Vilnius, Lithuania: Travel, Tour Packages, Europe River Cruises, Air & Hotel Bookings, Car Rentals

Chosen as the 2009 “European Capital of Culture,” Vilnius, Lithuania, is a charming and uniquely enchanting medieval city. The mainly Baroque architecture is coupled together with Gothic and Renaissance buildings that have sprouted up over the centuries, making for a diverse and distinctive skyline. Alive with culture and romance, travelers to Vilnius will be captivated by the historical beauty and dense artistic inspiration that runs throughout the city. From the medieval stone archways above narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful towering churches, to shiny modern galleries and glowing nightclubs, Lithuania’s capital city is a sundry of old and new.

Located in southeastern Lithuania, Vilnius sits at the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris rivers and is said to be the geographical center of Europe. A city that is steeped in rich history and in contemporary culture, Vilnius has both UNESCO World Heritage-protected buildings and churches, as well as a bronze statue of psychedelic musician Frank Zappa. A mix of traditionalists and dreaming bohemians, the city has great appeal to travelers in search of European whimsy.

One of Vilnius’ 40 breathtaking churches, St. Anne’s Church stands out in the city’s Old Town section as a beautiful Gothic church which Napoleon himself wished to take back with him to Paris. Just beyond Old Town is a section called Uzupis. Considered an independent republic, Uzupis is where artists, writers and revolutionaries came to settle and open up galleries, shops and riverside restaurants and pubs. A city unlike any other, Vilnius has an easy, soulful atmosphere and eccentric charm that travelers yearn for.

In addition to Lithuanian staples like dark rye bread, potatoes and borscht, the cuisine of Vilnius has slowly been expanding into international and fusion fare. An example of this step into international flavors is Pegasus. The restaurant’s minimalist décor allows the French, Italian and Iraqi cuisine speak for itself. For a unique treat, Tores, located in the Uzupis district, is a restaurant, wine cellar and art gallery all in one. At Zemaiciai, patrons can have their meals while sitting on thrones or giant beds as they dine in this medieval-looking restaurant with vaulted brick ceilings and hearty Lithuanian food and beer.

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is Lithuania’s largest airport and serves several domestic and international carriers including airBaltic, Aerosvit Airlines, Lufthansa and Aer Lingus. While there is no main public transportation system in Vilnius, buses and trolleys run routes all over the city, with a single ticket costing 2 to 2.50 LTR, depending on if they're purchased at a kiosk or from the driver. There are discounts for students and the elderly. Taxis are another option for navigating throughout the city, as they are more efficient than buses but are a little more expensive. Walking is the most recommended way to travel around parts of the city like Old Town, as it is very pedestrian-friendly and can easily be explored on foot.

Vilnius has a continental, maritime climate, which means there is a vast difference between the cold winter and warm summer temperatures. In summer months, temperatures can reach as high as 86° F (30° C), though the average temperature from June through August typically remains in the low 70s. Mid-summer is the rainiest time of year, though large amounts of precipitation can fall during the winter as well, which sees an average temperature of 26° F (-3.3° C). It is not uncommon for temperatures to reach far below freezing for large stretches in winter months, bringing bitter cold winds, frozen lakes and snowfall. The best time of year to visit is in the late spring and summer, as this is the time of year when the nightlife and daytime festivities are in full swing, with outdoor bars, cafes, restaurants and concerts.

Learn more at: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/europe/lithuania/vilnius.html

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Travel Europe: Tour Packages, Air, Hotel, Cruises, River Cruises, Rail Travel, Car Rental

As a whole, Europe offers a strong ethno-cultural, linguistic and historical heritage with diverse nationalities, 35 official languages and an abundance of UNESCO-protected castles, monuments and ancient sites. This cornucopia of heritage has given rise to a spectacular wealth of people, traditions and cultures. Although they live harmoniously side by side, the 36 member countries of the European Travel Commission are distinctive, such as Germany, France, Italy and Poland.

Travelers can visit as few or as many nations as they want. Just hop on a train – the most seamless and picturesque way to traverse the continent. Looking for romance? Why not experience the changing landscapes by a river or canal boat? Europe is a roadmap of grand waterways, such as the Rhine and Danube, which flow through big cities such as Frankfurt, and small countryside hamlets. Cyclo-tourism is also gaining in popularity.

The capitals of Europe offer culture through world-class museums, music concerts and theater. Be sure to try the local cuisine, wine and make sure to grab a pint of beer with the locals. Every region and city holds endless treasures: remains of the Greek and Roman empires, entire districts built in medieval times, typical homes, covered markets, belfries, city walls and cathedrals. Natural attractions abound as well, from Mediterranean beaches to the rugged Arctic beauty of the north to the mountain ranges such as The Alps.

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San Francisco, California, USA: Travel, Tourism, Cruises, Air, Hotel, City Passes,Tour, Excursion Packages

At the very source of San Francisco’s charm is a bevy of eccentric neighborhoods and people so diverse that everyone fits in. As the gem of the Bay Area, San Francisco, California, is well known for its Victorian architecture, hilly terrain, fusion cuisine and rich cultural dynamism. A veritable United Nations of people, sights, and experiences to be had; the city will leave its quirky appeal lingering in your memories long after you’ve left.

This seven-by-seven mile peninsula is made up of eleven official neighborhoods that each offers something unique. Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular area on the bay that boasts a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants, attracting not only hungry tourists, but corpulent, lazy sea lions who like to sunbathe on the pier. Hang out in Haight: a once-bohemian area that is known as the birthplace of the hippie movement and which still has eclectic boutiques and small Dead Head coffee shops. Whether stopping for dim sum in Chinatown, shopping in Union Square, taking a cable car ride throughout ritzy Knob Hill or letting it all hang out in the Castro, San Fran remains a wonderfully inexplicable microcosm of the world.

Consistently voted one of the best cities in the United States, San Francisco is the perfect place to indulge in the rich essence of a west coast boomtown. With passes like the CityPass, Go San Francisco Card and the Wharf Pass, visitors gain admission (at a lower cost) to some of the city’s finest museums, like the Museum of Modern Art, California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum, as well as ferry rides, tours and transportation. While landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid and infamous Alcatraz Island never fail as tourist magnets, it’s attractions like Ghirardelli Square, the authentic eateries of Chinatown, cable cars of Union Square and Pier 39 that keep them coming back.

An epicurean city in every sense of the word; San Fran boils over with new and inventive cuisine, from sustainable and organic to intricate fusion and wine-plate pairings. With trendy restaurants like Greens and Millenium, not only will vegetarians never go hungry in this town; they’ll eat really well. With a seemingly unlimited surplus of great seafood restaurants, visitors need only to walk into the likes of Sotto Mare, Swan Oyster Depot or Hyde Street Seafood House and have their pick of some of the freshest selections in the Pacific Northwest. As the nation’s largest Chinatown, it becomes an absolute treat to (yet a daunting task) to pick from the bevy of authentic rice houses and tea rooms. House of Nanking, Lichee Garden and Brandy Ho’s Hunan Food are all touted as some of the very best in the city.

Located 14 miles south of the city, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the region’s major domestic and international gateway. The airport is connected to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which transports passengers throughout the San Francisco and the neighboring communities. The other forms of public transit are the San Francisco Municipal Railway, which has street and cable cars, buses and metro, as well as the Caltrain which is a regional rail to San Jose. Besides walking, there is no better way to see the city than on the world-famous cable cars, which run north-south between Market Street and Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco has a mild Mediterranean climate which is heavily influenced by the cool Pacific currents and gives the city year-round mild temperatures. May through October is considered the dry period and is relatively warm, with average temperatures in the low 70° F (21° C). The rainy season tends to last from November to April, when temperatures get a bit cooler and remain around 58-64° F (14-18° C). There is no best time to visit the city, as the weather remains consistently mild and whether it be an attraction or festival or cultural event; there’s always something going on in San Francisco.

Learn more at: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/north-america/united-states/california/san-francisco.html

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Travel to South America: Travel, Tour, Cruises Packages

Warm, vibrant, and beautiful, only begins to sum up the essence of South America.  From the mystique of the Amazon Jungle to Peru’s remarkable Machu Picchu, the continent is blessed with a diversity of attractions, imprinted with the footprints of its namesake Amerigo Vespucci, inhabitants, and many other individuals from all walks of life.  South America beats to the sound of its own drum, as colorful rhythms make their way through its façade during Brazil’s Carnival and Inti Raymi in Ecuador.  Its passionate locals also make this continent a pleasant surprise, welcoming you with open hearts to explore their culture.  It is easy to become entranced by South America, where its hidden treasures of undiscovered territories, pristine beaches, archeological findings, and natural wonders make their way to the forefront of the continent’s highlights.
South America is the fourth largest of earth’s continents, stretching from the Gulf of Darien to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.  It is the prime destination for travelers seeking a natural playground, immersed by the melodious spirits of fiestas bouncing off of the dramatic cliffs of the Andes. With an array of adventures appearing along its vast landscape, its sites can enlighten even the most mundane traveler.  Its unforgettable memories includes trekking the Inca Trail, scuba diving in Colombia’s Caribbean blue, climbing the jagged rocks of the Colca Canyon, as well as basking in the spray of the Iguaza Falls, which  are also among the different ways South America shows off its unique beauty for all to see.   It is also a cultural phenomenon, enticing food lovers with the best eats from Argentina’s grilled temptations, Brazil’s tapioca pancakes, Peru’s ceviche, in addition to Ecuador’s tropical fruits.
With approximately three quarters of South America’s landscape set below the Equator, the continent experiences its warm season during the months of December to March, with the weather averaging around the mid-70s to a low in the mid-60s.  During its winter months of June to September, the temperature fluctuates between a high in the mid-60s to a low within the 50s.  However, the Amazon’s climate is typically humid and hot whilst its high altitude locations experience mild temperatures.
South America is accessible through its international airports in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, as well as Peru.  Domestic flights also make travelling in between its countries fast and easy.  With many bus routes, South America’s array of cities can also be reached via bus

Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Travel Tourism Vacation Packages: Ideal Romantic Destination

Romantics, you have found your ideal destination. The small island of Bora Bora is only 18 miles in circumference, but it’s home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and waters, and the luxurious pampering resorts with overwater bungalows and thatched roofs we dream of for our ultimate retreats. Add to that scenery the sharply rising Mount Otemanu, which reaches almost 2,400 feet above sea level, and lush tropical slopes and valleys, and you’ve got the closest thing to paradise on earth.

Your resort will be located either on the southern end of the main island or on its own motu (islet in the lagoon). The water is the key to what will keep you active when you want to venture from your lounge chair or spa treatment. The turquoise lagoon surrounded by picture-perfect white sand beaches is your playground for such unique experiences as shark feeding. You stand in the shallow lagoon far enough away but close enough to watch your guides hand-feed the sharks. Explore the lagoon via glass-bottom boat, motorboat or jet ski, or just snorkel from your bungalow or off the beach anywhere on the island. Diving is also big here with marine life galore.

Venture off the coast and to the interior roads on a hike or 4X4 accompanied by a local guide. You’ll be treated to unbelievable overlook views. And be sure to make some time to shop for local and international original art, Tahitian pearls, perfumes and oils, and precious wood handcrafts.

Most meals will be eaten at your resort, where you’ll be treated to world-class dining, complete with some of the best water views you’re ever going to see. Many of the properties also offer after-dinner Polynesian shows, incorporating the cultural flavor into your stay. Cuisine here is as you would expect -- lots of local seafood, fruits and vegetables to enjoy.

Romantic options that can be arranged include a gourmet picnic on a private beach or a sunset cruise with four-course dinner aboard a private catamaran. And of course the ultimate in romance is breakfast by outrigger canoe brought to your overwater bungalow or villa. The flower-decorated canoe brings with it fresh fruits, pastries and juices by a welcoming resort staff member.

International flights land at Faa’a Airport in Papeete on the island of Tahiti. Flight time is just under eight hours from Los Angeles and about 12 hours from New York’s JFK. Air Tahiti Nui, Tahiti’s national carrier, offers nonstop direct service from both cities. Air Tahiti has five or six flights daily to the Bora Bora Airport on Moto Mute from Tahiti (as well as from other islands). It’s about a one-hour flight.

The airport, built on a motu, is accessible only by a short ferry ride to Vaitape. Resort transport is either by private motorboats from the airport operated by some of the luxury resorts, or by shuttle from Vaitape. Public transport on the island is limited. Bicycles are a great way to get around.

Average year-round temperatures is 79° F., with water temperatures averaging 79° F. in the winter and 84° F. during the summer.

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Travel to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the Picture Perfect Paradise

Completely surrounded by beauty, Playa del Carmen is a small city with a big heart.  Spend your days with sand at your feet and the wind in your hair, as the multicolored ocean gently brushes against your skin.  This picture-perfect paradise is a golden treasure charming its guests with serene ambiance.  What better way to recharge your batteries than on a Spanish getaway, where your most sacred fantasies are brought to life.  So grab your swimsuit and your favorite book and visit Playa del Carmen, Mexico to experience the true definition of heaven on earth.

This pleasant town is stretched along the Caribbean Sea and comfortably nestled in the country of Mexico.  Affectionately known as Playa by its inhabitants, Playa del Carmen is mixed with locals and passing tourists in search of an exotic adventure.  Retrace the footprints of its Mayan ancestors, who have shaped this town into becoming one of Mexico’s most cultural destinations.  Whether you are diving among the tropical fish or touring its vibrant Zocalo (plaza), the highlights of Playa del Carmen are insightful passages into its rich traditions.  Take a tour of Playa del Carmen’s beachfront, Playcar and watch backdrops of the sun as it fades behind the Riviera Maya, while its archeological gems glisten in the near distance.  If you are a sports lover, Playa del Carmen’s verdant golf courses are ready for you to score a birdie; also the city’s colorful maritime is a host to a plethora of water sports.

Shake the sand off your feet and head to Playa del Carmen’s shopping districts.  Mostly located on 5th Avenue (locally known as Quinta Avenida), this pedestrian-filled street is painted with stores bursting at the seams with Mexican treasures.  Playcar is also known for its vivacious stores, offering a wide spectrum of Spanish and international goods.  By dusk, this lazy town transforms into an adrenaline pumping social event.  Hotspots like Root n' Fire and Blue Parrot Beach Club light up the night with their pulsating music, delicious cocktails, and picturesque backdrops.

Eat, drink and be merry as you take part in Playa del Carmen’s dining experience.  For a taste of the Mayan culture the façade of 5^th Avenue as well as other streets in the town are speckled with restaurants filled with the aromas of seafood, tacos, empanadas, tostados, and Spanish tapas.   Its culinary masterpieces are cooked to perfection with authentic Mexican ingredients.  However, if you are craving something different, the gastronomy is also speckled with an array of multicultural dishes as well. 

Playa del Carmen experiences a subtropical climate with high humidity.  During the months of September to June (warm season) the temperature averages around a high of 89 °F.   From November to February (cold season) the weather cools to an average high of 80 °F.

Navigating around Playa del Carmen is relatively simple.  Since it is so small, it is quite easy to walk to its different highlights. To venture outside of the town, there are buses available and they are located on 5^th   and Juarez Avenues.  Taxis are also accessible and can be hailed from the streets.

Learn more: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/north-america/mexico/playa-del-carmen.html

For booking, travel, tours, cruises, hotela, all inclusive packages to Playa del Carmen or any other destination, please write to: Info@eTravelCruise.com

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Scotland, a Land That Ranges From Gentle Rolling Hills to Towering Peaks, Immortalized By Poets

Springtime sees lambs gamboling over green hillsides; castles dot the countryside, standing in mute testimony to this land’s turbulent history; and poets immortalize its beauty and people. This is Scotland, a land that ranges from gentle rolling hills to towering peaks, rugged coastlines and elegant cities. It’s a kingdom that succumbed to British might, yet has maintained its independent spirit.

There are the highlands that, for some, epitomize Scotland with their towering mountains, shimmering lakes, peaceful glens and miles of coastline. You can hike, go off-road biking or meander through castles and historic sites. Scotland is an emerging adventure destination, offering mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, mountaineering and other extreme outdoor sports.

It’s a land of islands -- the Shetland, Orkneys and the Outer Hebrides. The islands can be places of wild beauty and rough seas but can have a quiet, pastoral side as well.

It’s also a land of cities. Elegant Edinburgh is often a starting point for many visitors, with its medieval Old Town and splendid castle dominating its skyline. Outside the city lie castles, great houses and battle sites. It's also a gateway to the ancient home of the game of golf and you can find some of the great links and parkland courses of the world here. You can meander along fine golden beaches or walk the Pentland Hills.

Working-class Glasgow’s shipyards launched thousands of ships, including warships and ocean-going liners. Outside Glasgow lie the rolling hills of the Clyde Valley and the lovely walking country of East Dunbartonshire that borders the southwest Highlands.

The kingdom of Fife is almost a microcosm of Scotland, with a semi-industrial south and rural north. This is the ancestral home of Scottish monarchs. It’s world famous for its golf -- St. Andrews is here. It’s also home to major landmarks such as Forth Road and Rail Bridges. Its landscape varies from the gentle hills in the rural hinterland to the windswept cliffs, rocky bays and sandy beaches where scenes from the film “Chariots of Fire” were shot.

Scotland has a modern and efficient road, rail and ferry network which allows good access to almost all parts of the country, and you'll have no trouble getting to the main tourist destinations. You can fly direct to Scotland or via a connection in the U.K. or Europe to any of its fourinternational airports, or take the ferry from the Continent.

June, July and August are high season. Spring, just after Easter, and fall, through mid-October, is shoulder season, and many attractions and accommodations are open through this period.

Learn more about Scotland: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/europe/scotland.html

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Cancun, Popular Beach Destination With Turquoise Waters, White-Sand Shores, Endless Nightlife

As one of the most popular beach destinations in North America, Cancun, Mexico, is famous for its turquoise waters, white-sand shores, luxury hotels and endless nightlife. Cancun is a part of the state of Quintana Roo, or Mexican Caribbean, which attracts over two million visitors to this Mayan beach side city a year.

The Zona Hotelera, or Hotel Zone, is home to a 14-mile stretch of hotels that range from high-end, all-inclusive resorts, to student-friendly budget hotels. Though this area may teem with tourists who only seek constant pampering and sunshine, there is an authentic Mexican city just down the round in downtown Cancun. Unseen by travelers who don’t leave the confines of their resort, downtown Cancun offers a mix of tradition and modernity, and is home to many restaurants, shopping centers and outdoor markets where the locals spend their time. Not far from Cancun, travelers who seek out history and culture can delve deep into the Mayan ruins and archaeological sites at neighboring Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba.

Because Cancun is bordered by the Caribbean Sea on one side, and Nichupte Lagoon on another, there are a myriad of outdoor, water and adventure sports to partake in. Featuring some of the best fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling in the world, the Great Mesoamerican Reef is located just off of the city’s coast. Most resorts, as well as independent operators, will offer a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing, para sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing and kayaking to those looking for an aquatic thrill. Championship golf courses overlooking the Caribbean and eco-parks with underground rivers and cavern tours are also popular draws for visitors.

Showcasing everything from traditional Mexican cuisine downtown, to chic bistros and upscale international restaurants, the Cancun dining scene has something to suit all tastes. Puerto Madero serves a fusion of Spanish cuisines. Menu highlights are the spicy beef empanadas, lobster tail and grilled ribeye Madero. For a beautiful Mediterranean meal on the water, Terraneo is located on the lagoon side of the Hotel Zone, and offers well-crafted Mediterranean classics. Pik Nik is a wonderful and inexpensive lunch spot serving up homemade localized Mexican dishes such as fish tacos and ceviche.

Located just six miles from the Hotel Zone, Cancun International Airport (CUN) is Mexico’s second-busiest airport, and serves the region’s international and domestic air travel. Many hotels and resorts will provide transportation to and from the airport. If not, rental cars are available, though rules of the road tend to differ here than in most of the United States. The most efficient way to get around is by taxi. They are plentiful and can get expensive, but make sure a price in negotiated before taking off. There are also public buses that have frequent stops throughout the downtown and Hotel Zone areas.

Cancun has a tropical climate and is characterized by warm year-round temperatures and a pronounced rainy season. The average annual temperature stays around 80.8° F (27.1° C) and tends to remain in that vicinity for the entire year. The tropical storm season lasts from May through December, with peak precipitation coming down in September. The best times to visit Cancun are in the late winter and early spring months, when humidity and rainfall is at a minimum.

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Belgrade, Truly a Feast for Eyes

Draped with classical antiquities, the city of Belgrade, Serbia is truly a feast for the eyes.  The cobblestone streets are exquisitely decorated with magnificent architectural gems presented in the forms of cathedrals, museums, palaces, and fountains.  It is quite easy to fall in love with a city, whose vibrancy and splendor can be seen lurking on every corner.  Its charismatic spirit glistens on the faces of its proud citizens, which explains why this ancient city remains young at heart.  Whether you are observing the exotic animals at the Belgrade Zoo, or strolling the busy streets and squares, there is plenty to discover.  So retrace the steps of Belgrade’s ancestors and visit a destination which overflows with the fragrances of history and beauty.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, still manages to keep its old charm after suffering much adversity due to its location on the Danube River.  However, its beauty seems untouched and remains a significant attribute that magnetizes many tourists to its diverse landscape.  Populated with approximately 1,700,000 people, Belgrade is richly blessed with boastful citizens, who cannot wait to introduce visitors to their amazing city.  It is surrounded by many museums and historic jewels, which will guide you on a tour to its colorful past.  You also cannot miss the dazzling statues peering on the majestic buildings and sidewalks.  Constructed in the early 1900s, the White Palace contains a royal library filled to the brim with over 30,000 books.  Make a wish at the historic fountains or capture a bird’s eye view of the Belgrade’s majestic sceneries at the Fortress.  No matter what your interest may be, the activities of Belgrade are endless.

With the Belgrade pass, the city’s adventures are closer than you think.  Valid for 72 hours, that gives you plenty of time to discover many of Belgrade’s attractions freely or at a discounted price. 

Take a break from sightseeing and head to the local shopping areas.  Everything from malls to souvenirs shops are within arm’s length.  With such a variety of merchandise, fashionistas can indulge in Europe’s finest products while mingling with the friendly locals.  Dress to kill and dance the night away at the local hot spots blazing with the latest hits.  For a quieter night, watch talented comedians tickle your funny bone, or try your luck at the casino.

Let your nose lead you to the scents of delicious foods flowing throughout the city’s restaurants.  The culinary temptations are a cultural phenomenon.  From hard to pronounce dishes like isdimljena vešalica (grilled pork) to multicultural specialties, chefs are masters at preparing authentic regional cuisines drenched in locally grown ingredients.  Avid food lovers get ready to savor the tastes of Serbia’s finest meals with a glass of Europe’s finest wines.

Belgrade experiences a temperate continental climate.  During the months of May to October (warm season) the temperatures average from a high in the low 80s to the low 60s. In November to March (cold season) the weather ranges between the 40s and lower to the 20s.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla International Airport is the city’s main gateway to the rest of Europe and other international destinations.  Belgrade’s public transportation of bus, trams, and trolleys are available to help you navigate throughout the city.  Serbian Railways also services rides throughout Belgrade and its neighboring towns.  A bright blue sign makes it easy for tourists to catch a taxi along the bustling streets.  In addition, with a valid driver’s license, car rentals are accessible for those who prefer to travel flexibly. Belgrade is also a great place to explore by foot.

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Visit Azerbaijan, a Hidden Gem of a Country

"Azerbaijan" may not roll off the tongue, in fact, you may not even know where it is, but this former Russian territory in the Caucasus Mountains of southeastern Europe and Asia is a hidden gem of a country. Once an important stop on the Silk Route, Azerbaijan has potential to develop as a tourism destination as if offers one of a kind opportunities.

Azerbaijan is rich in ores, minerals and fuels. The most unforgettable site is the eternal burning fires in the hills of Ramana, Surakhani, Yanardag and Absheron. This phenomenon is caused by gas seeping through natural vents in the oil saturated ground. Zoroastrian fire worshipers occasionally perform ritual flame leaping dances at Ramana. Local petroleum and mineral spas have cropped up around the country to take advantage of the therapeutic naphthalene hydrocarbon (a grade of oil used for medicinal purposes). Patrons sit in a bath and are coated in oil up to their necks.

Within the coastal capital Baku is the medieval walled city of Icheri Sheher, with a Middle Eastern atmosphere where locals sip sweet black tea out of small glasses and play backgammon at teahouses along the narrow streets. Baku’s oldest building is Synyk Kalah Minaret, dating from 1093 AD. There are two caravanserais (inns), from the 14th and 16th centuries, originally built to house traveling merchants from northern India and central Asia. They have been turned into restaurants.

Baku overlooks the Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world rich in biodiversity. Other important sites are the 10,000 year old rock paintings at Gobustan and 2,500 year old settlement of Sheiki. Travelers should avoid the dangerous Nagorno-Karabakh enclave and border with Armenia due to continual land ownership conflicts.

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Azerbaijan, Caucasus Mountains, Baku, Caspian Sea,

Travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazil's key tourist destination is positioned within a spectacularly wild, natural landscape. This seductive city is easy to visualize: flamboyant Carnival, beaches packed with locals in skimpy bikinis, the mountaintop statue of Christ the Redeemer with his outstretched arms and the rhythm of the samba beating in the background. Rio de Janeiro is divided by a mountain range into two areas: the North Zone and the South Zone. The South Zone holds most of the city’s sights, including the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, paved with decorated black-and-cream swirl pattern mosaics, as well as Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Take a funicular ride up to Sugar Loaf peak for a bird’s eye perspective on how the natural harbor is surrounded by high peaks that meet the sea at the beaches. The 100-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer at Mount Corcovado is the most recognized landmark in Rio. You can take a tram up to the statue, which has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. For soccer (football) fans, a visit to the Maracana Stadium is required. Other attractions include museums, colonial buildings, baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, forts and gardens.

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Vacation in Greece: History, Culture, Tourism

Say Greece and you conjure images of classical monuments and white-washed fishing villages bathed by that magical Greek light and set against a backdrop of azure seas. Located at the nexus of three continents, it’s been part of many empires. Often considered the birthplace of Western civilization, its politics, philosophers, culture and art formed the foundation of modern thoughts and political structures.

Its history spans four millennia and that’s one reason you want to see Greece. There’s Athens, crowned by the Acropolis; Delphi, where men could speak to the god Apollo through the Oracle, the priestess through whom Apollo spoke to humans, and Olympia, site of the original Olympics. Be sure to see a play at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, a fairly easy drive from Athens.

But Greece isn’t just about culture and history. Its Mediterranean languor, benign climate and balmy seas have a special allure. While Greece has made huge commercial and technological strides--what had been a mainly agrarian nation famed for things like its legendary olive groves, beaches and political coups--it is now a sophisticated society where cell phones outnumber land lines and Wi-Fi hotspots seem universally available. But it’s still a must-visit destination for the easy-going traveler.
The mountainous Greek peninsula is surrounded by 6,000 islands, which extend into the Mediterranean and the southernmost reaches of Europe. The sea is intrinsic to Greece; you’re usually never more than 30 miles from the sea and even in northern Greece, the sea is generally never more than 60 miles away. Most of Greece’s islands are grouped in clusters that constitute the Greek archipelago. Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, the Dodecanese and the Cyclades are some of the famous and popular islands and island clusters in Greece.

Greek food is one aspect of its culture: the Greeks are social diners, food is fresh--Greeks expect it. Your best bet: go where the Greeks go. Those classic Greek tavernas can be fashionable or a very basic beachfront restaurant under a reed canopy. Typical fare is mezédhes (hors d'oeuvres) or orektiká (appetizers) and tís óras (meat and fish, fried or grilled to order).

When it comes to getting around on land, your choice is bus or car; there are few trains, except for the excellent Athens-Pátra and Athens–Thessaloníki lines. Ferries, catamarans and hydrofoils shuttle visitors to the islands, but an internal flight between, say, Rhodes and Athens can cut a 28-hour ferry trip down to a two-hour flight.

Mid-July to the end of August is peak season, with soaring temperatures and crowds. June and September are good times to visit--the weather is warm, especially in the islands. Mid-October can be stormy, but most of that month is Greece’s summer and it’s an especially lovely time of year in Crete and the southern Dodecanese. Autumn in general is a beautiful time to be in Greece; the weather remains lovely and there are fewer crowds. One caveat, some islands and parts of Greece are open only during summer months.

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Washington DC

A town of many faces and many facets, Washington, DC is much more than just the place you went to on middle school class trips. The nation’s capital offers tourists not only an abundance of American history and awe-inspiring governmental monuments, but a powerful emerging restaurant scene, as well as a variety of museums, parks and exhilarating nightlife hotspots. With a mix of people so eclectic and diverse, it’s hard not to consider DC one of the true great cosmopolitan cities of the United States.
The city is split up into four main districts. The Downtown area is home to the National Mall, the White House, the Smithsonian (one of many museums), business and theater districts as well as many fine dining venues. This area is the most popular tourist area for obvious reasons. North Central has some of the trendiest and most diverse neighborhoods in the DC area. Dupont Circle has an eclectic collection of cafés, bars, nightclubs shops and galleries, as well as Embassy Row. DC West consists of a group of upscale neighborhoods, including historic Georgetown, and boasts attractions including the National Cathedral and zoo. DC East is where you’ll find Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress. Though it’s the main bureaucratic headquarters of town, this section also offers bohemian nightlife in the Atlas District and a Roman Catholic area called “Little Vatican”.
With the number of sites and museums seeming to outnumber the people, there are a few places to hit up that might not be on all the typical must-see-in-DC lists. The International Spy Museum is like peering into James Bond’s toy chest. This fascinating museum highlights high-tech gadgetry, notorious spy cases and gives visitors complicated mysteries to solve. The National Zoological Park, known as the DC Zoo, is one of the nation’s most-visited zoos which includes an extensive panda habitat and live gorilla cams. For the quintessential adventure through history, the downtown area is home to tourist-friendly attractions like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, the Air and Space Museum and the Vietnam Memorial.
In recent years, Washington DC has become a gastronomic tour de force. For a fine dining French bistro with a casual atmosphere and moderate prices, check out Café du Parc, which is located next to the Willard InterContinental Hotel. For a raucous night of blues and southern cooking, head over to Madam’s Organ Blues Bar and Soul Food. The nightly live music and down home bar fare can be found nowhere else in the city. For cheap eats, try a chili dog and thick shake at Ben’s Chili Bowl, or a Middle Eastern late night bite at the Falafel Shop in the Adams Morgan section of town. For award-winning mussels and over 50 different Belgian ales, check out the laidback gastropub, Granville Moore’s.
The Washington DC area is served by three major airports. Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located in Arlington, Virginia, (10 minutes south of the city) and is the closest and most convenient choice for Washington DC travel. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located 26 miles outside the city in Dulles, Virginia, is another option for both domestic and international major airline carriers. There are several modes of ground transportation to DC -- the most convenient being the Washington Flyer coach which operates every half-hour and costs $10 one-way or $18 roundtrip. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located in 30 miles northeast of the city in Baltimore, Maryland. Though most commonly used for Baltimore travel, this airport is an alternative for those in the Maryland suburbs of Washington.
The public transportation system in Washington DC is one of the best in the county. The city’s subway system, called the Metro, is a clean and efficient way to navigate around the grid of DC. There are five intersecting rail lines which stop in all major neighborhoods, as well as multiple downtown locations. The lines are color-coded and tickets can be purchased by way of Metro farecards, which are located in all terminal stations. The bus system is a good choice for locations within the city that the Metro does not efficiently reach. As in most major cities, taxis are quite accessible, although they are one of the most expensive modes of transportation.

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