Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It was incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920.Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated...more
Beautiful city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia (a Spain's province), is situated on on the shore of the Mediterranean sea and bordered at either end by 2 river deltas. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain after its capital city Madrid. Barcelona has a population of 1.5 million, over 4 million including suburbs. The varied, eventful history of the city dates back 4,000 years to the first settlements by ancient farmers. Later it became...more
A yachting holiday is often thought to be one of the trappings of the rich and famous.But the coral beauty of the Maldives islands is one location where sailing trips need not be the expensive excursions they are for more affluent and less discerning holidaymakers.For many, the attraction of the 1000+ islands that make up the Maldives is the impression they convey that this is a part of the world that has been waiting to be discovered. An erroneous notion certainly, but it is one that demonstrates the inherent spirit of adventure that attracts visitors to this region of the world.The islands are, essentially, an ancient coral wonderland of unrivalled beauty which provides the ideal playground for holidaymakers to explore by the means of sail.Exploring the islands in this manner makes those choosing to do so master of his or her destiny. There are more than 200 inhabited islands in the Maldives and although all have their own special attractions, only thorough exploration will uncover that sought after once in a lifetime spot where the best of memories are created.To find the location or pastime that truly floats the boat for visitors to the Maldives, cruising around the islands to...more
Madrid, the capital of Spain is a hugely cosmopolitan city catering for many nationalities, the center for Spanish Government and the home of their Royal Family. It has over 3 million people living in the city . Madrid is the capital city of Spain, making it an immediate attraction for both foreigners and Spaniards living in other cities and...more
Romantic island getaways dont come much more lovely and luxurious than Vellassaru Island in the Maldives. Once a Laguna Beach but since reborn as the finest of five star holiday resorts, Vellassaru Island is the ultimate holiday destination for young couples in the first flush of love, honeymooners, and older married couples looking to renew their...more
Not many holiday destinations in the Maldives self-style themselves as being the one that strives to protect, conserve and preserve the natural setting and rich biodiversity of surrounding waters with minimum intrusion for future generations.However, the nine uninhabited islands that form the regions first ever Marine National Park in the Edu Faru, Noonu Atoll area of the Maldives happens to do just this and with a fair measure of success at that. This is an area that has remained pretty much untouched by the less appealing consequences of tourism, an ecosystem rich in marine life that has in effect become the poster boy for biodiversity in the Maldives. The upkeep of the Marine National Park is overseen by a consortium of partners and supporters throughout the Noonu Atoll community. At its core, the Park seeks to preserve pure Maldivian cultural traditions whilst at the same time promoting tourism via educational activities which inform visitors as to the history of the islands and the richness of the marine life that is to be found. One of these supporters is the neighbouring five-star Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa, a secluded and stunning retreat that provides tourists...more
Although fishing probably wouldnt make the top ten of most peoples foreign holiday activities, it is in fact a very popular recreational pursuit amongst tourists, especially in well-stocked areas of the world such as the Maldives.For in the Maldives,...more
Holiday brochures and online sites are awash with travel agents and affiliates claiming that their resort is the best or the most splendorous in all the world. Sad to say, many do not live up to the rhetoric and are ultimately a disappointment to the...more
Tourists approaching Meeru Island in the Maldives can be forgiven for thinking they are heading for one of the regions hundreds of uninhabited atolls - a location untouched by humankind.This is not the case however.For Meeru Island, or Meerufenfushi...more
Luxury-minded tourists searching for the next big thing in the Maldives need look no further than the newly opened Dusit Thani Maldives resort, launched this year as the last word in comfort and opulence.The latest luxurious addition to the Dusit...more
MUSEUMS - The Barbier-Mueller Museum of Pre-Columbian Art -the only museum in Europe devoted exclusively to Pre-Columbian cultures. Housed in a gothic palace, its collection is one of the finest of its kind and gives visitors an insight into the rich...more
Buenos australia is said to be one of the world most beautiful cities. Whether it is the open parks, the beautiful beaches or the amazing Iguazu falls, you will never find time to get bored in this city which can be compared to paradise. Make sure...more