Our Top picks to the latest attractions around the world. Reach them through our way. Get access to our newsletters to discover new attractions every month with us.
Scattered like dabs of possibility on an adventurer's palette, the Bahamas are ready-made for exploration. From pirates to blockade dodgers to rum smugglers, wily go-getters have converged and caroused on the country's 700 islands and 2400 cays for centuries. There's sailing to Abacos. Diving Andros blue holes. Kayaking the countless cays around Exumas. Lounging on Eleuthera's beaches. Pondering pirates in Nassau. Indeed, there's a Bahamian island to match most every water-and-sand-based compulsion. Each of them framed by a backdrop of gorgeous, mesmerizing blue.
For now loaf, paddle, dive and apres-snorkel. Paint your own adventure, the palette awaits.
Weddings in Bahamas
Getting married in Bahamas is more than a special occasion. It is a celebration. You can't make a better choice for a destination wedding than one of The Islands Of The Bahamas. The clear sky, powdery white sand and crystal-blue water make the perfect setting for your big day. It's the reason A-list celebrities like Mariah Carey, Cindy Crawford, Deion Sanders and Sergey Brin, chose these islands as the place to start their new lives.
And the memories don't have to end once you have the last dance. You can also spend your honeymoon on the tropical paradise. With 700 islands, you can go island-hopping and really experience it all. Relax on secluded beaches. Explore underwater caves. Go shopping for handmade crafts. Try some Bahamian rum punch. Swim with dolphins. An island honeymoon in The Bahamas. It's the perfect way to start your new life together.
The landmark exhibition for the hospitality industry has been designed to optimise the tourist potential and enhance the visitor flow across established and emerging destinations all over the country. An exclusive media plan has been structured for the event which will tremendously enhance the footfalls & ensure a wide publicity to the participants & exhibitors. An exclusive opportunity enhances your reach and widen your client base. A committed Visitorship of-Travel Trade Members, Corporate and Business Travel Decision Makers, Leisure and Holiday Travellers, National and International Representatives from Hospitality Industry, Travel Planners etc.
Date: 27th Jan - 31st Jan, 2009
Place: Madrid, Spain
Price starting from: USD 1454 (per person on twin sharing basis)
Inclusions:
1) Hotel Accomodation with breakfast.
2) Airport arrival & departure transfer.
3) Hotel Fare ground return & transfer.
4) Return airfare with taxes.
5) Visa & Insurance charges.
6) All present applicable taxes.
Uzbekisatn is cradle of culture for more than two millennia, it is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and artefacts, all deeply infused with the raw, fascinating history of the country. If there was a Hall of Fame for Central Asian cities, Uzbekistan would own the top-three entries: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva. The names practically epitomize the region, conjuring up images of knife-twirling dervishes, serpentine desert caravans and architecture that blends with the sand. Seen in person, the Big Three do not disappoint. Alas, they sometimes overshadow the country's other attractions, which include dazzling bazaars, ancient fortresses like the one at Nurata, and an impressive array of largely unsung natural attractions. But at least that means you'll have the hiking and adventure-sport opportunities of Chimgan & around to yourself!
Cuisine
Uzbek cuisine is one of the most colourful of Oriental Cuisines. You will get astounded to find some of Uzbek recipes to be centuries-old. They even have different traditional rituals and ways of cooking. There are about 1,000 different dishes including national drinks, cakes and confectionary products.
Uzbek "Pilaf" is a very solemn food. It can be considered as an everyday dish as well as a dish for solemn and great events like weddings, parties and holidays.
Handicrafts
Culture, handicrafts and tourism are rapidly becoming inseparable partners. Local crafts are important elements of culture, and people travel to see and experience other cultures, traditions and ways of living. Applied art of Uzbeks has a wealth of variety when it comes to style, materials and ornamentation. Silk, ceramics and cotton weaving, stone and wood carving, metal engraving, leather stamping, calligraphy and miniature painting are some genres passed down from ancient times but, each region had its own cultural and ethnic traditions the unique features of which were established by local guilds that have strengthened these characteristics through their art.
Culture
The origins of Uzbek folk art are hidden in the depths of history. Numerous archeological excavations in rural areas have revealed new aspects of this ancient land and its culture. Uzbek applied arts have a large diversity when it comes to style, materials and ornamentation. Ceramic, silk and cotton weaving, stone and wood carving, metal engraving, leather stamping, calligraphy and miniature painting are a few genres passed down from old times. In the past, each religion had its own cultural and ethnic traditions; these unique features were established by local craftsmen who consolidated these characteristics through their arts.
Nighlife in Uzbekistan
Tashkent is well-known for having the most abundant nightlife in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Whether you are looking for an all-nighter at one of the many modern dance clubs, or a quiet evening dining on fine cuisine, Tashkent has a wide selection of bars, restaurants and clubs to fit any night's desire. From cultural shows to dance halls, you are bound to have some fun. During the summer months, the climate provides a festive environment of partying and street fairs. You can wander the various local streets and find a party around every corner. The locals strive to provide an environment that is welcoming and fun for tourists. You can take a stroll down Istiklol Street. This fun destination is lined with bars, cafes, and night clubs galore. You can shop the many stands that line the street, or watch the local performers as they do their belly dances. Whether you want to shop or party, this night time tourist attraction can be a lot of fun. Istiklol Street is often referred to as the Broadway of Uzbekistan.
So get out and enjoy any of the restaurants providing diverse cuisine, from Spanish to Uzbek to Italian to Punjabi. Then head to a high-tech club for all-night dancing to the latest music and eye popping light shows. Food and fun are at your fingertips.
Despite the hype, Croatia's pleasures are more timeless than trendy. Along its 1778km coastline, a glistening sea winds around rocky coves, lapping at pine-fringed beaches. Istrian ports bustle with fishermen while children dive into the sparkling water. In Dalmatia, cities throb with nightlife amid ancient Roman ruins. Yachts glide up the coast, and no Mediterranean cruise is complete without a stop in Dubrovnik. The interior landscape is as beguiling, even though less visited. Soak in a thermal spa at Istarske Toplice in Istria. Hike through pristine forests watered by mountain streams in the west. Let the waterfalls of Plitvice moisten your face. And then there's the culture. The country that endured Roman, Venetian, Italian and Austro-Hungarian rule has a unique and slightly schizoid identity. You'll find a strong central European flavour in the baroque architecture of Zagreb, and Italian devotion to the good life percolates up from the coast, permeating Croatian food and style. During holidays and festivals the country's Slavic soul emerges, as colourfully costumed dancers whirl about to traditional folk melodies.
Croatians retain a strong attachment to the land and traditions that nourished the dream of independence for so long. Even as a tide of speculators and developers wash ashore, there is a real commitment to preserving the extraordinary beauty of the coast.
is a city with two faces. On the one hand, the fortresses, churches and food of its former colonial master Portugal speak to a uniquely Mediterranean style on the China coast. On the other, Macau is the self-styled Las Vegas of the East. Rather than skyscrapers and office towers, the construction here is all about Vegas-style mega-casinos and hotels.
There is much more to Macau than gambling. The peninsula and the islands of Coloane and Taipa constitute a colourful palette of pastels and ordered greenery. The Portuguese influence is everywhere: cobbled back streets, baroque churches, stone fortresses, Art Deco buildings and restful parks and gardens. It's a unique fusion of East and West.
Our Top Picks for Macau
Macau Museum
Visit the outstanding Macau Museum at Monte Forte, a fascinating introduction to the territory
Church of St Paul
Climb the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the Church of St Paul, the very symbol of Macau
Casino Lisboa and Sands
Compare the old-style kitsch of the Casino Lisboa with the Vegas-style cash at the Sands
Litoral, A Lorcha and Restaurante Fernando
Tuck into Portuguese and Macanese soul food at Litoral, A Lorcha or Restaurante Fernando
Inner Harbour area
Wander the narrow streets and lanes
of the Inner Harbour area for a peek at Macau's unique personality
Vienna's jewel-box palaces and Mozart melodies, sparkling Alps and problems like Maria naturally still have their place in Austria's heart. But venture further for experiences that defy expectations: from slinging on a backpack to stride through the Tennengebirge's lunar landscape to slurping cider with grizzled farmers in Mostviertel orchards, from catapulting down the jaw-dropping Harakiri in Mayrhofen to bathing in Salzkammergut's tingly lakes. Visit historic spa towns like Bad Ischl or discover cities such as Linz, where a newfound street cred is adding a twist to Austria's tale. So cast aside the well-thumbed picture-book, as the real story is even more enchanting... Austria flaunts its heritage in exuberant fashion. Vienna's bombastic Habsburg palaces and Salzburg's baroque splendour are worthy, but dig deeper and you'll unearth Stone Age settlements, Roman archaeological sites at Carnuntum and medieval festivals. In the country where Mozart composed and Strauss taught the world to twirl, you won't need to search hard for culture - it waltzes right up to you.
Our Top Picks for Austria
1 Innsbruck
The Austrian Alps capital with cobbled-stone lanes and the shimmering Goldenes Dachl
2 Bregenzerwald
Idyllic villages, clinking cow bells and delicious cheeses from alpine dairies
3 Salzburg
Birthplace of Mozart and baroque to the back teeth
4 Grossglockner Road
Winding road through epic countryside, climbing to Austria's highest peak
5 Tyrol's Valleys
Steep, narrow, awe-inspiring alpine valleys once carved by unstoppable glaciers
6 Krimml Falls
Europe's highest waterfall and misty paradise
7 Vienna
A capital with living architecture, lively clubs and alluring baroque beauty
Venice defies description. Many have tried, from Goethe to Brodsky, but it has to be seen, felt and wandered through to be believed.
Don't just stick to the tried, true and obvious. Sure, the Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell'Accademia are all important. But 'lesser' sights like Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Pesaro, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Arsenale all give special insight into the city. A city for meanderers, Venice rewards every minute devoted to penetrating its cat's cradle of intertwined lanes. And while millions stream into this tiny city, it's easy enough to find peace and discover the extraordinary: after all, barely a building here isn't a unique monument of some sort. Lose yourself in the labyrinth - that's part of the fun!
South Africa have World-class wildlife-watching, cosmopolitan cities like the great big beating heart of Johannesburg, stunning natural panoramas from Table Mountain National Park and vibrant cultures make it appealing to almost every taste and budget. Geographically, its extremes include the arid semidesert of the Karoo, the snowcapped peaks of the Drakensberg Range, the lush subtropical coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the fertile temperate valleys of Western Cape. Within the space of a day, you can journey from vineyard-clad hillsides in the Western Cape to the vast open spaces of the Kalahari; from waterfront chic in Cape Town to isolated Zulu villages; from elephant-spotting in Kruger National Park to the sublime seascapes of the coast.
Our Top Picks for South Africa
1 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Revel in the Kalahari's haunting vistas and vastness
2 Namaqualand
Visit Namaqualand in springtime, when the rugged landscapes soften under an explosion of wildflowers
3 Winelands
Treat yourself to fine wining and dining in the verdant valleys around Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch
4 Cape Town
Savour the cosmopolitan chic of one of the world's most beautiful cities and get pelted with spray at Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
5 Southern Coast
Explore South Africa's coastline, from Hermanus with its whales to the rivers and ravines of Tsitsikamma National Park
6 The Karoo
Marvel in the Karoo's space and silence, or visit Graaff-Reinet, one of South Africa's most charming towns
7 Kruger National Park
Savour creation's primeval majesty in this world-renowned safari destination
South Africa has all of this, but there is so much more - a rich and diverse selection of experiences combining exciting Africa with the very best of international-standard facilities and entertainment.
The Czech Republic showcases an exciting history. Here the past becomes real. Castles and chateaux abound, illuminating the stories of powerful families and individuals whose influence was felt well beyond the nation's current borders. Unravel the history of Bohemia and Moravia, the two ancient lands that now make up the modern Czech Republic and you're unearthing the history of Europe itself.
Visit Prague, the Golden city and capital of Czech Republic. One of the world's most beautiful and cultured cities, and one of the most exciting with a dynamic music and arts scene. Down the world's best beer in the brewery towns of Plzen and Ceske Budejovice, and discover the laid-back backpacker scenes in Cesky Krumlov and Telc. Everywhere you go, you'll meet a forthright people, proud of their heritage, but now confidently taking their place in a modern, united Europe.
Czech Republic will not only attract your employees but will also ensure their strong memories of enjoying a unique experience. Another benefit of going to the Czech Republic is the wide range of cultural and social events and, last but not least, the relatively low costs at which you can arrange a top-quality program. Plan your incentive today to Czech Republic and give a lifetime experience to your employees.
Few cities in the world glide so effortlessly between the present and the past like Vienna. Its splendid historical face is easily recognised: grand imperial palaces and bombastic baroque interiors, museums flanking magnificent squares and, above all, the Hofburg - where the Habsburg rulers lived, loved and married into empires. One of Europe's most dynamic urban spaces. Just a stone's throw from Hofburg, the MuseumsQuartier houses some of the world's most provocative contemporary art behind a striking basalt facade. Outside, a courtyard buzzes on summer evenings with throngs of Viennese drinking and chatting. Nearby, restaurants brim with imbibers enjoying the pleasures of wine and food, while across the yard a museum cafe pulsates with beats.
It's also a place where sushi and Austro-Asian fusion restaurants stand alongside the traditional Beisl.
Paris, eloquent and so-romantic, the 'City of Light' is a philosopher, a poet, a crooner. As it always has been, Paris is a million different things to a million different people. Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower - at sunrise, at sunset, at night - have been described countless times. But, what writers have been unable to capture is the grandness and even the magic.
Paris probably has more familiar landmarks than any other city in the world. The grand vistas, the romance along the Seine, of naughty nightclub revues. Paris is enchanting almost everywhere, at any time, even 'in the summer, when it sizzles' and 'in the winter, when it drizzles', as Cole Porter put it. Set aside the preconceptions of Paris and explore the city's avenues and backstreets as if the tip of the Eiffel Tower or the spire of Notre Dame wasn't about to pop into view at any moment.
Our Top Picks for Paris
1 Paris' new museums
Introduce yourself to one of Paris' new museums: the architecturally stunning (and content-rich) Musee du Quai Branly or the Cite de l Architecture et du Patrimoine
2 Sainte-Chapelle
Be stunned (and inspired) by the veritable wall of sublime stained glass in Sainte-Chapelle, one of the most beautiful houses of worship in Christendom
3 Musee d'Orsay
Marvel at the incomparable collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art at the waterfront Musée d'Orsay
4 Centre Pompidou
Enjoy the collections and the spectacular rooftop views at the Centre Pompidou, the world's most successful art and culture centre
5 Under the Eiffel Tower
Go not to the top but the bottom of the Eiffel Tower and look up for a new take on the landmark that's more Parisian than Paris itself
6 The Seine
Enjoy the views of the timeless Seine from the banks or on an evening cruise
7 The Marais
Check out the stately hôtels particuliers (private mansions) in the Marais by day and the district's throbbing bars and clubs after dark
8 Montmartre
Relive the ooh-la-la Paris of cancan and windmills on a walking tour of Montmartre
Turkey might be the world's most contested country. Its landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer's Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world.
If you want to simply unwind, spend an afternoon being pampered at a hamam, or let the warm waters off the Mediterranean coast lap at your toes. Adventure lovers can head east to Nemrut Dagi National Park. Bon vivants need look no further than Istanbul, where the markets and bars are among the most stylish and atmospheric, and the mod Ottoman cuisine rates as the tastiest, in the world.
The country's tumultuous history has left a deep legacy. People who've never had to suffer for an idea or fight for a patch of land can be overwhelmed by the passion of ordinary Turks for their country.Turks have an inspiring ability to keep things in perspective, to get on with everyday life. Sharing their joy in the simple things is a highlight for every visitor.
Our Top Picks for Turkey
1 Istanbul
Visit Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya. Haggle like mad in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Float along the Bosphorus.
2 Safranbolu
Pause to admire an unspoilt Ottoman townscape, then stay in Ottoman style in a restored wooden house
3 Pergamum
Visit the Acropolis and Asclepion and wonder at the staggering temains of a once-great Anatolian Kingdom
4 Gallipoli
Wander the Anzac battlefields and ponder the follies of war
5 Ephesus
Marvel at the most extensive remains of a Roman city complete with a 25,000-seat theatre
6 Hierapolîs
Admire the ruins of a great Roman city located above the famous white travertines of 'Cotton Castle' (Pamukkale)
7 Lycian Way
Walk through beautiful, remote countryside high above the sea
8 Cappadocia
Float over Cappadocia and admire the extraordinary fairy chimneys, then delve deep to explore the unique underground cities
9 Amasya
Photograph glorious Ottoman houses hanging over a river and overlooked by rock-cut Pontic tombs
10 Sumela
Visit a monastery clinging to a rockface, then trek into the Kackar Mountains beyond.
The second-largest archipelago in the world, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia. Often overlooked by travellers, the Philippines rewards those who go the extra distance to reach it. And because it's off the beaten path, the Philippines is a great place to escape the hordes who descend on other parts of Southeast Asia. First and foremost, it is a place of natural wonders - a string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the western Pacific. Below sea level, it boasts some of the world's best diving and snorkelling, including wreck diving around Coron and swimming with the whale sharks off Donsol. Above sea level, it has a fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveller: the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Banaue & the Rice Terraces and fascinating reminders of the islands' history in places such as Samar & Leyte and Vigan.
This season, expect to be showered with surprises at the Special Fixed Departure Packages for Yunnan Classic Tour (Delhi- Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Kunming - Delhi) Full Board Tour. So prepare to be pleasantly surprised every time you drop by.
Wonders of Yunnan
01 Oct Kunming Arrival
Transfer to hotel, overnight in Kunming
Serving as the capital of Yunnan, Kunming is historically and culturally renowned throughout the country. It is the center of politics, economy, culture, science and technology in Yunnan. With an annual average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius, it is well known as the City of Eternal Spring without bitter cold in winter and intense heat in summer.
02 Oct Kunming (B+L+D)
A whole day tour to the Stone Forest and "Colorful Yunnan"
Drive to the Stone Forest (85 km, 1.5 h). An extremely rare geological phenomenon dating back to 270 million years ago, the Stone Forest is 80 hectares of karst limestone pillars in fantastic shapes that resemble a forest viewed from a distance. The Stone Forest is also home to the Sani tribe, a branch of the diverse and scattered Yi minority renowned for their diligence, embroidery and dancing. On the way back, stop at "Colorful Yunnan", the biggest souvenirs shopping complex of Yunnan.
03 Oct Kunming - Dali (2100 meters) - Lijiang (2500 meters) (B+L+D)
Bus Kunming-Dali (4.5 h), visit the Zhang Family's Garden and enjoy Bai minority's famous Three-course Tea with dancing show.
After lunch, continue your drive to Lijiang (3 h). A gathering place of the Naxi minority, Lijiang Ancient Town is a mountain town of stone and tile, laced with canals and lanes, which has been listed as an UNESCO world monument. The ancient town which is in the form of an official ink stone. Unlike most of the old towns in China, there is no city wall due to a superstitious belief of the local ruler whose family name is Mu (tree), when encircled by walls, would be Kun (besieged).
Stop at Xizhou for Bai minority's village on the way.
04 Oct Lijiang: Lijiang Ancient Town, Mu Family's Mansion, Black Dragon Pond and Shuhe County in the evening (B+L+D)
Besides the ancient town listed on the World Heritage with the governor's former palace-Mu's mansion, Lijiang also has the Black Dragon Pond. Surrounded by walkways, willows and chestnut trees, it is the best known and most frequently visited park in Lijiang. The Five Phoenix Pavilion built in early 17th century possesses intricately joined and beautifully painted eaves.
Shuhe, 5 km northwest from Lijiang City, is set to regain its past prosperity with the launch of a new protection program. It is an ancient trade post for tea caravans between China and the Red Sea. It is also the former city center of Lijiang and has a history of more than 1000 years.
05 Oct Lijiang - Dali: Yushuizhai Village and Dali Old Town (B+L+D)
Visit Yushuizhai with clear snow-melting water and big fish in the morning. Drive to Dali (3 hours)
Up on arrival in Dali, explore in theDali Ancient Town with a history of 1,300 years, which is the home to Bai minority. The town, whose format is like a chess board with four gates guarding in the directions of east , south, west and north stands between Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, a natural configuration that seems specially designed for a good bountiful life.
Shuhe, 5 km northwest from Lijiang City, is set to regain its past prosperity with the launch of a new protection program. It is an ancient trade post for tea caravans between China and the Red Sea. It is also the former city center of Lijiang and has a history of more than 1000 years.
06 Oct Dali -Kunming , departure (B+L+D)
Proceed to Erhai Park. The Erhai Lake, named for its ear-like shape, lies in a geological fault between parallel mountain ranges. Erhai Lake, 41 kilometers long and only 3 to 9 kilometers wide, is part of the Mekong River system. Drive back to Kunming (4 hours) for flight Kunming - Delhi in the evening.