486 Search Results for "landscape"

• Fort El Morro Fort El Morro

  • From: jorgeq
  • Description:

    First time visitors to Old San Juan cannot leave without visiting El Morro. It's one of Puerto Rico's most enduring symbols but in all honestly, once you've explored and wandered throughout it's interior once, I recommend to bypass the opportunity to do it again on your next visit and instead tour the outside grassy mounds at sundown.

    The castle is beautifully crafted and backed up with some amazing history and while the landmark hasn't changed a bit since my last visit, I at least wanted to walkaway with an unconventional perspective of this prominent setting.

  • 5 hours ago
  • Views: 13
  • Not yet rated

• Floral Design Floral Design

  • From: Donna Carroll
  • Description:

    Epcot floral design.  

  • 5 days ago
  • Views: 103
  • Not yet rated

• How to plan a Tibet trekking t How to plan a Tibet trekking tour

  • From: tibettravel
  • Description:

    With the modernization of major cities of Tibet, travelers to Tibet cannot find original Tibetan taste. Many Tibetan people in cities live a modern life, wearing fashion clothes, using latest new mobiles. What you see is just out of your expectation. But making a Tibet trek to remote areas of Tibet, you will find the traditional Tibetan style. But you may ask how to plan a Tibet trekking tour? Just follow Tibettravel org, you will get a perfect answer.

     

    Where to Go

     

    The inaccessibility of many areas of Tibet offers lots of chance for travelers to do a trek in Tibet. Trekking from one holy site to another one or just around a sacred mount or lake in Tibet is the most popular trekking way in Tibet, for instance, trekking from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery or from Tsurphu Monastery to Yangpachen Monastery, or trekking around holy Mt. Kailash.

     

    Generally, Tibet trekking can be classified into Tibet pilgrimage trek, Tibet culture trekking and sightseeing trek, but most Tibet treks combine the three types together. During trekking in Tibet, you can visit sacred monasteries and other holy sites, view fabulous landscape of Tibet, drop a visit to a traditional Tibetan village, etc. 

     

    When to go 

     

    Tibet trekking is not feasible from December to March as the temperature goes very low and also the days become much shorter. During the snowfall not only the mountains are inaccessible but the highways that take you to the trail heads are blocked. Generally from April to October, the best time to travel to Tibet, is also great time to trekking in Tibet. Rain is not a problem for trekking in Tibet as it receives only little rain being in a rain shadow zone behind the Himalayas. Rather rainy season is the best time for trek, as the weather is mild and the ground in mountain valleys turn green and alpine flowers bloom in profusion.  

     

    Tibet Permits

     

    Depending on the area you hope to visit in Tibet, you may need as many as four different permits. Of course, Chinese visa is the first permit you should apply for. Then, Tibet Entry Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau is a must for foreign travelers to travel to Tibet. Besides, Alien’s travel permit is required if you visit places outside Lhasa and military permit is needed for visiting militarily restricted areas of Tibet. These Tibet permits cannot cost you too much and are easy to get thanks for the new policy on Tibet travel permit 2013.   

     

    Equipment for Tibet trekking

     

    A trekking tour in Tibet is usually made at areas far away from main road and lack of tourist infrastructure, so you at least need a tent, a sleeping bag, and a stove to stay warm and well fed. All of these things can be purchased or rented in Lhasa, though quality may vary. White gas for western liquid fuel stoves is not available in Lhasa, though pressurized fuel canisters for canister stoves are found everywhere. Owners of multi-fuel stoves capable of burning regular unleaded will find gas stations in Lhasa. Ration 4-6 ounces of liquid fuel per person, per trekking day.

     

    Besides, warm clothing and a good pair of shoes are essential for a Tibet tour, and can be purchased in Lhasa, but the price is usually a little high at the tourist city. It is best to buy clothes and shoes in your hometown or big cities of mainland China. Waterproof, high-top hiking boots are better suited than ventilated low-top trekking shoes to the snow covered high mountain passes common on Tibetan trekking routes. Gaiters, knee high canvas leggings that attach to your boots, are extremely useful if snow gets above the ankle level.

     

    Food for trekking in Tibet

     

    Usually, there are no restaurants or shops on the trekking route. So you need to prepare food by yourself or hire a cook to prepare food for you. It is a good idea to bring enough food for your entire trekking tour. Though western style dehydrated "backpacker meals" are not available in Tibet, a wide variety of non-perishable foods at the local supermarkets makes it easy to eat well on your trek. Hot chocolate, dehydrated fruits, candy bars, and instant noodles make good staples. If your Tibet tour is long, it is best to hire a cook to cook food for you.  

     

    Drinking-water for Tibet trek

     

    Drinking large amounts of water is the most important key to beating the altitude. Tibet's backcountry is full of grazing yak, sheep, and goats so stream water must be treated before drinking. Lodine, chlorine, and mechanical filters are all good treatment options. Western filters cost a fortune in Lhasa, iodine isn't available anywhere in China or Tibet, and Chlorine tablets were in stock in limited quantities in Lhasa. Boiling water is effective, but Tibet's high altitude puts the boiling point lower. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least a minute before drinking.

     

    Water from locals is a good way to fill water bottles when passing through small villages. Though they may not have much if anything to offer in the way of food, every family keeps a large thermos of boiled water on hand. Just be sure you know what you're getting before pouring, or you may end up with a water bottle full of yak butter tea.

     

    Altitude Sickness

     

    Altitude and the related effects of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) should be taken seriously if you travel to Tibet. If ignored, AMS can progress into High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), both of which can be fatal. Before starting your trekking tour in Tibet, you should give yourself a few days to acclimatize. During trekking, move slowly and try not to sleep at the day's highest elevation. Most importantly descend to lower elevation immediately if any of your companions seem to act drunk, complain of a headache that is not relieved by ibuprofen, or become nauseous and vomit. 

     

    Hiring a Pack Animal

     

    It is very hard to walk at high altitude with a heavy backpack. It is wise to hire a pack animal, usually a yak. Yaks can be rented in villages of almost any size, and can make a trek more enjoyable by taking weight off of your back. Yaks come with yak men to herd, handle, and feed them and some yak men can speak a little English. 

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 weeks ago
  • Views: 20
  • Not yet rated

• Different types of Tibet Tours Different types of Tibet Tours

  • From: tibettravel
  • Description:

    Tibet is a mysterious tourist place that can meet all kinds of tourists’ interests. If you are interested in exotic culture, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in natural sightseeing, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in outdoor activities, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in different life styles, travel to Tibet. If you want to enjoy a hot spring bath and relax yourself, travel to Tibet…Travel to Tibet 2013, you can enjoy different types of Tibet tours.

     

    Tibet Culture Tour

     

    Tibet culture tour will take you to experience the unique and rich Tibetan culture which is inseparably linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Over the last 1,000 years, Tibet has developed a unique, spiritual and peaceful culture with Buddhism. Tibetan monasteries bear Tibetan culture. Thus, visiting monasteries in Tibet is the best way to experience Tibetan culture.

     

    There are many famous monasteries in Tibet, such as Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, Samye Monastery in Tsedang, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse and Sakya Monastery in Sakya. You may see interesting ritual ceremony at a monastery or ancient

     

    Tibet Scenery Viewing Tour  

     

    If you are a lover of nature and wanna have a date with nature, make a Tibet tour plan right now. Tibet is a beautiful place with breathtaking blue sky, white clouds, alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, stunning river valleys, vast grasslands, ancient forests, etc. When you travel in Tibet, you can find beautiful sights everywhere.

     

    Tibet Pilgrimage Tour

     

    If you are a follower of Tibetan Buddhism or just wanna make a spiritual journey, Tibet is also a right place for you. You can travel to Tibet and do ritual walks around a divine mountain, a sacred lake or a holy temple as local people do, or meditate in a monastery or hermitage cave. In fact, once you are in Tibet, you will feel peace and calm down for you are in a peaceful world with peaceful people.

     

    Tibet Photography Tour

     

    If you are a photographer, the fabulous and various landscape of Tibet offers you lots of chance to take good pictures, beautiful holy lakes, snow-capped mountains, magnificent glaciers, vast grassland dotted with herds and nomads, boundless primeval forest, etc. You can get prefect picture no matter when and where you go.

     

    Tibet Trekking Tour

     

    Trekking in Tibet is good way to explore Tibet. You can see the sight other travelers cannot see and get an experience you cannot get at other places. The inaccessibility of most areas of Tibet makes lost of chance for trekking, such as Ganden to Samye trek, Tsurphu to Yangpachen trek, Tingri to EBC trek.

     

    So, are you ready to travel to Tibet? Remember, Tibet permit is a must for you to get to Tibet. But do not worry! The policy on Tibet travel permit 2013 makes it is quite easy to get a Tibet permit in 2013. What you should do is to prepare documents to apply for it. Copies of your passport and Chinese visa are needed to apply for Tibet permit.  

  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 20
  • Not yet rated

• Discovering Pu Luong Natural R Discovering Pu Luong Natural Reserve

  • From: activetravelasia
  • Description:

    The houses-on-stilts nestled between the mountains, the yellow terraced fields and green primitive forests., white cloud around…making a natural and wild picture dream. That is scenery you may see when arriving Nature Reserve (NR) Pu Luong.

     

    Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Vietnam

    Located in the two districts of Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc in the northwestern area of Thanh Hoa Province, Pu Luong Natural Reserve has preserved a primitive landscape and plentiful and diversified flora and fauna. With the above natural values, it has now become a fascinating destination for those who love to discover the beauty of nature.

     

    Pu Luong Natural Reserve, covering an area of 17,662ha, is the largest low area of limestone mountain forests left in the north of Vietnam with three major forest types: thick forests on low land and low mountains; forests on limestone mountains and floristic compositions of bamboos, Neohouzeaua and bushes.

     

    According to the statistics of Pu Luong Nature Reserve’s Management Board, the reserve has 1,109 species of vascular plants, under 447 branches and 152 families. There are 42 special-use varieties of plants of Vietnam and four species listed in the World’s Red Book. Furthermore, it is the place where there is the second largest population of Vooc mong trang (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Vietnam with 31-38 individuals, after Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh Province.

     

    In Pu luong, tourists have different choices for their tours, such as discovering the beauty of the natural landscape, ecological forests with plentiful fauna and flora or learning the simple and interesting customs and habits of the Thai and Muong people.

     

    Ahamlet of the Thai people with wonderful terraced fields

    Day life in Pu Luong

    During their trip, tourists can see immense terraced fields and learn the traditional farming methods of the ethnic people or discover mysterious caves in Hang and Kho Muong Hamlets. One of the destinations that tourists should not miss is Hieu Hamlet. Following a path, not far from Pho Doan Town, tourists can see many water wheels, a typical tool of the Thai people. After crossing over a suspension bridge and climbing a slope, tourists finally arrive in the place where two waterfalls rush noisily. From afar, tourists can hear the rumbling sound of these waterfalls. Here, small branches of a stream run around the hamlet, through houses-on-stilts at the foot of staircases, to paddy fields and then merge into two grandiose waterfalls.

     

    Ahamlet of the Thai people with wonderful terraced fields

    Water wheel_beautiful image in Pu Luong

     

    After a day discovering Pu Luong, tourists can stay in airy and spacious houses-on-stilts of the local ethnic people. It is a form of eco-community tours that has strongly developed in the locality. The tours are held by the local people based on nature and culture with the aim of improving the living standards and protecting the environment. Sitting near the fire, both the host and the tourists can enjoy delicious dishes, such as Com lam (sticky rice cooked on bamboo tubes) and a salad of banana inflorescence. They can drink Can wine and enjoy traditional dances and songs of the ethnic people.

     

    Trekking Pu Luong

     

    Arriving in Pu Luong Nature Reserve where there are immense green forests and green terraced fields, tourists seem to be lost in a valley, completely separated from the outside world, with many mysteries expecting to be discovered. 

     

    With many foreign tourists, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is the interesting ideal for trekking trips  or cycling options. Biking in Pu Luong is one of the best ways to discover the natural beauty of the region and exotic culture of minority groups. 

     

    Source : Vietnamtourism

     

    Recommend Biking tour or Trekking tour in Pu Luong Nature Reserve  by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA

    
    

    Biking Pu Luong Nature Reserve: On biking tour we will ride on the first part of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail and spend 3 nights in villages of Thai people.  

    Highlights 

     
    • Biking on the first part of Ho Chi Minh Trail
    • Homestay in villages of Thai people
    • Stunning scenery
    • Traditional foot massage

     

    Trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

    Highlights 

     
    • Unspoiled Pu Luong Nature Reserve 
    • Friendly ethnic minorities
    • Homestay in villages
    • Beautiful trails
    • All meals included
  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 5
  • Not yet rated

• South India Tours - Kottayam South India Tours - Kottayam

  • From: aundrustros
  • Description:

     

    Kottyam, this exotic land with long stretches of serene backwaters, sprawling paddy fields and rubber plantations, is bounded by Western Ghats on the east the Vembanad Lake on the west. Kottyam has 109,582 hectares of sprawling land dedicated to the rubber plantations and houses the the head quarters of the Indian Rubber Board. Hence it is also known as the land of latex (crude liquidized rubber).

    The literal meaning of the term "Kottayam"(Kotta+Akam) in Malayalam means inside a fort. Kottayam mainly known for its backwater tours is a city with stunning landscape and significance. It is the first town to have attained 100 percent literacy and is also the hometown of the feted female award winning author- Arundhuti Roy who wrote her illustrious novel- "God of Small Things".

    This place had the first Malayalam printing press which was established by a Christian missionary Benjamin Bailey, in 1820 A.D. The first college in the State (CMS College) was also constituted here at Kottayam in 1840. Kottyam was also the first town in India which was chosen by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India to be transformed as an Eco City.

    The chronicle of Kottayam dates back to the era of the Kulasekhara kings (1090-1102) when the region was united with Vempolinad. Kottayam has witnessed many social and political upheavals. The illustrious Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25), an imposing struggle for annihilation of untouchability, originated in this place of historical significance under the influence of distinguished national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, C. Rajagopalachari and E.V. Ramswami Naykar.

    Kottayam Tours By - Easy Tours of India

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 month ago
  • Views: 13
  • Not yet rated

• New Zealand Flights take you t New Zealand Flights take you to a Fantasyland

  • From: Brianmcquillan
  • Description:
     
    Beautifully burrowed into the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is decked with stunning landscape, verdant meadows, crystal clear lakes and incredibly scenic beached and to top it all a great culture of hospitality. The allure of this picture postcard destination transcends borders and people often board New Zealand flights to get to this heavenly destination on earth which is synonymous with its Kiwi birds.

    

    The destination called New Zealand is also a moviemakers’ delight. Filmmakers often roll their cameras to capture the breathtaking views of this immaculate beauty. At first glance, it appears that this jaw dropping destinations has been made just for the tourists.

    The country, where sheep outnumber people, provides enough scope for adventure sports like bungee jumping, black water rafting and zorbing. New Zealand puts you on an adrenalin rush with skydiving and glacier climbing options.

    

    
    

    The cities in New Zealand are elegantly tucked in this lovely landscape. Auckland, the largest city in the country can be termed as a city of volcanoes spewing lava. Rotorua has Maori culture and hot pools as its USP while Hamilton keeps the tourists enthralled with its understated charm. Cities like Napier, Wellington and Christchurch have their own aura.

    

    
    

    The inhabitants of the land has joined hands to make it a beloved tourist destination, the people here are extremely courteous and take pride in offering best of hospitality to the visitors. Board a flight to New Zealand from UK and say hello to this darling destination.

    This content is originally Syndicated from: - http://brianmcquillan-travel.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-zealand-flights-take-you-to.html

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 8
  • Not yet rated

• Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour

  • From: Bicycle_tours
  • Description:

    Last September I joined a cycle tour in the Czech Republic. The tour took us from Prague in Central Bohemia to the rolling hills and charming medieval and Renaissance towns of South Bohemia and then through the gently-sloping vineyards of South Moravia. Some riders then cycled on to Vienna, whilst others chose to return to Prague. For many non-Czechs the countryside of the Czech Republic is unknown, secret, and undiscovered. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover what lies beyond Prague, a city that is deservedly visited by millions of people every year.

     

    We were a very diverse group. Our party consisted of seven Australians, a British couple, a couple from Brazil, a New Zealander, an American, and our Czech guide, Jiri (George) and driver, Jindrich (Henry). And me – I’ve been living and working in Prague for six years, but I’ originally from London, UK. Age-wise, collectively we covered every decade from early thirties to (almost) seventy. As those who have been on tours like this before, there is a camaraderie amongst cyclists that transcends continents and ages.

     

    Our First Day:        Prague to Ceske Budejovice by mini-bus

                                Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov by bike

     

    After collecting everybody from their hotels on a quiet and overcast Prague Sunday morning, we group of strangers, soon to become brave companions of the trail, gathered together in the cellar meeting room of the tour company to introduce ourselves and to receive a full briefing. We were given a detailed itinerary for each day, a safety briefing and a small glass of slivovice (a local plum brandy that some people quite like).

     

    Then it was outside to hitch up the bike trailers to the mini-buses, check on helmets and water-bottles, and on to Ceske Budejovice. After a two and a half hour drive, we parked up in the city centre and everyone was allocated their bikes for the week. The bikes are already pre-selected for individual size, weight and experience by the company. Some people had brought their own pedals and these were quickly fitted by the ever-helpful staff.

     

    Ceske Budejovice is of course the home of the Czech Republic’s second most famous beer, Budvar or Budweiser. It is an old town with a lot of green spaces and a very large Renaissance square, where we took the first of many group photographs.

     

    We made our way through the town and down to the River Vltava (Moldau), the same river that runs through Prague. It was a great way to start, riding along the flat cycle path following the river to test out the comfort and settings of our bikes. After a while, we reached a rocky outcrop – our first hill! After climbing above the river, we coasted down a winding forest path to the small settlement and large monastery of Zlata Koruna (Golden Crown) founded in 1263. Here was a chance to stock up on a well-deserved bowl of soup and plate of sausage.

     

    After suitable refreshment, the last stage of the day’s short ride was down to the fairy-tale chocolate-box town of Cesky Krumlov, dominated by the second-largest castle in the country built on sheer rocks which rise up from the river. It is spectacularly beautiful and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  George gave us a tour of the town, but sadly it was raining quite hard at this stage, so we were very glad to arrive at our hotel. The luggage had already been delivered to our rooms and we had time to freshen-up before dinner.

     

    Dinner was in a lovely medieval restaurant where the food was prepared on an open fire. We sat at long wooden tables and had a chance to get to know each other better. However, what really bonded our group together was the next stop in a lovely crowded pub with a piano player who took requests. I’d like to think that our lusty singing of old standards was enjoyed by the locals as much as it was by us.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   27

     

    Second Day:Cesky Krumlov to Trebon

     

    After a fine and hearty breakfast, we gathered in the courtyard of the hotel to reacquaint ourselves with our bikes and make some final adjustments to them. And so we set off. It’s a long climb out of the valley of Cesky Krumlov, nestled on a bend of the river, where in high summer canoeing and rafting are very popular. We rode along paved cycle tracks and forest paths before stopping at a village restaurant for lunch. It was quite a strenuous day’s cycling and some of our valiant company took respite in the mini-bus for the more hill sections. The mini-bus is never far-away and is stocked up with water, fruit and energy bars.

     

    I should add that the day was quite testing; not only because of the distance and terrain, but it was also quite cold and raining, so it did test the morale of the group. However, the week’s forecast was good and the outlook was for sunny weather. Some of us rode the mini-bus into Trebon, while others pressed on through the mud and rain to arrive later.

     

    After a welcome shower, we met for a meal in the hotel restaurant, which was served with élan and charm by our hosts. Some opted to take a walk around the town afterwards to take in the Renaissance square, the Marian column, the charming castle and a local hostelry to taste the renowned local brew.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   61

     

    Third Day:    Trebon to Telc

     

    Trebon has been the centre of the Czech fish industry for five centuries. Over this time many fish-ponds and man-made lakes have been developed to produce carp and other fish. Carp is a traditional Christmas meal in the Czech Republic. It is a flatter area of South Bohemia, so a good chance to get in some faster cycling along paved forest paths. It was raining lightly and misty but this added to the mystique of riding through the dark, silent pine forests of Central Europe. All very atmospheric, all very Brothers Grimm.

     

    After about 25 kilometres we left the woods and the land began to undulate through fields. We met up with Henry and the mini-bus for snacks and refreshments, and to mend a couple of punctures.

     

    We pushed on through the rain. This was the most gruelling day, the furthest to cycle, nearly 80 kilometres and the second two-thirds were fairly hilly. We stopped for lunch at a country pub-restaurant, but otherwise it was head-down and concentrate on getting to Telc and South Moravia.

     

    The town of Telc is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a breath-takingly beautiful and extensive square, consisting entirely of Renaissance buildings from the 16^th century, decorated in the typical brightly-coloured and sgraffitoed style of the time. It’s a great photo opportunity.

     

    We stayed in a very fine hotel not far from the main square, which had been a large farm and dairy complex. The tasteful reconstruction provided spacious rooms and a fine restaurant which served an excellent and well-deserved dinner.

     

    We were all pretty tired after this day, but we went to bed knowing that the following days would be sunny with temperatures rising to 25 degrees Celsius. Indian summer weather!

     

    Kilometres cycled:   78

     

    Fourth Day:  Telc – Vranov

     

    This was a shorter day than the day before but we had some hilly country to tackle as we followed the spectacular rocky and wooded valley of the Dyje river, which flows into the Danube.

     

    By mid-morning the sun had begun to shine and the temperature to rise. We rode through sun-dappled forests and fields and stopped at a large 17^th century convent complex, where we stocked up on snacks and looked around the old buildings perched on top of a hill with lovely views of the Moravian landscape we were to cycle through.

     

    In the afternoon, after lunch in a country village restaurant where some of our party were brave enough to assay the delicacies of the bull, we cycled through deeply-forested paths with short steep climbs and satisfyingly long downhill runs.

     

    We passed the 11^th century castle Bitov, high on an outcrop of the river, and climbed up to take a short tour of the castle. It was extended during the 15^th to 17^th centuries and had a fine library and impressive collection of hunting weapons: bows, crossbows and guns.

     

    A short distance away is another castle called Zornstein (Angry Rock). This is a quite different structure to Bitov, having been abandoned in the Middle Ages and largely derelict. It is however an impressive ruin of medieval fortifications. There were fine views to be enjoyed from this historic vantage point over the blue skies and green forests of the winding valley of the River Dyje.

     

    From Zornstein, it was a short ride down to the river and along the bank to Vranov.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   44

     

    Fifth Day:     Vranov to Znojmo

     

    This was also a shorter day in terms of distance, but again there were some tricky hills and off-road forest tracks to be negotiated.

     

    However, we did have the chance to tour the castle which sits upon a rocky crag that dominates the small town. The castle was modified extensively in the Baroque style in the 18^th century and so offered a completely different style to the previous day’s visits. It really was a most impressive place giving an insight into the opulent way of life of the aristocracy during Hapsburg rule.

     

    After the informative tour, we saddled up again and rode out of Vranov towards the major wine-producing town of Znojmo. This was another enjoyable day during which we mostly followed the border between the Czech Republic and Austria. The trails pass through forest and paved tracks in an area which had been off-limits for forty years during the days of the Iron Curtain. The natural habitat is therefore unspoiled. 

     

    The last section of the ride was quite taxing as we had to climb up away from the border towards Znojmo, situated on a steep hill above the river Dyje. It is a impressive sight with several ancient spires and towers rising above the houses perched on the hillside.

     

    After the steep ascent, we were pleased to arrive at the hotel, beautifully modernised with glass staircases, large rooms and comfortable beds.

     

    Kilometres cycled: 40

     

    Sixth Day:    Znojmo to Mikulov

     

    For me this was the finest day for cycling. The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny, and the terrain was gentle passing through undulating wine-growing lowlands.

     

    We had a long lunch at a traditional pub-restaurant and passed by the only section of preserved pre-1989 defences with fences, originally electrified, tank defences and a cleared, and previously mined, dead zone. It was quite creepy to see the physical embodiment of the ‘Iron Curtain’ and difficult nowadays to understand how peoples could have been so brutally divided after the Second World War.

     

    About 15 kilometres before Mikulov we stopped at a small wine-cellar, little more than an underground shelter, where the proprietor talked us through his current production and we tasted Burcak, the deceptively first fermentation of the grape juice. It was interesting to see the small scale of the production, but it is clear the the best of the wine never reaches the export market.

     

    Feeling refreshed, we pushed on through the glorious afternoon sunshine to Mikulov which we could see jutting out of the surrounding plains from far away. We had our farewell dinner in a restaurant adjacent to the hotel and then repired to a wine bar for prize-giving and valedictions.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   70

     

    Seventh Day:                   Mikulov to Vienna

                                Mikulov to Vratice – Lednice area

     

    Mikulov is a charming small town with a population of about 8,000 which was at one time a major centre of Jewish trade and scholarship. It is very interesting and thought-provoking to walk through its square with its pretty church and then through the adjacent Jewish quarter with its 15^th century synagogue.

     

    After breakfast, our fellowship was broken. Eight of our party had planned to end their tour in Vienna and they set off with George guiding. After a day’s ride they were driven the remainder of the distance to Vienna and delivered to their hotels by the ever-reliable Henry.

     

    The rest of us spent an enjoyable day riding a circular route from Mikulov to Valtice and Lednice. This area is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is thought of as the most architecturally valuable region in the country. This was a great day’s cycling to end the tour. We cycled along deserted roads to Valtice through the heart of Moravia’s prime wine region. We paused in Valtice to have a look at the impressive chateau and then pressed on to Lednice. The route took us through the forested parklands of the Lichtenstein family which are studded with ostentatious monuments including the Temple of the Three Graces and a shrine to the patron saint of hunters, Saint Hubert. After lunch in Lednice, we went to walk around the glory of the neo-Gothic chateau.

     

    Then it was back to Mikulov along a series of ribbon lakes following the border to meet up with the driver, Tonda, who drove us back to Prague and delivered us to our hotels, safe, sound and tired after a most enjoyable cycle tour through some of the finest countryside and towns that the Czech Republic has to offer.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   47

     

    Total kilometres over the week:  367

    Guided Group Tour by: www.bicycle-tours.cz

  • Blog post
  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 15
  • Not yet rated

• Summer Palace: Let’s enjoy the Summer Palace: Let’s enjoy the leisure walking in sunset

  • From: Lux
  • Description:

    This winter time, during Jan. 3 to 11, TopChinaTravel visited to northern China: Xian-Datong-Beijing. During the trip, I have the chance to see many quite popular destinations that I have not been in my whole lifestyle. In this blog, I want to tell you how beauty the Summer time Structure under the sunlight after mid-day during the cold months months season.

    It was snowfall 50 percent 30 days ago in Chinese suppliers, but the snowfall is not liquefy so soon in the cold winter time in Chinese suppliers, so we were very fortunate to see the snowfall landscape in sunlight in Chinese suppliers, even our information thought we are fortunate team to enjoy the best weather in Chinese suppliers during the hard winter time.

    Summer Structure is the short-term imperial building and garden of the emperor of Qing Empire. It used to be Qing Yi Yuan. There are shrub popular mountains and 5 landscapes in the Structure. Unique built in 1750, and completed in 1764, it includes an place of 290 rectangle km.

    The door of Summer time Structure is very wonderful with historical structure style.

    Walking into the Structure, we found that though it was winter time, there were still many visitors from both household and overseas. A foreigner child was very charming. There are many strange-looking rocks in the building.

    The big pond in the building is Kunming Lake, it consumes three 4th of the whole place of the Structure, which is about 22,000 rectangle km. The river has been freezing for 50 percent monthly. The surface area of the pond is still so freezing that individuals could stroll and moving on the pond. Our information said that at the last day of 2012, there was a level on the pond just above the big ice.

    Just like a picture, is not it? This picture was taken by my phone so it is not as clear as other images. Sundown on the pond.

    Qing Yan Fang is a big rock boat. It is very wonderful under the sunlight and seems could delivery on the ice.

    Our information Simon told us the lengthy collection of the building is one of the features. It begins from Yaoyue Checkpoint, increasing to Shi Zhan Pavilion. The collection is 728m lengthy, which is the lengthiest collection of all the landscapes in Chinese suppliers. Each ray of the collection was coloured with sceneries, wildlife, individuals, etc.

    The Mountain at the front side of us is Wangshou Mountain. The structure is Fo Xiang Pavilion.

    So wonderful mid-day in Summer time Structure, was not it? Actually it was my first time to summer time place. Strolling relaxing in the Summer time Structure, I lastly understand how luxurious the lifestyle of Emperors and devoted family members.

  • Blog post
  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 8
  • Not yet rated

• Room With a View Room With a View

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    sunset, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, palm trees, nature

  • 3 months ago
  • Views: 514
  • Not yet rated

• Seagulls Rule Seagulls Rule

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    In Oregon.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 316
  • Not yet rated

• On top of the world On top of the world

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    On top of the world in mountainous northern Peru.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 250
  • Not yet rated

• Twin peaks Twin peaks

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    The beautiful twin peaks of the Huascaran in northern Peru.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 341
  • Not yet rated

• The horns The horns

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    The imposing "horns" in Torre del Paine National Park, Chile.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 492
  • Not yet rated

• Mt. Sajama Mt. Sajama

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    Sajama National Park is not on the tourist track in Bolivia but it boasts spectacular scenery and wildlife.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 479
  • Not yet rated

• Inuit dwelling Inuit dwelling

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    An abondoned Inuit dwelling adds to the mountain backdrop on a zodiac excursion to Denmark Island in eastern Greenland. 

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 458
  • Not yet rated

• Snack Time Snack Time

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    In Oregon

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 486
  • Not yet rated

• Oregon Coast Skies Oregon Coast Skies

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:
  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 362
  • Not yet rated

• The Three Brothers The Three Brothers

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    On the Siletz Bay on the Central Oregon Coast.

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 493
  • Not yet rated

• Connie Hansen Garden in Oregon Connie Hansen Garden in Oregon

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    In Lincoln City, OR

  • 4 months ago
  • Views: 435
  • Not yet rated