The Off Season – after August

Summer is the most popular time for travel, and that’s why it’s the most expensive. If you wait until summer passes, you can find excellent bargains on airfare and hotels. The least expensive flights are generally those leaving a major city’s airport, so if you can travel on land to a major city before boarding a plane, you may save yourself a surprising amount.

Hotels also charge less after the summer is over. Because they’ve just finished handling large numbers of guests, you will most likely find you get better service by traveling when they’re grateful for the business and less pressed for time. Lines become shorter and the staff has more time for special requests. Tours and events such as concerts also often charge less during these months.

September and October are a bit cooler than July and August as well, but still quite warm. This means you’ll be more comfortable than if you traveled during the summer.

Public transportation

It may sound daunting at first, but if you get a phrasebook and study the train schedules, you can get around in Italy without renting a car or making use of taxis. Italy is known for its trains. If you have some idea how much you’re going to use the trains, you can buy a pass instead of buying tickets as you go, and save a bit of money there.

Hotel? What hotel?

Sometimes renting a house or apartment is a much better option than a hotel – and cheaper. This is especially great for a group of travelers splitting the cost. Additionally, you’ll have a kitchen at your disposal so you can save more money by cooking at your rented home instead of going to restaurants or relying on room service.

Refrigerator

At the very least, make sure you get a hotel room with a refrigerator. Go grocery shopping the first day and get some snacks and foods that don’t need to be cooked. You’ll save compared to buying snacks as you go, and if you replace some restaurant meals with grocery items, you could save quite a bit.

The Val D’orcia region includes the towns of Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, Pienza, Castiglione d’Orcia and Radicofani.

The landscape of this area is made of hills, river beds and cypress trees lining country roads. The ancient fortresses on the hill tops add severity and mystery to the image.

Oak woods, olive groves and vineyards where Brunello di Montalcino and other great Tuscan wines are grown cover the hills.

To the west, the view takes in Monte Amiata – the highest ancient volcano in Italy. Val D’Orcia is now protected as an artistic natural and cultural park. Trails, guides, brochures and museums all offer different means of exploring the region.

When you arrive in Radicofani from the south, you see the rolling hills open to greet you. Arriving from the north, the change between the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia area is more subtle. The Ombrone river gives place to a narrower valley, and there are fewer clay ravines.

The hamlets on the hilltops are villages full of history and monuments. More than anything else, Val d’Orcia means nature. The river the valley is named after is little more than a stream for most of the year, and dries up in summer, but in the autumn the rains make it a raging river. It springs in the hills between Radicofani and Sarteano, decends into a wide cultivated valley and then heads west towards Pienza, San Quirico, Montalcino and Castiglione.

In Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo, thermal waters heated in the heart of the volcano bubble to the surface and form mineral outcroppings of rare beauty.

The Sienese countryside is also famous for its flavors. Apart from the wine – Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, Orcia DOC – visitors to Val D’orcia may taste, purchase and take back home excuisite olive oil, honey, cheeses and cold meets.

Montalcino was already famous for its red wines in the 1400s. It was Ferruccio Biondi Santi, however, who first had the idea of leaving out the Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino grapes which were part of the traditional Chianti recipe, using instead only the Sangiovese variety.

A bottle of the family collection dated 1888 may be considered the first outcome of this experiment. Brunello di Montalcino was among the first Italian wines to be awarded with the DOC appellation in 1966 and with the DOCG appellation in 1980.

The train may be a great means of exploring the Val d’Orcia. Left behind by ordinary traffic in 1994, the line connecting Siena with the stations in Monte Antico and Grosseto via Asciano, Torrenieri and the Asso Valley is currently serviced from spring to autumn by Treno Natura. These trains allow you to appreciate the hills and woodlands, stop off in all the stations and enjoy isolated villages and isolated monuments. Trekkers and bikers may get off in one station, strike out on their own, and then board again later in a different station.

Usually Littorine wagons from the 1950s run this line, but sometimes old third class centoporte wagons with wooden seats are led by a puffing steam locomotive from the beginning of the 1900s.

About The Author
Rachel Deutsch is the owner and writer of http://www.dream-vacation-in-Tuscany.com. On this site, as in others, she shares her experience in travel, and the interest in Italy, its history and its pleasures.

Fares

You can use just one ticket or pass for all three vehicles. If you stay in Prague for a short time (a few days), you will probably use single tickets.

You can either buy a transfer ticket or a non-transfer ticket. A transfer ticket is for three zones and can be used for 75 minutes on weekdays and for 90 minutes at weekends. You have to buy a ticket before you get on and you have to validate it first time you enter one of the vehicles. The time counts from the validation. With a transfer ticket you can change metro, trams and buses and combine them. The cost is 20 CZK (about 0.8 EUR). A non-transfer ticket can be used for 20 minutes and doesn’t allow change. The cost is 14 CZK (about 0.5 EUR). These tickets you can buy in vending machines installed in each metro station and at some tram and bus stops. Tickets are also available in many tobacco shops and newsagents’.

There are also season tickets (passes) available – 24 hours ticket (80 CZK/3 EUR), 3-day pass (220 CZK/8 EUR), 7-day pass (280 CZK/10 EUR), 15-day pass (320 CZK/12 EUR). Residents and long-time visitors buy long-term passes – monthly, quarterly, annual. These tickets can be bought at tickets offices located at several metro stations (e.g. Mustek, Florenc, I.P.Pavlova).

Metro

Prague metro has a good reputation not only among local people but also among visitors of Prague. There are 3 lines designated by letters A (green line), B (yellow line) and C (red line). Metro is in operation daily from 5 am till midnight. It is reliable, convenient and fast way of getting further from the center. You can also use it within the center but to move around the center trams might be more convenient if you do not like walking. Prague metro is clean and quite safe. However, you must beware of pickpockets like in most big cities.

Trams

Those who don’t like metro can use trams. Going by tram around the center is a very convenient and easy way of traveling. Trams in the center get quite crowded due to the high concentration of tourists. There is again the danger of pickpockets especially at the busiest places of the center. Trams operate from 4.30 am till midnight. After midnight you can use night trams operating from 00.30 am till 4.30 am.

Buses

Buses are mainly used to get further from the center, to and within suburbs. Buses operate from 4.30 am till midnight. After midnight night buses operate.

Ticket inspection

The validity of tickets can be checked any time during your trip by ticket inspectors. Tickets inspectors are entitled to ask passengers to show valid tickets and in case of traveling without a valid ticket give passenger a penalty fate in the amount of 800 CZK. Ticket inspectors have to prove themselves by an inspection badge Ticket inspection /Prague Public Transit Co. Inc.

About The Author
Radka Konigsmark lives in Prague, Czech republic. She owns and runs a company providing Prague airport transfers – www.prague-transfers.cz

It was the rural charm of Knokke-Heist that has made it a popular Belgium attraction and currently, Knokke-Heist stands as one of the most popular beachside locations in Belgium today. Filled with hotels, villas, condos and resorts Knokke-Heist offers the traveller fine accommodations while they tour the city and surrounding areas. Finally, the city of Knokke-Heist is strongly community oriented: the city of Knokke-Heist has established what is referred to as an administrative community consisting of Alberstrand, Heist, Knokke, and Zoute respectively.

Places of interest:

While in Knokke-Heist, visit one of the world’s finest nature reserves, the Zwin at Ooievaarslaan 8. This reserve is what separates the border of Knokke-Heist and Dutch territory. Rich with vegetation and brimming with aquatic life are the creeks that run through the Zwin. Various sea birds live in the Zwin, making the locale an excellent site seeing spot for bird lovers of all kinds. Access to the Zwin is available every day from 9 am until 5 pm, from April until late September and guided tours are available to tourists every Sunday.

Alternatively, both Het Zoute and Het Kalf have windmills that tourists can visit during the summer and early autumn months. Both windmills of eighteenth century design, the two windmills in Knokke-Heist give travellers the opportunity to momentarily step back in time and view eighth century Belgium architecture at its best.

In contrast, the Butterfly Garden in Knokke-Heist may appeal to many travellers looking to experience the ultimate in natural beauty. A heated greenhouse, heated to tropical temperatures, the Butterfly garden has ponds, waterfalls, and gorgeous butterflies are housed in the garden. The garden is accessible during the months of April until the beginning of October and the hours are from 10 am until 5 pm.

Things to do:

The seaside resorts in Knokke-Heist are incredibly popular among tourists. With fun in the sun, plenty of shopping opportunities, and a fair share of adult gambling entertainment, Knokke-Heist continues to thrive as a tourist attraction in Belgium. Shops line the Dumortierlann Boulevard, the Kustlaan Boulevard and the Lippenslann Boulevard and smack in the centre of Canadasquare, travellers can gamble at the Knokke Casino, first build in the late 1920s. It has since undergone extensive renovation and the interior of the casino is just as alluring to travellers as is the gaming offered by the casino.

The Albert Palace Casino in Knokke-Heist is located at Zeedijk-Alberstrand 509. It is a 66,000 square foot facility offering more than 40 different slot machines and more than 15 table games. Travellers can even dine on location in the restaurant or enjoy fine Belgian beer at the casino’s bar. Gaming at the Albert Palace Casino includes American Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, Punto Banco, and Stud Poker the amenities provided to guests at the casino are truly vast. There is a dress code at the casino and the facility offers entertainment and gaming rooms. Only those travellers that are 21 years-of-age or over can enter the Albert Palace Casino in Knokke-Heist.

Food & Drink:

Tourist can bask in Belgian ambiance and culture when dining at the Moeder Siska, a true gastronomic delight! The Moeder Siska is a family institution first established in the late 1890′s. Mother Siska, as the locals fondly referred to her, was formerly married to a miller living in Knokke-Heist and she was honoured for her famous Belgian waffles. Legend has it that her twelve children carried on her tradition and the locals still rave about the waffles at the Moeder Siska.

Alternatively, the Opus 91 at Alfred Verweeplein 6, has an ultra-modern and sophisticated décor and equally delectable food. Some entrées offered at the location include Gaspacho Mule’s Soup Quiche, Fish and Courgette, and other French delicacies. Desserts offered include Butter Almond Cookies, Mousse, and of course, Belgian chocolate is readily available to guests dining at Opus 91. Diners can finish off a meal with a cup of coffee or tea.

Diners looking to enjoy some Italian cuisine can find what appeases their palate at Rigoletto at Lippenslaan 389. The menu at Rigoletto consists of pasta, pizza, fish meat, gelato, pasticceria, carpaccio and more. The Rigoletto is open for lunch and dinner meals and guests can choose the lobster they desire right from the lobster aquarium in the Rigoletto.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Romantik Hotel Manoir du Dragon
Hotel Cottage
Hotel Auberge St. Pol.
Hotel Monterey
Lido
Hotel Chalet Tinel
Hotel Figaro
Best Western Golf Hotel Zoute
Entertainment:

Knokke-Heist is a city filled to the brim with entertainment opportunities. While not dining at one of the numerous cafes, or shopping amid all the fine shops along the famous Boulevards in Knokke-Heist, tourists will discover there is much to see and enjoy in the city. Tourists can enjoy a full day on the beach, a complete evening in the casino, and find themselves completely refreshed and ready to enjoy more of the adventures offered in Knokke-Heist.

The International Cartoon festival is hosted every summer in the city of Knokke-Heist. Cartoonists the world over visit the city to partake in the festival and display their work. Despite the language barrier, the artwork that goes into creating each cartoon can be truly appreciated and many cartoons can be understood even if one cannot translate the languages the cartoons are created with.

Finally, the nightlife in Knokke-Heist should not be passed up. Along with the casino, there are a number of pubs available for adult relaxation and socialization. Further, a tourist simply cannot leave Belgium without sampling the fine beer the country is famed for. Live entertainment is often available and couples can enjoy and evening of romance and dancing at any of the pubs in the city.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Meredith Booney – Website: www.belgiumcities.info Meredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing for travel journals, newspapers and magazines.

Famed for its textile manufacturing, Kortrijk started producing both lace and linen as early as the fourteenth century. Tourists will find that Kortrijk is home to a number of spinning and finishing mills, and the Battle of the Golden Spurs actually took place very nearby historic Kortrijk, and the city has established a memorial for the battle in 1906 called the Groeningstraat, just east of the Grote Markt.

Places of interest:

The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Kortrijk, also known as the Stedelijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, is home to one of the finest art galleries in Belgium. The museum holds the extraordinary paintings of the sixteenth century painter, Roeland Savery, as well as the extraordinary works of other painters; a number of archaeological artifacts, ceramics, porcelain, pottery and, because the museum is housed in a seventeenth century patrician house, travellers get the opportunity to enjoy the astounding beauty of Renaissance architecture. The museum is open Saturday through Thursday and is closed on Fridays and special holidays.

Situated in the heart of Kortrijk, tourists will find the Grote Markt, a popular Kortrijk tourist attraction. Within the Grote Markt, tourists can see the World War I memorial, the ruins of the clothes hall, the Grote Markt Belfry, first built in 1307. Additionally, the official town hall of Kortrijk, the stadhuis was built around 1420, still possesses some of its original Gothic architecture and travellers can view the myriad craved statues throughout the building. Finally, if tourists possess an affinity for architecture, while staying in Kortrijk they can view the two large towers that form the Broeltorens: fortification towers established in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Things to do:

Guests in Kortrijk can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the River Lys or they can enjoy the many sites that a historic city like Kortrijk has to offer. Typically tourists rave about the architecture in Kortrijk. Visits can see the Menin Gate, established in 1927; a memorial for the British soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and the Church of Our Lady is just a stroll away from the Broeltowers, a short distance from Grand Place. Outside the Church of Our Lady, the ruins of the original castle that once enclosed the church still remain and the church is the oldest building in the city of Kortrijk. Further, a highlight found in the Church of Our Lady is that site seers can view paintings of all the former rulers of Flanders. Meanwhile, buildings like the Palace of Justice offer a striking contrast in terms of architecture, giving the city of Kortrijk an equally modern appeal.

Food & Drink:

For those tourists looking to get a cultural taste of Belgium’s finest foods, the most popular specialties ordered among dining tourists in Belgium are Endives with Béchamel Sauce, Ardennes Sausages and ham, Belgian Waffles, Mussels and chips, and of course, the favorite traveling treats are Belgium chocolates. While visiting Belgium, tourist may also want to try some of the world-famous beer that Belgium offers: over 400 different brews of Belgium’s famous beer are available, including fruit bear, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, and Duvel, among many.

The Café Rouge-Kortrijk requires no reservations in advance, and has everything a hungry tourist desires. Further, the Café Rouge-Kortrijk possesses ultra modern architecture, its décor is one of sophistication and it is famed for its tea, served with a side of cake and chocolates. Diners have the option of trying fondue, flavored potato chips, soups, salads, waffles served with fresh fruit, and crème brulee, among other fine dining options.

Alternatively, in nearby Wevelgem, tourists can dine at Biggles, a restaurant revered for their fine service and friendly atmosphere, or the La Dolce Vita, at Stationsstraat 10 near the railway station, an Italian restaurant offering pizza and tagliatelli, among other fine dishes. Finally, travellers can enjoy fine wine in almost any of the cafes in Belgium, as many of the sites have a license to sell spirits.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Center Hotel
Bed & Breakfast Full House
Kennedy Hotel
Best Western Hotel Belfort
Parkhotel
Entertainment:

The nightlife in Kortrijk offers much to the traveler looking for adult fun and entertainment. Further, while staying in Kortrijk, guests will have accesses to unlimited recreational facilities. Nearby Brussels is home to ten theaters, cinemas, discos, and entertaining clubs like the Le Fuse, Les Jeux d’Hiver and The Music Village.

Kortrijk offers more than fine accommodations, dining, as it offers easy accessibility to site seeing adventures. For instance, while visiting the Castle’t Hoge, tourists can bask in the beauty of the International Rose Garden. The Castle’t Hoge demands no entry fee and families can spend the day enjoying the scenic view. Travellers can also relax at any number of the cafes and pubs located in the Grand Place, Kortrijk. Again, many of the pubs offer the national drink of Belgium, beer, and there are over 400 fine varieties to choose from.

All of the sites in Kortrijk are easily accessible. Travellers can visit tourist attractions via rental cars or they can travel by train to other major cities in Belgium. Meanwhile, some tourists choose to cycle along the Lys River and to take in the fresh air and gorgeous view. Essentially, no matter what form of transportation tourists utilize, they will find an extraordinary abundance of things to do, see and enjoy while staying in Kortrijk, Belgium.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Meredith Booney – Website: www.belgiumcities.info Meredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing for travel journals, newspapers and magazines.

The Hanson Brothers

Upon arriving in Copenhagen, I was burned out from backpacking and looking forward to a good nap. I was traveling with three other Americans and we became distressed as each subsequent hostel told us all beds were sold. After asking around [okay, we were in a bar], we were given a lift by a local to a “hotel” guaranteed to have space.

I could only sigh as we pulled up to the ice rink for the local professional team. Since we were “high and dry”, we entered and booked our beds. Left face off dot. Yes, our beds were arranged around the left face off dot. To make a little extra money during the summer, the rink melted the ice and set up beds everywhere. The scene can best be described as a giant collection of cubicles in an office with beds instead of desks. It was cheap, dry and had a communal feel since you could hear everything. If you’ve seen the movie “Slap Shot”, it was like living with a few hundred Hanson Brothers.

Danish Elephants

Okay, there was one Danish elephant. Okay, it was made out of wood. And poured beer. From its trunk. Ah, let me start at the beginning.

Having been befriended by some local Danes, we were asked in hushed tones if we would like to see real Danish elephants. Yes, we’d be able to touch them. No, they weren’t dangerous. We could even ride them? Wow, this was going to be a great entry in my Nomad travel journal.

We were picked up at the ice rink that evening and taken to the center of town. We stopped in front of what looked like all the world to be a small tavern. This is where they keep the elephants? We walked into a small tavern with!a life-sized, wood elephant.

As it turned out, the elephant was the world’s biggest and best beer dispensing unit. Put you glass under the trunk and pull down on a tusk to dispense your beverage of choice. Each tusk provided a different beer, but I investigated the mechanism far to often that evening and don’t recall the brands. Unfortunately, there didn’t appear to be an aspirin elephant anywhere to be seen the next morning.

If you’re going to be visiting Copenhagen and don’t give a hoot about privacy, the ice rink hotel can’t be beat for price and a communal spirit. Well, maybe by the Danish elephants, but don’t tell anyone I told you.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com – makers of travel journals. Visit us to read more articles on adventure travel.

Paris

It is hard to know where to start when discussing Paris. Take a boat down the Seine River and you will pass Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and so many other notable spots it is easy to get overwhelmed. The city is simply that dramatic.

Long considered the most glamorous city in Europe, Paris has a little of everything. For the romantic, one can visit the haunts of famous writers, historical sites of just about every nature and the Moulin Rouge.

On the other hand, art lovers can spend weeks visiting the 100 plus museums in the city with, of course, the Louvre being the crown jewel. Personally, I found the Rodin Museum just as interesting, particularly since there was a much smaller crowd.

Perhaps the best way to experience Paris is just to wander around. Yes, take a few days to visit the notable tourist traps!err, destinations. Once you get tired of standing in crowds, walk out of your hotel and just keep on going. You will find little neighborhoods with eccentric characteristics to make you smile. As you plod along, real cafes and gathering places will become apparent. Make sure you visit them as the locals in these neighborhoods are very friendly and funny.

Nice

Nice is a small beach city just to the east of Cannes in the south of France. It is an odd mix of old world charm and beach culture. In and of itself, there is nothing particular about Nice when compared to Cannes with the exception of the prices. They are significantly cheaper and you get pretty much the same thing.

One extremely positive thing about Nice is the launching factor. Nice is close to everything and a natural launching point to go practically anywhere in the general region. You can hop on a train to the east and be in Monaco in 15 minutes. You can take a 20 minute minivan trip inland to learn how to make cheese and soap. Thankfully, this isn’t the same location.

France is a diverse country with a rich history. It can be easy to overdose on the volume of things to see, but you can’t do much worse than just walking out your door and exploring. Remember, those boots were made for walking.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com – makers of travel journals. Visit us to read more articles on adventure travel.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the biggest city in Portugal and is located on the Atlantic coast in middle of the country. I’ve been to Lisbon three times, but only for a few days each time. Every time I come away with the impression of elegance.

Arriving by train, your first taste of Lisbon is when you walk out of the train station directly onto the shore of the harbor. As you look to the ocean, the name “San Francisco” immediately comes to mind. Mountains rise up on both sides of the mouth of the harbor and then there is the bridge. Running across the mouth of bay is a bridge that looks for all intensive purposes like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. I’ve never had a chance to research it, but there has to be a connection.

As you walk into Lisbon, everything is clean and relaxed. There are walking only streets with cafes and garden areas. Bringing to mind San Francisco again, there are cable cars running though the center of the city. I can’t tell you why, but Lisbon is a very low stress city on both the mind and the wallet. Yep, it is cheap and a good destination for budget travelers.

Algarve

The Algarve is the southwestern tip of Portugal and borders on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans. This is an interpretation on my part as some feel the area only covers the beaches on the Mediterranean Ocean. Regardless, the Algarve is a collection of beach towns that remind me of Southern California in the 1940′s. No I am not that old. I am just relying on family stories and pictures. Jeez, give me some credit! One of the highlights of the Algarve is Lagos.

Lagos

I grew up in San Diego, California. It’s a great place to be a kid and an adult. The only complaint I have is a lot of people seem to feel the same way. The population has exploded beyond belief, freeways are crowded on weekends and housing prices average roughly $500,000 for a deluxe closet without driveway. Its still nice, but I’ve begun to think about relocating. If I do, Lagos may be my destination.

Lagos is a sleepy beach community with just about anything you could want in paradise. White beaches, private beaches, grottos, wine growing, a lively nightlife, modern conveniences and just about the nicest people you have ever met in your life.

You can stay in a hotel while in Lagos, but this is a mistake in my opinion. Instead, go to the train station and reserve a room with a family. Families in cities all over the world do this, but Lagos is different. The family you stay with more or less adopts you as one of their own. They will haul you all over town, introduce you to other locals and generally give you a true taste of Portugal. For veteran travelers, nothing could be better.

Rating

For an overall rating, I give Portugal and Lagos the highest rating of “bar.” I loved it so much, I wanted to stay and almost purchased a bar by blackmailing, bribing and begging a friend in California over the phone. Alas, his wife didn’t think it was such a good idea.

Hey, how about you? We could probably still get a good deal!

No, seriously.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com – makers of travel journals. Visit us to read more articles on adventure travel.

Spain: Tips for Travel
Most people getting cheap Benidorm flights into Alicante airport when visiting this city. Once you arrive, there are plenty of choices for travel throughout the area. The Benidorm bus has frequent routes from the airport to the city. The railway runs a similar route. There are about twenty car hire companies that operate in Benidorm. All will pick you up at the airport; just let them know when you make a reservation.

The choice you make in travel will depend on how much you plan to travel throughout the region on your vacation. If you plan to travel to surrounding cities, a car is the best bet. This will allow you the freedom to move around the region. If you plan to stay within the city for most of your trip, public transportation will serve your needs well.

Benidorm Attractions
Benidorm offers something for everyone in terms of attractions. There are holiday and theme parks, as well as other attractions that are great for families. Single people will enjoy the beaches and vibrant nightlife of the city. Golfers will enjoy the great golf courses in and around the city.

The city has three beaches. The Playa de Levante is also known as the rising beach. This beach is more secluded, but tends to draw a younger, single crowd. The Levante is a topless beach. The Playa de Poniente is in a busier area. This beach tends to attract families and older people. The small beach in between these two larger beaches is called the Playa Mai Pas.

The main street on the beach and the city square are car free zones. No traffic is allowed in this area, which makes it nice for walking. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, dance clubs and bars. This is a busy area both day and night during the summer travel season.

The Lemon Express is a thirty mile rail journey from Benidorm up the coast of Spain. This offers a scenic tour of the coastline. The train leaves from Benidorm and travels up the coast. You will enjoy the scenic view of the Spanish countryside from the train.

There is also plenty to do with the family in this city. Families will enjoy the Terra Mitica, a theme park in Benidorm. The name in English is the Mythical Land. This theme park features ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman civilizations. There are plenty of rides here for kids of all ages. In addition, the park offers play areas for younger children.

The Terra Natura Park is a wildlife park. This park is home to over five hundred animals of about two hundred different species. You will get to see animals in their natural habitats. The park is set up in four theme areas. There is also a park with a playground for the kids to run and play.
Spend some time researching the variety of attractions and accommodations in the Benidorm area when planning your vacation. You will find there is something for every member of the family. Good planning will ensure that everyone has a great time on your vacation.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Erica Bosworth wrote a lot of articles for www.alicante-spain.com, where you can find a detailed Benidorm Guide including a free video of the city.

1. Nun Watching in Piazza San Pietro

There is something serene about watching a line of Nuns on tour, especially on specific Saint’s days, taking photos of the façade of St Peter’s or trailing behind each other inside the huge basilica. They are only out numbered by the pigeons, which parents ,who hate their children, encourage to sit on their offspring’s head in hopes they will pick them up and fly away, perhaps dropping them somewhere over the Forum.

2. Eating Gelati 3 times a day

This is mandatory for anyone travelling during the months of June, July and August. How the Italians get it so creamy, tasty and dribbly is beyond me but you never feel full. It’s the best thing after a long hot day queuing up for hours to see all those magnificent artworks. It is made with totally natural ingredients and everybody claims to have the best gelato shop in Italy, which is believable, but some even go further, experimenting in odd flavours like tomato and believe it or not basil.

3. Holding up the leaning tower of Pisa

You’ve all seen it. The obligatory photo of someone and their mates holding up the Leaning tower, either with one finger or both hands. Probably the next best thing to climbing it, which is all anyone goes to Pisa to do. And holding it up is about the cheapest thing there.

4. Dodging Cars in Rome

After sky diving in Switzerland and a taxi ride in the Czech republic this probably the most adrenaline packed activity you can do in Europe. To cross the road you must keep walking, make sure you keep eye contact with any oncoming driver like a bullfighter and keep moving. The cars and bikes will come very close, never actually touching you, so long as you keep going.

5. Parking on a Kerb

Everyone else does it.

6. Singing a Duet with a Gondolier

He may not be the next Pavarotti but your gondolier should have a pretty good voice. They know all the old favourites and it makes the experience all the more authentic. They usually ask for a bit extra for the service on top of the hire fee. The most favoured time is around dusk as the lights are coming on making the reflections in the water add to the atmosphere.

7. Hanging out with the Pope on Wednesday

Tourists, Nuns, Priests, locals and pigeons flock to Piazza San Pietro for the weekly address from his holiness Pope Benedict XVI at around 10am. Afterwards you can check out the inside of the Basilica and the crypt where St Peter’s remains are kept.

8. Checking out David’s A—e

You could line up and pay to see the original inside the Accademia, where it was shifted at the end of the 1800′s to protect it from vandals and the elements. Or you could examine his copy up close in Piazza Signoria for free, or you could climb the hill above the Ponte Vecchio to see the bronze version standing in Piazza Michelangelo. Or you could see all 3 and make a comparison.

9. Drinking wine and watching the sunset in Cinque Terre

There is something quite unique about sitting on the rocks next to where the fishing boats pull up, lanterns bobbing along the wires around the cove in the sea breeze, listening to a guy practising his baritone opera through an open window, watching the sun sinking over the horizon sipping on a locally made red after eating home made pasta and pesto sauce. Perfect.

10. Eating Pizza in Napoli

Home of the Margherita pizza. A famous local pizza maker Rafaelle Espositi heard the Queen of Naples was interested in trying a pizza so he made a patriotic one using basil, tomato and mozzarella for the colours of the Italian flag. She liked it so much she gave her name to it. To be enjoyed while observing the kamikaze scooters and cars going hell for leather down the narrow streets.

11. Cliff Diving in Sorrento

Not for the faint hearted. Locals, generally boys, scramble up the steep cliffs to leap off dropping tens of metres into the big blue beneath. If that is way too over the top you could always take a mask and snorkel and wait around underneath.

12. Calling your mum from the top of the Venice Campanile

Believe it or not there is a public pay phone at the top of the campanile so you can make that all important call to your mum, or maybe order a pizza for dinner.

13. Wine Tasting in Chianti

There is a theory that the word Chianti comes from the old Etruscan word for water ‘Clante’, which is an obvious connection to make if you drink a lot of Chianti. The stringent production standards set by the Consortium means the quality of all types of the wine is consistent and it’s hard to find a bad one.

14. Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain

But don’t go swimming unless you want to pay a huge fine. One coin means you return to Rome, two coins means you return and get kissed and three coins means you return and get married. All the money gets swept up regularly and given to charity. The authorities also don’t take kindly to anyone stealing from the fountain. Put the coin(s) in your right hand and throw over your left shoulder. It’s something fun to do with the change from your third gelato.

15. Visiting the Sistine Chapel

If you survive the 3km walk through the rather opulent Papal Rooms of the Vatican Museum you will be rewarded with the sensational view of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Created in situ by Michelangelo, he often painted freehand straight onto the wet plaster, through belligerent Papal outbursts, financial difficulties, staffing problems, slipping foundations, wars and finally completed after 4 years in 1512. Take mini field glasses and some sort of key to each fresco. The noise of everyone whispering is only drowned out by the guard bellowing ‘silencio’ every so often. And don’t sit on the steps.

16. Walking the planks in a flooded Venice

One of the more original experiences when visiting this watery city. Winter rains flood the lagoon and when the tide is in the level can rise to your knees. Practical locals have come up with the solution in the form of raised platforms so you can walk the planks around Piazza San Marco without getting your toes wet. Or you could invest in some stylish rubber booties.

17. Getting Grappa-ed ( drink too much Grappa)

Every country has it’s fire water. In Russia and Poland it’s vodka, in Mexico it’s Tequila, in Czech it’s the Absinthe and in Italy it’s Grappa. Distilled from the leftovers from pressing the grapes for wine, all the pips, skins and stalks, it is usually drunk at the end of a meal after the espresso. The first shot takes care of any sensation in your throat and the second and third take care of the rest of the nervous system.

18. Buying a Ferrari hat

After football, the Pope and their own mother comes the nation’s almost religious following of that little red car from Maranello. Most Italian drivers appear to fancy themselves as the next Schumacher along the autostrada, including the truck drivers, but you have to admit the car is cool.

19. Riding a scooter in Tuscany

Winding country roads between rolling green hills, vine rows neatly slicing down the hillsides, wild flowers in the fields and those tall cypress trees lining the driveway to a mediaeval villa. All that fresh air and the chance to take life at the local pace while unpacking a tasty picnic in some farmer’s field.

20. Finishing a Bistecca alla Fiorentina ( T bone Steak)

The resurrection of the Florentines favourite steak made national headlines. The local celebrity butcher from Panzano, Dario Cecchini had held a public funeral and memorial service when the EU banned the sale of beef on the bone products after the mad cow scare a few years back. Now it’s back and everyone is celebrating. Just make sure you’re really hungry for this one as it is huge.

The general consensus was that these were all the things that should be done during a trip to Italy, along with all the usual art and history things of course, in order that you get the most out of the trip.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Katy Hyslop is a women of action keeping Plus Villages and their staff under control regularly visiting their hostels in Rome . Her experience as teacher, backpacker and tour guide in Europe for the past six years enables her to have a unique view on the world of travel.