5 Beautiful Villages of Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is undeniably one of the most beautiful areas of Italy; a visit to just one of its towns will confirm this. Cinque Terre was just made to grace picture postitalycards. Located in northwest Italy, its five towns are built on steep hills and atop high cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. It doesn’t get much more scenic than this. Most towns are reachable only by train. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since cars aren’t allowed in the older sections of these towns. Visiting the Cinque Terre villages is not only exercise for the body, but exercise for the soul.

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1-Vernazza

Vernazza Village, Cinque Terre, Italy

After devastating flooding and mudslides in 2011, Vernazza has reclaimed its reputation as the most picturesque town in Cinque Terre. This small fishing village is loaded with charm. Not only that, but it has the best harbor in the Cinque Terre. The picture-postcard village sits atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a great place to explore by foot – indeed, foot is the only way as cars aren’t permitted on the narrow streets that are marked with frequent steps. Walking between Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare is a special treat for visitors; the hike takes about 90 minutes.

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2-Manarola

Manarola,  Cinque Terre, Italy

Like the other Cinque Terre towns, Manarola sits atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. It is the second smallest town in the group, and also is considered to be the oldest. Manarola is filled with the same narrow stone streets and charming colorful buildings. Manarola is a fishing village that is also long-famous for its wines; the village’s wines were even mentioned by the Romans. Manarola is a great place for hikers, who can take to the hills and vineyards, as well as walk to Riomaggiore, which is perhaps the most famous walk in Cinque Terre. 

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3- Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore,  Cinque Terre, Italy

Riomaggiore, the southernmost town in Cinque Terre, has lots of wow! factor as the sight of houses clinging to step hills will immediately invoke this exclamation. The town is known for its historic buildings and, of course, its locally produced wines. Riomaggiore has a small beach as well as lots of shops and restaurants. Hiking the Via dell’Amore to Manarola is considered a top tourist activity, but visitors won’t want to miss seeing the Church of San Giovanni Battista (St. John the Baptist), a medieval church that oozes serenity on the hillside on which it is built.

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4- Corniglia

Corniglia,  Cinque Terre, Italy

Corniglia feels smaller and quieter, but is just as charming as the other towns. Sitting on top of a cliff that falls off abruptly into the ocean and surrounded by vineyards, Corniglia nonetheless provides stunning views of the Mediterranean. It’s best reached by climbing 382 steps, though sometimes buses are available on the road. Corniglia is characterized by the same narrow streets and quaint buildings as the other Cinque Terre towns. The main historical artifact, aside from the colorful homes, is some Genoese fortifications built in the 16th century. 

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5- Monterosso al Mare

Monterosso,  Cinque Terre, Italy

Monterosso al Mare is a small village on the northwest coast with the best beaches on Cinque Terre. Monterosso has the best beaches of the Cinque Terre villages and the most wine shops, artisan shops, hotels and restaurants. It is divided into Old and New Town that are connected by a tunnel used mainly by pedestrians. The best way to get there is via train unless drivers have nerves of steel enough to navigate a narrow, steep and winding road. A top sight is the Church of San Francisco, a monastery that boasts a Van Dyck painting. The village is well-known for its lemons, olives and white wines, so travelers will want to be sure to sample some. 

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 - Source : http ://www.touropia.com/villages-of-cinque-terre/

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10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia

Located in the Balkans, Croatia has become one of Europa’s top tourist destination again since its War of Independence in the late 1990s. Like much of Europe, Croatia boasts its share of medieval cities and historic ruins, but what makes this country exceptional is its wealth of stunning natural attractions such as the Plitvice Lakes, the spectacular Adriatic coastlines and gorgeous islands. An overview of the best places to visit in Croatia.

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1-Dubrovnik

Dubrobnik, Croatia

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the old city of Dubrovnik is one of the prominent places to visit in the Mediterranean. Located at the southern tip of Croatia off the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik was established in the 7th century on maritime trade. The historic district, the Old Town, is stuffed with many historic features such as the old, defensive walls, cobblestone streets, magnificent palaces and stunning churches.

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2-Hvar

Hvar Island, Croatia

One of the most popular places to visit in Croatia and in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is a beautiful Croatian island off the Dalmatian Coast, favored for its landscapes of spectacular beaches, lavender fields and lush vineyards. Hvar’s main city, Hvar Town, is an attractive city, featuring 13th century walls, marble stone streets, Gothic palaces, stunning churches and an imposing old fortress. 

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3- Plitvice National Park

Plitvice National Park, Croatia

One of the most beautiful natural wonders in Croatia and all of Europe, the Plitvice National Park consists of several breathtaking lakes, waterfalls and lush forest. The park’s most notable features are the 16 interconnecting lakes that are divided into upper and lower clusters. Formed by natural travertine dams, the lakes range in distinct colors from turquoise to blue, green and gray. 

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4- Split

Split, Croatia

Nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower,” Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is located on a peninsula off the Dalmatian Coast. The city’s main attraction is its historic core of beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture of which the Diocletian’s Palace is the crown jewel. Built between 298 and 305 AD, this Roman Emperor palace complex is more like a small city itself with a maze of marble walkways and buildings containing shops, cafes and bars. 

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5- Rovinj

Rovinj Archipelago, Croatia

Located on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj is an archipelago of 20 islands with its Old Town set on a small peninsula. Narrow streets of cobblestone, stairways, arches and other interesting architecture make the Old Town a sightseeing adventure. Some of the Old Town’s historic gems include seven medieval city gates, the 12th century town clock and St. Euphemia’s Basilica, an imposing baroque church packed with many stunning art works.

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6- Zadar

Zadar, Croatia

A three thousand-year old city situated on a beautiful coastline rich in history is sure to draw tourists. Such a city is Zadar, located on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian Coast. Zadar could be called the ideal tourist getaway because it offers plenty to see and do without all the crowds of other popular destinations. At the heart of the city is its Old Town which offers fantastic sightseeing attractions including Roman ruins, medieval architecture and numerous old churches. 

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7- Pula

Pula, Croatia

Located at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Pula is a popular destination that has been attracting tourists as far back as ancient Roman times when fans flocked the city’s amphitheater to watch gladiator fights. Having been ruled by various government powers over the centuries, Pula today belongs to Croatia, and is best known for its wealth of Roman ruins and mix of cultures.

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8- Korcula

Korcula Island, Croatia

Best known as the alleged birthplace of the famous merchant traveler, Marco Polo, Korcula is a 30-mile (50 km) island located off Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. Korcula is comprised of lush green forests, vineyards, olive groves, sandy beaches and charming villages. The island’s main town, Korucla Town, is a historic, walled town with Venetian Renaissance architecture, colorful markets and plenty of tourist facilities. 

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9- Zagreb

Zagreb, Croatia

The capital and largest city of Croatia, Zagreb is a vibrant metropolis packed with both historic and modern attractions. Located in northwestern Croatia, the city dates back to the 2nd century AD when a diocese was first established by Hungarian King Ladislaus. Today, Zargreb is a sprawling cosmopolitan city and the heart of Croatian culture, academics and government. 

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10- Krka National Park

Krka National Park, Croatia

Located in Central Dalmatia of Croatia, the Krka National Park is a protected area of spectacular natural scenery, wildlife and historic sites. Situated along the Krka River within Sibinik-Knin County, the national park is best known for its numerous gushing waterfalls and natural pools of clear, blue-green waters. 

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-Source : http: //www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-croatia/

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4 Sydney beaches to rival Bondi

If you’re headed to Australia, chances are you’re already dreaming of warm sands and aqua waves; the country is known for its beach culture and there really isn’t anything like a lazy day lounging on a Sydney beach. The tourist destination is the infamous Bondi Beach – but if you want a real Sydney experience, live like a local and see where the seriously cool folk hang out. These beaches showcase the best sand and sea of Sydney – from the laid back and cool to the hip and party-central; so look beyond the tourist trap and give them a try! 
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1- Manly Beach

Manly Beach, Sydney Harbour, Australia

If you want beach activities, this is the place to go. Competitive volleyball tournaments run often, and whether you’re playing or watching it’s a great day out. The best way to get here is to take the very scenic Manly Ferry from Sydney Harbour, it takes around 30 minutes and offers great views the whole way through the 7 mile journey.

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2 - Tamarama Beach

Tamarama Beach, Australia

Otherwise known as Glamourama, this beach is full of the most beautiful locals and hipster travelers. It’s close to Bondi beach and shares the awesome sand and surf, but has a much ‘cooler’ atmosphere and is well worth checking out – even if just for the people watching!

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3- Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach, Australia

After being voted the best suburb to live in out of the whole Sydney area, Bronte Beach is currently hugely popular, with good reason! There are plenty of surf opportunities, with most surf shops offering beginners lessons so take the opportunity to catch a wave. Public BBQ’s are also dotted about the beach, so take some burgers and make a day of it. Take the subway to the Bondi Junction and get a direct bus to Bronte beach. 

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4- Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach, Australia

Similar to (and not far from!) Bondi beach, Coogee is a better choice to meet a mixture of locals and in-the-know travelers. The beach here is less crowded, the views are better and you’re less likely to be overcharged for drinks. The nightlife is typically Australian so bring a change of clothes and you’ll be able to party til dawn. To get to Coogee beach, take the subway to the Bondi junction and grab a bus from there. 

So if you’re looking for more than just the typical tourist trap, try one of the beaches above – but remember, Sydney is a beautiful city wherever you go, and whichever you choose – you probably won’t want to leave Sydney offers some great beaches, but try to avoid the tourist trap and avoid spending all your time on Bondi, venture further a field and you’ll see a seemingly endless supply of amazing beaches across Sydney. What a city… 

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-Source : http: //www.touropia.com/sydney-beaches-to-rival-bondi/

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramids, the Great Sphinx and the ancient temples of Luxor dating back thousands of years. Although focus of most tourist visits remains the great monuments along the Nile, possibilities for Egyptian travel also includes snorkeling and diving along the Red Sea coast. Other tourist attractions in Egypt include camel trips into the mountains of Sinai, tours to remote oases or visits to the Coptic monasteries of the Eastern Desert.

1-Giza Necropolis

Giza Necropolis, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza, situated in the immediate vicinity of the southwestern suburbs of Cairo are the undisputable top attractions in Egypt. The pyramids at Giza were built over the span of three generations – by Khufu, his second reigning son Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is an awe-inspiring 139 meters (455 feet) high making it the largest pyramid in Egypt, although nearby Khafre’s Pyramid appears to be larger as it is build at a higher elevation. 

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2-Karnak

Temple of Karnak, Egypt

Although badly ruined, few sites in Egypt are more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest ancient religious site ever built, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian builders. The Temple of Karnak actually consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about 2.5 kilometers north of Luxor. One of most famous structures of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall, a hall area of 5,000 m2 (50,000 sq ft) with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. 

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3-Red Sea Reef

Red Sea Reef, Egypt

The Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to go diving. The waters of the Red Sea are renowned for their spectacular visibility and features some of the most exotic seascapes. With its wide expanse of coral formation on the reefs, it is home to thousands of different sea creatures. Red Sea beach resorts are located on both sides of the sea, on the east side and part of the Sinai peninsula is the long established Sharm el Sheikh and its neo-hippy counterpart, Dahab. On the west coast of the Red Sea lies relatively old and touristy Hurghada and a cluster of new resort towns.

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4- River Nile Cruise

Nile River, Egypt

Cruising the Nile is a popular way of visiting upper Egypt. The Nile River has been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to trace the passage of Egypt’s history than to follow the course of the Nile. Almost all Egyptian cruise ships travel the Luxor-Aswan route which is safe, scenic and terminates at two of Egypt’s most important towns. Taking a Felucca down the Nile is an adventurous option. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity. A Felucca is not quite as comfortable as a luxury cruise ship but nothing can beat sailing in a quiet rig that was designed thousands of years ago. 

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5- Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings, Egypt

The Valley of the Kings near Luxor is a valley where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and privileged nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley contains 63 tombs and chambers, ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. All of the tombs seem have been opened and robbed in antiquity except for the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. 

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6-Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel Site, Egypt

Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses The Great in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari. The complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, when the temples were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel remains one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions.

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7- Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt

Home to at least 120,000 items of ancient Egyptian antiquities, the Egyptian Museum is one of Cairo’s top attraction. There are two main floors of the museum, the ground floor and the first floor. On the ground floor there is an extensive collection of papyrus and coins used in by the ancient Egyptians. On the first floor there are artifacts from the final two dynasties of Ancient Egypt and also many artifacts taken from the Valley of the Kings. Highlights include the objects from the Tomb of Tutankhamen and the Royal Mummy Room containing 27 royal mummies from pharaonic times. 

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8- Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Located in the Libyan Desert, Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s isolated settlements, with 23,000 people, mostly ethnic Berbers. Located on an old date trade route, Siwa was an oasis vital to the trade route, as the natural springs and shade giving palm trees gave travelers respite from the desert. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, Siwa began its decline. In recent decades tourism has become a vital source of income. Much attention has been given to creating hotels that use local materials and play on local styles. 

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9- Dahab

Dahab Coastal Village, Egypt

Dahab is located some 85 km (53 miles) north of Sharm el-Sheikh on the Gulf of Aqaba, near the southern tip of Sinai. Once an isolated coastal village, Dahab turned into a hippie hangout in the 1980′s and became something of an “alternative resort”, mixing cheap accommodation with a laid back lifestyle. Activities such as wind surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and camel and jeep trips make it one of the most popular destinations along the Red Sea. 

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10-Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Cairo, Egypt

Built between 876 and 879 AD, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the oldest mosques in Cairo. It was commissioned by Ahmad ibn Ţūlūn, the Abbassid governor of Egypt. The mosque is constructed around a courtyard, with one covered hall on each of the four sides. The minaret, which features a helical outer staircase similar to that of the famous minaret in Samarra, was probably built several centuries later. Parts of the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. 

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-Source : http ://www.touropia.com/top-attractions-in-egypt/

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