Popular tourist attractions in Exeter

One of Exeter´s most popular tourist attraction is perhaps it´s greatest achievement, the honey-coloured 12th century Norman Exeter Cathedral, which towers over the city. The mesmerising ceiling in the largest of its kind that is unbroken in the world, an astonishing feat considering the city was flattened by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Take the 45-minute guided walk and you will get more from your visit.

Exeter Cathedral, UK by Antony McCallum

Other historical buildings of interest include the 14th century Guildhall, the oldest municipal building that is still in operation in the UK and resided over by the city mayor. You can also learn more about the history of the city in the Exeter museum which exhibits artefacts dating back to the Roman era. You will also find Egyptian history in the tomb-like Egypt Room which stores a 3000-year old mummy.

And if you enjoy a surreal tomb-like ambience don´t miss the Underground Passages Tour, a guided ghost walk through the network of medieval vaults which is guaranteed to send a chill down your spine. Redcoats guided tours do a wide range of walks from murder to religion and take you into some of the most fascinating parts of the city such as the Exeter catacombs. If you need to hire a car for travel around Exeter, there are various rental services available and also don’t forget to book out car hire insurance.

Exeter – High Street, Guildhall, UK by Franzfoto

Exeter Quay

A modern look at Exeter can be found by the Quay where the docks have been revitalised with trendy bars, cafe and clubs. The dull, red-bricked warehouses have been replaced with glass front chrome frame buildings which emanates pizzazz and elegance with continental-style alfresco dining. This is the place where suited young professionals like to hang-out to sip on espresso and tuck into an assortment of French and Italian breads.

The Quay area was originally designed by the Romans, but took a dip in fortune when opposing merchants built a weir across the River Exe to guide trade to nearby Topsham. There´s not much trade coming into the harbour these days and the slow and relaxed atmosphere offers open-air jazz evenings on Sundays. Bikes and kayaks are also available for hire.

As part of the rejuvenating process of the city, Exeter´s premier attraction, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery also got a makeover. Close by is the Bill Douglas Centre which pays homage to a history of cinema featuring fun films and a massive collection of memorabilia that dates back as far as Charlie Chaplin. If you love film you will love learning about the characters and performers ranging from Mickey Mouse to Marilyn Monroe and James Bond to Luke Skywalker. Learn more about movie mayhem from around the world as well as a behind the scenes look at how visual media is put together.

Other local attractions

Exeter is also well placed for getting to the coast and seeing more of what Devon has to offer. Plymouth and Weymouth are the neighbouring seaside locations whilst you can get close to nature along the many walking trails of Dartmoor National Park and the zoo at Paignton. Just up the road from Exeter and well worth a visit in its own right you will also find the charming town of Topsham.

Conclusion

Exeter is a fine city to visit. With a significant history, there are many architectural delights and splendours to observe. Modernisation has lead to many new shops being made available for the visitor and local alike. Exeter is also handily placed for local tourist spots in the Devon & Cornwall area.

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Sunrise over Formentor, Mallorca, Spain by Tobias Lindman

Climate in Majorca

One of the great things about Majorca is the climate.  It is typically Mediterranean, with very dry and hot summers.  Temperatures are almost always in the high twenties during the summer and the winters are very mild.  Furthermore, because of the sea, there are few extremes in temperatures and the sea breeze is very pleasant, taking the sting of the very hot days.  Best of all, rainfall is incredibly rare in Majorca, with rain generally only falling from late October to early February.  The climate is but one of the many reasons why Majorca has the nickname of the “Island of Tranquillity”.  It is hard to imagine that an island that has a real party reputation could be classed as tranquil, but it is actually true because it has a mountain scenery that is nothing short of magical, hidden little cove beaches and the most stunning old villages and towns.

North East Majorca

The north east of the island is full of the most amazing cliffs, as well as offering visitors the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.  The mountains are dotted with sleepy, ancient little towns and villages.  The homes are truly tiny and have gorgeous green shuttered windows.  The walls are stone and ancient and wild flowers cascade all over them.  It will feel as if you are Alice in Wonderland and everything around you is really small.  If you venture to the foot of the mountains where they meet the sea, you can spend some time in one of the little local villages and watch the boats sail in.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain by SBA73

South East Majorca

The south east of the island is just as beautiful and enchanting as the north, but this part is full of pastures and almond groves.  There are some beautiful little farmers’ villages, where it feels as if time stood still.  Don’t be surprised to see some people sleeping outside of their home if you have arrived there during siesta time.  There is also a beautiful marina where the jet set seems to gather in expensive luxury yachts.

Culture and Arts in Majorca

Besides sun, sea, sand and – as you now know – beautiful scenery and villages, Majorca is also a great place to soak in some culture and arts.  There are many monasteries and sanctuaries dotted across the island, many of which have long been abandoned.  Some offer accommodation for travellers, so you may even choose to spend the night.  One beautiful monastery is the Carthusian monastery.  This is found in Valldemossa and you will be able to view some works of art by some of the world’s most famous painters.  Francis Bacon, Picasso and Henry Moore are but some of the names you may find here.  Even Palma, the capital and touristic hotspot of Majorca, offers plenty of off the beaten track adventures, with gorgeous little hidden streets in which you will find traditional tapas bars and little craft stores.

Clearly, if you are able to find a cheap Jet2.com flights to Majorca, you should go for it.

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Razzmatazz club, Barcelona / alterna2

Bar Dow Jones

For those looking to pass on the crowds and the prices of the infamous La Rambla bar-scene in lieu of something more unique, cruise down Avenida Diagonal, navigate down some back alleys, and keep your eyes peeled for the Dow Jones. As you step off the streets and into this Manhattan-esque dive bar, you’ll realize why it’s named after a New York stock exchange, and that’s where the fun begins. Dozens upon dozens of different types of shots and drinks are all displayed on digital monitors, all fluctuating in price based on demand. You’ll be exhilarated as the raucous tavern brings out your inner day-trader, hustling to get the cheap drink before the prices shoot up from demand. Take a break from the commotion and enjoy a game of pool at the venue’s billiards tables, or sip down one of their many delicious brews on tap. By the time the Dow Jones closes, you’ll be liquored up and ready to cab over to popular nearby clubs like BeCool and Razzamatazz.

The Glass Bar

Hidden along the periphery of El Born, The Glass Bar is a local favorite for pre-clubbers getting ready to go all night. Through the swinging saloon doors is a venue that is anything-but-western, with lush seating, ultra-modern interior, and of course, the massive glass bar. The place is perfect to mentally prepare yourself for the rest of the night, with neon lasers and strobes flashing over a small dance floor where the DJ pumps local and house music. Visitors will be in for a special surprise when they notice a live percussionist that adds a bongo drum rhythm to each track. The crowds are fashionable and outgoing, but if things get too hectic, step out onto the street terrace for some people watching or calm conversation. Make sure to arrive before 11:30pm to enjoy the two-for-one drink specials.

Chupitos

The name of the place literally translates to shots. Lots and lots of shots. This Barri Gòtic bar specializes in the most extravagant and possibly unnecessary over-the-top shots you could ever imagine. Spanning across the entirety of the wall behind the long bar is a listing of hundreds of different types, and you’ll be lucky if you’ve even heard of a few dozen of them. The place is always packed with young partygoers looking to enjoy the show, and what a show it is. The bartenders incorporate fire and props into the drinks, and you’ll often find yourself either staring at a blue flame dancing on the surface of a shot glass or wearing an army helmet as the bartender-turned-drill-sergeant screams drinking orders at you. It’s nearly impossible to leave Chupitos without a good buzz, and is in a perfect location to enjoy the nearby clubs on the harbor.

Article written by Party Earth

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Old Town Square, Praha / Photo by admin

1 – The Alchymist Grand Hotel
Part of a row of Baroque houses, the state of the art Alchymist hotel is decorated in a neo Baroque style. Its suites are also enhanced by spas and restaurant options. Located in the centre of the city, the Alchymist is also an ideal starting point for exploring Prague.

2 – Romantic Hotel U Raka
Sampling the best of medieval and Gothic Prague, the 18th century Romantik Hotel Uk Raka features a winter garden and a courtyard. Located in one of the quieter areas of the central city, the Romantik Hotel Uk Raka is particularly ideal for honeymoon stays.

3 – The Golden Well Hotel
Influenced by Renaissance styles, the Golden Well Hotel has 19 suites, and is located within a short walk of the Old Town Square. The Golden Well Hotel is also distinguished by its restaurant selection.

4 – Old Town Square Hotel
Perhaps the best choice for those wanting to stay in Prague’s historic Old Town Square, this hotel has been recognised as a world heritage site. As well as its luxury suites, the Old Town Square Hotel also includes lounges, cafes, and an international range of wines.

5 – Hotel Yasmin
Distinguished by its bold graphic design, and located at Wenceslas Square, the Hotel Yasmin includes a world class restaurant, as well as the Yasmin garden, which is open from March to October every year. The hotel also includes free WiFi for guests, as well as a health club.

6 – Design Hotel Sax
A retro hotel located near to the Charles Bridges, the Design Hotel Sax is within easy reach of Prague’s leading attractions. The hotel’s 14th century roots are offset by high quality modern facilities.

7 – Savic Hotel
Recently renovated, the Savic Hotel has its own internal courtyard, and an al fresco terrace for outdoor dining.

8 – Ventana Hotel
A converted townhouse in the centre of Prague, the Ventana Hotel’s marble decoration and stone staircases are complemented by richly appointed rooms with built in wardrobes, and by skyloft views over the city.

9 – Hotel Neruda
Found near to Prague castle, the four star Hotel Neruda features high quality room decoration by Borek Sipek. Notable features include large rooms in wood and glass, as well as quotes from the hotel’s namesake Jan Neruda.

10 – Grand Hotel Bohemia
A key feature of Prague’s Old Town, the Grand Hotel Bohemia is ideally placed for exploring the city. The luxury hotel also includes ballroom events. The hotel is also distinguished by its Franz Josef restaurant, which features world class dining from chef Michal Chermak, and an adjoining Bohemia lounge.

Travelling from country to country and visiting Prague, Matt Mynors is a travel enthusiast and freelance copywriter currently writing for UK based company Room For Romance.

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Accommodation

Staying on the outskirts of Venice is generally much cheaper than staying in on the Grand Canal, however the city is small enough to walk around on foot so you won’t be far from the centre of the action. Some of the best budget accommodation can be found in guest houses where the owners pride themselves on providing cheap and clean rooms for as little as £18 a night. Alternatively you can stay in the mainland area of Mestre for a fraction of the cost of a Venice hotel but you may wish to consider transport costs in and out of the city.

Eating Out

Head to the markets for a bit of lunch if you are eating on a budget. There are a number of outdoor markets near Rialto that packed with fresh fruit and veg, delicious breads and pastries and seafood.

If you are eating out in the evening avoid the main tourist squares such as the Piazza San Marco. Here you may be charged by the restaurant just for sitting down, and you can be sure that they will also charge you heavily for the little bowl of bread left on the table. Instead look for the restaurants on the edge of the city, especially if there are locals dining. Try the Trattoria Alle Due Gondolette in the Sestiere Cannaregio for some outstanding local cuisine and seafood for around €12. Portions are big and there is no cover charge either.

Don’t forget that some of the finest pizza and calzone to be found can be purchased from the numerous street stalls around the city. Grab yourself a slice, sit down by the canal and watch the world go by. Even better when followed by some of Venice’s famous gelato!

Photo by admin

Travel

By far the best and cheapest way to travel round Venice are the network of public transport boats known as Vaporetti. You can buy passes for the Vaporetti that are valid for from 12 hours to up to a week depending on how long you are staying. A 12 hour ticket is €16. Just remember to validate your ticket using the machine each time you get on and off the boat or you may be fined by the inspectors. The Vaporetti routes can take you all over the city, down the Grand Canal and even over to the island of Murano where you can watch glass-blowers creating some stunning works of art.

Seeing the Sights

The most wondrous sight in Venice is the Carnival which is celebrated all over the city during the month of February. There are events throughout the city and many of them are free – there’s no need to book one of the over-priced tours that are offered by so many agents. The official Venice website has a downloadable brochure of what’s going on during this special time from masked parades to music.

If you are thinking of visiting some of the famous tourist attractions, how about the Basilica di San Marco which is free? Many of the churches such as the Santa Maria della Salute are also open to visitors and host some amazing artwork and architecture.

And finally…

Even if you’re a hopeless romantic, BlueTrips.co.uk recommends you avoid the gondolas like the plague. You can eat and drink for a couple of days on the cost.. Instead pop a little Vivaldi on your iPod when you’re cruising around on the Vaporetti and I promise you won’t miss out! If you enjoy taking a break near the water, why not have a look at Dongo on the shores of Lake Como, still in Italy?

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pedro Gonçalves

Tramuntana Mountains

One of the most scenic parts of the island is the mountains of Tramuntana. These mountains are best explored on foot or on a bike. There is so much to see while you climb the trails of the mountains and you may be gob smacked with the views.

There is the Castell d’Alaro that is perched on the top of a rocky mountain overlooking the village of Alaro. This is a ruined castle and hilltop chapel that offers amazing views out towards the Tramuntana Mountains, Palma and further away the Mediterranean.

Coastline

The coastline of Majorca is varied dependant on the area of the island that you are visiting. The north is wild and rocky with steep cliffs while the south has coves, caves and ports. If you are looking for long walks along the beaches then the east and west coasts of the island are your best bet.

If you are looking for some privacy then you could hire a boat and sail to one of the quieter beaches that are only accessible by sea. There are many of these types of beaches so you can have some alone time.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Misty

Palma

Palma has a massive reputation for partying as does Magalluf but if you stray from the norm then you will find that Palma has an old town that is worth a walk around. Discovering the architecture and culture that Majorca has to offer. Palma has a cathedral, ‘La Seu’, that took nearly four hundred years to build but the gothic architecture is amazing.

You could also relax in the ‘Banys Arabs’ (Arab baths). These are remnants of Palma’s Moorish past. Or if you would rather do some shopping then the streets of Palma are the best on the island to grab some retail therapy. There is everything from up-market boutiques to some more familiar high street stores.

Most of the towns in Majorca have their own weekly markets that typically start early in the morning and last until noon, the most traditional of these markets is the medieval town of Sineu.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Vix_B

Above All

Be sure to enjoy yourself whatever you decide to do while you are on your get away in Majorca. Whether it is relaxing on the beach or exploring the hills and mountains of the countryside Majorca has everything all on one fantastic island.

Majorca is a lively but mysterious place to travel to and there are many resorts to stay at.

Why not find the perfect location to stay at using Majorcanholidays.co.uk

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by schizoform

The most striking feature is the unusual dome’s roof with 135 towers and innumerable statues and gargoyles. In clear weather you can see the Alps with the Matterhorn from the towers. For the lovers of Gothic architecture, the Duomo is a masterpiece of perfectly made ​​decorations.

Cathedral windows dating from the 15th century, are among the largest in Europe. In the nave, near the entrance, you can see the largest sundial in the world (dating back to 1786).

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

Milan Cathedral is considered to be one of the most popular buildings in the whole European continent. It is also known to be the largest cathedral of all cathedrals in Italy and the second largest one in Europe (just after Seville Cathedral). It consists of five naves, which supports 52 columns. The highest point of the cathedral is La Madonnina (the statue of the Virgin Mary) from the 18th century, which is now the symbol of Milan.

The project of cathedral was meant to help all those who are helpless and ordinary people who are suffering or suffered under the ruling of tyrant Bernabò. During the construction of this cathedral a large amount of donations were collected from people and soon the news of construction spread with the people.

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In Vilnius you can see the castle ruins, mosque, synagogue, and almost 40 churches. Old Town and the Cathedral Square form the heart of Vilnius. Three bronze statues on the shield of the cathedral are Saint Casimir on the south side, Saint Stanislaus on the north and Saint Helena in the centre. Chapel of Saint Casimir, located at the side of the ship was built in Baroque style. The tomb of Alexander Jagiello – Grand Duke of Lithuania, is located below the chapel.

It is very easy to get lost in Vilnius thanks to the dozens of narrow streets and a number of squares. Thus you can miss some of the most architecturally interesting buildings, such as the church in the shape of a pyramid. The old Jewish quarter, ghetto, the presidential palace, the university and the observatory are among other city’s sights.

The presidential palace was originally the residence of general governors, in 1812 the residence of Napoleon and after his expulsion it was a residence of Marshal Kutuzov. University areal consists of several buildings, including the church, which are interconnected by courtyards.

Magnificent example of Lithuanian Gothic architecture is St. Anne’s Church from the 16th century. Next to it there is a church of the Bernardine Monastery from the same period. In front of this complex there is a statue of Adam Mickiewicz (Polish-Lithuanian poet, publisher and political writer of the Romantic period).

You can pass through one of eight city gates which are remainings of the city walls, which dates from the 16th century. If you get off the Hill of the Three Crosses, which still commemorates three monks that were allegedly tortured to death here, you will obtain a beautiful view of the city. More to the west, lies the new town, where you can find City Hall. In the past, it housed the Gestapo, then KGB and now it houses the Museum of Genocide of Lithuanian nation.

Less than thirty kilometres north of the city there is the geographical middle of Europe, which was established by the French National Geographical Institute. This centre symbolizes the pyramid, which contains the names of all major European cities and their distance from the center of Europe.

Vilnius was European Capital of Culture in 2009, together with Linz (Austria).

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