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Showing posts from September, 2018

5 Amazing Islands in Vietnam

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1. Cat Ba Island The largest island in an archipelago of the same name, Cat Ba Island lies in Ha Long Bay; about half of it is covered by a national park.as well as Ech Lake. A beautiful place to visit, Cat Ba Island is well worth stopping by. 2. Nam Du Islands Nam Du Islands make up a stunning archipelago that is steadily growing in popularity as word of its beauty spreads. The islands also provide a fantastic opportunity to snorkel in the pristine waters about them. As it is very easy to take boats to the neighboring islands 3. Con Dao Islands Con Dao Islands are of immense beauty and the archipelago is, in fact, a national park as the Vietnamese government tries to protect the pristine environment. With tropical jungle covering much of the islands, there are lots of great hikes and trails and the laidback island way of life is perfect for people looking to kick back and relax. 4.  Binh Ba Island Binh Ba Island is absolutely gorgeous and well worth heading to if yo

Top port wine cellars that are a must-visit while in Portugal

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A visit to the port wine cellars is considered a mandatory activity while on a trip to Portugal. Guided tours and tastings offered by the wine cellars will help one get to know about the different varieties while also learning about the history of port wine in the country. • Caves Ferreira – It is the only big house of Port wine that has remained in Portuguese hands since its foundation. It was founded in 1751 and the brand’s history is closely intertwined with the history of the evolution of the Douro region. • Espaco Porto Cruz – Offering more than port wine tasting, it guarantees a full experience with the purpose of celebrating the rich culture of port wine and was created as a place for information, exhibition, and leisure. • Caves Calem – One of the most visited port wine cellars, it also a renowned brand in the wine industry. • Caves Churchill – A wine cellar with high levels of elegance and style, they offer rare vintage ports for tasting. • Caves Taylor’s –

5 Best Islands in Portugal

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Portugal is a country with exceptional scenery, gorgeous beaches, and a rich heritage. Visiting Portugal can be a chance to enjoy some of the best surfing in the world, a growing wine industry and exciting cities like Lisbon and Aveiro. Take a closer look at some of these Portuguese islands 1. Madeira  Madeira is clearly an island with a lot of appeals. Located in the Atlantic, Madeira becomes a Portuguese colony in the 15th century. Today, Madeira is a destination that combines history with recreation. 2. Flores Island The name Flores is derived from the abundance of colorful flowers on the island. The landscape of Flores is impressive, with high peaks and deep valleys.Flores also boasts an abundance of waterfalls, including the Poco do Bacalhao Falls close to Faja Grande. 3. Terceira Island This island is less developed, and agriculture is still a major part of the local economy. In the island’s fishing village of São Mateus, dig into the local cuisine and wash it d

A Guide to Scottish Whisky Regions

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With a rich and flavourful history that dates back to the 11th century, Scottish whiskey or Scotch is an integral part of Scotland’s identity. Just like how wine is for Italy, there are specific regions in Scotland which produce fascinating malts that are distinct. Here is a brief guide on the 5 classic malt whiskey regions in the country. • Islay – It is a Scottish island which is the smallest whiskey region and is known for the peaty or smoky flavors derived from the water and peating levels of barley. • Campbeltown – It is known for a defined dryness with pungent and smoky taste along with a pinch of salt. • Highlands – The largest whiskey producing area, it also produces diverse flavors. Whiskeys here are known for heavier and drier tastes with hints of nut, honey, and heather. • Speyside – The region is home to the highest number of distilleries in the country and is famous for it's refined and sweet single malts with subtly nutty and fruity notes. • Lowlands –

5 Must-Visit Churches in Barcelona

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Barcelona is famous for its beaches, sun, and culture. Also being home to many Spanish artists, the city is filled with architectural masterpieces as churches, basilicas, and cathedrals. Here is a list of must-visit churches in Barcelona. • Le Sagrada Familia – Designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, the basilica is still under construction and features inspirations from Gothic and Byzantine cathedrals. • Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar – Constructed in the 14th century over 54 years, the basilica is an example of typical Catalan Gothic style with impressive architecture. • Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi – Dating back to the 14th century, it is a typical Catalan church that is counted among the city’s prominent churches. • Le Catedral de Barcelona – The Cathedral of Barcelona was constructed in 3 stages over a period of 150 years and is adored for the Gothic art, Baroque altarpieces, choir, baptistery, and sepulcher. • Sant Pau del Camp – One of Barcelona’s ol

Things To Do In Barcelona For Sports Fans

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Home of the Spanish football and an iconic destination of world football, Barcelona is a paradise for football lovers and sports fans alike. Here is what ardent sports fans can do in Barcelona •     Camp Nou – Home of the Barcelona Futbol Club, it is the most visited place by tourists. One can explore the stadium and get to know the story of the Spanish football. •     The NBA Café – Barcelona has many sports bars that contribute to the city’s nightlife. From watching games on TV to seeing basketball memorabilia to interactive games, sports fans can have an enjoyable night out there. •     Olympic stadium of Montjuic – It is one of the stadiums that held the Spain Olympics in 1992. The grounds can be explored by visitors to learn about the Olympics games staged there. •     Sports museums – The Camp Nou museum, the Olympic and Sports Museum and the Barcelona Motorcycle museum are considered the must-visit for any sports fans. •     La Masia – The old La M

Know The Pasta Shapes Of Italy

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Home to thousand types of pasta, Italy also offers a variety of shapes handmade from region to region. Here is a guide to local pasta variations 1.     Bigoli from Veneto – It is the thick noodle-like spaghetti made from wholewheat flour, butter and duck eggs. 2.     Strozzapret from Emilia Romagna – These are short twists of pasta which is served with light and smooth tastes that will cling to them. 3.     Trofie from Liguria – These are small rolled pasta that is traditionally served with pesto, green beans and potatoes. 4.     Gigli from Tuscany – Translating to ‘lilies’, gigli is a fluted pasta specifically from Florence where lily is considered the local emblem. 5.     Chitarra from Abruzzo – Meaning guitar, chitarra is a long and thin pasta cut using a harp-like tool. It is served with silky cream or oil-based sauces. 6.     Penne from Campania – Meaning pen or quill, penne pasta is cut on an angle like a pen. The shape is ideal for holding ri

Best 5 Places to Visit in Malaysia

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1. Kuala Lumpur The capital of Malasia is Kuala Lumpur is one of the favorite city in world.it is more than where the visitor lands and then goes off to other places, because Kuala Lumpur itself offers a lot. 2. Malaysian Borneo Malaysian Borneo offers an abundance of green rainforests and wildlife.It is the third largest island in the world and definitely one of the best places to visit in Malaysia 3.Langkawi Langkawi is located off the northwest corner of Malaysia.It can rightly be called the busiest island of Malaysia, with many tourist attractions, like the country’s largest indoor aquarium 4. Malacca The Peranakan city of Malacca is locally spelled as Melaka, and is another of the best places to visit in Malaysia. These place have a  rich cultural, historical and colonial sites is too big a loss. The old town is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. 5.Taman Negara The name is appropriate for the oldest national park in Malaysia, and one of the world’s oldest t

Top 5 Thai Foods to Try in Thailand

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The fresh and the fragrant define the Thai cuisine. Abundant with flavours, the Thai food is a gastronomical delight.  Here are top Thai foods to try when in Thailand. • Phat Thai – Invented by a Chinese-Thai chef, it is a dish of thin rice noodles stir-fried with egg, tofu, and shrimp which is also seasoned with sugar, fish sauce, tamarind, dried chilli and vinegar. • Tom yam – It is basically a herb broth which is often referred to as ‘sour Thai soup’. Tom yam kung is the shrimp version which is a combination of fatty prawns and spicy soup. • Laap – Also known as larb or larp, it is a dish of minced meat seasoned with roasted rice powder, lime juice, fish sauce and fresh herbs. • Khao sai – It is a curry-based noodle soup that typically contains chicken or beef with optional sides of lime, sliced shallots and crunchy picked greens.  • Som tam – Originating from the rural northeast of the country, it is a dish containing unripe papaya bruised in a mortar an

Top Pristine Places to Visit in Maldives

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With 1200 islands and 26 atolls, Maldives is a spectacular island country that holds great allure for tourists from around the world. From exotic islands to enthralling blue seas to sandy beaches to magnificent reefs, Maldives beckons everyone with incredible beauty and splendour of nature. Here are some of the major spots to visit in the Maldives. • Male – The largest and the liveliest city in Maldives, Male is one of the popular destinations. The tropical monsoon climate with rains offer a consistently moderate temperature round the year which attracts tourists. • Sun Island – Adorned with stunning beaches and featuring beautiful tropical waters and lavish greenery, the island offers a peaceful escape in the lap of nature. • Banana Reef – Renowned as one of the nest diving sites in the world, Banana Reef is shaped like a banana and is alive with exuberant marine life, beautiful corals, amazing cliffs, overhangs and caves. • Alimatha Island – The crystal clear and azure

5 Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Thailand

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Elephants have immense cultural as well as historical significance in Thailand. Also, the chance to interact with the gentle giants is one of the biggest draws to Thailand. However, as elephant parks are being considered a lucrative business, a lot of animal abuse is also involved in the banner of tourism. k Here is a list of ethical elephant sanctuaries to visit in Thailand. • The Happy Elephant Home, Chiang Mai – The elephants here reside in a big green rolling field surrounded by picturesque mountains. Visitors are required to dress in traditional attires so as not distract the animal with unfamiliar smells. • Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Phuket – The sanctuary houses over 30 elephants which were victims of abuse and mistreatment. Their mission is to educate the visitors on problems of irresponsible tourism practices. • Phang Nga Elephant Park – It is a small family-run park which advocates ethical elephant practice. Visitors can learn about Asian elephants and watch them

5 Most Beautiful Gardens to Visit in Italy

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Italian renaissance gardens are hailed for their designs and are considered the best in Europe. With the designs being led by wealthy and artistically inclined patrons who also brought in the service of brilliant artists and highly skilled garden craftsmen, these gardens range from ancient valleys to seaside villas to verdant green spaces Here are some of the most beautiful gardens in Italy. • Villa d’Este Gardens, Tivoli – Created in the 16th century, this extensive series of gardens are known for the many fountains, waterworks and statues. • Parco Giardino Sigutra – It’s a huge park consisting of a variety of gardens spread over 148 acres with a labyrinth of 1500 yew trees, water gardens, 30,000 rose bushes and the second largest flowering of tulips in Europe. • Hanbury Botanical Gardens – It is built on a slope between the road and the villa by the sea. Spread over 45 acres, it includes different plant groupings, fountains, statues and sea views.   • Villa Garzoni Ga

5 Best Beach Destinations in Europe

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From the Mediterranean to the Adriatic to the Aegean, Europe is surrounded by magnificent seas that made the continent home to many charming beach destinations. Offering the ideal mix of beach, sun, fun, art, history, culture and nightlife, these destinations across Europe are some of the must-visit spots for beach lovers. Here are some of the best beach destinations in Europe. • Mykonos, Greece – Rich in charm decadence, this sunny Greek island attracts visitors with the Cycladic architecture and16th-century windmills apart from its happening beaches. • Mallorca, Spain – A hot spot for northern Europeans, this Mediterranean oasis is the largest of the Balearic Islands off the east coast of Spain. Apart from the azure water and soft-sand beaches, it also offers incredible views of centuries-old hilltop villages with olive groves and vineyards. • Hvar, Croatia – Located in the Adriatic off the Croatian coast, this summer-resort island offers exciting activities like windsurf

Best historic sites to visit in Belgium

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A country known for medieval towns and Renaissance architecture, Belgium is also a favorite among travelers. From UNESCO acclaimed sites to 20th-century townhouses, the country is home to many structures, streets and places of historic significance. Here is a list of must-visit historic sites in Belgium. • Grand Palace, Brussels – Surrounded by spectacular guildhalls and building dating from the 14th to 17th centuries, the Grand Palace is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. • The Canals and Belfry of Bruges – The Canals are reminiscent of the history of Bruges. The Belfry and Halle which dominate the main square of Bruges date back to the medieval era and is well preserved. • The Battlefields of Flanders – The Battlefields of Flanders around Ypres represent Belgium’s role in the front line of the First World War and has preserved trenches that run kilometers around the town of Ypres. • Ghent’s Gravensteen and Old Town – Gravensteen is an impressive moated

5 Most Beautiful Mosques to Visit in UAE

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The Emirates are home to renowned houses of worship that are laden with rich diversity while also being historically significant and featuring magnificent architecture. Here are 5 most beautiful mosques that are a must-visit while in the UAE. • Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi – The resting place of Sheikh Zayed, the first president of the UAE, it is the largest mosque in the UAE and features materials from all over the world including Italy, Morocco, Germany, Pakistan, India etc. • Dubai Grand Mosque, Dubai – Originally built in 1900 and rebuilt in 1960 and 1988, the Grand Mosque was built as a school to study Quran. It now serves as a cultural hub and attracts visitors from around the globe. • Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai – Located at the heart of Jumeirah city, it is one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai and is built in the medieval style of Fatimid. • Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah – One of the first mosques in Sharjah to open to visitors, it draws inspiration from the

Stunning churches that are a must-visit in Italy

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From magnificent cathedrals to small churches, every corner of Italy has a church making church visit a top priority while in Italy. Laden with history and featuring impressive craftsmanship, the basilicas, cathedrals, and churches are also architectural marvels worth exploring. Below listed are some of the most beautiful churches in Italy. ·         Basilica of St. Francis Assisi – A bi-level architectural wonder, the cathedral includes two churches, an upper basilica in gothic style and a lower basilica in Romanesque style. ·         Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua – It is an eight-domed basilica which combines different styles like Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine. ·         Cathedral of St. Agatha in Catania – It is an Italian Catholic church which features a tri-level Sicilian Baroque façade carved from Carrara marble. ·         Cathedral of St. Andrew in Amalfi – The cathedral sits on top of a staircase in the heart of the coastal town of Amalfi and fea

Top European Culinary Destinations for Foodies

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Europe is a destination rich with diversity for globe-trotters and foodies alike. Along with the historic architecture and picturesque coastlines, the continent is also home to delectable recipes passed down to generations to good old soulful street delicacies. Take a look at the below listed European destinations that are hot-favorite among foodies. ·         Italy – The home of cooking, food in Italy is all about family. The place where large one-pot dishes are standard fare, Italy also has lighter breakfasts, world-leading coffee and fresh ingredients in its menu. ·         France – Haute cuisine defines the French cooking. With a longstanding tradition of culinary arts and finest cooking, France is considered one of the best places to eat in the whole wide world. ·         England – With a unique culinary heritage, England’s cooking was highly influenced by his relationships with countries like France and India. From Sunday roasts to English breakfasts to puddin

Must-Buy Souvenirs from Thailand

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Thailand produces an impressive selection of authentic goods, handicrafts, textiles and ornaments which are not found anywhere else in the world. These are also the most recommended souvenirs to collect from the country to take home a piece of its unique culture. Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Thailand. ·         Thai Silk – The country is famous for its silk which is available in different varieties from scarves to bags to fabric bolts. Genuine Thai silk is one the must-buy when visiting Thailand. ·         Ceramics and Pottery – Bencharong porcelain and Sangkhalok stoneware are two of the famous ceramic souvenirs to get from Thailand. The Chiang Mai province is most recommended with many celadon factories operating there. ·         Thai sauces and spices – Sauces and spices that are included in authentic Thai foods are an ideal souvenir to bring back home the unique flavors of the country. ·          Thai spa products – Famous for its s

Local wine bars to savour while in Singapore

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Home to dozens of bars serving authentic vino from around the world, Singapore is heaven for lovers of fine wine. From French varietals to South American labels and from affordable glasses of Chardonnay to princely bottles of Henri Jayer Cros Parantoux, Singapore has everything to serve both the novice and wine experts. • Praelum Wine Bistro – An ideal spot for a novice drinker, they offer tasting portions of any of the 350 labels they serve in their walk-in cellar. They also sampling of a variety of reds, whites, roses, desserts and sparkling wines. • Verre Modern Bistro and Wine Bar – Housing more than 700 labels of wine, the bar also curates a wine list with terroir as the main consideration. Almost all their collection is from France, with the menu broken down to the many winemaking regions in the country. • La Terre – La Terre is recommended for its well-curated selection of old world wines. Rare vintages for connoisseurs and wine by the glass for casual drinkers are als

5 Exciting places to visit in Singapore

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Singapore is a bustling city packed with vibrant culture and exciting activities. From shopping frenzy to culinary delights to adventurous theme parks to exotic gardens, Singapore has it all to attract millions of visitors every year and also to be called one of the top must-visit destinations in Asia. Here is a list of the top 5 exciting destinations to visit in Singapore.   Universal Studios – Universal Studios in Singapore is a thrill ride that attracts both children as well as adults. Themed around Hollywood movies, it contains 24 major rides along with 7 themed zones. ·         Singapore Flyer – It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Asia and has 28 air-conditioned capsules equipped to hold 28 passengers. A ride on the flyer offers a spectacular and panoramic view of the city’s urban skyline, the bay and the Singapore River. ·         Gardens by the bay – It is a horticulture spot that spread across 101 hectares of land with sprawling gardens and magnificent verti

Top 4 Beautiful Castles to Visit in France

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Being the battleground for many of the medieval wars in Europe, France has its fair share of picturesque castles and impressive forts across the vast country. Take a look at these brief guide on the most beautiful castles to visit in France.\ ·         Carcassonne – Carcassonne is a medieval hilltop town that played a key role in the Albigensian crusade in the thirteenth century. It is situated in a strategic location at the frontier region between France and Spain, which was significant during the attack by the crusader army. ·         Mount Saint-Michel – It is an impregnable fortress on an island off the coast of Normandy. It was the site of an abbey which was a destination for Christian Pilgrims in the ninth century and later a prison of the French Monarchy from the 15 th century onwards. ·         Palace of Versailles – Versailles is one of the top destination in Paris. It was the seat of power for the French monarchy during the rule of Louis XIV. The Ha