Friday 27 February 2009

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Thursday 12 February 2009

Shopping in Athens

Downtown Athens is a shoppers paradise. Besides the areas of the Plaka and Monastiraki which are well known to travelers for their large variety of tourist shops all of central Athens is a shopper's Mecca. Streets that were once choked with traffic have now been closed to all motor vehicles and this diverse shopping area has become a walking shoppers paradise with every kind of shop you can imagine, and some you never imagined existed. There are street merchants selling everything from scarves to devices that make stuffed grape leaves or hollow out a zucchini. The clothing shops have quality men and women's apparel from all over the world and the shoe stores make you wonder why your choices at home are so limited. Check out Spiliopoulos towards the bottom of Ermou where I buy my shoes. It is like a shoe-free-for-all that can be like the NY Stock Exchange during a buying frenzy. If you go to the end of Ermou and turn right on Athinas Street there are a number of clothing shops where you can find more casual stuff, jeans, T-shirts and these wild Polynesian shirts that I am not allowed to get because they make me look like I weigh 300 pounds (according to my wife). Speaking of weight there is a clothes shop on Athinas street between Ermou and Agia Erinis with clothes for big people. Really big people. On the same street you can buy cool souvenir shirts, not like the ones they sell in the flea market or the Plaka. The kind that even Greeks buy.

 

 

Tuesday 10 February 2009

Hilton Athens hotel

Take in Acropolis views from the Hilton Athens hotel in the heart of the city. Work out at the Fitness & Wellness Club, featuring a large indoor pool or be pampered at the Beauty Center. Try gourmet Greek cuisine at the famous Milos Restaurant from Montreal and New York.

Visit the open-air Galaxy Roof restaurant or sip your favourite cocktail at the rooftop Galaxy Bar, both featuring the best view of Athens and the Acropolis. Sample light snacks and Japanese delicacies at the Aethrion Lounge and enjoy Mediterranean flavours at the Byzantine restaurant. During summertime, enjoy a relaxing day by the largest hotel swimming pool in the city or have an outdoor lunch at the Oasis Bar & Grill. Athens attractions near the hotel include the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora as well as the shopping district of Kolonaki.

The hotel is just 25 minutes away from the airport by direct subway. It features 22 meeting rooms for 2 to 1300 people, a 24-hour Business Center and an Executive Lounge with Acropolis view, offering coffee, drinks and light snacks. All rooms have balconies with either Acropolis or Lycabettus hill views.

Thursday 5 February 2009

Find popular summer holiday resorts with medestino.com

Medestino.com offers great value deals on over 2500 hotels in Greece, Cyprus, Mainland Spain, The Canary Islands, Balearics, Mainland Portugal, Madeira, Malta, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, Bulgaria, Croatia and the Caribbean. We have the fastest and easiest booking engine which shows up-to-date availability and gives instant confirmation of bookings. We cater to the trend towards customers seeking better value for money by booking hotels separately as opposed to as part of a package.
Our vast selection of quality hotels is spread throughout Greece (in Athens, Corfu, Crete, Halkidiki, Kefalonia, Kos, Lefkas, Lesvos, Mykonos, Peloponnese, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos,Skopelos, Thassos, Thessaloniki and Zante), Cyprus (in Agia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Protaras), Mainland Spain (in Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa De Almeria, Costa de la Luz, Costa del Sol, Costa Dorada, and Granada), the Canary Islands (in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lanzarote and Tenerife), Balearics (in Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca), Mainland Portugal (in Algarve, Coimbra, Ericeira, Lisbon, Lisbon Coast, Oporto and Sesimbra), Madeira (in Canico, Funchal, Garajau, Machico, Ponta Do Sol and Santo Da Serra), Malta ( in Attard, Bugibba, Gozo, Marfa, Mellieha, Qawram, Salina, Sliema, St. Julians, St. Pauls Bay and Valletta), Italy (in Lake Garda, Neapolitan Riviera, Sardinia and Sicily), Morocco (in Agadir, Casablanca, Essaouira, Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, Ouarzazate, Rabat and Tangier), Tunisia (in Borj Cerdia/Tunis South, Djerba, Hammamet, Hammamet Yasmine, Mahdia, Nabeul, Port El Kantaoui, Skanes and Sousse) Turkey (in Aegean Coast, Instanbul, Turkish Riviera and West Turkey), Egypt (in Aswan, Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh and Taba), Bulgaria (in Albena, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, and Sveti Konstantin), Croatia (in Dalmatian Riviera, Dubrovnik Riviera, Istrian Riviera, Kvarner Riviera and Montenegro Riviera) and The Caribbean (Dominican Republic and Mexico).

Paris Hotels

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Heathrow Airport by Train

The Heathrow Express is the fastest way to travel into Central London. Trains leave Heathrow Airport from approximately 5.07am until 11.48pm. Standard fares are £14.50 for a single ticket purchased online (£15.50 if bought from the ticket machine at Heathrow Airport and £17.50 if purchased onboard). Journey time is 15 minutes (average), non-stop to Paddington station. The Heathrow Express calls at two stations serving the airport, Heathrow Central for Terminal 1-3 and the other for Terminal 5. Passengers for Terminal 4 should change at Terminals 1, 2, 3 for a free and frequent transfer service to Terminal 4.
Visit the Heathrow Express website or phone +44 (0)845 600 1515 for more information

Central London Gay and Lesbian Bars and Pubs

London's gay and lesbian bars are centred around Soho and Covent Garden. The nights are long, the pace is fast, and anything goes!
Old Compton Street (OCS), Soho's main drag, is often called the gayest street in Europe.

The Admiral Duncan

The good ship Duncan, one of the capital's best-loved queer haunts, sails on. A traditional, endearingly rough around the edges boozer, the sounds at the Admiral Duncan remain firmly rooted in those halcyon days of the 1980s and 1990s.
Open Mon-Sat, noon-11pm, and Sunday, noon-10.30pm

Barcode

For something a little more mature, Barcode is the place mostly post-30s gay men assemble nightly. A cruise-y joint, Barcode isn't averse to a muscle or two. Try downstairs for dancing; Tuesday nights are the side-splitting Comedy Camp. So don't forget your corsets.
Open Mon-Sat, 4pm-1am and Sun, 4pm-10.30pm

The Box

The Box is famous for its worked-out-to-within-an-inch-of-their-lives barmen. It attracts a similar type, but also a scattering of savvy media types from nearby Covent Garden. Its walls are often given over to some hot new happening gay artist.

Candy Bar

Girls just wanna have fun at Candy Bar, the UK's first women-only venue with a licence to strip! The erotic dancers in the basement are poles apart.
Open 7 days a week from 5pm onwards

Comptons

Bovver boots and bomber jackets are the uniform of choice at this renowned trad drinking hole in Soho. But don't let that mislead you. Comptons sees plenty of cruising, but no bruising.
Open Mon-Sat, noon-11pm, Sun, noon-10.30pm

The Duke of Wellington

This hugely popular "local" pub, slap-bang in the middle of Soho, is a one-up, one-down. The Duke of Wellington is warm and welcoming downstairs, chic and chilled upstairs.

The Edge

With no fewer than 4 floors of pleasure to choose from – a ground bar, a lounge bar, a piano bar and a club bar – The Edge is like the Empire State Building of gay abandon. A Euro-style fooderie during daylight hours, it turns into a throbbing nightclub at sundown.
Open Mon-Sat, noon-1am, Sun, noon-10.30pm

Escape

For something a little livlier, try Escape. With its shiny floor and disco music, designer-clad young lads and an up-for-it attitude, Escape is a bijou space that's a great pre-club dance bar.
Open Mon-Sat, 3pm-3am

First Out Café Bar

It's like those heady student days all over again. Head to First Out for veggie food, cheap drinks... hell, even art exhibitions. Right, who's for a debate about world peace? First Out has it all.
Open Mon-Sat, 10am-11pm and Sun, 11am-10.30pm

Friendly Society

Mad as a box of hair, with fish tanks, kids' wallpaper and funny space-age banquettes, intimate pre-club fave, the Friendly Society is fun, fun, fun. (With a bit more fun on the side).

G-A-Y Bar

The name leaves you in no doubt as to what to expect. The G-A-Y Bar is all velvet and va-va-voom, with video screens beaming out Kylie, S Club, Gloria Gaynor et al. There's a girls' bar in the basement.
Open Mon-Sat, noon-midnight and Sun, noon-10.30pm

Halfway to Heaven

A popular stop-off point on the way to the celestial-sounding superclub (see Heaven), Halfway to Heaven is the calm before the storm. There are no frills to speak of in this everyman's boozer, but the atmosphere is friendly.
Open Mon-Sat, noon-11pm and Sun, noon-10.30pm

The King's Arms

Brad Pitt was once spotted enjoying a pint of good ol' British here. But for the most part, the King's Arms is home to friendly bears hustling pool with their nearest and dearest.

Ku Bar

Candles and a stylishly eccentric decor give the Ku Bar an old-curiosity-shop ambience that will inject a breath of fresh air into your social schedule. Popular with a young crowd.

Kudos

Polish off some tasty grub from the extensive menu, then dance it off in front of the huge video screen playing the latest hits downstairs. Kudos attracts a particularly multiethnic crowd.
Open Mon-Fri, 3pm-11pm, Sat, noon-11pm and Sun, noon-10.30pm

Village Soho

Aptly named, the Village is like several venues rolled into one. Stretched over 3 distinctive floors, the diverse decors – everything from Morocco to the musicals, boudoir to Buffalo Bill – alongside a young, mixed Euro crowd ensure you'll never get bored at Village Soho.
Open Mon-Sat, 11.30pm-1am and Sun, noon-midnight

The Mayfair Bar

Sip classy cocktails in the heart of influential Mayfair at the intimate Mayfair Bar. You'll find an unusual and refreshing mix of drinks, expertly made by the skilled Mayfair bartenders. This is a place to snuggle away; unwind by the recessed fireplace and enjoy the original artwork, sense of privacy and the luxurious surroundings.

Quebec

Not hugely Canadian (or French, for that matter), Quebec is a trad bar loved by people who consider themselves too old, proud or too out-of-shape to wear skinny-fit tees.
Open Mon-Wed, noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am, Sun 1pm-midnight

The Retro Bar

At the Retro Bar, skinny indie boys and babes in Adidas and drainpipes pogo to the latest and greatest alternative offerings from Britpop and across the pond.
Open Mon-Sat, noon-11pm and Sun, noon-10.30pm

Rupert Street

A suave retreat away from the hustle and bustle of London's hub. If the suited banker boys don't grab your attention, then the beautiful bar tenders serving up colourful cocktails will. The food at Rupert Street is a treat, too. Rammed most Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, with the chitter-chatter flirting often spilling out onto the street.
Open Mon-Sat, noon-11am and Sun, noon-10.30pm
79 CXR

Hunky lads, pumping tunes and even a name that reminds you of your first Ford Escort are among the delights of 79 CXR. And with a tasty, varied menu, an outside seating area and friendly bar staff, who could ask for anything more?
Open Mon-Sat, 1pm-3am and Sun, 1-10.30pm

The Yard Bar

The Yard Bar is popular with the office boys and money men. Comfy sofas, cheery staff and open-air drinking make it the perfect place to relax at the end of the working day.
Open Mon-Sat, 5-11pm and Sun, 5-10.30pm

Gay Friendly Restaurants in London

The gay scene in London is legendary.

In fact, it has developed at such a rate that it is now considered the gay capital of Europe. Stroll around any one of London's gay neighbourhoods (Vauxhall, Soho, Islington, Hoxton) and you are bound to discover some restaurant gems.
If you need some inspiration however, below are some of the best.

Balans Café

A real institution, the Soho branch of Balans has become a hotspot for visitors from around the world. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, the food is well priced but it's the location – bang in the middle of happening Old Compton Street – that really attracts the crowd. Happily, you'll also find branches of Balans in Kensington, in Chiswick, and in Earl's Court.

First Out Cafe

A cosy and very popular restaurant in St Giles Street, the First Out Café claims to be the first gay café in the West End. As well as serving delicious vegetarian food, First Out also hosts exhibitions and party nights.

Bistrotheque

Slightly off the beaten track in Hackney, the very stylish Bistrotheque is well worth a visit. Inspired by traditional English and French cuisine, the food is superb and immaculately served. When it comes to entertainment, Bistrotheque likes to camp it up with acts that include Spanky is a Gang-Star, Lipsinkers and Baby Dee.

Coffee, Cake and Kink

The coffee is fairtrade and freshly roasted, the cakes are homemade and delicious and the kink comes in the form of exotic books, prints, art and cards. The cheery proprietor at Coffee, Cake and Kink says his vision for his café is to "provide people with the sweeter things in life."

Steph's

Over the last 17 years, the gorgeous Steph's has received a variety of awards for its food and ambience. Featuring classic British comfort food, diners can expect delicacies like fish and chips served in real newspaper and homemade pie of the day served with mash. The high-kicking line of painted flamingos set the scene in the totally fabulous Steph's.

Les Trois Garcons

The interior of the gloriously flamboyant Les Trois Garcons is almost museum worthy. Resplendent with stuffed animals covered in jewels, antiques and chandeliers, this restaurant takes high-camp to extremes. It's a firm favourite with the glitterati who come not just for the décor but also for the very fine food.

The Providores and Tapa Room

Run by the superb chef Peter Gordon, The Providores provides Marylebone High Street with its very own foodie heaven. At street level, the Tapa Room offers fantastic casual dining, while upstairs the Providores dining room serves unbelievable food in slightly more formal surroundings.

Alisan

Alisan is an exciting restaurant conveniently located for the new Wembley Stadium. It's named after the Alisan Mountain in Taiwan, made famous in an old Mandarin folksong. It specialises in dim sum and Cantonese cuisine and there's a mezzanine cocktail lounge serving yummy snacks and drinks. The decor is bold and contemporary with blues, purples and pinks creating a dramatic ambience.

London Attractions

London Attractions Visitor Ratings:
1. Fat Tire Bike Tours - London
2. National Gallery
3. Imperial War Museum London
4. Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
5. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
6. HM Tower of London
7. The Original London Walks
8. Sir John Soane's Museum
9. Westminster Abbey
10. Wallace Collection

Gay and Lesbian London

London is widely recognised as one of the gay capitals of the world and is home to the largest gay and lesbian community in Europe.
With the annual London Pride Festival, London's Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and arguably the most eye-opening gay club nights you'll find in the world, there's something to keep you entertained all year round.

Wednesday 4 February 2009

Valletta hotels and accommodation

Valletta, the capital of Malta and classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, is known for its cultural and artistic diversity, as evidenced by the many examples of Baroque architecture. Valetta, founded by the Knights of St. John, was originally used it to care for injured veterans of the 16th century Crusades. St. John’s Cathedral, with its sculptures and massive vault, is the Order’s conventual church, offering visitors a display of Baroque art, including frescoes, ornate graves, and intricately worked marble floors. The Grand Master’s Palace and Armory is a 16th century building that emphasizes the knightly martial history of the city. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Malta Government Crafts Centre, which showcases local arts and crafts.

Hotels in Valletta allow travelers to be right in the heart of Malta. When staying in Valletta, cheap hotels are plentiful, allowing even the unseasoned traveler to enjoy the sites for extended vacations or just the weekend. Valletta hotels offer a wide array of amenities to accommodate all travelers, including discount hotels. Valletta is readily accessible by the many hotels in Valletta, which are all easy to find at medestino.com

Timisoara hotels and accommodation

Timisoara is in Romania’s Crisana and Barat region, near the border with Hungary. It is an administrative centre, set in the richest agricultural country in Romania. But even though Timisoara is a modern, prosperous city, it is somewhat off the beaten track for tourists, and many people who might enjoy a Timisoara weekend or even a full vacation in Timisoara hotels, miss the place altogether. It was here in 1989 that the revolt against the dictator Ceausescu began, and a series of sculptures honours the martyrs who died in the revolution. Timisoara’s most beautiful square is Piata Unirii. Here visitors can see the 18th century Roman Catholic Cathedral and the equally impressive Serbian Orthodox Cathedral. Among other must-see sites are the Ethnographic Museum, the old Town Hall and the 14th century Huniades Palace. Every October the Bastion Exhibition Centre hosts a week long beer festival.

Hotels in Timisoara run from the expensive Vila International (originally a villa for Ceausescu), to much more economic lodgings. For information on discount hotels, Timisoara cheap hotels and other budget accommodations, go to medestino.com

Summer Holidays in Egypt

Since the early days of world travel the time-defying temples and wonders of Egypt have attracted seekers of the romantic and the exotic. Vast monuments and tombs stand proudly along the serene waters of the mighty River Nile, symbolic of long-gone civilisations and 6,000 years of continuous history. Today, the wealth of history, together with the sheer size and splendour of the country's impressive monuments, will captivate you.

The eastern coastline and the southern tip of the Sinai have a number of beach resort regions, though by far the most developed region is the region in and around Sharm el Sheikh. At the other end of the Gulf of Aqaba to the north, Taba has also seen significant development, including an attempt to reproduce the success of El-Gouna on Egypt's mainland Red Sea coast in a project called Taba Heights. Between Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh, the major resorts are found at Nuweiba and Dahab.
The simplicity of sun, sea and sand. The luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment. This is Sharm El Sheikh, one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colourful tents, mountains and sea.

Formerly Known in Egypt as Ghardaga, Hurghada was at one time just a simple fishing village. But now, with it's crystal clear water, untouched reefs and a multitude of ship wrecks, it has become one of the best Egyptian tourist destinations. With more than 20 km of hotels along the beach, Hurghada can satisfy the needs of every visitor, from scuba diving to windsurfing to desert safaris. One can choose from the finest 5 Star Hotels to simple Guest Houses, and everything in-between.

El Gouna, the Red Sea's Premier Leisure Destination, is built on 10kms of scenic beach front; boasts unique; diverse architecture. Spread across a myriad of islands interlinked together by beautiful turquoise lagoons, El Gouna offers a wide range of accommodation facilities, from comfortable guest houses to luxurious beach-front resorts. Once in El Gouna you will find a wide variety of activities to keep yourself busy. El Gouna is a diver's paradise with internationally certified diving centres. Windsurfing, kite surfing & first professional centre in Egypt, water-skiing, para-sailing, snorkeling; many other water sport activities are available. El Gouna is very popular amongst SCUBA diver so try one of our El Gouna diving holidays.

Dahab ,the Arabic word for gold, and it is almost certain that this locale in eastern Sinai derived its name from the fine yellow sand that colours its beaches. Though it has not yet achieved the popularity of Sharm el Sheikh to the south, Dahab has a growing following, and the name may soon refer to the wealth that tourism is bringing to the small Bedouin village of Assalah. The combination of soft sand, gorgeous blue water, and a luxuriant strip of palm trees is pulling in the world. Dahab was originally a Bedouin fishing village that today is world-renowned for its windsurfing because of the reliable winds that provide outstanding flat water conditions.

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Saint Petersburg hotels and accommodation

Formerly Petrograd and Leningrad, St. Petersburg has been restored to the splendor it knew before the dark period of the Soviet Union. This great city is now a popular destination for visitors on vacation or people who have only a weekend. St. Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 to be the showpiece of his empire, and is a grand blend of East and West. Visitors staying in St. Petersburg hotels have plenty to see. A must-see is Vasilievsky Island, which has many of the city’s greatest historic sites. Also see the Hermitage, one of the most magnificent art galleries in the world. You will also want to see the State Museum of Russian Art, and the treasure-laden Catherine Palace. A very interesting site is the Pushkin Apartment Museum, where the famous Russian poet died. And of course there is the Winter Palace, once the home of the stars.

There are St. Petersburg hotels to suit every travel budget, from the very expensive to the utilitarian. For information on discount hotels, St. Petersburg cheap hotels and other low cost accommodation, go to medestino.com

Prague hotels and accommodation

Art Nouveau to Renaissance, Gothic to Baroque, Neo-Classical to ultra-modern aestheticism, if this set of cultural contrast tops your vacation priority, then EasyToBook.com takes the pleasure to guide you to find the best hotels in Prague. EasyToBook.com allows millions of travellers worldwide to have access to the most extensive list of hotels in Prague through Internet. The relevant information provided on Prague hotels makes the searching process easier for you. Whether you are a luxurious jet-setter or adventure loving backpacker, Prague hotels have something or the other for all and so do we. Make your trip bereft of any hurdle or disappointment by resorting to book hotels in Prague that are in offer at www.medestino.com and enjoy your stay at Prague.

Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, has come a long way from the turmoil of World Wars and suppression of post war era in hand of Soviets. Today with the boost in tourism, Prague hotels have contributed respectably in making this city one of the richest cities in Eastern Europe. Located on a picturesque valley by the Vltava River in central most part of Bohemia, this vibrant tourist destination of Europe can be best enjoyed from the comforts of various Prague hotels. The cultural diversity and vibrancy of Prague is best explained by the bunch of names it has gathered, like "city of a hundred spires", "the golden city", "the Left Bank of the Nineties", the "mother of cities", and "the heart of Europe". Tourists can enjoy all these by staying in the affordable hotels in Prague. History lovers can enjoy the richness by residing in any of the affordable Prague hotels. The present day Prague hides many anecdotes from history in its backyard. The city prospered during the 14th century under the reign of Charles IV and became the actual capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The greatest structures from this era include the oldest gothic cathedral in central Europe, the Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Charles University, which is the oldest university now in central Europe. Prague hotels also allows to reminiscence the memories of important figures of history and literature such as Franz Kafka, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Charles IV who spent certain periods of their life in this beautiful city of Prague.

Nassau hotels and accommodation

The city of Nassau, situated on New Providence Island, is the capital of the Republic of the Bahamas. This big, heavily developed, semi-tropical city has a cosmopolitan flair, due to the constant influx of tourists and visitors to the sunny Bahamas. Perhaps that explains why so many James Bond movies were filmed, and set, here. It's also the home of most Bahamas natives: 70% of the islands' permanent residents live in the city of Nassau. Local cultural attractions include the Balcony House Museum, an authentic example of 18th century island colonial architecture as well as the Government House, where the stately ceremony of the Changing of the Guard occurs every two weeks.

Once you've had enough of culture, and are in the mood for nature, head down to the Ardastra Gardens & Conservation Center, where over 300 kinds of animals live in a natural and protected environment. Also, explore nearby Cabbage Beach, one of Paradise Island's famous beaches. Look through medestino.com to find the best deals on Nassau hotels, including budget and discount hotels in Nassau.

Mykonos hotels and accommodation


Mykonos is undoubtedly one of the best islands that you can lay your eyes on. From afar, you can see white buildings that seemed like castles surrounded by yachts and boats just waiting there for another weekend. Mykonos is also a tourist destination for these structures such as the Paraportiani. Built in 15th century, the actual building was only finished after three centuries. It’s a beautiful white building where the inside is divided into five churches. You’ll know more about this place when you visit the Aegean Maritime Museum, where on display are ships up to the 19th century, ancient maritime apparatus and the history of Mykonos. Also, you don’t want to miss the Boni Mill, the oldest windmill in the island. Constructed in the 17th century, the windmill still functions with the use of the old techniques.

It’s easy to have a great time in Mykonos because of the many discount hotels Mykonos has to offer. Mykonos hotels are known for their facilities especially in near the shores of the Mykonos. Cheap hotels can also be found near the places of interests. There are also packages where you don’t need to worry about your transportation and hotels in Mykonos. You can get these packages in reasonable rates in medestino.com.

Majorca holidays

Places in Majorca: Alcudia, Ca'n Pastilla, Ca'n Picafort, Cala Bona, Cala d'Or, Cala Mayor, Cala Millor, Cala Ratjada, Cala San Vicente, Cala Vinas, Calas de Majorca, Costa d'en Blanes, El Arenal, Illetas, Magalluf, Paguera, Palma Nova, Playa de Palma, Port Adriano, Portals Nous, Porto Colom, Porto Cristo, Puerto de Pollensa , S'Illot, Sa Coma, Santa Ponsa
Known as one of the party places of the Balearic Islands, Majorca has so much more to be discovered, with resorts to suit all tastes its understandable that visitors return year after year. Just 2 - 2 and a half-hours away from the UK, Majorca entices many travellers to explore its many coastal resorts. Magalluf is renowned for its lively party atmosphere into the early hours, Santa Ponsa is a popular family resort and Playa de Palma boasts one of the best beaches in Majorca. Alcudia, in the North of the island, offers a slice of history from its medieval town with a contrast of beach filled days there's so much choice at this popular coastal resort. Come and explore the other fantastic resorts available at this sunny haven.

Home to a selection of hotels and apartments there is something to suit all budgets and needs, whether it is a specific star rating, board basis or facility, Majorca can cater for everyone. Families flock to Majorca each year for the huge variety of activities available day and night. A family favourite is a day at the fun filled water parks of either Magalluf or Alcudia enjoying the outdoor pools and water flumes. Are you brave enough to experience the Kamikaze? Don't tire yourself out too much for the night comes alive and its party time. Magalluf is a favourite with young adults and provides an adrenaline filled atmosphere into the night. For a more tamed down evening opt for the pretty resort of Puerto de Pollensa and enjoy a drink overlooking the glistening sea in one of the many beachfront cafes.

Beyond the beaches and bars Majorca has many areas to be explored. Head to the Caves of Drach and see the fascinating underground beauty, take a trip to Palma, Majorca's capital, for a spot of shopping. With so many shops you'll be spoilt for choice or opt for a gentle stroll around the old castles and cathedrals. Whatever you want to do Majorca has it all from lazy days to history to the lively Majorca hotspots.

Ljubljana hotels and accommodation


Ljubljana (pronounced Loob-li-yana) is the capital of Slovenia. Residents claim it was founded by Jason and the Argonauts of ancient Greek legend, but the oldest ruins found here are Roman. Ljubljana has a small but charming Old Town with such a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere it would be easy to stay here for a whole vacation, let alone a weekend. Ljubljana has many excellent sidewalk cafes and an exciting nightlife. Guests staying in Ljubljana hotels can easily do a walking tour of the Old Town. Ljubljana Castle and the nearby Tower offer some great views. Here a “virtual museum” allow you to ‘fly’ through the city’s history. Visitors will also want to see the Art Nouveau Buildings, the Triple Bridge and Presernov trg (Main Square). For magnificent frescoes, see the 18th century Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Also well worth a visit is the National Museum.

Hotels in Ljubljana cater to every travel budget, from the very expensive to the bargain rate. For information on discount hotels, Ljubljana cheap hotels and other low priced accommodation, go to www.medestino.com.

Holidays in Greece

Book your summer holidays in Greece with Medestino.com and you'll arrive at a Mediterranean holiday destination renowned for sun, sea, sand and more. It's position at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa means that Greece holidays offer an eclectic mix of cultures, sights and cuisines. Greece holidays offer huge diversity making them firm favourites for the British public, so if you're in search of all inclusive holidays, value family holidays or budget holidays look no further than holidays to Greece with medestino.com.

Holidays in Greece provide the perfect opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage, unrivalled architectural sights and fascinating history that is sure to satisfy even the most ardent history lover. If you're looking for holidays with golden sandy beaches washed by the calm azure waters then Greece is the perfect destination. Amazingly, Greece has 1400 islands scattered like jewels across the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Holidays to the Greek islands are extra special because each island is unique, possessing it's own individual characteristics.

Holidays in Egypt and Things to do


Scuba Diving: Sharm el Sheikh, along with Hurghada, is where it all started. These where the first two destinations of the nearly 20-years-old diving history of the Red Sea. Diving sites in Sharm are world famous. A paradise for a perfect Red Sea diving holiday, Sharm has it all: hard and soft coral, turtles and dolphins, mantas and moray eels, napoleons and tuna, hammerheads, barracudas, reef and pelagic sharks, and much more, including the legendary World War II wreck of the Thistlegorm. For further information visit Red Sea diving holidays on www.medestino.com

Snorkeling: Snorkeling is the watersport par excellence in the Red Sea. With the wealth of underwater life in all destinations, snorkeling is an easy and very enjoyable way to spend some time and discover the wonders of the marine life. Whether you go out from your resort beach, or you spend a day or half a day on a snorkeling boat, you will collect unforgettable memories.

Watersports: The Red Sea Riviera is not only scuba diving! The sea here is a paradise for a number of watersports, and some destinations are particularly famous because of their perfect conditions for one activity or the other.

When you think of board sports, as windsurf and kite-surf, you think of five main destinations: Dahab in Sinai, and El Gouna, Hurghada, Safaga and Marsa Alam on the Red Sea coast. Sandy beaches, constant wind and professional centres.

Dubrovnik hotels and accommodation


Dubrovnik is a major city in the southern part of Croatia. It dates back to the early 7th century, and the wonderfully preserved Old Town is still Dubrovnik’s most striking feature. A walk around the old City Walls – about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) is a must for any visitor. You can cross told old moat – now a park full of fruit trees – on a bridge that was built in 1471. This is a wonderful place to spend a vacation or even just to come for a weekend.
Dubrovnik has a main street called Stradum, which is said to be the busiest street in Croatia.

Its tourist shops are in buildings that go back to the 17th century, and at one end is the beautiful Onofrio’s Large Fountain, built in 1444. Guests staying in Dubrovnik hotels can visit, among many other attractions, the 14th century Franciscan monastery, magnificent Luza Square and the 16th century Sponza Palace. The 17th century Dubrovnik Cathedral is also a popular site.
Hotels in Dubrovnik cater to all travel budgets, from the expensive to the bargain rate. For information on discount hotels, Dubrovnik cheap hotels, hostels and other low cost accommodations, please go to medestino.com.

Constanta hotels and accommodation


Romania has many cities worth visiting while there but the city of Constanta is one of the best in the country. The city of Constanta is home to some very nice attractions including the Constanta Casino, the House with Lions, the Archaeology Park, and Ovid;s Square dedicated to the poet. Constanta is a great city filled with many discount hotels to stay in while touring all of the lovely attractions there.

Constanta is a city in Romania where people love to stay because of all the amazing hotels in Constanta available there. Staying in this city near the casino and the Archaeology Park is simple with the numerous discount hotels available for visitors to the city to stay in. The best source one will find when searching for the best deals on hotels is EasyToBook.com. Booking here is the best way to get you first choice of hotle sin Constata.

Casablanca hotels and accommodation


The largest city in Morocco, Casablanca is also the most famous. Subject to French rule throughout the majority of World War II, this area features a mélange of cultural influences that result in it being quite a diverse and exciting place to visit to this day. Viewers of the famous film of the same name might be surprised to find a bustling metropolitan center awaiting them, quite unlike the desert region seen on the screen. While here, be sure to visit the famous Casablanca Technopark for a look at where this region of the world is heading in the future. You can also see history and culture in the famous port of Casablanca, as well as the Cathedrale Sacre Coeur, a French Catholic cathedral that is one of the oldest to be found in this part of the world.

Those visiting Morocco know how hard it can be to find discount hotels; Casablanca is certainly no except. If you want to see the sights of this beautiful city without draining your wallet on lodgings, go with the services of a booking agent like medestino.com.

Cancún hotels and accommodation


Undoubtedly the most famous among Mexican cities, Cancún is the home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. In a summer weekend, Cancún is packed with tourists of both local and international colors. Cancún hotels are always packed so you better book in advance. Most online sites such as www.medestino.com require a certain time frame for booking. If you want to experience all the natural beauty in Cancún, Akumal Beach is home to great waters, accommodations and impressive Mayan Ruins. Akumal beach is quite far but it’s well worth the trip.

If you want an attraction near the big hotels in Cancún, the El Rey Ruins is always a good choice. For a small fee, you will gain access to one of the world’s biggest Mayan Ruins. Near the ruins is the Interactive Aquarium or Acuario Interactivo. This sea-world like attraction allows you to swim with the dolphins and study sea life up close. You’ll find various discount hotels Cancún has to offer close to most tourist hotspots. Cancún cheap hotels can be extremely hard to book during super peak season so it’s best you prepare well in advance.

Cairo hotels and accommodation


As one of the world’s most famous capital cities, Cairo is usually a place where you will devote an entire vacation, and not simply a weekend. Cairo however, can be seen in a relatively short period of time and Cairo hotels are starting to offer better and better short term city break options to guests. Hotels in Cairo have always had an exception reputation but there now in Cairo, discount hotels and a relatively new phenomenon for Cairo, cheap hotels that are aimed at the mass international tourism market. If you are looking for any of these, then check out what is available from www.medestino.com before you make any final decisions.

The mosque of Muhammad Ali is one of the most magnificent examples of Islamic architecture in the world and is located in the heart of Cairo. The gates of the old city are also spectacular examples of Islamic design. The Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Al Rifa’i Mosque are also two items that you should make sure you see for yourself. The Egyptian museum is also one of the best places in the world to see and learn more about ancient Egyptian culture. The Khan el-Khalili is also a very lively and entertaining area of the city.

Bulgaria holidays


Visitors taking holidays to Bulgaria will arrive at a country situated in southeast Europe occupying the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. To the north it borders on Romania, to the west on the Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to the east on the Black Sea, to the south on Greece and to the southeast on Turkey's European part. The main tourist resorts for Bulgaria holidays are conveniently located for access to and from Burgas airport, so shortly after your flights to Bulgaria you'll be enjoying all that Bulgaria holidays have to offer.

Bulgaria holidays have something for everyone hence its growing popularity with British tourists, so if you're in search of an all inclusive holiday, value family holiday or a budget holiday Bulgaria holidays are the perfect choice.

Bratislava hotels and accommodation

Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia. This city on the Danube River has roots that go back to before the days of the Roman Empire. Since the collapse of the communist regime, under which the beautiful city suffered, Bratislava has been undergoing a restoration of its former glory. Whether you come here for a holiday or a weekend, Bratislava has much to offer in the way of history, culture, entertainment and wonderful cuisine. Guests in Bratislava hotels can easily see many of the sites by means of convenient walking tours. If you go to St. Michael’s Gate, the only medieval gate still standing, you can climb the tower for a terrific view of the Old Town. Here there is also a very interesting Museum of Historic Weapons. Also take time to see the Palace of Leopold de Pauli. St. Martin’s Cathedral, completed in 1452 after a century of construction, is said to contain the bones of St. John the Evangelist. Visitors will want to see the Hrad (castle) and while there, look into the Hunger Tower and Torture Chamber.

Hotels in Bratislava suite all travel budgets. For information on discount hotels, Bratislava cheap hotels and other bargain accommodation, go to www.medestino.com.

Barcelona hotels and accommodation


Many hotels in Barcelona are situated nicely to allow tourists perfect access to the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s old city. In the Gothic Quarter, visitors can view many old sites where Roman structures are often still visible. Housing some of the Barcelona’s most spectacular architecture, this area includes the Catedral, The Palau Reial Major, St. Martí, and a pair of museums, the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat and the Museu Frederic Marès. Museum and art lovers both will want to catch the Museu d’Art Comtemporani, located near the Rambla, and the Museu Picasso.

Barcelona is well known for its beaches and Olympic port, located in Barceloneta. Also famed in the city is the Rambla, a pedestrian thoroughfare, home to a massive shopping district and leisureplex, where entertainment abounds throughout the week and over the weekend. Barcelona has it all, if shopping is what you are looking for, including the Boqueria, Barcelona’s largest indoor market. If hilltop views of spectacular scenery are more the thing for you, Barcelona won’t disappoint. Outdoors types should make sure not to miss Tibidabo and Montjuïc. When travelling to Barcelona, cheap hotels are not hard to find. Just check with www.medestino.com for Discount hotels. Barcelona is one of the must-see cities in Spain, and the abundance of good Barcelona hotels makes it a popular destination for tourists arriving at Barcelona Airport (in El Prat de Llobregat) from all over.

Athens Airport


Information and map of the airport of Athens

The Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos ( named in honor of the great Cretan politician Eleftherios Venizelos) began operation in March 2001 and replaced the Hellenikon International Airport, which served for decades the capital of Greece, Athens.

The plans for transfer of the airport from Hellenikon between Alimos and Glyfada to another location began from the late 60's when Athens began to expand as well as the density of population and houses around the Hellenikon Airport. The old airport was separated in the East airport (International flights) with access from Vouliagmenis avenue and the West airport (domestic flights and Olympic airlines main base) with access from Poseidonos avenue.

In the early 1990's, the Hellenikon airport could not handle the increased passenger demands of the future - unless extended. As an extension was now impossible, and the complaints about noise, pollution and high risk to multiply, the Greek Government took the decision to transfer the airport in an area outside the town namely in Spata. Finally on July 1995, the German company Hochtief took over the construction of the new Airport of Athens and joint ownership with the Greek government.

In accordance with the standards of IATA the Athens Airport code is ATH and in accordance with those of the ICAO is LGAV. The airport can be access through the Attica highway and by rail (suburban railway line 3 of the Athens Metro). There are also express lines of the Greek buses OASA from various parts of the city to the airport and taxis.

The airport has one main terminal and a satellite one, it has 2 runways corridors , the first with dimensions 4000 m. length and 45 metres width and another one with 3800 meters length and 45 metres width . Both runways have ILS system.

Within the Athens Airport there are numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, banks, ATM and travel agencies. The Athens airport is one of the most modern ones in Europe and in 2008 was honoured with the environmental award Green Building by the European Commission because it succeeded in reducing energy consumption despite an increase in passenger traffic.

Monday 2 February 2009

Sara Stow recommends New York

My first trip to the Big Apple was fantastic! Iconic sights, a wide choice of restaurants and bars wherever you go, fascinating museums and fabulous shops. The MoMA museum is free on Friday evenings, and you can take the free Staten Island Ferry to get close to the Statue of Liberty for a fantastic view of Manhattan. A good local bar/restaurant with great meatloaf is Fanelli's Café - 94 Prince Street, Soho (at Mercer St).

Sam Bell recommends Rome

It's hard not to fall in love with Rome. A city steeped in history and romance – at every turn you'll find breath-taking architecture, monuments, and works of art. By walking everywhere, you'll not only take in the key historical sites, you'll also stumble across all the hidden gems that make Rome so special. From the beautiful and intricate little churches to the lively piazzas filled with buzzing cafes and spectacular fountains. A must-see: The Roman Forum - you could spend a whole day roaming around this fascinating site.

Maria Velet recommends Barcelona


The very definition of a perfect city, Barcelona has everything you would expect from a bustling city and is even close to sandy beaches. A stroll around the gothic quarter is a must, as is the Sagrada Familia cathedral and the world famous Boqueria Market…the list goes on! The best place to have a break is in one of the quaint cafes and tapas bars located in the small alleys and passages off Las Ramblas. My favourite bar? Bar Solo - a new haunt in Barcelona just off the Avenue Diagonal with great drinks in stylish settings: Pasatge de la Concepcio, 7.

Warsaw hotels and accommodation

Warsaw, which is located on the Vistula River 230 miles from the Baltic Sea and the Carpathian Mountains, is Poland's capital and its largest city with a population of over 1 million people. You will love the mild temperatures here with the summers only getting in the 60s. What a great place to spend a week or weekend. Warsaw has buses and streetcars available, so you'll have no trouble getting to any of the Warsaw hotels. You will find that hotels in Warsaw are all pleasantly accommodating whether it's the 5-star Le Royal Meridien Bristol or one of the fine discount hotels. Warsaw cheap hotels like the Hotel Czarny Kot allow you to spend your money on a romantic dinner for two at Fukier, a very romantic restaurant with an awesome cuisine. If you're lucky, you'll see some of the many celebrities that dine here. If you can't decide what kind of hotel you want, check with www.medestino.com for instant help.

A vacation means shopping and the huge Galeria Mokotów has it all. You could spend all week in it and not see it all. For those that love a good bargain, the Arkadia is the mall for you. The Old Town Market Square is a sight that everyone must see. Destroyed during the war and then rebuilt, its beauty shows everywhere just as the Royal Castle does. There's shops, pubs, restaurants, artists selling their work, merchants ready to barter and the most beautiful cathedrals. The kids will love Lazienki Park & Chopin's Monument (aka Palace on the water). Young lovers (when not in the 'Ground Zero' nightclub) hang out as well as kids to feed the fish and go on boat rides. Do not leave Warsaw without tasting their famous brew.

Hotel in Vienna

Are you looking for your Hotel in Vienna? Discover the wonderful city of the Hapsburgs, a stately metropolis that was able to change into a vivid modern city. Here the most ancient tradition is mixed with new trends and styles; an incomparable artistic heritage merges with the works of the new cultural scenery.

Book now one of our www.medestino.com Hotels in Vienna in a few clicks. Visit the antique cemetery of the city, Stephansplatz, or the Dome, one of the symbols of the Austrian capital and of the Gothic art in Europe, the Graben, centre of the commercial activity of Vienna, the Imperial Palace and the other numerous monuments and museums that this city offers. Vienna Hotels allows you to choose among many accommodation. Book the best solution for your stay in a while and assure you the best rate.

Hotels in Venice

Are you looking for Hotels in Venice? Book www.medestino.com in just a few clicks one of the Venice Hotels we selected for you. Reserving your Venice Accommodation has never been so easy: choose among the hotels, bed and breakfasts, first class inns, residences or apartments we suggest you.

Choose your accommodation in Venice historic centre, in Mestre or in Venice Lido. Hotel in Venice is set in Venice and can count on a direct and long-lasting relationship with the Venice hotel owners and managers. That’s why it offers customers a complete and safe service taking advantage of its personal connection with the territory and the main tourist operators.

Valentines Day in Paris

Valentines Day: Book a romantic break at any of the featured hotels for the Valentines weekend and receive a little bit extra from Medestino.com for you and your partner to enjoy!.


Remember, with www.medestino.com flexible booking conditions you can change your reservation up until the day of arrival, so there is no reason not to book today!

Tirana hotels and accommodation

Albania's capital city since 1920, Tiranë, sometimes written as Tirana, is the largest city in the country.

The Skanderbeg Square is one of the central features of the city, but for a more historical perspective a tour of the Castle of Tirana, the Kalaja e Tiranës, gives visitors a glimpse into the distant past.

There are many other historic and modern areas to visit in the city and most are located close to discount Tiranë hotels that offer visitors excellent accommodation at reasonable prices.

Medestino.com makes reserving these fine hotels in Tiranë simple, right from the comfort of your own home.

Staying at budget Tiranë hotels also provides the opportunity to treat yourself to a cultural performance at the National Theatre.

If music is more to your liking the National Gallery of the Arts provides classical, jazz and band performances.

The National Historic Museum is a great place to explore if you want to see the rich history of the region, combined with art, architecture and culture. Visitors will find there is a wealth of historic and modern events and sights to see in the city and the staff at Tiranë hotels can provide additional information as to what is happening during your stay.

Spa Hotels

Ayurveda, relaxation and massage in a separate area of the hotel with refined, pleasant surroundings: For uninterrupted mind, body and spirit rejuvenisation treat your self to an unforgettable experience at a Medestino.com Spa Hotel.

Sofia hotels and accommodation

At the foot of Vitosha Mountain in the Sofia Valley is the city of Sofia. The capital of Bulgaria since 1879, Sofia’s city centre has various architectural styles exemplified by the cultural and historical monuments left behind in this glorious city by the Turks, Slavs, Byzantines, Romans, and Thracians. For visitors spending a weekend, Sofia has many exquisite hotels in Sofia and, for the budget minded, Sofia cheap hotels. Medestino.com is an effortless way to locate Sofia hotels and the discount hotels Sofia has available.

Visitors to the St. Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, constructed between 1882 and 1912, will enjoy this spectacular cathedral sized church with its beautiful golden and copper domes. The Rotunda of St. George was a Roman temple built in the fourth century and rebuilt in the sixth century after a fire damaged part of it. It is Sofia’s oldest preserved building. For visitors that enjoy beautiful architecture, the Church of Nedelya with its neo-Byzantine architecture and huge dome will delight them. The square has a 79-foot bronze statue of Sofia, goddess and protector.

Skopje hotels and accommodation

Skopje was originally founded by the Romans in the 2nd century B.C. under the name of Skupi. Located on the banks of the Vardar River, Skopje is now known for being the cultural, academic, and political center of the country, showcasing several universities and theatrical companies, as well as an array of museums and art galleries. The Old Skopje Bazaar, filled with authentic crafts and handmade items, is a natural draw for shopping enthusiasts. Those who appreciate history and architecture will find many sites to explore, including the Kale Fortress, which allows for a wonderful view of the city and the Vardar River, and Mustafa Pasha’s mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic art.

Hotels in Skopje allow travelers to be right in the heart of the country. When staying in Skopje, cheap hotels are plentiful, allowing even the unseasoned traveler to enjoy the sites for extended vacations or just the weekend. Skopje hotels offer a wide array of amenities to accommodate all travelers, including discount hotels. Skopje is readily accessible by the many hotels in Skopje, which are all easy to find at medestino.com.

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