1865 Search Results for "south"

• sijilmassatours

  • Points:652
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• South Beach pastels South Beach pastels

  • From: gmaso
  • Description:

    Some of the exteriors of the South Beach hotels and their pstel colors.

  • 1 month ago
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• sujee

  • Points:652
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  • Since: 1 month ago
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• Top Biking Adventures in Vietn Top Biking Adventures in Vietnam

  • From: acitvetraveasia
  • Description:
    As a country with every terrain imaginable, Vietnam offers a memorable bicycling adventure for any and all peddlers, regardless of experience or condition. The flat expanse of the Mekong Delta grows to rugged mountains in the central expanse and then blends into the widest variety of difficulty north near Hanoi.
    Traffic and Bicycle Laws
    Along with standard laws like not causing traffic problems by racing or zigzagging, Vietnam has few laws targeted specifically toward the bicyclist. It is important to remember not to carry cumbersome loads, carry children over age seven with you or ride more than two abreast. No sort of helmet or lighting is required, but bicyclists are not allowed to ride with open umbrellas. One can only guess what happened to make this law.
    Common Trips
    For those interested in adventure and active trips, there are some routes that will take you through and explore the backcountry while providing some modicum of modern amenities. ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA_one of the travel companies offering cycling tours in Indochina_ is received good reviews of adventure travelers.

    Biking Mekong Delta

    The easiest of these is around the Mekong Delta. With a terrain nearly devoid of any rise, these trips are easier, but by no means less scenic, than the others. Traveling through the expanse of rice paddies dotted with the occasional copse of trees, the rider will be joined by children cycling to or from school or women returning from the market. People in the villages will be pleasantly surprised to see a foreigner riding into town and a circuit from Ho Chi Minh to any of the surrounding villages is an easy ride. With the flat terrain and abundance of villages it is easy to take a trip of any length, whether only a day or two weeks, a rider can tour without backtracking.

    Biking Mai chau, Hoa Binh province

    The northern area allows for more wooded scenery while still allowing for easier trips. For the more adventurous, the northern area provides a greater degree of difficulty through the hills surrounding Hanoi. This trip offers a great opportunity to see the two area of outstanding nature beauty; the North West highlands of Mai Chau and the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh. Biking is a great way to see this fascinating and visually stunning part of Vietnam, offering both physical activity and the unique opportunity to observe a way of life that has changed little over the centuries. As we ride in Mai Chau we encounter Muong and White Thai minorities and are guests in their traditional stilt houses allowing us to see firsthand how these minority peoples live. In Ninh Binh we explore the beauty of “Halong Bay on the rice fields” on bikes.

    Biking Ho Chi Minh trail

    A new trip for the adventurous would be along the historical Ho Chi Minh trail. The so-called Ho Chi Minh Trail is one of the most renowned legends of the American War. The complicated road system winds along the Truong Son Range, which that facilitated movement of soldiers and war supplies from North Vietnam to battlefields in South Vietnam. Now the historic trail is being turned into a highway and hotels and towns are springing up speedily beside it. The route is incredibly beautiful with new mountain views around every corner, very little traffic, and virtually no tourists.
    Weather
    Weather in Southeast Asia is a big consideration and it is recommended to go from Late September to December or March to late May. The weather in the southern area of Vietnam stays warm and humid averaging 26°C with its rainy season from June to September. BE WARNED: Vietnam sees monsoonal rains starting in June, peaking in August and tapering down in September. This season varies depending on location; Hanoi in the north generally has a rainy season that peaks earlier while Ho Chi Minh City may not see its rains slack until early October. Vietnam, especially central Vietnam, often floods and can hold up a trip for a week before the waters recede.
    The hot season will see temperatures averaging 30°C, with the south staying warm all year round and the north seeing winter trends averaging 15°C. Depending on the time of year, it would be advisable to take a jacket to keep off the chill, especially if riding in the highlands, and a hat to protect against the sun.
    Other Considerations
    Visas must be applied for at least six months prior to entry date. Tourist visas are granted for one month, but may be extended after arrival in Vietnam, and only allow one entry into the country. Tourists must fill out arrival/departure papers and declaration papers, keeping both with the passport at all times. It is also recommended having a few extra passport-size photos with you as local authorities may request these and it is always a good idea to stay on the good side of authorities.
    With over two-thirds of its roads unpaved and those paved roads sporting an abundance of potholes, the road conditions almost require a mountain bike. 
    The lush landscapes and warm hospitality provide anyone with a good biking tour of Vietnam. Take the time to look around and smell the proverbial “roses”.
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• 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

     

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  • 1 month ago
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• Santuario Maria Auxilium Santuario Maria Auxilium

  • From: gmaso
  • Description:

    A church near the south end of Ronda, Spain.

  • 2 months ago
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• Santuario Maria Auxilium Santuario Maria Auxilium

  • From: gmaso
  • Description:

    A church near the south end of Ronda, Spain.

  • 2 months ago
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• mytour

  • Points:654
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  • Since: 2 months ago
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• Adventurous Encounter with Cap Adventurous Encounter with Cape Town

  • From: Brianmcquillan
  • Description:

    Spectacularly decked with natural beauty the city of Cape Town is a perfect melange of sophistication, hospitality and luxury. The local population is well known for its hospitable nature that imparts it a towering presence on world tourism map. Thousands of tourists from different corners of the world board Cape Town flights ticket to catch a glance of its incredibly scenic surroundings.
    Being more than a city with scintillating beauty, Cape Town wears another hat as an adventure destination. Brace your brave heart inside embark on a rewarding adventure spree.
    Cable Car ride to the top of Table Mountains:
    Your cable car journey to the top of Table Mountains is going to be one of the best experiences of your life. It is advised to keep some warm clothes with you as temperature on the top of mountain is not the same as the ground.
    Climbing Table Mountains:
    Climbing Table Mountains is also an adventurous activity most visitors want to indulge in. The climbers can take Platteklip Gorge route which is easy to access.
    Visit to Cape Peninsula:
    Make a trip to the Cape of Good Hope through Simon's Town and the African penguin colony at Boulders. Never forget to go to Cape Point in the Table Mountain National Park.
    Swimming:
    The destination is good for those with a love for swimming. The beaches on the False Bay side are hit-it-off with the swimmers.
    Surfing
    Surfing is also an added attraction of Cape Town. Muizenberg is an ideal place for first time surfers.
    In addition, Cape Town also offers snorkelling and kite surfing options. Feel excited, wake up adventurer in you and board a flight to Cape Town from London to reward yourself an experience of lifetime.

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  • 2 months ago
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• Graycliff Hotel pool Graycliff Hotel pool

  • From: gmaso
  • Description:

    The Graycliff is not exactly a Budget Travel type property but rather a 5 star property. The pool area is beautifully landscaped and the pool is hand-painted. There is also a smaller pool which appears to be blue at first glance but the tiles are iridescent; beautiful.

    Expensive but beautifully landscaped throughout and with one of the best restaurants (5 star--coats required) in Nassau. The hotel also houses a pizzeria (great pizza), a South American style restaurant, a cigar factory, and a chocolatier. Everyone who was anyone has stayed here over the years; Lord Montbatten, Al Capone, The Beatles, Churchill, and of course, Capt. John Howard Graysmith, a pirate and privateer who built the house which is now part of Graycliff. A nice splurge and quite different from most of the tourist hotels of Nassau.

  • 2 months ago
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• 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

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• Wood Nymph Statue Wood Nymph Statue

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
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• My shadow in the spring house My shadow in the spring house

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
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• Lots of Camellias everywhere Lots of Camellias everywhere

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 351
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• Spanish Moss Spanish Moss

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 285
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• Ornamental Stone bench overloo Ornamental Stone bench overlooking the flooded rice fields and Ashley River

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 272
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• This Camellia matches my shoes This Camellia matches my shoes!

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 273
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• White Formal Camellia White Formal Camellia

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 365
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• Red and White Camellia Red and White Camellia

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 390
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• Formal Pink Camellia Formal Pink Camellia

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
  • Views: 299
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