5 Hidden European Treasures

This article shall look at hidden treasures located around Europe that are often missed by travellers; with their beauty and quaintness they really secret little wonders. 

1.       Tirol, Austria

Although falling under most travellers radars, Tirol is most definitely well worth a visit. If winter sports are for you then Tirol will be sure to entertain. It boasts many a snow themed activity, including more than 155 miles of ski runs at the largest connected ski region in Austria.

A fact about Tirol: It is the highest winter resort in Austria.

Places of interest: Nordkettenbahnen mountain range and Hofburg castle.

(Image courtesy of City Pictures)  

2.       Colmar, France

Capital of Central Alsace, the charm of Colmar is in abundance from the moment you arrive. It offers a unique and pleasant mixture of French culture and Bavarian architecture. The streets are lined with colourful, half-timbered houses that look like they are plucked straight out of a fairy-tale; and although over 1000 years old the city’s history remains fairly well reserved. Built on a network of small canals during the summer months you can take to the waters on a punt tour.

If you are in the area during the Christmas period it is transformed into a wonder land complete with lights all down the streets that are filled with Christmas markets selling handmade goods and food.

A fact about Colmar: in 1632 during the thirty years’ war it was occupied by Sweden.

Places of interest: Galleried Ancienne Douane, St Martin’s Cathedral, Musee d’Unterlinden and the Maison Pfister.

 (Image courtesy of Daily Screens)

 

3.       Murren, Switzerland

Murren is a small town which sits on a plateau more than 5000 feet above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The only way to get to the quirky town is by cable car, cable way or cog rail. Once up at the peak you can take in the breath-taking scenery and truly stunning views of the dramatic mountain summits of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

On offer is range of fabulous outdoor activities like hiking, winter sports and mountaineering. Without the hustle bustle of traffic with it being a traffic free zone, you can explore the town by foot

A fact about Murren: It is the highest, continually inhabited village settlement in the Canton of Bern.

Places of interest: Schilthorm / Piz Gloria – here you can take in the breath-taking views of the 200 mountain summits and 40 glaciers all from the luxury of the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant. Trummelback falls – a wild glacier gorge, complete with underground waterfalls which lie hidden behind rock walls.

 (Image courtesy of The Guardian)

4.       Seville , Spain

Seville is a perfect destination for lovers of anything music and dance. In the heart if the Andalusians architecture is heavy Moorish influence, after being occupied by the Moors for 800 years. Sticking with Spanish tradition you can enjoy some tapas whilst taking a break from the sight-seeing in the city.

A fact about Seville: It was the birth place of Flamenco dancing

Places of interest: Alcazar castle and the Museo del Baile Flamenco.

 (Image courtesy of top walls)

5.       Cappadocia, Turkey

A truly stunning and striking city, famous for its lunar like landscape comprising of ancient rock formations and caves. Dotted across Cappadocia are ‘fairy chimneys’ and labyrinths of subterranean cities. The underground cities in Cappdocia offer something a little different for budding travellers, with shafts for water and fresh they are thought to inhabit thousands of people and are designed to be closed off if threats should arise.

A fact about Cappadocia: The ‘fairy chimneys’ reach up to 50m.

Places of interest: Goreme open air museum and Kaymakli underground city.

 (Image courtesy of Famous Place Finder)

So whether its sun holidays or snow holidays you’re looking for there are hidden treasures located all across Europe and these are just a few. If you’re working on a budget you can compare holiday Prices to find yourself the best cheap holidays and get yourself off onto a path of discovery.

Holiday Trends - Summer 2014

What inspires people to travel to different places? It could be that they like an adventure, it could be that they are looking to relax and want to visit somewhere that has lots of beaches and sun, or it could be they just want some family fun. Below is our complete guide to hottest holiday destinations this summer and things to do while you are there.

We start this guide by selecting the top 3 destinations for people in search of an adventure:

Thailand

“Land of Smiles” is labelled as the slogan of Thailand and pleasantly it’s very accurate, as it defines the Thai people and the open-hearted nature of their homeland. When visiting Thailand you can choose from a host of outdoor adventures from jungle trekking, elephant riding and exploring the ancient caves to sea kayaking, snorkelling and waterfall abseiling.

(image courtesy of Dipnot - http://www.dipnot.tv/seni-cok-ozledik-puket/67744/)

Costa Rica

Located between Nicaragua and Panamá on the Central American strip, Costa Rica is a small, democratic country, recognised for its natural environment as it is one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet. Explore Costa Rica’s volcanoes, wildlife, rainforests and beaches. This adventure offers a outings sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

(image courtesy of Your Trip To - http://yourtripto.com/5-tips-for-planning-your-trip/)

Brazil 

The host country of the World Cup 2014 and the Olympic Games 2016, all eyes are on Brazil at the moment. With its amazing beaches, vast array of wildlife, historical towns and Amazon rainforests there are fewer places in the world that would give Brazil a hard time competing for one of the best holiday destinations of summer 2014.

(image courtesy of Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_the_Redeemer_(statue))

Secondly we look at destinations that provide the best beaches

Fiji

Fiji is famous for its absolutely stunning beaches, the white sands, clear waters and beaming sunshine are what attract so many people to the island nation every year. If you love and appreciate beaches, you will not be disappointed by Fiji.

(image courtesy of PickYourTrail - http://pickyourtrail.com/site/experience/43)

Dominican Republic

Surrounded by nearly 250 miles of coastline on the north, east and south, the Dominican Republic is home to some of the most tranquil beaches in the world. One of the Dominican Republic’s most famous beaches, the Samaná Peninsula is one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.

(image courtesy of Wallpaper 2020 - http://www.wallpaper2020.com/dominican-republic-nature-wallpaper/)

Dubai

Nowhere is quite as interesting as Dubai. In the space of hardly four decades, the city has transformed itself from a modest Arabian trading town into one of the planet’s most talked-about destinations. Please note a lot of the beaches in Dubai are not cheap but you will get the best spots on the beaches, free facilities and the entry price includes food and drink vouchers to spend during the day.   

(image courtesy of Laing O’Rourke - http://www.laingorourke.com/our-work/all-projects/atlantis.aspx)

Finally we end this guide by choosing the top locations for family fun

Florida

There is no better place on the planet for family entertainment, known as “The Sunshine State” Florida is best known for the theme parks which include, Universal Studios, Disney Land and Sea World. However some of the best attractions are best kept secrets for example, the everglades, South Beach and the Florida Keys.

(image courtesy of City Travel Express - http://www.citytravelexpress.com/)

Mexico

Just an hour’s drive from Cancun this is an attraction like no other, visitors arrive at Xcaret to absorb the impressive history, relax on the beaches, float down one of two underground rivers, swim with dolphins or walk through jungle covered landscapes. There is also a huge theme park and scuba diving.

(image courtesy of Occidental Hotels - http://www.occidentalhotels.com/resort/occidental-grand-xcaret)

South Africa

From watching the most savage of beasts at the numerous National Parks in South Africa to sampling the subtle bouquet of Shiraz wine, the experiences available in South Africa are as great as the country’s never-ending landscape. The list of things to see in South Africa are endless, including Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Table Mountain National Park and the Kruger National Park.

(image courtesy of Charming Asia Tours - http://www.charmingasiatours.com/tours/south-africa-tour/cape-town-south-africa-vacation-tour-package-4/)

So the next time you are searching for cheap holidays in the sun, make sure that you keep the above places in mind. You wouldn’t want to be missing out now, would you?

Ancient Wonders Of The World

Across the world there are spectacular ancient sites to be seen! They are true ancient wonders of the world that should be on your must see list. 

Machu Picchu, Peru

A truly mysterious location by all accounts, built in the 15^th-Century it is one of the most exciting and intriguing heritage site of the Inca civilization. Recently there has been a new discovery surrounding the area where a previously unknown stretch of Inca road leading up to the fortress has been found. This discovery may be the key to easing the access to this ancient destination.

Petra, Jordan

 

Sometimes called the ‘rose of the desert’ situated in the south of Jordan, Petra is completely surrounded by mountains. General associations surrounding Petra lie with the Nabataens but remains have been found there dating back to the 6^th century BC. The settlement here developed due to the plentiful water supply and the natural defence the land provides to it. The Nabataens constructed the massive and impressive rock cut architecture and complex dams and waterways.  To reach the city you pass through a narrow gorge that runs over 1km.

 

Hagia Sophia, Turkey

When constructed in 532 its initial purpose was as a basilica, but was later converted into a mosque and now it serves as a spectacular looking museum. It is a great structure of architectural beauty and a significantly important monument for Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. 

Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Thailand

One of the best preserved wonders of the ancient world, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built in 1491. It was the only temple to be located with the royal grounds of the grand palace that didn’t have resident monks. The temple was the also the largest within the Ayutthaya Kingdom during its hay day but was left abandoned after the collapse of the kingdom.

Submerged wonders of Alexandria, Egypt

Off the coast of Alexandria lie what is believed to be the ruins of Cleopatra’s royal quarters. It is thought that the area was submerged underwater by earthquakes that occurred over 1,500 years ago. Below the waters artefacts, statues and other parts of the palace can also be found. The city of Alexandria wants to offer tours of this underwater world.

Acropolis of Athens, Greece

The most popular of all the Acropolis ruins and ancient sites, it is the most important part of the historic Greek culture and ancient city of Athens; as well as being one of the oldest structures in the world. It is enlisted as a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Sigiriya, Lions Mountain, Sri Lanka

Located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka, it houses traditional architecture that is a beautiful combination of buildings and gardens.  It took the sub name of Lion’s Mountain due to the giant lion sculptures near to the door entrances. The area was surrounded by forests, dams and gardens which just adds to the beauty of the site and its views with the sire itself located on top of the great rock. The story behind Sigiriya is that during the 5^th century king Kassapa l felt so threatened that he built a palace and swimming pool on the rock. The rock offered him protected as he built the palace as a fortress with a moat full of crocodiles.

So, when looking into cheap holidays this summer to escape somewhere hot, make sure to check out the above locations, if you want to see spectacular sights.

(Sigiriya, Lions Mountain, Sri Lanka)

(Photo courtesy of Travel Photo Gallery)

A Trip Around The Continents Part 2

This article shall take a look at the must hit destinations in North America, South America and Africa.

North America

Across of North America there is many beautiful and surreal places that you must take the time to go and see.

Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska – It is a 12 mile stretch of glaciers and is home to some of the most surreal ice caves. Located in the Mendenhall valley of Juneau you can follow one of the many trails. If you are looking to see the whimsical ice clouds for yourself then follow the West Glacier route.

Watkins Glen State Park, New York – Located south of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region you can find this little fantasy area made up of waterfalls and pools. The area within the park is called Rainbow Bridge and Falls and is definitely a sight to see.

Hamilton Pool, Texas – This natural pool was created when the dome to an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago due to massive erosion. Located just outside of Austin it is a popular destination for tourists during the summer months due to its beautiful picture post card scenery and look.

(Image courtesy of Amusing Planet)

South America

Bahia, Brazil – Here you can find miles of coconut fringed white sand beaches and one of the best climates in South America. If a little adventure is your sort of thing then the Chapada Diamantina Mountains offer captivating and mesmerising trekking and climbing opportunities.

Cusco, Peru – As the majestic capital of the ancient Inca Empire, Cusco holds a breadth of culture and history to be absorbed. It boasts narrow streets that inhabit temples and grand cathedrals but these offer only a glimpse into its very long and storied history. With the new Spanish city built on top of the Inca’s foundation you can catch reminisce of both eras that share the city’s streets; where baroque churches rub shoulders with the ruins of exquisite stone masonry. With this rare combination of Andean and Spanish history it has kept travellers coming back across the years.

Africa

The Great Migration, Tanzania – No photo could do the annual migration of the wildebeest and zebras justice. With hundreds of thousands of the animals making the crossing continuously through the year there is always something to be captured. The animals make the move from Tanzania’s Ngotongoro Reserve in January, up through the Serengeti in June and hitting Kenya’s Masai Mara during September before making the journey back south once again.

Sphinx, Egypt – A monument from the Egyptian’s history the colossal temple is situated on the path down to Egypt’s Valley Temple of King Chefren. It encompasses a body of a lion with a human head and is approximately 70 meters long and 20 meters high.

You can find cheap holidays to locations just like these with spectacular sights to be seen, if you compare holiday’s prices you are able to find yourself the best deal allowing you to take advantage of the savings to save for your next trip.