Game Games

The Loire valley offers great diversity, stemming from the wealth of history and culture synonymous with the region, which can be seen in the numerous chateaux on the banks of the two main rivers.

The countryside is lush and green with opportunities for bird watching near the sand banks and islands on the rivers Loir and Loire. Guided boat trips are available. Many specialist bicycle and walking trails are being created.

The region has a temperate climate due to Atlantic influences. The summers are generally hot, but in the spring and autumn, temperatures are considerably lower.

Renowned for its sumptuous chateaux, the relics of royal days gone by, the glorious valley of the Loire is rich in both history and architecture. Like the river Loire, this vast region runs through the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscape and magnificent food and wine add up to a bourgeois paradise. The lush Loire valley is supremely regal.

Orleans was Frances intellectual capital in the 13th century, attracting artists, poets and troubadours to the royal court. But the medieval court never stayed in one place for long, which led to the building of magnificent chateaux all along the Loire.
Chambord and Chenonceaux, the two greatest Renaissance chateaux remain prestigious symbols of royal rule, resplendent with their ornamental gardens.

Due to its central location, culture and fine cuisine, Tours is the natural visitors capital.

Angers is a close second, but more authentic are the historic towns of Amboise, Blois, Saumur and Beaugency, strung out like jewels along the river.

This is the classic Loire valley, a chateau trail which embraces the Renaissance gardens of Villandry and the fairytale turrets of Azay le Rideau.

Venture northwards and the cathedral cities of Le Mans and Chartres reign supreme, their medieval centres bordered by Gallo Roman walls.Nantes in the west is a breezy, forward looking port and gateway to the Atlantic. Southwards, the windswept Vendee is edged by a wild, sandy coastline that is perfect for windsurfers and nature lovers alike.Inland, the Loires more peaceful tributaries and the watery Sologne beg to be explored.

Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and small Romanesque churches decorated with frescoes.

Inviting inns offer game, fish and abundant fresh vegetables to be lingered over with light white Vouvray wine, or full bodied Bourgueil.

Overindulgence is no sin in this rich region. The river Loire at Montsoreau, southeast of Saumur.
The fairytale chateau de Saumur towering above the town and the river Loire.

Situated in the center of Southeast Asia, Thailand is regarded as a natural getaway to countries such as Myanmar, South China, and Indo-China.

Apart from this, its attractions are really incredible, covering Bangkok – the center of cultural and political activities; Chiang Mai – the second largest city in Thailand as well as a regional center for a variety of activities; Krabi – a teeming destination with white sandy beaches, scintillating waterfalls, and fabulous coral reefs; Surat Thani – acknowledged as the province of thousand islands; and Phuket – Thailand’s largest island, which is noted for its magnificent bays and sandy beaches, sparkling seas, vegetative mountains, and delightful parks.

Aforesaid are just few among many of Thai tourist attractions. With these umpteen popular destinations, Thailand has been rated one of the top ten tourist destinations.

Since people from nook and corner of the world flock here year-around, Thailand renders excellent accommodation facilities, ranging from first class hotel rooms and resorts to magnificent vacations homes and condos. However, majority of vacationers prefer to stay in holiday villas, as they not only provide privacy but also enable you to energize and revitalize your mind and body.

Luxury villa rentals are considered a great alternative over large resorts and expensive hotel accommodation. Further, it allows you to cook meals of your choice and relax on the porch or take a refreshing stroll in well-groomed gardens, all of which make you feel revitalized at the end of your vacation. In short, a Thai luxury villa rental is a great choice to enjoy your vacation in Thailand.

For those interested in staying at luxury villa rentals, you are required to pick an area that you would like to enjoy your vacation. Whether you are interested to visit Pattaya Island, Phuket, or Surat Thani, you are sure to find a host of luxury villas that are available for rent.

In fact, you can find a number of luxury villas and that too in varied sizes. For instance, many of the Thai luxury villa rentals are large, and hence consist of multiple bedrooms. Since luxury rentals of any size are available, no matter how small or large your vacationing party is. Apart from different sizes, one can also find that Thai luxury villa rentals are located within varied settings. For instance, beach luxury villas located along the coast are much sought after. These types of villas not only provide the comforts of home but also allow you to enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings. Also, they render superb facilities to enjoy a variety of water sport activities such as swimming, rowing, scuba diving, sailing, and more.

Another popular category of luxury villa rentals is pet-friendly villas, which allows you as well as your pet to enjoy vacation in a relaxing environment.

Luxury villa rentals in Thailand range from one bedroom deluxe villas to elegant two and three bedrooms. These spacious accommodations are mostly inclusive of almost all superb facilities such as bedroom with multiple bedding options, telephone, television, and digital alarm or clock; living room with queen-size sofa; kitchen replete with first class appliances, oven, dishwasher, and coffeemaker; and bathroom consisting of marble clad baths with shower, double sinks, make-up as well as shaving mirror, and hair dryers.

In addition, vacationers staying at most modern luxury villa rentals usually have access to such facilities as championship golf courses, spa and fitness facility, swimming pool coupled with private cabanas, activity pool with waterslides, basketball and tennis courts, restaurants and lounges, and facilities for playing such games as billiards, darts, and foosball.

A substantial number of both small and large luxury villa rentals are now made available in Thailand. Thai luxury villa rental bookings can be easily made through travel agents as well as vacation rental agencies. However, a thorough analysis should be made regarding the service provider’s professionalism and service rendered, prior to make booking through them.

One can lean on travel magazines to get info on travel agents. Another great way to search for a reliable service provider is via the internet. Since many of the agents have their own sites with interior and exterior photos of villas and rent details, you can make an effective decision with regard to the booking of luxury villas. For unbiased information, one can make use of online reviews written by real users.

Ask most people what they actually know about Galicia and the majority will probably look at you slightly quizzically and then move on to another topic. Those that do know anything about Galicia will probably have a knowledge particularly based around the goings-on or happenings at Santiago de Compostela.

The above would it be a tremendous disservice to what has actually been described by others as some sort undiscovered jewel but in this case the description is true.

The stretch of coastline that effectively makes up the south-western border of Galicia is known as the Rias Baixas and it is in the middle of the Rias Baixas that one of the more interesting geographical treasures of Galicia can be found and this is in the small village of Baiona.

The village of Baiona is a largish village that can found about two hours driving south from Santiago de Compostela. This route is very easily driven on the motorway but as is usually the case in a lot of cases that an awful lot more can be taken in and appreciated if you were to drive this road on the ordinary road.

If you are thinking of driving down the motorway from Santiago then drive virtually all the way to Vigo and the route to Baiona is effectively the next junction off the motorway after you bypass Vigo.

The history of Baiona goes back some 800 years when its name was changed to Baiona and it came under royal protection. As a result a Castle was built on a rocky promontory and though the building might not be in the best of conditions the ramparts are well preserved and provide for an interesting walk for about 2 km.

However it is inside the Castle that things become really interesting. This is because inside the wall of the Castle is a Parador that possible has one of the most spectacular locations in all of Spain.

Now for the uninitiated, a Parador is actually a state run hotel and befall you head for the hills thinking the last thing you want to do is to stay in any government run establishment, staying in a Parador is slightly different.

OK, so it’s a hotel what’s new? Well, if you happen perchance to be able to stay in a Parador you might find yourself pleasantly surprised with regards to the quality of service and cuisine that is on offer. Certainly in this case the location is rather spectacular with the hotel being surrounded by the sea on three sides and actually protected by ancient ramparts.

The village of Baiona has an old quarter which actually houses some quite interesting houses and monuments in the harbour lies an extremely interesting replica ship. Now this replica ship is actually a replica off the Pinta, which alongside the Santa Maria and Nina comprised the fleet that took Christopher Columbus from Western Europe to his historic discovery of the New World. The historic significance here was that the Pinta was one of the first ships back from this historic voyage of discovery and brought back the news of what Columbus had actually found.

It is quite amazing what you will find if you take the time and trouble to look. Sounds obvious I know but in this case it most certainly true.

South Africa is a land finally moving ahead after a long period of troubles. It offers a magical tourist experience with its natural splendour, wildlife and pulsating cities.

Johannesburg

Johannesburg, a vast brassy, metropolis bursting with contrasts, is the place to visit if you want to understand the real South Africa.

Transport: getting there and getting away

Johannesburg International Airport (JIA), is conveniently reachable from both Pretoria and Jo’burg. It has flights all around the country. The major destinations are served by a number of budget airlines. International bus services connect Jo’burg with the nearby countries of Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Climate

Both Johannesburg and Pretoria can be oppressively hot in summer. Winters can get cold.

Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Johannesburg hotels

Events: what’s on and what’s hot

*The grand event of the year is the Arts Alive Festival which runs throughout September and October. The event showcases the talents of the country’s rich cultures which were long suppressed.
*The Rand Easter Show at the National Exhibition Centre in April
*Jo’burg Jazz Festival in late September
*The annual Gay Pride March held on the last Saturday of September.

Cape Town

The Table Mountain crowns this city but it also boasts magnificent beaches and starky beautiful landscapes and a host of flora and fauna.

Transport: getting there and getting away

Many international flights connect with Cape Town. Trains and buses are available both departing from the Cape Town train station.

Taxis and ‘Rikki’ transporters will get you around the city. Minibus taxis and an efficient bus system are other choices.

Climate
Winter (June to August) can be miserably cold and wet with temperatures ranging from 7 C to 18 C. Summer, (December to March) tends to be very hot, maxing out at 26 C, and tempered by winds known as the Cape doctor.

Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Cape Town hotels

Events: what’s on and what’s hot

Cape Town is a happening place with something going on every week

*January sees outdoor arts performances
*October features a Food and Winde Festival
*December features Carols by Candlelight in the Company’s Gardens.
*December is also the month for the Cape Town Queer Project. Outrageous fancy dress is the order of the day.

Durban

Beaches on the Indian Ocean, sub-tropical jungles and a proud Zulu culture define Durban. The modern city is sophisticated and at night pulsates with taverns, lounges, theatres, discos, pubs and clubs.

Transport: getting there and getting around

Durban International Airport handles both domestic and international flights, with regularly-scheduled service to Swaziland, Mozambique, and Mauritius.
Durban is South Africa’s largest port and the busiest container port in the Southern Hemisphere. Trains from Durban Railway Station connect with Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Taxis, minibus taxis and Zulu rickshaws offer transport around the city

Climate

Mild in both summer and winter. Rain is more common between October and May, and winters can get quite chilly in the evenings.

Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Durban hotels

Events: what’s on and what’s hot

*March features Time of the Writer, Durban’s literature festival, at the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
*Comrades Marathon in June is run through the valley of a thousand hills in Natal, South Africa.
*Durban International Film Festival is held in June at the Centre for Creative Arts.

The capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. An eclectic confluence of rich culture and heritage, Hyderabad, along with its twin city Secunderabad, is a 400-year old city, which is much famed as the former seat of the extremely wealthy as well as influential Nizams.

Located on the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad presents a varied landscape comprising majestic hills, lush green forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing rock formations. According to records, Hyderabad was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in the 16th century. However, the city has now evolved into a hi-tech city, with a thriving software as well as tourism industry.

Attractions in Hyderabad range from historical monuments consisting of prehistoric cairns and Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples to interesting museums and exotic parks and gardens. One of the major landmarks of the city is Charminar, built during the 16th century by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shahi, in order to commemorate the end of the epidemic plaque in the city. The focal point of this 56 mt high building is its fantastic minarets. A small mosque, galleries, and arches can also be found within the building.

Another prime attraction is Hussain Sagar Lake, a beautiful monument erected in 1562 by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali. A specialty of this lake is an enormous statue of Buddha found in its center. Further, this lake separates the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. A visit to Hyderabad is never complete without taking a tour to the much favored Golconda Fort, from where the world-famous Kohinoor diamond was extracted.

Equally fascinating are the fabulous mosques as well as some rare Islamic structure and tombs of the place. Perhaps most popular among them is Mecca Masjid, located adjacent to Charminar. One of the oldest as well as biggest mosques in the city, its construction was started by Abdullah Qutub Shahi in 1617 and completed by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb in 1693. Also, a great example of Islamic architecture is Falaknuma Palace – the residence of the last Nizam, which now houses a unique display of antiques, carpets, architectural gems, and diamonds.

A magnificent blend of Indian and Persian architecture, Qutub Shahi tomb is another great Islamic monument, which is also a symbol of the glorious past of the city. Additionally, the exquisite Paigah tombs are a fine example of Islamic monument in Hyderabad.

Apart from these, don’t forget to take a visit to the fascinating museums of the place, each of them throwing light on the interesting history of the place. Most significant among the city’s museums is Salar Jung Museum, which holds the distinction of being one of the world’s biggest one-man collections of antiques.

Showcased here are a rich variety of South Indian art, textile art, and Indian Miniature paintings. Included in the textile gallery collection are some amazing superb as well as rare displays like Kashmiri shawls and curtains dating back to the Mughal period. The painting gallery within the museum boasts of paintings of such renowned painters as Raja Ravi Varma and Chughtai. Attractions in museum also cover the sculptures carved out by Benzoni – a renowned Italian sculptor. There is also a section exclusively for kids. The Nizam’s museum, Health Museum, Birla Planetarium, State Archeological Museum, and Khajana Building Museum are the other worth visiting museums in the city.

Further, the city’s highlights also cover Birla Mandir, Birla Planetarium, Chote Hazrat ki Dargah, Nehru Zoological Park, Raymond’s tomb, St Joseph Cathedral, and St Mary’s Church, and Public Gardens. With a coastline stretching up to 1000 km, Hyderabad is also much sought after for its beaches nearby. Above all, while your stay at Hyderabad take an excursion to places like Golconda with mines boasting of some of the most famed diamond in the world; Warangal whose focal point is thousand-pillar temple; and Bidar – a destination with a splendid array of mosques, palaces, and tombs.

Along with other activities like sightseeing, Hyderabad offers superb options for shopping. No shopping in Hyderabad is complete without taking a shopping trip to amazing pearl bazaars of the city. Perhaps for this reason, Hyderabad is sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl City of India.’ Dining options are also superb in Hyderabad, with a variety of world-class restaurants serving scrumptious cuisines.

Above all, Hyderabad’s accommodation options are also superb. No matter you want budget or luxury accommodation, the city has hotels and resorts to cater every type of vacationer. Many of them are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within the proximity to all world-class tourist attractions.

All of the accommodation choices, especially, luxury ones, are replete with most sophisticated facilities. Further, some of the top-rated hotels and resorts also render services in the form of packages inclusive of accommodation, traveling within the place, and food. Nowadays, many of the hotels, both budget and luxury accommodation, have their own sites on the web, which in turn enables the visitors to check price and room as well as make bookings in advance.

When planning a family vacation, people often choose to enjoy a day on the water as part of the vacation. Why do families love to go fishing, sailing or boating? These types of trips offer togetherness, laughter, new experiences, and a day of fresh air and sunshine. The assistance offered on charter boats, tours and guided trips help make activities stress free and relaxing for everyone. Another benefit of selecting a chartered or guided trip knowing you are in safe hands as most charter boat captains and guides are licensed professionals with the experience, training and equipment to deal with the unpredictability of the local weather, landscape and environmental conditions.

Choosing your Guide or Charter Boat. When choosing a guide, charter or tour boat, it may be a good idea to consider the weather, traffic, and other factors, and plan ahead. Some boats provide charters on short notice, while others may be booked up to a year in advance. Depending on the trip, season and vessel you might need sun block, camera, insect repellent, water, snacks, a light jacket or even rain gear. Information on what to bring is typically available by contacting the captain in advance.

The number of people, age and health of your family group will be a factor in choosing a charter. Adventure seeking adults might choose a day fishing offshore for tuna, marlin or sharks while a family with young children might instead enjoy a pontoon boat that provides a scenic cruises or nature tours. Many guides and charter boat operators have responded to family’s needs by offering a wider range of trips and varying times to suit the various age groups.While the charter industry might have once served mostly men, today’s captains will be of both sexes and will offer trips geared towards all ages and skill levels.

Fishing Trips. Fishing charters and guided fishing allows families to enjoy a non-pressure day of fishing. Usually it doesn’t really matter if the anglers are not catching lots of fish, usually families still enjoy the day togeter. The expression on a kid’s face when catching their first fish is usually priceless though.

Fishing guides might fish for flounder, trout, bluefish, croakers, spot, drum, striped bass, shark, sea bass, tautog, tuna, billfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo or other fish, depending on the season, boat and destination. Other trips will feature crabbing, shrimping, clamming, or just exploring.

Sailing charters are another option. Sailboats from single occupant models up to top of the line ocean going yachts are ready to go, depending on the size of your group, time, distance and price range that you desire.

Nature Cruises and Eco-Tours. Waterfront destinations generally offer a variety of boat cruises, nature cruises, scenic cruises, sunset cruises, site-seeing, eco-tourism trips, kayaking adventures and fishing charters. Having a choice of guided trips gives families a bit of a backup plan and there is usually something for everyone. For more experienced mariners, boat and other watercraft rentals are sometimes an option as well.

Nature cruises and eco-tourism tours provide encounters with of wildlife and waterfowl including deer, ducks, geese, herons, egrets, plovers and other shorebirds, whales, porpoises, otters, seals and more. Local guides know the best areas for viewing nature and are eager to guide families to share scenes that just cannot be viewed from land.

Hopefully after being out on boat fishing, you’ll experience best night’s sleep you’ve had in along time.

Bermuda has a remarkably mild climate that seldom sees extremes of either hot or cold. During the winter months (December through March), temperatures average 70F. The hottest part of the year is between May and mid-October, when temperatures range from 75F to 85F. The summer months are somewhat drier, although rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Bermuda’s climate is relatively favourable to hay fever sufferers. Ragweed is non-existent, and pollens of other weeds are quickly blown out to sea.

Bermuda is lush and alive with natural splendour. You’ll find the Island is vibrant with over 4,500 marine organisms, 1,100 insects and spiders, 750 different types of fungi, 1,000 varieties of plant life, 350 bird species, and 650 species of fishes. Meander through aromatic gardens, explore fascinating caves, and swim with fishes of all colours, shapes and sizes, and you’ll discover why Bermuda is a celebration of fauna and flora that will delight your senses. To get back to nature, go to Bermuda.

Bermuda was born of a turbulent marriage between the fiery lava of volcanic eruptions and the tempestuous waters of the North Atlantic more than 100 million years ago. Over eons the ocean’s currents and prevailing winds sculpted the pyrogenic rock and covered it with layers of limestone. Migrating birds carried seminal elements from North America and the Caribbean. And on the 26-mile long archipelago, they fertilised the soil with the seeds and spores that would blossom and flourish on this island paradise. The animal population arrived here with great determination and a little luck. There are no land bridges to Bermuda, and no convenient chain of islands, so only animals that were able to fly, swim, or drift along on some form of flotsam were able to make a home here. Finally, the finishing touches were added by human seafarers who planted shrubs and flowering trees.

Bermuda is famous for its hospitality and its beautiful environment, but while your trip to Bermuda may only take you a couple of hours, it is quite difficult to reach for migrating animals. There are no land bridges or island chains leading from the distant mainland over 600 miles away. Only those animals with the ability to fly, swim, or hitch rides on floating rafts of vegetation have been able to land on shore and make themselves at home. Of course, some of our non-native species arrived in an easier fashion they were brought over on ships long ago and introduced by well-intentioned, but perhaps short-sighted people. So, because of Bermuda’s location far out in the Atlantic Ocean, there are no endemic mammals on this beautiful Island. As you explore, you will not see the familiar squirrels or raccoons, but rather, a fine assortment of amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Experience Bermuda’s wild side explore their land and sea and you’ll be certain to discover a rich community of animal life that will inspire you to return there year after year. Just like the birds.

A key part of the Smithsonian Institution that student group travelers to Washington, D.C., will want to take in, is the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. With hundreds of original, historic artifacts on display, including the Wright 1903 Flyer; the Spirit of St. Louis; the Apollo 11 command module Columbia; and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch, the Museum will captivate students and visitors for hours on end.

There are some 22 exhibition galleries in the Museum, including an IMAX theater, flight simulators, a three-level shop, and a food-court-style restaurant.

A favorite gallery, “How Things Fly,” includes science demonstrations; paper airplane contests; and interactive devices. Another feature is the “Early Flight” gallery, which highlights some of the earliest notions of flying through the first decade of powered flight.

Visitors can also see the original 1903 Wright Flyer and 170 other related artifacts in a special exhibition, “The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age.”The Flyer will eventually be returned to its usual hanging position in the Milestones of Flight gallery.

The history of human space exploration is detailed in two exhibitions, one being “Space Race,” which includes artifacts such as the V2 ballistic missile, a full-size Hubble Space Telescope test vehicle, and the backup Skylab space station that visitors can walk through.

The story of America’s effort to land a human on the Moon is told in “Apollo to the Moon,” where the original space suits worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon are on display.

The Museum on the National Mall also features several exhibitions covering Earth and planetary studies. “Looking at Earth” shows visitors how views of the planet from above have helped provide better understanding of the Earth. Examples of satellite imagery and aerial photography are on display.

The “Exploring the Planets” exhibit highlights the history and achievements of planetary explorations, both Earth-based and by spacecraft. On display is a full-scale replica of the Voyager spacecraft which traveled to the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Another display, “Explore the Universe,” demonstrates the various methods used by humankind to observe the skies throughout the ages, starting with the naked eye, through telescopes, and finally into the digital age.

A view of the Tycho Armillary Sphere reproduction is on display in “Explore the Universe.” The Sphere was built by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe in the late 1500s to study the sky and to teach about the celestial coordinate system.

A companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall is the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport, which provides additional exhibit space.

The center, named in honor of its major donor, features the large Boeing Aviation Hangar in which aircraft are displayed on three levels. Visitors can walk among aircraft and small artifacts in display cases and view aircraft hanging from the arched ceiling on elevated skywalks. Many engines, helicopters, ultra-lights, and experimental flying machines are on display in a museum setting for the first time. Among the aviation artifacts on display are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the world; the Boeing Dash 80, the prototype of the 707; the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay; and the deHavilland Chipmunk aerobatic airplane.

The James S. McDonnell Space Hangar opened in November 2004 and displays hundreds of famous spacecraft, rockets, satellites and space-related small artifacts. The centerpiece of the space hangar is the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Other space artifacts include the Gemini VII space capsule; the Mobile Quarantine Unit used upon the return of the Apollo 11 crew; and a Redstone rocket.

The Donald D. Engen Observation Tower provides an excellent location from which visitors can watch air traffic at Dulles Airport.

The Center also offers an IMAX Theater; flight simulators; food service; a museum store; free docent tours; daily educational programs; and school group tours.

A special feature of the Center is the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor, a permanent memorial to the thousands of people who contributed to aviation and space exploration.

Whistler is one of the North America’s most sought after vacation spot, situated between the two coastal mountains such as the Whistler and the Blackcomb. Located just two hours drive from Vancouver in British Columbia and Seattle in Washington.

Whistler is an unparalleled vacation spot, bestowed with an impressive landscape comprising unbeatable mountain peaks, crystal-like lakes, soothing surroundings, lush emerald forested areas, beautiful waterfalls, and picturesque valleys. Whistler is more popular as a four-season resort, proving great options to enjoy an array of activities including both summer and winter.

In winter, Whistler becomes an incredible destination filled with snow, and provides base for a number of activities. Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities that can be enjoyed in Whistler. With more than 200 marked trails and about 7500 acres of skiable terrains, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains provide great options for skiing.

No matter you want to any type of skiing such as alpine skiing, cross country skiing, glacier skiing, or freestyle skiing, the destination has superb options. For instance, the Lost Lake, just a minutes drive from the pedestrained Whistler Village, is a great venue for enjoying cross country skiing.

Likewise, the Blackcomb’s glacier skiing is an excellent choice for glacier skiing. For those interested in backcountry skiing, nothing would be better than destinations such as Callaghan Country. Above all, a great number of ski schools and other facilities operate here to cater to every level of skier, from novice to experienced hands. Perhaps for these reasons, Whistler has been continuously ranked number one skiing resort in Whistler by many leading ski magazines.

However, skiing is not the only winter activity that can be enjoyed here. Visitors touring Whistler during winter can also engage in a number of other activities such as dog sledding, sleigh riding, cat skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, helicopter sightseeing tours, bald eagle viewing, heli skiing and snowboarding, and much more.

When comes to summer activities, Whistler provides limitless options. During summer, Whistler becomes a golfer’s paradise, with a continuum of golf courses designed by such legendary golf architects as Robert Trent Jones Jr, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Robert Muir Graves. A specialty is that all of them are set in the backdrop of scenic vistas, which allows you to play golf while enjoying the breathtaking vistas of the place.

Another popular summer activity is hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park, which is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi – a renowned Italian soldier, and sprawling over an area of about 194,650 hectares.

Whistler is also a perfect base for enjoying activities like mountain biking, with a great number of summer trails catering to every level of rider from beginners and intermediates to expert hands. For example, if you are a beginner, then take a mountain biking ride through the Magic Park, consisting of trouble-free rolling train and fun obstacles.

For those who want to enjoy an exhilarating summer activity in Whistler, then one of the best options would be to go for rafting in some of the best rivers in the place, such as, the Green River, the Squamish River, the Elaho-Squamish River, and the Cheakamus River, each of which abounds in natural beauty.

Similarly, for those who want to engage in some activities that are unique while your stay at Whistler, then jet boating on the serene upper Lillooet Lake would be a great experience. Popular summer activities that can be enjoyed in the area also include fishing, flightseeing, eco tours, bungee jumping, zipline trekking, and more.

Apart from these activities, Whistler renders excellent options for sightseeing with a great number of attractions such as Green Lake Park, Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Narin Falls Provincial Park, Whistler Museum and Archives, Whistler Farmers’ Market, and Marketplace Play structure.

Additionally, since the streets of Whistler are packed with an array of boutiques, shops, and art galleries, the destination is considered a haven for shopping. Above all, worth mentioning is the exciting nightlife of Whistler.

In short, things to see and do in Whistler are of such a great amount that a whole year is not enough to enjoy and explore them all. Hence, it is no wonder why people from across the world flock here. In order to provide visitors with ultimate holiday experience, Whistler provides great accommodation choices ranging from ski-in and ski-out chalets and condos to hotels, resorts, and villas complete with high-end comforts.

If you are hankering for a Europe destination, you should really consider the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Emilia-Romagna may be the only region of Italy that is named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. This article describes the Romagna subregion, some of its many tourist attractions, local food, and local wine. A companion article presents Emilia, the inland western “half” of the region that borders the Lombardy, Liguria, and Tuscany regions of Italy.

Our Romagna tour follows the highway from east to west, going slightly southward along the way. Start by visiting Rocca Sforzesca (Sforza Castle) in the village of Dozza whose wine shop, Enoteco Regionale, boasts an excellent collection of local wines. Formula One auto racing fans will want to visit the town of Imola in mid-April. Other attractions include shopping for fancy ceramics and eating at San Domenico’s, a world-class restaurant with a three thousand item wine list.

Pottery fanciers will enjoy the city of Faenza, a center for faience pottery since the Twelfth Century. Guess what’s on display at the Museo delle Ceramiche. If you fancy spas make sure to visit the neighboring city of Bagno di Romagna with its hot springs.

Ravenna, north of the highway, was once the capital of the Roman Empire. You should check out the Basilica di San Vitale (Church of Saint Vitale) with its famous mosaics. If you are up to it you can visit a historic mausoleum and the tomb of that great Italian poet Dante. For some reason Ravenna has many sites with historic mosaics.

Rimini on the Adriatic coast is a major European holiday destination, and is quite crowded during the high season. Its Grand Hotel was featured in Fellini’s 1973 movie Amaracord.

Perhaps it is no accident that the founder of Italian cuisine Pellegrino Artusi was born in this region. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy – The Romagna Subregion for a sample menu and more information on Romagna wines as well as an in-depth examination of Romagna’s tourist attractions. It is the home of the controversial Albana di Romagna DOCG, Italy’s first white DOCG wine. The G stands for Garantita. While one can guess what that word is supposed to mean, many feel that this honor was far from deserved. I never tasted this particular wine. From my readings I have no great desire to do so, except perhaps to set the matter straight.