Bike Tour Around Beautiful Tuscany

Florence, Siena and Pisa are just some of the notable places in Tuscany that have been continually attracting visitors because of their impressive history and heritage. But there are also equally striking, albeit lesser known, spots worth checking out like Lucca, Cortona, Arezzo and San Gimignano. Because of the diversity and size of this region, it is really hard to determine where to start looking. Fortunately, there are many ways of exploring Tuscany, and if you are looking for something fun, different, challenging, and at the same time, more environment-friendly, why not try to go for a biking tour around this absolutely marvelous Italian region?

A bike tour guarantees you a very rewarding and memorable experience. But the usual problem that travelers encounter with self-guided biking trips, especially in such a big area, is the tremendous amount of planning. If you don’t have the time to do this, a great alternative is sign up with a reputable tour company to show you around, minus the worry and hassle! DuVine is just one of the many tour companies that offer amazing biking tour packages. Because of their expertise of Tuscany and long experience in the bike touring industry, DuVine has been successful in setting up splendid itineraries that cater to various types of tourists.

There is more to the region that it appears, and the DuVine bike tour aims to show their guests just that! This tour is not going to be just your ordinary day trip excursion. It is quite comprehensive as it typically lasts for six days and five nights. But you will not go rough-and-tough on this one; as the package covers stays at comfortable and luxurious hotels. You will be dining at fine restaurants and do some wine tasting. So the whole thing is really about traveling in style; only that you will burn more calories while doing so.

The everyday bike ride covers approximately 25 miles. But physical exertion aside, biking is a wonderful way of seeing the true beauty and enjoying the real essence of Tuscany. You will be able to explore charming medieval towns like Montalcino, Petroio, Pienza and Montepulciano, at a relaxed pace. But you should also expect to tackle hills, which are mostly steep but short. Tuscany, after all, has been the training ground for many professional cyclists.

Find the Absolute Best Vacation Deals

Go Where Airlines Go

If you want to cut down on the price of your trip, you should zero in on a destination where you won’t have to make multiple plane changes. Additionally, prices follow the basic competition laws. Any destination that is serviced by multiple airlines will offer you a better price. By being competitive, you get a cheaper rate, which can help keep your costs down.

Find the Off-Season

If you go during the off-season, you will find cheaper prices on your hotel rooms. However, depending on where you are going, this may change. For example, hotels in the Caribbean have better vacation deals from May to mid-December with their lowest prices from June to August. Areas along the United States coastline will have their peak season during the June to August months, and so their off-season time is from after Labor Day to Memorial Day, with an exception around mid-March for spring break. By going during the off-season, you can save up to 40 percent off your hotel costs.

Don’t Overlook Small Hotels and Inns

You don’t have to stay at the fanciest mainstream resort on the beach. There are small, locally-owned inns and bed-and-breakfast options that may save you some money. Additionally, these locally built establishments may give you the opportunity to be more immersed in the local culture than a larger, chain hotel.

Packages

When you are trying to save money on your holiday, look for packages that include your hotel, airfare, and even tours. By booking a package, you will end up saving money. You can receive substantial discounts by using one service to reserve all of these items at once.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Of course, if you really want good vacation deals, an all-inclusive resort is the way to go. These hotels and resorts generally include costs for activities, basic water sports, and even some tours. They may also include alcoholic beverages in the price.

Need to Compare Caribbean Cruises

Has this happened to you every time you want to take a cruise? Your cruise vacations have been boring or the places you met did not have what you were expecting? Well, now this will worry or bother you no more. Now you will be able to compare caribbean cruises with the help you will receive on-line to make your decision more easily.

You will get all the detailed information you may need about the very cruise ships, including the how much people can travel comfortably in a large number of wide and incredible rooms, all the activities on board such as rock-climbing walls, self-leveling pool tables, ice-skating rinks, shops and cafés, dining rooms, relaxing spas, nightclubs and much more. Also get reviews about very amusing attractions such as hilarious comedians, live musicians, cooking and wine classes, even professional ice-skating shows.

Also, of course, all the information you are looking for about the beautiful and incredible places you may know and enjoy, such as the rugged beauty of Alaska and Canada/New England, the charm of Europe and the lush landscapes of Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

And, last but not lease important at all, the key information which is necessary to wisely compare caribbean cruises and choose the right one: the prices, but you do not need to worry, all of them will be inside your budget, so that will not be a problem at all.

In few words, everything you need to know so you can compare caribbean cruises and make your next cruise to be the cruise of your dreams, a cruise that has everything you wanted for yourself and those who are traveling with you, and that you will gladly remember forever.

You will find the answers to all your questions about cruising in a very comforting and professional way so you can compare caribbean cruises. It is not necessary you wait months anymore to set sail on your first cruise or for taking a new one, now you can compare caribbean cruises with all the information you want and take the cruise you ever wanted. Make your dreams come true.

Cruise Free As A Speaker

The best part is that you do not need to have any type of professional speaking experience. In fact, you are encouraged to speak in your own conversational style. Also, you may not have to do any additional study or research. How well you already know the subject matter of your hobby, passion, or interest will determine if any additional study is necessary.

If you want to cruise free without selling cruises, or building a website, then the following information is for you.

Most cruise lines, as part of the package they offer their passengers, make available people (called Enrichment Lecturers) who can speak on a subject matter in the areas of:

  • General interest,
  • Arts and craft,
  • Or a destination.

In exchange, the cruise line provides the speaker and a companion free passage aboard ship. However, you may have to pay taxes, port fees, and other incidental charges.

In a nutshell, determine in which of the above categories you would place your hobby, passion, or interest. Then, learn the process by which you can get the cruise lines to let you share your knowledge in exchange for a free cruise.

Take the necessary steps to get a lifetime of free cruises. Simply share your hobby, passion, or interest as an On-board Lecturer. One complimentary cruise for you and your companion is well worth the cost, and the effort to go through these eight easy steps.

Call any major cruise line and ask how you can qualify to become an enrichment lecturer. Simply network and follow the suggestions your are given.

Info of Alaskan Cruise

In the last few years, Alaskan cruises have become a popular way for people to visit Alaska and enjoy its natural beauty. The cruises provide a combined ability for travelers to enjoy the beauty of Alaskan lands and take part of many entertainment activities that are available on cruise ships.

The two most popular routes for Alaska cruises are the Vancouver roundtrip and Seattle roundtrip. Cruises with those two routes generally take 7 days and have various stop points in Alaska depending on cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. However, there are many other routes for Alaska cruises. Some of the other popular routes are San Francisco roundtrip, Whittier to Vancouver, Vancouver to Whittier, Seward to Vancouver, and Vancouver to Seward.

There are many cruise lines that offer Alaska cruises ranging from some of the biggest cruise lines in the world to small cruise companies with 1 or 2 ships that offer custom Alaska cruises. Princess Cruises and Holland America Cruise Line have the most comprehensive Alaskan cruise offerings. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises are also fairly well represented in the Alaska cruise market.

Generally, Alaskan cruise season runs from May to September of each year. In other months, the weather in Alaska and surrounding region is too cold for a fun cruise vacation. Most of the rooms on cruise ships are usually booked by the end of March. Thus, the earlier one decides and buys a cruise, the more opportunities there would be for room choice. Also, travel agencies sometimes offer promotions or discounts for early birds.

Rough Night

Out of the cockpit a solid wall of wind and spray, the standing rigging screaming. The boat is veering round quickly, the wind on her port beam laying her over. Going to starboard! It has gone! Struggling forward, coachroof, foredeck, the bollard. Still chain round it, over the gypsy. Realisation, the chain has jumped off the stemhead roller and is now over the toerail against a pulpit stanchion. “OK, take it easy” he thought, “panic’s over, she’s still moored.” Now the boat is coming back through the wind, turning to port. Pitching as the seas come under the bow, diving with the stemhead nearly under.

“And this on a sheltered mooring in a sheltered loch, thirty miles from the open sea, the mountains all around. God help anyone outside tonight”. His head torch showed the surface of the sea being torn to shreds, spray filling the air. The wind had veered and was now coming round the headland which should provide shelter. He waited, feeling the boat pitching and tugging at the chain, waiting for a chance to lift it back onto the roller. “Hell, I could loose my fingers here” he thought, “some rope needed.” He didn’t want to go aft then forward again but — yes, it’s still there, a small coil of six millimetre behind the liferaft.

Sitting on the liferaft he uncoiled it and kneeled on the foredeck to feed a bight under the chain. “Now, wait your chance boy, when she dives her head down.”

Another gust slammed the boat on her starboard side and she started to swing, pushed hard over to port, then bows up, now down. Heaving up and back on the line as the head went down, the chain went back on the roller.

“OK, Job done back indoors”. He secured the line trying to seize the chain over the stemhead fitting, and worked his way aft.
Another giant gust, spray and perhaps rain, he couldn’t tell, a banshee wail, a strange noise like gravel being poured. What—? The wind generator, backed, confused by the violent rotating gusts was grinding to a halt, sea spray crashing through the blades. Stepping back into the cockpit the horror struck him. “If something solid, a twig, sea weed, a bird,- God forbid, a rope’s end – went into those blades, at the speed they’re going there’ll be hundred mile an hour plastic all over the cockpit”.

There was nothing to be done then, wind gusting to eighty or ninety knots it would be madness to go anywhere near the windmill but he resolved to find a way of tying it to make it safe in a gale in future.

Now, in the grim, grey, begrudging daylight, thinking back on the night, tired but not sleepy, I realise it was me who lived through that night, and wonder, philosophically, if I am better for it. Huh!

National Parks in Nepal

Chitwan NP

It is the oldest national park of Nepal. It is located to the south west part of Kathmandu. It has covered 932 sq km of total land area. It lies in Chitwan district. This park provides habitat for more than 700 species of wild animals.. It is famous for endangered species of mammals like Bengal tiger and one horned rhino. It has been enlisted in the world heritage sites by UNESCO. In this park there are 68 species of mammals. The park is also famous for Ghariyal (alligator).

Sagarmatha NP

It lies in Solukhumbu district. This park was established in 1976. It is located to the north east part from Kathmandu valley. This park covers 1,148 sq km of total land area. World’s highest peak Mt. Everest lies within the boundary of this park. The major attraction of this park is Mt. Everest. Musk dear, Himlayan black bear, snow leopard, red panda are the mammals found in this park. Along with Mt. Everest this park includes other mountains like Mt. Choyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Amadablam etc.

Langtang NP

It is situated in Rasuwa district. It was established in 1976. It lies to the north of Kathmandu valley. It covers 1710 sq km of total land area. The major attractions of this park are wild dog, red panda, Himalayan black bear, ghoral musk dear, etc. Various species of Rhododendron flower make the scenery of the park more beautiful.

Rara NP

It lies in Mugu and Jumla district. This park was established in 1967. It is located in the north western part of Kathmandu valley. It is the smallest national park of Nepal. Rara Lake is the main attraction of this park. Rara Lake is quoted as the nymph of heaven by various travelers. Rara Lake is the biggest lake of Nepal. It provides habitat for various species of wild animals. Some of the wild animals found in this area are musk dear, ghoral, jharal, Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, etc.

Khaptad NP

It is located to the west of Kathmandu. This park was established in 1984. It covers the land area of four different districts namely Doti, Achham, Bajhang, Bajura. Its area stretches to 225 sq km. The main attraction is the ashram of Khaptad baba. It is one of the Hindu pilgrim sites. This national park is the habitat for 23 mammals, 287 birds, 23 amphibians and reptiles. The mammals found in this national park are Himalayan black bear, Asiatic wild dog, and musk deer.

Shey Phoksundo NP

It is the largest national park of Nepal. It was established in 1984. It covers an area of 3555 sq km. The main attractions are Shey Phoksundo Lake and Kanjirowa Himal. This national parks lies in the north-west part of Nepal. This national park covers the area of two districts Mugu and Dolpa. It is the habitat of various wild animals like Himalayan thar, ghoral, snow leopard, blue ship, grey wolf, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, jackal, martens, etc. Similarly, various flowers like rhododendron, juniper, etc are available in this national park.

Honeymoon in Greece

Arriving at Eleftherios Venizelos airport, it is a good idea to spend the first couple of days in Athens, the capital city of old civilization. Take a day sightseeing tour of the city, visit the Acropolis or the Museum, and you may wish to go a bit further to Sounio and visit the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon and gaze at the most spectacular sunset. Later at night take a walk in Plaka, along the colorful shops where you can buy your souvenirs or top quality jewelry.

Of course, Athens is not the place to stay during the hot summer months. Arrange to spend most of your honeymoon on the Cyclades Islands. The most popular destinations for newlyweds are Mykonos, Santorini and Crete.

Crete has a lot to offer, as it is the biggest island in the Aegean. There are ancient sites to visit like the labyrinth in Knossos, natural beauties such as the Samaria Gorge, and beaches with crystal clear waters. If you are a mountain lover, you can hire a car and drive up the mountains in central Crete, where you will find many picturesque, traditional villages. If you want your Crete honeymoon to be romantic or luxurious, there are plenty of five-star hotels and resorts that provide all the facilities required to fulfill your wishes. You can choose to relax by the pool of your hotel or walk in the streets of Chania or Rethymno, and visit the old towns. You can sample traditional Greek dishes and drink local wine or ‘raki’. The diversity of the island allows you to have the holiday you want.

From Crete you can head north to Santorini. Although you can get there by plane, it is much better to travel by boat so as not to miss the unique scenery of the port, like the windy road leading from the port to the top of the island. You can take a donkey ride from the old port up to Fira, taking in the incredible view of the caldera. Visit Oia late in the afternoon, walk along the narrow cobbled streets and make sure you find a spot at a rooftop to enjoy the world’s most magnificent sunset. Going down the other side of the island, the scenery is completely different. You will drive through many of the islands’ vineyards and finally reach the coastline. Practically every beach is of a different colour: red, black, or white. The contrast is amazing. You may want to take some coloured sand back home from your Santorini honeymoon.

Your final destination should be none other than the cosmopolitan Mykonos. Spend some days of your honeymoon in Mykonos like a celebrity. Spend your day at the beach, sipping your cocktail by the sea. At night enjoy the party till the morning hours in Chora, where bars and night clubs are vibrating with music and dance.

Italian Town of Vico Equense

Although little known, Vico Equense has all the qualities to charm even seasoned travelers. The town possesses a long history, and most likely one of the first ones built on the Sorrento Peninsula. Vico Equense is gifted with a beautiful pebbled beach, perfect for those who cannot get enough of the ocean. It is also home to a lovely pink hued church perched dramatically on a cliff. If you are interested in history and romance, the village’s crenellated Giusso castle, sitting on the coast, will indulge your curiosity.

Staying at Vico Equense means being reacquainted with peace and relaxation. Even a simple walk through this village revitalizes your soul and body. Aside from the main town, you can easily see other small villages nestled on lush highlands in the distance. The landscape, which is adorned with vineyards, citrus groves and olive groves, will easily invoke admiration and inspiration from anyone who sees it. Because of its ideal location, you can easily access the mountains and the sea in just a few minutes. The highest peak in the area is Mount Faito, standing at about 1400 meters.

Vico Equense is also blessed with sulphurous springs, known for their therapeutic properties. That is why the town has established a range of marvelous thermal baths and spa facilities. While here, grab the opportunity to try one of their bath treatments that have delighted many guests over the years. A centuries old town like Vico must have a number of incredible old buildings, and this is quite true here. The town had been inhabited by the Greeks, Etruscans and the Romans. Today, surviving structures like the Church of Our Lady of Graces, and the Angevin Castle are testaments to the town’s incredible past.

What is also surprising about Vico Equense is its plethora of excellent restaurants and superb hotels. Some of its most notable restaurants include the Salvatore De Gennaro and Annamaria Cuomo. If you would like to combine good food and the charm of the medieval ages, then book a meal at Torre del Saracino. As the name suggests, the venue for this unforgettable dining experience is on top of a 17th century tower. If you venture to the La Tradizione market, you can enjoy the region’s specialties, which are cured meat and dairy products.

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