Sunday, June 7, 2009

Vienna..


Vienna... with its splendid historical face is easily recognised. Its grand imperial palaces and bombastic baroque interiors, museums flanking magnificent squares and, above all, the Hofburg - where the Habsburg rulers lived, loved and married into empires. It is Europe's most dynamic urban spaces. Just a stone's throw from Hofburg, the MuseumsQuartier houses some of the world's most provocative contemporary art behind a striking basalt facade. Outside, a courtyard buzzes on summer evenings with throngs of Viennese drinking and chatting. Nearby, restaurants brim with imbibers enjoying the pleasures of wine and food, while across the yard a museum cafe pulsates with beats.

Our Top picks on Vienna:

Anchor Clock:
The Anchor Clock was built between 1911 and 1917 after the plans of the painter Franz von Matsch. It is situated on the oldest square of Vienna and represents a typical Art Nouveau design.

Belvedere Palace:
The two magnificient palaces on the Belvedere grounds lie in the middle of a splendid park. They were constructed for Prince Eugene of Savoy by J.L. von Hildebrandt, a famous Baroque architect.

Burgtheater:
The Burgtheater is situated in the first district. In 1741 Empress Maria Theresia handed an unused dance-house over to the theatre-company Sellier. Since then, this building was used as a theatre.

Danube Tower & Danube Island:
If you want to enjoy a magnificent view over Vienna this is the right place to go. The Viennese affectionately call the tower "Concrete needle". It is 352 meters high and was built within 20 months!

Haas House:
Haas House is one of the most exciting buildings in Vienna and the city's pride. Images of St. Stephen's Cathedral reflected by the straight glass facade of Haas House are a popular motif.

Hofburg:
The Hofburg was orignially a medieval castle, but today only the castle chapel remembers of its medieval past. The Hofburg was extended to a magnificent residence when the Habsburg's power increased.

Naschmarkt:
There is quite a number of markets where you can buy fresh vegetable and asorted tidbits. But Naschmarkt is arguably more than that: it is a Viennese institution dating back to the 16th century.

Ring Boulevard:
The Vienna Ring Boulevard is 4 kilometres long and circles the city centre. The construction of the Ring Boulevard was initiated by Emperor Franz Joseph I in December 1857.

Vienna Opera House:
The Vienna Opera House is situated in the frist district of Vienna at the southern end of the Kärntnerstrasse. August von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll built the Court Opera House from 1861 to 1869.



Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Sicily


Sicily... more of a sugar-spiked espresso than a milky cappuccino. Sicily will reward you with an intense bittersweet experience rather than anything lightweight and frothy. In Sicily it seems as though the sun shines brighter, the shadows are darker, and life is lived full on and for the moment. Overloaded with art treasures, Sicily possesses some baffling social topography. Brace yourself to reconcile baroque architectural beauty in Catania with modern squalor in Palermo, artistic excellence with moral ambivalence and the rational with the sensual. This is an island to be visited with an open mind - and a healthy appetite; one factor remains a constant, and that is the uncompromisingly high quality of the cuisine.


Our Top Picks for Sicily:-

Egadi Islands
Go diving in the translucent waters off the Egadi Islands.
Cattedrale Di Monreale
Be dazzled by Sicily's most spectacular cathedral – shimmering with mosaics, it will leave you
breathless.

Palermo
Admire the varied Admire the varied thronged markets of this fascinating city.

Western Sicily
Check out the food and wine in the charming towns of Trapini, Erice, and Marsala.

Aeolian Islands
Love the volcanic beauty of Lipari,Vulcano,Salina,Panarea and smoking Stromboli.

Catania
Stay up enjoying Catania's nightlife and rise early for the amazing fish market.

Syracuse
Immerse yourself in the history and sheer aesthetic delight of this gorgeous and recently renovated city.

Noto
Gawp at the stunning baroque cathedral, in action again after 11 years of renovations.

Modica
Be seduced by Modica's age-old charm, flamboyant baroque architecture and fabulous food.

Ragusa
Explore still-quiet Ragusa – even though it's so beautiful we'd like to keep it a secret.



Monday, June 1, 2009

Vietnam


Welcome to another world, a world where the colours are more vivid, the culture is richer, and the history more compelling. This is the world of Vietnam. Nature has blessed Vietnam with a bountiful harvest. With soaring peaks like Hoang Lien mountains and a killer coastline, with beaches like Quy Nhon and Nha Trang, Vietnam is simply stunning. Blanketed from head to toe with a patchwork of emerald-green rice paddies, timelessly tended by peasant women in conical hats, etc.

The rumble of a million motorbikes, the cries of hawkers and the buzz of business transactions are as ever-present as the tinkle of the past in the pagodas, and the swish of the scythe. Modern Asia meets medieval Asia. For culinary adventurers, Vietnam is a treasure trove of more than 500 different dishes. It's a wonderful world of pungent herbs and secret spices. Dip delicate spring rolls in nuoc mam, a fish sauce that is as compulsory as ketchup for the Vietnamese. Or play 'down-in-one' with xeo (rice wine), the whisky of the mountains.
Sapa
Swoon at the valley views from this rugged mountain retreat, a home to a wealth of minority peoples and a base for exploring the Tonkinese Alps.

Halong Bay
Experience nature at its outrageous best, where hundreds of limestone peaks tower above the shimmering seas, a karst system with a difference.
Hanoi
Steeped in history, pulsating with life, bubbling with commerce, buzzing with motorbikes and rich in exotic scents, this is a captivating capital.
Mai Chau
Go native with an overnight stay in a traditional Thai stilt house, amid the lush valleys.

Ninh Binh
Encounter rural life from this country town, surrounded by ancient temples, limestone crags, nature reserves and endless paddies.

Hué
Intellectual, cultural and spiritual heartbeat of Vietnam, the old imperial capital offers historical, spiritual and culinary stimulation.
Hoi An
Spared from wartime devastation, Hoi An’s cobbled lanes and historic buildings make for a magical and memorable stop.
Quy Nhon
Access beautiful beaches and amazing Cham architecture from one of the coast’s less touristy cities.

Nha Trang
Beach culture to the max, this is the place to chill out, party hard or dive into the turquoise depths.

Dalat
A completely different view of Vietnam, this mountain town combines the French Alps with plenty of Bohemian cool.

Cat Tien National Park
Lush refuge for city dwellers with ample hiking and bird-watching opportunities, plus elephants, crocodiles and the endangered Javan rhino.

Mui Ne
Action or inertia, take your pick, this place is made for surfing (wind, board or kite) or blobbing on the beach.

Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s commercial heart, a riverside metropolis of old and new with world-class restaurants and bars, and buzzing, seductive energy.

Mekong Delta
Watery world of bustling river towns and sleepy villages, floating markets and tasty fish served by uber-friendly locals.

Phu Quoc
White-sand beaches and little development make for a magical tropical getaway on this forested island gem.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Thailand...


Thailand is often referred to as a golden land, not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains, white sandy beaches or the warm hospitality of its citizenry.

With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travellers the world over.
The country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains, white sandy beaches or the warm hospitality of its citizenry. Thailand's cuisine is regarded by many people as one of the best in the world. And, if variety is the spice of life, you can literally have a different meal every day of the year. The land of smile and the true shopping paradise where shopaholics can find anything they wish in several places, from flea markets to luxurious shopping malls in the heart of Bangkok.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Cape Town...


Cape Town, is one of the world's most spectacular destinations. It may be home to some of the world's most spectacular scenery and beautiful beaches, but it is the diversity of the warm, welcoming people and the eclectic mix of cultures and traditions that make a trip to the region most memorable.

Experience the warmth and vibrancy of township life and visit a local township pub. Get a taste of Africa with a sip of the unique beer, or bargain your way through the many traditional arts and craft markets and take home a unique piece of African art. Walk along the cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap on the slopes of Signal Hill and delight in the brightly coloured houses, religious shrines and elaborate old mosques and experience the delicious Cape Malay cooking. Enjoy the exquisite craftsmanship and relieve the history through the exquisite art, archaeological and lifestyle displays. Visit the rock art sites scattered around the region or step back in time through the doors of one of the many museums and marvel at the beautiful displays of rock art, fossils and a plethora of amazing historical artefacts.

Blessed with some of the most magnificent scenery and natural beauty imaginable, it is described as the "heaven at the tip of Africa". Rediscover yourself in the peace and tranquility of one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, the Kirstenbosch Gardens. It will delight your soul and lift your spirit. Enter a world of seaside resorts and coastal villages where majestic mountains jostle with lush forests for a place right next to the shoreline of the tumultuos Indian Ocean.

Renowned for its sporting activities like soccer, rugby, cricket, etc. Also known for its relaxed commitment to a quality lifestyle.

Cape Town is all this and much more. The best venue for your conferences and meetings....

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Egypt...


Egypt really does have so much more to offer than any other tourist destination. You'll be transported on a magical journey back in time to unlock the secrets of the most ancient and mythical civilisation in the world. Wherever you travel in Egypt, you'll be able to feast your eyes on its awe-inspiring ancient heritage: its pyramids, its ruins and its wonderful temples. Immerse yourself in a different world, and let the sun's rays gently unveil this land's great ancestral beauty.

Cairo...
Cairo combines the historic serenity of the world's most ancient treasure-chest with the bustling vibrancy of a modern-day city. Marvel at over 50 centuries of magnificence, including the monumental pyramids, the Sphinx, the bazaars and Cairo Museum's priceless artefacts - a breath-taking journey through the history of the world. Egypt's frenetic and lively capital has much to offer: a wealth of history, the tantalising Nile riverbanks at the gateway to the desert, not to mention the Mediterranean charm of the colourful souk and the quaint, narrow streets. This city has everything you need for memorable evenings which intertwine romance with the unexpected.

Luxor & Aswan...
As you travel along the Nile Valley, through the Valley of the Kings, the Queens or the Nobles, you'll come across majestic temples, sacred tombs and awe-inspiring ruins which will help you fully comprehend the destiny of egyptian ancestors. Let the waters of Lake Nasser bring alive the natural wonders of the Nubian landscape, before carrying you onwards to the magnificient temple of Abu Simbel, one of most fascinating historic sites in this amazing country.
Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city, has a distinctive African atmosphere. Its area is small enough to walk around and enjoy the most beautiful scenes on the Nile. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad corniche watching the sailboats reach the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating fresh Nile fish. Here is the Nile at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered with palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the market, view the spectacular sunsets.

Alexandria...
Often referred to as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", Alexandria is a charming city where you'll discover a veritable melting pot of cultures. Explore the labyrinth of tiny streets and traditional houses that make up the city's multicoloured souk, before making your way to the imperial Qail Bey Fort. Once you pass through the city gates, escape to one of the superb beaches which stretch all the way from Agami to Aboukir.

Sharm El-Sheikh & Hurghada...
Sharm El-Sheikh preferred to experience fishing, swimming and diving and relaxing. A 90 minute cruise ride by ferry connects Sharm El-Sheikh with Hurghada. The seabed close to the coast is like some gigantic coral aquarium, home to coral grouper, butterfly fish, map angelwish, threadfins,etc.
Hurghada, noted for its magnificient summer and winter climate. The clarity of its water made it a center of tourist attraction especially for divers and practicing water sports because of the worldwide fame of its coral reefs and the rare marine life it enjoys. You can watch the exquisite underwater marine life through well-equipped glass bottom submarines with the most modern technology.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Cape Town


Cape Town, is one of the world's most spectacular destinations. It may be home to some of the world's most spectacular scenery and beautiful beaches, but it is the diversity of the warm, welcoming people and the eclectic mix of cultures and traditions that make a trip to the region most memorable.

Experience the warmth and vibrancy of township life and visit a local township pub. Get a taste of Africa with a sip of the unique beer, or bargain your way through the many traditional arts and craft markets and take home a unique piece of African art. Walk along the cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap on the slopes of Signal Hill and delight in the brightly coloured houses, religious shrines and elaborate old mosques and experience the delicious Cape Malay cooking. Enjoy the exquisite craftsmanship and relieve the history through the exquisite art, archaeological and lifestyle displays. Visit the rock art sites scattered around the region or step back in time through the doors of one of the many museums and marvel at the beautiful displays of rock art, fossils and a plethora of amazing historical artefacts.

Blessed with some of the most magnificent scenery and natural beauty imaginable, it is described as the "heaven at the tip of Africa". Rediscover yourself in the peace and tranquility of one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, the Kirstenbosch Gardens. It will delight your soul and lift your spirit. Enter a world of seaside resorts and coastal villages where majestic mountains jostle with lush forests for a place right next to the shoreline of the tumultuos Indian Ocean.

Renowned for its sporting activities like soccer, rugby, cricket, etc. Also known for its relaxed commitment to a quality lifestyle.

Cape Town is all this and much more. Discover with us the secrets of Cape Town and give a rewarding experience to your team...