Wednesday 23 January 2013

10 Great Things To Do In Barcelona

1. Sagrada Familia

An extraordinary church designed by the architect Antonio Gaudi and is World Heritage site. Great for architecture, photography and typography however not so good standing in the long queue on a hot day for a view. An unfinished monument but the most visited in Spain attracting 2.8 million visitors a year.











2. L'Aquarium de Barcelona

A popular attraction for kids who will love to view sharks, stingrays whilst walking through an 80-metre long underwater glass tunnel. Also L’Aquarium de Barcelona offers visitors an opportunity to dive with sharks (divers), and also sleeping with the sharks which is a program that gives 8-12 year olds the experience to spend the night at the aquarium following a session of educational activities.


3. Poble Espanyol de Montjuic (The Spanish Village)

Another Barcelona attraction is a small beautiful Spanish village for tourists who seek different styles of houses and architecture from different parts of Spain. Also this village includes craft shops, works shops and the open-air museum showing off the tradition and culture of Spain and its Spanish goods.







4. La Pedrera

La Pedrera is another beautiful creation by Antonio Gaudi. This building was once called Casa Mila but in the present known as La Pedrera. Enjoy a tour giving you a better understanding of and appreciation of the architecture and transports in the period when Antio Gaudi was once alive.




5. Barcelona FC Museum

Calling all footie fans!

This exciting museum has wall to wall trophies, pictures, statues of the great players. You can buy the ticket for the museum as well as see the stadium or even purchase a dual ticket where you get to see the museum and behind the scenes at the club including changing rooms, VIP Lounge and press conference areas.



6. Barcelona Zoo

Looking for family friendly fun?

Barcelona zoo has a variety of animals to entertain the kids as well as providing: electric cars, ponies and a mini trains to suit both the needs of boys and girls. Many more facilities are available for families to spend the day at the zoo such as restaurants and picnic areas.


7. Picasso Museum

The very popular art gallery is a must see as you can view the unique designs Picasso is famous for today.

















8. IMAX Cinema

The IMAX cinema is right next door to the aquarium stated above which is convenient for kids who want to see killer sharks on screen in 3D than the real things swimming above their heads in the aquarium.

9. Miro Museum

A great collection of Miros art work dating back to 1941.

10. The Magic Fountain of Montjuic

The very popular magic fountain is a spectacular display of colour, light, music and water. This is a must see when you come to Barcelona and highly recommended. 




 




 

Thursday 17 January 2013

Romance in Rome This Valentine

Valentine’s Day in Rome...
 
Valentine’s Day is the time of year when everything turns red.
&
Rome is one of the most romantic destinations on planet earth today without a doubt.
 
 
 

So why not celebrate 14th February in Rome where Valentine’s Day originates from this beautiful city from about 18 centuries ago.

So here are a few suggestions to an extraordinary and Romantic day in Rome…

Visit the Colosseum at Night…

You cannot fly to Rome and not view the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic sights.

Arrange a private guided tour during the evening to enjoy the breath-taking light up views of the historic building as you’ll avoid the long hour crazy queues and appreciate both the architecture and history within the peaceful atmosphere.

 The highlight of your Romantic break.
 
 

Take a Romantic Dinner Cruise…

… On the River Tiber.


Enjoy a menu of delicious Italian food accompanied by beautiful romantic music. Batelli di Roma offers dinner cruises from where you can admire beautiful monuments. View Rome from a different perspective with the hop-on hop off river cruise.  Couples who visit the river will be astonished of the stunning natural scenario of the city view.


 
 
 

 





 
Stroll through the gardens…

… Of the Villa Borghese.

Find serenity with your partner in the gardens of the Villa Borghese. Popular location for pleasure seekers and the perfect place to spend some quality time together.


 







Throw a coin in to the Trevi Fountain…

Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the most beautiful in the world.

The breath-taking structure of the Trevi Fountain is a must in Rome for Valentine’s day as together you and your loved one can fling your loose change in to the water and make a wish. The masterpiece of Italian art is a lovely backdrop for a Kodak moment.





Stay up for a late drink…

It’s 1 in the morning and you can’t get enough of Rome then head over to Etabli, where you can enjoy a late night drink in a cosy environment with a warm fireplace glowing in the night.

Looking for something more glamorous? No problem. Walk in to Crudo and enjoy stylish dining and drinking in a stunning designing interior.



 



Indulge in sweet treats…

Valentine’s day is incomplete without chocolate and champagne. To complete your day why not visit Cioccolata e Vino, providing double temptation, both a bar and chocolate treats.










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 15 January 2013

In the City of Love on Valentines day



 

 

France, Paris...

          

Fly to France on the 14th February this year to experience the perfect Romantic break. Here are some ideas and romantic attractions to help you through your Valentine’s Day journey in the city of love, Paris.



 
Explore the magic of the Eiffel tower…


With a panoramic view over Paris, you won’t find a better scene than the 2nd floor to enjoy the moment and catch those truly memorable photos. As well as getting easy lift access to the top of the tower to enjoy the beautiful view over the city.              


Celebrate the night with a glass of champagne on the top floor of the tower to mark the unique romantic experience. The bar offers glass of rosé or white champagne, served as you like. What a unique way to toast your love and sensational experience together on top of the Eiffel Tower.
 

Le 58 tour Eiffel Restaurant is a not to miss opportunity on your romantic break.  Experience an exciting candle light dinner in the new restaurant located on the 1st floor, offering the finest French cuisine whilst enjoying the spectacular views Paris has to offer.
 

Gift your other half to a remarkable cultural souvenir item from one of the large selections of shops the Eiffel Tower provides.

The midnight view of Paris sparkles and shines in golden luminous lights that offer couples to a breath taking view that they can admire throughout the night.

A tour of Paris by boat…


Adore the city’s most mythical places whilst sitting back and enjoying the fresh air as the soft glow of light shines across the water. A cruise across the Seine is highly recommended as it is often featured in films with a shot overlooking of the bridges overlooking the river.

A stroll in the garden…


Luxembourg Gardens, perfect at any time of the year and perhaps the place to spend some quality time together. Facing the Médicis fountain and getting lost in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings is a way to charm your loved one.

Add your own Lovers Padlock…


Why not visit Le Pont des Arts to add your lovers padlock whilst watching over the stunning sunset across Paris.
 

               
 Take a bite out of heaven…

Visit PatrickRoger, one of the city’s best chocolatiers. Experience and discover his gourmet world. "Patrick Roger places great importance on the world, flavours, cuisine and gastronomic heritage, and makes no compromise with the source of the ingredients used in his cuisine."
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 11 January 2013

Delights of Dubai This Winter


Looking for a winter getaway... Why not head to the Middle East?



1. Dubai Nightlife

Midnight is the time when Dubai comes to life and the fun begins......

Dubai is full of nightclubs and discos. Mainly found in hotels due the alcohol serving prohibitions. You can find all sorts of nationality nightclubs such as German and English pubs to the popular Russian discos.

But, Interested in the real Arabic atmosphere then look for Diera. An outstanding nightclub offering: beautiful belly dancers from around the world.
















 
2. Dubai Shopping Festival 2013

You've all must have heard of the popular Dubai Mall. One of the world’s largest shopping malls of the UAE. It’s part of 20-billion-dollar Burj Khalifa complex and having up 1,200 shops.

Dubai Shopping festival 2013 is the internationally known event and one of the biggest shopping experiences in the world. It’s a huge display of discounts, competitions and prizes.

Date: 3rd January-3rd February 2013.
Duration: 1 month 2 days
Audience: Family, General Public
Category: Festival, Shopping
Venue: Dubai Mall 
Visit Website: Dubai Events














3. Dubai International Jazz Festival 2013

Dubai Festival City features the spectacular live entertainment with the host of 27 international bands that will attract an enormous crowd of 46,000 fans in just 9 nights.

Rocking the city:
 
  • The Script
  • One Republic
  • Deep Purple
  • 3 Doors Down

Date: 14th February-22nd February 2013.                        

Further information can be found at Dubai Jazz Festival.
 
 









4. Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2013
 
Omega Dubai Desert classic attracts some of the biggest names in golf. Tiger Woods has featured 6 times since 2001 and won twice. This event is a PGA European Tour sanctioned event featuring $2.5million prize pool.

Date: Monday, 28th January- Sunday, 3rd February 2013.
Duration: 6 days
Audience: General Public
Category: Sports
Venue: Emirates Golf Club
Admission: AED 75- Practice day and challenge match, AED 175- Tournament day, AED 675-Season pass












5. Dubai Show jumping Championship 2013
 
The 3 day intense show jumping competition is the season’s biggest event which takes place at Emirates Equestrian Centre.

January 31st is when Olympic medallists and the UAE’s brightest show jumping stars compete for the grand prize.
                                                              
Date: Thursday, 31st January- Saturday, 2nd February 2013
Duration: 3 days
Audience: Family, General public
Category: Entertainment, Sports
Venue: Emirates Equestrian Centre
Admission: Free Entry



 

 

 







6. Al Marmoum Camel Racing Season
 
Not to miss, the adrenaline pumping action as camels race off to the finish line in an exciting racing session.
 
Date: Sunday, 20th January- 21st January 2013
Duration: 2days
Audience: Family, General Public
Category: Sports
Venue: Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack, Dubai Al Ain Road
Admission: Free

















7. Wild Wadi’s Swim Burj Al Arab
 
A thrilling swimming experience organised by Wild Wadi Waterpark. The swim will cover 1km distance circling around the most iconic landmarks in Dubai. This is a must for family fun and competitive swimmers.
 
Date: Friday, 1st February 2013
Duration: 1 day
Audience: Family, Swimmers, General Public
Category: Family & Children, Sports
Venue: Wild Wadi Waterpark
Admission: Online registration- AED 275
Visit Website: Wild Wadi Swim

 















8. Emirates Classic Car Experience

For the classic car lovers, here is the perfect experience to witness Middle East’s premier showcase of classic cars. This is the 5th Emirates Class Car Festival featuring classic automobiles and motorbikes. Emirates Classic Car Festival is organised by Emaar Properties and in association with Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE.
Date: Thursday, 7th February-Saturday, 9th February 2013
Duration: 3 days
Audience: Family, General Public
Category:  Entertainment, Exhibition
Venue: Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Admission: Open to the Public
Visit Website: Emirates Classic Cars

















9. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2013

Who will win this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships?
5th Time Running…. Roger Federer?
 
Witness top international players taking part in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
 
Date: Monday, 18th February- Saturday, 2nd March 2013
Duration: 13 days
Audience: General Public
Category: Sports
Venue: The Aviation Club
Visit Website: Dubai Tennis Championships
 
The Dubai Women's Open takes place February 18th- 23rd, and the Dubai Men's Open takes place February 25th- March 2nd.
















10. Dubai Desert Road Fun
 
A spectacular event for both the social and experienced runners. The Dubai Desert Road fun contains of 10km race for adults and children 14+. And a 3km race for junior runners with age categories from 6-18, alongside a 3km fun run.

So are you up for the challenge?
 
Date: Saturday, 23rd February 2013
Duration: 1 day
Audience: Family, General Public
Category: Sports, Family & Children
Venue: The Sevens Stadium
Admission: Prices range AED 40-80 depending on the race.
Visit Website: Dubai Running