Recently in Day Trips Category

Six Flags New England will celebrate its most celebrated coaster with 125 members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) on Sunday, October 25. BIZARRO, formerly SUPERMAN Ride of Steel, has once again received the Golden Ticket Award for Best Steel Coaster. The Golden Ticket Awards, hosted by Amusement Today, annually recognize the "Best of the Best" in the leisure entertainment industry. Winners are voted on by a panel of industry experts and theme park enthusiasts.

This is the 5th win for the coaster and its 4th in a row, having been previously honored in 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008. The ride, known as "the best steel coaster on the planet," underwent a major transformation for the 2009 season, changing its name from SUPERMAN Ride of Steel to BIZARRO, a DC Comics character best known as a peculiar Superman-like creature. BIZARRO opened in May to rave reviews, unveiling a myriad of new enhancements, theming and special effects like a freeze vision "cool zone," bursts of fire, a spiked-shaped Auger of Doom and a state-of-the-art on board audio system.

"BIZARRO is King and still champ," said Amusement Today's Tim Baldwin. "Six Flags took an already amazing coaster and made it better ... something the coaster community didn't think was possible. The incredible drops and the airtime combined with all the great special effects has taken the experience to a whole new level."

"We're delighted that BIZARRO has been so well received," said Larry Litton, Six Flags New England Park President. "We're truly grateful to Amusement Today and coaster enthusiasts from all over the world for their ongoing support of what we believe is the greatest steel coaster ever made."

ACE members will enjoy exclusive ride time on BIZARRO Sunday night from 9 - 10 p.m.

SOURCE Six Flags New England

A corn maze created in the shape of the state of Pennsylvania invites visitors to explore and learn about tourism opportunities throughout the state.

The 5-acre Amazing Maize Maze(TM) at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Paradise Township, Lancaster County, features more than 2.5 miles of paths and scenic bridges.

Maze explorers will travel though seven different tourism "regions," each of which is a maze in itself. While trying to find the exit, they will come across "kernels of knowledge" about Pennsylvania and will have the opportunity to pose with various backdrops for pictures, including the Liberty Bell, an oil derrick from the Great Lakes region, and a canoe in the Pa Great Outdoors.

"While navigating the maze, visitors will be inspired to plan their next vacation or weekend getaway," said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary for tourism at the Department of Community and Economic Development. "This is one time when making a wrong turn enhances the experience as you travel from Altoona to Erie to Scranton, all in about an hour."

"We've had a great response to this year's maze," said Rudy Kilgore, general manager of Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. "It's a fun way to show visitors what a wonderful state Pennsylvania is as a destination, and how our own Dutch Country Roads fits into the scheme of things. Our goal, always, is to be fun, educational, and a genuine reflection of life on the farm."

"It is not often you can convert a single tourism attraction into an enormous promotion for visiting the entire state. Plus, we were able to plug our Web site in the adjacent field as visitPA.com is etched in the cornfield," Rowley said. "The added bonus is that we didn't spend one dime of taxpayer money to create this maze, which is visited by more than 85,000 people each year."

In addition to the maze at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, there are endless opportunities to enjoy fall foliage and the harvest season in Pennsylvania. VisitPA.com/fall is the ideal trip planning tool with a selection of road trips, festivals and attractions. Visitors to the site can also take advantage of the weekly foliage reports that will highlight the best locations for brilliant fall colors.

For more information about Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, visit www.cherrycrestfarm.com or call 866-546-1799.

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to inspiring travel to the State of Independence. For more information, go to visitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA; become a fan at facebook.com/visitPA, follow us at twitter.com/visitPA, share photos at flickr.com/visitPA, or watch us on youtube.com/visitPA. For a free subscription to Pursuits Magazine, go to visitPA.com/pursuits.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

WHO: Bear Mountain

WHAT: Oktoberfest

WHEN: Weekends, September 26 - October 25 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Monday, October 12 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

WHERE: Bear Mountain State Park

HIGHLIGHTS: The festival will feature authentic German food and beer, live entertainment and craft vendors. Visitors can also take advantage of the autumn splendor at Bear Mountain with a boat ride around Hessian Lake, a stroll in the park, or a magical ride on the Merry Go Round.

MUSIC SCHEDULE: September 26 - die Schlauberger (dSb) (www.schlauberger.com)

September 27 - Schwartzenegger Connection

October 3 and 10 - Alex Meixner Band (www.alexmeixner.com)

October 4 - Die Spitzbuam (www.nyspitzbuam.com)

October 11 - Plus Five Orchestra

October 12 - Diamond Chips

October 17 - Adam Barthalt Band (www.adambarthalt.com)

October 18 - Austrian Boys

October 24 - Fritz's Polka Band (www.fritzspolkaband.com)

October 25 - JT Lustiegen Musikanten

COST: Admission is free and parking is $7 per car

Bear Mountain Inn Complex, managed by Guest Services, Inc., offers 24 guest rooms at the Overlook Lodge, four stone cottages with six guest rooms each, and over 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space at the Overlook Lodge, Cliff House, and Merry-Go-Round Pavilion. Activities for all ages and interests abound onsite with boat rentals, playing fields, picnic groves, outdoor swimming pool, nature trails, Trailside Museum and Zoo, Perkins Memorial Tower, and the Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round.

The historic Bear Mountain Inn is currently undergoing extensive work to bring it back to its original splendor. At the completion of the renovations, the Inn will offer 15 luxury suites, a spa, fitness center, full-service restaurant, and lounge with over 20,000 square feet of meeting and catering space, the Hiker's Lounge offering grab-and-go foods, and the Hudson Valley Store featuring park memorabilia and local crafts.

For more information on Oktoberfest and Bear Mountain please call 845-786-2731 or explore: www.visitbearmountain.com.

SOURCE Bear Mountain Inn

In the hottest part of the summer, Marylanders and tourists can immerse themselves in cool jazz. From July 21-31, some of the brightest stars on the scene will teach and perform at the Maryland Summer Jazz Festival in Rockville, near the nation's capital.

For the fifth season, musicians can anticipate exciting workshops and jams to raise the bar on their playing. Jazz fans can look forward to four major concerts featuring acclaimed artists from the US and Canada.

The Artists

International trumpet sensation Ingrid Jensen makes her first appearance at the festival this year. The young Canadian Juno Award winner is one of the most sought-after performing artists in the world.

Fellow Canadian saxophonist and composer Jeff Antoniuk is known as Maryland's "Pied Piper of Jazz." With many popular recordings and continental tours under his belt, he is a teacher, performer and the artistic director of Maryland Summer Jazz.

This year guitar-lovers can enjoy two artists at the top of their game. Tim Miller offers a distinctive voice to the world of jazz guitar. Guitar Player Magazine characterized his playing as "pure melody consciousness with remarkable control." His career has taken him to Paris, New York and Boston, where he teaches at Berklee College of Music.

Steve Herberman returns to the Maryland festival with his unique seven-string guitar. Consistently lauded by critics, his latest release, Ideals, rose to No. 10 on the US jazz charts.

Trumpet player Tom Williams has toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and was a featured soloist with the Jazz Ambassadors and Army Blues ensembles. He has also performed with Pattie LaBelle, Anita Baker and Stevie Wonder.

These artists will join over a dozen others onstage and in festival classrooms.

Jazz Camp for Grown-Ups

At the heart of the festival is a jazz day camp featuring two sessions of intensive instruction for adults. Scholarships and internships encourage younger talent from high school to college age.

Workshops are structured to help gifted amateurs and semi-pros improve technique and improvisational skills, moving them "from the basement to the bandstand." Teachers represent many university jazz programs and are the same fantastic players heard in the public concerts.

Public Performances

Public performances continue to expand. The event kicks off with a July 21 concert featuring Ingrid Jensen with Jeff Antoniuk and the Jazz Update at Blues Alley, the nation's premiere jazz club, located in the Georgetown district of Washington, DC.

Co-sponsored by the City of Rockville, a free family-oriented community concert will be offered at twilight on July 23 at the Rockville Town Square.

Additional all-stars and student concerts will be held on both July 24 and 31 at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville at 10701 Old Georgetown Road.

The deadline for jazz workshop registration is June 30. Concert tickets are available May 1, 2009, and concert admission ranges from free to $25. Early purchase is recommended since all events sold out last year. For more information, call 443-702-7016 or visit website. 

From the verdant Salinas and Carmel valleys to the watery refuge of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Monterey County offers everything from farm to table and sea to sustainable platter year round. The unparalleled culinary tradition sprouts from a perfect mix of climate and geology that combine to nurture produce of all kinds. With 40,000+ acres of vines and nine different American Viticultural Areas (AVA's) this region's bounty of harvest outpaces entire states with its abundance of unique offerings. These gifts and the picturesque backdrop of the crashing surf and white sand beaches lend itself to Monterey County creating the ultimate in California cuisine.

"A" TABLE CHEFS

Monterey County proudly proclaims some of the most celebrated chefs in the world. Of the hundreds of restaurants in Monterey County, many have been honored with the food industry's highest awards, including DiRoNa (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) and Wine Spectator's awards for excellence.

Here you will find legendary culinary creators such as Cal Stamenov, Mark Ayers and Michel Richard and renowned restaurants such as Aubergine Restaurant, Anton & Michel, and Casanova. These chefs not only participate in the Pebble Beach Food & Wine -- an annual event that brings more than 60 legendary chefs from all over the world to the Monterey Peninsula, they also play a part in the Monterey Bay Aquarium's annual sustainable seafood conference -- Cooking for Solutions -- and forage the daily farmers markets and local fisheries. These chefs and others in Monterey County shine a light on what it means to be stewards of the land and sea by using fresh vegetables and sustainable seafood to create delicious delicacies such as Pisoni asparagus with a seared day boat scallop, black truffle vinaigrette and morel mushroom revealed that morning by a local fungi forager. www.bernardus.com/ www.pacificsedge.com www.citronelle.com/ www.laubergecarmel.com/ www.antonandmichel.com www.casanovarestaurant.com/ www.montereybayaquarium.org

TWICE ON SUNDAYS

Foodies can literally find a Farmers Market every single day of the week, and often twice on Sundays! A visit here delivers the heartbeat of the region, with farmers proudly displaying local artichokes, broccoli, herbs, micro-greens and an abundance of sealife. The county has a number of regular farmer's markets in Old Monterey, Monterey Peninsula College, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Marina, Soledad and Carmel. Visitors can purchase fruits and vegetables straight from the folks who grow them. Many of the outdoor markets also feature booths selling freshly prepared seafood, barbecue and foods from around the world. www.SeeMonterey.com

GREEN IS GOOD

Monterey County, and in particular the Salinas Valley, is perhaps known best as the "Salad Bowl of the World." The county is one of the nation's leading agricultural producers, and the third largest agricultural economy in California. A temperate climate, rich soils, and unparalleled infrastructure make the both Salinas and Carmel Valley an ideal place to grow cool-season vegetables like artichokes, raspberries, strawberries and flowers in every color and variety of the rainbow. Take an agricultural tour, wine trek or visit the nation's first (and largest) working organic farm -- Earthbound Farms. Monterey County also commands nearly 90 percent of the packaged salad and pre-cut fresh vegetable market. In short, agriculture is big business here. The Farm also offers a child-proof working farm providing insight into the daily drill that delivers America's freshest produce. Grab a fork and go! www.agventuretours.com www.thefarm-salinasvalley.com www.ebfarm.com/

INK THE DEAL

Since the arrival of Portuguese fishermen, local squid has been a mainstay in the waters off Monterey Bay. On a busy night, dozens of fishing boats can be spotted on the bay, trolling for these giant cephalopods. Much of the local catch goes to Japan and some is jet-set to San Francisco, but a large portion of the catch stays right here in Monterey, heading to local restaurants to be used in fried calamari and squid salads. Local chefs are trained and skilled in the proper preparation, to bring out the subtle tastes -- the squid is tender yet firm -- a pure white patty with a simple flavor. Perhaps no fish is more representative of Monterey Bay and can be enjoyed year round.

Farm-raised California Red Abalone is also sustainably raised by Monterey Abalone Company at the tip of Commercial Wharf #2. Here, visitors can purchase and take home fresh abalone in a hermetically sealed pack or dive into any local restaurant from the Sardine Factory to seasonal "Super Abs" tasting menu at The Highland's Inn. The U.S. market is primarily in California; hence travelers rarely find this delicacy elsewhere. Abalone is so succulent that a seared filet over cauliflower puree with lobster butter simply melts in the mouth. Paired with a delicious Robert Talbot Vineyard's chardonnay or Benardus Winery Sauvignon Blanc, this combo creates an explosion of decadence that is hard to replicate. www.montereyabalone.com www.talbottvineyards.com www.bernardus.com

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Known for the rugged coastal beauty of Big Sur and the charm of Carmel, Monterey lies within the Central Coast AVA and is home to nine distinct AVA's, including top-ranked Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Hames Valley, Monterey, San Antonio Valley, San Bernabe and San Lucas. The deep, cold waters of Monterey Bay deliver morning fog and strong cooling afternoon winds, making Monterey County particularly well-suited to cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Those interested in Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet and Merlot should visit Carmel Valley for a flight of outstanding varietals. A cache of certified organic vineyards also lay claim to this region including Heller Estate Organic Vineyards, Morgan Winery and DeTierra Vineyards.

Though local winegrowers have fostered extensive Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir programs, the region's diverse micro-climates and terroir allow growers and vintners to experiment with lesser-known varietals such as Syrah, Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio. "Here we have a great growing region, with a long cool growing season. With no real heat spikes in the summer, rain in the fall or frost in the winter, which creates the perfect climate for our temperate chardonnay and pinot noir," states Gary Francione from the Santa Lucia Highlands, "each varietal has different characteristics dependent on where it is grown, but the consistency and quality of our grapes is what differentiates our wines." It is the unique combination of inventiveness, craftsmanship and scenery that makes Monterey County the ideal destination for the adventurous wine and food lover. There are more than 65 Monterey County wineries, 30 of which have individual tasting rooms. www.montereywines.org www.SeeMonterey.com

VISITOR INFO:

Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345 miles/552 km north of Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 40,000 acres of premium vineyards, 25 golf courses and over 200 lodging properties. Monterey County includes the Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area's major attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO). www.SeeMonterey.com.

SOURCE Monterey County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

This year, springtime at Biltmore takes on a whole new meaning when a suite of four never-before-seen bedrooms opens to visitors for the first time in Biltmore House on April 4, 2009. These rooms provide a deep and revitalized connection between the two generations born at Biltmore and the visitors who come here to see George Washington Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre estate, a National Historic Landmark.

Coinciding with the start of Biltmore's 24th annual Festival of Flowers (April 4-May 17), the opening of the new rooms represents a major milestone in Biltmore's history, and one of the most revealing opportunities to date for Biltmore to tell the Vanderbilt family story.

Restored to its original splendor, this suite offers visitors the first opportunity to fully see the house as a family home and the Vanderbilts as parents. The Louis XV Room itself is perhaps the true heart of Biltmore. It served as birthplace of George and Edith Vanderbilt's only daughter, Cornelia, in 1900. Years later, it was where Cornelia delivered her own two sons, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil and William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil in 1925 and 1928, respectively.

When guests tour through the suite, they will realize like never before that Biltmore was much more than a magnificent house when Vanderbilt opened it on Christmas Eve 1895. It was a home, alive with family, friends and children.

Biltmore's team of curators, conservators and craftsmen spent years researching and sourcing materials from around the globe to authentically restore a part of Biltmore House that's been closed to visitors for nearly 100 years.

The 250 furniture pieces and decorative objects in the suite are part of George Vanderbilt's collection, but have been tucked away in storage since the 1930s, away from public view. Liberal doses of gold and silk make these rooms literally shine on a sunny morning, said Leslie Klinger, curator of interpretation, which she suspects was the reason Edith Vanderbilt chose to deliver her daughter in the suite's Louis XV Room. "Seeing this incredibly beautiful furniture reunited with the rest of Vanderbilt's collection is really spectacular," Klinger said.

Biltmore's experts engaged in extensive detective work throughout the restoration process. This included:

• Piecing remnants of original wallpaper found underneath door moldings and drapery brackets to determine wallpaper patterns for the reproduction process;
• Traveling to France to collaborate with fabric and wallpaper company designers to ensure the original fabrics were reproduced exactly;
• Hours of cleaning and repairing the objects from George Vanderbilt's collection;
• Hand mixing of paints to match the original colors.

With the opening of the suite, interpretation of Biltmore House itself is now expanded to focus on the people who once lived and visited in the home, in addition to the architecture and art collection. The visitor experience will be enhanced by the placement of lifestyle elements - items of the period - to achieve a lived-in feeling, more authentically portraying the day-to-day living that once took place in Biltmore House.

Biltmore's Museum Services staff members studied biographies of the people who visited the Vanderbilts and stayed in Biltmore House to populate the rooms with antique objects that represent their interests and lifestyles. "Many of the Vanderbilts' guests enjoyed horseback riding, so period riding gear will be placed in at least one of the guest bedrooms," Klinger said.

This story and many others like it reveal the Vanderbilt family's life at Biltmore. Members of the Museum Services staff spent years researching Vanderbilt history to include tidbits like this on Biltmore's new self-guided audio tour, available when the suite opens.

Detailed descriptions about each of the new rooms, along with photos of the restoration process, may be found at www.biltmore.com.

SOURCE Biltmore House

Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, located in Carmel, Calif., today announced that it will host the inaugural Quail Motorcycle Gathering, a day-long celebration of the art of the motorcycle featuring the first Bonhams & Butterfields vintage motorbike auction in Carmel on Saturday, May 9, 2009.

 

Guests at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering will view 100 legendary prewar and postwar era sports and racing bikes elegantly displayed throughout the grounds of the resort. As they mingle with owners of the vintage motorcycles, guests will have access to leading manufacturers, dealers, accessories and lifestyle vendors. A barbeque lunch prepared by Quail Lodge's culinary team and live entertainment will make the event a fun family celebration for all ages.

An array of exceptional motorcycles will be on display and for sale, including a rare 1959 BMW R69, featuring a large capacity Hoske long-distance tank and a rare factory option tachometer; a 1920 ABC Sopwith TT, featuring an advanced wet-sump lubricated horizontal opposed twin; and a 1905 Orion single engine motorbike.

"We've created this event with vintage motorcycle aficionados and families in mind," said Sarah Cruse, General Manager of Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club. "In addition to viewing an impressive display of motorcycles, guests will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, a live auction and a beautiful spring weekend in Carmel."

Enthusiasts are invited to participate in The Quail Motorcycle Tour on Friday, May 8, 2009, to kick-off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. The scenic tour, limited to 50 participants, will wind through the Monterey Peninsula coastline, and will finish with an exclusive dinner at Quail Lodge.

Tickets are $65 per person and include gourmet lunch, musical entertainment and access to the Bonhams & Butterfields auction.

SOURCE Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club

The Bay of Islands is a sight to behold and is one of the most beautiful New Zealand travel destinations. With 144 islands, secluded beaches, shores and coves this aquatic playground will keep you well entertained for even more than a day. The townships of the bay are rife with stories from the area’s colorful history. Explore the well-preserved Maori and European relics. The Bay of Islands is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as Waitangi, one of the islands is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Some of New Zealand's oldest buildings are found in the Bay of Islands.

Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third-largest island, has few inhabitants and can be reached by plane, helicopter, or boat ride aboard a motor catamaran from Bluff. The ride will take you 20 minutes. On the island you cold spy the endangered kiwi in the wild. You can find the birds of an evening feeding around Mason’s Beach, accessible by plane, or at Patterson’s Inlet, where you can go by water taxi.

Tucked into Stewart Island's Paterson Inlet, another destination is Ulva Island, where curious native birds will come down to the foreshore to watch you getting off the water taxi. Tiny Ulva Island has incredible native bird life. With flocks of them flurrying around, it's a camera worthy sight. And the best part is that they aren't scared of you!

Napier with its pretty Art Deco architecture, gorgeous boutique vineyard accommodations, a dazzling array of restaurants, and some of the best wines in the country is an enticing destination for a traveler. You could venture into The National Aquarium of New Zealand for a change of pace or spend an afternoon wandering the streets looking at one of the finest collections of beautifully preserved art deco buildings.

Other than Napier, you could ferry to Waiheke Island with some 45 vineyards. Make sure you visit Te Whau Vineyard, which has more than 500 cellared wines and an impressive menu highly rated by Wine Spectator.
From Wellington you could start out for the Wairarapa wine region or Cape Palliser with its wild coastline and seal. Then there's Kapiti Island, home to a bird sanctuary with birds like weka, bellbird and tui providing fantastic photo opportunities.

From Christchurch, you can take a one day back and forth journey on the Tranz Alpine Express to the Southern Alps, up over Arthur’s Pass and down the other side to the wild west coast. The journey itself is breathtaking. The tiny village of Arthur’s Pass is a good starting point for climbing, canyoning and trekking trips to the Arthur’s Pass National Park nearby.
The Alps themselves are larger than the Alps in Europe and provide a spectacular scenery of snowy peaks and glaciers containing unique flora and fauna. The area is dominated by the mighty Mount Cook and its national park. Skiing and snowboarding is possible along the Alps with many secluded ski fields, including heli-skiing, while around Mount Cook there are a number of awesome lone and guided walking and climbing trips.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

Madrid is surrounded by some of the nicest day trip destinations within a distance of 9 to 150 miles. You can reach most in an hour.

Alcala de Henares has been declared a World Heritage city. The historical importance of the city is derived mainly from the university founded there in the late 13th century. The university building boasts a fabulous Plateresque facade and its interior courtyard, the Patio Trilingue is a must see. The auditorium, cloisters and gardens are also sightseeing stops.
The city's other claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Cervantes, author of Don Quijote, and some rare editions of the novel can still be seen in the Town Hall.
The student's residence building, the church of the Magistral Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and Cervantes' home can also be visited. A stroll along the main street is an enjoyable way to spend time here.
Just 33 minutes from Madrid, you can get there by trains that leave every 10 minutes from the Atocha and Charmartin stations.

Aranjuez is the former Royal summer residence poised on the fertile plain by the Tagus river. The Royal Palace and its three magnificent gardens make for beautiful viewing. The Jardin del Parterre is adorned with sculptures, the Jardin de la Isla showcases lovely fountains and the crowning jewel is the English-style principle garden. While in the garden also visit the Casa del Labrador, a neo classical hunting pavilion.
As summer residence of the Kings from the 15th century, the palace has been destroyed by fire and reconstructed many times over. Various outbuildings of the palace and structures built in accordance with the ideas of the Enlightenment movement can also be admired.

Since Aranjueza comes between Madrid and Toledo, you could move on from this town to the fortified hilltop city of Toledo.

This monumental place surrounded by the Tago river is best understood by walking through its streets. The architecture of the city reflects the many moods, influences and cultures in its history.
Visit the Cathedral with its breathtaking choir stalls and many museums with works by El Greco, Caravaggio and Bellini to name a few. The Iglesia de Santo Tome displays El Greco's Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Two synagogues, the Santa Cruz museum and El Greco's home and museum are other interesting sites.
Toledo is about 2 hours from Madrid.

Manzares el Real is a picturesque town at the foot of La Pedriza mountain and plays summer residence for many madrileños. Its 15th century castle is a jewel of civil architecture. Wander through La Pedriza park and along the banks of the Manzanarez river.

El Escorial is certainly one of the most grandiose and elaborate of the sites around Madrid. A huge monastery built in the herreriano style gives shelter to many of the past monarchs of Spain in a sumptuously decorated chamber.
Built with granite, the monastery, church and palace with their courtyards and corridors, towers and spires are a austere sight.
The Basilica covered by a 92 meter dome, vaults painted by Lucas Jordan and the many painted altarpieces and the main chapel are great treasures to be admired.
The Sala de las Batallas with its frescoes, the Casita del Principe and the Casita del Infante are some castles you should take a look at.
The chapterhouses with paintings by masters and the library with more than 40,000 volumes are great art experiences.
Despite al this artistic and cultural plenty, the best part of your trip is sure to be the panoramic views God gives you.

Avila is the most complete walled city in Europe with a cathedral built into the wall. The cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete finishing up in the 14th century. The wall is in remarkably good condition and just outside is the Basilica de San Vincente. The martyrdom of Saint Vincent and his sisters is depicted on the tombs inside the basilica. The town is also the birthplace of Saint Theresa and has a small exhibit with manuscripts and relics in her memory.

Segovia is famous for its cliff perched Alcazar castle riding on clouds and for its Roman aqueduct nearly 1 km long and 30 meters tall. The cathedral and food in Segovia are other reasons to visit.

The picturesque hill village of Patones de Arriba, Chinchon with a castle converted into a distillery and the cliff top Cuenca are other places you can venture out to.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

Food in Aruba is delicious, varied and an expensive af-fare if you mean to dine-dine. But Aruba has loads of places to eat and you're sure to find places that suit your budget. The fast food culture has also made its way on to the island making it possible to grab a quick and cheap bite.

Local specialties such as mahi mahi, grouper and snapper will be far more affordable. The Aruba Gastronomic Association offers special discounts to travelers. A dine-around program gives you 5 breakfasts or lunches and 4 dinners for $214 a person.

The smaller local restuarants also offer a diverse menu and you can sample authentic fare for about $15 a person. There are many upscale restaurants in Aruba priced at not less than $35 per person. But there's no need to dress up... restaurateurs understand that you're on holiday. You can slip into a sundress to enjoy your meal on the patio overlooking the sea.

The dining scene is vast, from choices on business dining to the best breakfast beats, regular fast food to belgian-french fare, argentinian steaks to family restaurants, large groups, outdoor dining to dining for special occasions and cheap eats! Make your selection.

Shopping in Aruba while not actually duty free, has low enough rates to warrant some real excitement on items such as jewelry, perfume, clothing and electronic equipment. But music to the ears of an accomplished shopper shall be the words 'no sales tax'.
Oranjestad has several malls and branded stores within walking distance of eachg other. Open-air stalls and a wharf side market are also worth a visit. The market is a bargain hunter's dream with paintings, t-shirts, photographs, pottery, jewelry all set up along the Boulevard.
Some great souvenirs are skin care products with aloe being made right there on the island. Or my favorite souvenir would have to be any hand crafted item by a native... often enough you can pick up something that was made right in front of your eyes at stalls beside the harbor or on the beachfront.
With roots in Holland, you get some terrific buys of Delft pottery or wooden shoes and windmills. I like the sound of it all. Delicate porcelain, clunky wooden shoes, romantic windmills, caribbean rum, French perfumne, Danish crystal, cheap cameras, indonesian fabrics... it realy is shopper's paradise.

Citizens of the United States who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have not used their respective duty free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a $600.00 duty free tax exemption. You can pool your exemptions, meaning a family of four can bring back $2400.00 worth of articles. Shop till you drop!!

In Aruba you could island hop. Make a day trip to Curacao, Caracas or Bonaire. Just remember... there won't be any ferry taking you across, you'll have to fly back and forth.

Entertainment is abundant in Aruba. Whether you windsurf, snorkel or scuba dive or indulge in other water sports, you'll never be at a loss for an activity. You could even kayak or parasail, but the most exciting has to be renting your own sailboat and taking off to go deep sea fishing. Or catching the underwater sights in a submarine!

Do it all in the day and then if you're still energized, strike out in to the Aruban night... casinos and discos, bars and lounges, shows and steelbands all await you. Fun all day round. You just need to gear yourself for it and ride with it.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

Tourist activities in Kenya are mostly wildlife oriented with some of the best national reserves and parks, opportunities for bird viewing, underwater life watching and camel and donkey safaris.

For an animal kingdom extravaganza, you want to see the wildebeest migration at the Masai Mara National Reserve. Nestled in the Great African Rift Valley, the reserve is home to not just the BIG 5- lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and cape buffaloes, but also to gazelles, zebras and million sof others spread over 1,500sq km. Another thing you might want to try at Masai Mara is hot air ballooning over the park. View wildlife as you drift in the sky.
It is also home to a large number of bird species owing to the Rift valley which is another popular destination.

The top spots in the Valley for bird viewing are the lakes of Bogoria, Baringo, Naivasha and Nakuru. Even if you're not interested in the winged ones, the Rift Valley is a spectacular natural phenomenon being home to glaciers, volcanoes, depressions and lakes. Conditions for hiking, trekking, rock climbing, mountain biking and more are ideal in the Rift Valley. The wildlife is not contained to birds here. You could see the rare Colobus monkey, black rhinos, reticulated giraffes, zebra mouse and other s besides the usual lions and leopards!... if lions and leopards canever be called 'usual'.

The Amboseli National Park is one of the best places for viewing wildlife in Africa. Despite its relatively small size as compared to other parks, Amboseli with its flat and dusty landscape with little vegetation is ideal for catching a glimpse of the large number of elephants (over 900), black rhinos, cheetahs, impalas, hippos, lions, etc. What makes this park even more alluring is the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Amboseli has some splendid flora and fauna and affords you magnificent views of the snow capped Kilimajaro.

Another important park is the Tsavo National Park which is the largest in Kenya and the best administered. Other than the usual BIG 5 and the more, the park gives you varying topography from semi-deserts to savannah to mountain forests to acacia woodlands and palm thickets. Springs, rivers and lava flows make up other attractions.

And finally the Samburu Game Reserve which is home to over 300 species of birds. The park is renowned for its rare and endangered species of birds and wildlife. You'll also find the Samburu people who give the park its name, a colorful fascinating lot. You could also try a camel or donkey safari with the Samburu tribe.

Other than this, you could venture into Nairobi National Park just 8 kms out of the capital, the Kakamega Forest that offers a great selection of primates and up to 350 bird species and the Mount Kenya National Park known for its rich biodiversity and inspiring scenery.

You might want to trek up Mount Kenya. Other than the highest peaks of Batian and Nelion, climbing up the snow-capped heights doesn't require special equipment. You can get up 4985m to Point Lenana and enjoy views that go on and outstanding ecology. In fact Mount Kenya is an UNESCO World Heritage site with its 12 glaciers, waterfalls, cliffs, afro-alpine flora and simply because it is the world's largest free standing volcanic mountain.

For divers the marine parks of Malindi and Watumu is a popular destination. But though not as developed or easily accessible, the islands of Shimoni and Wasani are even better. Due to plankton in the water visibility might not always be good but you'll still glimpse many fish if not coral. If you're not a diver, just take a ride on a glass bottomed boat in Malindi.

When you're in the mood to just chill, the beaches in Kenya are like a haven. Pristine white sand, sparkling blue water and the mandatory coconut palms from an idyllic dream. Lamu has some of the best beaches especially as they are not plagued bu the seawood problem that afflicts some of the northern beaches. Many of the southern beaches also have the advantage of being shark free. On the mainland, one of the best beaches is Diani.

Explore Lamu island by catching a launch to it from the mainland. A showcase of sandy white beaches and sailing dhows, this fascinating island doesn't alllow motorized vehicles! The narrow streets are navigated by hand carts and donkeys. Founded in the 9th century, it is one of the few remaining Swahili towns. The many mosques and grand Arab houses with wooden carved doorways, a fortress that's open to public, a Hindu temple and two excellent museums are its attractions. Dhows have been a form of transportation since the 8th century. They are still widely in use to and fro the Lamu archipalego.Be sure to sail in one.

Shrouded in mystery the Gedi ruins , an Arab-Swahili town are like a reclaimed lost city. Gedi town situated in 45 acres of forest that has grown around and over it in the years it has been abandoned. Initially built in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was left for ruin without apparent cause. The town built inside a walled area consists of palace, a main mosque with many smaller ones, private houses and three pillar tombs.

Lake Turkana is the largest desert lake in the world. The lake has over 40 species offish which attract many migratory birds. Two of its islands have been declared as national parks to protect their wildlife. Humanoid fossils 3 million years old were discovered in this region making Lake Turkana a prehistoric researh site. Two of the islands on the lake are volcanic and a flooded crater on another isalnd is home to large number of crocodiles. But what's fascinating to me is that the lake is subject to storms that disturb the algae to produce color changes in the water.
Lakes Victoria, Naivasha, Baringo and the Western highlands are other spots you might want to spend time on.

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Some time ago I dreamt of a rainbow of gold and purple and red. When I woke up all I could remember of it was that it was beautiful and I wondered what made me clash such colors in my sleep. Frazer island is an enigma like that. Sand and rainforests go seemlessly together, freshwater lakes, dingos, creeks, the world's longest sand isalnd with rainbow beaches... that's Frazer island. The island is such a detination in itself that it even boasts a museum!

Lady Elliot Island is a must visit for taking in a sight of the Great Barrier Reef. This coral cay is one of the most popular destinations for reef diving and you can while away hours snorkeling and scuba diving with rainbow colored sea anemones, tropical fish, manta rays for company. There's 25 meters visability!
The island is also home to some 57 species of bird, nesting sea turtles and has one of the first lighthouses built in Australia for a landmark.

Sunshine Coast has pristine beaches and tranquil hinterland. You'll be greeted by glass house mountains and pineapple farms on your way to Noosa, a great place to do some window shopping. At Underwater World in Mooloolaba you mighteven get to touch a shark's egg! Sunshine Coast is a very populat holiday spot and you might want to take off from Gold Coast for a mere day to wallow in it.

Mount Tambourine is an enchanted escape with orchards and vineyards, 7 national parks, sub-tropical rainforests and a gorgeous view over Gold Coast! Whether you indulge in some wine tasting, view a craft show, hike around walking trails or tour through the wildlife sanctuary, Mt Tambourine will fill your day well. Infact you might find that you wnat to stay longer once you see how much there is to do once you get there. There are restaurants and galleries, fuschia farms and a fishing world as well as a heritage center.

Lamington National Park is a world heritage park with immense rainforests. The most exciting thing about a visit to the park is the treetop walkway where you get to walk 16 feet above the ground amid the trees! While there, also take some time to enjoy the Alpaca Barn which houses the unique Alpaca, bred by Inca Indians in the Andes. You can sit there and enjoy a tranquil view.

Of course, if you got to Gold Coast straight from your hometown, you might want to venture into Brisbane for a day. See the ever growing and young city, relax on the river, go trawl through the Cultural Centre, Museum or Treasury Casino. Visit South Bank Parklands, which is Australia's only inner city beach.

Besides this, drive your car to Cairns and hot air balloon, hitch a ferry to Moreton Bay and whale-watch. Talk to the locals and ferret out your own day trips (and let me know about them).

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Wherever you're staying in Austria, the other regions are all worth some serious exploring. The Alps to the Danube, hiking, skiing, galleries, monuments, mountains and lakes are spread across 9 federal provinces.
Vienna and the western provinces are traditionally more popular though the milder south is drawing its share of tourists.
The wooded hills of Burgenland where wine is cultivated, the passion play staged once in 5 years in St. Margarethen, an intensely rejuvenating spa experience or the silver mines and stud farms near Graz, these are all day long affairs.Whether you want to indulge in skiing, horse backriding or even if you're a glutton for more art and architecture, every little place in Austria has a wealth of beautiful churches and palaces. Plan your day out from your abode according to your preference for lounging or touring.
P.S: I'm personally fascinated by all the castles, the Seeschloss Orth in the middle of waves against a backdrop of mountains and trees, ordinary (?) castles tucked away in little country nooks, all so matter of factly grand.

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If you're visting the cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla or Sigiriya, you could make day trips out of these.
Anuradhapura is a world heritage site and is the largest monsatic city in the world. Ruled over in its time by no less than 113 Kings, you must take a look at the Shri Maha Bodhi tree - the tree underw hich Buddha apparently got enlightenment in India. The Brazen Palace, the temples of Buddha, pleasure gardens, twin ponds, more palaces are all right here in Anuradhapura.

Polonnaruwa, a medieval city, was important even in the times of Anuradhpura since it strategically commanded all crossings over the Mahaveli River and was the first buffer against invading armies. The Parakrama Samudra is an irrigation tank covering an area of 5,940 acres justifying its name - Parakrama Sea. The summer and royal palaces of the Kings, a library museum with great acoustics, the baths where the ladies of the court washed, an unusual stepped pyramid form stupa, and lots more to spend a busy day.

Dambulla has the famous cave temple dating back to 1st century BC. The caves carved with a dripline to keep the interiors dry and painted with intricate designs of gods and goddesses and Lord Budhha and his disciples.

The Sigiriya rock fortress is an impressive 600 feet rock, almost inaccessible looming over jungles. In its day it was a courtly setting for pavillions and gardens and pools. The natural defences were further augmented with by moats and stone perimeter walls. Bricks were used to fashion the rock into the semblance of a lion of which only the paws remain. Sigiriya has lovely water gardens with pools and baths, boulder gardens, terrace gardens, an awesome mirror wall with nearly 1500 prose and poetry scribbled over it by ancient visitors, a palace on the summit and frescoes of "the cloud damsels" which are the highlight of Sigiriya.

Kandy is the last kingdom city of Sri Lanka which withstood European invaders for over 2 centuries. The Kandy lake is the focal point of a city brimming with people, narrow streets, old buildings, colorful markets and character. The high altitude makes Kandy a pleasant city to discover while walking. It houses the famous Buddhist relic - the tooth of Lord Buddha. There are botanical gardens and a wooden structure carved with mythical figures, temples with elaborate stone and woodwork.

Unpredictable storms are behind the founding of the Galle Fort. A Portuguese ship blown off course resulted in a small fort being built in Galle. This bit of history was completely destroyed by the Dutch in 1640 and we can only forgive them since they went on to build the 36-hectare fort in 1663 which is now a world heritage site. The You can also wander into the Dutch church which has a floor paved with gravestones and an organ from 1760 still on display.

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Make the famously dangerous 20 km drive from Port de Pollenca to the wild north-east tip of Majorca. Go to Mirador des Colomer for unforgettable views of rocky islets, cliffs thrusting into the sea and pine trees that seem to pour out of rocks. When you reach the En Fumat mountain, you'll get a look at Majorca's most inaccessible beach.

Alcudia is a beautifully restored historic city built on a Roman settlement with Roman houses, narrow streets, ramparts and gaurded by thick walls and a gateway flanked by two towers and palm trees standing like sentries. The amphitheatre still stands and so does one of Majorca's oldest churches - the Orator de Santa Anna. Explore the Roman remains and then analyze them at the museum beside the parish church.

Valldemossa is a small town in the mountains and can't seem to escape its scandalous history as the place where Chopin came away to conduct his illicit affair.
The Royal Carthusian Monastery with its white arched corridors and cells (one of which was rented by Chopin), library and a fine art museum is the reason to visit. Each cell nowadays masquerades as a themed museum. Visit the phramacy where the smell of herbs wafts and the art museum where Picasso and Miro's works live.
Though the Chopin-Sand romance floundered after their visit so much so that Sand wrote a savage account of Majorca, the locals still cash in on that long ago stay.
Valldemossa is also the birthplace of the patron saint of Majorca, a peasant girl who became a nun and who now has a shrine dedicated to her.

Spend a day on visiting Soller and Lluc - abandon your car and take the vintage train to Soller through some of the most scenic bits of Majorca. Set in a valley between mountains and sea, the town is full of ice-cream and pastry shops and tapas. Besides the food, you could also visit the Natural Science and Municipal museums displaying fossils and antiques and the churh of Saint Bartemou with its arched tower and needle like spires.
Go about 32kms beyond Soller into Lluc, the most sacred site on the island, where a shepard boy found a statue ofthe Virgin in the cleft of a rock. When placed in a church, the statue kept returning to its cave until finally the locals built it a home right where it chose. Now encrusted with jewels and residing in chapel with the arms of every Majorcan town, La Moreneta (little dark one) is the destination of many a pilgrim. Daily concerts by the Es Blauets choir also take place in her honor.

Pollensa is one of the few towns untouched by tourism. It was built inland to protect it from pirate attacks and some of its medieval structure remains around the main square. The Church of Nostra Senyora dels Angels is austere without and dazzling within, especially lit by candles on a Sunday morn. A small 18th century monstaery and a small chapel reached by a long stone stairway shaded by cypress trees are other attractions at Pollensa.

Off the island of Majorca, take time to visit the second largest Balearic Island - Menorca. Quieter, relaxed and with many more beaches, Menorca is a great place to get away and relax. With rocky northern beaches and sandy coves sheltered by cliffs in the South, you have much choice on where you want to laze. Mao, the capital, is a walled city with impressive architecture and Ciutadella, the ancient capital is a far more charming and atmospheric town with winding streets, cathedrals and old buildings.

Of course the very popular island of Ibiza is also a short distance from Majorca. Known primarily as a party place, there is still much to see over there. Besides these, local tourist agents provide excursions in and around Majorca including sight-seeing trips, safaris, cruises, etc.

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There's a lot to do in Istanbul but more you should not miss outside of the city too. If I was to recommend just three day trips i'd make them Cappadocia, Ephesus and Bursa and throw in Troy just for the romance of it.
Ephesus has an appealing vintage charm and is one of the best preserved cities on the Mediterranean from the classical days of the Romans. Visit its ruins and the last house that the Virgin Mary apparently resided in.
Cappadocia is my personal favorite - with 36 discovered underground cities, fairy chimneys, hot air ballon rides over a terrain filled with natural wonders and beauty, the Byzantine churches of Gerome carved out of cliff with colorful frescoes, you might even feel like staying on longer than a mere day.
Bursa is called the 'green city' of Turkey with its diverse natural beauty and vivacious gardens and parks. Once the capital of the Ottomon empire, there is much to see from the Green Mosque to the Yesil tomb, visit the silk markets while you're there too. The 15th century Muradiye mosque might also interest you as will the mausoleums of Osman and Orhan. If you haven't yet explored the Turkish baths in Istanbul be sure to get one in Bursa.
Visit Troy if you're a mythology freak and would actually like to believe that the Iliad happened and that Helen, Achilles and Hector actually lived. Why not?There are other places you might travel to as the wind moves you. Do that.

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Two short trips you can make from Venice are to Lido and Murano. The most enchanting thing about Lido is probably its story – as the main land barrier between Venice and the sea, it has seen many a ceremonious ring dropping in its shallow waters to celebrate the marriage of Venice with the sea.

Lido is not the cleanest beach, but it is the one place in Venice that offers cheap stays, a golf course and allows mopeds on its roads. The one time it gets more attention than Venice is in September during the International Film Festival. You can take several of the water buses from Venice down to Lido.

When you go to see the glassblowing factories on the Murano, also take time to visit brightly colored Burano, famous for its lace work and one of the prettiest islands in the lagoon and Torcello, one of the quietest and greenest islands that still houses much archeological proof of the glorious past. You could see a mosaic showing the Universal Judgment at an ancient Cathedral or visit the Estuario Museum.
The trip will be worth your while. Find out how to get there and what all to do.

You could also take a look at some architectural wonders at the Brenta Riviera, a waterway which connects Venice to Padua, which is stuffed to its grandiose brim with villas and barchessa’s (annexes that stood along side the main building) all owned by suitably aristocratic and ancient families.

Which brings us full circle back to Venice and its eternal charm… a fine regard for its own noble and glorious past, its unique stature as the only floating city, its happy position - whether sinking or not - as a city filled with richness amid the squalor and knowledge of its own sure attraction.
Be a part of Venice at least once in your life.

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