Cancun Attractions, Excursions and Tours

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Cancun attractions can make a vacation memorable thanks to dolphins, ancient Mayan ruins and modern-day fun.

Many destinations on ocean shores have standard attractions such as swimming, golfing and cycling. But what makes a vacation more memorable are the things to do that are hard to find elsewhere.

Cancun is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean because it has numerous high-rise hotels packed together on the strip of land surrounding Nichupe Lagoon and facing out to the sea. Inexpensive public buses make it easy for tourists to travel up and down the strip to restaurants, shops and other activities to fill a day.

But it's the attractions outside of the city that make Cancun unique for tourists, starting with ancient Mayan ruins.

One of the largest and most famous ruins is located at Chichen Itza. The site contains numerous giant stone buildings in excellent condition. The most dominant is the Temple of Kukulkan or El Castillo (the Castle), a step pyramid rising from the the center of town. Other major buildings include Temple of Warriors, the Great Ball Court and the "El Caracol" observatory temple.

Other Mayan ruins located near Cancun include Calakmul, Palenque, Tulum and Uxmal.

Anyone with an interest in nature will want to visit Isla Mujeres, which is located across the water from Cancun. Visitors can boat to the island for snorkeling opportunities, a turtle sanctuary and the Garrafon National Park. While there they can go swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery.

Ecotourism is a major part of other attractions in the area including the open-sea aquarium and water theme park at Xel-Ha, the eco-tourism and education attraction at Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and Xcaret, which has Mayan ruins, a snorkeling lagoon and an underground river through which visitors can float.

If nature and ancient history aren't enough, visitors also can take advantage of modern-day activities. They include a unique boat ride called The Rocket, a visit to The Plaza de Toros bullfighting ring or the Parque Nizuc water park.

Niagara Falls Attractions

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If you did not know, there's much more to Niagara Falls than the falls itself. No doubt in its entire majestic splendor, the Falls remains the biggest draw. Still, both the Canadian and the United States sides of Niagara Falls are full of peripheral attractions that you won't like to miss.

On the American side, places like the Aquarium of Niagara offer both parents and kids lots of entertainment. For someone fond of outdoor enjoyment, the place to visit is Niagara Falls State Park. The park offers you room for biking, hiking, fishing and camping. The Daredevil Museum captures the history of attempts to conquer the falls, while the Schoellkopf Museum deals with its history and geology.

On the Canadian side, Niagara Falls Ontario offers an attractive variety of attractions like gaming and duty-free shopping. Other top Niagara Falls attractions include Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Goat Island, Fort Erie, and Niagara Falls Winter Garden.

Maid of the Mist boat tours, a half-hour ride, will take you into the swirling waters on the American side of the falls. Be ready to get wet during the ride, although hooded raincoats are provided if you forget your own. In the Cave of the Winds trip, you take an elevator deep into the Niagara Gorge. Standing on the "Hurricane Deck" you get a view of Bridal Veil Falls from a distance of just 20 feet.

For children, two great spots are Marineland, featuring killer whales, dolphins and sea lions, and the Fun House, where they can play in the rolling barrels.

You will also find some great restaurants like Betty's, Happy Wanderer, Niagara Grand Dinner Theatre, bars and clubs like Beer Garden, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and Al Mac's Bar and Grill.

If you are a compulsive shopper, you will find anything from toys to curio shops. The Niagara Duty-Free Shop, open daily, offers anything from liquor to crystal, many of them at an attractive discount.

Ontario Tourist Attractions, 6 Must See Events

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Ontario has many tourist attractions going on at any time of the year. To me there are a few outstanding ones. Those are the attractions you want to come back to every time and show them to your friends from back home. If you have visited those, you have experienced some of the diversity of Ontario.

1 Doors Open Ontario
From April to October, residents and visitors are invited to discover first-hand Ontario's hidden heritage treasures. It is a celebration of our cultural and architectural heritage. Some of the attractions have never been open to the public. It might be a chocolate factory in Toronto, a horse breeding farm in Oxford County, a mosque or a cemetary. Whatever attraction you visit, you will get a guided tour and it is all free

2 St Jacob Farmers Market
All year long on Saturdays. This is an attraction favored by many Europeans. The smell, the sites and the activity is unique. You can buy anything and hassle over the price. You'll see the Mennonites and Amish people with their horse and buggy, offering their fruits and vegetables. You can go inside the buildings and search through the unbelievable amount of stuff for sale, from Elvis pictures and brass statues to handmade wooden furniture. Groceries, antiques, sausages, livestock auctions, puppies, it truly is a unique experience.

3 Toronto Kensington Market
The Toronto Kengsinton Market in a way is the same as the St. Jacob market, yet it is completely different. If St Jacob is rural, then this is a city experience. The Market is a multicultural mix of shops, restaurants, vintage clothing shops, and eclectic cafes. An international feast for the senses, it's truly a great place to wander and get a sense of Toronto's rich cultural mosaic.

4 Wolf howling in Algonquin Park
Public Wolf Howls take place on Thursday evenings in August, or in September before Labour Day when weather and accessible wolves permit. Those who have been on a successful expedition unanimously agree that there is no sound which better embodies the wilderness atmosphere in Algonquin than a spine-tingling chorus of wolves, reverberating over the hills and bogs under a cold starry night. Contact Algonquin Park on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning to find out if there will be a wolf howl on Thursday, then drive over to the Park and have the experience of a lifetime. Cars will meet along the highway at points determined by the rangers.

5 Native Indian PowWow
One of the most impressive attractions when it comes to color and sound. A perfect place to bring visitors from abroad.
Canada's largest and most successful Aboriginal attraction in at the end of November in Toronto. The PowWow Grand Entry is the spectacular highlight and the entire family will enjoy the visually stunning display of nearly 1000 native dancers and drum singing groups from across North America. The pageantry and drama of the Grand Entry make it one of the most beautiful traditional Aboriginal attractions and a must see for anyone interested in native culture and customs.

6 Visit Niagara Falls in Winter.
Niagara Falls is a spectacular attraction at any time of the year. Most tourist visit it during the summer months. But nothing compares to the beauty of it during the winter. On a day when the wind is right the mist of the falls covers the area in fresh snow, the streetlights are covered with snow and ice, while the heat of the lights makes for almost sculptures of ice around the lights. If you've seen the falls during summer but never during winter, you will see them in a totally new way.

For more information about tourist attractions in Ontario visit www.the-happy-immigrant.com/tourism.html

Popular Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica

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From pristine beaches to wonderful national parks, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Every year, over two million visitors from different parts of the world come here for vacationing, which makes it the best tourist stop in the Central America. Eco-tourism is one of the major attractions in this country.

Canopy Tours All over the place, there is a rich diversity of stunning natural life, which the tourists can explore from a bridge, tower, tram, or a zip-line. The Canopy is home to a wide array of plants, monkeys, and birds. In particular, the panoramic postcard views of volcanoes, mountains, and beaches are simply exhilarating to watch from bridges or towers. If you want to fly over the landscape like superheroes, you can consider zip-line canopy tours.

Museums Museums are also some top tourist attractions. Besides historical museums, there are numerous art and nature museums across the country. Located in an old Civil War fort, the National museum features contemporary exhibits, Spanish religious artworks, and other ancient artifacts from the native cultures.

Likewise, you can also explore a large collection of American jade in the Jade Museum, which is located in San José. Besides that, the museum houses exhibitions of artworks made of gold, stone, and bone from Mayan and pre-Columbian cultures.

Volcanoes Millions of visitors come to Costa Rica every year just to experience the exhilarating view of volcanoes. The country is home to over 100 volcanic structures. One of the most active volcanoes is located in the Arenal National Park. That is why it is also commonly referred to as Arenal Volcano. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Costa Rica. The park is located in the north of San Juan. Other popular volcanoes include Miravalles, Tenorio, and Cacao.

Beaches During your visit, you just cannot afford to miss exploring the countless beaches. There are several fun beaches, such as Playa Grande, Playa Tamarindo, Corcovado, and many others. The dark sands of the Corcovado beach make it highly exotic. The Corcovado beach is also popular for boating trips. At Playa Grande, it is great fun to see leatherback turtles making their way to the water after laying their eggs. November and December are the best months for surfing at Jaco and Playa Tamarindo. You can catch the biggest waves on these beaches during these two months. Montezuma on the Nicoya peninsula is also one of the popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica.

Other attractions include Cano Island and Biological Reserve and national parks. There are several national parks in Costa Rica that include Corcovado National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and Arenal National Park.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest but the most popular park. Fishing, hiking, rafting, canopy tours, scuba diving, and surfing are some of the best vacationing activities, which you can enjoy during your trips to the various tourist attractions.

Rhode Island Attractions

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Rhode Island is a beautiful state that has, in the past, been the playground of millions of tourists, and it remains so even today. Towns such as Newport are sprinkled with mansions, giving the impression of celebrity and wealth.

Providence, the state capital of Rhode Island, is an amazingly large city with a definite New England atmosphere. The fact that the state was built on rolling hills and at the union of two rivers makes a walk through the city feel like visiting the early years of the nation. With colonial residences throughout the city, Providence carries a certain conventional atmosphere that is only broken up by Brown University, which is an Ivy League university. Newport has historically been the hot spot of attraction for the rich living on the east coast.

Astonishingly, Rhode Island, America?s smallest state, is one of the nation's wealthiest depositories of historical attractions, boasting one of the highest concentrations of the country's national historic landmarks.

Vacationers will notice that the attractions in Rhode Island are its large quantity of Colonial and Victorian dwellings, grand estates reminiscent of the gilded age, and public buildings. Rhode Island also has the nation's first enclosed shopping mall, the first manufacturing plant in America, and a wonderful 17th century fishing village. In addition, Rhode Island is home to the boyhood home of one of America's finest colonial artists as well as two houses of worship, which symbolize the roots of religious freedom in America.

The best part of Rode Island is the compact size, which makes it easy to travel from one historic site to another, as none of the historic attractions are more than an hour away from one another. Many historic locations are at a walking distance from each other.

Rhode Island remains among the favorite destinations toured by all sectors of society, thanks to its wide-ranging attractions. A great number of public parks are right next to the bodies of water, so all tourists can gain access to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Ooty Attractions and Accommodation

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Attractions

Ooty today is visited by all kinds of people who want to have a good time. The weather being pleasant and cold is a favourite destination for honeymooners. Tourists also visit Ooty with family and friends to get away from the hectic hustle bustle of the city. There are many places one can see as the natural beauty of Ooty is ever so charming with its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, forests, tea gardens and botanical gardens.

The Botanical gardens of Ooty spread over 50 to 60 acres and are a major attraction to tourists to learn and understand the flora Ooty has to offer. It is a beautifully landscaped garden with huge variety of flowering plants and tress. The gardens are located on the lower slopes of the Dodabetta peak which apparently is the highest peak in Ooty.

The Dodabetta peak stands at a height of about 2800 meters. Since it is the highest point around the district, some of the best views of the surrounding landscapes can be viewed from here. The peak is only about 10 kilometres from Ooty and the best way to get there is by travelling in your own private vehicle or by an Auto rickshaw. It is advised to carry a camera with you so that you can steal some of these great views forever. Some even say that on a clear day, one can even view the plains of Mysore or Coimbatore. However, this is very rare.

Another place one should defiantly pay a visit is the Kalhatty falls. The beautiful falls which is located in Kalhatty which is at a distance of 12 kilometres from Ooty is famous for its natural beauty amidst dense forests. The Ooty Lake is a major attraction too. It is an artificial lake, which houses boating facilities. In close proximity to the lake is a small park, which has a small go-carting track. One can also go for long horse rides around the lake.

On the way to Ooty from Bangalore, on e would come across the Bandipur and Mudumalai Sanctuary and National Park. This place is home to many wild animals and safaris are conveniently organized. This area also houses a number of jungle lodges. There are many other place of interest in and around Ooty like the Ooty museum, Tea estates, and the Rose gardens. Apart from these there are many view points from where one can get amazing breath taking views of the surrounding beauty.

Ooty is famous for oils, such as eucalyptus oil. One can readily find these in the main town of Ooty. It is also very famous for its home made chocolates and wines.

The Stay

With Ooty being a prime tourist destination, there are many hotels, restaurants, guest houses, resorts, bungalows and even ranches if you are prepared to travel to the outskirts of Ooty that one can choose to stay at while in Ooty. The accommodation here will not burn a hole in your pocket as it is affordable and good.

If the budget is for the trip is good enough one can always find great comfortable accommodation at Hotel Savoy which is a part of the Taj group. With international service, great food and good accommodation, Hotel Savoy is definitely a great choice for tourists who are willing to splurge. Sherlock Hotel is another place you can stay. The recently constructed hotel has excellent views of the surrounding beauty due to its location. There is only limited accommodation here with only 10 rooms, but the excellent views overlooking the entire valley below and the high quality good food makes this a great place to stay at. Due to the limited availability of rooms it is advised to plan on the booking before arriving.

All said and done, Ooty is a campers and nature lovers paradise. With its beautiful Blue Mountains, exquisite flora and fauna, picture perfect views and great landscapes Ooty is almost just like being in heaven. So, it is a great get away from the pollution and the hustle bustle of your hectic city life for a while.

10 Attractions to See When Visiting Arizona

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Arizona, which is a southwestern state is well-known for its desert landscapes including the Grand Canyon, but more northern parts of the state are covered with pine-covered hills and mountains.

Apart from its natural landscapes, there are many exciting places to visit in the state, including:

1. FBR Open (in Scottsdale): A nationally televised golf tournament that takes place at the Tournament Players Club at Scottsdale in late January each year.

2. Grand Canyon: What can be said? One of the wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon is a spectacular deep natural gorge carved by the Colorado River.

3. Hall of Flame (in Phoenix): A museum dedicated to the history of firefighting.

4. London Bridge (in Lake Havasu City): This bridge once carried traffic over the River Thames in London, England. The bridge was purchased by developer Robert McCulloch, who relocated it to Arizona.

5. Mission San Xavier del Bac (South of Tucson): A historic Spanish mission that dates back to the early 18th century.

6. Mystery Castle (in South Mountain Park in Phoenix): A strange sprawling castle built from a wide range of materials including stone, adobe, rail tracks and even automobile parts.

7. Old Tucson Studio (in Tucson): A historic movie studio that was used in making many famous Western movies and TV shows (including Little House on the Praire). The studio now contains theme park attractions such as rides, tours, and entertainments such as staged gunfights.

8. Pima Air & Space Museum (in Tucson): The largest non-government funded aerospace museum in the world with a collection of over 250 aircraft including 75 aircraft on display. From the museum you can also take a bus tour to the nearby Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) which is home to over 4,000 mothballed aircraft.

9. Titan Missile Museum (South of Tucson): Displays a Cold War era Titan missile facility that was active from 1963 to 1984.

10. Tucson Rodeo (in Tucson): An annual event held each February incorporating rodeo sports and a large rodeo parade.

Honolulu Attractions

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Honolulu is one of the largest cities of the state of Hawaii; it is located on the island of Oahu. The place is the center hub for varied commercial activities and transportation needs. It is one of the best and most visited tourist destinations of the state of Hawaii especially the Waikiki beach. There are varied Honolulu attractions that over a million people visit this place every year, given below are some suggested list of things to do in Honolulu. You can never get bored in this place with so many activities and things to do:

a. Alii Kai Dinner Cruise - this is a two hour cruise that performs live band with island dancers, you can enjoy tasty meals here with the options of grilled chicken, pasta, sautéed mahi mahi, beef sirloin, steamed crab legs and some of the best and amazing views of the place.

b. The Dolphin adventures - The adventure consists of the people participating in deep water encounter in the dolphin territory, here they learn about the physiology, training and anatomy and about the conservation of these unique creatures in the sea. If you are heading to this place, do not forget to carry a swimsuit and towel along. Enjoy the snorkeling adventure by escaping to the wondrous paradise from Ko Olina Marina to the northernmost tip. The dolphin and snorkel adventure gives you amazing dolphin views, flying fish, green sea turtles and whales. You can enjoy the snorkeling by renting good equipment to enjoy your time at Kaena Cliffs.

c. Grand Circle Island Bus tour - the bus tour takes you around some wonderful highlights from Diamond Head to Haleiwa, they take you around to see exotic attractions and the hosted lunch. Some of the destinations they stop at are Halona Point, Pali lookout, Byodo-In and valley of temples.

d. Hawaiian Ray Encounter - you can swim along the special lagoon and enjoy the thrills by swimming in this amazing adventurous place. You can use snorkel, the mask and float vests that are provided here.

e. Kauai, Garden Isle Inter Island tour - takes you down to the adventures that take you round scenic ride up to the Waimea river to the romantic Fern Grotto. The tour takes you along the route of Opaekaa falls lookout and over all Hanapepe valley.

f. Magic of Polynesia at Waikiki beach takes you down the magical trailer that captivates the people of all age groups. Cross all the language barriers and become a part of this wonderful magical moment with beautifully done dazzling lasers, special effects and pyrotechnics. The place also favors you the death trap escape scene and many such defying illusions giving good imaginations. The dinner choices include chicken, sirloin and lobster.

g. The Pearl Harbor museum was created as a memorial to the people who died in surprise attacks by Japanese forces in the year 1941, the place spreads over the sunken portion of USS Arizona. The tour takes you down the narrated ride through National Cemetery of the Pacific and includes historic points.

h. The Polynesian Cultural center helps you design your own tour to explore unique places like Tahiti, islands of Samoa, Aotearoa, Marquesas and the olden Hawaii that includes demonstrations, cultural games and other Polynesian presentations.

It is one of the best places to visit for people of all age groups, Honolulu attractions brings you pure excitement and pleasure to enjoy snorkeling and great food.

Spain Tourist Attractions & Must See Places in Spain

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A country on the Iberian Peninsula, situated between Europe and Africa and bounding Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Spain is among the best travel destinations not only for its geographical condition and its results but also for a range of factors such as its own traditions, cuisine, variety of places to see. Spain boasts a rich history and owns historical places. Wide sandy beaches, clear waters are charming. The country offers much more which can be experienced while visiting and enjoying each region.

Among the popular cities and travel destinations of Spain, there are Madrid, Barcelona, Bilboa, Valencia, Seville,Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, .Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Alicante, Cadiz, Andalucia, Malaga, Costa Blanca, Tenerife, Salamanca etc.

Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast have worldwide fame as travel destinations and must-see places of Spain.

Madrid is the capital of Spain. It's a city known for bullfighting, fiestas and flamenco dancing, and royal palaces. The top attractions of Madrid are the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Cibeles, Parque del Buen Retiro, Plaza de España, The Prado Museum, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, The Archaeological Museum etc. The city offers dance halls, movie houses, music halls, cafes and more. Barcelona is known as a cultural centre owning monuments, historical sites, numerous art galleries and natural resources.The most visited museum is dedicated to one of Spain's most famous names, Pablo Picasso.

The Alhambra, the palace of the last Muslim ruler of Spain, located in Granada is one of Spain's major tourist attractions for exhibiting the Islamic architecture together with Christian and Jewish.The Mezquita in Córdoba is a famous tourist attraction. Tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville is also visited by travellers. A new science centre and futuristic aquarium named L'Oceanografic aquarium are attractive places of Valencia to see.The historic cities of Cadiz and Malaga are visited by travellers. Moreover, Malaga is a wellknown city due to its being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and movie idol Antonio Banderas. Guggenheim Museum and Plaza Nueva are the tourist destinations of Bilboa.

Balearic Isles, the three main islands of which are Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca, is an exotic destination. The island of Ibiza is popular with its club scene, weather and beautiful beaches. When clubbing is talked about, it means Ibiza. It has an international fame. Mallorca is the least crowded island among them. Fresh seafood lunches are delicious. Majorca is as popular as Ibiza as a tourist destination.

The Canary Islands, the seven islands in the Atlantic Ocean, of Spain are very popular. These are: El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, La Palma, Lanzarote, Tenerife. Gran Canaria Canary Islands is like paradise thanks to its numerous beaches, crystal clear waters and water sports. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and very popular as a tourist destination. Here is the Mount El Teide. Not only water sports but also hiking, climbing and cycling ara available activities.

Among the other travel attractions of Spain, there are Alcázar, Castillo de Santa Bárbara,
La Sagrada Família, Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Doñana National Park, The Basque Country, the Parc Guell, Picasso Museum, Las Ramblas and much more.

Spain's folkloristical traditions are certainly Flamenco and bullfights. Running of Bulls is the most popular event during the Sanfermines in Pamplona. Flamenco is the musical tradition of Spain. As a visitor, for an unforgettable memories it is recommended to visit the country in the season of festivals and fiestas. Spain is a beach lovers paradise with its white sand beaches. Delicious Spanish cuisine and wine must be tasted, too.

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Dallas Attractions - Dallas World Aquarium

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When most people think about Dallas they think about cattle and cowboys. Dallas is much more than that however. While they have retained some of their old world charm Dallas has also become a world class city. This means they have also become home to a number of attractions to entertain tourists. One of the most incredible attractions is the Dallas World Aquarium. So what makes it so incredible?

The Dallas World Aquarium is located in the West End district of downtown Dallas in a former warehouse. It host quite an extensive variety of marine life divided into several areas. The Aquarium contains over 85000 gallons of salt water which is home to a great variety of creatures from around the world. In the aquarium among other things to do you can walk through a tunnel containing 22000 gallons of water. The tunnel will give you a panoramic view of reef life. It is quite an experience. Once you finish with the aquarium you are not done. Now head into the rainforest and experience the great variety of plant and animal life in the rainforest. Then visit the South Africa area, the Munda Maya area and many more attractions. As you can see, the Dallas World Aquarium is more than just a bunch of fish. It is a total experience that will both entertain and educate you. This makes it a must see attraction in Dallas whether you are a resident or a tourist.

If you would like to visit the aquarium you can find it at 1801 North Griffin Street in Dallas. Before going you should call the information line at 214-720-2224 for current ticket prices and hours of operation. Visit the aquarium and treat yourself to an incredible experience.

Top 5 Switzerland Tourist Attractions to See

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Switzerland is known as The Land of the Alps, and rightfully so. Bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland offers the most breathtaking views of the panoramic Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, which is why there is no wonder many tourists dream of a Swiss vacation. There are plenty of Switzerland tourist attractions, too, although there are five you should definitely stop to see.

1. The Chillon Castle - Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. Consisting of 100 buildings, it dates back to the 11th century and is the former residence of the Savoy nobility. It also has three courtyards and four great halls which offer magnificent views of the lake beyond.

 

2. Zermatt - Although there are many beautiful ski resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt stands out as one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions because it is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, the most famous peak of the Swiss Alps. Even if you're not into skiing, you can still enjoy the view while dining at a gourmet restaurant or shopping around the town.

3. Geneva Jet D'eau - This fountain in the heart of one of Switzerland's major cities is one of the tallest fountains in the world, projecting water up to 140 meters high. Built in 1891, it is also considered one of the symbols of the city of Geneva.

While in Geneva, you might want to see other tourist spots, too, particularly the museums. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is one of the most popular museums in Switzerland, and is definitely worth a visit, along with the Cathedral de St. Pierre and other historical buildings.

4. Swiss National Park - Although you cannot pitch a tent and spend the night at Swiss National Park, you can certainly appreciate the different views of the Alps as you go hiking, which is why it is one of the Switzerland tourist attractions worth seeing. It is also Switzerland's only national park, covering almost half the area of the entire country. It is a sanctuary for various wildlife such as elks, marmots and eagles, as well.

 

5. Swiss Transport Museum - Located in Lucerne, the Swiss Transport Museum is home to an exhibit of locomotives, ships, aircraft, automobile and other modes of transport and communication. It also houses an extensive collection of the works of Hans Erni, a Swiss painter and sculptor. You're sure to enjoy the Planetarium and the IMAX theatre, too.

Indeed, Switzerland has many sights waiting to be discovered. Aside from visiting Switzerland tourist attractions, don't forget to immerse yourself in the country's rich culture, too by participating in festivals or simply mingling with the Swiss. You're sure to have a wonderful time and many golden memories to take home with you.

Toledo Attractions

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About Toledo

Toledo is the capital city of Toledo Province. It has been on UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites since 1987. Toledo is a real jewel in the Spanish Crown. If you are in Madrid, then Toledo is a must place for a day trip since it is only seventy kilometers away from Madrid. Toledo is primarily rich in history. It is also called as Holy City, the imperial city, the city of three cultures etc. However, the list with their names is long and all names reflect the cultural wealth of this place. 

Toledo was always the city of great importance, mainly due to an extremely strategic position.

Landscapes

Landscape is dominated by Alcazar, first quadrangular fortress with towers on each corner, and grand Cathedral, which is especially beautiful at night, due to the excellent lighting. Furthermore, this is the second largest cathedral in Spain, immediately after the one in Seville. There you can find works of some major Spanish artists such as Goya and El Greco created many dark and mysterious works, which are adding an extra dose of mystique to this city.

On the entrance of the city you will be welcomed by old stone houses, towers, churches, mosques, synagogues, which cannot leave you indifferent. However, you will soon notice Puerta Nueva de Bisagra or the New Bisagra Gate, which was built by the Moors. This present look is from the 16th century, when Spanish renovated it. This marvelous gate looks like a little castle.

Influences

When you stroll down the narrow streets of Toledo, you can really feel the spirit of ancient times and mystique of the holy city. The name of the city is due to the fact that it was conquered and settled three cultures, Christian, Muslim (Moors) and Jews. All religions lived in peace alongside each other, which led you to see the combination of Renaissance churches, synagogues and mosques. The Arabs made a great impact on science, not only on Toledo but also on entire Europe. Furthermore, Moorish writings were found in the city's library. Above all, many people believed that the scripts were lost. These magnificent scripts had traces of great Greek philosophers and Arab scholars.

History

Toledo dates from the Bronze Age. It was a Roman province, so today you can find many Roman's remains in the city. From the eight century, Toledo was conquered by the Moors. After 11th century, Toledo fell into the hands of the king of Castile. After the union with Aragon, Toledo became the capital city of Castile province. The city enjoyed this status until the 1565, when Madrid became the capital of Spain.

Five Tourist Attractions in Greece For Newlyweds

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To answer this question, it is easier to narrow down the field a little. You could spend a lifetime exploring Greece, and still never see everything. The major places, such as Athens, Santorini and Mykonos, have so much information online that it is nearly impossible to add anything new. These places are very crowded and also very expensive, always an important consideration in times of economic turbulence. Greece is not as cheap as it used to be but, by avoiding the tourist traps, it is still possible to enjoy an affordable honeymoon, and leave with a lifetime's worth of memories. 

The best place in Greece, although we are a little biased, is the Peloponnese, which is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. The peninsula contains everything for a perfect honeymoon experience, blending sleepy fishing villages and white beaches with rich history, culture and hot sun. It is difficult to pare down the shortlist to only five places, but here are our personal favourites. 

THE MANI

The Mani Peninsula is the central 'digit' hanging down from the Peloponnese, and possesses a rich mix of culture, history and beautiful scenery. Maniot villages are usually walled citadels, clinging precariously to precipitous mountain sides, packed with the famous tower houses. These were built in mediaeval times, when the Maniots enjoyed a fierce reputation as tough and independent people. Murderous feuds passed down from generation to generation, from father to son. The occupying Turkish army refused to enter the mountains of the Mani, such was the warlike reputation of the locals. Whilst still enjoying a certain infamy, the people are wonderfully hospitable, yet proud of their heritage and history. 

The Mani is very popular with tourists, but has enough space to get away from the beaten track and enjoy a little privacy. In the spring and autumn, the Mani is packed with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, clinging tenaciously to the barren rocks. The resulting honey is the best in the world, and the Greek yoghurt heaped with this honey is truly the ultimate dessert. 

It is worth spending an evening on the beach, with an Ouzo, waiting for one of the most beautiful sunsets in Europe, just as spectacular as the famous Santorini 'flash.' In terms of places to stay, Stoupa is the main tourist spot, but is often packed with package tourists. Staying elsewhere is advisable; you are guaranteed to find deserted beaches and open space, as well as avoid the extortionate tourist prices charged in many hotels and tavernas. Our favourite place is Kardamyli, a picturesque and laid-back fishing village, a world away from the crowds of sweating, drunken tourists. 

GYTHIO - THE PORT OF ANCIENT SPARTA

Gythio is a lively fishing port, and was once the port of Ancient Sparta. As well as being a beautiful and vibrant place to visit, it is never too crowded, yet provides everything for the newlywed. In terms of romance, you have Marathonisi islet, where Paris and Beautiful Helen consummated their relationship, before fleeing to Troy. Many of the tavernas overlook the islet, offering fresh sea-food and a wonderful copper sunset. 

Just south of Gythio are the Diros caverns, one of the most beautiful cave systems in Europe. Most people think of caves as dark and dull, but these are filled with breath-taking formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are flooded, so you will be ferried through the caves by Gondola, and in a more spectacular setting than Venice. If you mention to the guide that you are newlyweds, they will let you have a boat to yourselves. 

That is not the end of the romance, as nearby Diros Bay is a fantastic and unspoiled beach. The tranquil cove is warm, inviting and deeply azure, the striking sapphire blue that is only found in Greek waters. A swim, and a rest on the white sand, can be broken by a visit to the taverna, for Ouzo, fresh seafood and conversation. 

MONEMVASIA

Monemvasia is a hidden gem of the Peloponnese, nestled in the south east and a haven for artists and writers. Monemvasia is a steep sided islet, climbing from the Aegean, and is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The top of the islet is covered with the ruins of a Byzantine castle, and some beautiful Orthodox churches, festooned with intricate icons. The town, lying below the citadel, is a narrow maze of rough cobbled streets, lined with a multitude of shops and tavernas. Most of the tavernas have verandas, where you can sit and soak up the evening sun, watching the fishing boats slowly chug back to port. 

TRIKALA

Away from the Southern Peloponnese, in the northern mountains, is the village of Trikala. This beautiful place is nestled in the mountains, with a cool and clear climate during the summer months. In winter, there is enough snow for skiing and snowboarding. Most of the buildings look like they belong in alpine Austria, and the village is full of Swiss chalets, an unexpected sight in Greece. The name of the village, literally, means 'Three Goods'. This refers to the pure water, the clear air and the wonderful people. 

Whilst most of the tourist industry revolves around the winter season, it is possible to stay in one of the beautiful chalets at any time of year, and enjoy a unique and rewarding experience. Trekking in the countryside, enjoying the clear evening and unspoilt stars, is a joy, and will long remain fresh in the memory.

NAFPLIO

Situated a few kilometres south of Argos, overlooking the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio has a deserved reputation as one of Greece's prettiest towns. It is the perfect destination for newlyweds wanting to experience the traditional Greek holiday, of warm sun, white beaches and blue seas. Nafplio is well provided with hotels, is full of the beautiful Venetian architecture common to the Peloponnese. 

The town can get a little crowded, but it tends to be the preserve of cultured Athenians, rather than foreign package tourists. The colourful town is situated on a promontory, with wide boulevards allowing a couple to enjoy the gentle stroll and the evening air. Nafplio has a historical feel, with three castles and wonderful architecture. This blends seamlessly with the modern cafes and bistros, the gentle throb of the nightlife blending with the evening song of the sea. For the historically minded, the nearby ancient Epidavros Theatre has regular performances of plays, in Ancient Greek. 

MORE INFORMATION

Anyway, we hope that this helps you in your quest for the perfect honeymoon experience. Other areas in Greece are just as beautiful, or as keenly priced, but the people of the area are uniquely hospitable and friendly. If they find out that you are newlyweds, don't be surprised if an impromptu party swings into life.

For mixing history, nature and culture, with sun and lazy walks down sunset beaches, the Peloponnese has everything needed for a romantic stay. So much so, in fact, that we never left!

Cultural Singapore Attractions

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The cultural industry in Singapore has blossomed of late and now high art and the wonderful world of cultural exhibitions have invaded this island nation to an extent where the scene itself has piqued interest within the community. The National Arts Council and the Heritage Board, working together with MICA (Ministry of Information, Culture and the Arts) have worked together for years to build Singapore into a Renaissance City - hoping to emulate the explosion of culture and art in Italy in the 14th Century - and hopefully spawning their own Michelangelo or Leonardo Da Vinci.

The Singapore museum and the heritage museum are just some of the examples of how this nation has leveraged on its own culture and rich history to put together exhibitions and attractions that cannot be missed. Singapore's founding, its prime leaders and its birth from a footnote in history to Sovereign nation are chronicled in a rich world of sound, art and words in the Singapore National Museum and the heritage gallery as well. Be sucked into the 1900's again as chronicled in acute detailed is history of Singapore - with journals of our early colonial founders etched out in aching beauty and sound. Also, recently in the national museum was some of the notes of William Farquhar and his chronicle of some of the species of animals that used to reside in the Singapore jungles and some of the names the locals or 'Orang Asli' used to give to them.

The Asian Civilisation Museum is also a prime example of a cultural Singapore attraction that you must visit as soon as possible. The rich tapestry of the Asian civilisations are realised in life like and breathtaking models and statues transported from dig sites all over Inner Mongolia, China and all over South East Asia. Be amazed as they tell the histories and lifestyle of Old Asia in a way no - one can, through pictures and objects that inspire the greatest story teller of all - your imagination. This museum also deals with propaganda and cultural material and how politics of old and of new has changed the face of culture in countries like Burma, Indonesia and China.

There is no end to the sort of cultural experiences you can enjoy in Singapore. The National Heritage Board has a smorgasbord of facilities and organisations to whet the cultural appetite. They have converted the old Ford Factory in Singapore to a memorial - museum like emporium of the 1960's. The Peranakan Museum and the Singapore Philatelic Museum are just some of the examples of rich locations where you can view great cultural pieces and demonstrations for just a nominal fee.

Singapore is culture. It is founded on culture, built by tradition and lovingly shaped by hundreds of years of history - a maelstrom of inculturality that has given this country an identity that is rich, varied and beautiful. Singapore has decided to share this with anyone who wants to look, as well as bringing the rest of greater Asia into a single location - to inspire a living heritage and dynamic cultural attractions.