Cyprus is the third biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The Anatolian Peninsula is situated at the south while Turkey is in the north. Other countries near it are Greece, Egypt, and Lebanon. The best way to explore these areas and take advantage of the sea is to go sailing in Cyprus during your holiday vacation.

You can charter a yacht in St. Raphael Marina in Limassol. There are plenty of nightclubs, shops, and restaurants scattered all over the area. You can also take a look at Hala Sultan Tekke, which is a large mosque worshiped by countless Muslims all over the world. Moreover, go hiking in either Troodos or Ayia Napa. If you wish to add scuba diving to your list of activities, you can ride a ferry to Zenobia.

Paphos can give you several alternatives for sailing in Cyprus. For one, you can take a look at Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock, considered being the birthplace of the godess Aphrodite. While docking your yacht in the harbor, you can explore the ruins of Saranta Kolones. There are also several very nice beach resorts such as the Latchi Beach. The Byzantine Museum gives you an overview of the culture and life of the inhabitants of Cyprus since 12th to 20th century. For nature lovers, Akamas Peninsula is a good pick. It has countless unspoiled areas, such as the sandy bays. The mountains are made up of deep gorges and vast expanse of landscapes. Sailing in Cyprus will be even more worthy if you stay in the villas of Pomos. This is a nice village located near the sea and at the foot of Troodos. There are plenty of bars and shops found all over the area, as well as grocery stores. You can also easily trek through the mountains of Paphos anytime.

Find more information on sailing in Cyprus and sailing Croatia here. In this website you can find information on sailing charter from other parts of the world.

anastasiak :: Apr.30.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

World renowned for its outstanding natural beauty the Peak District seems to be a Mecca for visitors so fortunately it is a good job that the area has sufficient accommodation ranging from Peak District luxury Hotels (bed and breakfast if your unfamiliar with the term) to Peak District Holidays, to accommodate (excuse the pun) the diverse requirements of all the different visitors to the area.

Not all of the visitors come for the camping or for hiking across the park though, many come to soak up the history and culture the areas towns and villages have to offer for those caring to look for it.

One of the towns in the area is Bakewell in Derbyshire and it is right in the heart of the Peak District, is a small and extremely beautiful market town. The town is situated on the River Wye and from the historical point of view the five arched bridge which dates back to the 13th century is still open to traffic. Due to increase in traffic over the centuries it was widened in the 19th century.

There is a lot of history to Bakewell that a lot of people don’t know about, the town its self has even been mentioned in the Doomsday book as having two priests a church which signified importance all those centuries ago. The local grammar school was founded in 1637 by the marriage between Sir George Manners and Grace Pierrepont and the school is known as Lady Manners School.

The local church, All Saints Parish of which the majority stands now, dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, with fragments of Norman and Saxon stonework, again like the bridge considerable restoration work took place in the 19th century. The church is low and broad with an octagonal tower giving grace to the beautiful spire.

There used to be in the centre of Bakewell the White Horse Inn, which has been replaced by The Rutland Arms Hotel, with some other various buildings being demolished in 1805, to form Rutland Square.

Centuries ago, these would of catered for coach travellers who passed through the town, and it has always been reputed for the connection to Jane Austin, who was reported to have stayed at this hotel, whilst writing Pride and Prejudice, and that Lambton in the book has been identified as Bakewell.

Another truly great invention happened by accident at the hotel, and that is the famous Bakewell pudding known throughout all of the UK. The story is told, that when the cook misinterpreted the baking instructions, and pored the egg mixture over the jam instead of adding to the pastry what should have been a tart had now become a pudding.

There are numerous shops in the town centre where these puddings can be purchased.

The old house museum is interesting to visit. Bakewell Historical Society restored this in 1955, the museum has fourteen beamed rooms which offers the chance to view, a Victorian Kitchen, drapers shop, a wheelwright, a smithy, and many other various rooms. There are many other rooms containing, china, toys, lace, and photographs. Visiting the museum gives you the chance to learn more about Bakewell’s history.

Bakewell in the peak district is at the southern end of the Pennines in Central England, there are thousands of people who visit this beautiful area every year, probably making it the second most popular National Park in England.

There is a lot of history in the area so if you are visiting on a Peak District Holidays adventure make sure you leave enough time to explore some of the local towns and villages as well.

anastasiak :: Apr.28.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

Besides the famous Aland archipelago, there is somewhere between 55,000 and 188,000 lakes, and more than 3000 miles (4830 km) of coastline in Finland. Sailing opportunities are infinite, either through the many islands or on the lakes, most of them are navigable.

Who says you will run out of places to go to in Finland? Also, the country can offer you more options to your next yacht charter. This could mean an exciting sailing vacation on your part. With Finland’s gift of nature, every visitor will have the time of his life.
The best season to visit Finland is in summer. As the snow melts and the sun rises up so high, the waters of the lakes become even more inviting to those who have always wanted the most fantastic vacation, such as sailing in Finland. For example, the rivers, coasts, as well as lakes, become perfect venues for sailing, yachting, or canoeing. The tundra and the rest of the floras are noteworthy if you want to hike with your families and friends. If you have a special love for horses, you can add to your vacation horse-back riding activities.

You should not miss in your list of places to visit the Aland archipelago, which is a haven for people who love to ride a yacht or boat during their vacation. You may also want to spend at least one night in Valamo to enjoy a summer opera.

There are many different modes of transportation in Finland, but if you have some extra money to spare, go for a boat or a yacht. There are many yachting companies in the country that offer rental services. You can charter boats or yachts up to 1 month.

It is also a favorite among tourists who love the presence of lakes, rivers, and seas. All these are perfect if you want to go sailing in Finland.

Find more information on sailing in Finland and Caribbean sailing here. In this website you can find information on yacht charter from other parts of the world.

anastasiak :: Apr.24.2008 :: Travel Guide :: 1 Comment »

Diversity is the main characteristic of The Island of Maui. You can spend your day at Maui beaches and at night you can have a drink at a fancy restaurant. This place is the best place for people who likes the big and the small islands activities, all in one. You can have a bit of every island of Hawaii in one island. Find out how to find the best deal on Maui vacation packages.

On the shining south shore of Maui, Hawaii, Wailea Beach is a golden crescent beach, shielded at each point, making the calm waters within calm and swimmer friendly. The beach is flat, perfect for sunbathing. The sunsets are unparalleled, the golf is close by and the swimming is fantastic.

Every winter 80 per cent of the world’s humpback whale population swim 3000 miles from Alaska to bask in the warm, shallow waters off the Hawaiian coast. Wailea is the ideal place to see them. You can take a whale-watching kayak from Lahaina Harbor if you want a closer look.

Hotels, condos, and home rentals are in good supply in Maui. A big crowd of vacationers would prefer and demand luxury. It’s their vacation after all, to some it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity so make the most out of it. Rentals vary from really pricey condos and hotel rooms to affordable guest cottages and even economical house rentals. When you go with the more expensive ones, you are assured of professional services that are really top of the line. More on Maui vacation home that you can rent during your holiday in Maui.

When looking for the best vacation rentals Maui offers in central Maui, check out Wailuku, which is poised for a resurgence. The town has its own antiques alleys, Sig Zane Designs has brought a delightful infusion of creative and cultural energy, and a major promenade on Main Street is in the works. The Kaahumanu Center, in neighboring Kahului, is becoming more fashionable by the month.

There are many advantages of hiring Maui vacation rentals for family vacations or for romantic getaways. The vacation rentals are completely furnished, have all amenities of home and are definitely more roomy than hotel rooms. Maui vacation condo rentals that offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the beaches are immensely popular with tourists. They offer privacy, are secure, have outdoor swimming pools and the beaches are but a few minutes away from them. Check out Maui Beach Vacation Club for more info on Maui vacation rentals.

anastasiak :: Apr.22.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

If you are looking for a Cheap Ticket, you will find searching google very useful. You can easily check out the prices and deals on getting a cheap flight and get an inclusive price with almost no fuss. Take a look at what they have to offer and then you can make your booking online.

One of the most expensive aspects of traveling is often the cost of the flight. Many people look around for Cheap Tickets but are unaware of hidden charges and associated fees that could bump the price of the seemingly great value flight up by a considerable amount. However, by being vigilant and asking the right questions, you can make sure that your cheap flight will not end up costing you as much if not more than the regular price.

Since the Internet revolution kicked in over a decade ago, searching for and booking a cheap flight online has become one of the most popular ways of making travel arrangements. There are certainly many benefits to this. You can browse details, compare prices and book a great cheap flight in no time at all and without even having to set foot outside your front door. Secure booking systems mean that you can have peace of mind when paying for your transaction online as well. However, as this means that you are doing the leg work yourself, it is up to you to ensure that you are not going to be landed with an assortment of unexpected costs.

You should always check that the price of Low Air Fares you are given includes taxes, VAT and any supplementary fees that may apply. If you are in any doubt about whether or not these charges have already been added to the cheap flight price, contact the online company via e-mail or phone and double check. Make sure that you keep a copy of the e-mail response or take a name if you speak to a staff member by phone in case you do receive any additional charges at a later date.

Most online travel companies are quite clear about the charges that have already been added and ones that are still due to be added. You should therefore have no problem estimating the total cost of your flight. You can get a cheap flight to almost any country in the world these days, and you will find a variety of sites offering some excellent deals and special packages.

anastasiak :: Apr.19.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

While snorkeling in the tropics you’ll marvel at the clear blue shimmering waters, colorful marine life and silvery schools of fish, maybe even a dolphin or two—all under a sparkling sun. No wonder the tropics are favored for Tropical Snorkeling.

The beaches are shallow, less than a hundred fathoms (1 fathom = 6 feet or 1.8 meters) making them continental shelves. Sunrays easily find their way to the seabed where they feed on the plentiful plankton.

The Hawaiian islands, the Caribbean islands, the beaches of Florida, Brazil and Argentina—all famous snorkeling destinations—are considered the tropics, with waters warm enough to make snorkeling irresistible. And the view can’t be beat—above or below the water—just can’t be beat.

A whole world of colorful fish turns tropical waters into one exotic aquarium with plenty of angelfish, yellow fin, the strawberry trooper and the parrotfish among others. Tropical seabeds are covered with breathtaking varieties of coral and coelenterates like sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and jellyfish. Snorkelers can also feast their eyes on friendly turtles, which seem to guide snorkelers to new destinations underwater. There are also seemingly endless varieties of ray fishes moving gracefully and effortlessly. And dolphins are a prize view in certain snorkeling destinations. It’s no surprise that snorkeling in the tropics is a traveler’s favorite pastime. The clear water, brilliant colors and white sandy beaches make the tropics a snorkeler’s paradise.

anastasiak :: Apr.17.2008 :: Travel Guide :: No Comments »

All Wheel Drive Salon (AWD Salon) is the only specialized automobile exhibition in Russia, where each interested person has an opportunity to see the whole model range of 4WD vehicles, to receive advice of an expert, to learn about new models, as well as to test cars during Test Drive in real off-road conditions, and to decide between this or that model.

Trade Show dates: April 24 - 27, 2008

Visitors: Specialists of the auto service centers, maintenance shops, filling stations, automobile operating companies, major Russian and foreign manufacturers, leading wholesalers and trading centers from the Russian regions and CIS countries, and also dealerships and distribution chains.

Organizer:

International Fairs Agency
Sredny Tishinsky Per. 28/1, Office 628, Chayka Plaza Business Center,
Moscow, Russia.
Tel: +(7)-(95)-4115202
Fax: +(7)-(95)-4115203

For VISA support, air tickets and hotel reservation, please, visit RussiaGateway.Com

admin :: Apr.08.2008 :: Recent News, Upcoming Events :: No Comments »

The Russian alphabet, also called Cyrillic, consists of thirty-three letters representing thirty-one sounds and two signs that have no phonetic value of their own. It is attributes to the Greek monks Cyril and Methodius, who came as missionaries to Christianize the Slavic countries and left their mark on the language as well. Modified forms of this alphabet are still in use today in countries other than Russia, including Bulgaria and some of new nations of the former Yugoslavia.

Approximately one-third of the Cyrillic alphabet consists of letters that are identical to the Roman alphabet, with a phonetic value that is either almost equal or similar. Another third of the letters, are recognizable to Westerners because of their Greek origin:  п is the Greek pi, p is the Greek rho, and so forth. The final third consists of letters that were created to represent sounds in the Slavic languages that had no counterpart in the original Greek of the missionary monks. Some of these letters have Hebrew origin, such as the letter ш [sh].

Although there are visual and phonetic similarities, almost no Russian letter is pronounced in quite the same way as its in English counterpart. Russian vowels are purer and more clear than English vowels, and, except for combinations with the consonant-glide Й, do not form diphthongs. Many Russian consonants form “hard” and “soft” pairs, which are not easy to represent in English. Consonants that are plosive in English (p, b, t, d) are not plosive in Russia, which makes their pronunciation for English speakers difficult. At last, the famous Russian fricatives Ш [sh], Ж [zh], Ч [ch], Щ [sh’], Ц [ts] pose challenges all their own.

admin :: Apr.08.2008 :: Learn Russian :: No Comments »

February 9, 1923 is considered the official birth date of Russia’s civil aviation when the Labor and Defense Council issued a resolution “on empowering the Central Air Fleet Administration to handle technical supervision over airlines and on founding the Civil Aviation Council.”

In the 1920s, after the end of World War I, European countries increasingly used aviation for peaceful purposes; transporting passengers, mail and cargo. Russia kept pace with its neighbors with flights abroad generally operated using re-equipped warplanes.

On May 1, 1922, flights on the first international route, Moscow-Koenigsberg (Germany at that time), were launched and later extended to include Berlin.

July 15, 1923, marked the introduction of the first regular domestic route between Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod.

On February 25, 1932, the Central Administration of Civil Air Fleet was founded and an official abbreviation of the country’s civil aviation was adopted - “Aeroflot”.

In 1956 Aeroflot launched the world’s first jet, the TU-104 for operation on Russia’s domestic and international routes.

In August 1959, Sheremetyevo airport was opened with the primary task of accommodating interational flights.

In the late 1950s the world’s largest aircraft TU-114, equipped with more efficient turbo-prop engines, underwent rigorous testing and was launched into operation by Aeroflot.

In January 1971, the Aeroflot Central Administration of International Air Traffic was established within the framework of the International Airline Transportation Administration, and became the industry’s sole enterprise authorized to operate international flights. Abroad the airline was known as “Aeroflot - Soviet Airlines.”

In 1980, Aeroflot was named general carrier of participants of the XXII Olympic Games held in Moscow. A new international airport Sheremetyevo 2, capable of simultaneously handling 31 aircraft of any type, was constructed in order to welcome athletes and guests to the capital from all over the world. The official opening ceremony was held on May 6.

In 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, former Soviet republics and regions in Russia began founding their own airline companies. Our company was the successor to the name Aeroflot and trademark of the former Soviet air carrier. In June of the same year the “Aeroflot - Soviet Airlines” Commercial Production Alliance was created, which was transformed into the open stock company “Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines” on July 28, 1992. At the same time, the airline began operating foreign aircraft. The first foreign aircraft to appear at Aeroflot were the leased A310-300 manufactured by Airbus Industry. Two years later, the company acquired Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which adhere to the highest ecological and noise standards.

In 1994, the airline acquired Russian-made third generation Il-96-300 aircraft for international flights, which fully adhere to the noise standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. In late 1995, the airline leased the DC-10-30F long-haul freight carrier.

* source: Aeroflot officeal website.

admin :: Apr.08.2008 :: Travel Guide, World Airlines News :: No Comments »