Posts Tagged ‘World Heritage Site’

City Breaks Deals

City breaks are one of the best ways to grab a couple of days away without having to go too far from home. You don’t have to spend a lot of money and you can choose to spend just one or two nights away from home, or grab an extra day off work and make it a long weekend instead.

There are two parts to planning the perfect weekend away – you need to choose somewhere with lots of things to see and do to keep you occupied, and you also need to find somewhere to stay that will be close by to all the best places to go. This will give you the best of both worlds.

Unlike Stockholm, the entire city centre of Bruges in Belgium is a World Heritage Site. Waterways and canals are abundant also, whilst the medieval architecture is a big draw for tourists. Sites include the Church of Our Lady, the second tallest brickwork tower in the world at 1,223 meters, as well as the Groening museum which features work by Flemish and Belgian artists such as Jan van Eyck and Dirk Bouts. Nice in France has been a popular winter destination since the English started visiting in the 18th Century. Today it is a great place for relaxation with the chaises bleues at the Promenade des Anglais that runs along the Baie des Anges. The city also offers a Botanical Garden, as well as The Saint Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral: another landmark with links to Nice’s historical reputation as a luxury tourist destination.

Prague, Czech Republic

The low cost of spending time in Prague has drastically increased this city’s popularity as a city break destination. It’s little wonder, considering its excellent cultural and historical attractions. Throw in the many cheap hotels and inexpensive dining options, and it’s easy to see why Prague has become a hot discount destination.

Budapest, Hungary

Few European cities boast as many last minute hotel deals as Budapest. Between its vibrant nightlife and its many compelling attractions, the capital of Hungary makes for a truly splendid city breaks. Cheap hotels are abundant in Budapest, so put this hot city on the top of your list.

Something else that you are going to want to look at when it comes to bargain breaks, is what do the breaks include? A lot of times, they will include things like plane tickets, accommodations, and a rental car. Sometimes they include more, and sometimes they include less.

When compared to some other European capitals, Prague’s Metro system might seem small, comprising of just three lines across the city. The Metro covers most of the city center, however, and combined with the extensive 24-hour tram network, forms part of an efficient transport system for backpackers.

What’s more, public transport in Prague is good value for money as multi-day tickets can pay for themselves after just a few trips. Travelers can opt for 24-hour, three-day or five-day tickets and scenic routes such as the Number 22 tram line offer the perfect way to tour all the city’s sights without blowing your budget.

Galle – A city rich in both history and architecture

Step in to one of the most picturesque locations in Sri Lanka when travelling to Galle. This coastal city was once the most important port in the country during the time of Dutch rule in Sri Lanka. It also serves as one of the best examples of a fort city in Asia with its clear blend of Dutch and traditional architectural styles.

The most popular attraction in the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dutch Fort. What is most interesting about this fort is the fact is that it is still quite functional. Many of the city’s residents still live inside the fort and there isn’t skyscraper in sight. The fort still houses some important structures within its walls including a museum and is the one destination that should not be missed.

The Dutch Reformed Church is also situated close to the Fort, and has some characteristics that make it a noteworthy destination. Housed inside visitors will find marriage records dating all the way back to 1748. Another unique feature is the fact that there are no pillars on the inside as the whole structure is supported by the weight of its walls.

Failing all that a simple stroll around Galle is more than rewarding in itself. The entire city imbues a charming and traditional atmosphere that is further exemplified with the presence of the sea and the resulting cool breeze. When doing so one of the first things that will become apparent is the rich range of architecture that is scattered throughout the city including, lighthouses, temples, churches and more that clearly harks from the past.

During their stay guests can reside at one of the many Galle resorts located in the area. Jetwing Kurulubedda is a boutique hotel in Galle that offers charming service that is complemented with an array of amenities making for a pleasurable stay in one of the best Sri Lanka hotels.

Banaue: Eighth Wonder of the World

To the local people, Banaue is a place of true bliss and peace. This place to them is the eighth wonder of the world, and people who come to see this beautiful destination are stunned by the gorgeous green fields of rice cut right through rock and stones.
Located at a distance of roughly 250 kilometers north of Manila, the capital city of Philippines, Banaue can simply take your breath away. If you are looking for an experience which you have never seen previously, then you should take a day off to see and believe how the mountains of Ifugao were carved through and cleared with painstaking precision to create what can be called, a “stairway to heaven”. By cutting through and making a stair-like formation on which crops are grown, this area is a treat for sightseers who can get a breathtaking view of the rice terrace for which Banaue is famous. The fields are irrigated by mountain streams and springs which are skillfully maneuvered towards the fields. This is part of a World Heritage Site, as acclaimed by UNESCO and is a part of the Rice Terraces of Philippines Cordilleras, where these have been in existence for more than 6000 years. The ownership is hereditary, and people have tilled the land for generations, making their means with the farmed land.

You can reach this place from Manila via public bus or cars. It is pretty reasonable, and the roads are quite well-maintained, so it would be no hardship for you to travel in one.

If you are a bit of an adventurer and wondering what Banaue has in offer, then you should head down to Batad, Bangaan or Sagada for a more close-in view of the rice terrace and marvel at the beauty. Batad is roughly a 14-16 kilometers ride. Several hotels are present, offering rooms with bathrooms for quite reasonable price. Generally you can do a lot of sightseeing, or maybe take a little tour to the market where you can get several local specialties.

One of the things you can definitely buy would be a hand-woven blanket, which would be a wonderful souvenir to take back. You can also go for a visit to the witch doctor, or Mumbaki, who can cure your ailments and heal you in a totally natural way. So, if you want to experience such amazing feats, you should definitely come to Banaue.

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