Wednesday, October 12, 2011

One town's strange journey from paranoia to pardon

With Halloween just a few weeks away, we thought we would take you to one of the most historical destinations, which promises to offer a scary, fun time! Salem, Massachusettes is one of the most talked about towns in our history! Between 1692 and 1693, this old colonial town in Massachusetts was buzzing with talk of more than 200 people being accused of practicing witchcraft, known as "the Devil's Magic" Ten percent of the original accused were tied and executed, but it wasn't until the end of 1693, the colony decided the trials were a mistake and the 20 people executed were unjustified. 


Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Trials over 300 years ago is the reason this small town is so popular for tourists. Some of the most visited sites is the Salem Witch Museum, where they reenact the trials, or another popular site is the Peabody Essex Museum House, where you can see some of the original documents.  During the month of October every year, Salem hosts Haunted Happenings from October 1 to Oct 31st. No other town in America celebrates Halloween like Salem. 

So you might be asking where do I stay, what kind of restaurants are there, what else can I do? Well the list is endless. No matter what you want you will find it here.

House of the Seven Gables
Besides museums, there are haunted houses, ghostly candlelight tours through the the streets of Salem and some one of the most haunted houses in the area, or visit  one of the many psychics for a reading.  You might want to also try and make an appointment with Laurie Cabot, the only official witch in Sale for some potions or a reading. Just note, you do have to make appointments especially during the heigth of their season. One of my personal favorites is touring The House of the Seven Gables! Spend a couple of hours touring the house, walking along the gardens, or just sitting outside looking at the waterfront. The things to do lin Salem is endless. 

Capt's Waterfront for dinner!
One of the draws to New England is their seafood. Wow...where can you not get good seafood! Almost every restaurant carries seafood of some kind. Lobster rolls seem to be widely requested. Capt's Waterfront, Finz and the Lobster Shanty have awesome and different renditions of this classic New England fare. Capt's and Finz along with Victoria Station also have great steaks. At Capt's you can enjoy freshly cooked food on a charcoal grill. On a warm fall afternoon also all three places have outdoor seating.

Have you ever wanted to stay in a haunted inn? Well some of the most haunted inns are available for you to chose.  From the Historic Hawthrone Inn to The Salem Inn, you might actually experience an unexplained knock on the wall, the lights flickering, or even the bathroom tub water being turned on.


Salem is not just a destination to visit during Halloween.You can go there year round, but  main reason for going in October is the SPOOK you will ge to get into the Halloween spirit!

We hope we peaked your interest in visiting this historic town.  Please contact our vacation agents who will be happy to plan your Haunted Halloween Getaway! 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Family Fun in Hawaii!

Many people think Hawaii is for couples only. Little do they know, many families pick these amazing islands to vacation with their kids. That’s because Hawaii and her islands are so diverse, exciting, and breathtaking kids of all ages will enjoy a trip to this S. Pacific destination. 


When you arrive in Hawaii, one of the islands you might stop at first is Oahu, home to the famous Waikiki Beach, the USS Arizona, and the best surfing in the South Pacific. On Oahu, Hawaii’s beauty blends with the modern luxuries of today. Swim in the warm waters of world-famous Waikiki one moment, then enjoy the dramatic mountain views of the Nuuanu Pali Lookout another. Ohau offers so much for families from the Polynesian Cultural Center where you can learn what the S. Pacific Culture is like, to the Atlantis Submarine, which are two giant sunken ships that are remnants of two airliners and the Atlantis Reef. The highlight of the Waikiki dive is a giant World War II oil tanker that rests on the ocean floor serving as a home for schools of fish and other sea creatures.


Learning to Surf the North Shore
If surfing is what you want, the North Shore of Ohau is the spot for you! Watch the surfers on the legendary North Shore by day; then dance the night away in exciting nightlife spots around Honolulu. Get a taste of local flavors in Kapahulu one night; then dine at a Five Diamond restaurant the next. With so much to see and do, you’re never far away from just what you’re looking for on Oahu. Visit the Heart of Hawaii and find the island paradise you’ve been searching for.


Famous Kaanapali Beach
Next you definitely want to check out  Maui! This island certainly stands apart from the rest of the Hawaiian Islands. It offers adventure, romance, breathtaking scenery, snorkeling and some of the best beaches found anywhere in the islands. If you have only a week to spend in Hawaii, this is the place.


For such a small island, Maui is packed with “leisurely adventures.” Its landscape is incredibly diverse. It is often known as the Valley Island because of the large valley that extends between two volcanoes, Haleakala and Iao. On the Western side of the island there are acres of rainforest with spectacular waterfalls. The other side of the island offers many resorts, shopping, nightlife and so much more. Offshore, the marine life is the best on earth. The island reef is home to hundreds of species and makes this a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Traveling to Maui between December and April, definitely take a boat ride to see the humpback whales crowd the waters off the southern coast. There are so many beaches to explore. From the white sands in West Maui, to the Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu) to the black sand beaches of Pa’iloa Beach. On the North Shore, Ho’okipa Beach Park is perhaps one of the best places in the world to wind surf, body board or kite surf. Definitely check out the Maui Ocean Center, which is the best aquarium in Hawaii! 


The Beautiful Road to Hana
The road to Hana is considered one of the most spectacular drives in all of the Islands. A slow, winding road through a lush paradise, you can go on your own self-guided island tour, at your own pace in a rented car, but be careful, your renter’s insurance might not cover you if you take your car on this route. Our suggestion is to book a tour. The tour will take you to the Hana Ranch, the Seven Sacred Pools; you’ll see the beauty of Haleakala and then stop at the winery.


Once you have explored Maui, take a short flight to the most beautiful island of all, Kauai. This island is the oldest of the four major Hawaiian Islands at more than 6 million years old. Known as “The Garden Island”, the southern and western shores have long, white beaches. There are the majestic, sweeping valleys, such as the Kalalau Valley on the Na Pali Coast and then the famous Fern Grotto, where Elvis filmed “Blue Hawaii”


The most well-known site to visit in Kauai includes the Waimea Canyon and the breathtaking cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Waimea Canyon, known as “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” stretches 10 miles from Captain James Cook’s famous landing site, in 1778, to Koke’e State Park. This canyon has been the site for a number of movies including Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. In fact, more than two dozen Hollywood movies have been filmed on Kauai!


Hiking trails in the park offer unbelievable views of the canyon and lush “forest” environment. The canyon itself is also accessible for hiking, fishing and camping. Kauai’s Na Pali Coast cliffs are pure, rugged beauty, featuring deep, narrow valleys ending sharply at the sea. Waterfalls, swift-flowing streams, and extensive stone-walled terraces remain on the valley bottoms where ancient, native Hawaiians once lived. To see the entire beauty of this island, we highly suggest you do a helicopter ride. You will never experience anything like it in the world. With its hidden waterfalls and canyons, a helicopter ride is the only way to see the beauty Mother Nature has made!


During the hight of the sun filled afternoons, take a trip with the kids to the Children's Discovery Museum, a permanent science, art, and cultural exploratory museum - a hands on touch, see, feel, and learn museum of experience or check out the Koke'e Natural History Museum. This museum  provides interpretive programs and exhibitions about Kaua'i' s ecology, geology and climatology. Kokee's Museum also provides basic information on trail conditions in Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Parks. You can even take a ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway, which runs 2.5 miles passing stands of original island crops, sugar cane and taro - the staple starch of ancient Hawaiians, and on past grooves of mango, banana, papaya, coffee, pineapple and then on to experimental plantings of longan, cashew, hybrid mango, noni, and atamoya. Along with these crops traditional Pacific islander vegetable gardens are being laid out side-by-side with plantings of exotic flowers and hardwood trees in an unequaled array representing both the past and future of tropical agriculture on Kauai
The Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the best natural landscape than any of the other islands/ Home to the most active volcano in the world, Kilauea, you can actually watch the lava flow at Volcanoes National Park in Kilauea. Of course the lava flow depends on the mood of “Madame Pele” who is the Fire Goddess of Hawaii. The best way to see the island and Mother Nature at work is again in a helicopter. The helicopter will take you right up to the edge of the crater for optimum viewing.


Believe it or not, Kilauea is not the tallest volcano, but it is the most active. If you love to hike, then you should definitely visit Mauna Kea. It is the highest point on the island at 13,796 feet above sea level. And, it is higher than 30,000 feet when measured from its rise on the ocean floor–making it one of the tallest mountains in the world from base to summit. Both the neighboring Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea and have some of the clearest air in the world. As a result, more than two dozen of the world’s finest telescopes are located there.


And, for families wanting a water experience, you can rent a kayak or go on a guided trip. Paddle atop the waves, skirting awesome cliffs and waterfalls, or snorkel and swim in a calm, protected cove — your choice. Perhaps you’ll see a few spinner dolphins as you paddle across Captain Cook monument. Never been in a submarine? Make this a dramatic first as a couple. Imagine exploring brilliant natural coral reefs, sunken ships, and even downed airplanes — all surrounded by sharks, eels, and exotic turtles. This is an experience you will never forget.


So now that we have given you a sense of what Hawaii and her beautiful islands have to offer, give us a call and let our Hawaii experts assist you with all of your planning. We can arrange all of your flights, hotel accommodations, tours, cruising, whatever you need, we’ll be happy to handle this for you.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Great Family Travel Ideas

Families with young children and teens are always looking for great travel ideas and as we head into a new year, there are many family fun vacation options waiting for you and your kids. With the current economic situation they way it is, families are often concerned with getting the best deal to a destination that is fun for everyone, safe, offers great accommodations, and great food. And while we understand many family vacations are planned around school vacations, there are other families with young children who should plan to travel during non-holiday periods in the fall and late spring. These are generally low seasons for most destinations, so the crowds are gone and the deals are great.
 Below are some of our family vacation suggestions and what seems to be the most requested.

Beach Vacations
According to a recent travel agent survey, beaches are the most popular destination for family vacations. When traveling with children, no matter what their ages, it's important to pick a beach destination that has calm waters, lots of clean sand for building sandcastles, great amenities, and attractions for all family members. Believe it or not, some families will opt for the all-inclusive resorts which offer 24 hour security, kids clubs for all ages, all meals, drinks, snacks, entertainment, and in some cases, full time nannies. Many families and friends rent large vacation homes at the beach to save money and provide built-in playmates and babysitters. Whatever beach location you pick, make sure the area is family friendly so everyone can enjoy themselves.

Cruises
Cruise lines have become so popular with families they are offering expansive indoor and outdoor play areas, children's programs, and a variety of fun-filled activities aboard their ships as well as great excursions off board as well. These floating cities are great vacation options for families of all ages. Parents appreciate the value cruises offer and the fact that most vacation costs are included, they know they are getting a good value. The key, however, is to determine which cruise lines and ships offer the amenities that will best meet your family's needs.

Theme ParksEverywhere you look there is a theme park of some sort or another. They provide a fun, affordable way for families with children to make great vacation memories and spend time together. There's a wide variety of options to match every budget, from some of the larger parks in Florida or California, to some of the smaller parks closer to home, where spending a few days to a week can be just a rewarding as going on a cruise or to the beach. As an added bonus, ,many of the theme parks have theme resorts, so if your child loves a particular TV channel or character, or perhaps they like a sport or are into music, there is a resort out there to suit your needs.


Ranch and Farm Vacations
A fan of dude ranches, we can recommend a range of Wild West vacations, from bare-bones to luxury, from Idaho to Colorado. The best part is the sun-up-to-sun-down activities, like horseback riding, hayrides, rodeos, and cookouts.


So whatever your family vacation needs are, let our specialists of Destinations Galore assist you with all of the planning. Having planned family vacations for 30 years allows us to share with you our knowledge of the best destinations around. Give us a call at 866-720-5435 or email us at info@destinationsgalore.net

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Should you use a Travel Specialist or the internet for your next vacation - that is the question?

So many people wonder these days why travel specialists are even necessary in the age of the Internet. Well, ask anyone who has arrived at what they thought would be a five-star, beautiful ocean-view room with exquisite food and beaches, only to find a moth-eaten, moldy, smelly resort far away from all the fun and activity with horrible food and then you will know why.


Let’s face it, any stock photo can make a resort look beautiful on a web site. We at Destinations Galore have planned thousands of vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. If there is a resort location that we haven’t seen or stayed at, someone we know has. We can tell you exactly what you need to know about a location. We can help you sort through all the confusing information including what time of year is best to travel to a particular location, what resorts offer the amenities you want, how/where and when to exchange money, passport info, travel advisories, what to pack – really just about everything you will need to know about your trip is answered by your Destinations Galore travel specialist. We can find you hidden specials and we add a lot of special touches simply because it is your vacation (Ask your computer if it can do that!!??)


Our agents have completed many travel specialists and certifications programs including programs focused on Luxury TravelSpa and GolfCaribbean, and Cruises, so we understand how planning your vacation can be stressful. Let us guide you through the process to ensure you are making the right decisions.

Members of American Society of Travel Agents
  Destinations Galore global travel experts specialize in vacations and leisure travel for individuals, couples, families and groups. We have been in the travel business for more than 30 years and have built our reputation on our skilled and well-traveled agents who provide personal, customized travel services for every leisure trip you can dream of. In addition, we are proud members of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) as well as IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network).

Whether you are planning a short romantic getaway for two, a family vacation or a grand international tour for 100, our global travel specialists work closely with you to handle every detail of the trip. Whatever your travel needs are, know that our agents will handle them as if we were planning our own. (Ask your computer if it can do that!!??)





Saturday, October 30, 2010

Turkey – a Country for Everyone!


Shopping at the Grand Bazaar
With breathtaking beauty, many historical and archeological sites, and a tradition of hospitality, Turkey has become one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations. The country’s geography is so diverse, you can experience four different climates in one day. If you’re interested in staying along the shore, that’s not a problem. The country is surrounded by 3 different seas. If you are interested in hiking, mountain climbing, or skiing, the Turkish mountains are perfect for winter or summer vacations. Recently the country has had a tremendous increase in holistic tourism. They have hot springs, healing waters, and muds, which come highly recommended by the medical authorities as a remedy for many diseases. Shop for one of their traditional Turkish hand crafts which could include rugs, ceramics, wood crafting, embroidery, or any of the other amazing crafts found here. Whatever type of experience you are looking for, Turkey surely will not disappoint. Let us introduce you to some of the highlights of this wonderful country.


Istanbul
One of the most famous and well known cities in Turkey is Istanbul. Did you know Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents? It lies along the two shores of the Bosphorus which links the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea. It is Turkey's largest city with a population of approximately over 12 million. Istanbul is also at the heart of the economy of Turkey. The largest companies and banks, the media and advertising agencies all have their headquarters in this city. As you exlore this beautiful city, you will see Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls and ruins. While it still remains a historical city, it is a vibrant, modern and future-oriented metropolis. Bazaars and ultra-modern shopping centers and department stores, street vendors and stock brokers, old crumbling buildings and skyscrapers coexist, giving this city a multi-faceted outlook and flavor.


Next, we introduce you to the third largest city in Turkey, Izmir, known as the “Beautiful Izmir”. Located at the start of a long and narrow gulf where you will surely see yachts, passenger ships and gulf streamers its geographical location means that visitors can enjoy a Mediterranean climate, natural beauty, a rich cultural, and historical heritage, not to mention great beaches, thermal waters and spas. In addition, this city boasts a rich cuisine featuring grapes, figs, olives, citrus fruits and seafood. As a lively and cosmopolitan city, it occupies a significant place in Turkey's cultural life with the International Arts Festival and International Fair.



Ephesus
 Take a drive for approximately one hour, to one of the most important archeological sites you will ever visit, Ephesus. Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, you can explore the area and see The Temple of Artemis, visit the Virgin Mary’s cottage, where she spent the last years of her life, visit the Church of the Virgin Mary which is also known as one of the seven churches of the Apocalypse. With all of this history, its’ no wonder Ephesus is considered one of the greatest outdoor museums of Turkey.






Bodrum Marina
Bodrum, a location known for its climate, natural beauty, magnificent coves and history, is also a place where modern nightlife allows you to party until the sun comes up. The seaside villages, bays and coves are world-famous and each offers its own charm and custom. As for the city, Bodrum has been the imprint of many cultures and civilizations including the Roman and Byzantine. Some of the sites we would recommend is a visit to Bodrum Castle, originally built by The Knight’s of St. John, it is now were the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Take a tour of the beautiful bays and coves where you will swim in water that is all different shades of blue. No matter what type of water experience you are looking for, Bodrum promises not to disappoint.


Touring Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a stunning area of worldly rock formations, subterranean churches, and underground dwellings, some of which are over-whelming. The city was a sanctuary for the early Christians who escaped persecution by living and worshipping underground. Two of the most impressive underground cities are Kaymaklı, which has 8 levels, and Derinkuyu, which reaches down to 60 yards. These underground cities, built by Christians in the 7th century to avoid being persecuted, were created as self-sufficient environments which included bedrooms, kitchens and storage rooms. It is also believed there are an estimated 3000 rock churches in this area, not all of them are open to the public. Besides the archeological beauty of this city, Cappadocia is also famous for its carpet-weaving, wines and the distinctive red pottery of the Avanos area.


Antalya, the Turkish Riviera
Last, but not least Antalya, the Turkish Riviera. This area is the most stunning area of Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast. This is a thriving modern city, with a historic centre within the old city walls. This area has been revived in recent years, with many of the wooden Ottoman mansions being restored and turned into boutique hotels. Cars are not allowed on the narrow streets of the old town so it is a good place to soak up the atmosphere around the charming harbor. The city is set high on cliffs, with many of its grandest hotels overlooking the sea on the outskirts of the town. The beach area of Lara, the best beach in the area, is known for its golden sand. Want to head up into the mountains? You can view the most beautiful scenery by visiting the spectacular Düden or Kurşunlu waterfalls.


We hope you enjoyed reading about some of the wonderful cities of Turkey. Give us a call so we can assist you in planning your journey to this amazing country.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Thinking of hitting the slopes this winter? Well read what we feel are the top Ski and Snowboard destinations!

With winter quickly approaching and the holidays just a few short months away, we’re sure you’re starting to think of the possibilities of some winter fun on the slopes. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or just going on a fun sleigh ride, we have all of the information on the top destinations in the world! There are so many travel sites out there that give you their idea of the best ski resorts around, so we’re just going to give you a few of our favorites for all levels of fun.

Let’s start here in the U.S. and Canada

Colorado boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world! Two of the top ski areas are Aspen and Vail. Both cities offer a unique blend of culture, history, sports, entertainment, great restaurants, and wonderful hotels. Aspen dates back to the late 1800’s when silver mining was the thing to do. It is probably the most famous ski town in the country. With over 4,823 acres of land and over 40 ski slopes. Vail is more of a European style ski village, which is home to the largest ski mountain in America. No matter which area you decide to go, your skiing experience in Colorado will be dreams come true.

Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah – Home of the 2002 Olympics, Deer Valley offers different terrains spread over four mountains so every skier can have a great experience! From down-hill, helicopter skiing and snowboarding, Deer Valley is definitely a must!

Let’s head to the East Coast to Killington, Vermont. Located in central Vermont, Killington is known as the largest ski and snowboard area in the East. There are seven interconnected mountains, which provide unparalleled diversity of skiing and the greatest vertical in New England. Snowboarders are challenged with the longest terrain park in the East.

High elevation vistas, mountain-to-mountain exploration on more than 87 miles of trails and the charm of Vermont are just the beginning of a Killington vacation.

Staying in Vermont, Stowe Mountain Resort is located on Mt. Mansfield which is Vermont’s highest peak. The resort offers a variety of terrain spread out over two mountains. Spruce Peak, which offers intermediate and novice terrain and Mt. Mansfield which offers terrain for all ability levels.

Looking for a Canadian ski experience? To quote, “Whistler-Blackcomb is good indication that the Gods of Winter exist and have joined forces to bestow North America’s best resort upon British Columbia.” Host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, these two mountains provide what some call the best skiing in North America. Whistler's charming village offers everything snowboarders and skiers crave; cafes, international stores and over 100 restaurants that cater to all tastes including Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Thai cuisine. Over the past decade, Whistler was consistently voted "Best North American Ski Resort" by North Americans & the Japanese repeatedly rank it as their favorite international destination

Now that we have covered North America, let’s explore the slopes of Europe. There are so many areas to choose from, we’ve decided to start in Zermatt, Switzerland. Most people would rank Zermatt as Switzerland's top resort. A remarkably peaceful getaway, the village is peaceful thanks to its car-free environment. Amazingly beautiful, Zermatt has the world's second largest lift-served vertical drop and receives huge snowfalls thanks to its altitude.

Another favorite of the avid skier is skiing in Austria. While St. Anton is considered the crown of “Europe’s liveliest ski resorts” and Innsbruck is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, it Kitzbuhel, is considered the "Pearl of the Alps" and is the most famous holiday resort in the Austrian Tyrol.

Last but not least, if skiing the French Alps is more of your liking, why not try Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France? Host to the world's first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, Chamonix ranks among the elite of contenders for the title of "world's most famous ski resort." Located at the foot of Mont-Blanc, it's the highest peak in the Alps and the second highest in Europe. Chamonix Mont-Blanc holds bragging rights both for its lift-served vertical drop of 9209 feet and for having one of the world's longest runs (Vallée Blanche), at 13.7 miles. No wonder this was an ideal choice to set the standard of the winter games.

So there you have it. No matter what type of skier you are, we have the knowledge and expertise to plan your ski vacation! So pack your bags and let us plan your down-slope adventure! Contact us and one of our specialists will be able to assist you with all of your planning needs.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Family Fiesta en Espana y Portugal

One of the beautiful castles in Spain
Spain and Portugal - the Spanish call it amor a la vida and the Portuguese, amor da vida, and both communicate this love of life to all visitors. With pulsating energy, non-stop nightlife, friendly people, and some of the best cuisine in the world! Both countries have so much to offer. In fact according to their tourism departments, there has never been a better time for Americans to visit the Iberian Peninsula!

With a tremendous amount of historic monuments, Roman ruins, medieval castles, Moorish fortresses and Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque cathedrals, Portugal and Spain are perfect destinations for artists, romantics, and historians. Both are home to some of the world’s most revered artists like Velázquez, Goya, Gaudí, Miró, Dalí and Picasso. In addition, both Lisbon and Madrid have been adding new museums and expanding their other cultural institutions.

Let us introduce you to first Portugal. With areas like Lisbon/Estoril, Madeira, Algarve, and Porto, Portugal has something for everyone. Lisbon is one of Europe’s most intriguing cities and the capitol of Portugal. More than 20 centuries old, this amazing city offers cultural, beautiful settings, World-class nightlife, and beautiful long, wide beaches. Built around seven hills overlooking the harbor of the Tejo River, Lisbon is definitely the place to start your journey. From historic scenery, to natural wonders, from fishing boats to casinos, this city will leave you wanting more!

Madeira, off the coast of Africa, has rich history dating back more than 500 years. With magnificent views and its temperate climate, Madeira makes it an ideal place to visit year round. Enjoy the lifestyle in the capital city of Funchal, explore the quaint villages and experience the luxurious resorts. Interested in golf, tennis and countless water sports the islands or Madeira and Porto Santo are best known for their ability to help visitors relax and unwind. Perhaps all it takes is sitting on the shore and watching the sunset while sipping some Madeira wine.

Next stop the Algarve – breathtaking scenery, modern resorts, and ancient history, the Algarve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in all of Europe. Located in the southwestern corner of Europe and gazing out at the Atlantic from Cabo St. Vincent, you can understand why early Europeans believed it was the end of the world. Its name comes from the Moors who named it al-gharb or "the West." Distinctive architecture is one of the highlights of the historic center of the capital of Faro. White washed houses with massive chimneys and castles are seen throughout the region, which is also home to some of the most luxurious resorts and spas in all of Europe.

Let’s end our tour of Portugal in Porto. Actually Portugal got its name from this fascinating city where the River Douro meets the sea and where Port wine is bottled. The second largest city in Portugal, you can lose yourself in their rich traditions or their energetic lifestyle. Porto is a modern city with medieval buildings, nearby beaches, wine fields, museum, and golf. Everything to end your perfect journey to this beautiful country!

Bonita Barcelona
NEXT STOP SPAIN!
Millions of tourists visit this beautiful country every year! It has been considered one of the most important tourist destinations of the last several decades. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra. To the Northeast it borders with France. To the West it boarded by the Balearic Islands located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. The Southern most territory offers the picturesque Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla located in the North of Africa. This is why travelling to Spain is likely to be a enriching experience since tourism in the country offers a wide variety of destinations, activities and landscapes.

Madrid is one of the better known cities of Spain and is the capital of this beautiful country. Beside the architecture, museums, great nightlife, we can recommend balloon rides over Madrid, visiting the Royal Palace, shopping on the Gran Via, watch the Flamenco dancers, try some tapas, or just sit in the park and people watch!

On to Barcelona – It’s impossible to get bored in this dynamic city. With the best concerts, exhibitions, and events, week after week you will find more than one thing of interest. There are so many different areas within Barcelona to peak your interests, you’ll want to come back again and again. From the Roman archaeology, to the Medieval palazzos and Gothic Churches, to open air museum , the contemporary modern version of Barcelona, this amazing city will keep you mesmerized.

Luxury accommodations
Done with touring the cities and want to explore Spain’s famous beaches, let’s head to Costa del Sol! Malaga is one of the most visited regions in all of Spain. It’s not just known for its beautiful beaches, but also for the beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages a 17th century Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the King’s palace, Alcazaba.

So whether you want to visit Spain and Portugal together or visit them individually, both countries have what it takes to make for an fabulous vacation!