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Archive for the ‘Europe’ Category

National Portrait Gallery

Built in 1856 just a few steps from the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, London, contains nearly 10,000 paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures, gathered not in the base of the quality or nature artwork, but of awareness of the characters represented there.
The visit, which follows a chronological order, starting with painting at the first floor of Tudor period. Among its exhibits there are a few remarkable: the portrait of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I of Ditchley, Walter Raleigh and miniatures of Francis Drake, and a portrait of Shakespeare, the first bought by the gallery.
A passage leads to the old building. Downstairs, an IT Gallery allows electronic tour of gallery. Upstairs there are portraits of the seventeenth century Secului of Charles I and Charles II, Oliver Cromwell and Samuel Pepys’s famous portrait.
In other rooms, dedicated to the XVIII century there are exposed portraits of Christopher Wren, Isaac Newton, Robert Walpole.
Last rooms on this floor are devoted to the transition from eighteenth century to nineteenth century, portraits of Lord Byron in Albanian dress romantic inspiration, the Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton and the Bronte sisters.
The lower floor is Victorian theme with portraits of Queen Victoria’s Cecil Rhodes, Henry James and a caricature of Oscar Wilde.
The other gallery spaces and the lobby are devoted to the twentieth century characters such as paintings, photographs, sculptures by James Joyce, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana and many others. Royal Family is dedicated to a special place.

Posted on September 15th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Heineken brewery

Heineken brewery in Amsterdam is no longer in use. It is no longer producing beer since a while, but visitors can see the entire process of one of the best beers in the world. In exchange for paying the entry fee, which is 15 €, tourists get three large beers and a gift that differs from the time you visit the Heineken brewery in Amsterdam. Three pints of beer each tourist receives make the ticket a very good deal.

In the Heineken factory tour, visitors can enjoy a number of attractions such as glass staircase, cinema and even a music studio where they record the time they composed. You will also see huge beer barrels in which it was left to ferment.

Tourists can bottle their own Heineken bottles or order a personalized bottle of beer. During the tour visitors are taken through the world of Heineken over four floors and 18 individual attractions.

You can follow the path of bottles when filled with beer to get into the hands of consumers who appreciate it so much. Whether you are beer drinker or not, whether drinking or not appreciate it when you visit Amsterdam, it is worth a visit to live the Heineken experience.

Pets are prohibited in the museum Heineken factory, except for dogs that assist blind people.

The Heineken factory is open from Monday until Sunday between 11.00 AM – 7.00 PM. Last ticket is sold at 17:30 and the price is 15 €. It is closed on January 1, April 30, 25 and 26 December.

Posted on August 25th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Burano Island

Burano Island is located about 8 kilometers from Venice, or rather, 40 minutes by boat. The island is situated in a small estuary, bordering Torcello, north, and Mazzorbo, north-west, being connected through a wooden bridge.

The island has been inhabited since the Roman Empire of the West, before the Lombards to reach this area (in the late sixth century). Much time Burano was administrated from Torcello, being dependent on this until the sixteenth century, when the neighboring island population was decimated by an epidemic of malaria.

Subsequently, the economic importance of the island of Burano increased, being recognized as a center of lace. After about three centuries of prosperity, Burano had to know, in turn, the decay, with the Venetian occupation by Napoleon.
In 1923, Burano was named capital of the islands located in the north of the lagoon and was integrated as the administrative area in Venice.

Currently, the island has a population of about 7,000 people, continuing to decrease, due to the birth rates which are low, and many locals leave the island in search of better living conditions. Those who still live on the island are dealing with fishing, lace trade and tourism.

Burano attracts firstly with its houses painted in bright colors: blue, yellow, red, green – every house has a different color, and their sequence creates a strong visual effect.
As sights, on Burano can be visited the Church of San Martino, with its angled bell, and the Lace Museum, where visitors will learn more about this delicate weave.

To reach the island of Burano, you can take ACTV boat line LN, departing from the Fondamente Nove station, or at the other end, San Marco – Pieta (near Piazza San Marco), with stops on the Lido and Punta Sabbioni.

Posted on August 24th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Thyssen-Bornemisza museum is considered the second in the Golden Triangle, comprising mainly of 20th century artifacts. It is known as part of the “Golden Triangle of Art”,  that include the Museo del Prado and Queen Sofia galleries.

A visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza equates to an intensive history course of Western art. If the Prado Museum visitors can admire almost exclusively works of Spanish art, at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum collection consists mainly of Flemish art, Italian or German.

History and origins of the museum tell the story of one of the most interesting private collections in the world, the most important of the twentieth century, that of August Thyssen (1842-1926), founder of Thyssen financial empire with roots in metallurgy, endowed with great sensitivity art. Wanting to have an impressive collection of sculpture, it turned to the most famous sculptor of the time, Auguste Rodin. German industrialist collection included a series of seven magnificent marble sculptures of French artist.

One of the attractions is the Italian Trecento and Quattrocento European painting and the Flemish painters works such as those belonging to Jan Van Eyck, Albrecht Dürer, Hans Holbein. Other attractions include the works of Renaissance and Baroque famous painters such as Titian, Sebastiano del Piombo, Caravaggio, Rubens, Van Dyck, Murillo, Rembrandt, with famous portraits signed by Vittore Carpaccio and Domenico Ghirlandaio.

In the impressionist painting Chapter there are remarked works of Claude Monet stands, Auguste Renoir or Vincent Van Gogh, complete collections of works of the 20th century.

A collection of works of this museum is housed in the National Art Museum of Catalunya, in Barcelona.

 

 

Posted on August 21st, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Meteora

Meteora is one of the most interesting places to visit in Greece. It is a forest of rocks sculptured by water and wind during 60 million years. Here nature shows about what it is able to do.

Meteora is situated in central Greece, in the northwest plain of Thessaly, near the Pindus Mountains and Peneios river. It’s a beautiful area for hiking but what really makes it special is that it houses the second largest complex of Orthodox monasteries after after Mount Athos. Monasteries are supposed to have been built in XIV century to protect Christian monks during the Ottoman invasion.

Monasteries were built on top of the columns of rock that rise above the Thessaly plain and show as if they float in air, from where comes the name of Meteora which can be translated as “suspended rocks” or “suspended in the air.”

A true forest of stone broke in the middle plain places  the ensemble in a landscape of a disturbing greatness. Meteora is completely holy ground, a place built and guarded by God, because here was consecrated every rock, every cave, every stone, because a lot of pious ascetics and martyrs prayed and were deified in the cliffs and valleys of this place.

Words would not be relevant in describing this whole huge ensemble of rock cliffs that rise to heaven, so that the images will help you better discover their unique beauty and charm.

 

Posted on August 10th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Sacre Coeur Church

Who goes to Paris and is not going to visit the Basilica of Sacre Coeur can say that got for nothing in the French capital. The place of worship whose construction was completed in 1914 is very nice and interesting. And we are not just talking about the interior, but also about the outside and the extraordinary panorama over Paris.

Construction of the basilica, designed in Roman-Byzantine style, was initiated on June 16, 1875 by the architect Paul Abadie, who won a competition involving 77 other architects. As things have delayed and Abadie died, the project was finished, but also modified by other architects. Place of worship was built on Montmartre (Mount of Martyrs), the place full of history, where the Druids, Gauls, Romans raised temples dedicated to gods or where was rebuilt the Royal Abbey or the St. Peter Church.

Another great aspect of this place, which is second in France in terms of number of visitors (about 2 million per year), is the rock from which it built. It is the Chateau-Landon limestone which has unusual physical characteristics: no deal with any smoke or dust and maintains the original shine.

According to Abadie’s plans, the foundation was poured in June 1875, when the 33 meters high underground pillars of resistance were built . They have become the feet that support the building. In 1878 works have began for the tomb building, and in 1881, for the basilica. Although construction was completed in 1914, only at the end of World War I was open to the public.

If you want to climb the dome of the church, be sure to keep you feet, because a spiral staircase is waiting you with 299 steps. Moreover, if you have fear of heights, think twice before boarding.
When you enter Sacré Coeur, behave properly, construction being, after all, a place of worship. Photographing is prohibited, or rather, not recommended, there are several panels that asks you to give up this habit in the church.

Moreover, from the roughly 300 meters above sea level, Sacre Coeur offers the most beautiful view of the French capital, except of course for the Eiffel Tower. White, with an aspect that is more like a mosque than a church, Sacre Coeur is the last place of worship in France that was built on public subscription base. Basilica was built in St. Pierre market, as a sign of atonement after the defeat of the Prussians in 1870 and is only dedicated to Jesus. In fact, legend says that his heart is preserved in the crypt.

Posted on August 1st, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Visiting Italy

Italy is one of the most romantic travel destination. No country in te world compares with Italy when it comes about culture, food and landmarks diversity.You can go the lots of sunny beaches, or go hiking in the Alpes. No mather if is summer of winter , for sure you will find some activities to do here.

A very popular option is to rent a camper and enjoy all the Italy on your own timing.

The most important city that you must visit is Rome.The city can be considered a piece of art. The St. Peter and Vatican its a must on your visiting ist.Also Rome has also a very anumated nightlife and fancy restaurant collection.Also be sure that you visit the Phanteom and the center of Rome.

The next destination in Italy after Rome is for sure Venice. You cannot visit italy without going to a gondola ride on the Big Channel. Also the food is very very good , its a mix of what Italy have best.

Another popular destination is Lake Garda.
Eurocamp Lake Garda holidays will be for sure a success. You can see here lots of Museums, lots of roman ruins,you can do some water sports, you can visit the 13th-century castle and lots of other stuff.

Another destination is Milan. Milan is a capital of Fashion so you can expect that the majority of italians from here are very fancy. The city is an important cultural and economical city in Italy, and that is reflected all over the place. Good food and exceptional hotels are obvious.The Duomo and La Scala Opera is a must on your visiting list.

Some other city that worth visiting if you have enough time  are:Firenze,Torino, Bari, Naples. You will enjoy all o theme

Posted on February 7th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Gardaland

Gardaland is an Italian amusement park, the largest and most famous. Located very close to Verona, it took its name from Lake Garda, which surrounds the park. The park is visited annually by millions of people and offers a wide variety of attractions. The park has a huge area devoted entirely to children, from 2003 the park has its own hotel, which is very successful. Prezzemello is also the mascot of the park.

A few attractions

Blue Tornado is the most famous in Italy. Inspired by the Top Gun theme, is a roller coaster that offers dizzying turns, looping and accelerations sites that will leave you breathless. You will think you will go to a fighter. So, you should not miss this.

Fuga di Atlantide – a water slide. It is one of the most popular in Europe. The craft will walk along the ruins of Atlantis site. Poseidon arrives and subdues its sailors to a very long drop and very wet one. This attraction of a great directing should not be missed as one of the best in the park.

Valley of the Kings – is an attraction for families. In the floating craft, passengers enter slowly the Valley of the Kings following a team of explorers in search of treasure. The scenario is simple, but directing and special effects are carefully thought: strobe lights, noise and good music. It is an attraction for the whole family, even though some scenes might scare children.

Magic Mountain – is a conventional roller coaster that offers two looping sites. It is an attraction where you will have a great time.
Ortobruco Tour – a family attraction. A small roller coaster theme especially for young people seeking thrills. Install on board a yellow smiley pink caterpillars, you will make a series of dizzying and terrifying turns that will leave you breathless.

Sequoia Adventure – the first attraction of this kind in the world. Sequoia will ride on a railroad track that turns 180 degrees vertically, turning you upside down.

Palablu – animal show. Dolphins do a show in the largest aquarium in Italy: jumps, coordination, tours … sea lions make their appearance on the show, too.

Sea Life Park is a novelty. A large aquarium, a miracle in the water world, you can admire a lot of marine creatures. You can take a stroll through a deep tunnel. An experience not to be missed.

The park is opened in March operating by the end of September. It is also open for special occasions: Halloween or Christmas and New Year.

Posted on January 20th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Samaria Gorge

A deep ravines, sometimes almost with vertical wall, splitting spectacular cliffs and high mountains in the west of Crete. On a length of 18 km winds the Samaria Gorge, sometimes narrow, sometimes larger, following a serpentine path with meanders through Levka Ori, meaning the White Mountains, whose slopes shine white in the summer sun, in winter dressed in snow.

Cypress, fig and oleander grow in cracks of gorge walls. In some places, there is a mature cypress stretching its roots in the thin crust of limestone deposited in the stone of water flowing from the mountains. Hawks and eagles hovering above, and flocks of rocks are spinning like vortexes of smoke of a forest fire.

The gorge has been dug in time by the Tarraios River, which flows along a fault between the Massif Pachnes to the east and Gingilos Mountains and Volakias to the west .
In winter, the river turns into a rough torrent, but in summer it becomes a crystalline stream.

For centuries, the gorge was shelter to villains and those who were running from the eternal blood feuds between the villages of Crete. In the ’40s, here were hidden communist guerrillas who were fighting in the Greek civil war.

At the north end of the gorge, about 1200 m above sea level, a steep wooden staircase descends to the river bed in Ravenna, through pine forests. 8 km inside the gorge is situated the Samaria village, which in 1962 was abandoned by locals and named a national park. The Byzantine church, Osia Maria, is supposed to contain ancient frescoes, gaving the name itself to the gorge.

Each side of the valley offers new stunning views. Giant boulders are stacked one above another, the river boils over stone thresholds and filles small pools of water , while forces of erosion sculpt in stone delightful forms.

Posted on January 10th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »

Old Man of Storr

Refuged in some ragged cliffs, the Old Man of Storr guards the Skye Island that belongs to Scotland. Consisting of basalt rock formations of almost 50 meters height, it is situated in a precarious balance on a stone pedestal, an amazing 60 meters high sea-stack.

A crowd of blocks, huge stones and debris are the result of many landslides and definitely the thick layer basalt results from the volcanic eruptions which took place about 60 million years ago covering old layers of soil. As a result of crust movement, the land is unstable become and large blocks of basalt have slid towards the sea, being gradually eroded by the forces of nature.

Several days, on the rocky coast the sea used to be a mirror where reflects the blue sparkle sky. But within a few hours the sky can become black, with heavy clouds gathering and a thick drizzle bathing rocks in a shiny black.

Here the Skye Island coast is full of historical events. The beach guarded by the Old Man of Storr is full of fossils, including remains of an ichthyosaur were found- a similar saurian to the dolphin, of 200 million years old. Not far have been discovered some interesting silver coins belonging to Anglo-Saxons, with some coming from the city of Samarkand Asia, which maybe Vikings who came in the region made them dissapear.

Posted on January 9th, 2011 by admin  |  No Comments »