Penela is a beautiful small town in district Coimbra in central Portugal. The settlement received the town status in 1137 and now has population of about 3,500. The main attraction of the town is a medieval castle Castelo de Penela. The castle rests upon a limy hill dominating the town. The castle was built in 11th century in the times of Reconquista to guard the way to Coimbra. (Click pictures for larger version)
View of Penela
Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is famous for its canals, rich history, beautiful architecture, and of course for the renowned Carnival of Venice. (Click pictures for an HQ 1024×768 version).
The church of the Holy Family (the full name is Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) is a large Roman Catholic basilica located to the north of Barcelona’s Old City in the area called Eixample (Catalan for “extension”). The foundation for the basilica was laid in 1882, but the construction is not yet completed.
Mont Saint Michel is a rocky island in the mouth of Coeusnon river in about one mile off the Normandy coast. The island is famous for its Benedictine Abbey (build in 11th-16th centuries) dominating the top of the island. This fortified closter is a fine sample of French medieval architecture. The abbey remains active today with about 50 monks still living there. Mont Saint Michel is a major tourist attraction visited by about 3.5 million people a year.
The legends of King Arthur and his knights have many references to Mont Saint Michel. It is said that the Holy Grail is hidden somewhere in the thick walls of the abbey.
Now that’s a nature wonder: the Giant’s Causeway in Antrim county, N. Ireland. Not the best picture of the spot, the real is much more thrilling.
More info about this location: Official Guide to Giant’s Causeway
There is a hotel you can stay at while visiting Giant’s Causeway. See Comfort Hotel Antrim, it is quite inexpensive and besides there is not many other options in the area.
Then consider choosing Tanoa International Hotel. Here what a traveler from Chicago, IL has to say about this hotel:
Bargain!
Although the room was a little “moldy”, the staff was VERY helpful and friendly. The food in the dining area was expensive, but delicious. They will change your currency at not additional charge, and they have a desk to sign you up for day trips and cruises. Customer Service at it’s best! We realized that you can stay here for pretty cheap, and walk right through the expensive resorts in Denarau and right to the beach as if you stayed there. The beaches are all free.It is a beautiful country with Beautiful people and I would go back in a second if I could.
Traveler’s tips:
stay cheap, and save your money. If you sign up for the day cruise where you go to the remote Island village for the Kava ceremony, bring some toys and trinkets for the kids. We found ourselves surrounded by all these beautiful kids and felt so empty handed, would have loved to see them holding a baby doll or matchbox car or something. Bring Extra batteries for your camera, and make sure you try snorkeling even if you are chicken!
You can book a room at Tahoa Hotel at Expedia.
Kadavu Island, Fiji
More infromation on Fiji:
Official Fiji Page: Traveler and Visitors Bureau
Fiji for honeymooners: Weddings, Honeymoons, Romantic Getaways
Beautiful and luxurious
We arrived in the evening and were generously upgraded to a suite, although we had already paid for a deluxe ocean view. The suite was very spacious and nice, but the refridgerator did not work and since there was no grocery store nearby, our only options were to eat at the hotel restaurants. Housekeeping brought us a replacement fridge when requested. The food was very good, but expensive. $9.00 for a hotdog and fries by the pool!! 12.00 for a cheeseburger! $8.00 for a drink from the bar! I suggest taking a walk across the street to the Lucaya Market Plaza and eating at one of their many local restaurants to save money and see more.
The pool was very large with a fancy, negative-edge design overlooking the beach. The landscaping was perfect, meticulous, colorful flowers everywhere and very tropical looking. It was all very beautiful. I wish the shops stayed open later. In the hotel they closed at 6 pm or whenever they wanted if it was slow. Even the basic gift shop. Gotta get a spot by the pool early on the weekend or all the best chairs are taken or reserved already. Overall the service was great and we enjoyed our stay. The waiters and bartenders were very friendly, open and ready to help, but don’t be in a hurry, they know we’re all on vacation and move accordingly! Will definitely go back sometime!
Traveler’s tip:
Do not eat at the Westin, a little inconvenient but if you are staying for 5 days, should bring snacks for the room and eat at the local restaurants in the market area across the street. Also, beer is surprisingly expensive. Buy liquor instead or mixed drinks if you purchase alcoholic beverages. Cannot bring alcohol into the country! Although we didn’t have any, that was a surprise to us.
By: A traveler from Austin TX.
Beach on Long Island Bahamas
Hello and welcome to our new weblog: Vacation-Wizard! Here we are going to post our articles, as well as travel- and vacation related pictures and videos we find on the net, receive from our friends or make ourselves Enjoy!
A private beach in Brazil.