Monday, June 28, 2010

Cyprus Offers Much More Than Just Resorts

Cyprus is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, with a total population of 800,000. Throughout the history, every empire wanted to rule this well-placed island. It was always an important commercial centre between Europe, Africa and Eurasia. Larnaca International Airport is an international airport located 4 km south-west of Larnaca. This is the main international airfield of Cyprus. Ususally vistiors to Cyprus pre book car hire at Larnaca airport before arrival online.
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The majority of the population is Greek, but there is a considerable Turkish minority. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia. In the 1960s, the capital was divided between the island's Greek and Turkish communities in the south and north. An attempted coup to unite the island with Greece in 1974 led to a Turkish invasion, leaving the capital divided since then, with Turkish Cypriots claiming the north as the capital of their own state, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognised only by Turkey.

Nicosia is situated in the middle of the island. The old city is worth seeing, the Venetian wall from the 16th century, the Leventis Museum, which presents the history of the city, and the Cultural Museum. Consider visiting the Byzantian Museum in the Episcopal Palace, and the wonderful Famagusta Gate. In the northern part of the city you can find the Ataturk square, the Levo Girne Gate and the Turkish Museum. One of the most popular landmarks is the Buyuk Hamam, which is a 12th century Turkish bath.

The earliest known human activity on the island dates back to around the 10th millennium BC. Archaeological artefacts from this period include the Neolithic village of Choirokoitia, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the Tombs of the Kings. Cyprus is home to some of the oldest water wells in the world, and is the site of the earliest known example of feline domestication. I'd consider a car hire service to explore these ancient sites.

In Cyprus, the Carnival is celebrated for 10 days just before the beginning of Lent. The Carnival had been celebrated on the island by dressing up, holding masked balls and visiting friend's houses in fancy costumes. The festival is celebrated in the city of Limassol, which holds the largest annual carnival on the island. The carnival season changes according to the Greek Orthodox calendar on the island.

Limassol is the second largest town in Cyprus, it has an old city and an old harbour. The town is especially romantic at night, with plenty of bars open. The great wine festival is held annually here, which is one of the most popular event for the visitors. For those who love independance and freedom on vacation it is most convenient way to discover all the beauties of the city a car hire in Limassol. The most beloved holiday resort is Kyrenia, which is located at the northern part of the Republic. The greatest attraction of the town is the Mediterranean beach, the intimate streets, the lovely cafes, restaurants, bars. A Roman castle, a Byzantine chapel and a shipwreck museum is located in the town.
However, most of the tourist come to enjoy the sunlight, the breathtaking beach, the blue sea, the overwhelming Mediterranean feeling, the healthy Mediterranean food. Visitors can choose between skiing one the slopes of the Troodos mountain, playing golf by the sea, fitness and wellness activities. With car hire on Cyprus moving around becomes easy and comfortable.



Thursday, June 10, 2010

Explore Croatia By Car

Croatia is a Southern European country, with a population of 5 million. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, it has a population of 800,000. The historical part of the city to the north of Ban Jelacic Square is composed of the Gornji Grad and Kaptol, a medieval urban complex of churches, palaces, museums, galleries and government buildings that are popular with tourists on sightseeing tours. The historic district can be explored on foot, starting from the breathtaking Jelacic Square, the centre of Zagreb, or by a funicular on nearby Tomiceva Street. Zagreb is also the host of Zagrebfest, the oldest Croatian pop-music festival, as well as several traditional international sports events and tournaments. The Day of the City of Zagreb is celebrated every year with special festivities, especially on the Jarun lake near the south-western part of the city. Zagreb Airport, called Pleso Airport is the main Croatian international airport, a 20 km drive south-east of Zagreb in the suburb of Pleso. Jump into a car hire at Zagreb Airport and explore some of these museums: Archaeological Museum, Croatian Natural History Museum, Museum of Technology, Museum of the City of Zagreb, Arts and Crafts Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Mimara Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art. Popular foods are dalmatian ham, goulash, turkey, sea food, stews, pasta. Goulash originates from Hungary.

Croatia is a country of coffee drinkers (on average a whopping 5kg per person annually), not only because it was formerly part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, but also because it bordered the former Ottoman Empire. Traditional coffee houses can be found in the whole country. Drinking a cup of coffee refreshes you before car driving.Croatia has two main wine regions: Kontinetalna and Primorska, which includes the islands. Each of the main regions is divided into sub-regions which are divided into smaller vinogorje (literally wine hills) and districts. Altogether, there are more than 300 wine-producing areas in Croatia. Car hire in Croatia can be a good idea to explore these regions. Consider travelling to some of these UNESCO World Herigate sites by car: Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the historic centre of Porec, the cathedral of St. James in Sibenik, Historic city of Trogir, Palace of Diocletian in Split, constructed by Roman Emperor Diocletian, Old city of Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes. The eye-popping Palace of Diocletian was put up in the 3th century. The city of Split actually grew from this palace. Buildings from different ages fit together closely. The emperor’s residence with rooms and a great hall is above a cellar. The mausoleum of the emperor was converted into a city cathedral. Many other parts of the complex was later used by Christians for ritual celebrations. Diocletian was one of the last emperors who retained power before the collapse of the Empire.

For those visitors that are tennis lovers Umag city shouldn’t be missed. Every July Umag is hosting ATP Men’s Tournament and tennis spirit can be sensed on every step of this adorable town. Nadal, Djokovic, Gonzales, Ljubicic and many others who became top tennis stars played on Umag court. For gourmet lovers a short 20 minutes drive from Umag takes you to village Groznjan, that is known for small art galleries, selling paintings and murano glass. On the way you pass many smaller villages where you can buy extra virgin olive oil from locals. For sea food lovers one can arrange with local fishermen to bring you fresh sea food directly from their fising session. Movie lovers should stop in Pula, that is known for the biggest open air film festival.The possibility to bump to hollywood celebrity is huge as every year come special guests directly from Hollywood - like John Malkowich, Jeremy Irons, Goran Bregovic… Car hire in Pula is good starting point to drive across an old adriatic road – all the way to Dalmatia – which offers scenic views to blue adriatic sea. Croatian coast is huge and long and offers all qualities of good vacation: sea, sun, party, nature, food and good people.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Driving In South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is a country of 50 million, the capital is Pretoria. 80% of the population is Black, the most important tribes are the Bantu and Zulu. Pretoria is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as administrative and national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital. The main airports are or Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, Durban International Airport. You can choose from car hire offers in the Johannesburg airport. Famous South Africans are known worldwide, including politician Nelson Mandela and environmentalist Dr. Austin Stevens.
Cape Town is a popular destination for tourists from October to March. Tourism is an important economic opportunity for the city and surrounding suburbs. The most popular attractions include Table Mountain, as well as the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the Victorian part of the port, with its boutiques, restaurants, museums, the Nobel Square. The Two Oceans Aquarium offers tourists a lot of interesting sights. The city centre offers a variety of museums and historic buildings like the castle (Castle of Good Hope), the oldest surviving building in South Africa. It was constructed in 17th century, following the style of baroque fortresses, however, was never involved in combat operations. Other interesting places are the City Hall, built in 1905, the St. Georges Cathedral, seat of the Anglican Archbishop, the National Gallery and National Museum. Long Street is one of the busiest streets of the city. Here you will find bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The former prison is a tourist magnet, the Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Since 1999, the island has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was used by the apartheid government as a camp for political prisoners. Driving around Cape Town is easy. There are many options for your car hire in South AfricaCar rental at Cape  Town airport is the most convenient way to start the south african adventure.
Whale watching is popular amongst tourists: Southern Right Whales and eye-popping Humpback Whales are watched on the coast during the breeding season (in Autumn and early Winter) and Bryde's Whales and Killer Whale can be seen any time of the year. The nearby town of Hermanus is known for its mind-boggling Whale Festival, but whales can also be seen in False Bay. Heaviside's dolphins can be seen from the coast north of Cape Town; Dusky dolphins live along the same coast and can occasionally be seen from the ferry to Robben Island. Speaking of animals, take a half day trip to Boulders Bay in Simon's Town and enjoy watching penguins.
South Africa has more than 20,000 different plants, what is 10% of all the known species of plants on Earth, making it particularly rich in plant biodiversity. The most widespread living habitat in South Africa is the grassland, particularly on the Highveld. The grass and thorn savannah turns into a bush savannah towards the north-east of the country, with denser growth. There are significant numbers of baobab trees in this area, near Kruger National Park. These is a great number of venomous and other kinds of snakes, which hide in the grass and under stones. They bite people oblivious of the their presence. Transvaal Snake Park presents vipers, boas, pythons.
The most popular areas for visitors to stay include glamorous Camps Bay where you can easily bump into your favourite celebrity, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront, the City Bowl, Hout Bay, Constantia, Rondebosch, Newlands, Somerset West, Hermanus and lovely  Stellenbosch as well.