By Clara Pumpur

Riga is not only the capital of Latvia, but also the biggest city and one of the main harbours in the country. It is the place where the tourists are given the opportunity to dip in the great atmosphere of the olden times, enjoy the magnificent historic monuments. It should be emphasized that Riga appears on the place of the ancient settlement of Livs, where the Ridzene River flows into the Duagava. On the right bank of the Duagava there is the Medieval Old Town, impressing the visitors by the beauty of the twisted and narrow streets. Small houses with old-fashioned lanterns stand for the remarkable characteristic feature of the Ridzene Street. Rich history of the city and country is reflected in the architecture. The multistoried barns with coming to a point roofs, made of red tiles can still be found in the neighbouring streets. Riga is also the world known cultural centre.

Every year different international concerts, festivals and other performances take place in the capital of Latvia. Tourists can enjoy beautiful organ music concerts of classical music in the roman-gothic Dome Cathedral, built in the 13th century. Among Riga churches which are worth visiting are St. Jacob’s Church, St. Peter’s Church. Numerous authentic displays, showing the history, development, growth of the country and city itself are represented in Riga museums. Sate Museum of Art, Latvian War Museum, Riga Porcelain Museum open their doors for the tourists from all over the world. It is out of the question that Riga is an excellent place for the active rest. Different billiards and bowling clubs, fitness centers are situated all over the city. The travelers are offered the opportunities for horse riding and yachting. Riga attracts the visitors providing them with a splendid opportunity to have excellent rest at the seaside. Here the tourists can find plenty of the restaurants, serving European and national dishes. Those, who prefer to spend the evening in the nightclub, will be satisfied with a great choice of them in the capital of Latvia.

Before coming to Riga one should take care of the hotel to stay at for the time being. The simplest way to reserve the hotel is to pay attention to the hotel reservation sites, which give a hand in booking the appropriate hotel with a great choice of the rooms of different categories, all modern living conditions, necessary services for business and rest.

Originally published on: Riga-Hotels.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clara_Pumpur

By Harry Preston

A fortress, palace and prison, where people have been murdered as well as executed on the orders of the state, the Tower of London shows both the brutality and splendor of Britain’s medieval period.

William the Conqueror began building the White Tower with its 4.5m (15-foot) thick stone walls in 1078, to stamp his authority on the defeated English. Nearly 200 years later, Henry III made it into a major royal residence, adding palatial buildings and importing a menagerie that included lions and a wine-drinking elephant. Edward I completed the complex in 1285. Since 1485, this landmark has been guarded by the famous "Beefeaters".

The Tower’s inhabitants illustrate the ebb and flow between different branches of royalty, factions of the court, and Protestants and Catholics. Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, was beheaded on Tower Green in 1536. She is said still to walk the grounds with her head in her hands. The future Elizabeth I was imprisoned for two months in 1554 when she was thought to be conspiring against her Catholic half-sister, Mary. Walter Raleigh was kept captive here for 13 years in the 17th century. He, at least, was allowed to live in relative comfort, unlike the unfortunates who were tortured. As late as 1941, a German spy was executed at the Tower.

Among the highlights, you will see Raleigh’s room, gruesome instruments of torture, an array of armor (the Tower had many workshops, as well as the Royal Mint until 1810) and the glittering crown jewels. The imperial crown alone has 2,868 diamonds.

The majesty of the Tower bellies the bloody history of one of London’s most popular tourist stops.

More information available at http://www.guidedtourlondon.com/toweroflondon.html More information about London, England at http://www.guidedtourlondon.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Preston

By Paul Scottyn

The historical standard bearer of western thought, democracy and civil society, Greece has developed a distinct culture that compels any traveler to learn more. And consisting of sixty inhabited islands with coasts on three different seas, there’s more than enough to explore.

Historical tourism

There’s no shortage of choice when selecting an Athens hostel. But it’s often worth finding one in close proximity to the main focus of your trip whether lying on the beach, partaking in the vibrant nightlife, or as is most often the case, given its wonderful history, sightseeing.

Nowhere is Greece’s dramatic past more evident than in the capital, Athens, which despite the odd dash of modernity is a series of constant reminders of its ancient past. The Acropolis or Sacred Rock, out of which seems to grow the grand, Parthenon, is a prime example of this.

Other features include the Herodes Atticus Theatre built in 161AD, which provides an atmospheric venue for both historic and modern performances. Similarly, the famous Temple of Poseidon evokes the pride of a once powerful nation.

Further afield in a town called Kerkyra on the island of Corfu; backpackers can also explore other facets of Greek history, with Venetian and British influences blending to offer a menagerie of museums and architecture.

A Taste of Greece

One of the most important explorations in Greece is the food, which complements perfectly the dry heat climate that comes with the high-season. Although cost is likely to be hiked up in more popular tourist areas, it is still reasonable, and bagging a bargain dish away from a generic chain store is often both financially and gastronomically satisfying.

Greek food is a blend of Mediterranean, Turkish and North African influences, while maintaining a distinct identity of its own. Generally meat-based, expect lots of colorful vegetables, dips doused with delicate herbs and a good splash of olive oil.

The nightlife in Greece veers between the sophisticated and by contrast, the wildly hedonistic. In the liveliest parts, it is not uncommon for the streets to be packed well into the early hours of the morning, with partygoers as keen to enjoy themselves as they were at the start of the evening, particularly in Athens.

Similarly, the Perouladhes beach on Corfu and the buzzing beaches and rolling landscape of Crete also offer plenty for budget travelers to get their teeth into.

Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers.com, Paul Scottyn stayed in numerous hostels in Athens and travelled extensively in Greece.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Scottyn

By Ellen Mcnulty

Anyone who has traveled in the USA with children knows how hard it can be to research the area, plan interesting activities for the kids, and at the same time, relax and enjoy your vacation, too. But when you plan your family vacation with a travel professional to plan your overseas trip, it can be worry-free.

Traveling with a family requires a different type of vacation, and traveling overseas has its own challenges - passports, time changes, disrupted sleep schedules and more. England, and all of Great Britain come to mind as stress-free family vacation destinations.

Are you or your children history buffs, Harry Potter fans, or just interested in travel? We arrange everything for your family travel packages to England, Scotland and Wales, so there is nothing for you to do but enjoy yourself.

Here are just some suggestions for your family travel packages to Great Britain:

Rent a cottage or a castle in Britain. When you’d like to be on your own, an a small house on an estate or castle grounds, or in a holiday vacation village of 8-10 identical cottages with other vacationers from around the world. Walk to the local store, cook your own meals for that finicky eater, and have your own home away from home for a week or more.

Self Drive Britain
Relive the history of your father’s father’s father. Visit all the sites they’ve only read about - King Arthur’s England, the fabled land of knights and maidens, Harry Potter and more. Go wherever you please with our open prepaid voucher program, or pre-plan your itinerary. Hotels with swimming pools are highlighted for family fun.

Harry Potter Tours
Have your children enjoyed Harry’s adventures? The new Harry Potter film comes out in November 2009. Be there for the buzz. See where the movies were made. All of the attractions are featured in the "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone", and "Chamber of Secrets" films including the Hogwarts School.

Self drive tours and guided tours but if you have a group of friends or family (6 or more), we can do an individual escorted tour for you. These trips are created to give children, parents and grandparents an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company in a far-off and exciting destination. On these tours, enrollment is limited to family groups. Sightseeing and other special activities are designed with the interests and attention spans of all generations in mind.

Grandparents Travel to London and England.
Do you relish the idea of having your children and their children all together at one time? I got the idea for grandparent travel when I realized just how important a part grandmothers and grandfathers play in so many families. Some are baby-sitters when parents are so busy with their working lives, while others try to keep in touch though from states away, maintaining a unique relationship with their grandchildren. Is your family spread out all over the world, so this can be a once in a lifetime opportunity to get everyone together. Many grandparents are struggling with the effects of divorced, separated, second marriage, or single parent families I know the special relationship that exists between grandparents and grandchildren. A family trip to England is the answer, with something to delight every member of the family, from school-age children to grandparents. Plan your own, special itinerary with the help of your travel professional, or choose from well planned, well tested plans. Plan memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Scotland Family Vacation - The Clan Escorted Tour
Fun adventures include a castle climb, a visit to a sheep farm, monster-hunting and traditional music. This very special tour for your clan combines enriching experiences in the charming towns of Scotland with some extraordinary accommodations at guest houses, hotels, and inns, and even a romantic castle. Family togetherness is at a premium and no one will complain about being bored.

Small barge cruising on the River Thames
ACTIEF cruises the River Thames. Join Toad, Ratty and Mole from Kenneth Grahame "Wind In the Willows" on this truly magical journey, winding through woodland and open country, passing quintessentially English villages of great beauty en-route. This special family itinerary has been designed to combine the magic of life on the river with exciting family tours and excursions. Available for charters on any departure date. Throughout the week children (and adults too) can also enjoy rowing and fishing from Actief’s dinghy. In addition Actief will run a treasure hunt and scavenger hunt, plus various other fun competition and games throughout the week.

Whatever your family needs, and no matter what their ages or attention spans, England is the perfect place for a family travel adventure.

Ellen McNulty is President of http://www.lynotttours.com

This week, we’ve arranged several new cruise discounts and deals for Vacations To Go customers. These promotions are in addition to the deep discounts we already offer on these sailings and are limited to new bookings only. Other restrictions may apply.
Cunard is offering Vacations To Go customers onboard credits of $50 to $600 per stateroom on select 2008 and 2009 sailings. Book by August 18, click here for dates and prices.
Azamara is offering Vacations To Go customers shipboard credits of $400 per balcony stateroom and $600 per suite on select cruises. Book by August 31, click here for dates and prices. Also, Azamara is offering our customers free pre-paid gratuities plus shipboard credits of $150 to $300 per stateroom when you book an oceanview, balcony or suite on any 2009 Europe cruise. Book by August 31, click here for dates and prices. And, Azamara is offering discounted air rates from select cities on most future sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credits of $300 per cabin on select cruise tours in Asia, Australia and South America. Book by August 31, click here for dates and prices. Royal Caribbean is also offering our customers additional discounts of $50 to $200 per cabin when you book an oceanview, balcony or suite on select cruises. Book by August 16, click here for dates and prices. Past passengers of Royal Caribbean will also receive additional discounts of $25 to $200 per cabin on select sailings. Book by September 30, click here for dates and prices. Finally, Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credits of $50 to $100 per cabin on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices.

Children age 17 or younger cruise for FREE with MSC Cruises when sharing a cabin with two adults on select sailings. This offer is only available in select categories, and port charges and taxes are additional. For a list of 2008 dates and prices, click here. For a list of 2009 dates and prices, click here. MSC is also offering onboard credits of $50 to $200 per cabin, depending on cabin category booked, on select sailings. Book by August 17, click here for dates and prices.
Celebrity is offering discounted air rates from select cities on certain sailings in Australia and New Zealand and South America. Click here for dates and prices. Celebrity is also offering shipboard credits of $300 per stateroom on select cruise tours in Australia and South America. Book by August 31, click here for dates and prices. Additionally, Celebrity is offering shipboard credits of $25 to $100 per stateroom on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices. And, Celebrity is offering additional discounts of $50 to $200 per stateroom on select cruises. Book by September 12, click here for dates and prices.
Princess is offering Vacations To Go customers onboard credits of $50 to $100 per stateroom on most upcoming cruises. For a list of 2008 dates and prices, click here. For a list of 2009 dates and prices, click here. Book select Princess cruises and pay a reduced deposit of $200 per stateroom ($100 per person). Ordinarily, Princess requires a deposit of 20% of the cruise price to secure a reservation. Book by August 18. For a list of 2008 dates and prices, click here. For a list of 2009 dates and prices, click here. Past passengers of Princess will receive additional discounts of $50 to $300 per person on select 2009 sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
Carnival is offering Vacations To Go customers special rates on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices. Also, Carnival past passengers will receive onboard credits of $150 to $200 per cabin on select Mediterranean cruises. Book by August 31, click here for dates and prices.
Norwegian is offering our customers onboard credits of $25 to $150 per cabin, depending on cabin category booked, on select sailings. Some sailings must be booked by August 17. For a list of 2008 dates and prices, click here. For a list of 2009 dates and prices, click here.
Disney is offering our customers shipboard credits of $50 to $125 per cabin on select cruises. Plus, book certain categories on select sailings, and pay a reduced deposit of $100 to $125 per person. Disney normally requires a deposit of $200 to $500 per person to secure a reservation. Book by August 17, click here for dates and prices.
The following offers have no expiration date but are based on availability and can be withdrawn at any time.

Crystal is offering our customers discounted air rates from select cities on certain Europe sailings. Click here for dates and prices. Additionally, Crystal is offering our customers onboard credits of $315 to $11,720 per stateroom, depending on price paid, on all upcoming sailings. Click here for dates and prices. Children age 17 or younger cruise for FREE with Crystal when sharing a stateroom with two adults on select Canada/New England sailings this fall. This offer is only available in select categories, and port charges and taxes are additional. Click here for dates and prices. Finally, Vacations To Go customers can take advantage of a free upgrade when you book select categories on certain sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
Regent (Radisson) is offering discounted air rates from certain cities on select Alaska cruises. Click here for dates and prices. Kids age 17 or younger sail FREE with Regent on select 2009 cruises to Alaska and Europe when sharing a stateroom with two adults. Click here for dates and prices. Additionally, Regent is offering Vacations To Go customers shipboard credits of $100 to $2000 per stateroom on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
Holland America is offering Vacations To Go customers discounted air rates from certain cities when you book select Alaska cruise tours. Click here for dates and prices. Holland America is also offering our customers special rates on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices. Additionally, Holland America is offering our customers a free, one-night pre- or post-cruise hotel stay at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego when you book select categories on certain Mexican Riviera sailings. Click here for dates and prices. And, Holland America is offering Vacations To Go customers onboard credits of $50 to $100 per cabin on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
Windstar is offering Vacations To Go customers onboard credits of $400 per cabin on select Europe cruises. Click here for dates and prices. Windstar is also offering onboard credits of $200 per oceanview cabin and $300 per suite on most sailings. Click here for dates and prices. Plus, Windstar is offering Vacations To Go customers special discounts on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
Oceania Cruises is offering Vacations To Go customers discounted airfare from select cities on most upcoming cruises. Click here for dates and prices. Oceania is also offering our customers shipboard credits of $150 to $500 per stateroom on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices.

Silversea is offering shipboard credits of $250 to $500 per stateroom on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices. Vacations To Go customers will also receive special rates on select Silversea cruises. Click here for dates and prices. Finally, Silversea is offering discounted air rates from select cities on certain upcoming sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
Seabourn is offering Vacations To Go customers onboard credits of $1000 to $2000 per stateroom on their 2010 World Cruise and select World Cruise segments. Click here for dates and prices. Seabourn is also offering our customers onboard credits of $200 per stateroom on select 2008 and 2009 sailings. Click here for dates and prices.
SeaDream Yacht Club is offering our customers spa credits of $200 per cabin on select sailings. Click here for dates and prices.

No matter it is for a business trip, leisurely tour, or family matters, air journey may consume a very huge bite out of your budget. However, you needn’t have to worry about this. Nowadays, options are endless in order to enjoy air travel at a very cheap fare.

With the introduction of the concept budget airlines, alternatively known as low cost airlines, economical airlines, no-frills airlines, people including business travelers and leisurely travelers can now travel anywhere in the world, no matter you want to travel from Hong Kong to Europe or Hong Kong to Canada or US destinations.

Apart from these, you can enjoy traveling at low fares through a number of ways. If you are willing to do some leg work, it is definite that you can easily find an airline providing safe as well as quality budget travel.

One of the best ways to search for cheap flights is through the internet. With scores of airline sites on the web, you can easily find a budget flights with ease. These websites usually carry info on discounts they offer on international air travel as well as in-country travel. Some of the different methods through which these sites provide air travel discounts are :

Reduction of overhead - Many of the online air travel sites render international travel flights to anywhere in the world. This in turn allows to easily match customers to flights with considerably low overhead, thereby enabling service providers to offer flight travel at cheapest rates.

Advanced Bookings - Majority of the agencies provide considerable savings when you make air fare bookings online and in advance.

Off Day or Off Hour Flights - Some of the airline agencies provide great deals on airline by giving customers booking on flight which other travelers may sometimes not prefer to book

Unsold Seats - In some instances, airline companies provide great discounts in order to fill the unsold seats. Special deals may be provided to passengers making bookings prior to two days of the date of departure of the flight

Special Discounts - Many airlines have devised special programs in order to provide special discounts for potential customers making a great deal of flight bookings

Above all, these providers render discounts when you travel during a particular period of a year such as Christmas, New Year, or any other special occasions

However, a thorough investigation must be undertaken with regard to the reputability and the way they render discount flights, prior to approaching an online service provider. It is also important to ensure that they do not charge any kind of hidden fee. One can lean on such sources as references and reviews written by real users or passengers in order to locate a reputable budget airline.

Many of the airlines provide facilities for online ticket booking, which is not only safe and secure but also beneficial for hassle-free bookings. All you have to do is to just log into their website and inform them regarding the destination you are going to travel and date of departure. All of the rest they will take care.

One can also enjoy budget or discount air travel through different other ways including incentives on credit cards and through membership in some important travel clubs as well as certain organizations.

In some instances, credit card holders can enjoy cheap flights by utilizing these cards. In the case of travel clubs, they provide some kind of discounts on air travel for their members when they travel through some particular airlines. Apart from travel clubs, some reputable other organizations such as retirement clubs, college alumni organizations, and business clubs also provide their members discount air travel.

Above all, majority of the airlines render great incentive prices for air fares purchased or booked various weeks to months in advance. How big would be the discount will depend on the airline as well as how much earlier you have made bookings.

A budget airline provides almost the same superb services that a standard airline offers, such as excellent dining options, superb entertainment facilities, and comfortable as well as soft cabins. Additionally, some of the budget airlines render special services for passengers such as elderly travelers, children traveling alone or not accompanied by their parents, pregnant as well as passengers flying with infants, and passengers who have visual, speech, or hearing imparity.

http://www.cheapairlinetickets.net.cn

By Jason Born

Europe is amongst the most favoured tourist destination spots in the world comprising of countries like France, Italy, Greece that have a plethora of history and culture to share with its visitors. But have you decided which all places would you prefer to visit in Europe? The most difficult part of travelling is to locate places, especially if you are struck in an unknown place such as Europe. While travelling Europe, owing to its vast cultural an historical diversity you may prefer to explore the place all by yourself but if you aren’t sure you may get lost. In case, if you are planning to explore Europe all by yourself, then opting for a route planner would be a wide thing to do.

Route planner primarily enables you to locate different places by means of address, pin code amidst other hints that could help. It is tool which can prove to be extremely beneficial for especially individuals who prefer to tour Europe on their own without hassle of hiring a trained guide.

If you are net savvy, then you can make use of the Europe route planner can be accessed through the online websites. With the development in the field of technology, the usage of these online websites has increased even more. These websites would let you to use this route planner tool so that you can navigate directions within the city or state without facing any difficulty. Most of these online services providers do not charge any amount or so to say this tool can be availed free-of cost from websites. In this manner, you could benefit by planning your own tour in Europe, and as well not incur any additional charges.

Browse through the internet, and you would come across number options that could let you take advantage of a route planner. Read through the terms and conditions to check whether or not are there any obligations to be fulfilled for the services to avoid any future complications.

Jason Born is offering advice for quite some time. Having completed his Bachelor of Science in Travel and Tourism Business Management from Institute For Tourism Studies(IFT). He provide useful advice through his articles that have been found very useful. To find Europe Route Planner, europe travel, europe travel guide, europe travel planning visit http://www.tourtoeurope.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Born

By Paul Lacter

With almost 40 million visitors a year, the South of France remains one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the world. However, some basic knowledge of the area before you go can significantly increase your enjoyment of your visit to the region. Our company, Luxury Riviera Travel, specializes in top-of-the-line vacation packages to the region and we’ve developed a list of "do’s and don’ts" based on our own experience.

1. Do choose your trip dates carefully: Very few vacation destinations are as effected by seasonal variance as the South of France. If at all possible, avoid traveling there during the months of July and August when millions of Europeans flock to the area from the four corners of the continent. Everything becomes more expensive, more crowded, more noisy and more chaotic during those two months. If you must travel during the summer months, it’s a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance as the best rooms in the best hotels will generally be taken by the middle of May.

2. Don’t take a lot of cash with you: There are at least as many ATM’s in the South of France as there are in the average American town and almost all of them will allow you to make withdrawals directly from your U.S. bank account. Naturally, there will be a limit to the amount of each withdrawal so check with your bank before leaving. Furthermore you’ll be able to use your American credit and bank cards in almost every shop, hotel and restaurant you visit. Finally, in addition to avoiding the potential dangers of carrying cash, credit cards will often give you a better exchange rate than you can get in banks and airports.

3. Do pack lightly: Dress in the South of France tends to be informal and, unless you’re dining in a very elegant restaurant or invited to the Cannes Film Festival, you won’t need a lot of evening wear. Country club casual will be perfect for most occasions but you’ll want to have a sweater or windbreaker as the evenings can get rather cool.

4. Don’t drive if you can avoid it: Driving in France can be nerve-racking at best and dangerous at worst. You’ll need to get used to the difference in traffic patterns and regulations and French drivers are not noted for their spirit of "fair-play". Furthermore, parking anywhere during the tourist season would challenge the patience of Job. Finally, with the exception of the A8 motorway that runs from Aix-en-Provence to the Italian border, the roads tend to be narrow routes that wind their way around mountains and are crowded with sightseers like yourself. Trains and buses run the length of the Riviera at frequent intervals and some of the best views of the coast can only be seen from the train as the tracks run along the rocky shoreline.

5. Don’t be afraid to mix with the "natives": While it’s true that the French have ambiguous feeling about America, they are generally friendly and open to Americans. After living here for quite awhile, we’ve only had one unpleasant, anti-American experience - and he turned out not to be French at all. There is a genuine fascination with the United States and you may find yourself in an interesting exchange of views. And, with the exception of Paris, you’ll find more English speaking natives here than anywhere else in France.

6. Do try out new foods: Yes, there are plenty of McDonalds here and you can even get some Tex-Mex but that’s not the reason you came to France. Restaurants can however be expensive, especially with the weak dollar and you’re unlikely to find a meal here for under $10. But you can find plenty of good restaurants with a three-course menu between twenty and twenty-five dollars. Or, do as the French do and buy a sandwich on a wonderful loaf of French bread for around five dollar.

7. Don’t gather where the other American tourists go: I know there’s safety in numbers but not necessarily for Americans traveling abroad. Besides, any spot that caters to tourists is going to price themselves accordingly. Why pay a premium to be with the same folks you can see at home? Turn the corner and find that little café you came to France for in the first place.

8. Do make use of your hotel’s concierge: A good concierge can arrange everything you’ll need from a haircut to concert tickets. While tipping is not required in European hotels and restaurants, it’s a good idea to slip the concierge twenty euro when you arrive at your hotel. This is an investment in service that can pay big dividends in your enjoyment of your vacation.

9. Do plan to go "inland" and visit some Provencal sites: The South of France has one of the richest histories of the country. France’s first city was Marseille, founded by Phoecian traders in 600 BC. The Greeks, the Romans, the Visigoths, the Cathars, the Crusaders, the Italians, and, of course the French all left their own indelible mark on the history of the South of France. You’ll find Roman amphitheaters and medieval castles and walled towns perched on top of rocky cliffs. The area abounds with museums celebrating everything from pre-historic man to impressionist art. And all this is placed in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty.

10. Do relax and enjoy your trip: There are few places on earth that combine the very best in cuisine, culture and climate and the French Riviera is among the very best.

Get more information on this topic by visiting our website at http://www.luxuryriviera.com or submit questions to info@luxuryriviera.com or at (866)998-02748

Paul Lacter is Director of European Operations for Luxury Riviera Travel. He lives and works on the French Riviera.

Luxury Riviera Travel specializes in all-inclusive luxury vacation packages to the French Riviera and Provence. Learn more about us at http://www.luxuryriviera.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Lacter

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By Paul Scottyn

Denmark’s capital Copenhagen bears all the hallmarks of a vibrant, modern and laidback society. But the city still retains a strong connection with its royal family, which at its peak commanded a large proportion of surrounding Scandinavia.

Today, Copenhagen remains the largest city in Scandinavia. Its excellent travel links and pedestrian-friendly attitude make it easy for tourists to get around, wherever their Copenhagen hostels might be.

Amalienborg Palace

This grand palace still serves as the home of the Danish royal family during the summer months and is named after Danish Queen Sofie Amalie, whose smaller palace on the site burned down in 1689.

Although it is not open to the public - so tourists will not be able to compare it to their own Denmark hostel - visitors can watch the changing of the guards, which takes place in the courtyard everyday at midday.

Rosenborg Castle and Treasury

Unlike the city’s other main royal building, there is limited access to this former summer house, as well as a museum showcasing some historic and interesting regal artefacts and treasures.

In the treasury itself, tourists can see the Danish Crown Jewels and Coronation Carpet. Particular highlights are the Crown of King Christian IV and the Globus Cruciger.

Tourists can also enjoy a picnic in the Rosenborg Castle Garden, which is the oldest garden in the city. It is also home to the Danish Royal Life Guards, who march to the Amalienborg Palace for the changing of the guard every day.

The Round Tower

Originally constructed as an observatory by King Christian IV in the 17th Century, it is today situated in the center of the city, offering fantastic views from the Latin Quarter, which can be quite useful if tourists forget the location of their Copenhagen hostels.

Most interestingly the tower boasts of a 210 meter long spiral walkway that leads up to the top of the tower, with windows every couple of meters offering a progressive panoramic view of the city.

Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for Hostelbookers. Paul Scottyn did a backpacking tour of Denmark, he checked out a variety of the country’s budget accommodation, including a number of most Copenhagen Hostels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Scottyn

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Rome apartments rentals & Vacation rentals apartments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Orson_Johnson

The city of Rome is steeped in history, so it only stands to reason that it would be home to some of the most interesting museums in the world. They carry everything from artifacts of the ancient world to art history.

The Borghese Museum and Gallery is a small palace that was built to host Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s art collection. Famous sculptures including G.L. Bernini’s "David," "Apollo and Daphne," "Pluto and Proserpina," as well as Canova’s statue of Pauline Borghese can be found here. The picture gallery includes masterpieces such as Correggio’s "Danae," Raphael’s "Deposition," paintings by Caravaggio, and Titian’s "Sacred and Profane love."

The L. Pigorini National Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography on the Piazza Marconi houses an ethnographic collection created by European indigenous cultures. There are more than 60,000 pieces to be seen, including documentation of evolution stretching from the Palaeolithic era to the Iron Age. These would be found in the Italian prehistoric and protohistoric section.

The National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo played the role of burial chamber to emperors from Hadrian up to Septimius Severus as well as their families. It was then used as a fortress and prison in the Middle Ages. As of 1925, it was converted into a museum containing sculptures, furniture, weapons, fragments of floor from the XIV and XV centuries, and frescoes created by Perin del Vaga and Pellegrino.

To read the rest of this article, Click Here.

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