Istanbul - Historical City of Turkey

A place listed on the 2^nd spot for world tourism. This article is about the city of Turkey known as Istanbul famous for historically and Byzantium. However, Istanbul is the city having highest population of Turkey. It is also the economic, historic and cultural center of country. It separates the two big continents Europe and Asia through the Marmara and Black Sea. Its rich historical culture is enough to attract visitors. Many Hollywood and Bollywood movie shootings are performed at various parts of Istanbul.  This wonder city is having number of places to visit and it’s hard to cover all places in this short note, though we tried to cover maximum spots of city for you.

If we go through the history of this city we will find it was renamed many times by different rulers of various dynasties. In the last city was named as Istanbul during the ruling period of Ottomans. Without waiting time we will discuss the spots for you. We don’t want you to be bored with your long debate about the city.

So here comes the list of places you can enjoy in the wonder land Istanbul:

City is having many places for travelers and to make things easy we have divided the spots in 4 categories such as Museums, Fun Eats, Experience and Sightseeing.

·         Museums

Hagia Sophia Museum: The most beautiful and spot of Istanbul educating people about the history of city. Entry is paid and you will be charged €12, though if you have tourist pass of Istanbul, then entry is free. Hagia is 1500 years old and it was served as imperial mosque ages before. Large number of people regularly visits Hagia and if you have tourist pass it will be easy for you to enter. However, if you buy the ticket at Museum, then it will take hours for you to enter this beautiful museum. Remember you cannot transfer your ticket to others and you will not be able to enter with your private guide in the museum.

o   Timings for museum are different in winter and summer. From 1^st October to April 15^th is considered as winter season in Istanbul. The timing of this museum during such period is 9 am to 5 pm.

o   Summer period starts from 15^th April to 1^st October and timing to enter museum is between 9 am to 7 pm. In both seasons last admission is 1 hour before the closing time. Museum remains closed for half day on early days of Ramadan and Sacrifice festival.

How to reach Hagia?

Hagia is located in Sultanahmet Square of city. You can avail T1 Tram Line to reach Sultanahmet. If you are staying in hotel at old-town area, then you can get the tram to Sultanahmet easily. Public transport is available in city for Hagia so no matter if you miss or not able to get Tram you can use other public transportation to reach Hagai.

Topkapi Palace Museum: The most secreted place in history because it was the primary residence of Ottoman rulers for not less than 600 years. Visit the museum and learn the royal life Ottoman rulers used to live. It is the most visited museum of Turkey. Yes! That’s fact and people who reach Turkey never miss to attain Topkapi. You can enjoy the exhibitions and several events regularly conducted at this museum. In 1924 this palace was converted to Museum, but some portion of museum is still covered and visitors are not allowed to enter. Entry to museum is paid and you will be charged €12, though condition is same for this museum as well like Hagia. If you buy tourist pass of Istanbul through authorized dealer, then your entry will be free.

o   Timing during summer is from 9 am to 6:45 pm.

o   Timing during winter season is from 9 am to 4:45 pm.

How to reach Topkapi?

Museum is closed on Tuesday every week so plan you trip accordingly. It is also closed on religious festivals so get the details of museum before planning to visit. To reach Topkapi museum follow the same route of Hagia as this museum is also located closer to Sultanahmet Square.

·         Fun Eats

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Do you love to spend time at Cruise, then get the tickets of Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. You can get the free admission, meals and show passes if you buy Istanbul tourist pass or else you have to pay €60. It could be a unique cruise experience for you because lots of events are conducted in Bosphorus Dinner cruise. Turkish musical performance such Katibim is best example of that. You can also enjoy some mythological play like Aşuk Maşuk, Tambourine Dance, ceremony of Henna, folk performance by Turna team and some other shows. Belly dance performed by expert is also a part of this trip. As it is the dinner cruise you are getting a chance to enjoy the delicious Turkeys food.

o   Cruise will depart at 8:30 pm and will return at 12 am isn’t that amazing? Now reaching the cruise is easy like you can register for pick-up from your hotel to curise, but you have to reserve your seat 1 day before the visit.

Hard Rock Cafe: Dhamal or full entertainment is possible at Hard Rock Cage of Istanbul. You have to pay €14 if you are not having the tourist pass of the city. If you have the pass, then you will get free admission and Bosphorus Burger along with Fries and Milkshake. Traditional taste of food at this café is major attraction for visitors. The café is located at famous Istanbul Avenue Vibe. Experts suggest this café as most fun loving and vibrant café of Istanbul.

o   Timing for Café is different on Sunday through Thursday and Friday to Saturday. From Sunday to Thursday it opens at 12 pm and closed at 12 am.

o   On Friday to Saturday café will open at 12 pm and close at 1 am.

How to reach Hard Rock Café?

Located at front of Galatasaray School next to Taksim square. M2 metro line is easily available for Galatasaray School so no worries to reach the best café.

·         Experiences in Istanbul:

Bath experience at Turkish: relax yourself with different style of Turkish bath, though gate pass will cost you €26. If you buy the tourist pass the entry will be free like other parts of Istanbul.

Show of Whirling Dervishes: Next experience that you can take in city is Dervishes show that will cost you €22 to enter. However, if you buy pass the entry will be cashless to Whirling Dervishes show.

SEA Life Aquarium of Istanbul: Next spot to experience in Istanbul is Sea Life aquarium and you have to pay €15 to enter the spot. Again if you buy the tourism pass you will get free entry to aquarium as well.

·         Top Sightseeing Acts in Istanbul:

Whichever place you plan for holidays the first thing comes into mind is the sightseeing areas because every place is unique and having different features such as climate conditions, food, hospitality, beauty of city and many more. Istanbul is serving their visitors with top sightseeing activities in the city.

Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour: Take the pleasure of boat tour at Bosphorus at very nominal price. You just have to pay €8 as entry fee, though it’s free with tourism package. Sailing in amazing boat at Istanbul city is going to be best experience of your life. This tour is not only about the beauty of Bosphorus it is also a travel to best National Palaces with no traffic. The best feature of this boating is you can hop-off at your favorite stop, enjoy the stop and get the other boat for hop-back at same spot for next stop. It’s around two hour tour if you have not taken any hop-off.

o   Route of this boating starts from Kabataş Port. The next stop will be Besiktas, and you can enjoy Dolmabahçe Palace at this place. Some lovely parks are also available at stop such as Kucuksu Pavilion at Beylerbeyi Palace.

o   Timing for Boating:

Ø  Kabatas: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 12:45 to 15:45.

Ø  Besiktas: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 12:55 to 15:55

Ø  Emirgan: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 13:35 to 16:35

Ø  Kucuksu: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 13:50 to 16:50

Ø  Beylerbeyi: Boat is available at every hour though duration is from 14:10 to 17:10.

How to reach there?

You can get the T1 line to reach Kabatas station. Start walking towards sea-side and reach at Dentur Avrasya Port to avail your first boat.

Hop-Off Hop-On Tour on Bus: The same way like hop-off and hop-on of boating you can go for buses as well. If you will not buy the tourism pass, then you have to pay €33 to avail this offer. Magnificent view of city from the bus is best thing in Istanbul. This tour starts at Sultanahmet Square and finishes at same as well. This tour allows you to take pleasure of Istanbul’s top sights. Buses in such tour are open from the top so you are getting a complete enjoyment package. The two routes of this tour offer different vital landmarks of historical sites. First route is named as Red Route that is taking visitors to the Old City, Galata Bridge, Taksim Square and Bosphorus. Second route is known as Blue Route that is offering the visit of beautiful Golden Horn and the cultural journey of diverse civilizations in Istanbul. The package includes free Wi-Fi at bus so stays connected with your members through internet and share your bus experience immediately. Timings for this route are different according to seasons. You will get the list of timings from the tourism center or you can reach the bus office to attain such information.

How to reach Istanbul?

Flight is the easiest way to reach Istanbul. The biggest airport for Istanbul is Ataturk International.  Most of the visitors from different nations are reaching Ataturk Airport for Istanbul. The airbase is located at Yesilkoy that is on the European side of city. Airport is only 28 km away the central city. Next airport for Istanbul is Sabiha Gokcen Airport located at Kurtkoy. Food and drinks at both airports will be higher so before order please check the prices. Bus, taxi, tram and Metro or shuttle van are best mode of transport in city. Flights for Istanbul are available from Germany, Hungary, Austria, Romania, Italy and Bulgaria. You will get flights from Greece as well for Istanbul. Basically Middle East is properly connected to Istanbul from various parts.

Note: Get the local map from location stores in Istanbul. This will help you to locate the places easily and you will not get missed as well. 

Cinque Terre - Uneven Land City of Italy

Cinque Terre has become a globally renowned tourist destination, captivating visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty. This Italian gem is celebrated for its unique and unevenly terraced landscape, drawing widespread admiration through captivating images showcased across various platforms. Positioned along the scenic coastal line of the Italian Riviera within the Liguria region, Cinque Terre offers an unparalleled experience for travelers.

The city's allure is centered around its five distinct villages: Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. Each of these charming villages contributes to the overall enchantment of Cinque Terre, creating a mosaic of picturesque landscapes and cultural experiences. In the subsequent sections, we will delve into the individual attractions and unique features that make these villages must-visit destinations for any traveler seeking an unforgettable journey along the Italian coastline.

Upon viewing the images, it becomes evident that Cinque Terre is a meticulously planned city nestled amidst hills, with its hillsides seamlessly integrated into the sprawling expanse of the Cinque Terre National Park. The city's distinctiveness and captivating beauty have earned it the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The harmonious blend of urban planning, natural terrain, and enchanting landscapes makes Cinque Terre a truly exceptional destination, celebrated for its cultural and environmental significance on a global scale.

Throughout the centuries, residents of Cinque Terre have meticulously constructed their homes, ingeniously creating terraces on the vertical landscape adjacent to the cliffs overlooking the sea. Accessing this remarkable destination is conveniently possible through road, train, and boat services that operate at frequent intervals. It's important to note that private cars are not permitted in the town, but taxis are available for hire, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas.

Cinque Terre stands out as one of the world's most sought-after tourist destinations, contributing significantly to Italy's growing popularity among global travelers. The city's unique charm, combined with its breathtaking landscapes and distinctive architectural features, has firmly established it as a must-visit gem on the international tourism map.

Nevertheless, Cinque Terre is marked by its unusual vulnerability to torrential rains, leading to periodic floods and landslides. A significant event in the city's history was the devastating impact of floods on October 25, 2011, particularly affecting Monterosso al Mare and Vernazza within the Cinque Terre region. Despite the challenges posed by such natural occurrences, the city's inherent beauty continues to attract tourists, and tourism has emerged as a substantial source of income for the resilient residents.

Attraction:
Vernazza: Cinque Terre, a sprawling region in Italy, encompasses several significant villages, with Vernazza standing out as a popular destination known for its natural bathing areas. The city's allure extends to its impressive cliffs and serene seaside, offering visitors a unique and tranquil experience. In its historical role, the city served the nation as a crucial port for large commercial ships. Exploring Vernazza reveals a network of mysterious alleys, vibrantly colored houses, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a wonder in the world of tourism. The optimal time for a visit is during the summertime, when the charm of this place is at its peak for travelers.

Manarola: Another noteworthy attraction in the Cinque Terre region is Manarola, renowned for its natural bathing areas and captivating picnic spots. Situated in the vicinity of the Riomaggiore Municipality, Manarola proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Italy. Its origins trace back to a community formed by residents migrating from other villages within the Terre region.

Historically, Manarola was under the rule of the Carpena Empire and the Fieschi Family until 1276. The town's unique charm lies in its diverse architecture, with many houses clustered on the rocky hills, creating a visually striking and picturesque landscape for travelers to explore.

Riomaggiore: he next captivating tourism spot in Cinque Terre is Riomaggiore, situated just a few kilometers away from Montenero. Nestled between two rugged mounts that slope into the sea, the city is divided into two parts — North and South — with an underpass connecting the two. Notably, the longest railway tunnel is strategically placed between these distinct parts of the city.

Historically, Riomaggiore traces its origins to the 7th century when it was founded by Greek refugees. Over time, the city was ruled by various feudal families, including the Turcotti, Ripalta, Cerico, and Fieschi families. Like the rest of Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is renowned for its vibrant and uniquely styled houses, with the designs of its homes standing out as particularly remarkable.

Adding to the allure of Riomaggiore is the romantic footpath known as Via dell’Amore, which is also part of the Blue Path. This scenic pathway begins in Riomaggiore and concludes in Manarola, offering a delightful journey for visitors. Notable landmarks in Riomaggiore include the St. John Baptist Church, chapels and oratories, Riomaggiore Castle, and the entry point of Via dell'Amore, providing a rich tapestry of historical and architectural wonders for exploration.

Monterosso: Another significant highlight in this renowned global tourist destination spans across two inlets, with the Aurora Tower standing prominently near the Bruanco River, adding to the city's allure. Monterosso houses the historical core and is distinguished for hosting the largest beach in Cinque Terre, conveniently located near the railway station. Monterosso's railway station holds the distinction of being one of the best located close to the sea on a global scale.

The town of Monterosso, with its approximately 2,000 residents, thrives largely on tourism, serving as a major source of income for the local populace. Notable landmarks in Monterosso include the Giovanni Battista Church, Capuchin Monastery, oratories, castle, towers, walls, and the iconic Giant, contributing to the rich historical and architectural fabric of the city.

Corniglia: Cinque Terre may have limited attractions, but each city is a tourism gem, and Corniglia stands out as a noteworthy destination. Accessible by train, reaching Corniglia involves climbing 382 stairs, although a bus service is also available for convenience, with an average ticket cost of 1.50 Euro.

Key points of interest in Corniglia include St. Peter Church, the Oratory of the St. Catherine Flagellants, remnants of Genovese fortifications, the expansive Spiaggione beach, and the nudist beach famously known as Guvano. These attractions contribute to the unique charm and appeal of Corniglia as a must-visit location within the Cinque Terre region.

The Blue Path: A truly spectacular and globally renowned trail, the Cinque Terre Blue Path is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring the region. Spanning a length of 12 kilometers, it connects Prevo to Vernazza, with an 8-kilometer stretch corresponding to the Via dell'Amore. Officially named Sentiero Azzurro, this breathtaking path takes approximately five hours to traverse, offering an unforgettable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Cinque Terre. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of this renowned trail during your visit to the region.

The High Path: An invaluable location in the city, accessible only to serious hikers due to its challenging trails, is the trekking area beyond Cinque Terre National Park that connects the two towns of Levanto and Portovenere. These paths are deemed dangerous, and only experienced hikers are permitted to navigate them. The surrounding area of this city is exceptionally beautiful, urging visitors to extend their stay in the village to create truly memorable moments.

Other noteworthy locations to explore in Cinque Terre include the Sanctuaries path, Eat Street, and Beach Square. For those opting to spend an extended period in the Terre town, it is advisable to make advance hotel bookings, as accommodations may be limited due to the consistent influx of crowds throughout the year.

How to reach Cinque Terre?

Traveling to Cinque Terre offers various transportation options:

By Air: The nearest airport to the destination is Pisa, with another viable option being Genova. Firenze airport is also accessible and well-connected to major cities worldwide. Upon reaching Genova, a convenient two-hour train journey will take you to Milan, bringing you closer to Cinque Terre.

By Rail: Cinque Terre's numerous villages are efficiently connected by trains, ensuring seamless travel between them. Some stations exclusively cater to local trains, so it's essential to confirm your train's destination. Frequent trains operate from Genova, and La Spezia is also well-connected with a substantial number of trains.

By Road: For a scenic journey by road, consider the route via La Spezia. Take the Litoranea route from La Spezia, promising a picturesque drive filled with natural beauty and traversing deep valleys.

Cinque Terre stands out as a truly magnificent destination for holidays. Plan your trip, and immerse yourself in the splendor of this dream location to create lasting holiday memories.

Vancouver – The Amaze of North America

Canada is one of the well-known and glamorous countries of North America. It comprises of 3 zones and 10 provinces. This scenic nation is situated in the northern region of the continent. The city is spread from Pacific to Atlantic, and towards the north it covers the Arctic Ocean.

If you are nature lover then for sure you cannot miss visiting Canada. There are many unbelievable tourist attracting spots. However, let us talk about the top rated city of Canada which is called Vancouver.

Vancouver:  This city of Canada was selected for the 2010 Olympic sports of winter. There are many sports events that keep take place in this town. Natives of Vancouver spend their holidays by surfing at beaches, skiing on mountains and have a family time at Stanley Park.  If you are sports lover then you should not miss this place of the Globe.

Apart, from this there are many other attractions like museums and outside market place. The places that are not to be missed are listed below:

Stanley Park: One entire day will also be less, once you start determining this place.  This Park is spread over in thousand acres of land. If you want to make your trip more enjoyable, you should prefer walking, jogging or cycling like the natives of the city. Once you cover fourteen miles you will see a huge water fall. This scene will make you feel refreshing. The route starts from the convention center and ends at Kitsilano Beach Park.

Granville Island: This is the neighborhood of Vancouver. This city has its own popularity, it is also known as a small town. There are many restaurants, where you can grab the food of your choice. This mini town has amazing theatres and galleries as well. However, the main loved place of visitors is the local market of the Granville Island. You can get a good opportunity of grabbing the local arts. If the weather temperature is friendly then you can get a chance to sit by water side and relish your snacks and baked products from the food counters.

Other gazing views of the town are Queen Elizabeth Park, Kitsilano beach, Spanish bank beaches, Vandusen botanical garden, yale town, grouse mountain, British Columbia University, Anthropology museum, Vancouver Marine science center and Capilano suspension Bridge.

You can reach Vancouver from all International big terminals. There are flights from all famous countries of the Globe. Once you reach Vancouver, to make your travel relaxed you can hire a tour guide. There are many agencies you provide you a complete tour package such as site seeing, accommodation and travelling facilities.  Talking about the entire beauty and modesty of Vancouver is not possible in this little article.

How to reach Vancouver?

By Air: International Airport Vancouver is available for visitors to reach the destination easily. YVR is the code of airport located closer to southern part of Vancouver City. If we compare the big airports of Canada this is the 2^nd busiest air hub for travelers. Flights from Western Canada are available in large quantity. Though some other cities and nations having direct flights for Vancouver are British Columbia, U.S.A, Asia and several to Europe cities. Star Alliance is the key airlines for air buses for the city.

By Road: City holds good road service and travelers can hire the car or can go for city buses to reach their favorite destination. Canada is the beautiful country and its cities are properly maintained by the administration. Highway 1 is best example of the clean and smooth routes of the city. This highway connects the Vancouver to Tran’s cities. If people are hiring the car then they must carry the route map that will be convenient method for you to reach the attraction spots of the city. Special buses are available from the tourism department in Vancouver for voyagers. Reach Pacific Central Station to avail the bus services.

By Rail: Railway is the cheapest mode of transport in the city and the best part is routes to all parts of the city is full of scenery so voyagers will definitely enjoy the train journey in the city. Canadian and Toronto cities are perfectly connected to Vancouver city.

By Boat: People who love to attain the islands or having special attraction of boat rides or ferry rides can enjoy such in Vancouver.

Overall there are countless methods to reach the city from various parts of the country. Abroad visitors can plan their trip and book the transport mode to take pleasure of this wonder city in proper manner. Advance booking is preferred who are reaching the city for the first time as city is getting more and more voyagers every year.

Hallstatt - Wonder Lake City of Austria

If somebody ask me my favorite destination for tourism then I will prefer to go to Hallstatt, a wonderful town of Austria. Hallstatt is basically village comes under Salzkammergut region of Austria. However, the town is famous for countless things and salt production is one of them. Culture of Hallstatt is similar to Celtic, pre-Illyrian and Proto-Celtic people of Europe. 

I personally believe every tourism place is unique and have different features. Hallstatt is beautiful and full of nature made locations. The clear and striking images available at Google and different websites are enough to state that this place is wonder and best creation of God. 

Hallstatt town is also declared as UNESCO World Heritage site because of human activity and natural landscape. The ancient history is spectacular of Hallstatt. Describing the beauty of this world tourism place is not possible in simple words so we will not waste the time of our best readers and will discuss about the tourist attractions of the town. 

Attraction of Hallstatt:

Hallstatt town is 7,000 years old and its more older than Rome. 

Hallstatt City View: View of this amazing city gives different feeling to you. Start your journey from Hallstatt bus stop and take pleasure of panoramic view of lake, mountains backdrop, green valleys and swans view in the lake. Austrian King Franz Josef brought swan to Hallstatt in 1860 and Empress Sisi came here on annual retreats.  

Funicular: Next attraction of the town is Funicular an amazing spot. Funicular is surrounded with Alpine mounts. I am a good trekker and I love to visit exiting and dangerous places for my adventure. However, Funicular is not at all trouble location, but the trekking of 3 minutes to climb 855 meters height is best experience here. 

Rudolf's Tower: Also known as Rudolfsurm is another spot for voyagers. Rudolf's Tower is having 855 meters more height than Hallstatt town. Surrounding view is best to do from Rudolf tower. Construction of this tower was done in 1282 by Duke Albrecht of Austria. 

Hallstatt Salt Mine: Also recognized as Salzwelten is the place famous as oldest salt mine. In early 19th century, the labors discovered a pick built of stag horn and that was the starting phase of this mine place. As per sources the mine is nearly 7,000 years old and that makes this place oldest mind of the world. 

Hallstatt Stroll: Frankly speaking, the Hallstatt is wonder place and the major attraction of the town is their tight timber homes. The houses are built close to each other like a single wall is used for two houses. One thing is for sure that you will not get this kind of view in the world except Hallstatt.

Braugasthof: A computer guesthouse served as the salt manufacturing office. The quick ground developed center since beginning that is also known as Market Brewery.  It is basically a restaurant famous for stack beer known as Braugasthof.

Museum: History of any place can be learnt by visiting museum and the similar rule follows with Hallstatt. This town is major source of salt production, but the power came to the city in nearly 800 to 400 BC. Since that period Hallstatt town got popularity and got trade connection with many big nations. This museum established in 2002 is having stuffs that help people to learn the 7,000 year old history of the town. 

Dirndl-To-Go: You love to click images at different locations, then reach Dirndl-To-Go. A place where you will feel like you are at World Heritage center. This is the busiest area of Hallstatt and time hours when you can click more photos are form Wednesday to Sunday between 1pm to 6pm. 

Gasthof Simony: The narrow pathway market where you can buy some amazing handmade stuffs. You will get some memorable places here so don’t forget to carry your camera. Alley's buildings are key attractions of Gasthof as they are made of bright multicolor stone. 

Market Square: One more spot for you also known as Marktplatz that is famous for early age livings. After seeing this square you will easily get the idea about the glory days of Hallstatt. Here Christmas is big festival and travelers must plan their trip on Christmas holidays. 

Talking about each space will get you bored. In short, some other knowing places to visit in Hallstatt are Gasthof Zauner, Ruth Zimmerman's Pub & Café, Gasthof Gruner Baum, Protestant Church, Stepanie Boat Ride, Catholic Church & Cemetery, Bone House and Classic View Point. 

Boat riding: the boats and yachts in lake are major attraction for travelers. The reason is surrounding of lake is full of snow peaks and greenery. You will get different experience by visiting Hallstatt. The boat ride will take you to the tiny railway station. However, you can plan your return to your home from Attnang-Puchheim stations. 

How to reach Hallstatt?

By Train: Hallstatt station is available having train line is between Salzburg and Vienna, though you have to get down at Attnang-Puchheim. From this place you have to get the train of Obertraun and Bad Ischl. Hallstatt station is closer to Bad Ischl then Obertraun. 

By Bus: Cesky Krumlov Shuttle is available in Hallstatt that is used as door-to-door transportation from Hallstatt to Salzburg, Český Krumlov and Linz. Bean Shuttle is one of the cheapest shuttle available between Cesky Krumlov and Hallstatt.