Saturday, June 8, 2013

Discover the Loire Valley by Barge

One of the most relaxing ways to explore a country is on a barge holiday. France has some of Europe's most beautiful canals and waterways that are simply waiting to indulge the discerning traveller in a unique, comfortable and very enjoyable holiday. Cruising along at a leisurely pace, watching the world go by while sipping a chilled glass of wine and taking in the country from a completely new perspective are just a few of the advantages of embarking on a barge holiday. France, despite being our closest neighbour, is so very different in every aspect. From the towering chateaux to the quaint cobbled villages, and from the extensive vineyards to the colourful markets, there is so much in France just waiting to be discovered.
There are some excellent travel companies that offer the concept of a barge holiday. France is one of the most popular destinations, with some top quality hotel barges, professional crews and a reputably high-class service. These holidays are ideal for those people wanting to charter a boat for their group's exclusive use, or for those couples or friends looking to meet other like-minded people and share a more social holiday.
Cruising the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is one of the most spectacular regions in France with its main tributary, the River Cher, being used to transport people and cargo for over two thousand years. This region is known as The Valley of the Kings, and when you consider the incredible beauty it is easy to see why. In times gone by, French royalty adopted this area and made it their own, commissioning the building of the many magnificent castles that are still preserved in all their glory here today.
There are numerous castles in the area open to the public and there will be ample opportunity to take a guided tour from your barge and visit one or two. Marvel at the immense scale of Chambord, revel in the mystical appearance of Azay-le Rideau or visit the Amboise, with its intriguing link to Leonardo de Vinci. Castles, such as Villandry and Chaumont-sur-Loire have some beautiful gardens, and the likes of Le Grand Pressigny even houses a museum. It is little wonder that this specular area of France has been awarded a world heritage status by UNESCO.
Explore the old town of Tours, the principle town of the Loire Valley. The modern city still embraces its past and there is plenty of opportunity to explore the more historical areas of the town. Venture down to Place Plumereau, with its restored half-timbered houses, or spend a few hours discovering the paintings of Rembrandt and Degas at the Musee des Beaux-arts. A lovely town to wander around, Tours has some lovely authentic French cafes, pastry shops and some wonderful culinary delights on offer around every corner.
The city of Blois is also worth a stop over. Dominated by its cathedral and the famous Chateau de Blois, the town is also well known for its chocolate connection. Auguste Poulin opened a confectionary factory here in 1848, and although it is now closed the legacy lives on everywhere in the city.
When choosing a barge holiday, France simply opens up. You can explore at a leisurely pace, choosing when you want to get involved in the guided tour options and when you would just prefer to relax on the boat - it's an ideal way to spend your well deserved time away.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for a barge holiday, France is an ideal destination. Cruises are also offered in Holland, Italy and the UK.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749415

Friday, June 7, 2013

Enjoy a Break in Holiday Cottages Around Dartmoor National Park

Holiday cottages located near the Dartmoor National Park have plenty to tempt visitors: comfortable accommodation, gorgeous views and stunning locations. You can even keep in contact with your online life as many have excellent Internet access. But a holiday to this lovely region has much more to offer holidaymakers than just wireless broadband.
The Chichester Arms, Chillaton
This traditional pub is a great place to hang out with a larger group of friends; you can take part in charity quizzes and other quiz nights - it's a great way for those staying in holiday cottages to get to know the locals. It's a chance to socialise and learn more about the area through new and old stories shared over a drink. The atmosphere is always warm and friendly, with patrons enjoying the roaring fire and singing along with the live band.
Milton Abbot to Launceston Walk
If you have an energetic crew along with you, why not get out and about and enjoy the activity this region is most famous for - hiking. This adventurous 9.5-mile trail will give your group a day to remember as you ramble through the stunning valleys enjoying the fantastic views of Bodmin Moor. Enjoy the sights and different points of interest on route by investing in a guide of the area - it's an ideal opportunity to learn about local history. Unless you're confident you'll feel up to the return journey, it is best to arrange transport back to your holiday cottages when you reach the end.
Lifton
Lifton is a charming village within easy access of many of the local holiday cottages. It holds two major attractions of Cornwall. The first is the Fairground Heritage Centre. This enchanting site is an emporium of historical fairground rides and will entertain you with fantastic facts and even a steam-driven carousel. The second site of significance is Roadford Lake. This lake stretches over a magnificent distance of 730 acres and is a haven for all types of water sports in good weather, as well as a great place for ramblers and cyclists.
Cosy Cottages
There are plenty of wonderful holiday cottages to choose from in this area. They feature charming décor and cosy open fireplaces. Some have games rooms for playing pool, darts, snooker, croquet on the lawn and outdoor tennis in warmer weather. In short, these wonderful homes away from home have all the comforts of your city life, with the added bonus of a spectacular setting. What more could one ask for?
Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749665

Thursday, June 6, 2013

The Perfect Holiday in Devon With Your Dog

Even man's best friend deserves a good holiday! While it's not always easy to take your dog on a break with you, exploring the delightful region of Devon with your furry family member is entirely possible. It's not hard to find a good selection of comfortable, dog-friendly holiday cottages in the heart of Devon. Holidaymakers will find themselves surrounded by panoramic views of the pretty Dartmoor meadows, and there is a plethora of excellent locations to go for long rambles in the picturesque surroundings.
Yeoford to Copplestore Walk
Enjoy this four-mile trek with your dog as you soak up the stunning Devon scenery. Your dog will enjoy running along the pathways and you can take in the history of the many sites along the way. You'll pass through numerous villages from Yeoford to Copplestore, and you may like to collect a few souvenirs along the way! This is a classic countryside walk that takes in the famous Tarka Line (the rail link between the lively cathedral city of Exeter and the North Devon coast). The trail can become tough in places, however, and is not suitable for prams, in case you have any small children with you. Your dog should be fine though!
Dawlish Warren Beach
Get your dog out of the holiday cottages and take him for a run along the seashore at picturesque Dawlish Warren Beach. Enjoy a paddle in the tempting waters if weather permits and breathe in the bracing sea air. The beach is popular with families and colourful tents are often lined up along the stretch of sand. There is a lovely coastal walk near the beach which is ideal for an off the lead run for dogs. While the beach is often busy in summer, it is spacious enough to remain a pleasant spot to take the family for a fun day out.
The Old Thatch Inn
The Old Thatch Inn is a lovely traditional pub within easy access of many of the local holiday cottages in the area. It serves up real ales and a tempting menu filled to the brim with flavoursome local produce. Dogs are welcome (assuming they are well behaved!) and this pub is a delightful place for an evening meal after a long day spent sightseeing.
There is much to see and do on a holiday with your dog in Devon. Holiday cottages will make not only you, but also your pet feel welcome and the surrounding region is an ideal playground for the entire family. Enjoy the rich scenery and culture of Devon - and don't forget your dog!
Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749675

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

A Long Weekend in Cornwall

If there's a long weekend coming up, it's naturally tempting to want to escape the city for a couple of days. But where can you go that's close enough to get to yet far enough away to feel like you're on holiday? How about booking into one of the delightful holiday cottages in Cornwall?
In summer, Cornwall is a sunny destination offering families endless fun, with various attractions to pack your long weekend with adventure. Staying at one of the local holiday cottages will provide you and your family with a cosy room to rest in, after an action-packed day.
The National Seal Sanctuary
The National Seal Sanctuary, in Helsford Estuary, is home to seals, otters and penguins. The sight of these cute animals will have the children mesmerised. There is much to see at the Sanctuary, from seals having fun in the water to energetic feeding times, which both parents and children will enjoy watching. Europe's busiest sea rescue centre is a great place for children to learn about sea creatures, how they are fed and what they eat. There is also a playground on the premises, which will allow children some fun whilst the parents have a sit down. Within an easy drive of many of the lovely holiday cottages in Cornwall, the National Seal Sanctuary provides a wonderful family day out.
The Eden Project
The beautiful gardens and architecture at The Eden Project are nothing short of breath taking. The huge bubble-like greenhouses are sure to wow both children and parents. This can be an educational trip as well as a great day out, and the entire family can learn fascinating facts about a wealth of tropical plants and previously unknown plants at this wonderful global garden.
New Quay Zoo
This is an exciting place for any children (and adults) who have always longed to encounter lions, lemurs and red pandas - and that covers pretty much all of them! There are interactive animal and insect shows to enjoy and your family can get involved in exciting new experiences like the Penguin Encounter and the Lemur Feeding Experience. However, children do need to be over the age of 10 and should wear suitable footwear in order to participate.
Visiting this zoo will keep children entertained in plenty of other ways too. There is face painting available on site, and not only will the children come out looking like animals themselves, they'll also learn about different aspects of the many species that call the zoo home. It's also a great opportunity to observe the behaviour of animal tribes, such as the meerkats, whose most fascinating trait is the use of a lookout as the rest of the gang eat their lunch!
If your own gang get hungry you can take advantage of Café Lemur, the outdoor BBQs (weather permitted) and Tippy's Snack Bar. Before leaving the action-packed zoo, be sure to visit the gift shop where your kids can pick out a gift or souvenir of their choice to take back to the holiday cottages.
Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749683

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

An Introduction to Lijiang Old Town

The Old Town of Lijiang is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. Built in the late Song and early Yuan dynasty, it is a well-preserved old city famous for its unique and brilliant culture of ethnic minorities. It is also called Dayanzhan (the Town of Big Ink) because of its unique position looking like a big jade ink slab. It is surrounded by three mountains (Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast); and crystal clear water runs through.
The history of the Old Town can be dated back to over 800 years. Under the reign of the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, Lijiang developed very fast and became the center of politics, economy and culture in this area, enhancing the trade and culture communication among Yunnan, China hinterland, Tibet, India and many other Asian countries. Several hundreds years later, the Old Town still keeps its prosperity and flourish with various shops and a large number of visitors.
Covering an area of 3.8 square kilometers (912 acres), Lijiang Old Town is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers, providing a very precious sample of the research on the old-time architecture. It is one of the most special tourist destinations for its unique geographical location, historical background and multi-ethnic inhabitants.
When you come to the Old Town, you will find that there is no city wall. It is the only old city built without a city wall. A story has it that Lijiang had been under the reign of the hereditary Mu family for more than 500 years. If the Chinese character 'Mu' (represents the governor of Lijiang) is put into a frame (represents the city wall), you have the character 'Kun' which means 'siege' or 'predicament'. This would mean that the governing Mu family and their descendants would always be trapped like a rat in a hole. Because of this symbolism, the Old Town was never given a city wall.
Influenced by the multinational culture, the buildings of the old town are the perfect combination of the architectural traits of Han, Bai and Tibet, creating a unique Naxi style. The layout of the town is free-style and flexible, the houses are close and diverse, and the lanes are narrow and meandering. The Naxi houses are very applied and commodious, with a pleasant courtyard dotted with flowers and trees. The highlight of the houses is the decoration. The doors and windows are always engraved with vivid figures of people and animals. This kind of peaceful and comfortable environment will inspire in you the appetite for the simple life in township and keep away from the bustling city life.
The Old Town of Lijiang is praised as the 'Oriental Venice' and 'Suzhou in Highland'. An important feature of Lijiang is the numerous streams and brooks crisscrossing the houses. The water is just like blood, nourishing the old town and the people. The main water source is Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan) which subdivides into many streams flowing across every street and reaching every family for drinking, washing vegetables and washing clothes. There are about 350 varied and distinctive bridges over the water in the small town which decorated with willow trees. Image that you wander on the stone-paved road, see the stream running besides you, admire the traditional Naxi houses and communicate with the local women dressed in their traditional attire. What a pleasant thing!
With the famous Square Street at its core, roads here are mostly paved with stone boards. The twists and turns of small lanes, narrow cobbled streets and the gurgling canal all help create a place where you can lose all your worldly worries. Square Street, the center of the Old Town, was the site of a major bazaar for local residents to visit the market and stock up on necessities such as meat, vegetables, oil and herbal medicine. Now visitors will come across some interesting ethnic products and sometimes unusual antiques.
In 1997, Lijiang Old Town was included in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. The town blessed with picturesque natural landscapes, inimitable buildings and traditional ethnic culture is now a popular tourist attraction tempting a large number of Chinese and foreign visitors.
We provide more information for the visitors who are interested in the Lijiang Old Town, for more information, please visit my website.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7733109

Monday, June 3, 2013

Beach Attractions Can Add a Great Deal of Excitement to Your Vacation

When it comes to going on vacation, you want to go where you are going to have the most fun. While it may be hard to determine where you will have the most fun, you should remain open-minded. While you are making your plans, you need to make sure that you go where there are some sandy shores for you to visit. It doesn't matter if you pick a destination that doesn't have a lot of local events for you to enjoy. As long as there is a coast, you can take advantage of the beach attractions.
You can save a lot of money if you decide to stay at a resort near the ocean. You don't have to spend money on a car rental for traveling to all of the events and festivities in order to have a good time. You also don't have to search for things to do when everything is right at your doorstep. When it comes to beach attractions, there is something for everyone. It doesn't matter what age you are because everyone will find something to do. There is a ton of entertainment to last the whole duration of your vacation. The best part is that it is affordable and you will never get bored.
If you want to plan the perfect vacation, start off by looking at the different beach attractions around the destination you want to visit. Find out what events and celebrations are going on during the time you intend to travel. Check the prices on hotels, condos, and vacation rentals that are in the area. If you are traveling with a large group, check to make sure you are getting the best group rate possible. Start your search early, so you can find and take advantage of the more desirable prices. Also consider looking for all-inclusive offers that will further reduce your costs and provide you with significantly more savings. That way, you will have more money to spend on other things.
Once you have done a little research, talk with your family, friends, or anyone you plan on traveling with. If there is more than one place you are interested in, get everyone's opinion on where they want to travel. Once everyone has taken a vote and decided on where to go, start finalizing your travel arrangements. Make sure you get your travel documents in order and get them updated if necessary. Make copies and store them somewhere safe in your luggage.
Check the weather for where you will be going. You don't want to end up dressed inappropriately for your trip. You want to do everything possible so that you can enjoy your vacation. Bring a good camera, so you can take pictures of all of the beach attractions you get to see and participate in. Be prepared to have the time of your life. Once you have taken your first trip to this destination, it may quickly become your new favorite vacation destination.
When you go to Navarre Beach, attractions are available for the whole family to enjoy. Go here for more information: http://www.floridabeachestorivers.com.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7752524

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Why You Need To Book a Segway Tour

When you take a first glance at the segway transporter, you will immediately discredit anyone who tells you that this device can transport a human being. This is because it is a machine that only has two wheels on the left and right of the base from which the handlebars are attached. Booking a Segway tour implies getting one of these transporters and taking a guided tour around a city.
The mechanism behind this little machine is a motor that is powered by a battery and a circuitry of intelligent processors that enable the machine to balance on two wheels as it moves around. It is very easy to operate and can move at a top speed no more than 20km per hour. Tourists can go on segway tours around cities they visit by making an advance booking of segway rental tours in the city they intend to visit.
You are probably wondering how this transporter manages to stay balanced without falling backwards or forward. Well, what it has is a series of sensors at the base where you stand. Through these sensors, it can detect which side your weight is leaning towards and does a corrective weight shift to counter this so as to keep you balanced as you move around.
Segway rental tours are an excellent way to get around a new city, with a tour guide on one and everyone participating in the tour following behind on segway transporters, the segway tours promises to be one of a kind experience. You get to experience the excitement of driving this amazing invention while enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds of the city you are visiting. This is much more interesting than sitting in a bus and having to stream along in traffic or taking long walks which leave you worn out at the end of the day.
Other advantages of segway rental tours are the safety associated with these transporters, they are much safer than bicycles since they are more controllable and do not require a lot of effort balancing. The low maximum speed ensures safety since at such a low speed; you are able to have full control.
When you book a segway tour, travelling on these personal transporters ensures that you get to far places that you would not have been able to access using other modes of transport either due to accessibility or the distance to travel. This makes segway rentals an excellent ways of ensuring your tours are more extensive. Due to the convenience of this means of transport, you are able to move freely and at a more comfortable pace ensuring you do not miss out on anything.
Signature segway tours are the way to go; due to their environment friendly operation. You get less carbon emissions moving around on segways as compared to busses and other means of transport that relies on carbon fuels. So apart from just having fun, high segway tours booking also saves our planet.
Ian White is the author of this article on Segway Rental Tours. Find more information, about Signature Segway Tours here


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7735983