chobe National Parks. Combine all of this with the legendary Colonial Victoria Falls for the encounter of a life time.Day 1: Cape TownOn arrival in Cape Town transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Cape Town Lodge.Day 2: Cape Town (B)The tour begins with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain (cable car fee not included). Enjoy a guided walk and learn about the varying Flora and fauna as well as taking in the amazing view of Cape Town and its surrounds. Continue on for a city tour which includes a visit to the Malay Quarter. Visit the Castle of Good Hope before driving through to Milnerton for a spectacular view of Table Mountain and the City. Stop at the Cape Town Diamond Works before returning to the hotel. Overnight: Cape Town Lodge.Day 3: Cape Town - Winelands (B)First stop on this full day tour will be Paarl then on to Franschhoek for some wine tasting at a local winery. Settled 300 years ago by the Hugueonots this beautiful mountainous valley is centred around a picturesque village, where art, craft and antique shops line the main street. Continue on to Stellenbosch for lunch. (not included). After a tour of this historical university town return to Cape Town. Overnight: Cape Town Lodge.Day 4: Cape Town - Cape Point (B)Begin this half day tour travelling via Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. After enjoying stunning views from the highest point continue towards Simonstown and Muizenberg, before returning to CapeTown. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight: Cape Town Lodge.Day 5: Cape Town - Kruger National Park (B/L/D)Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Kruger National Park via Johannesburg (flights not included). On arrival transfer to the lodge. After lunch experience the excitement of tracking down the “Big 5” on an afternoon game drive. With no fences between the Private Game Reserves and the Kruger National Park and the opportunity to go off-road, exciting wildlife encounters in the open veld are the order of the day. Return to the lodge for dinner.Overnight: Akeru Lodge.Day 6: Kruger National Park (B/L/D)The untouched rugged Timbavati Bushveld, is home to Akeru Safari Lodge, a place of exquisite beauty and peace. Relax at the pool as you observe animals’ large and small make their way over to the Lodge’s waterhole and quench their thirst. Experience the mystical ancestry of the Timbavati wilderness where vehicle activity is kept to a minimum and radio contact is utilised to maximise sightings of interest.Overnight: Akeru Safari Lodge.Day 7: Kruger National Park Johannesburg (B)Awake to an early morning cup of tea before venturing back into the bush in an open 4wd vehicle. The experienced tracker and driver will ensure that the drive will not be disappointing. The sheer enjoyment of unspoilt nature and the invigorating air and open vistas will leave you relaxed and energized for when you return to civilization. In the afternoon you will be taken back to the airport for return flight to Johannesburg (not included). On arrival transfer to airport hotel. Overnight: Metcourt Laurel.Day 8: Johannesburg – Victoria Falls (B)This morning return to the airport for the flight to Victoria Falls (not included). On arrival transfer to hotel. One of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is a must for any visit to Africa. Discovered by Livingstone in 1855, Victoria Falls not only stands alone as a spectacular destination in its own right but is geographically the perfect gateway to many other fascinating areas. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the Falls, relax by the pool or explore the craft markets.Overnight: The Kingdom Hotel.Day 9: Victoria Falls (B)Victoria Falls is a spell binding natural phenomenon and being 1500 metres wide it is the largest curtain of water in the world. Today’s optional activities are endless. See the falls from an angels point of view – microlight, helicopter or seaplane – each a sublime experience with nothing but air between you and the chasm below. For the more adventurous experience a bunjee jump or ride the rapids of the Zambezi. Late afternoon enjoy a spectacular African sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Overnight: The Kingdom Hotel.Day 10: Victoria Falls – Chobe National Park (B/L/D)Travel across the border into one of Botswana’s most famous National Parks, Chobe. Renowned for its massive elephant herds, which roam the shores of the Chobe River, Chobe’s amazing diversity of other wildlife is only matched by the variety of ways to view it. Chobe National Park offers the option to see the game on foot, by 4wd vehicle or by boat. You will have the opportunity to experience them all as two activities per day are included.Overnight: Kubu Lodge.Day 11: Chobe National Park (B/L/D)Kubu has eleven wooden chalets on stilts which overlook a shaded lawn that spreads beneath ebony and fig trees and is ideally situated on the banks of the Chobe River. Enjoy a morning and afternoon game activity with time in between to relax by the pool or have a siesta. Overnight: Kubu Lodge.Day 12: Chobe National Park – Victoria Falls (B)After an early morning game activity and breakfast transfer back to Victoria Falls airport for onward flight. Alternatively continue on in Botswana to the unspoilt Okavango Delta or the remote and beautiful Selinda area.

Red Shirts Storm ASEAN Summit

While you may see trucks full of red shirt protesters here and there throughout Pattaya for the most part they have kept to the Royal Cliff Resort area of town where the ASEAN summit is meeting. Today the red shirts stormed one of the convention centers where Asian leaders were to meet this morning, forcing Thailand to declare a state of emergency and cancel the ASEAN summit.The Asian leaders had to be air lifted to a nearby military base. Over 1000 protesters crashed through the glass doors to the convention center wreaking havoc and destroying property while calling for Prime Minister Abhisit to step down.With over 10,000 police officers and I’m sure a military equivalent contingent, I don’t understand how this could have happened unless someone wanted it to happen. They should have never allowed the protesters to get as close to the resort as they did. Obviously they were ill prepared and picking Pattaya for the summit was a bad idea to begin with.Now that the red shirts have embarrassed Prime Minister Abhisit well and good where will their cause take them now? At the beginning of the week at massive rallies in Bangkok the leaders of the red shirt movement stated that they would close down the airports at the end of the month. They have backed away from that statement in the last few days but with the success of the ASEAN summit protests one can only wonder what they feel empowered to do now.The state of emergency declared by Abhisit earlier today for the area surrounding the summit gives the military the right to restore order, allows authorities to suspend civil liberties, bans public gatherings of more than five people and bars the media from reporting news that “causes panic.”The red shirt protests could turn out to be a much bigger problem than many originally thought.

Thailand’s Red Shirts on the Move

It’s become increasingly difficult to call the “red shirts” the DAAD party(The Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship). At one time the red shirts were synonymous with DAAD but with more and more groups joining their cause and donning the red shirts it’s become apparent that many in Thailand are dissolutioned with the political process that has been called democracy.Today was D-Day for the red shirts with over 40,000 gathering in Bangkok to protest the government and it’s Prime Minister whom they feel was not democratically elected. The red shirts have taken a page out of the yellow shirts (PAD -People’s Alliance for Democracy)playbook and in speeches this morning leaders of the red shirt movement have declared they will shut down the airport at the end of the month.Of course this will probably piss off the blue shirts (club of operators of passenger vans in Bangkok) who will try and stop any closure of the airport. At least they are all color coordinated so you can tell them apart.With the ASEAN summit beginning in a few days in Pattaya it seems that the political process will be played out at the beach. The red shirts plan on protesting en masse in Pattaya at all of the hotels and conference centers where the visiting dignataries will be gathering. Mix in the start of songkran and this could be a recipe for disaster.I’m not sure how I feel about all of this at the moment. The red shirts definitely have a case and should be heard out. If they close the airport, which is a very real possibility , then I get some extra vacation time and if it plays out like it did when the yellow shirts shut down the airport then I might even get payed for my trouble.Personally I would love to see the yellow and red shirts fade away to a united color that could bring Thailand’s people and classes together but I think that may be a tall order for a country struggling to find it’s political identity.Anyone in Pattaya or Bangkok over the next few weeks might do well to stay away from wearing yellow or red shirts just in case.

Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Lintong County, Shaanxi province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had work begun on his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211 --206 BC).The State Council authorized to build a museum on site in 1975. When completed, people from far and near came to visit. Xian and the Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have become landmarks on all travelers' itinerary.Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and vigor.The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries. No. 1 Pit is the largest, first opened to the public on China's National Day, 1979. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back.No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. It was unveiled to the public in 1994.Archeologists came upon No. 3 Pit also in 1976, 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command center of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses.Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.The Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a sensational archeological find of all times. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.

Culture & Events

There's always something happening in Germany! Discover the colourful history of the castles and palaces, explore the fascinating museums and fun-packed amusement parks or delve into the modern fantasy worlds of musicals and variety shows. Enjoy the outstanding cuisine at the many excellent regional and international restaurants. And you really mustn't miss the popular wine and beer festivals and the German Christmas markets with their festive but serene atmosphere

Germany's natural landscapes

Germany's natural landscapes offer a wealth of options for an unforgettable holiday: long sandy beaches on the coasts and lake shores, enchanting lowland plains, extensive ranges of hills and the high peaks of the Alps. Whether you choose leisurely exploration, a spa or wellness break, or a sports activity on land, on water or in the air, you'll be amazed at what Germany has to offer.

More than just Christmas markets

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Germany at Christmas. Stroll through festively decorated streets and explore the enchanting Christmas markets with their seasonal music and choir singing. Listen to the sounds of bells and trumpeters and attend one of the many concerts from classical to gospel in the churches and on outdoor stages. Adorned with decorations and festively lit, the pedestrian precincts and shopping centres offer everything your heart could desire. The arts and entertainment scene also takes a seasonal turn in December: in Germany’s major cities, you’ll find everything from plays, operettas and musicals to spellbinding readings. In addition, theme parks are open throughout Christmas for their winter seasons – take the whole family to magical Europa-Park Rust, a winter wonderland in white brimming with thrills, spills and surprises. There are also numerous winter sports you can get involved in and high-profile events such as the New Year ski jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You see, it’s not just Christmas trees and twinkling lights, Germany has something for everyone during the festive season

Peninsula Valdes and whale watching

Peninsula Valdes is one of the richest wild animal reservoirs in the world. Whales, penguins, sea lions, birds, marine mammals, all get together in a magnificent display of wild life. Surrounded by two gulfs (San Jose and Nuevo) the peninsula connects to mainland to its closest city -Puerto Madryn- which serves as a beach head for those interested in visiting the area. Puerto Madryn fishing industry is very strong and it has one of the main deep water ports in Patagonia.From Puerto Madryn vistors only have to travel anywhere from 130 to 280 miles to cover the entire Peninsula and its outstanding attractions. It does take an entire day but many people have chosen to stay in Puerto Madryn for up to a week to come back to the Peninsula every day. The best time of the year to take a whale watching trip is around September / October when there is the greatest concentration of them which also coincides with the birth of the new baby whales. Whales first appear in the area around end of May and by the end of December they are all gone back to deep ocean waters. To watch sea-lions, it is best to consider October as this is the time of procreation and there as many males as females. By December / January most males are gone and it is common to see the younger ones changing their skins. When it comes to penguins, the best time of the year for a visit is around November when there is an explosion of newborns. Penguins first arrive to the peninsula by the end of August, beginning of September. During October, penguins are busy nesting and by end of March they migrate to more tropical waters in southern Brazil.Check the current weather in Trelew and study the historical weather pattern in Puerto Madryn before you engage in your trip. If Puerto Madryn is not your cup of tea you may want to look into Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the planet!Sorry, it appears your browser doesn't support Java(tm).All domestic flights included, departing from Buenos AiresALL TRANSFERS INCLUDED3 nights with daily breakfastTours includedFULL DAY day excursion to Peninsula Valdes for sight seeing of sea-lions (toninas), etc.FULL DAY Punta Tombo for whale watching - BEST SEASON TO WATCH WHALESBest whale watching season bewtween August and December each yearHote Peninsula or similar (4 stars)Itinerary: Buenos Aires - Trelew - Buenos Aires. Departing everyday.( double occupancy)3 nights: USD $1045 PER PERSON Includes local taxes and roundtrip air ticketsDISCLAIMER: All pricing is subject to change without notice and is meant to serve only as a reference. Better hotels may result in an increase in price. Due to continued fluctuations in offer and demand we can NOT guarantee the above price so we recommend you contact us for more current pricing.ONLINE PAYMENTS FORMSchedule of payments: 20% downpayment to initiate bookings.Remaining balance to be paid in full prior to departure.VOUCHERS: either faxed to you or presented at the airport upon arrivalTravel Insurance Mandatory: (not included)Usually covers cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage loss, baggage delay, emergency medical expenses, rental car damage, evacuation and repatriation, emergency cash transfer, lost ticket, passport advice. You must get this on your own.Cancellation policies strictly enforced. Protect your trip with an insurance. Manage your vacation as any other asset.International Flights: We recommend that you buy your incoming international flights with your local agent or try to use your mileage program. But you can always contact us if you have any questions about such flights. We can provide quotes on the spot. So...

Argentina Trout fishing

If you have been fishing in another country prior to your arrival to Argentina, please be awarethat argentine lakes, ponds and waterways are free from whirling disease. Use only new fishing gear (lines, flies and waders) or wash them thouroughly under high water pressure before re-using them. Salta Neuquen - Villa la Angostura Salta is home to some of the most astonishing rivers and wateways in the country, where fishing can be a formidable experience. It is mainly practised in El Rey National Park, Bermejo river shores and Cabra Corral Dam. In order to preserve species, fishing has been subject to specific regulations. Season starts on April 1st and ends on Oct 31st. Fishes that carry sports value are 'dorado' (sometimes called golden bass), 'bagre' (catfish) and 'boga'. Among some of the regulations are the type of fishing gears allowed to be used, as well as the minimum size for certain species: 60 cm (24 inches) for dorados, 30cm (12 inches) for bogas and 20cm (8 inches) for bagres (catfishes). Nightly fishing is strictly forbidden. Fishing in certain rivers has been restricted for preservation purposes, like in Arroyo Seco Hondo. And the release of any foreign specie to rivers into waters is heavilly pennalized. window.google_render_ad(); Cabra Corral is located at 60 km from the City of Salta. Its dam offers in its 11,360 hectares and 135 mts depth an outstanding recreation area, suited for great fishing. 'Pejerreyes, dientudos, sabalos, truchas (trouts), tarariras and bagres (catfishes) can all be found. Campo Alegre Dam is only 35 km from the City of Salta. Considerably smaller, only 1500 has and 25 mts depth, than Cabra Corral, and having been recycled 7 years ago, species are quite smaller. For the same reason fishing has been restricted to shores. Boat fishing strictly forbidden. Las Lomitas Dam, the smallest of them all (9 has and 8 mts depth) can offer a rewarding fishing expreience in spite of its size. No boat fishing is allowed either. Villa La Angostura is located in the northern part of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The fact that the area is scarcely populated has made of the lakes a region wonder-fully fitted for the development of salmo-nidae. Its pristine and unpoluted waters, in particular the worldwide known mouth of El Correntoso river are home of the most spectacular samples of trouts anywhere to be found. Routinely, sam-ples of about 9 kgs (20 pounds) are to be obtained. Season stars Mid November to end mid April. A permit is required. Spinning, the practice of casting from shore using light weights is not as common as flycasting. However, the latter, demands a minimum of proficiency and it is more technically oriented.

Local Guides offer classes to the beginner and Guides are bilingual and friendly. Trolling, faces several limitations. Since it is done from over a boat, it is not always possible in all areas. Furthermore, to preserve some areas from harmful effects of boats, sometimes its practise is restricted. Professional fish Guides are to be found easily in the area.Not only fishing gear but also boats can be rented at site. A short course of 3 days, intensive, is usually what a beginner needs to start the practise of flycasting, although learning to 'read' the waters requires much more practise.It is guaranteed that those who start the practice never abandon it. The temptation of luring fishes together with the surrounding spectacular scenery are experiences out of this world.Dry flies, are used in less shallow waters. They allow for the closer contact between the fisherman and the sample, which comes to the surface to pick up the bait. Without any doubt, such eye contact describes the greatest experience for both the novice and seasoned fishermen.NeuquenIt' been called the dream of fishermen. Nequen offers trout fishers a priviledged place. Neuquen holds some of the best place for fishing trout in the world, in particular the area called 3 mouths. Three sites are highlighted for flycasting, which render historically and present very big samples. The mouth of the 'Chimehuin river' in Junin de los Andes is known worldwide as the best site for fly fishing patagonia. The Correntoso river, the shortest in the world, joining Correntoso Lake in Villa La Angostura is also famous for the quality and size of trouts obtained. And the Limay river, further south, causes astonsihment to seasoned-fishermen due to the samples that can be obtained here. Dams built early in the sixties brought enourmous benefits to the ichthyc fauna. For those who love 'trolling' the Ezequiel Ramos Mexia Dam is highly visited and stands out as a place where many world record fishes have been obtained from. The Nequen river starts almost shyly. Many streams feed it along its way making it plentiful little by little, offering ideal conditions for spinning and flycasting. In its last section, the river offers very favorable conditions for fishing very large rain-bow trouts and patagonic pejerrey. Visit ot page...

Do not exhaust fishes.Avoid overtouching and manipulating the sampleWhen holding the fish, it is better to gently lay it on waterStay away from its branquial area.Whenever possible avoid three way lures.Do not harm fish's mouth when extracting lures.If fish becomes exhausted try placing it againts stream so the water flows through the branquial area.Do not throw fish in the water, instead, gently lay it on water and let it escape through its own means

Milan

Duomo Cathedral – Milan has its own gingerbread cathedral, the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Take the elevator, or climb up the stairs to the top and wander around amidst these amazing spires. Views of the city (if air isn't too smoggy). Like Notre Dame, the Milan Duomo is festooned with plenty of gargoyles. The Museo del Duomo has copies of these gargoyles, so you can see them up close.

Castello Sforzesco – This castle is a centrepiece of Italian history, with old gates and dried up moat from the medieval city, inner and outer walls, circular towers, courtyards and ramparts to explore. In the Renaissance, the castle was the home of the Sforza family, rooms were decorated by Leonardo da Vinci. At the end of the century, the castle was taken over by Napoleon and his troops, but has been beautifully restored and today it's a "must see."


Santa Maria delle Grazie – Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper in the church refectory is undoubtedly one of the world's great paintings, although it hasn't held up well, partly because Leonardo was experimenting with his paints, and they tended to flake away over the years. When the painting was completed in 1497, it was famous then, and still is today. You will need to book a ticket reservation to see the Last Supper, but kids under six are free.


National Museum of Science and Technology (Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnica, just a few blocks from Santa Maria delle Grazie) – Leonard da Vinci was not just a great artist, but a great technologist too. In the Leonardo Gallery, check out the models, made from his drawings of the cannons, war machine, glider, parachute, self-propelled car, revolving crane, drilling machine etc. The museum also has a reproduction of the Last Supper painting (easier to see than the original in Santa Maria delle Grazzi).



Rail Transport Building – Also as part of the National Museum of Science and Technology is a recreation of a huge railway station, and a large collection of steam locomotives and trams.
Air and Sea Transport Building – This building houses a full size 19th century two masted sailing ship (they took it apart and reassembled it in the museum), an ocean liner and lots of ships models and naval weapons.



Hands-on-Playground – Outside there is an area where kids can play with hands-on exhibits, such as a water scale, levers, and a weighing machine.

Theater Museum of La Scala (Museo Teatrale alla Scala) – Don't feel like getting a second mortgage to buy tickets for a performance at La Scala, Italy's most famous opera house? Visiting this museum is like a backstage tour. The museum has costumes and costume sketches, souvenirs of the conductors, composers and singers of La Scala, and a collection of marionettes and puppet theaters. From the museum, you can get a glimpse of the inside of the theater.
Giardini Pubblici – This is oldest park in Milan, and although it's not huge, it's a green spot to run around, have a sandwich, and relax. While you're there, stop in to the Municipal Museum of Natural History (Museo Civico di Storia Naturale). The museum has dinosaur skeletons (not from Italy), but most interesting is the large number of dioramas representing animals and plants in different natural environments.

Azzurro Park – If you happen to be close to the Linate Airport and it's a hot day, Azzurro Park has an artificial lake, the Idroscalo, where you can go swimming. The Park Forlanini also is the largest green area in Milan – there's plenty of room to run around. Luna Park Idroscalo is an amusement park with roller coasters and rides.

Liguria

Cinque Terre – The Cinque Terre is a gorgeous section of coastline, dotted with five picturesque towns, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia,Vernazza and Monterosso. The fun of visiting the Cinque Terre is getting there – villages are linked by train, boat and hiking trails. Hike from one town to the next on the footpaths, the trails are appropriate for kids, some sections are paved. Or, take a boat (you can pick up the ferries along the water), or ride the train.
Tip: Buy a Cinque Terre Card – Good for 1, 3 or 7 days, you can hop on and off the trains, ferries, and trails between the villages, and use the shuttle bus in town. With the card, you'll also get railway and ferries timetables, and trail maps. Pick up the card at the information kiosks for the national park.


Portofino – Your best bet in Portofino is the Castello Brown, orignally built to keep out invading armies, but later it was the home of the English consul to Genoa. The castle itself doesn't have much to see inside, but it's a fun walk from the promenade along the harbor up to the castle. The views are great and the gardens are beautifully planted.


Genoa –


Old Port of Genoa (Porto Antico, Genova) – Christopher Columbus grew up in Genoa and started his sailing career here. The Old Port of Genoa is still an exciting place to visit, starting with the Sea and Seafaring Museum (Padiglione del Mare e della Navigazione). This large museum, dedicated to the history of seafaring, has full size reconstructions of traditional vessels, an 18th century street in Genoa, a shipyard, interiors of a steamship and ocean liner, plus scale models of sailing ships.



Near the Sea and Seafaring Pavillion is the Genoa Aquarium (Acquario di Genova). The aquarium has over 50 tanks with sea life from many different habitats. Especially interesting are the exhibits with angel and sandbar sharks that live in the Mediterranean, plus tanks of seals, dolphins and Neptune grass.



For a panoramic view of the harbor, take a ride on the elevator to the top of the Grande Bigo, a huge Tinkertoy-like construction on a small artificial island.