Situated in the heart of the Kenyan bush you’ll discover the unique hotel of Giraffe Manor. Surrounded by 140 square acres of indigenous bush, Giraffe Manor may seem a little out of the way but in reality it’s only a 20 kilometres drive from Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.
The Manor – which was built in the 1930s – has maintained its glorious periodic charm; it was modelled on a Scottish stately home by European royals and nobility at the beginning of the Twentieth Century for them to spend their summers out in the beauty of the African bush hunting large game animals.
Nowadays the stately home is a luxurious holiday retreat with a wildlife twist; the grounds have been a sanctuary for a herd of giraffe for over 20 years. First set up by the AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) the grounds were used to nurture a specific giraffe subspecies (The Rothschild or ‘Baringo’ Giraffe) whose numbers were rapidly dwindling.
No longer are the Rothschild Giraffes numbers falling: in fact they have been thriving throughout the entire African continent for over a decade. The giraffes have grown rather fond of their habitat. The chances of them venturing off into the wilderness seem very slim as they adore the constant petting and attention they get from the hotel’s guest and staff!
The manor offers an exquisite opportunity for the discerning guest. The rooms are authentically furnished to suit the nobles for whom they were originally intended, so expect comfort beyond belief: four-poster beds, grand antique wardrobes, game animal-rugs, hunting trophies, and spa-inspired en-suite bathrooms. This is all wrapped up within the cosy wood and stone grandeur which exudes from every corner of the wonderful manor house.
Dining is a different experience in itself. Be it afternoon tea in the drawing room or a candlelit dinner in the majestic grand hall, you should always be ready to greet a stranger; the giraffes frequently pop their heads through the window to join in at meal times. Some of the adult giraffes are even able to reach to the sills of the top accommodations, so expect little privacy from the surrounding wildlife.
This factor makes Giraffe Manor unique to any other hotel in the world and the perfect accommodation to live out that safari holiday dream. The wildlife isn’t just on your doorstep, it’s coming through your window!
Peter Richards is a Digital Marketing Manager at Tropical Sky.
The magnificent Palazzo Farnese in Rome, home to the French Embassy, usually closed to the public is exceptionally open this year, until 27th April 2011 for a great exhibition of about 150 works of art gathered from some of the major Italian and French museums, but also from USA and other European collections. The main focus however is the Palazzo Farnese itself, a jewel of the Roman Renaissance, its courtyard and beautiful furnishings. A unique chance to visit this iconic building.
Instead of having your feet scrubbed to get rid of dead skin cells, how about a fish pedicure? This is a practice that first became popular in Turkey before moving to other parts of Asia and on to the US where fish feed on the dead skins cells on your feet. Supposedly, it’s therapeutic although most people trying it seem to describe a mildly uncomfortable tickling sensation. Here’s various pieces of footage for you to ‘enjoy’.
Singapore Airport:
Cambodia:
USA:
Meanwhile, others are questioning the safety of such a treatment. See the BBC article here. If faced with the opportunity, would it be something you’d try?
Ananda is located in the hamlet town of Narendra Nagar in the Himalayas, close to the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the holy town of Haridwar, where the River Ganges flows through. The surrounding scenery and nature is ideal for the holistic lifestyle approach that Ananda takes towards rejuvenation and wellbeing of the body, mind and soul of its guests. The easiest ways to get there is via a flight from Delhi to Dehradun airport or via train from Delhi to Haridwar. Free transfers are provided from the airport or train station to Ananda.
The surroundings are breath-taking as you arrive on the Ananda property. Concealed behind the palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, lies the luxurious reception area of Ananda and nearby are the residential quarters, spa, restaurant, music pavilion, amphitheatre and nine-hole golf course.
Ananda is much more than a spa in the western sense. By promoting a holistic way of life, Ananda combines the best of the East and the West in order to help its guests live a better, healthier and more complete life. Grounded in ayurveda, yoga and vedanta combined with contemporary international therapies, Ananda thrives to improve the physical, mental and spiritual health of its guests.
Depending on which package you select, you will typically have one to three treatments or personalised sessions per day. From ayurveda to wellness to weight loss management to yoga, there is such a variety of packages to select from and over 70 body & beauty treatments. Within the ayurvedic package, you find that once your Dosha (the dynamic living force – Vata, Pitta or Kapha) is determined, a diet, exercise and treatment schedule is created accordingly during a consultation with your physician.
Ayurveda in Sanskrit means “the complete knowledge for long life”. The ayurvedic treatments vary from Abhyabga (a synchronized full body massage administered by two therapists using herb infused sesame oil) to Mukh Lepa (centuries-old facial using traditional herbs to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate). Those who want to work on firming and toning may go for Udwarthana which is a deep dry massage using herbal powders that assist to break down the body’s excess fat or for those wanting to improve memory and normalize blood pressure and sleep patterns, may want to book Shirodhara. The options are endless and each treatment begins & ends with sacred blessings including beautifully sung prayers by your therapists. There is nothing that Ananda has not thought of in making these treatments memorable.
Other than the spa treatments, additional experiences vary from daily yoga sessions, meditation, pranayam and fitness classes. These are also complimented by Vedanta classes by Senior Disciples of Swami Parthasarthy on directing one to the goal of spiritual enlightenment (Vedanta meaning the highest knowledge in Sanskrit ) and there are often special talks from guest visitors on topics such as Cranio Sacral Therapy and the local history of the area.
And if all this isn’t enough for you to stay busy, there are classical dance performances, cooking classes and traditional Indian music classes. And it is even possible to arrange evening trips to see the Aarti at the River Ganga, mountain hiking to the Kunjapuri Temple, white water rafting and much more.
The award-winning restaurant offers a delicious A La Carte menu, along with a special daily menu from the Ananda Chef, an extensive wine list and finally the Wellness Plan Menu which you can order from in line with your Dosha.
This place is like nothing else on earth, you will feel at home with Mother Nature and the environment and a heightened sense of spirituality. It is no wonder that Ananda has become the only destination spa in the world to be in the top 3 position for the Condé Nast Awards six years running.
In recent years Bulgaria has started growing as a destination on the European travelling circuit. The reason why Bulgaria is a holiday destination is because it offers wonderful sunshine on golden beaches in the summer and mountainous getaways with ample skiing opportunities in the winter.
While Bulgaria’s tourism fortunes have changed in the past few years there are still areas of Bulgaria that don’t receive the level of tourism they deserve, one of these places is the old city of Plovdiv.
Plovdiv is a city that defies all logic, yet not many have heard of its wonders. Plovdiv is ranked the 6th oldest inhabited city in the old having become a settlement over six thousand years ago in 4,000 BC. Many would not know but Plovdiv is actually older than Athens and Constantinople.
Even from as far back as the Roman times Plovdiv was seen as a hidden gem, a jewel of the Roman Empire. This is shown through the famous Roman writer Lucian who said: “This is the biggest and loveliest of all cities. Its beauty shines from faraway.”
Unfortunately for people of Western Europe and further afield the beauty of Plovdiv was hidden behind the Iron curtain of Communism for much of the twentieth century and has only really been a viable travel destination for the past decade or so.
Today Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second largest city after the capital Sofia; this means that it is a bustling metropolis that entwines history with modern day design to make for a very interesting and enthralling place. At every turn you will find old next to new as the city has over four hundred historical sites around its main city centre.
The beauty of Plovdiv is how much of its history is still available today; there are places such as a Roman theatre dating back two thousand years that is still used in the summer months for theatrical performances. Other places of interest are the old town full of beautiful renaissance houses from the nineteenth century and the Roman amphitheatre that runs under the main street of the city but can be seen at various places outside and under the floor in one of the main shopping centres, just to mention a few.
If you are looking for a historical get away what you will enjoy about the city of Plovdiv is that it is not a major city on the tourist trail so most of the historical monuments are in natural situ as they were when they were built. This means you can see them in their natural state and at your own leisure without suffering tour guides and large numbers of people.
For those who wish to keep up with modern times Plovdiv offers the best cafes and bars for miles around. You will see many Bulgarians spending hours in the wonderful cafes during the daylight hours then partaking in a beverage at the bars as the light of the sun wanes to become the evening.
Plovdiv carries such a rich history and a forward thinking society. This combines some of the worlds oldest historical monuments with the latest in technology and architecture to create the most interesting experience a traveller could enjoy.
New York is definitely one city where you need to live the experience rather than rush around a lot of attractions, especially if you’re only there for a few days. But that’s easier said than done if you don’t have a native New Yorker to help you out. Well, don’t worry, our guide will give you an exciting morning to evening itinerary.
Breakfast
Americans really know how to do breakfast, and if you choose one of the more substantial dishes (they’re all pretty substantial, to be honest) you won’t need to eat again till the evening. The amazing Pastis in the meatpacking district is a great place for a week day breakfast or brunch, serving classics such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, and, amazingly, a full English breakfast.
Paradou, again in the meatpacking district, is the perfect choice for relaxed weekend brunch, with Champagne cocktails coming as part of the deal. Prepare to be fed well, with dishes such as ‘the best burger in town’ and Duck Reuben – an enormous duck sandwich served with baked potato.
If you want a real American diner experience, the Hudson Diner on Hudson Street has a million different breakfast varieties and a warm, traditional American vibe.
Daytime attractions
OK, we said we weren’t going to do the big tourist sites, but really, you can’t miss the Empire State Building. Not only does it have the best view of New York, it’s also an art deco masterpiece from the city’s golden era. Pretend you’re Fay Wray as you cling to the viewing deck at the very top. Be warned, though, that the queues can be immense, so give yourself plenty of time. You can skip some of those queues if you buy your tickets online (available through various outlets).
You will probably want to go to a couple of museums. We’d recommend the Museum of Modern Art, otherwise known as MoMA, which is roughly New York’s equivalent of London’s Tate Modern. MoMA houses a huge range of modern artefacts, from architecture and design to media and performance art. Special exhibitions will cost more, so check online to see what’s on.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a more imposing affair, and something akin to the National Gallery in London or the British Museum. The collection contains Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, mediaeval art, costume and modern American art. Again, you can buy tickets for special exhibitions online.
Take a stroll
If it’s a beautiful New York day (and it may well be, even in winter) then take a walk around some of New York’s most beautiful districts. To see the city at its iconic best walk across Brooklyn Bridge and take in the entire skyline. If you want an inner city, Breakfast at Tiffany’s type experience then wander around the East and West Village, perhaps stopping at the famous Magnolia Bakery for cup cakes.
Of course you’ll want to visit Central Park. Be careful though, it is enormous and will take a while to get across. If you want to pretend you’re a real New Yorker you can take a run around the reservoir, or take a boat out on the lake.
Shopping
Are you on a budget or prepared to splurge? If you’re on a budget try bargain hunting around Chinatown, and while you’re there, help yourself to some authentic dim sum. If you’re after something more stylish then head for Fifth Avenue for the full designer experience, or SoHo for a mix of designer outlets and inexpensive, independent boutiques.
Dinner
New York, like any big city, has a huge range of top quality restaurants and you’ll probably have a great dining experience in any district. A few restaurants that stand out are Buddakan, which featured in the first Sex and the City movie and which serves up delicious and delicate Asian fusion food. Another is Gotham Grill, serving classic American and international dishes.
Matt Walls is the Senior Director of Marketing at Hotels.com.
Mintfish is the latest and exclusive vacation home from Pineapplefish Luxury Villas on Anna Maria Island. A fantastic and luxurious 4-bedroom waterfront rental home on Anna Maria Island, Mintfish enjoys an incredible waterfront location with spectacular views across Bimini Bay. A single-storey, spacious rental, the open plan living area has large picture windows looking out across the water capturing beautiful sunrises each morning. Tropical colors, bright but calming luxury furniture and furnishings, Mintfish is a wonderful home for families and friends and consists of a master bedroom with king bed, 2 further double rooms with queen beds, and the fourth bedroom has 2 bunk beds (4 beds). The beautiful outside area, facing out toward the Bay, boasts a great sized swimming pool, with Jacuzzi, a dock and plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining, with Royal palm trees having recently been planted all around the property too.
As you wind your way up through the canopy of twisted oaks and slopes, filled with olive trees and vines you’ll begin to hear the strains of Puccini in your ears. Arriving at a the tiny Tuscan village of Moncioni, drop your bags in the cool welcoming lobby before scurrying out onto the lavender-filled terrace to drink in the majestic views of the Monte del Chianti and the Arno Valley beyond.
This is Villa Sassolini, an elegant country hotel and restaurant in the heart of the Tuscan countryside – a charming 15th century palazzo with a stylish contemporary interior , of stone-cool relaxing greys and linen textures, combined with contemporary lighting and carefully selected furnishings
The hotel successfully blends its heritage with modern day needs of refined hospitality, with meticulous attention to detail. The ten elegant suites guarantee relaxation where you can lose yourself in the orchestrated rhythms of the Tuscan countryside. It is magical to wake up, throw open the windows to the early morning sun and enjoy the view.
Piero, the charming hotel chef, likes to express his passion for local produce and will quickly prepare a light and deliciously tasting lunch of Carpaccio of Porcini mushrooms, drizzled with a light truffle oil dressing whilst you lounge on the fragrant poolside terrace with a chilled glass of wine.
Villa Sassolini is close enough to all the main historical cities to make day trips easy, with Florence and Siena within an hour’s drive. It’s a little further to places such as the historical hillside town of Cortona, where you can wander the narrow streets, browse boutique shops or simply sit in the coolness of the local café bar with a rich and creamy Latte and watch the world go by.
Add a slice of adventure to your life with an adrenaline-filled short break at the luxurious five-star Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork, Ireland. Stay for two nights in a deluxe room, including breakfast both mornings, and experience the beautiful coastline and surrounding countryside of East Cork from a different perspective by taking part in an exciting outdoor pursuit.
Pick from five thrilling activities – rock climbing, kayaking, surfing, body boarding or Thundercat powerboating – and whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular adventurer, you will be looked after by local experts to ensure you have the time of your life.
Before you leave for the morning’s adventure, pick up your packed lunch carefully prepared by the chefs at Castlemartyr Resort. Then after hours of thrills return to the hotel and enjoy a muscle-easing spa treatment at a special discounted rate*, followed by unlimited access to the health and wellbeing centre, where you can you can unwind in the steam room, sauna or ozone-treated pool.
End the day with an exquisite meal for two in the Clubhouse where you’ll enjoy locally sourced produce, served in a warm, welcoming environment.
Enjoy two nights in a deluxe room including breakfast both mornings, packed lunch, a half-day activity with Ardmore Adventure and dinner for two in the Clubhouse from just €600 based on two sharing (€650 at weekends).
Just two weeks after The Luxury Travel Bible issued a press release with its top 10 sexiest hotels in the world for Valentine’s, I’ve been sent an email by Tripadvisor with their own top 10 sexy hotels. Perhaps not surprisingly, there aren’t many that are common to both lists. Here are the two lists:
Top 10 Sexiest Hotels in the World from The Luxury Travel Bible
Andaz San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
Crazy Bear Hotel, Beaconsfield, UK
Fleming House, Goldeneye, Jamaica
Hotel Amour, Paris, France
Hotel Sezz, Paris, France
Maison Moschino, Milan
Night New York, New York, USA
The Library Hotel, New York, USA
The Palms, Las Vegas, USA
The Seven Hotel, Paris, France
Top 10 Sexy Hotels from Tripadvisor
Palmer House South Beach, Miami Beach, USA
Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, USA
ME Madrid Reina Victoria, Madrid, Spain
Night Hotel, New York City, USA
Le Meridien Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
W Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
Axel Hotel Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Buddha-Bar Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
be Manos, Brussels, Belgium
Congratulations to Night New York, the one hotel to make both lists.
An enchanting island, offering the utmost in privacy, Peter Island is a hidden gem with all the natural beauty and peace of a far-flung Caribbean dream getaway. The resort’s secluded charm can mean it takes a little longer to get to and with this in mind Peter Island is offering guests their first night complimentary! What’s more, guests can unwind and ease into their holiday safe in the knowledge that having booked on a Room Only basis they’re getting breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner absolutely free for the duration of their stay. Can there be any better way to start a well earned break?!
Peter Island Resort & Spa offers the complimentary night offer for all stays that are five nights or over. Book by 15th March 2011 for travel until 19th December 2011 on a Complimentary Full Board Basis. This offer is not combinable with any other offer.
Five nights at Peter Island start from £1,085 including tax in an Ocean View Room on a full board basis; saving £1,151 – better than half price!
Exuding effortless style and with views overlooking Victoria Harbour, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus will be the boutique hotel of choice for sophisticated travellers. Scheduled to open in mid-March, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus is set to become a new Hong Kong landmark.
Ideally located in Connaught Road West, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus is within walking distance to Hong Kong’s bustling city centre, the Macau Ferry Terminal and the colourful, creative hub of Sheung Wan.
Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus’ ultra-stylish 32-storey glass tower reflects the simple elegance of the interiors. Designed by award-winning Hong Kong architect Antony Chan, the 90-room property combines a sleek-chic design, practical comforts and a thoughtful attention to detail. Contemporary furnishings, soft-lit spaces and surprising extras create a welcoming, intimate environment.
The majority of the open-plan rooms boast panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the lush Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park. When Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus’ guests need a respite from Hong Kong’s hectic streets and nonstop pace, they can enjoy the city’s most spectacular sights from the comfort of their private oasis.
At Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus, visitors experience exceptional standards of service. Recognising each guest has individual needs, Rhombus has introduced its ‘R Touch’ e-recognition programme. Taking personalised accommodation to the next level, the programme enables selected guests to tailor their stay to their preferences. From their favourite newspaper to their choice of soft or firm pillows, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus ensures every customer receives personalised attention.
Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus offers five accommodation categories: Superior Room, Harbour View Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Harbour View Room and Executive Harbour View Room. Each room includes complimentary WiFi internet access and features high quality audio visual equipment, a 42-inch LED TV, DVD Player and iPod or iPhone docking stations.
To celebrate Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus’ opening, guests can enjoy a special room rate of only HK$898 + 10% service charge per Superior Room per night.
Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus’ guests can also spice up their stay with a visit to the glo restaurant + lounge. Located on the 1st floor, this intimate restaurant caters to world travellers with a taste for diversity and an appetite for epicurean excellence. While reflective panels, frosted-glass partitions and the clean, uncluttered design convey a relaxed setting, the open kitchen adds warmth and a dash of drama.
With its panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, stylish design and easy access to major attractions and transportation routes, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus is positioned to become Hong Kong’s ultimate urban hideaway.
Proud to be one of the most exciting and lively après-ski resorts in the Alps, Val d’Isère is set to make this season its best yet, with a host of new openings, celebrations and end-of-season parties that will be hard to forget.
Whilst infamous for its unforgettable skiing possibilities, Val d’Isère also has an unrivalled collection of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cafés, making sure that guests are always spoilt for après-skiing choice.
Oh! Crazy Barm’s brasserie is one of the newest members to Val’s already impressive collection of trendy, modern hot-spots; with its light and airy décor, bright colours and ice-capped walls, Oh! Crazy Barm’s introduces a fresh take on traditional alpine bars and restaurants.
Live outdoor music is a vital après-ski ingredient and the new terrace which has just opened this season at Doudoune Le Chalet has become the latest music hub in Val d’Isère with live music every Thursday from 4:30pm from local rock band ‘Mullit.’
From new-players to an established legend; Val d’Isère welcomed this season one of the most anticipated après-ski launches in years with the renowned Dick’s Tea Bar. Seasonaires to royalty have graced the dance floor at Dick’s and now under new management, improvements include upgraded sound and lighting systems, a complete new layout, a new drinks menu and brand new furniture.
After a night in the dark, what better way to spend the following day than out in the sun, a chocolat-chaud in hand on the terrace of La Folie Douce, live music in the background and snow-covered Alps as a view? This legendary social spot is always a-buzz, never more so than during the last days of the season when the party never stops.
Finish the season in style with the legendary Val d’Isère end-of-season concerts held in the Tourist Office square from 5pm on the 26th, 28th and 29th April 2011; a truly incredible end to a spectacular season, that will keep you counting down the days to the next snow fall!
This year, tennis legends Tim Henman and Pete Sampras are joining the BNP Paribas Zurich Open for the first time. Their inclusion makes the Open one of the top fields on the ATP Champions Tour as they play alongside the likes of John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Goran Ivanisevic and Henri Leconte, all hitting Zurich next week to battle it out for the coveted title.
As the Zurich Open’s official hotel partner this year, holding parties throughout and hosting the tournament’s international players, The Dolder Grand is offering tennis fans and sybarites alike the chance to get within a racket’s length of the action at Zurich’s sporting event of 2011. Located between Zurich and the scenic forest, The Dolder Grand enjoys beautiful views of the city and the Alps. This is a fantastic environment for those searching for pleasure, exclusivity and relaxation in an invigorating natural setting.
The Dolder Grand Zurich Open Package is available until the end of the tournament on 12th March 2011, includes one night’s accommodation, a VIP ticket to the BNP Paribas Zurich Open and transfers to the Saalsporthalle venue as well as a snack and glass of Champagne at the its Dolder Grand Champagne bar.
There’s nothing luxurious here, but I think anyone with a love of travel would find it interesting, so I’m sharing it regardless! First up, a footpath that’s being billed on YouTube as the world’s scariest. El camino del ray is a via ferrata that’s now fallen into a state of disrepair, located in the province of Malaga, Spain. The provincial government has apparently agreed to repair the walkway at an estimated cost of 8.3 million euros; work will commence later this year and it will be around 3 years until completion. Anyway, without further ado, see this amazing walkway for yourself…
And next up we have what is arguably the scariest motorbike trail you’ll ever see. Ligurische grenzkammstrasse is a former military route on the French-Italian border.
If you know of any other routes that are equally extreme or seemingly unbelievable, please share them by posting a comment.
Venice, a part of Italy that many Venetians consider a separate country, and it that is hard to argue with as it is much different than most other parts of Italy with the many canals and no personal vehicles allowed. Walking Venice is a wonderful and even romantic way to see the sites, as you wander from island to island over the many canal bridges maybe getting “lost” in the streets and alleys. Which is fine, as it is small enough, you will find your way eventually and there are so many things to see. Even at night it is fun to explore and discover something you didn’t see in the day in this nearly crime-fee city. When you want to rest, there are city squares to sit in or have a delightful glass of wine at an outdoor café and people watch. If wanting to go a further distance than wanting to walk then ride on a waterbus (Vaporetto), taking in the views of the often unusual architecture, while hopping off and on in different areas of the city.
Vaporettos also travel to some of the more distant islands that you can tour in one day. The first is Murano where glassmaking began in 1291 A.D. You can, for free, watch glassmakers crafting this stunning glassware. Very interesting is a visit through one of the glass museums such as the Harvester & Toso Museum. Of course, although you won’t be pressured, you can always buy a piece or two.
Burano, is fun to walk around and look at the houses that are painted in bright colors. It is, also, the island of Venice’s lace making and there is an interesting lace museum. Next, go to nearby Tocello and visit the beautiful cathedral with stone and gold mosaics and a tower than is easily walked and worth doing to take in the island views and the lagoon. There is a good shopping area and a walk to the beach let’s one sit and rest a bit or stroll in the low waters of the Adriatic.
Back in the “mainland” there are many choices of places to see and visit again by walking or traveling on the Vaporetta through the Grand Canal. St. Mark’s square or Piazzo San Marco is the biggest square full of places to visit such as the historical Doge Palace for example. Having a drink and/or something to eat is best in the center of the square where you can view the architecture, listen to the hourly bell, the dueling café orchestras and, watch the thousands of pigeons that nearly cover the floor of the square. The square is on the lowest island in Venice which can be rainy so bring an umbrella.
There are 354 bridges in Venice, with the most famous being The Bridge of Sighs named for the sighs of prisoners who walked over the bridge to be put to death. At one end of the bridge is the Rialto Fish market, which is just huge with a nearby flower and vegetable market.
Even if you are not an art aficionado, a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum offers a chance to see famous contemporary art by great artists such as Pollock, Picasso, Duchamp, a number of fine Italian artists, and more. The Venier House of Lions Palace (which was never finished) was bought in the 1950’s by Peggy Guggenheim who spent her life collecting modern art for her museum.
Then if you desire a further dose of art take in Venice’s most important art collection, of Venetian artists from the 14th to 18th centuries, at the Gallerie dell’Accademia. You can, also, visit the Correr Museum, full of important pieces of various types of art and many other objects.
Along the Grand Canal are a number of palaces, some of which you can go inside, the most magnificent being the Ca’d’Oro (Golden House) with its fine collections and a great view from the balconies.
Then there is the food, of which a favorite of Venetians, are the “cicchetti” (little appetizers). There are lots of types including “soppressa” (a salami), fried crab, boiled egg with anchovies, and rice balls with fillings. Many Venetians enjoy sitting on a bridge over a small canal, especially in the late afternoon. Just go to a nearby tavern, point at the “cicchetti” you want, and enjoy with a glass of wine, of course. Then pay when you are done.
There is so much more to eat such as seafood cooked in different ways and pastas, the “risi e bisi” (rice with peas). After the first course, don’t forget a second course, which is a must. No matter what you order, whether in a romantic dark restaurant or perhaps an outside café, you’ll want to enjoy eating in Venice, with, of course, a great and easily affordable wine.
Don’t forget (which is nearly impossible) to take a romantic and fun ride on a Gondola, especially at night, while serenaded by your Gondolier.
There is so much more to see and do in Venice, so one trip isn’t enough. But that is fine because after visiting Venice once, you will surely want to visit again.
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Situated in the heart of the Kenyan bush you’ll discover the unique hotel of Giraffe Manor. Surrounded by 140 square acres of indigenous bush, Giraffe Manor may seem a little out of the way but in reality it’s only a 20 kilometres drive from Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.
In recent years Bulgaria has started growing as a destination on the European travelling circuit. The reason why Bulgaria is a holiday destination is because it offers wonderful sunshine on golden beaches in the summer and mountainous getaways with ample skiing opportunities in the winter.
New York is definitely one city where you need to live the experience rather than rush around a lot of attractions, especially if you’re only there for a few days. But that’s easier said than done if you don’t have a native New Yorker to help you out. Well, don’t worry, our guide will give you an exciting morning to evening itinerary.
As you wind your way up through the canopy of twisted oaks and slopes, filled with olive trees and vines you’ll begin to hear the strains of Puccini in your ears. Arriving at a the tiny Tuscan village of Moncioni, drop your bags in the cool welcoming lobby before scurrying out onto the lavender-filled terrace to drink in the majestic views of the Monte del Chianti and the Arno Valley beyond.
Add a slice of adventure to your life with an adrenaline-filled short break at the luxurious five-star 
Just two weeks after 
An enchanting island, offering the utmost in privacy, 
Exuding effortless style and with views overlooking Victoria Harbour, 
Proud to be one of the most exciting and lively après-ski resorts in the Alps, Val d’Isère is set to make this season its best yet, with a host of new openings, celebrations and end-of-season parties that will be hard to forget.
This year, tennis legends Tim Henman and Pete Sampras are joining the 
Venice, a part of Italy that many Venetians consider a separate country, and it that is hard to argue with as it is much different than most other parts of Italy with the many canals and no personal vehicles allowed. Walking Venice is a wonderful and even romantic way to see the sites, as you wander from island to island over the many canal bridges maybe getting “lost” in the streets and alleys. Which is fine, as it is small enough, you will find your way eventually and there are so many things to see. Even at night it is fun to explore and discover something you didn’t see in the day in this nearly crime-fee city. When you want to rest, there are city squares to sit in or have a delightful glass of wine at an outdoor café and people watch. If wanting to go a further distance than wanting to walk then ride on a waterbus (Vaporetto), taking in the views of the often unusual architecture, while hopping off and on in different areas of the city.