Monday 29 August 2011

Lisbon Holidays Allow You to Peep into the Rich History of the City


Lisbon’s cosmopolitan culture and incredible luxurious surroundings makes it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in entire Europe. However, its city’s rich history that lures large number of historians and past-diggers from around the world to spend holidays in Lisbon. Rich past of the city can be explored in its historical buildings.

Listed below are the most important historical structures and monuments in Lisbon:

Castelo De Sao Jorge

This Moorish castle is the most important historical structure in Lisbon. This fortress was built during medieval times. If you really want to peep into the history and courage of Portuguese, plan Lisbon holidays and visit Castelo De Sao Jorge. You can visit the castle all through the year. You need to pay nominal entry fees. While walking around the castle, historic streak can be easily felt. Ducks and swans in the pond create a lively ambience. As you enter through 19th century gateway, you will come across bronze statue of Afonso Henriques. If this castle is not there in the travel deal, you should look out for other Lisbon deals.                 

Sao Carlos Theater

Sao Carlos Theater is among the most elegant architectural structures in Lisbon. It was opened by Queen Maria I on July 30, 1793. Unique fact about the theater is that it was completed in six months. If you are an architectural lover, you must add this theater to your Lisbon vacation package. The structure features spectacular mixture of rococo and neoclassical elements. Rich gold interiors are well complemented by bright crystal chandeliers.

Discoveries Monument

This is the symbolic monument of Lisbon. Officially, it is known as Padrão dos Descobrimentos. It was built to honor 500th death anniversary of Henry the Navigator. The monument is strategically located on the northern bank of Tagus River. The monument depicts the prow of a ship carrying 33 famous Portuguese personalities. If you are booking Lisbon cheap holidays, make sure this monument is there on the list of sight seeing.     

Roman Theater Museum

This is the best structure that defines the Roman past of Lisbon. Every year hundreds of history lovers plan Lisbon holidays especially to visit the museum to take a closer look at the remains of theater which was built in 1st century. It was built by great Roman Emperor, Augustus. This large theater had a capacity of accommodating 4,000 people at a time. Today, you can take a close look at statues and columns. This museum cannot be missed while planning holidays to Lisbon. Entry to the museum is free. You can know about the rich Roman history of the city through interactive exhibits.

Peep into the Rich History, Culture and Arts with San Francisco Holidays


San Francisco – the City of the Bay! Every year millions of people plan holidays to San Francisco especially to visit its museums and know more about the city’s history, culture and arts.

Following are some of the museums that must be there in your San Francisco vacation package.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The structure was designed by renowned artist Mario Botta.  If you wish to explore 20th century art, plan San Francisco holidays and visit the museum. The extensive collection of the museum has more than 26,000 works of photography, design, architecture, sculpture, media art and painting. You can take a closer look at the magnificent works of famous artists such as Clyfford Still, Ansel Adams, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. Another highlight of the museum is Artists Gallery. It was founded in 1978. It features temporary art collections of amateur and established artists from North California.

California Academy of Sciences

This is one of the largest and oldest museums of natural history in the world. This museum is located in the Golden Gate Park and was established in 1853. Every year more than a million tourists plan San Francisco tour especially to visit California Academy of Sciences. The museum conducts research in several fields such as botany, marine biology zoology, mammalogy and anthropology. While enjoying holidays in San Francisco, you should visit the museum on Thursdays to be a part of the event known as NightLife. But remember, the show is open only for people above the age of 21.  

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor

Colloquially this fine art museum is known as Legion of Honor. If you are really an art lover, you should not ignore this museum while enjoying San Francisco holidays. While walking around the museum, you would come across vast collection of European and Ancient art. You will find artworks that are as old as 6,000 years. The European art collection mainly consists of French art. Artwork that marks the European art in the museum is the sculpture made by well-known artist Auguste Rodin. Other artists whose artworks are exhibited in the museum are Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Picasso and Rubens. San Francisco vacation package must have this museum in the itinerary so that you can admire captivating ancient art. There are 1,400 objects in the ancient art collection featuring pottery, sculpture, painting and decorative art.  

Must Do Things While Enjoying San Francisco Holidays


San Francisco, the City of the Bay is among the most populous and most visited cities in the USA. This enchanting city has lot to offer. Therefore, every year numerous families take San Francisco holiday packages to experience an incredible vacation. While holidaying in the city, you can indulge in numerous activities and visit various places to sooth your soul and revive your mind.

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most famous attractions of San Francisco. If you are enjoying San Francisco holidays but not visiting this site, you are more likely to miss great piece of history and culture. Pier 39 has been completely transformed into a commercial epicenter however, its pier 45 where you can take a closer look at the bustling ambience and local culture. If you are visiting early in the morning you can buy fresh seafood from Fish Alley Market. Fisherman’s Wharf has become an integral part of San Francisco family holidays because this part of the city is home to world class restaurants, fast food stands, shopping centers and street performers.

Another worth visiting attraction in the city is Golden Gate Bridge. This structure marks the architecture of the city. Holidays to San Francisco are incomplete if this magnificent bridge is not there on the list of sight seeing.  It was completed in1937 and was longest suspension bridge. Today, it has become the symbol of the city. Take a walk through the bridge to capture captivating scenic views of the bay and San Francisco Skyline.

If you are looking to add some thrill to San Francisco city breaks, you should visit Alcatraz Island which is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. This island was once an escape-proof prison. But today, it is known for its recreation activities and bird sanctuary. This is one of the very few places in the world where you can experience self guided audio tour. This tour allows you to listen to the recordings of former guards and prisoners.

Art lovers spending holidays in San Francisco cannot ignore San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. This museum is among the most important modern art centers in entire America. It was established in 1995. While walking around the museum, you would come across artworks created by great artists such as Paul Klee, Clyfford Still, Diego Riviera and Picasso. Most recent addition to the exhibitions is Fisher collects which consist of 1,100 art pieces. You can buy mementos from the art shop and enjoy snacks at the café.

Feel Tranquility and Freshness of Beach Waters with San Francisco Holidays


Are you looking for a place where you can get the feel of modern comforts in addition to natural freshness? If your answer is yes, you should consider spending your next holidayin San Francisco. Best way to experience the perfect blend of aquatic activities, tranquility and novelty, you should spend sometime at the beaches of San Francisco.

Following are the beaches that must be visited while enjoying San Francisco holidays:

Ocean Beach

This is one of the most pleasant beaches in San Francisco. More and more people have started adding Ocean Beach in the itinerary of their holidays to San Francisco. If you are fed up of chaotic city life and craving for a break to sooth your soul and establish a new relation with the nature, you should visit this beach. Best part is that this charming beach is located in the city. In other words, you don’t need to travel far away from the luxurious city life. For adventure seekers, San Francisco city breaks mean surfing at Ocean Beach. This is one of the prime surfing spot in the city. The beach features incredible combination of surf, sand and sun.

Aquatic Park

Aquatic Park in San Francisco is not a park rather it is an urban beach located in the center of the city. It has become the highlight of the San Francisco tourism because of its proximity to city’s major attractions such as Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Apart from tranquil ambience and spectacular sunsets, the beach is also famous for Ghirardelli Sundae and sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder. Honeymooners enjoying their romantic holidays in San Francisco prefer to walk on the serene walkway. 

Stinson Beach

This beach is located around 30 kilometers away from the city. While driving to the beach, you’d be crossing through Golden Gate Bridge. In other words, you can admire captivating beauty while crossing the bridge. More and more people are compromising on the luxuries of San Francisco hotels especially to enjoy a day trip to Stinson Beach. Besides swimming and picnicking, hiking and surfing are other activities that can be enjoyed at Stinson Beach.

Baker Beach

Baker Beach has a half mile long stretch of magnificent powdery sand. If you want to spend time at a nude beach, take some time from your San Francisco holidays and visit the northern section of the beach. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot visit the beach in clothes. While visiting the beach, you would come across people of all ages. Swimming, surfing and ocean-side kite flying are few activities that you can enjoy in the waters of Baker Beach.  

Take an Aerial View of the City with New York Holidays


New York, the name is enough to tickle the vacation senses. The city is one of the most popular destinations to enjoy incredible vacation. That’s why every year millions of people browse through New York Holiday deals. The list of New York attractions is quite long. If you are fond of modern architecture, there is lot to explore in the city.    

While enjoying New York holidays, you should not ignore the following skyscrapers:

The Empire State Building

This is the most important landmark of New York City. It is one of the oldest skyscrapers in the world. This massive structure was built in 1931 and for next 40 years it remains the tallest building in the world. Over the years, it has seen several competitors however; it still holds the top position in the list of tourists planning holidays to New York. After destruction of World Trade Center, it again became the tallest building in New York. Tourists booking packages for New York cheap holidays, visit Empire State Building especially to spend time at the observation decks. Apart from the decks, the building is also famous for New York Skyride.

Chrysler Building

Before Empire State Building, this was the tallest building in the world. It was completed in 1930 and features height of 319 meters. Millions of people visit the building while enjoying holidays in New York especially to take a closer look at the art deco style of architecture. In 1976, it got place in the list of National Historic Landmark. The building features 77 floors and 32 lifts. Crown ornamentation is another highlight of the building. As the sun sets, two sets of lighting illuminate the magnificent structure.

Bank of America Tower

Bank of America is the second tallest building in New York City and among the top five tallest buildings in USA. New York holiday deals are not worth taking, if Bank of America is not there in the itinerary. It was completed in 2009. It is one of the most environment friendly buildings in entire USA. Several technologies were used to make it an environment friendly structure. Automatic daylight dimming systems saves lot of energy.

Citigroup Center

This magnificent structure was completed in 1977 and since then has become a rage among tourists enjoying New York holidays. The 59-floor building was designed by architect Hugh Stubbins Jr. New York City breaks are incomplete without visiting Citigroup Center. You can reach the top floor in no time in double-deck elevators.

Refresh and Rejuvenate Yourself with New York Holidays


If you want to add a tinge of relaxation, freshness and serenity to your holidays to New York, you should visit the parks and gardens of the city. There are several parks and gardens in and around the city. If you want to take a closer look at the refreshing pools, various species of plants and flowers and enjoy variety of family activities, you should plan New York tour and add city’s gardens to the itinerary.

Listed below are the most important New York City’s parks and gardens:

Central Park

Central Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in New York City. This majestic park is located in the center of Manhattan. Families spending New York holidays never miss on visiting Central Park since there is so much to do and enjoy. Some of the most famous activities that you can enjoy while visiting the park are birding, rock climbing, boating and ice skating. While walking around, you would come across several sculptures as well. Some of the most notable ones are Angel of the waters, Balto, Duke Ellington and Alice in Wonderland. Every year numerous art lovers plan holidays in New York and visit the park to take a closer look at the spectacular works of famous sculptors such as Emma Stebbins, Robert Graham and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. 

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

This is one of the largest botanical gardens in New York. It was founded in 1910. It spans over 52 acres. Major highlights of the gardens are white cast iron and glass aquatic plant house, C.V Starr Bonsai Museum and an art gallery. New York cheap holidays are incomplete without Brooklyn Botanical gardens. While spending time in the gardens, you can take a closer look at more than 10,000 plants. Some of the most notable gardens you would come across while enjoying your New York holidays in the botanical gardens are The Shakespeare Garden, The Cranford Garden and The Children’s Garden.            

Bryant Park

If you have planned your holidays to New York, make sure you are going to visit Bryant Park with your family. This public park covers an area of more than nine acres. Statue of William Cullen Bryant is the iconic structure in the park. The lawn in this park is the longest stretch of lush green grass in entire Manhattan. The park is also famous for its events. One of the most impressive events which is taking place in the park since 1990s is the Braynt Park Summer Festival. Other annual events that you can enjoy are Broadway in Bryant Park and Pinstripes in the Park.  

New York holidays Offer Your Kids Plethora of Attractions


New York is one of the top notch tourist destinations not only in US but in the world as well. The list of attractions in the city is quite long. In other words, anyone and everyone can find activities and attractions that suit his/her attractions. Therefore, millions of people take cheap holidays to New York to spend incredible vacation. The city has emerged as a magnificent touristic region for kids.  

Following are some of the best kids’ attractions in New York:

Toys ‘R Us

Toys are among the most precious collections of kids. This large toy shop is strategically located in Times Square. It has become the center of attraction for toy lovers. Families that are taking New York holidays never miss on visiting Toys ‘R Us. Major highlight of this site is 18-meters tall Ferris Wheel. Other attractions include Barbie’s Dollhouse and T-Rex animatronic. In the dollhouse, you will come across variety of Barbie Dolls in addition to several other Barbie paraphernalia.

New York Aquarium

If your kids are fond of marine creatures, you should look out for “holidays in New York” on the internet to take them to New York Aquarium. This majestic aquarium is located on Coney Island. While spending time in the facility, you would come across more than 350 species of marine life. You can take a closer look at the predators such as reef sharks, sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks. Other aquatic creatures include sea lions, walruses and penguins. Several UK travelers take London to New York holidays to see variety of animal species such as snow leopards, monkeys, bats and mongoose.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

As the name suggests, this museum is meant for kids. Whenever you book New York tickets for family vacation, don’t forget to book tickets to visit the museum. This is the oldest museum in USA. Moreover, it has become the first green museum in New York City. Exhibitions in the museum depict history of education in the country. Kids can be a part of several role-playing activities. In other words, they can learn numerous new things while playing.

Central Park

This is one of the most serene areas in New York City. If you want to spend quality time with your family, take New York holidays and visit the Central Park in Central Manhattan. The charming park was established in 1873. While strolling around park, you can find number of themed gardens, lakes and tennis courts. There is a small zoo as well. In other words, if you are taking holidays to New York, visiting central park is a must.