The Most Beautiful Places in Greece

Ah, Greece, the land of one of the greatest and most glorious ancient civilizations of all. With its fascinating history, its scenic coastlines, and its elegant ruins that reminiscent its glorious past, how could anyone not help but be drawn to it like a moth to a mesmerizing dancing flame. There is so much to see within its historical shores but for now, let us look at ten of the most popular places in Greece.

Athenian Acropolis and the Parthenon

On a tall rock in the midst of modern-day Athens stands the Acropolis of Athens, a beautiful citadel that is perhaps the best illustration of the power and sophistication of the ancient Greek civilization. Twenty-one archaeological structures still remain in or at the base of the Acropolis today. At its center is the Parthenon, the intricately designed Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. With its elegant avenues and beautiful sacred structures, the Acropolis is one historical site that should not be missed.

The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion, a popular summer haven for the Athenians, is home to the Temple of Poseidon, one of the most powerful Olympians in Greek mythology. The temple stands near a cliff, looking out to the Aegean Sea, and offers a romantic view of the sunset. Only a few columns of the once great temple remain today; still, tourists visit this site where ancient mariners and communities offered prayers and left gifts to the god of the sea to gain his favor.

Santorini

Near the southeastern tip of Greece is the beautiful volcanic archipelago of Santorini, a tourist destination famous for its different colored beaches and warm waters. Santorini also boasts charming towns, and several wineries. Several of its islands are inhabited by villages and each island offers a different experience for tourists – the island of Oia, for example, has the most beautiful sunsets, the island of Perissa has the best beaches, and Fira, the largest island, has a beautiful Grecian village perched on a cliff.

The Ruins of Delphi

The oracle of Apollo is perhaps the most famous oracle in the world. Naturally, people flock the oracle’s ancient site and home, Delphi. In ancient times, Delphi was very significant to the Greeks because it was the site of the omphalos, a stone that supposedly marked the center of the universe. Today, tourists visit Delphi to see the mysterious Sanctuary of Athena with the Tholos and the remnants of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the most sacred site to the ancient Greeks.

Mykonos

Mykonos is where people go to party. The island is known for its dance clubs, bars, and vibrant nightlife. Mykonos has more to offer visitors, however. Its towns boast museums, little local shops and boutiques, quaint cafes, and restaurants that serve delicious food. On the western side of town sits the Mykonos Windmills and the lovely Byzantine church of Panagia Paraportiani and 30 minutes away from town is the archaeological island of Delos, Artemis and Apollo’s birthplace.

Crete

Once the center of the Minoan civilization, Crete today is perhaps the most beautiful place in the Greek islands. With its various landscapes, ancient Minoan and Roman ruins, a sunken city (Olous) where mermaids supposedly live, sandy beaches, ancient Neolithic tombs (Zarkos Gorge), the cave (Ideon Andron) where the infant Zeus was supposedly hidden from his murdering father, and the supposed tree where Zeus and Europa made love for the first time; Crete is truly a romantic and picturesque place to visit.

Mycenae

Mycenae is one of the most famous ancient kingdoms in Greece due in large part to its role in the legendary Trojan War. It was King Agamemnon of Mycenae who led the Greeks to wage war against the city of Troy for the kidnap of Helen, Queen of Sparta. Today, people visit ruins of the once great Mycenaean acropolis, the royal tombs that lay just outside the acropolis, the famous Lion Gate that serves as entrance to the city, and the Treasury of Atreus or the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Knossos, the Minoan Palace

Knossos is the largest archaeological site in the city of Crete and was once the administrative center of the Minoan civilization in Greece. It is said to be the inspiration for the story of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Much of Knossos today is a reconstruction of the ancient city that would have been wrecked when the Mycenaeans took over.

Corinth

Corinth was one of the major and flourishing cities in the ancient Greek civilization. It was where Alexander the Great officially agreed to lead the Greeks into battle with the Persians. Today, tourists visit Corinth to see the ruins of the temples of Apollo, Aphrodite, and Octavia as well as the Acrocorinth, the Pelrene Fountain, and the Asklepielon. Corinth is considered a sacred site in Greece.

Rhodes

This Greek island in the Aegean Sea was historically famous for the 107-foot the statue of Titan Helios, known to the world as the Colossus of Rhodes, that stood at the city’s entrance. The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The famous statue is long gone, completely destroyed by an earthquake around 224 BC but tourists flock in this historical island for its acropoleis, ancient towns, castles, and monasteries.

Top 10 Attractions in Egypt

Egypt is such a fascinating country to visit owing to the fact that it was once the site of one of the greatest ancient civilizations in history. The country boasts many interesting ruins that demonstrate the great power of the ancient Egyptians. Moreover, the country is also a thriving state that offers many modern tourists destinations in Egypt like museums, resorts, and marketplaces.

The Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza

Located about 15 miles away from Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is possibly the most popular and most visited destination in Egypt. Among the three largest pyramids of Giza is the Great Pyramid, which is the oldest and largest pyramid in Egypt and the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Inside access is granted but even to just stand next to one of these pyramids is an awe-inspiring experience. On the eastern side of this vast necropolis stands the Great Sphinx of Giza, the largest monolith statue in the world.

Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel rock temples were constructed from 1244 BCE to 1224 BCE to celebrate Pharaoh Ramesses II’s victory over the Hittite Empire. The Great Temple, considered the grandest and most beautiful in Egypt, boasts a façade of four 20-meter statues of Ramesses himself; while the Small Temple boasts an entrance bordered by the statues of the Pharaoh and his queen Nefertari. Inside both temples are collections of hieroglyphics, statues, reliefs, and murals depicting Egyptian worship.

The Temples of Karnak

Karnak, located near the city of Luxor, is one of the largest early religious sites in the world. It has four main “precincts” but only the largest precinct, the Precinct of Amun-Re, is available to the public. Among its many features are the Ancient Cult Terrace, which is inscribed with Nile Level texts; the corridors of Sphinxes; the Temple of Ramesses III; the Great Hypostyle Hall; and the Obelisks of Thutmose III and Hatshepsut.

Valley of the Kings

West of the Nile near Luxor (modern Thebes) is a valley of tombs of Pharaohs and privileged nobles from the 18th – 20th century dynasties. There are at least 63 tombs in the Valley of the Kings; the most popular of which is King Tutankhamen’s tomb, notable because the great treasures within were intact when it was discovered.

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is a massive Egyptian temple situated east of the Nile River. Dedicated chiefly to the creation god, Amun; the temple houses remarkable pylons (gateways), impressive stone statues, obelisks, and the Avenue of the Sphinxes.

Siwa Oasis

An epitome of a true oasis, this isolated town near the Egyptian-Libyan border east of Cairo boasts beautiful gardens and orchards of olives, bathing places, springs, and lakes. Famous for its nearby ancient ruins, this settlement has played small parts throughout history: it was a necropolis in 26th century Egypt, home to the oracle of Amun who allegedly proclaimed Alexander the Great as the rightful Pharaoh of Egypt, was used as a place of banishment by the Romans, and held several small battles during both world wars.

The City of Peace

Sharm el-Sheikh is known as the city of peace only because of the many peace conferences the city held in the past. The real attention-drawers of the city are its beautiful beaches, clear and calm waters, thriving coral reefs, and diverse aquatic life. Watersports enthusiasts and beach lovers visit this city to scuba dive, snorkel and just enjoy the beauty of nature.

Alexandria

Home of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Royal Library of Alexandria; Alexandria was and still is one of Egypt’s thriving cities. Both the lighthouse and the library are long gone but the city still houses several ruins and holds within its walls so much history as Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Persians made their own marks there. Today, Alexandria is Egypt’s major seaport and a chief resort city in the Mediterranean.

Aswan

Aswan (ancient Swenet) was Egypt’s first town. That fact alone is reason enough to visit this city in the Nile. Aswan today is a busy Egyptian market city but because of the many ancient ruins around it, it is also a major tourist destination. Historical sites and landmarks like the Tombs of the Nobles, the Philae Temple, the Elephantine Island (modern Yebu), and the Unfinished Obelisk draw many tourists in.

Museums

Museums can be dull to most people but because of this country’s ancient past, Egyptian museums are an adventure in their own right. The two museums that one should not miss when visiting in Egypt are the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo, which is home to the remains of many Pharaohs and many of the treasures found in King Tut’s tomb; and the Nubian Museum in Aswan.

The Best South India Tours

India is an incredible land on this earth. The country comprises with the best attractions found in every big state or city with ease. For instance, the South state of India is rich with varied tourist places which have their own significance and history of origin. Planning for the Southern India hotel and tour is a wise deal for the travelers who are seeking to explore the biggest lures of the state. Travelers can easily cherish the charm of exotic sea beaches, hill stations, beautiful lakes and many more. One can find the renowned visiting places in every big state or city of South India with ease.

Few of the best tourist destinations of South India are mentioned as follows:

Kerala tour

Tourists can visit to any of the states in South India. For instance, the Kerala Tours is a best deal for the world's travelers. This exciting journey enables the travelers to discover the renowned lures of Kerala. Travelers will surely delight to see the amazing greenery of Kerala. Moreover, the exotic sea shores of the state are also the best part of the attractions for the tourists. The beaches tour of Kerala also lets the travelers to explore the pleasing panoramas of sun set or sun rise as well. Besides it, the travelers are also crazy about the Kerala culture tour that enables them to know about ancient civilization, tradition, festivals, dance and music of the state with ease. It is not all over, because the Ayurveda and Spa tour and accommodation of Kerala is another exciting journey for the travelers. On this journey tourists will be able to know about popular ayurvedic health care centers or hospitals with ease.

Tamilnadu Tour

Similarly, the Tamilnadu tour is another exciting journey for the tourists. On this tour, travelers will be able to explore the renowned lures of the state. The best part of this tour may conclude as the temple's tour of the state. The holy shrines of Tamilnadu are one of the biggest attractions for the travelers. Some of the highly acclaimed temples of the state are Meenakshi temple, Ramanathaswamy temple, Kapileshwar temple, Ekambereshwar temple and many more. All the temples of the state have designed in an elegant style and their creative architecture make them more fascinating. Apart from that, the Tamilnadu state also comprises with some more lures like hill stations, sea beaches, lakes and other green areas. These are few more attractions of the state which have their own significance and beauty.

Andhra Pradesh tour

Touring to the Andhra Pradesh enables the tourists to know about the culture, tradition, festivals and ancient civilization of the state with ease. This state of South India also comprises with varied tourist locations like temples, sea beaches, museums and lots more. Moreover, this state also fascinates the travelers through its natural beauty and exotic greenery as well. Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its Pilgrimage sites as well. However, this state is a complete package to spend the vacations and experience the best time of tourism in South India.

Kerala Backwater Honeymoon Tours

If you get married and going to marry then you must be thinking about honeymoon which is an essential part of marriage. But have you ever dreamed of spending your honeymoon vacations among the most spectacular surroundings- mystical hill stations, cascading beautiful waterfalls, palm-fringed scenic beaches, exclusive backwaters and diverse ranges of floras and faunas. If you really have seen these attractions in your dreams and wish to accomplish them then you are most welcome to the god's own country none other than Kerala. Globally known as the land of spices and Ayurveda, Kerala is an ancient and blissful state located at south-western region of India.

Bestowed with amazing attractions and expressions of nature, romantic Kerala has become one the most visited honeymoon destination in the world. It is considered a really incredible honeymoon destination in the world. Every year large number of newly-wed couples visits to this state from every nook and corner of the world. Your honeymoon will be a memorable in the alluring hill stations of this state. Being a tropical place, Kerala is blessed with breathtaking hill stations which are the major attractions among honeymooners. Visit to the hill stations of Kerala and experience the picturesque landscapes while filling your heart with aromatic air that comes from the varied spice plantations. If you want to experience the bliss of nature to its perfection, then hill stations of Kerala are an ideal place for you.

Among numerous hill stations Munnar is one of the most visited by honeymooners which is lovingly called as Kashmir of south. The magnificence of this hill station is beyond the word and visual descriptions. Blessed with sprawling tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, lush green valleys, foggy hills, colonial architectures, and diverse ranges of floras and faunas- Munnar is one such a state which never fails to grab any one heart. Visit through the tea gardens where you will be left awe-struck with the enchantments and the splendor of nature that has been so well arranged which is sure to enhance your romanticism. There are numerous attraction places where you can visit during Kerala Honeymoon tours such as India hotels,  Devikulam, Rajamala, Mattupetty, Eravikulam National Park and many more.

Apart from the hill stations, kerala Backwater Honeymoon is rapidly becoming popular among newly-wed couples. Backwaters are the finest combination of brackish lagoon, lakes, inlets and many rivers which form the breathtaking scenery that one can experience through houseboats of Kerala. Houseboats of Kerala are well designed and offer all the contemporary facilities to the newlywed couples. Hire one houseboat and grab the wonderful opportunity to see the perfect mixture of historic and modern towns, traditional villages and lush green landscapes fringed amazingly with palm coconut groves. There are numerous backwater destinations where you can visit during your backwater honeymoon named as Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kochi, Thiruvalam, and many more.

Besides, there are many other attractions where you can visit during Tours to Kerala Honeymoon such as palm-fringed scenic beaches, exotic wildlife national parks and sanctuaries, and many more.

Quality Gangtok Hotels

Most of India hotels overlook mighty snow-clad peaks including one of the world's tallest peaks, Kanchenjunga.  The surrounding panorama is exquisite and the thrill of living amidst Himalayan splendor can be experienced to the fullest at these hotels in Gangtok. Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and it blossoms with verdant plantations and lush landscapes decked with wild orchards.  Sitting in the perfect cocoon of comfort at these Gangtok hotels one can enjoy the enchanting vistas outside and take delight in soothing mountain air caresses all senses.  These hotels in the town are peppered all around to avail ideal lodging options to families, friends and couples visiting Gangtok for a refreshing tour.

Amongst various highlights of these hotels in India the most remarkable is the fact that most of these properties preserve their local culture in varied forms. The North-East Indian touch can be seen in their warm hospitality, etiquettes of its well trained staff, its ethnic furnishings and texturing and even cuisines prepared with exotic flavors and spices.  The following are some of the most preferred hotels in the town:

The Sikkim Continental: Well facilitated with horde of amenities and overlooking beauteous vistas of Mt. Kanchendzonga, The Sikkim Continental is an ideal 3 star stopover for economy travelers.  One can choose from a total number of 24 well appointed rooms.  Guests are offered efficient room service while they enjoy the beautiful view of scenic beauty outside from the comfort of their rooms.

The Sidlon Residency: A remarkable 4 star property, The Sidlon Residency is ideally positioned in quick driving distance from M.G. Marg and close to many tourist attractions of the city.  Choose from 22 well decked rooms and suites for a fabulous stay in pristine Gangtok.  The rooms are refurbished to meet high standards of hospitality business and are now replete with all comforts such as writing desk, telephone, interactive TV and more. The Nirvana Restaurant serve delicious Continental and English cuisines while at The Oasis Bar enjoy combinations of great selection of spirits with lip-smacking snacks.

Mayfair Gangtok Spa Resort: Perched amidst lush green forests, Mayfair Spa Resort epitomizes beauty and serenity with its monastic theme and astonishing architecture.  Based on Sikkim's colonial architecture the hotel looks fantastic and offers the most comprehensive Spa therapies at its award winning Spa.  Guestrooms offer well spacious living spaces well appointed with contemporary settings with a fine blend of essence of Sikkim to it.  One can pick from a choices of Rooms, Family Rooms, Premier Cottages and Villas for stay in the luxuriant property which is indeed one of finest of Gangtok hotels. Hotel likes to pamper its guests at its well equipped Spa which offers 12 therapy rooms with array of specialized treatments such as body massages, ultimate body therapies, hands and feet, Salon and much more. Satiate your taste-buds at its specialty restaurants preparing lip-smacking delicacies.

Hotels in India not only treats its visitors with state-of-the-art amenities, but also pampers them with warm hospitality.  Therefore from gamut of recreational activities to horde of dine and wining options and arrangements for nature-walks these properties avails et al.

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Grand Bahamas Island Adventures

The Grand Bahamas Island has unique coral reef formations that make the Grand Bahamas Island the perfect place to explore underwater life, so why not set out on a unique underwater adventure in the Grand Bahamas seas, exploring the reefs and coral, searching for underwater treasures, turtles, dolphins, Caribbean reef sharks, and maybe even spot a seahorse or two.

The waters off the coast of Grand Bahamas Island are calm and crystal clear, whether you're a novice or an expert snorkeler there are numerous places to don fins and mask and explore the most spectacular underwater sea adventure. There are also a number of guided reef tours and with crystal clear, turquoise waters; visibility is often up to 200 feet or more.  However, the novice snorkeler shouldn't be intimidated as most often snorkeling occurs in shallow waters allowing up close and personal view of the reefs, coral and fish that inhabit the reef.

If you don't have the equipment or don't want to travel with it not toworry; many of the resorts will let you use equipment. If you opt to take a guided reef tour, these companies often include the equipment in the price of the tour. All you need to do is pack a swim suit, water shoes and some sunscreen and you can enjoy some of the most amazing underwater adventures in the eastern hemisphere.

If you choose to bring your own equipment, there are a number of places where you can don fins and mask and simply wade in directly from the beach and see the sights.  Resorts like the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort and Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort offer rooms where guests can simply walk directly from your room into the ocean and snorkel.

Of course, both of these resorts offer all-inclusive vacation packages, which includes snorkeling equipment to their guests that can be used by their guests on their beach or for day trips.  For the more adventuresome travelers, there are some fantastic beaches worthy of trying your snorkeling techniques; including Gold Rock Beach in the Lucayan National Park.  At Gold Rock Beach you can spend the entire day exploring this well kept gem of a beach.  Gold Rock is off the beaten path with pristine water to see for miles.  This beach is rarely busy and travelers might find only a handful of others at this beach for the entire day.

If however you are looking to for some deep water reefs and perhaps to see some exotic fish then sign up for a snorkeling excursion; both the Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort and the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort can recommend the best trip for you and can arrange for pick up and drop off too.

Generally these private tours take a boat load of guests out to reef or coral area where you will be dropped into the ocean with guides to tour you around the underwater sites. Trip times vary depending on the tour and price, however if you have a large party, you can generally negotiate the price; and if that price will include rental equipment and if it will include snacks and beverages.

With shallow waters and its unique reef and coral formations, the Grand Bahamas Island is a snorkelers paradise, one not to be missed.

Singapore's New Flavor

The playground du jour for global celebrity chefs, Singapore today has more culinary confidence than ever. Yet if boldface-name restaurants have put the Lion City squarely on the fine-dining map, it will be their local counterparts that keep it there.

Perhaps only in Singapore can you eat your way across Asia in a day. Armed with a good appetite, you can start with a flaky Pakistani murtabak, swoop down to Little India for masala dosa, devour a lunchtime bowl of piping-hot Hokkien noodles with a side order of dim sum, and save space for a dinner of Indonesian nasi padang or beef rendang.

But for all the multicultural flavors of this food-mad city-state's hawker centers and coffee shops, it's fine dining that is grabbing all the attention these days. Invigorated by a handful of international star chefs who have opened outposts at Singapore's massive, casino-driven "integrated resorts," and luxury Singapore hotels the culinary landscape here is changing fast, with a lineup of establishments that is nothing less than extraordinary