5 Amazing Historical Sites in Istanbul, Turkey

Traveling has become a passion to most people who look into having a wonderful time away from the monotonous tasks. However, the choice of destination is very important and should be thought through well. One place which will certainly satisfy your thrill for travel is Istanbul in Turkey. This part of Turkey has a lot of attractive historical locations in addition to having wonderful accommodation options. The options include hotels, hostels and apartments while Istanbul apartment prices are varied and which is depends on your preference and budget. For instance, the hostels are ideally priced if you want to save on money while having great accommodation. Still, for extended stays, you can decide to book into a hotel or go for an apartment for a more personalized stay. When it comes to site seeing, some of the best historical places here include:

1. Basilica Cistern

This is an underground wonder which you have to make a point of visiting when in this location. It used to serve as a water storage chamber during the earlier times. It is located beneath the square known as stoa basilica which provides a unique underground experience. The basilica cistern is made of 36 beautiful marble columns in addition to the vaulted ceilings. The mysterious yet attractive aspect of this underground location is the presence of two columns which have an image depicting the famous head of medusa. Therefore, the location is amazing and worth visiting when in Istanbul.

2. Istanbul Archeology Museum

One can never talk of History without having a museum in mind. This is the location which harbors important memories and objects worth preserving. In respect to this, there is the archeology museum here which has millions of artifacts on display for the visitors. This museum is split into three parts namely the main museum, tiled kiosk museum and the ancient orient museum. Notably, it has some of the most remarkable pieces of history including the most treasured item which is the Alexander tomb.

 

3. Rumeli Fortress

This is another ideal historical destination which was built in 1412 by ottoman sultan. The fortress was mainly built to block the city’s supplies. The construction took about 4 months and was done by people amounting to 3000. It has great views from its towers which you are sure to enjoy.

4. Topkapi Palace

It is one of the most popular sites in Istanbul which is ideal for travelers to make a stop. The palace covers a whooping 700,000 meters squared. This area is occupied by courtyards, main palace and other locations. There is much to see in this place including the great ottoman architecture, and belongings of Prophet Mohamed which are an important part of the Muslim Culture. Audio tours are also available if you so wish.

5. Blue Mosque

The blue mosque is yet another iconic historic location which is very popular. It was built in a decade precisely from 1606 to 1610 by sultan Ahmet 1st and is famed for its grand and ornate interior. The name Blue Mosque is well complemented by the array of blue tiles used in its making.

Conclusively, cultural Heritage is an important aspect which is much appreciated and this area of turkey has ideally assured of this. By travelling to the named historical locations, there is much to see ranging from museums to palatial locations. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a wonderful vacation which incorporates learning with fun, then this is the ideal destination.

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How To Relax On A Business Trip

A business trip is always hard work but the secret of a successful trip is to relax as well as work hard.

Expense

One of the best things about a business trip is that most of the costs will be born by your employer. If you're going to a totally new destination and spending a few days there, try to carry out some research and see how you can enjoy yourself in the evening.

It's important at this stage to see if your company will cover entertainment as well as accommodation expenses. It's also vital to make sure that you have sufficient business travel insurance.

The last thing that anyone wants on a business trip is a delayed flight or train journey or to lose their laptop. Insurance may compensate for these calamities.

Destination

The first thing that you should do is make sure you have packed all the relevant memory sticks and documents that you'll need on your journey. Panic before a trip could produce chaos, and that's never relaxing. Ensure you have sufficient currency as well as credit cards and keep your passport in a safe place at all times.

If you are traveling for your company overseas remember that you are there primarily for the sake of the company but this shouldn't preclude the opportunity to carry out some evening sightseeing.

For example, if you're traveling to Europe most representatives of these countries are superb hosts and you should make them aware that you'd like to see a bit of their local city. Try and learn a few phrases in your hosts' native language. This will help you at a company function and may even help your business flourish.

Booking

A massage and spa at your hotel shouldn't be considered out of the ordinary these days. Most business class establishments will be able to provide them and these facilities will help you unwind after a meeting packed day.

Access to a gym to start your day will also help you put your best foot forward. It's always tempting to hit the mini bar when away from home but if possible try to restrict your drinking. It's very difficult to concentrate with a hangover and doesn't reflect very well on your company either.
(Header Image Courtesy of {Clément}.)

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Top 6 Things To See or Do In Dubai

Dubai is a thriving metropolis with top-class attractions. With the city stretching 25 miles along the coast, you will be amazed by their sheer accessibility. Taxis are not only cheap but plentiful and with a reliable metro, it can be easy to get around.

You should note that Dubai is a Muslim country and you should respect this fact. Though alcohol is available, you shouldn’t be found staggering in the streets. The weather can also get extremely hot but you have no reason to wear next to nothing in public places such as shopping malls. When you act respectfully, you will also be treated with kindness as you enjoy this nearly crime-free environment.

You can enjoy Dubai holiday packages from a price of £500. These packages include a 3 nights/4 days accommodation, inclusive of breakfast and all applicable tax, meet & greet service at the airport, dhow cruises, half day tour of Dubai city with a visit to Dubai museum and desert safari. There are also cheaper packages for people traveling on a budget.

Top 6 things/places

The Buri Khalifa

It is almost impossible to miss the tallest structure on earth when you arrive in Dubai. One thing that you shouldn’t miss is viewing the city from the 134th floor. Whether during the day or night, the view is just spectacular.

The Dubai mall

An activity that you cannot afford to miss in Dubai is shopping. You got to see this more so as to believe it. The eating and shopping appears like a side attraction. Some of the amazing features of the mall include an indoor theme park known as Sega World, 22-screen cinema, children’s world called Kidzania, and an aquarium that has an underwater zoo. (image courtesy of Prof. Tournesol).

Skiing at the Mall of the Emirates

Nothing offers a truly great ski experience like skiing in the Ski Dubai located in the Mall of the Emirates. The longest run is about 1,300 feet and you can hire all the ski gears necessary. The lockers are also more than you need.

The lost city

You will witness an island that was created from nothing with the building of Palm Jumeirah. With the Atlantis hotel sitting on top of it, nothing makes such a spectacular landmark. A water-park known as Aquaventure is also among the attractions. Here you get up close with dolphins and for kids, there is a play area.

Friday brunch

With weekends starting on Thursday in Dubai, a common tradition for restaurants is to offer an all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch every Friday during Lunchtime. Different establishments battle in putting up the most attractive array of beverages and dishes.

Desert tours

There are various tour companies that will pick you from your hotel for a desert tour. This will include a traditional Arabic meal with belly dancers and a camel ride. If you are among the adventurous, you can hire a 4*4 and go for the exploration on your own.

Conclusion

These unforgettable sites/activities make Dubai rank among the must visit holiday destinations. The fact that you can leave your car unlocked and still find it intact is a great pleasure that you will rarely enjoy anywhere else in the world.

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Honeymooning Vacation in Albufeira - Cherish Those Moments

If you're about to tie the knot and are trying to plan the perfect honeymoon then there are a few key ingredients you'll need to look for in a destination. Guaranteed sunshine and golden sandy beaches are among the most important, allowing you and your partner to unwind and spend some quality time together. Interesting culture and history can also add a little extra spice to a honeymoon, and Albufeira is one place that has all of these in abundance.

Located in the central Algarve, Albufeira enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, making it an instant hit with couples looking for a romantic break. Having only been a city since 1986, the place has retained much of its original charm and still bears all the hallmarks of a small fishing village. As a result, it's got a wonderfully relaxing vibe and is the perfect place to really get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Choosing the right accommodation can also make or break a honeymoon, and you'll find a great range of Albufeira hotels at vacenza.com.

Great beaches
It goes without saying that you'll want to spend some time on the beach when you're on your honeymoon, and one of the great things about Albufeira is that it is surrounded by dozens of sandy stretches, each one offering something a little different. Several of these bear the prestigious Blue Flag, including Praia Olhos d'Agua, which is situated in a small secluded bay and is a fishing hub.

Albufeira's main beach, Oura, is the place to go if you want to take part in water sports or fancy some vibrant nightlife, although as this is your honeymoon you'll probably want to get away from all that, so a trip to the stunning Belharucas beach, which is flanked by pine cliffs, is a great alternative

Praia das Pescadores, meanwhile, is located near to the old city of Albufeira, and is lined with small seafood restaurants offering the freshest dishes caught that very same day. It's the perfect place to come for a romantic evening meal looking out over the ocean.

Charming history
As previously mentioned, Albufeira is traditionally a small fishing village that has only held city status for a couple of decades. Exploring this history is like stepping back in time, and makes for a great adventure to start your married life together. The small fisherman's huts that line Praia Olhos d'Agua are a charming reminder of the region's past, while exploring the old city is a good way to learn more about the many civilizations that have controlled the region at different times. (image courtesy of David Gaya).

Originally a Roman town, Albufeira was captured by the Moors in the eighth century, before being taken by the Christian Knights of the Order of Santiago around 500 years later. The Old City is full of monuments built at various periods in the region's history, with the iconic clock tower - or Torre do Relogio - offering amazing panoramic views of the city and the ocean.

Wonderful activities
Away from the old quarter of Albufeira is the new part of town, known as The Strip. It's here that you'll find the main shopping and nightlife opportunities, which offer a welcome reprieve from sunbathing. After all, just because you're on honeymoon doesn't mean you have to lounge around doing nothing the whole time.

Several excursions can also be enjoyed in Albufeira, with boat rides - such as those offered by Algarve Seafaris - taking you closer to some of the amazing marine wildlife and rock formations for which the area is famous. The chance to see wild dolphins is something that can help make your honeymoon a truly unforgettable experience.

Header image courtesy of Amanda Mota

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Top Places to Cool Off in Tenerife - Chilling!

Considering a great vacation or holiday in Spain? Thought there are so many choice, Tenerife is home to many wonderful beaches, naturally-formed pools and water parks, giving you lots of options when you want to cool off.  However, I'm finding it hard to work out where I'd like to go because there are just so many choices.

So, before I jet off on my holiday, I've put together with a list of a few of Tenerife's more unusual spots for a dip, as I think going for a swim in any of the following places will be truly memorable.

Punta del Hidalgo

My first selection is Punta del Hidalgo, a village on the north coast of Tenerife that's home to a series of saltwater swimming pools that are dotted along the coastline.

These pools are the perfect place to cool down in the heat of summer and one of the best things is that they're always calm, so even if it's too rough to swim at the beach you can still jump in the water. As they look out over the Atlantic Ocean, they're also incredibly scenic.

Charco de la Laja

Also in the north of Tenerife is Charco de la Laja, which is similar to Puerto Hidalgo in that it's a saltwater pool that's separate from the ocean. What makes this spot really stand out, though, is that the pool has been formed by rapidly cooling lava during a volcanic eruption, with the rocks forming a natural, teardrop-shaped basin.

This looks like a really spectacular place to go for a swim and I love the thought of floating in the water and listening to the waves crashing on to the rocks that stand between the pool and the sea (image courtesy of johnbecks).

Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique

Moving on from the natural to the manmade, I came to Parque Maritimo Cesar Manrique. This is a huge leisure complex located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife that boasts several swimming pools, recreation facilities, restaurants and plenty of spots where you can soak up the sun.

The special thing about this place is that it was designed by famous architect Cesar Manrique (hence its name), who took great pains to make the buildings within the complex work with the natural Canarian landscape.

Siam Park

This is the ideal place to cool off and enjoy an adrenalin rush at the same time, as Siam Park is a water park with plenty of thrilling rides and fun things to do. I'm thinking of staying in a hotel in Tenerife's Playa delas Americas resort, which means I'll be within easy reach of this attraction and can even walk to it (although there's a bus service if you don't fancy stretching your legs).

Among the water slides in the park are the terrifying Tower of Power that features a 28 m drop, the Dragon that allows you to experience zero gravity before you plunge into the water and the more sedate Mekong rapids.

It's worth being aware that entry to Siam Park is €33 (£28) for adults and €22 for children aged between three and 11 years old, so make sure you allow for this in your holiday budget if it's somewhere you'd like to visit.

These are just a few of the many options for cooling down while on holiday in Tenerife. If you've visited the island let us know where your favourite spot to take a dip is.

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Header Image courtesy of maduroman

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