Travel to Santorini one of the most beautiful islands of Greece!

Fira is the capital of Santorini and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful settlements of Greece, along with Ia. It is built on a naturally impressive site, on top of the cliffs and along the fringe of the caldera at an altitude of 260m. The haven of the town is Fira's bay, where someone can get the teleferique to go up to the town.




-Book here cheap air tickets and hotels to visit Santorini

Alternatively, you can choose going up to town with a donkey or by foot if you are even more adventurous! The view towards the sea captivates you so much that I suggest you be very careful if you pick the latter option (go up by foot) – the cliff is steep and not guarded.
Fira was founded at the end of the 18thC and has been built in the traditional Cycladic architectural style. The houses are brilliant white, small, with domes and arches and lots of little windows along their sides, overlooking the beach; together, they cheekily sneak out from the narrow streets and tease you. Along the fridge of the caldera, the terraces become balconies for the nearby houses.

However, despite the traditional neighborhoods, the bright white houses and the blue domed churches, a walk around the island’s busier streets - where shops and cafes have proudly claimed their space - will make you realize that you really are in one of the cosmopolitan Greek islands.

Santorini Volcano
Santorini owes its existence to it's volcano. Being the only geological phenomenon of the Aegean Sea, the volcano created a place of unique beauty in its heart.
Both Santorini and its volcano will undoubtedly fascinate you. It co-exists with the underwater one of Koloumbos, which is situated 8klm from Santorini, Nisiros, Milos and Methana, as well as the rest of the volcanoes in the Aegean Sea.

Santorini's volcano became active 2,5 million years ago and is still active to this day. Its latest volcanic surface in the Eastern Mediterranean was created just 50 years ago, on the island of Nea Kameni.

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Shopping and lake cruises in Zurich!

Zurich has many things to offer to the tourists visiting it. Some of the best attractions of this town include the streets with stylish window shops, chic cafes, elegant restaurants and lake cruises. 

Shopping in Zurich 

Tourists visiting Zurich shouldn’t miss the shops on the Bahnhofstrasse, the main commercial artery of the city. A veritable parade of luxury opens here for the passersby. One can find the latest collections of fashion designers, jewelries and expensive watches. The headquarters of the most prestigious Swiss banks rises on the same street, which is opened now only for pedestrian traffic. Even if one is traveling on a budget it costs nothing to take a look. The Niederdorf area, located in the old town shouldn’t be missed. It will impress the tourists with picturesque alleys and clothing and accessories shops. This area will be a stop not only for those who seek the fashion, but also for the tourists interested in nightlife bars and clubs. Andorra Bar is highly appreciated by jazz and beer lovers, and the nearby bar Corazon is famous for its finest wines. 

Tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the neighborhood in Tina Bar, and eat a cheap lunch at the Cantina restaurant on ground level of the same building. Shopping can be a fascinating experience in Rosenhof market. Opened from March to December, the market is located close to the historic town hall and two steps away from the river Limmat. The Rosenhof market is known for the many stalls with antiques, objects brought from distant countries or products of local artisans. Although it looks like fair, Rosenhof can be the best place to find gifts for friends with expensive tastes: clothes, jewelry, precious stones, pottery, and local culinary delights. 

Cruises and fun activities for kids 

If a city tour seems to be exhausting, one can find amusement in a cruise on Lake Zurich and the Limmat River. From early spring until late autumn, tourists enjoy boat rides on the river. Most of them have a glass roof, so the scenery is stunning. A boat tour on the lake or river takes about one and a half hour. Zurich Zoo can be a perfect place for a quiet stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Founded in 1929, the Zoo Park is one of the favorite attractions of families with children. It hosts hundreds of species and a recreated rainforest in the outskirts. Kids can take part in workshops and may assist in the parade of penguins.

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Introducing Vienna

Vienna is the capital of the central European country of Austria. The city has a long history that dates back nearly 1,000 years. The first time that Vienna was mentioned as a city was in a chronicle dating from 1137. 

About two decades afterward the city became the home of the Austrian dukedom. About a century later, in 1278 with the defeat of Czech king Ottokar II, the Hapsburgs maintained their control of the city, a situation that was to be maintained for the next 640, until the end of WWI. After the fall of the Hapsburg’s rule, the city went through several changes perhaps the most notorious being brought into the German Third Reich by Austrian Adolf Hitler. 

Vienna is well-known for its musical history. The classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, although not born in the city, moved there in 1781, as did the famous composer Franz Joseph Haydn and the German-born Ludwig van Beethoven. Other noted composers and conductors either came from Vienna or made the city their home. Such notables include Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler and Herbert von Karajan. Even today, there are many musical groups and events which take place in the city. Home to the Theatre an der Wein, a famous opera house, the Herbert von Karajan Centrum Vienna, the Vienna Boys Choir and the Gustav Mahler Jungendorchestra, there are many places to experience music in the city. But there is more than classical music which lives there. Annually, the city hosts a jazz festival with international artists. For instance, the Jazz Fest Wien 2011 included Liza Minnelli, British music star Seal, and singer Cesoria Evora from Cape Verde. There are various jazz clubs as well such as the Blue Tomato and Club Ost. There are also many electronic music-related artists and clubs such as the Elektro Gӧnner and Europa and Lager. Established electronic producers and DJ’s include Patrick Palsinger, Peter Kruger and Richard Dorfmeister. Electronic music festivals include Waves Vienna and the Day & Night Festival.

Besides musical events, there are many other activities to do in Vienna. In the first district of the city, near the State Opera House is the Haus of Musik, which allows visitors to hear a presentation about the history of music as well as try out various instruments. G-town which opened in 2001, is an urban entertainment center. It boasts a myriad of various buildings including an event hall for over 4,000 people, a daycare center, a dormitory for students, a 12-screen cinema, over 600 apartments, the Vienna National Archive, and 70 bars, stores, restaurants, cafes and a vinotheque. 

Many historical sites can be seen in Vienna such as Figarohaus, where Mozart lived over a period of about ten years. Other historical sites in Vienna including Judenplatz, the Holocaust memorial which is a sculpture consisting of The Nameless Library. The names of Holocaust victims can be seen at the memorial along with the names of the Nazi death camps. There is also a Jewish museum which details the extensive history of Jewish people in the city. Famous Viennese residents of Jewish heritage include Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, and Hedy Lamarr, an inventor and famous Hollywood actress. Josephinum, or the Institute for the History of Medicine, in Vienna was established by Emperor Joseph II. It houses a wax collection of anatomical body parts commissioned by Joseph II and later used by doctors to study the human body. Vienna is also home to the Kriminalmuseum which provides information to visitors on how killers, past and present, go about their deeds. Information is supplied by Vienna police archives. Details about murder from the Middle Ages to the present day is on display. There is also an exhibit dedicated to the city’s criminal underworld.

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Yacht Wedding in Cyprus

Cyprus boasts a pleasantly warm climate with sunshine blanketing the land. You will experience an eclectic mix of cultural influences wherever you go from the pristine beaches to quaint and charming villages, and not forgetting the friendly and hospitable locals which captivate the hearts of every visitor.

Where would be a more fitting destination than Cyprus the island of love and birthplace of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite? This would be the most romantic symbol being blessed right where the true meaning of love originated. 

And just to take it one step further, why not exchange vows whilst sailing in this idyllic setting on your very own private yacht. This is such an intimate and secluded environment to celebrate your new and exciting journey as you sail the stunning coastlines. You will be blessed by the most captivating surroundings with your day being uniquely tailored bringing all of your childhood dreams to life. This destination will without a doubt create a magical and unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. 

A yacht wedding will provide you with glamour and style whether it is a 2 hour sunset cruise with cocktails and canapés for a small and intimate gathering, or a 6 hour expedition including a sumptuous buffet dinner for a celebration for 150 people. Sail the magical crystal blue seas as the sun slowly sets over the horizon while you and your guests kick off your shoes and dance the night away. To top of this truly special day, farewell your guests as you surrender to the luxurious Honeymoon Suite where classy champagne and decadent chocolates await. Yacht wedding packages are a popular choice, for a simple ceremony only package you will pay around £799-£1399 for 20 guests and £15 for each extra person. However if you would like all the trimmings including honeymoon suite you will pay around £1299-£1799 for 20 people. 

Wedding regulations vary slightly depending on which island you are having your ceremony. In some cases you may be required to be staying on the particular island for a nominated time frame before the wedding. You are required to submit your application at least 2 months beforehand along with your birth certificate, declaration of freedom to marry, and passports valid for 10 years. You are required to bring all original and legalised documents with you to Cyprus. Your marriage certificate will be in Greek therefore it will need to be translated to your native language once you are back in your home country. 

Accommodation in Cyprus will provide you with pure luxury while maintaining their original beauty. You may like to take up residence in a private bungalow within a resort village where you will be privy to all the amenities and facilities. Private Holiday villas are also a fantastic choice and provide a home away from home. Traditional style villas still exude their character and charm featuring splendid displays of architecture from the past.

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The best attractions to see in Oslo

Oslo happens to be Norway’s capital and also its largest city, but these are not the only things it is known for. Oslo’s museums and parks are definitely world-class and always worth seeing. 

The Akershus Castle, in particular, stands as a landmark in Oslo. You shouldn’t miss it for anything. The castle used to serve as a prison during the second world war, but now it plays host to the Resistance Museum depicting the occupation of the Germans in Norway. Take time to visit the dark dungeons, banquet halls and staterooms that are housed within the castle – you will be awed, for sure. Come summertime, the castle grounds are used for many outdoor events.

Experience true Norweigan heritage at the Norweigan Folk Museum. Set amidst sight-captivating surroundings, the Museum features many things that characterize Norweigan culture and heritage. Here you’ll find the wooden stave church dating as far back as the 11th century as well.

The Kon-Tiki Museum is worth seeing, too, if only to see the balsa-log raft used by Scientist Thor Heyerdahl during his voyage from Peru Polynesia. But there’s plenty to experience in the museum, as well – artifacts from East Polynesia, Peru, and Galapagos, and lava statues from the Easter Island, among others. Make use of the interactive touch screen guide to help you get around.

Other notable museums to see in Oslo are the Viking Ship Museum which contains the world’s three best-preserved Viking ships, the Munch Museum featuring the many artworks of Munch, including his best work, The Scream, and the Barnekunst Museum also known as the International Children’s Art Museum.

Done with Museum hopping? Visit Radhuset, Oslo’s City Hall, referred to by many as Norway’s pride. Not every one thinks that way, though, so see for yourself what you make out of the murals, frescoes, sculptures, and wood carvings.

Spend time to see Slottsparken, too. Slottsparken is a park surrounding the Royal Palace. Witness the changing of the guard at 1:30 pm, and see why it is always such a big deal.

If you happen to visit Oslo during summertime, don’t fail to see Vigeland Sculpture Park which features granite, bronze and iron sculptures of the cycle of life as envisioned by Adolf Gustav Vineland.

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Travel Tips for Reykjavik Iceland Where to Eat Sleep and Tour in Iceland

You may think that Iceland is rather a complicated place to go to and one of Europe’s more popular tourist destinations is easier and quicker to reach and navigate but you’d be wrong! Iceland lies between Boston and London and takes about 4 hours to reach either from the U.S. or Europe. 

The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik has all the tourist amenities and conveniences as any other popular tourist destination but is not as over run or as over done.

You will find Iceland a refreshing travel destination with some unexpected plus points, like the beautiful women, the raving nightlife on weekends and the breath taking scenery and natural wonders.

These travel tips are just some interesting points which I picked up on during my visit to Reykjavik, Iceland and they may make your trip to Iceland more pleasurable.

1. Weather and visiting Reykjavik, Iceland in the winter

Although cold in the winter don’t think you have to go during the summer. The winters have been mild in the past 5 years, with hardly any snow fall in the south, although you still get the snow capped mountains and icy glaciers. This means you can still easily navigate the roads around Reykjavik during the winter even if you are not used to driving in winter conditions. Traveling to Reykjavik, Iceland in winter also means a chance to see the northern lights, cheaper prices, fewer tourists and all the tourist attractions are still open. The only things you would miss out on if traveling in winter to Reykjavik, Iceland is the whale watching and Puffin birds.

2. Whale watching in winter in Reykjavik, Iceland

There are whale watching tours during the winter but you are more likely to see dolphins. We took a whale watching tour in Reykjavik during January and enjoyed the boat trip, although you need to go knowing you will most likely not see the mighty mammal. If you can look at it simply as a pleasant trip along the Icelandic coast then do it but if you have your heart set on seeing a whale then rather go in the summer months to avoid disappointment. We did however see a school of about 100 dolphins who ducked and dived around the boat and that was great.

3. Neighborhood ice cream parlor in Reykjavik, Iceland

Using the tourist map of the city of Reykjavik which every hotel hands out, follow your nose and taste buds to this small neighborhood ice cream shop which overflows with locals and plenty of character. Get away from Reykjavik’s main street for a while, about a 20 minute walk west and you will find an ice cream parlor run by a regular mum. The place is small but locals love it. You can have regular ice cream or frozen milk, and either come topped or blended with a variety of about 30 toppings. You will find it at: 67 Hagamel Street and can read more about the most popular reykjavik ice cream parlor here. Don’t miss out on all the wierd and wonderful traditional Icelandic foods as well!

4. Where to stay in Reykjavik, Iceland

Look at a map and choose a hotel walking distance from the main street - Laugavegur . Reykjavik is spread out with many of the hotels being far from the main street which buzzes with cafes, pubs, restaurants and all the amenities you will need. Although many trips to Reykjavik consist of simply staying at a hotel and then being picked up everyday from your hotel and being taken on an adventure into the incredible Icelandic nature, you may want to leave your hotel at some point for a coffee, a beer or simply to window shop. If your hotel is not close to the center you will have a hard time getting to the center as buses are not that regular and there are plenty of hotels to choose from around the main part of town. Don’t miss out on the Reykjavik nightlife and café culture by choosing a hotel too far away from the center. I recommend one of the Centerhotel chain hotels, Thingholt, Plaza or Klopp, all of which are central, and vary in price range, there is also a hostel right on the main drag.

5. The Golden Circle Tour, Reykjavik, Iceland

Combine your trip to the Golden Circle with some other attraction. Although the Golden Circle is exciting, unusual and breathtaking you will find that it takes a while to reach the attractions along the way as you come from Reykjavik, however if you have some other distraction it makes the day just that bit more special. You can combine the Golden Circle tour with snowmobile riding, glacier climbing, super jeep rides, horse riding and even snorkeling or diving. We did the snorkeling and it just broke the monotony of driving from one site to another getting out, being amazed, taking a photo and returning to the van. A note about superjeep riding, ask your tour operator if the jeep will actually be going off road, otherwise you might as well be in a car or van.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland tours

I had read many times on the net that there is no need to book tours before you leave home, but I found this hard to believe and went ahead and booked all our tours in advance. Once in Reykjavik I found that there were other tour options, tours that combined tours I had booked separately and that we needed some breathing space between tours. So definitely don’t book all your tours in advance. However book your first day’s tour and any special tours that you are scared to miss out on. The hotel reception or the local tourist information can book tours for you on the spot. For example there is no need to book northern lights tours too far in advance. We even booked a tour which was leaving in 20 minutes time, and they came to pick us up from the hotel.

Writer: Petal Mashraki

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Head to Helsinki This Summer!

How does the seaside capital of one of northern Europe’s most distinct countries, Finland feel like?

Some people experience Helsinki as unpresumptuous and cool while others think it is delightfully retro. 70% of Finland’s foreign business happens here, 10% of the Helsinki population of 584 420 were born abroad and they speak 132 languages.

A quarter of the population of the country, 29% of jobs, eight universities, six technology parks, and a third of Finland’s GDP can be found in and around Helsinki, founded in 1550.

How to Go Around Helsinki

At 42 € for 48 hours and giving unlimited travel on the excellent public transport system and with free access to 50 museums, the Helsinki Card is a great bargain.

Wake up with coffee and breakfast at Café Esplanad (Pohjoisesplanadi 37) or Café Strindberg (Pohjoisesplanadi 33).

A short walk away is one of the market squares, Kauppatori, full of tourists browsing handicrafts stalls. Locals buy fish, fruits or vegetable in this popular open-air marketplace overlooked by the red brick built Russian Orthodox Uspensky Cathedral on Katajanokka Island.

On the Senate Square, walk up the high flock of steps of the huge white Lutheran cathedral to get a beautiful panoramic city-view.

19th century neoclassic buildings like the imposing main building of the Helsinki University are around the square. A small side street, Sofiankatu, is paved with cobblestones and has street signs in Russian first, Swedish next and Finnish last as it was two hundred years ago. The stately parliament house built with red granite has a modern annex and modern glass buildings opposite.

Classical art-lovers shouldn’t miss the Ateneum Art Museum with Finnish art from the 18th century to the 1960s and foreign art from the 19th century onwards. Modern art-lovers have the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, an ultra-modern building designed by American architect Steven Holl. The National Museum, has an interactive exhibition to take you through Finnish history. Temppeliaukion Kirkko, a church hewed out of solid granite rock with a rolled copper roof hosts many concerts and is a tourist must see. You don’t need to have children tagging along to scream in childish delights at Linnanmäki amusement park. Many parks in Helsinki, like Esplanade park provide free WLAN Internet, so you can sit there in the sun with your laptop, people watching and posting updates on Facebook.

Helsinki has a glitzy and pricy Flamingo if you want that spa kind of pampering. The wood fired Kotiharjun Sauna (Harjutorinkatu 1) is a dare for the culturally brave. The Russians prescribe vodka for solving all the problems of life. The Finns use the sauna to that end. With separate saunas for men and women, the traditional relaxation solves all the problems of life, but no drinking alcohol in the sauna. You can experience swimming naked at the classical Roman style baths round the year at Yrjönkatu pools. Separate places and times for men and women. The Finnish Sauna society has eight different kinds of saunas for you to brag about back at home.

Suomenlinna is a UNESCO-listed group of islands only a 15-minute ferry ride away and Seurasaari is an open-air museum (in summer) a short bus-ride away with farmhouses, churches and manors to show how people lived in Finland hundreds of years ago.

FOOD, DRINKS and NIGHT-LIFE in Helsinki

The not-so-cheap restaurant Aino (Pohjoisesplanadi 21) serves excellent Finnish food. Lappi (Annankatu 22) and Saaga (Bulevardi 34B) serve exotic Lappish cuisine. Jailbird, located in a former prison is a restaurant for people who want to pay for dining in a jail.

The young party bums should check out Baarikärpänen (Mikonkatu 1), Fever (Annankatu 32) and KY Klubi (Pohjoinen Rautatienkatu 21). Seasoned partygoers try the following: Ahjo (Bulevardi 2/4), Fennia (Mikonkatu 19). Then there’s Millionaire’s Club (Kaivokatu 12) or Gentleman’s Club (Iso Roobertinkatu 4-6) for the really naughty men.

For gay and lesbian clientele, Bar Loop, the trendy Jenny Woo, Hercules nightclub, DTM offers you free WLAN, Mann’s Street is for real Finnish men who happen to be gay.

In the last two decades small boutiques in Helsinki have moved over to shopping centres like in all major cities. In summer, Helsinki is full of tourists - Americans coming in large cruise ships, Russians from Moscow and St Petersburg coming for bargains and for holidaying, the Japanese strolling around and buying Finnish design clothes at Marimekko. Check the latest on what’s happening in Helsinki from the Trip Advisor

WEATHER in Helsinki

When you come up so far north, weather can be very fickle, so dress appropriately. The average Helsinki daytime temperature is 17c in July and the daylight hours are around 20 hours then. Nights can be cooler. Check the latest weather here 

Two Finnish words Anteeksi (excuse me/sorry) check pronunciation here and Kiitos (Thanks) check pronunciation here will help you a lot. Most of the people in Helsinki speak a fair amount of English.

As a city, Helsinki symbolises the Finn’s penchant for the understatement. 

Source: factoidz.com