Pula is one of Croatia’s many happily sleepy and perfectly enjoyable small cities. It is marked out from the rest, however, due to the magnificent arena that can be found here.

For decades, historians, architects, and humble vacationers have made a beeline for the arena in Pula Croatia, which is the only surviving Roman amphitheatre that has all four side towers intact. The Pula Arena is thus a lasting testament to the mastery of Roman architecture.

But this is more than just a historically important artifact: The arena at Pula is also a magnificent edifice that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is interesting to the mind. Whether or not you’re interested in ancient architecture, the Pula Arena is a must-see attraction in Croatia.

Also referred to as the Pula Colosseum, the arena hails from the somewhere between the first and second centuries AD. Since then it’s gone through various renovations and structural changes; the amphitheatre began life as a timber construct, before being reinforced by stone sometime around the fifth century AD. The structure vacationers can see today is composed only of stone, and it’s remarkably well-maintained, given its age.

Over the years, the arena at Pula has been witness to as many important historical occasions as it has gladiatorial fights. Today, events here are just as dramatic, though they’re normally staged, as the Pula Colosseum puts on big live music acts and theatrical performances when touring companies are in town. Many eminent musicians have performed in this ancient roman amphitheatre, including Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John, and Norah Jones.

And it’s certainly an exceptional place to experience live music. Not only are the acoustics great (it’s a circular auditorium, after all), but also the structure of the Pula Arena just happens to be jaw-droppingly inspiring. The entire external part of the Pula Colosseum is made of limestone, which lends a great old-world charm to the arena. Once inside, you can take in the whole structure, which instantly reveals its 72 arches—each crafted to a typically Roman standard of perfection—that circle the top of its high walls.

What’s more, the arena at Pula is only yards away from the sea, which means the sound of gentle waves lends an atmospheric background to any musical event taking place within the building.

The Pula arena today holds as many as 25,000 people during a performance. When the arena isn’t being used to stage a show, it’s open to the public as a tourist attraction; if you do make it here, make sure to explore the underground passages that cut a maze around the foundations of the structure. They were built in Roman times with the purpose of helping performers and animals make their way undetected from one part of the arena to the next.

While you are in Pula, there are many other places that demand a visit. These include the Archeological Museum of Istria, the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, and the Castle and Historical Museum of Istria. Getting to and from the city to visit the Pula Colosseum and other attractions is a relatively easy task. Buses connect the city with other major Croatian hubs such as Zagreb, Split, and Dalmatia. There are also plenty of Pula hotels and guesthouses awaiting your arrival should you fail to book in advance.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico is fast becoming one of Mexico’s most popular destinations. Cabo San Lucas Mexico makes for a great vacation spot with acres of gorgeous white sand beaches and a host of excellent restaurants and activities.

The village was built up around tuna markets in the early 20th century and today, remains one of the best places in the world to fish for tuna and marlins. The city is even host to the world’s largest marlin fishing competition, which offers a $1,000,000 jackpot to the winner. Long before Cabo San Lucas Mexico became a world-renowned fishing village, the city was home to nomadic indigenous groups for thousands of years.

Spanish conquistadors began to inhabit the area in the 16th century and a mix of European and native traditions are still prevalent.

When planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas Mexico, travelers will find some of the best deals by booking Cabo San Lucas vacation packages. Cabo San Lucas vacation packages usually combine airfare and accommodation and can prove to be the least expensive way to make your way to the city. Many Cabo San Lucas vacation packages also include additional amenities, such as free breakfast at the hotel or access to tours for an additional fee.

In addition to great fishing, many travelers come to Cabo San Lucas Mexico for the excellent whale watching opportunities. Whales can be spotted during the winter months when they make their way to the warm waters of Cabo to bear their young. Living in pods or groups, travelers will find touring boats that head into the water and watch the whales from a safe distance. Trips can be booked alone or as part of a Cabo San Lucas vacation package.

You might also choose to book your trip to Cabo San Lucas Mexico in the fall. October 12th is the festival of the patron saint of Todos Santos. Todos Santos is a town about 60 miles north of Cabo, and the festival sports music, dancing, a fair, and plenty of delicious local food. If your travel plans take you to Cabo during this festival, it is well worth the hour”s drive.

Shopping in Cabo is generally geared toward tourists. For the most part, travelers will discover a mall-like experience without much local flair or fanfare. Shopping in Cabo San Lucas provides plenty of opportunity to pick up some souvenirs to take home, however, tourists will also find a nice array of swimwear and other beach gear, which can be particularly useful.

If the thought of soaking up sun, eating out and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere is appealing, Cabo San Lucas Mexico is an excellent vacation destination choice. Whether you fish, swim, whale watch or stroll through the shops, tourists come back to Cabo again and again for its unique delights. In recent years, many travelers have even purchased time-share in Cabo, as it quickly becomes a popular holiday spot.

Hagia Sophia is located in Istanbul, Turkey, and is known as a great symbol of both art history and Christianity.

It is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Turkey. Hagia Sophia history experts often credit the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, for founding the church. Hagia Sophia history dates back 1500 years ago, when construction work on “The Great Church” was started.

The Hagia Sophia, with its massive dome, 40 windows, and 100 square meter columns, took five years to build. It was built right on top of an ancient temple to Apollo, overlooking the Sea of Marmara. The church of Hagia Sophia was known as the Cathedral of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for more than a thousand years.

The city eventually changed its name to Istanbul and today the church is known as Hogia Sophia, or the Church of Holy Wisdom. Although the Hagia Sophia no longer conducts ceremonies, it attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in art, architecture, history, and religion.

Although Hagia Sophia Turkey has many parts that are original, Hagia Sophia history has witnessed two fires. The first fire occurred in the year 404, when rioters burned the church down in protest to the banishment of John Chrysostom, the former Archbishop of Constantinople. The church was damaged so severely that it took around ten years to rebuild. The church of Hagia Sophia enjoyed some peace for 117 years and was then burned down again, this time as part of the Nica Riots.

It wasn’t only the Church of Hagia Sophia that was affected. The fire was so severe that it nearly destroyed the entire city of Constantinople. The church was again rebuilt, but the damaging times in Sophia history were far from over. In 1346 and more recently in 1999, the church faced considerable damage from earthquakes. Luckily, the tools of modern engineering have helped prevent the church from suffering any major damage in the last few years.

The Hagia Sofia is located in Istanbul’s main historical district, Sultanahmet. This area of the city is best explored by foot or by public transportation. Istanbul has underground trains, a subway system, and a tram. All three of the public transportation systems are inexpensive and reliable. If you are using a rental car to explore Turkey, you may want to keep the car parked in your hotel’s parking lot for the duration of your stay in Istanbul. Istanbul streets tend to be crowded and narrow and traffic can be chaotic. It is also extremely difficult to find a parking spot.

The Church of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is open to tourists everyday except Monday, from 9am to 4pm. It’s best to avoid the weekends when crowds are at their largest. This rule can also be applied to visiting other attractions in Turkey, such as the Topkapi Palace. Admission prices are $5 for adults and children and $2.50 for students. There is also an extensive gift shop.

The awe inspiring church is full of mosaic tiles and galleries of paintings that depict religious scenes. One of the most interesting mosaics marks the spot where Byzantine emperors were crowned. . Architectural history buffs marvel at the structure of the building, which is arguably the most important existing piece of Byzantine architecture.

The main architectural feature of Hagia Sophia Turkey is its massive central dome. The dome is carried by four pendentives, which are concrete structures that allow the circular dome to be placed atop a rectangular base. Many people consider the walls and ceilings of the church to be great pieces of art. Nearly every square inch of interior surface is covered by green, purple, and white marble mosaics. Some of the most notable mosaics depicts the Virgin and Child as well as the Archangel Gabriel. Although several of the mosaics are damaged, others remain clear and intact. Some of the mosaics are so detailed that they look like paintings at first glance. With its impressive history and beautifully restored architecture, the church of Hagia Sophia is a main highlight of Istanbul.

Tahiti is the busiest of all of the French Polynesian Islands and is certainly one of the most popular places in the Pacific for a luxurious honeymoon getaway. It is also a common stopping point for cruises.

The island was once used as a base for Captain Cook and other 18th century explorers as they mapped out and explored the South Pacific.

Today, the Tahiti Islands serves as a major vacation destination, a residence for over 178,000 people, and the busiest port in French Polynesia. No matter where your Tahiti travel adventures take you, beautiful beaches or lagoons are probably just a short walk away.

The most well known French Polynesian Islands are Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Each island offers a distinct charm and set of attractions that sets it apart from other French Polynesian islands. The largest island, Tahiti (which means “gathering place”) is characterized by beautiful mountains covered in tropical foliage, large waterfalls, and spectacular beaches with both white and black sand.

Most people start their Tahiti travel by flying into Papetee, Tahiti”s capital and the location of the region”s largest airport. Papetee is a small, yet busy, city with plenty of French flavor. Visit the Central Market where you can buy fresh coconuts and hand crafted souvenirs. Also be sure to check out the Pearl Museum as well as the great selection of diners overlooking the ocean. After a day in the capital city of Tahiti travel by bus, rental car, or moped to one of the many beaches in Tahiti or jump on a ferry departing to the island of Moorea. The ferry rides takes just under an hour.

The island of Moorea is considered the “little sister” of Tahiti. Although it is much smaller than the main French Polynesia island of Tahiti, there are many beaches, shopping, and other things to do there. Some of the most popular activities to do on Tahiti vacations in Moorea include scuba diving, parasailing, swimming with dolphins, and visiting the local fruit factories. Belvedere Overlook is considered the best place to get a panoramic mountain top view of Moorea and the south pacific.

The overlook is a common place site for photographers and anyone who wants to view miles of bright blue ocean of French Polynesia. The Opunohu Valley is another must see attraction of the Tahiti Islands. The large valley in the interior of northern Moorea is the ideal place to go horseback riding and hike through lush vegetation. Moorea also has an abundance of coral reefs that can be explored by scuba diving and snorkeling.

The Tahiti Islands offer an abundance of beaches, pearl shopping, and hiking opportunities. Although Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesia Islands, you”ll find the most beaches on the island of Bora Bora. The most frequently visited beach is called Matira Point.

This long stretch of white sand in southern Bora Bora is scattered with public swimming areas along with private beaches that belong to beach resorts such as the Sofitel and the Intercontinental. You can find dozens of shops that sell Tahitian Black Pearls in downtown Papetee and in various shops on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora. To learn more about the famous black pearl, visit the Museum of the Black Pearl in downtownPapetee.

This small museum is open daily from 8am-7pm. Its exhibits document the history of Tahitian Black Pearls and teaches visitors how to judge the quality of a pearl. Hiking is very popular on the main island of Tahiti. One of the most popular spots to hike is the Te Pari Cliffs, located on the south coast. The hike is moderately difficult and is highlighted by views of the coastline as well as green valleys.

If you’re planning a honeymoon vacation or considering Tahiti cruise packages and you’re worried about the weather, the islands enjoy a warm climate all year with temperatures ranging between 80-85 degrees. Although there is a rainy season from October to March, rainfall is relatively infrequent making Tahiti an ideal destination any time of year

Warm sunshine, cool sea breeze, music, gaiety and fun. These are the images that conjure up in one’s mind on the thought of a holiday to a beach resort destination in the Caribbean.

But there are surely several beach resort destinations here in the Caribbean which also include ‘sophistication’ and ‘panache’ as a service that they offer besides others. Holetown is one such beach resort destination which treats its guests with exclusivity and importance.

This beach resort destination is one of the most exclusive and expensive beach resort destination in the Caribbean.

Reaching There:

The Grantley International Airport situated at Barbados is the nearest access point to reach Holetown.

Beach Locations:

The area around Paynes bay exudes sophistication and richness by means of plenty of hotels and resorts opened there. This bay area also has some of the best slices of the beach to its name. apart from these private beaches there are several sandy stretches along the Coach house which are accessible to the general public.

The beaches here in Holetown have fine powdery white sand which has a soothing granular massaging feel to it. The beach areas here generally have shallow waters and are thus perfect for swimming as well as lazing around.

Activities beyond the beach:

The lush green outback of the Caribbean provides excellent opportunities for golfers to have a ball. There are several golf courses here around these areas which are very popular with tourists on a holiday to Holetown. Apart from this a visit to Harrison’s Cave and St James Parish Church also figures very high in the things to do list of tourists here in Holetown.

The beach resort destination of Korcula is the perfect example of a floating slice of heaven situated in Croatia, tantalizing tourists from across the globe to come and visit this paradise.

Decorated with pines and forests this beach resort destination of Korcula has all the elements of beauty and serenity wrapped around it. With beautiful and warm weather this place is perfect for that lazy holiday that you have always desired on a secluded beach.

Wide sandy beaches punctuated with pebble beaches and plenty of secluded coves is what the beach destination of Korcula offers to the tourists the moment they reach here.

Reaching There:

The Dubrovnik airport provides the tourist community the link to access this beach destination of Korcula.

Beach Locations:

Korcula has since long been voted by the tourists as the best island destination in the entire of Croatia which is made up of thousands of islands. Korcula has to its name plenty of beautiful beaches which showcase the beauty of this destination by providing breath taking views of the beautiful waterfront. The secluded coves attract tourists seeking solace and calmness. The pebble beach located at Orebic is one beautiful spot situated at a short distance from the town of Korcula.

Activities beyond the beach:

A walk through the laid cobble streets of Korcula will allow the tourists to marvel and admire at its beautiful houses decorated with incredible architecture. Also worth visiting is the old part of the town which provides the tourists the opportunity to take in breath taking views of the Peljeski Channel all the way to the far off mountains of the mainland.

With picturesque positioning between the Pacific Ocean and a mountain range, there is no dearth of natural beauty here at Santa Barbara.

With beautiful tiled houses bordering palm tree line streets, there is every inch of beauty in this picturesque holiday destination of Santa Barbara. The entire expanse of the Santa Barbara beach resort destination is dotted by beautiful fountains and sculptures resting in the middle of intricately laid cobbled streets. 

There is this special charm present in the Santa Barbara beach resort destination which reflects old time Spanish and American Indian traces and roots.

Reaching There:

With the Santa Barbara airport very well within its limits it is very easy to access the Santa Barbara beach resort destination.

Beach Locations:

There are several beaches lining the Santa Barbara area.  East and Leadbetter are by far the most popular beaches within the tourist community on a vacation to Santa Barbara. These two beaches are located to the south of the commercial centre of Santa Barbara.

Most of these beaches are surrounded by paved pathways which are used by people to walk on and enjoy the beautiful views of the waters around the Santa Barbara beach resort destination. Indulging in scuba diving is also a popular option with the tourists who visit Santa Barbara on a holiday.

Activities beyond the Beach:

If you are on the lookout for fun activities beyond the beach then there are several options available to keep you engaged and make your trip to Santa Barbara beach destination worthwhile. This includes walking through the streets of Santa Barbara and taking breaks at its inviting café’s and eateries, visiting the Santa Barbara zoo or going out on biking trips or nature trails.

Togo is probably one of the nicest places in Western Africa. Roads are pretty good, distances small, beaches sandy and white, people friendly, hills and mountains waiting to be explored.

What else do you need? The capital city, Lomé is an excellent place to start your trip. Lots of daytrips can be made to Togoville on the borders of Lake Togo or Aneho. When you go north Kpalime and its beautiful hilly surroundings deserve a visit; trekking and hiking in the area is wonderful.

Continue further north if you are into hiking. Kara is the place to go. Nearby is Tamberma Valley which has intriguing castle like structures known as Tatas. The national parks of Fazao and Keran offer good opportunities to view wildlife.

A good place to stay in Lomé is Chez Alice in Avepozo, a few miles east of the city along the main coastal road to Benin. You can rent affordable rooms or pitch up your tent in the yard. Good places to eat can be found nearby on the roadside.

The fifth Disney theme park in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is located in Penny’s Bay on Lantau Island.

Built with Chinese customs and culture in mind, Disneyland in Hong Kong is a rich mix of the flair of the orient with the traditional outlay of the Disney parks you’ve come to know and love.

If you are traveling to China with your family, or even if you are just a kid at heart, a sidetrip to the Disneyland in Hong Kong will be well worth your time.

There’s a reason Disney theme parks have been one of the world’s most popular destinations for decades. And if you really want to splurge, make sure to stay at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, so you can be surrounded by Disney Magic at all times.

Like its famous American counterpart, Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into four different themed lands – Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Each one features whirling rides, affable characters roaming the paths, and other Disney-themed excitement.

Main Street is a whirl of lights at nighttime, like Christmas all year round. During the day it’s where you’ll find the parade of characters, and in the evening all heads turn towards Cinderella’s Castle, where a nightly fireworks display draws oohs and aahs from the crowd. Adventureland is outfitted with the Jungle River Cruise and the popular Tarzan’s Island.

Feel the Gs when you get on the fan-favorite Space Mountain, as you are sent twisting and twirling into the darkness in Tomorrowland. This is also where you”ll come across the Orbitron and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and various other space-related attractions. Fantasyland is the park’s largest section and features signature rides like the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups.

And children young and old always love the Winnie the Pooh ride, as you take a journey through the many adventures of the lovable bear. Here you’ll also find a slightly altered version of the It’s A Small World ride, tailored to include scenes from Chinese culture, along with other scenes unique to Disneyland in Hong Kong.

For those looking to make the park a focal point of their trip, the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is one of the best places you’ll find to stay, and is an essential part of any vacation package to Disneyland Hong Kong. Built to resemble a tropical cotton plantation and was its construction was inspired by the many other Disneyland hotels operating throughout the world.

No matter where you are, you can always take a trip back to your childhood by visiting one of the Disney theme parks. But none of them match the exotic flavor of Hong Kong Disneyland – so get a room at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and see why the park is one of the finest Disney exports in the world.

Ajaccio is the largest city (albeit a small city) on the island of Corsica, and located on its western coast. Numerous Ajaccio beaches as well as the city’s rich history draw thousands of visitors.

It is the major port of call for ocean cruises in the Mediterranean, and a number of large international cruise lines have their ships anchor here—generally for one or two nights. It is also one of the island’s several ports for ferries to and from mainland France, Italy, and its island of Sardinia.

Corsica and Ajaccio travel has been important to mariners and conquerors for centuries, beginning with the Greek Empire who called the island Kallisto, meaning the “most beautiful.”

The Roman Empire arrived in Ajaccio in 259 BC, and independent republics from mainland Italy ruled for the nearly 2,000 years after that. The Republic of Genoa began ruling the island in the twelfth century, and it was during this time that the massive citadel that dominates the city was built.

This is one of the main attractions of a vacation to Ajaccio as are similar huge defensive structures built by the Genoese in the island’s other seaports—most prominently Calvi and Bonifacio. The city is known as the birthplace of Napoleon who was born here in 1769, the same year the Genoese were finally ousted and Ajaccio travel for the purpose of conquest ended.

The Ajaccio beaches are the primary attractions of a vacation to Ajaccio and if you are strolling on the city’s main beach (the Plage St. Francois), you will be strolling in the shadow of the citadel, which sits on a point guarding the western entrance of the harbor. Also on this point is a museum that chronicles the history of the region and the house that was the Bonaparte family residence.

You will also find one of the finest Ajaccio hotels here, the Palazzu u Domu. This is the former palace residence of one of the wealthiest families in the city, and is a luxurious boutique hotel with one of the best locations if you intend on staying in the city, as it is within walking distance of most of the things to do in Ajaccio city center. There are boat cruises available from the Citadel point to the four rocky Sanguinaires Islands that are just offshore.

Other Ajaccio beaches will be found along the coast on both sides of the city. Probably the most popular for a family vacation to Ajaccio is Ricanto Beach, located only a short drive from city center. This one of the island beaches with a lifeguard, and has ample parking as well as toilets and other facilities. If you want sheltered lagoons with beaches that are very secluded, travel north along the coast as far as the village of Cargese about twenty miles away.

Ajaccio travel to this region offers a number of vacation rentals that are generally one-family homes and small villas. There are also excellent diving routes along the coast, especially north of Ajaccio towards the Scandola Nature Reserve and south around the charming seaside town of Propriano where you can see the tallest of the several Genoese towers on the island. It is possible to climb stairs to the top of the graceful tower for fabulous views of the bay and coastline.