User-agent: Mediapartners-Google Allow: / User-agent: Adsbot-Google Allow: /

Monday, May 20, 2013

HAWAII - OAHU

Surrounded by the green verdant mountains of dormant volcanoes, and with the roaof the Pacifc beating down upon palm fringed white beaches, the city of Honolulu ian incredibly idyllic city holiday destination. With such an abundance of naturabeauty and the attractions of a vibrant and buzzing metropolis, Honolulu is sure tallure all those who visit, from the beach bum to the culture vulture.
The breath-takingly beautiful island of Oahu oers aendless array of activities and sights. There are countlesways to relax and savor the unique and peacefuatmosphere, and just as many ways to give in to youinner dare devilIolani Palac‘Iolani Palace is the only ofcial royal residence in thUnited States. The last king of Hawaii was David Kalakauawho ruled the kingdom in the late 1800’s. Hawaii becama United States territory in 1900 and almost 60 yearlater, was pronounced the 50th American state.
Hula clad girls, white sun-kissed beaches and killer surfHonolulu has all this and more!
The Downtown district of Honolulu is the site of some othe city’s finest landmarks, namely the Aloha Tower anthe Iolani Palace. This area is also home to some oHonolulu’s finest  restaurants and cultural institutionsNearby, Chinatown is one of the most interesting and
vibrant areas of the city. In between some beautifutemples you will find cutting-edge cultural anentertainment venues, a fine array of restaurants and host of Chinese herbal and medicinal shops selling a rangof cure-allsTo the north of the city lies Pearl Harbor, the site of the
Japanese surprise attack that led to the Americaintervention in World War IITo the east is the famous suburb of Waikiki, with itbeautiful beach, pounding surf, hotels, bars anrestaurants. Manoa, where the University is located, is beautifully tranquil suburb tucked in between the
mountains. Whilst towering above everything andominating the skyline is the famous Oahu landmark oDiamond Head
The cuisine of Honolulu and Oahu has naturally beeinuenced by its surroundings – seafood, therefore, plays large part in the local cuisine, and is complemented bchicken and pork. A traditional dish that should not bmissed is kalua pork. Each dish is served with a wide
range of fresh vegetables including the local roovegetable taro, which is mashed to provide the staple poi.


PARIS

Welcome to the fabled “City of Lights” or “City of Love.” Paris is certainly both anhas always been considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. Whethean artist, a businessman or a tourist, you will enjoy the long walks from Montmartrto the Quartier Latin. Going through some of the fnest Roman and medievamonuments, sooner or later you will end up at a café, standing on the Pont NeuBridge, or exploring a vintage fashion shop in the Marais districtFolies Bergères, Paris has everything to meet youdreams. It’s not as intense as London or New York, yet thcombination of its historical heritage and its unique Frenctouch makes this destination one of a kind


Like New York or London, Paris is incomparable. As sooas you start exploring the world’s most visited city, you’lfeel like you are going through an open air museum. Yowon’t see much of the capital’s Celtic roots, but you will bable to admire its architectural splendours which go back
to the 13th century, when the imposing Cathedral of NotrDame started to be built. At that time, the swamplandforming the Marais district were drained and the SorbonnUniversity opened its doorsBut it was during the Renaissance, in the 16th centurythat Paris’ grandeur was created. Versailles became LouiXIV’s headquarters, whose lavishness opened the doors tthe French luxury goods industry. In the 19th centuryNapoleon appointed Baron Haussmann to develop moderParis, with its long boulevards, beautiful buildings angreat parks that still make the cityunique todayNo wonder Paris is internationally renowned for its deninneoclassical architecture and its inuence in fashion anthe arts. Going by foot is the best way to explore the city’districts, its old centres, cemeteries and great parks. It’busy with thousands of tourists, but the city has manageto keep its real authenticity with places like Montmartre, good start for a tour, or the crowded Champs-Elysées witits legendary promenade. Those who fancy a trendier
atmosphere, districts such as Le Marais, Quartier Latin othe quaint Canal St-Martin are the right places to be. If yolike art galleries, museums or famous cabarets such asMore Info: Holders of this guide receive 10% of  . Book online and uspromo code AGEU at checkout
the Porte des Lions entrance is to enter the complex vithe Carrousel du Louvre shopping centre, at 99 Rue dRivoli, or to follow the ‘Musée du Louvre’ exit from thPalais Royal–Musée du Louvre metro station.
Right Bank – 1st & 8th ArrondissementAs a suggestion, you could start at Le Carrousel du
Louvre, a diverse underground shopping precinct adjoininthe famous museum. Whether you’re looking for musigifts, perfumes or clothing, you’ll find a number owell-known stores that deliver quality merchandise anease of purchase. The area nearby Rue de Rivoli is notable
for the vast number of souvenir shops. At 248, W.H. Smitis the largest English language bookshop in Paris witmany of the newest releasesRight of Rivoli is the beautiful Place Vendôme, where thjet-setters and millionaires buy their jewellery. You arentering ”the” area for renowned Haute Couture and luxurgoods. From there, you can enjoy a walk down to Rue du
Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne where thsuperb boutiques display their sophisticated or baroquwindows. Women will particularly like Colette at 213 Rue
St-Honoré, one of the most interesting shoppinexperiences anywhere—an eclectic collection of
fresh-of the-runway design, fashion, gadgets andmusicMen can try Charvet on Place Vendôme, the oldest anbest known boutique in Paris selling top quality ties anshirts. Hermès and Lanvin on Faubourg Saint-Honoré, anJil Sander on Avenue Montaigne, are also among the best
for one-stop shopping for men on the goAt 11 Rue Royale, Lalique has become a reference
throughout the world for the beauty and quality of itCristal designs collections, tableware, and decorative glasobjects. In the same area, gourmets will find the foremosof French delicatessen at Fauchon (Place de la Madeleine)or Granterroirs (Rue Miromesnil).

Sunday, May 19, 2013

CYPRUS

Sea-bathing and caressing sunshine. It is easy to understand that Greece’s goddess
of love Aphrodite was born from the waves on Cyprus’ beaches. The mythologlanguage, traditions and lifestyle are Greek, but dolmades and sheep cheese salacompete. Cypriot customs ofer delicious dishes such as mezé and halloumi cheeseEnjoy a vibrant mix of east and west and take the entertainment pulse of the islanof passion!strong in tradition and rich in culture


the island
With 300 days of sunshine a year, Cyprus is a hot tourisdestination, and the island’s history is equally hot. Cyprugot its name 3,500 years ago when valuablcopper—kypros—was found and this attracted hordes oGreeks and made the island into a symbol of power. Ten diferent peoples have ruled the island over 27 centuriesWhen Turkey invaded the most fertile part in 1974, thisland was divided into two. The Greek Cypriots, 80 pecent of the population, are in the south, and the TurkisCypriots are in the north illegally occupied area by thTurksFew countrieslive their history with such passion. Frothe golden beaches with their spectacular watersportsthrough citrus trees, pines and the dizzy Troodomountains, to the delightful areas, Cyprus is a colourfuadventure. See Nicosia, the city divided by a wall, discovethe food and culture and participate in the pulsatinnightlife.
The Royal Artemis Medical Center
The Royal Artemis MedicaCenter is English and multlanguage speaking private
hospital in town and is locatein a quiet residential area witeasy access to the main
tourist zone of Pafos. It ofers 54 well-appointed and fullequipped rooms, complying with the standards of a rsclass clinic and quality hotel. A team of doctors is availabl24 hours for home visits and emergencies
Troodos
Take a trip into the mountainto discover an alternate vieof the island. Rising to almost
2,000 metres above sea levelthe Troodos peaks providpanoramic scenes to all
corners of the island, a cool retreat from the heat of thcoast and popular for taking in the healthy mountain aiand enjoying nature in all its majestCharming villages, some with cobbled streets and preserved folk architecture, nestle on terraced slopeamongst the pines or amid vineyards and orchardsWander through the village roads in the Solea Valleyknown as the “apple valley” and Marathasa, known a“valley with cherry trees”. Those areas are renowned fotheir traditional architecture and their Byzantine churcheand monasteries. Explore the traditional character of thvillages of Pitsilia area,the picturesque of the area, thinteresting churches and the hospitality of theirAddress: Troodos

beach life


Fine, white sand and clear water—it is lovely to bathe iCyprus.. There are 52 blue flag beaches (beaches meetinhigh environmental standards) in Cypru With a wealth of beaches to choose from, you’re bound tnd one that suits your taste. From the quiet backwaterof the western peninsula, to the lively resorts in the eastthe island has something for everyone
The eastern coast is famous for its ne white sandbeaches with shallow turquoise waters. Deep water baywith rocky outcrops are perfect for snorkelling or divingThe long nely packed grey sand of the southern coaslend themselves to long winter walks or jogging, while the
secluded coves of the western coast beckon when yowant to be alone.


HURGHADA, LUXOR AND MARSA ALAM

Like so many of the towns and cities of Egypt, Hurghada aswell as Luxor and Marsa
Alam are living history museums. The cites lies as three corners of a triangle in the
Eastern Desert. Hurghada, a former fshing harbour, stretches some 15 miles or salong the waterfront and is one of the foremost areas for watersports. Marsa Alam ialso found by the Red Sea coast, and tourism is just starting to make an impactThe city of Luxor, with its jaw-droppingly beautiful monuments built by the hands oancient craftsmen, lies 150 miles or so inland on the banks of the mighty River Nile.Luxor Museum, the Mummifcation Museum, (which is firsof its kind in the world), the Funerary Temples, and the twvalleys of the Kings and Queens
HURGHADA
Hurghada has been home to fishing communities focenturies and remained unchanged until the 1990s whetourists discovered this idyllic village. With wide stretcheof beach following the coastline for miles, and sea waterthat were relatively safe and ideal for watersports it iideal for tourism. Today, it is a busy, sprawling towdivided into two main areas, the old town Ad-Dahar to thnorth, and Sigala to the south. Each aords a wide range ohotels and restaurants catering for all tastes and tourisattractions.
MARSA ALAM

Marsa Alam still has the air of an unspoilt village, whicmakes it an ideal base for those looking for a quietebreak. It is within a three to four hour drive of both Luxoand Hurghada. Tourism has found Marsa Alam basiclbecause of its location on the banks of the Red Sea. Therare boat trips to watch multi-coloured fish, dolphins, turtleand the coral reefs that lie just oshore. The popularithas grown so much in the past years that there now is aairport and an increasing number of luxury resort stylaccommodations.
LUXOR
Luxor was the capital of Egypt around 1500 - 1000 Band has over the years seen an astonishing number opalaces and temples built. Because the structures werbuilt of granite and sandstone they still remain to this dayAmong the ‘must-sees’ are: the Luxor Temple (which
dates to the Amenhotep III and Ramses II periods), thcomplex of temples known as the Karnack Temples, thechildren.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

TOKYO

Previously a relatively hidden destination, Tokyo’s technological leaps and passion
for everything new has made the rest of the world sit up and take notice. A city smaller cities, Tokyo’s neighbourhoods are individual and unique in what each cofer, from cultural sights to vast shopping malls. Get ready for a whirlwind omodernity and tradition - this is Tokyo

Whether you’re a techno buf or want to take in some
more traditional Japanese sights and sounds, this city caofer it all. Visit splendid Shinto shrines or indulge in somshopping on Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue. Here are
the highlight Meiji-jingThis nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one
of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religionTake in the huge 11 metre cypress tree torii (gate) beforwandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful
inner buildings.

Before you set foot out the door of your hotel, be aware oTokyo’s complicated address system. Very few streethave names and instead are identied by numberindicating building, block and area. 1-11-18, ShibuyaShibuya-ku would therefore translate as the 18th building
of the 11th block of the 1st area of Shibuya in Shibuyward. Invest in a bilingual map of Tokyo and don’t hesitatto ask police for directions, as even the locals can geconfusedOnce you have grasped the navigation system, Tokyo is delight to get around. The metro is super ecient, the city is clean and people are courteous and friendly. Thougaddresses may be confusing, Tokyo is divided neatly int23 wards, each with a certain distinctive characteristiVisit Asakusa for old-town charm and temples, Ginza foshopping, Mecca and Akihabara for electronics galore.
Blend old and new to get a taste of Tokyo’s great diversityVariety is Tokyo’s key. Few other world cities are awonderfully idiosyncratic. International and local inuenceintertwine in cuisine, festivals, music, galleries, shoppinand even accommodation. Bizarre and fast-moving, yet
peaceful and intrinsically religious, Tokyo’s identity iabove all, distinctly Japanese, despite existing as a world

EATING

Boasting more than 300.000 restaurants, cafés and foostalls, the only problem when going for dinner in Tokyo, itoo much choice. Japanese food isfamous for its clean
and fresh taste, but here you can really delve into thdepths of this oriental cuisine. Sample the best sushbefore moving on to more adventurous fare in an izakayor yatai street stalHigh-end dining can be expensive but in restaurants sucas the New York Grill and Luxor, there is no doubt that yoare paying for the very best in terms of cuisine and, in thformer, spectacular views. Many of the more pricey
 ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
 SHOPPING

Shopping in this city has become more of an art than simple pleasure. If you’ve got cash to spend then this ithe paradise of all shopping paradises. Shopping malls andepartment stores abound and specic areas are oftedevoted to certain wares to make life easier.
Roppongi is more than just hundreds of shops - it is a mincity of restaurants, clubs, cafés, cinemas, hotels anmuseums. It is where the expat crowd in particular, party,
eat, drink, shop and hang out and is about as far frotraditional Japan as is possible. Roppongi Hills, a malcomprising most of the above, is at the centre of this hivof activity and attracts a good percentage of Tokyo’serious shoppers. Housing high street, boutique and
designer brands, you can safely expect to nd everythinyou’re looking foFor label lovers, Ginza is retail heaven. The Japanese adortheir fashion items and clothesfrombig designers is whait’s all about. This is where you’ll nd the usual suspectsChanel,Hermesand even Barney’s of New York have alset up shop in this upmarket location. Well-establishebrands heave with equally well-dressed customers whcan aFord the clothes and the art in the surrounding Ginzgalleries. For trendier labels, head to Harajaku and ShibuyaCatering for a similar crowd to Ginza, Harajaku has morof an edge. As well as the familiar Prada, Dior and

LONDON

July 27th marked the beginning of the 30th Summer Olympic Game. All the world’s
spotlight was directed at London for the huge sports festival where the whole citseethed with activities and competitions. London has blossomed more than eveand it’s hard to get enough of this wonderful city. As soon as you land you feel thpulse. London is a world metropolis and a popular weekend destination known fogreat shopping, a large selection of musicals, red hot soccer and of course aintriguing history. There are lots of exciting things to see and experience herdenitely something to suit every tast
years, London will see new development on a scale unseen
since the days of Queen Victoria and will build up evemore momentum for regeneration after London’s
successful bid for this years OlympicsStroll down famous Oxford Street where you’ll nd
Selfridge’s, one of London’s best department stores. Close
to Oxford Street is fashionable Bond Street in Mayfairwhere more and more interesting shops have opened over
the last few years. New Bond Street boasts concentration of some of the biggest designer shops in
the world: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Donna Karan and Versacto name a few. Bond Street also houses Sotheby’s auctiohouse and a number of antique stores.
Though London is a city, it’s not at the price of nature anwildlife—there are plenty of green and open spaces to
enjoy. With eight Royal Parks, you’re spoiled for choice ancan enjoy everything from boating lakes, golf coursesoutdoor theatres and relaxing on deckchairsSome of the bestknown parks are Green Park, betweeBuckingham Palace and Piccadilly, Greenwich Park, HydPark, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park with it’s Open ATheatre, St James’s Park facing Buckingham Palace, anRichmond Park—the former hunting park of King CharleI, featuring roaming deer and other wildlife
London became, not surprisingly, the host city for th2012 Olympics. With that, London was the only city thave organized three Summer Olympics. The whole city
prospered and maybe you were one of the millions ovisitors during those three weeks in July - Augus Competitions and events took place at London’s stadiumand squares. A lot of new venues were built since thewere awarded that gigantic and attering mission anLondon, which is a mixture of old and new, will continue tcharm every visitoLondon is changing and it’s changing fast. Look across the
skyline and you will see not only the familiar landmarksBig Ben, St Paul’s and Buckingham Palace – but also
extraordinary new buildings such as the Swiss Re Tow known as the “Gherkin” because of its shape, and thCounty Hall, quietly gazing over the river Thames. Take ride at the London Eye, the world’s largest observatiowheel of ering a spectacular view over the city. This way
you can take in over 55 of London’s most famoulandmark At the heart of London lies Soho and its mix of narrostreets and alleys, trendy shops, elegant bars, antheatres. Notting Hill, well-known from the movie with thsame name, attracts a constantly increasing numbers of
visitors. Despite this, it has managed to retain its characteof an eccentric village where some people get the Sundapapers still in their pyjamas. Over the next couple of
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the London home of thRoyal Family since 1837, but it only opened its doors tthe public in 1993. The State Rooms contain some of thnest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintingssculptures and some of the nest English and Frencfurniture in the world. Enjoy a walk in the Palace’s 39-acrgarden with its superb views of the Garden, front of thPalace and the 19th-century lake.
East End Uncovered
Uncover the vibrantmulticultural neighbourhooof London’s East End on thiwalking tour. Explore thiconic Spitalelds Market anBrick Lane, tuck into traditional English pie and mash, and maybe spot aBanksy or two

HONG KONG

Hong Kong is a young, vibrant city full of energy. This is obvious to anyone standing
on the pier in Tsim Sha Tsui, looking out over Hong Kong’s impressive skyline of
skyscrapers. Furthermore, this is a city that has managed to make an art of
squeezing seven million people together in an area of 1.000 square kilometers. With
its tropical climate, beautiful landscapes, rivers of electronic equipment, energetic
nightlife and good food, Hong Kong is a tourist paradise. 25 million people come
here each year to a city that has some of the highest skyscrapers in the world.

You can fnd everything here: some of the world’s mosexciting skyscraper architecture, fashionable shoppinmalls, a subtropical wilderness and one of the world’s
hottest financial districtsThe crossroads between Queen’s Road and Pedder Street
is said to be the busiest in the world. Among the crowds icentral Hong Kong, the visitor will find many of the mosattractive shops, as well as the main entertainment districof Lan Kwai Fong.
SoHo – south of Hollywood Road – is where you will find
the world’s largest system of interconnected escalators, vibrating artery linking together restaurants, cafés, bars,
interior design shops and shopping malls. For thfashion-conscious, a visit to Causeway Bay irecommended - here it is mainly young people who enjoy
combing the fashion boutiques until late into the eveninAnyone who loses their way in the alleys of the technology
paradise of Kowloon will fnd their way to an interesting
restaurant in the Chinese quarter of Central or decide to
take a swim in Stanley. And so it continues. Hong Kong is
Around Kowloon in 8 Markets
Experience the buzz of HonKong’s famous markets othis walking tour. From thsweet-smelling Flower Markto the bargain-friendly LadieMarket, discover the best HK’s markets, and maybe grab a memento along the wayTours run daily. More walking tours are available froUrban Adventures