World Tours
Belfast – Ireland
Once you’ve visited Northern Ireland, you’ll want to return. It’s a land of immense variety, with wave swept coastal drives, hazy mountains, vast open moorland and glassy lakes, heavy with fish. There are intriguing towns and villages, tucked away just waiting for you to explore, and cosmopolitan cities, each with a rich history and culture. Compact and accessible, it’s a region you can tour at your own pace. It’s recognized as one of the safest holiday destinations in Europe.
Above all, Northern Ireland is a place with heart, where you can always stop for a chat.
Northern Ireland’s roads bring back the joy of touring and even when you’re in the heart of the country, you’re never too far from the sea. The Causeway Coastal Route takes you along miles of the most beautiful coast imaginable. Through charming villages like Carnlough and Cushendun, past crescent bays, sandy beaches and fantastic rock outcrops, to reach a wonderful geological jigsaw puzzle, the Giant’s Causeway.
Saint Patrick began his mission in the region around Downpatrick and Armagh. Follow in his footsteps to Saul, where he preached his first sermon, to Armagh, where he founded his ecclesiastical capital and to Downpatrick, where he lies buried. The austere yet beautiful Mourne Mountains and sentinel over the region. If you can see the Mournes, it’s going to rain and if you can’t see them, it’s already raining. Don’t take this piece of folk lore too seriously!
Belfast
The exuberant Victorian architecture of Belfast is a reminder of when the city was the industrial epicenter of Ireland. Giant twin cranes, known locally as Samson and Goliath, stand in the Harland and Wolff shipyard. Once the largest shipyard in the world and birthplace of RMS Titanic, you can tour many of the landmark sites involved in the design and construction of this famous vessel.
Deep in the County Down countryside, you’ll enjoy visiting Hillsborough, a pretty, Georgian village. The annual Oyster Festival in September attracts thousands of epicurean visitors.
Londonderry, also known as Derry, has an eventful history that began over, 1400 years. Fought over and besieged many times by the Irish and English, the city’s four hundred year old walls, complete with cannons, are among the best preserved city walls in Europe. Today you can stroll along them at leisure, before deciding which cultural site to visit next – maybe the stalwart Saint Columbo’s Cathedral, or the magnificent Guildhall, where gorgeous stained glass windows illustrate many episodes in the city’s history. So this year, why not take a break in Northern Ireland?
Ohrid Lake Tours – Macedonia
Relaxing half day sightseeing excursion is ideal for those who would like to see the beauty of Ohrid and its surrounding villages without much walking. Popular off road adventure in a four wheel drive jeep to Galicica and Jablanica mountains is another option to experience the beautiful breath talking panorama views over the Ohrid Lake. Horseback riding, cycling, paragliding, meet the locals and many other Ohrid Lake tours are available for booking throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen – Mexico
Playa del Carmen is located just a few minutes away from the beautiful island of Cozumel. An old fisherman village formerly known with the Mayan voice of Xaman Ha. Playa del Carmen offers everything that is expected from a developed Caribbean destination, from luxurious hotels to small family managed lodging places as well as numerous bars, shopping centers and restaurants. During the day you can enjoy tours to the forest, horseback riding, natural parks, archaeological places, extreme sports and all kinds of aquatic sports among which diving as the most recognizable Cozumel tourist attraction. We are listing the most famous reefs around Cozumel:
Palancar Gardens – Depth:16-69 ft. Ideal for beginners to advanced. Boat dive 1.2 mi. offshore. Strip reef has caves and recesses. Current is usually not very strong in the reef. Very colorful sponges stick out from the reef.All kind of tropical reef fish can be found. This is a Cozumel must-see dive.
Santa Rosa’s wall – Depth:33-100 ft. Ideal for advanced. Often noted amongst Cozumel’s best dives. Boat dive. Strong currents outside of reef, but calm within reef. Southern section is exposed to strong currents, the middle section has tunnels through the reef,a and the Northern section is full of caves, overhangs and a wall. Huge hungry groupers hang out at 100 +depth.
Scuba dive in Cozumel
San Francisco – Depth: 40-100ft. +Ideal for beginners to advanced. Boat dive. Unpredictable currents. This reef displays incline coral rubble and sand chutes. Brain corals, sea fans, vase sponges and sharks in deep can also be found.
Punta Sur – Depth:80 ft. + Ideal for advanced. Boat dive. Over 1 hour from San Miguel. Approached via a sand chute at 90 ft depths. Majestic, deep wall with caves, cracks, tunnels. Full of all kind of Caribbean reef life. ”The Devil’s throat” cave leads to ,, The Cathedral”, a huge cavern with passageways. Fabulous dive, but limited to depth. Dive scenery is amongst Cozumel’s best.
Yucab – Depth: 40 – 69 ft. Ideal for beginners to advanced. Boat dive. Drift dive, but there is shelter between reef structures. Sponges and parrot fish chewing on coral and producing Cozumel sand can be found.
St. Thomas – US Virgin Islands
Virgin island beaches can be as wet and as wild as you choose.After a hot day of shopping and sightseeing, its time to take the plunge into the cool and refreshing waters.
SWIMMING and SNORKELING – There is a different beach for everyday of your visit and you are encouraged to explore as many as you can! Be careful to stay in the marked swimming areas, use plenty of sunscreen and be sure not to leave valuables on the beach. Many resorts have their own beaches, an toys like paddle, boats, snorkeling equipment, beach chairs and floats are readily available. Coki Beach, next to Coral World, is an excellent St. Thomas snorkeling spot. Buck Island – Turtle Beach boasts a underwater snorkeling trail, as does St. John’s Trunk Bay.
Sailing in St. Thomas
BOATING & SAILING – From sailboats to powerboats, bareboat or fully stocked and crewed, there are literally hundreds of boats bobbing in the water ready to set sail for open waters. With half-day, full-day charter, your options are as open as the waters.Customize your personal outing or join a fun and feisty group tour. Most charter boats make plenty of stops for snorkeling, sunning, and exploring and most provide refreshments and snacks. Tour the waters between St. Thomas and St. John, spend the day at the famous Baths in the British Virgin Islands, or head south to Buck Island National Monument of St. Croix. The possibilities are endless.
Hotels in Virgin Islands
Florence and Pisa – Italy
Experience a wonderful day in Florence with the opportunity to visit the recently founded Leonardo Da Vinci Museum and time for a little Italian shopping too. Relax on your 2 hours journey to this magnificent city.
Once inside the Leonardo Museum, you will have the unique opportunity of a guided tour to admire the most famous and incredible machines designed by the 15th century genius, recognized by the Worldwide Museum Activities, according to the drawings found in Leonardo Da Vinci’s Codes. On display are forty models, the flying bicycle, the hydraulic saw, the column raiser, and the printing machine, all built to scale or in their actual size using a range of wood, metal and other materials. The most striking invention is Leonardo’s two – ton armoured vehicle, the largest ever built. Four visitors can get into the vehicle at one time and control the driving wheels, consisting of an iron frame with a huge number of planks of oak wood resting on it. To make the visit even more interesting, the entire exhibition is interactive which will rapidly lead you into a deep, almost familiar relationship with Leonardo.
%Do not miss the opportunity to admire the striking Duomo, the main Cathedral of Florence built between the 13-th and 14-th centuries in typical Italian Gothic style or alternatively, browse the shops for a nice Italian outfit.
Pisa
Continue past Piazza della Signoria, an open-air art gallery overlooked by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Some major Italian artists, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David, adorn this unique square with wonderful statues.Take a photo opportunity at the 14th century Ponte Vecchio Bridge, lined with shops selling gold and silver. After a typical Italian lunch in a local Florence restaurant, you may take 1 1/2 hours journey to the neighboring Pisa and its Miracle Square visiting the inside of the Romanesque Cathedral and the round shaped Baptistery. Enjoy a special inside visit to the striking Leaning Tower of Pisa, the most famous tower in the world, only recently opened once more. Due to its inclination and beauty, the Tower has been the object of very special attention. Don’t miss the 294 step climb to reach the top of the Tower.
Regarding the accommodation in Florence and Pisa it is advisable to book ahead. For more information check out the most current accommodation rates at Booking Hotel IN.
As to many island tourist centers St. Maarten may boast with a wide range of Tour excursions thanks to its incredibly picturesque surrounding. Country roads, mountain breezes and beautiful beaches await you. Among many interesting ways to explore this beautiful island we will shortly suggest some of the most attractive tours that can be booked in all of the St. Maarten Hotels.
JEEP EXPEDITION – After a brief orientation, you will board your vehicle and follow the lead guide in convoy-style through the Dutch Capital of Phillipsburg to the top of Cole Bay Hill and then down into Simpson Bay, which is well known for its beautiful beaches, marinas, and luxurious yachts. From there, the caravan passes through the lowlands of Mullet Bay on your way to the colonial French capital of Marigot for 45 minutes of shopping at the trendy boutique sand open air markets. After your beach stop, the caravan continues to Mount William Hill offering a panoramic view of the Dutch capital and then back to Phillipsburg.
CATAMARAN SNORKEL CRUISE – Cruise along the coast and discover St. Maarten’s treasures beneath the sea. At the pier, board a spacious and luxurious catamaran for a scenic cruise taking in views of Great Bay and the neighboring islands. Upon arrival at a special anchorage, certified instructors will give a safety briefing and an orientation explaining the use of the snorkel equipment. Don your mask and enter the water, directly from the catamaran, to explore the beautiful reefs and colorful fish that inhabit these warm Caribbean waters. You will have approximately one and a half hours to snorkel, swim, sunbathe or relax on deck to the rhythm of the island music.
SCUBA DIVING – If you have always wanted to try scuba diving but just have not had the right opportunity, then this is your opportunity. Join this Discover Scuba Diving program and experience an undersea world full of tropical marine life, coral reefs and sunken wrecks in just a few short hours – no experience necessary. This shallow-water introduction to scuba diving is designed for the non-diver and is easy, safe and fun.
HORSEBACK ADVENTURE – Discover the beautiful trails and protected area of Cay Bay on horseback. Departing from the pier, a short scenic ride will take you to the stables in Simpson Bay. Each participant will then be partnered with a horse compatible to your ability and issued a compulsory riding helmet. Two hours of riding will lead you through the winding trails of Cay Bay to the magnificent lookout point over the Caribbean. Photo stops will be made throughout your ride before heading back to the stables.
ST. MAARTEN BEACH BREAK – Relax and enjoy a beautiful white sand beach, and we’ll even throw in lunch. Your journey begins with a fully narrated scenic drive from the Dutch capitol of Phillipsburg to a typical Caribbean beach. Drive through the Simpson Bay area, home to many trendy local bars and restaurants en route to the beautiful white sand beach where you can relax, soak up the sun and swim in the clear Caribbean waters. A beach chair, all you can eat ribs, and unlimited rum or fruit punch are included.
NATURAL WONDERS OF ST. MAARTEN – Explore St. Maarten and discover the natural beauty of this island’s ecological treasures. During the excursion, your guide will provide insight to the island’s ecology and natural history. At St. Maarten Park you have approximately one hour to explore the residents of the tropics, including rare birds, reptiles and amphibians. Enjoy a complimentary beverage in the local Bar before boarding your bus and driving back.
For an additional cost you may arrange many other optional excursions and activities at your Hotel reception desk like: Discounted rental cars, Jet Ski, Windsurfing, Water skiing, Private boat rentals e.c.t. Tour brochures and leaflets of all kind of tours can be found by the Hotel Reception desk. Receptionists usually have all the information’s regarding the tours including the length of the tour, transportation, and some other special requirements. Among the useful tips you have to have it while going on tour is to try to get the hotel address and the telephone number of the hotel reception desk in order to help you remember the location of the hotel you stay in.
Dominican Republic
RIVER RAFTING – expeditions lead to an adrenalin rush as the boats plows through the cool waters (wet suits are provided)of the Yaque del Norte River in Jarabacoa. A reservation should be made the previous day with the tour operator or through the hotels in the area, as most of the excursions start early in the morning. Jarabacoa is the place to be for rafting.
GOLF – If golf is an essential part of your vacation, consider booking at one of hotels that own their golf course or among the multiple properties that offer golf packages at the nearby courses. In 2008 Dominican Republic was selected by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators as the Golf Destination of the Year – Latin America and Caribbean. Golf courses in the area from south to north are: Punta Espada Golf Course, La Cana Golf Course, Los Corales, Catalonia Caribe, Golf de Bavaro, White Sands Golf, Roko Ki and Punta Blanca.
Waterfalls in Bonao
WATERFALLS abound in this region, but a couple of them outshine the rest. The Salto de Jimenoa lays over the Jimenoa River’s hydroelectric dam, across spans a hanging bridge. A visit here makes an exciting morning or afternoon outing. Another outstanding example is Aquas Blancas, which, at a height of 1800 meters and a vertical drop of 87 meters, is the Caribbean’s tallest cascade. This attraction lies 10 km south of Constanza.
Carnivals in the Caribbean
Virgin Islanders love to have their fun and certainly do ti with flair. These lush and laid-back islands come alive at Carnival time in an exciting extravaganza of music, song and dance, an enthusiastic testimony to the high spirited culture of their people. Carnival traces its origins to the impromptu holiday celebrations common in the days of slavery. From the tradition, Carnival has evolved into lavish fetes, known the world over, as unique as the islands themselves.
St. Thomas Carnival
St.Thomians have been ,, Carnivaling,, with carefree revelry since 1911, but Carnival as we know it today started in 1952. There are plenty of sights and sounds to savor throughout the mont of April. Colorful and sometimes scandalous calypsonians vie for the tittle of Calypso King in a joyful festival of local rhythms at the Calipso Revue. Carnival royalty is chosen from the very young to the very young at the heart in the Carnival Queen, Prince and Princess and Ms. V.I. American Classic competitions. The dynamic sounds of steel pans will asound you with surprising range and versatility during the Steel Pan Jamboree.
St. Thomas Carnival
Carnival culminates in a week-long party. Start at Carnival Village, the place to be and be seen, with nightly live music, local food and libations, plus carnival rides and games for the kids. You’re sure to happily gain a pound or two sampling tasty local delicacies at Wednesday’s Cultural Food Fair but who could resist? Don’t worry. You’ll dance it off at Thursday’s pre-dawn J’ouvert tramp, reveling the night away in a friendly battle – of – the –bands style romp through the streets. The Children’s Parade on Friday is an enchanting mix of majorettes, troupes, steel pans and mocko jumbies. Carnival’s pinnacle is the Adult Parade on Saturday. Over 50 entries participate in this incredibly exuberant bonanza of troupes, floats and flupes decked out in all the glitter, feathers and sparkle they could find. This celebration has been rated one of the top 5 Carnivals in the world by USA Today, an experience not to be missed.
St. John Festival
St.John Festival is held throughout the month of June and honors the emancipation of slaves in 1848> Earlier festivals were held by plantation owners to pacify slaves, who subtly, or not so subtly, poked fun at their masters with costume, song and dance. An organized Festival began in 1928 and has endured as a delightful homespun melee of music and fanciful entertainment. Indulge in tasty local treats at the Festival Village, or prance through the streets in the J’ouvert tramp. Cultural Day is a great opportunity to explore local foods, arts and crafts. Enjoy bicycle races, boat races and traditional games throughout the month. Te July 4th Festival Parade and Fireworks help this lively and energetic event end with a bang.
The Crucian Festival
The Crucian Christmas Festival stretches from the week before Christmas through Three Kings Day. Originally introduced in 1952 by the local Women’s League as an ,, Old Fashioned Christmas, this has become St. Croix’s star on top of the tree. Events are shared by Christiansted, Frederiksted and everywhere in between.St. Croix’s rich Puerto Rican influence is spotlighted in a Latin music show. The Calypso Monarch competition, traditional quelbe music, food fairs, horse races, a marathon a pre-dawn tramp, and of course, the big parades are just some of the activities surrounding the Festival, making this a wonderfully unique way to spend the holiday season.
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