Exploding with the beauty of natural wonder and intrigue, you will find the city of Dubai situated within the United Arab Emirates. It is here that the land stretches to reveal endless deserts, beaches, and other grand explorations in art, culture, and history. With regal hotels and delicious cuisine, the city swells with a wide range of attractions and activities that keep the locals and tourists alike busy and quite pleased with their surroundings. Dubai is home to a variety of interesting neighborhoods, satisfying commercial finds, and exciting districts to explore, including Old Dubai, Bur Dubai, and the old Bastakiya district

Major Attractions

Whether you are a shopper at heart or enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, a wealth of major sights throughout the city are offered. While Lancy Plaza and Mercate Mall are decent locations to run up the credit card bill, the third largest mall in the world (Mall of Emirates) can be found in Dubai. This delightful locations busts at the seams with theaters, arcades, an impressive food court, and the largest indoor ski slope across the globe. Additional attractions bringing in the tourists include the indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Dubai Zoo; and the relaxing atmosphere of Jumeirah Beach.

Nightlife

To experience some of the best nightlife in Dubai, many consider the larger hotels in the city as the “place to be.” Some of the best bars are situated within these town gems, where the entire city opens to a variety of entertaining, exciting, as well as less expensive hot spots. In Dubai, the concept of “Happy Hours” is a popular approach towards enjoying the nightlife, as is “Ladies Night,” which seems to dominate Tuesday and Sunday nights. Usually, the busiest nights to party are experienced on Thursdays and Saturdays in Dubai.

Weather

As you begin to plan a trip to Dubai, you may want to check the Weather Channel to better prepare for the overall climate and upcoming temperatures. In Dubai, the average highs and lows are quite pleasant for the area. Summers bring hot and humid weather, while cooler days prevail from September to May. As for the rain, it tends to shuffle in during the months of January and February.

Cape Town is probably the most visited place in South Africa. Cape Town was originally a stop off port for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India and the Far East, and grew quickly as a result. With its spectacular location and so much to do, it is a must visit destination.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is located between Table Mountain and Robben Island. Originally built by Prince Alfred (son of Queen Victoria), it is in the heart of the historic harbor, and is now home to a diverse range of shops, and lots of entertainment.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens feature 36 hectares of cultivated gardens. The gardens have been cultivated since 1913 – when the government was bequeathed the land. The gardens only feature indigenous South African plants, making it a unique botanical garden to visit. Concerts are held in the gardens every Sunday between December and March.

Robben Island

Robben Island is situated 12 km off the Cape Town coast, and has been designated a UN World Heritage Site. Originally it was inhabited by Stone Age people, at a time when it was still joined to the mainland. In more recent history it has been used as a prison – made famous by Nelson Mandela’s incarceration. Organized tours are run on the island by former prisoners, and the prison itself is a working museum.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town with palm trees lining the avenue. One of the trendiest places in Cape Town, lots of posh Cafes and restaurants face out across the beach. With a laid back atmosphere this is a great place to unwind.

Table Mountain

Overlooking Cape Town is the prominent landmark of Table Mountain. Table Mountain is a level plateau with steep cliffs surrounding it which resembles a table. Frequently covered in clouds, these appear to hang over the edge of the mountain like a table cloth. An estimated 1500 different types of plant can be found on Table Mountain, making it a botanists dream! The easiest way to get onto Table Mountain is by cable cars, which carry up to 65 passengers at a time.

Venice, a well known city in Italy, makes an individual a believer of fairy tales. The city is 1500 year old and the only means of transport to the city is water and of course foot. The city looks as if it has nothing except a steady flow of boats and people who keep staring at travelers from other countries. But there is more to it. Many people from various parts of the world come here to celebrate festivals. There is St Mark’s Basilica often referred to as “The church of God”.

Coming to the history, it is similar to Genova, which used waterways to transform itself into a powerful city. The city is famous for its arts which cannot be compared with other cities around. One of the most important places to visit is the Academic Gallery. The city’s masterpieces are displayed here. The bus transportation is also being developed in the city and is simply called as ACTV.

Wood piles were used to construct buildings in Venice. Flood tides occur in the area which often threatens these buildings. These tides occur due to the Adriatic and hence there is an assumption that city is sinking. After banning the artesian walls, there was a slowdown in the sinking process. Some people suggest that lifting the city to a higher point than the sea level will protect the city. Interestingly, recent studies suggested that there would not be sinking in the city but this is quite uncertain. In spite of this, the city can still be considered as a great place to travel to virtually get back to the olden days.

More than what it seems! Greece is more than the “cradle of civilization”, one of the archeology’s finest in the world, and infamous history-packed country. Greece, with its illustrious culture, has long been studied in schools and by
professionals. Because of the enticing records and interesting places, Greece is fast becoming the top tourist destination in the world.

Greece is located in Eastern Europe and is bounded by the Aegian and Ionian Seas in the Mediterranean.

Most people that visit Greece have specific images in mind on what Greece is all about. However, most of them are surprised to find out that this is a country with such architectural and religious diversity. Charming blue-domed churches and famous whitewashed homes can be found in the Cycladic Islands. In the cities of Nafplio and Ermoupolis, Neoclassical architecture is observed. Ottoman-influenced buildings can be found in Kozáni and Grevená, pastel-colored baroque homes and churches on Corfu, and whitewashed Cycladic homes on the island of Paros.

Towering mountain ranges, idyllic beaches, vast stretches of olive orchards in the south, lush forests in the north, and wine-producing valleys, are just few of Greece’s terrain that are as varied as its architectural heritage.

Here are some islands that have played an important part in the History of Greece and are famous to the Greeks themselves.

Patmos

From 95 to 97 AD, Saint John the Baptist was exiled here and had a vision of the Apocalypse.

Kalimnos

The island of the sponge fishermen – that is Kalimnos. In celebration of the Easter Sunday, sheep are killed and eaten in Greece. In the town square, lamb stuffed with rice and herbs is served.

Simi

They say that the Three Graces have been born there. In 1373, The Knights of St. John also stayed there.

Rhodes

Rhodes is the island of the sun god, Helios. The original town dates back to 700 BC. In 1309, they say that the building of the medieval citadel by the Knights of St. John happened here. In 408 BC, this ancient town was founded. The guests can visit the ruins of the stadium and the gymnasium, the completely rebuilt theater, and the temples of Zeus and Athena.

Kastelorizo

This place owns its name to the Knights of St. John. They called it “Castello rosso” or “red castle”. Tour the Parasta by boat, one of the most beautiful caves in Greece.

Limnos

A desert, much like Greece’s own Sahara, can be found in Limnos. This was the home of the Vulcan here in Ancient Greece.

Lesbos

This island was made famous by the poets Alceus and Sappho. It has notable contributions to the renown of Greek music, poetry, and art. The temple of Aphrodite lies in the center of the island.

Chios

Homer is said to have been born in this island. Turpentine trees are grown in some parts of the island for their resin. You will find your stay worthy if you visit the ruins of the temple of Apollo and the remains of monasteries there.

Samos

This was said to be the home of Aristarcus, Pythagorus, and Epicurus. Samos is world famous for its white wine which is produced from the Muscat grape.

Ikaria

This island owned its name to Icarus whose myth came from here.

Now, whether you long to see the historic sites of those mentioned here or even for the fact that you’re enthralled by the charm of Greece and the Greek Islands, don’t hesitate to spend your vacation in Greece. No doubt you’ll find it worthwhile.