Travel in Italy: free guide of Verona for families

May 4th, 2009

Verona, or Veronia, was a city of the Euganei, who were obliged to cede it to the Cenomani (550 BC).
Flashbooking is a growing cheap hostel in Verona and hotels directory specializing in budget accommodation for independent travellers, students, backpackers, families and all the ones that travel on a pocket.
With the conquest of the Valley of the Po the Veronese territory became Roman (about 300 BC). Verona became a Roman colonia in 89 BC, and then a municipium in 49 BC; Verona had the franchise in 59.
Flashbooking is becoming a recognized source of information and services for who loves creating a trip by him/herself and book bed nights securely online.
Verona is a city and provincial capital in Veneto, Northern Italy.
Those who love travelling light, those with a sense for adventure, those who love flexibility in their trips, those who like meeting locals and travelling slow and low... those are Flashbooking happy travellers!
The ancient town and the center of the modern city are in a loop of the Adige River near Lake Garda.
Flashbooking provides a large selection of cheap or low cost reservation offers in Verona where there are plenty of low cost solutions for backpackers in budget youth hostels, bed and breakfast Verona, family run guesthouses, cheap hotel deals.
Because of this position, the areas saw regular floodings until 1956, when the Mori-Torbole tunnel was constructed, providing 500 cubic meters of discharge from the Adige river to the Lake Garda in case of flood danger.
In general, Flashbooking guides have been written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world and in particular for any traveller or first-time visitor.
The tunnel reduced the risk of floodings from once every seventy years to once every two centuries.
For a short visit, a week-end, a city break, these free pocket guides are useful printable and downloadable tools available online.
Flashbooking cheap lodging solutions are all available for online bookings and divided by Countries. Travellers have free access to the updated list of Europe hostels and budget hotels, North and South America hostels, Caribbean and Central America hostels as well as for Asia cheap accommodations, Oceania youth hostels and Africa hostels.
Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.
Having the reservation final price is also convenient as it does give the transparency our users pretend while booking. Having the final total amount of your booking means you do not have to worry about other extra surprises!
So mates, we are looking forward to finding you THE budget accommodation in Verona, that meets your needs and pocket for your next trip!

Travel To South America: How To Start

May 4th, 2009

You set your mind and you're ready to travel to South America, a magical place of immense beauty where myth and legend continue to walk hand in hand. I've traveled 18 months in South America and can give you some tips on how to prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure.

Common Sense

We all hear the unpleasant stories and South America has a fame of being dangerous. I traveled thousands of miles traversing cities, jungles, islands and mountains. I survived 6 weeks in a street child care center in the favelas of Salvador da Bahнa (Brazil) and had the party of a lifetime during carnival. Nothing, I repeat, nothing happened. Use your common sense. Avoid badly lit streets at night and if your sixth sense is giving you the "something is wrong" sign then take a taxi to your destination.

Travel Guide Book

The first thing that you will need is a travel guide book. It will be your best companion in your search for adventure. I can highly recommend Lonely Planetґs South America on a Shoestring
to get you started. The book covers all you need to know to get the most out of your trip and is ideal to plan your journey ahead. I've used the guide extensively during my 18 month adventure. They offer excellent separate travel guides of all the countries (besides using the Lonely Planet Shoestring I've used their separate travel guides of Peru and Brazil). Their guides are the most popular among backpackers.

Other popular guides are The Rough Guide to South America and the South American Handbook. Ideal, but not practical because you want to travel light, would be to enjoy the adventure with a Lonely Planet and either the Rough Guide or the Handbook.

Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese

The most rewarding thing for me was the fact that you can travel in a huge continent like South America with only 2 languages. Spanish and Portuguese. If you plan to travel just for a few weeks you can invest in a Spanish and/or Brazilian Portuguese Phrase Book. English is not widely spoken and even a basic knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese makes the trip so much more rewarding (they're extremely willing to help you, so don't worry, be happy).

If on the other hand you're planning to travel for a few months I can highly recommend taking a language course. Ideal would be in a school in South America (I took lessons in Quito, Ecuador, and had a private teacher for 2.50/h).

Walking Shoes

South America's nature is overwhelming. You'll walk for many hours day after day. It would be a shame to walk in the footsteps of the Incas with blisters on your feet. My biggest recommendation is to invest in high quality walking shoes with Gore-Tex.

Health Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (if you plan to go to the Amazon Basin), Typhoid (consists of two injections taken 4 weeks apart), Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Cholera (only when necessary), Smallpox

Medical Kit:

Depending on what you plan to do you can include the following:
Antiseptic cream, aspirin, lomotil for diarrhea, antibiotics, throat lozenges, ear and eye drops, antacid tablets, motion sickness medication, alcohol swabs, water purifier, lip salve, foot and groin powder, thermometer (in a case), surgical tape, assorted sticky plasters, gauze, bandages, butterfly closures, scissors and last but not least, first-aid booklet

Note: malaria pills are required in the amazon basin, please be aware that those pills are very b and you should check with your doctor before departure

Traveling Gear

Backpack:

Obviously a high quality backpack is a must. Choose the type that has different compartments that can be opened separately. Very handy if you need something quickly. Travel as light as possible. A heavy backpack is destined to undermine your traveling pleasure.

Clothing:

Depends on where you go. If it's the mountains and the jungle, get some quality clothing from home. If it's the beach, buy your t-shirts there (cheap).

Camping and Climbing Gear:

You can rent camping and climbing material in South America but the quality may be questionable. Always check the material. Bring your own gear if possible. I traveled 18 months with my own tent and various camping utensils.

Photography

Pictures are something personal. Some people just want some snap shots, others want to publish in the National Geographic. All my pictures were taken with a cheap Nikon F50 camera. Have a look at some amazing photographs at www.travel-amazing-southamerica.com.

I had two zoom lenses, a 35-80 mm. and a 70-210mm. I also dragged a tripod and an excellent flash with me. I used FUJI slides (100 ASA) but you definitely need 200 to 400 ASA if you plan to go to the jungle. A polarize filter enhances the colours tremendously on sunny days.

Conclusion

South America will embrace you with open arms. It's nature, people and history are overwhelming. With the right preparation and set of mind you're ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Travel To Prague: Get Bohemian

May 4th, 2009

Prague is a the shining jewel of Central Europe, so well preserved it is seemingly frozen in time, and for part of the year that is literally true. Prague is the only major European city that managed to avoid bombardment during the World Wars, which provides for an enchanting and almost eerie 14th century feel when standing in the middle of Old Town Square. Travel to Prague to experience a society visibly layered with histories of occupations, transitions of avant-garde artistic and musical movements and, underneath it all, a firm commitment to everything Czech.

See the City of 100 Spires
Catch a glimpse of why Prague earned this title by climbing to one of the many bird's eye views of the city's gothic skyline. From Old Town Square, cross the famous, and miraculously still standing, 600-year old Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) and walk uphill past a number of interesting antique shops until you reach the beautiful 1,100-year old Prague Castle, the highest point in the city fortified by medieval walls and gargoyles. The enormous castle grounds have been the seat of the Czech government since the 9th century and include a number of museums and a beautiful cathedral. North from the city center is a giant set of stairs that scale an overgrown hillside. The very top is crowned with a gigantic swinging metronome in the former site of where a massive statue of Stalin once looked out over the people of Prague below. Joggers, skaters, picnickers and bikers enjoy the vast acres of Letnб Park beyond. Petrнn Hill to the southeast is a network of hiking trails and breathtaking lookout points of the magical city, particularly if captured at night. Crowning the hill, Petrнn Tower is a replica of the Eiffel Tower constructed for the Prague exposition of 1891.

An Expression of Repression
The intense character and deep roots of Prague have been an inspiration to many culturally revolutionary figures and socially radical movements. Existentialism came to vibrant life in this Czech town, along with two of its most famous authors. Franz Kafka underwent his famous Metamorphosis is this city he called home and a fascinating statue has been recently erected in his honor near the Spanish Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. A stroll through Wenceslas Square is haunting of Milan Kundera's writings, particularly during one of the many exciting festivals held here that were formerly banned under Soviet rule. The square is even turned into an enormous oval track for a cycling race in the summer! Since 1989, music has once again flourished through the veins of the Czech Republic. Prague's National Theater is home to the prestigious philharmonic and opera, with regularly scheduled performances throughout the year.

From the seat of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire to a Cold War lockdown and a modern day survival story, the Slavic inhabitants of this Vltava River Basin have been persevering their artful and traditional way of life since they arrived here in the 5th century. For a city that was under strict Soviet control for a solid 40 years, the timeless Gothic and Romanesque faзades mixed with a string of cubist and modernist architecture seem to speak for the unbending will of the Czech people. Only a journey to Prague will reveal the steady beating heart of this effervescent city.

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.

Travel To Kenya - An African Adventure

May 4th, 2009

Kenya is a part of the vast continent of Africa and yet it can provide you with an experience that is out of Africa. A Kenyan Safari is something that everyone visiting Africa should go for. The beaches of Kenya are untouched and unexplored. There is a vast coastline, which is protected by Coral reefs and hence is devoid of any pollution or sharks. You might be the only people on this beach except for the locals. Hence, it will give you the experience of a remote island. These beaches are surrounded by a vast expanse of wildlife.

Kenya - Unplugged
The famous safaris of Tsavo, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru are situated in Kenya. Kenya is called the Cradle of Humanity and has unsullied beaches and thriving wildlife. The migration of wild beasts in the Masai Mara has been recorded a million times but you have to see it to believe. You should be sensible when visiting Swahili cities as they can be dangerous.

Tsavo is another place, which has featured in the movies. Famous for its ingenious man-eaters of Tsavo, made famous by the movie starring Val Kilmer, the place is another good tourist attraction. You will keep hearing the word 'Karibu', which means welcome in the local dialect. There are various flights connecting Kenya to the rest of the world. Most of them fly straight to Mozambique.

Lake Magadi is the most southerly of the rift valley lakes in Kenya. The place is very remote and hence is scarcely visited by tourists. However, it is an excellent place to visit as the thick encrustation of soda gives it a lunar appearance. This is the most mineral rich of all the soda lakes.

History enthusiasts can head to the Gede ruins hidden in the forests. These ruins consist of a vast colony of houses and mosques, which are engulfed in mystery. There are no records of this place's existence in the textbooks of history making them even more mysterious. Excavations, which were carried on in this place, have led to the discovery of startling facts about the history and trade of the place.

Travel To Italy And Experience Europe

May 4th, 2009

If you want to experience Europe, you need to travel to Italy. No other country on earth offers the depth, breadth, and scope of Italy. For lovers of art, history, architecture, or music Italy is unsurpassable. From the Ancient Roman Empire to the Medieval Tuscan fortress towns and the Venetian Republic, Italy's incredible historical diversity has come together to produce a country so incredible, so remarkable, so beautiful as to leave the visitor with an unquenchable desire to return again and again. The legacy of the Renaissance and its masterpieces of art, music, and architecture have left such a tangible mark on the Italian soul one can barely help being swept along in the tide of culture. If you're a lover of nature, there are majestic mountains, crystal seas, rolling hills, fertile plains, sweeping cliffs, and magical lagoons, you need to travel to Italy.

Travel to Italy - The Cities to See
Milan is rivaled only by Paris as the fashion capital of the world and is shopping at its best. Rome has been the heart of Italy from the time of the Romans through today; to walk its streets is to walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Popes. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and its presence reverberates through the old cobbled streets and beautiful churches. Venice - the most unique and romantic city in the world, stands timeless and beautiful in the midst of the Adriatic, a magnificent creation highlighting man at his most artistic. Finally the majestic and striking natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a place to relax, soak in the tremendous natural beauty, dine on the world's favorite cuisine at its finest, and experience that special joy of being that is uniquely Italian. No matter what you're seeking, it awaits you when you travel Italy and visit its cities.

The Weather
When you travel to Italy, it's important to know that despite its geographical position at the center of the temperate zone, Italy has rather variable climatic characteristics. This is due to the presence of the Mediterranean, whose warm waters mitigate thermal extremes, and the Alpine arc, which forms a barrier against the cold north winds. Furthermore, when you travel Italy, remember that Italy is subject to both wet and moderate atmospheric currents from the Atlantic Ocean and dry and cold ones from Eastern Europe.

The Apennine chain too, confronting the wet winds from the Tyrrhenian, causes considerable climatic differences between the opposite sides of the peninsula. The differences in temperature between the winter and summer months are more marked in the northern regions than in the south and along the coasts. The mean temperatures for the month of January in the Po Plain fluctuate around zero, while in the Alpine valleys the thermometer can drop to -20euros and snow can remain on the ground for many weeks.

In the southern regions, instead, the mean temperatures for January remain around 10euros, with the exception of the inland mountainous zones. Mean summer temperatures throughout all Italy rise to 24euros-25euros for July, only being lower in the highest zones. Rainfall distribution also varies considerably, due to the influence of both mountains and prevailing winds. The highest quantities are registered in the Alpine arc (over 3,000 mm pa in the Lepontine and Julian Alps) and on the Apennines (over 3,000 mm pa in the Apuan Alps). The plains, however, including that of the Po, receive scarce precipitation. Generally it is less than 800-900 mm pa but in the southern regions (Tavoliere and southern Sicily) it falls below 600 mm pa. The great internal Alpine valleys and the coastal plains of the Tyrrhenian (Maremma) and Sardinia also receive little rain. Altogether, six large climatic regions can be distinguished, mainly characterized by mountain influence.

So as you can see, when you travel to Italy, there is much to experience. The culture, history, and beauty of Italy make Italy a top European travel destination.

Travel To India: Explore An Entire Subcontinent

May 4th, 2009

Grandly protruding into the Indian Ocean, India is more of a continent than a country. This subcontinent covers every topographical wonder, from white sandy island beaches and tropical forests to high deserts and soaring mountain ranges. Discover 5,000 years of human history, beginning with one of the oldest civilizations of the Indus River Valley who merged with Aryan invaders around 1500 B.C.E. to create the classic Indian culture that still thrives today. With 26 World Heritage Sites sprinkled about the country, it is easy to be immersed in the intricacies of local culture in nearly each of the 28 states and 7 territories.

Thriving Cities and Clashing Cultures: The Beauty of the North

The northern region of India is an assorted mix of cultures, traditions, languages and arts. The vulnerability of this area to outside invaders throughout history has been both a blessing and a curse, bringing with the turmoil unique external influences and inspirations. The capital city of New Delhi, with its mix of four major religions, 7 reigns of power and 2500 years of history, is a prime example of coexisting realities. Wind your way through Old Delhi and be surrounded by remnants of the Mughal Empire, including the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, and Humayun's Tomb, a 16th century landmark of breathtaking Mughal architecture that would later be echoed in the Taj Mahal. New Delhi is almost a different world with its imperial architecture and broad stately boulevards. Colonial influence is abundant since the British declared Delhi the capital during their rule. The Taj Mahal is also in the north, about 200 kilometers from Delhi. This is the most iconic demonstration of Mughal construction and should not be missed.

A Light into the Heartland: Travel India's South

Travel to the more culturally homogenous south of India and witness thousands of years of the caste system still in practice despite the more modern structure of India's government. With its alluring tales of trade and independence, Goa is one of the most popular destinations along the Indian coastline. Among Goa's ancient ruins stands the Vittala Temple, a monumental tribute to the capital city of the primeval Vijayangara Empire. Most notable are the temple's musical pillars that represent different musical instruments. Goa's intricate architecture and independent culture are also products of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule. In the south, the traveler will also encounter a plethora of biodiversity and protected wilderness areas. The Western Ghats Range is classified as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots where Silent Valley National Park protects India's last tract of virgin tropical evergreen forest.

When to Travel to India

Despite the gargantuan size of this subcontinent, there are distinct seasons during which travel anywhere in the country can be extraordinarily uncomfortable and stressful. From April to October, temperatures soar above 90F (45C) and humidity escalates to unbearable levels. October also marks the end of the monsoon season during which the southern and coastal regions are plagued with torrential downpour. The rest of the year is very pleasant and mild with consistently warm weather in the south and rather chilly evenings in the north between December and February.

Travel To Florence: An Ever-Blooming Retreat

May 4th, 2009

In the first century BCE, the Romans appropriately renamed this former Etruscan town Florentia, or destined to flower. With this blessing, Florence (Firenze) remained faithful to its namesake to become the unrivaled authority of Renaissance art, literature and culture. The romantic narrow passages of the city's core hold timeless treasures that gracefully dissolve the rest of the world's troubled existence. Travel to Florence for a truly authentic Renaissance experience.

Soaring high above the city skyline, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore is the quintessential emblem of Florence's architectural prestige. The fourth largest cathedral in the world transcends all boundaries of Renaissance aesthetics and principles. Finally completed by Brunelleschi in 1436, the munificent red-tile dome with intricate interior frescoes rivals the glory of Michelangelo's St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. Laden with white, green and red marble, Giotto's Bell Tower crowns the enormous faзade. Opposite the Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery de San Giovanni, built in 1128, is one of Florence's oldest monuments of Romanesque architecture and a sight not to be missed.

Spanning the narrowest segment of the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio miraculously still stands as one of the world's most coveted bridge crossings. Two previous bridges claimed this sight until they were wiped out by floods in 1177 and 1333. The "modern" rendition was completed in 1345 and has stood the test of time, though nearly swept away by another major flood in 1966. Nearby, the Galleria degli Uffizi houses the most extensive art collection in Florence and dates back to the De Medici rule during the 1500s. Rembrandt, Botticelli, Goya and Raffaello are among the masters of the gallery's exquisite permanent collection. And of course, a visit to Florence is not complete without a view of Michelangelo's David located in the world's (alleged) first official academy of art and architecture, Galleria dell'Accademia.

A Gateway to Tuscan Travel

Florence is the provincial capital of Tuscany, and from 1865 to 1870 served as the capital of the new Kingdom of Italy. Consequently, exploring Florence is an excellent beginning to a broader Tuscan adventure and a great way to become acquainted with the history and lifestyle of the culturally rich region. Tuscany's countryside is unparalleled anywhere else in Italy, offering delectable produce, fresh meats and outstanding wines for your personal indulgence. From Florence, a short drive will lead to the historic towns of Pisa and Lucca. To really pamper yourself like only the Italians know how, escape to the lush mountains of Bagni di Lucca where a handful of full-service natural hot spring spas are tucked away.

Travel to Florence and Tuscany will draw you back in time, suspended in a moment of history when art, architecture and living a quality life were the most heated topics of discussion. Florence is the ultimate guide on how to truly live richly.

Travel To China And See What All The Fuss Is About

May 4th, 2009

China is one of the most glorious countries to visit and this year you can see it all. China is a magical country full of old and historical sights and many wonders. There is no other country that has sights as fantastic as the Great Wall of China and all of the old places where the monks used to live thousands of years ago. Add to all of this beauty the supreme glory that is the scenery and you have a place that dreams are made of.

China is the type of place that you think only exists in real until you see it for yourself. When you step out onto one of the many mountain peaks and look down on the mist and the world below you will find that your breath is completely taken away. It is stunning and if you do not take cameras and camcorders and tons of extra batteries you are going to be sorry for it. You need to capture these sights on camera so that you can always remember and share those memories with those who were not lucky enough to come with you on this magnificent trip.

Here are some of the top places for you to visit when you go to China:

Hong Kong
This is of course a must see place. Everyone has herd of this great place but so many do not get the wonderful opportunity to see it for themselves. When you go to China you need to see Hong Kong for yourself. There you will get to spend some quality time soaking up the atmosphere. You can see the day life and the nightlife there, it is so different than it is in western countries. You will also find that Hong Kong has the best shopping world wide. No other city on earth can offer this kind of shopping and everyone will be able to find something that they can love and enjoy for years to come.

Guangzhou
This is a place that so many people have not thought to even travel to and oh how these people have missed out. This is one of the top destinations, or at least it should be. When you visit Guangzhou you need to start in one area and move from there. Checking out Guangzhou place by place is the most efficient way to do it. Make sure to not leave until you see Colonial Canton for yourself.

Dongguan
Dongguan is full of all the top museums that China has to offer. If you love to see museums and all that the history of this great country then this is the place to go to do it. In just a couple of days you can learn so much and experience even more.

China is a fabulous place to visit no matter how young or how old you happen to be. Both adults and children will be able to enjoy all of the wonders of China.

Travel To Budapest: A Marriage Made In Danube

May 4th, 2009

What makes this Hungarian capital an endlessly diverse adventure is the fact that in 1873, two towns (yes, Buda and Pest) on opposite sides of the Danube River united to become known as the Queen of the Danube and one of the largest cities in the European Union today. Brace yourself for the most unique experience in Eastern (or all) Europe as Hungary is an outpost of cultural and linguistic distinction that stands abruptly apart from its Slavic and Germanic neighbors. The Magyar stronghold of Budapest, established around 900 AD by the formidable clan from Central Asia, became the center of the Kingdom of Hungary capable of withstanding the carelessly blundering Ottomans, Habsburgs and Nazis. Discover the grandeur of one of the oldest and most established cities in Eastern Europe!

Take a Bath with the Queen
A great place to start your Hungarian journey is on the Western Bank of the river in Уbuda, the very oldest part of Budapest. Two thousand years of human life surround the excavated Roman city of Aquincum where Europe's largest open-air amphitheater remains. Main Square is beyond charming with taverns and quaint single story houses and shops. From Уbuda to neighboring Buda, the hilly landscape is sprinkled with ancient Roman and Turkish Baths, fed by some of the 100 thermal springs that run through the area. The Art-Nouveau Gellйrt Baths in Buda are the most famous to relax in, although the Rudas and Rac baths, build by the Turks 400 years ago, are more interesting and less crowded. All three are located on top of scenic Gellйrt Hill inside the Citadel, an old military fortification from the 1800s. The pinnacle of Buda is the eponymous Castle Hill where the 14th century Baroque Royal Palace presides imperially over the city.

Grandeur in the City
Cross the historic Szйchenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest of nine, and enter Pest, the more compact and metropolitan eastern side of the Danube. A walk along the regal Andrбssy Boulevard past stunning mansions will lead to the Hungarian State Opera House, a true gem of acoustic and neo-Renaissance architectural prowess in all of Europe. While in the center of town, visit the noteworthy Inner City Parish Church, which happens to be the first church built in the city. On a grander scale, the enchanting Jewish quarter is home to the largest synagogue in Europe, the Dohбny Street Synagogue, complete with an extensive Judaic art collection and Holocaust Memorial. Another monumental must-see is Budapest's neo-Gothic Parliament building, Europe's largest and arguably most beautiful. Take a peek at King Stephen's legendary crown jewels that have been stolen and moved in and out of the country a near comical number of times.

Budapest is truly a traveler's city. The enormous size offers experiences on every level, from simply local, musical or explorative to historic, artistic or commercial. Budapest is particularly noteworthy for its exceptional array of museums and galleries that litter the city, particularly the Hungary National Museum on Castle Hill, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Antique Picture Gallery, with the most extensive Spanish collection outside of Spain.

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.

Travel To Athens: A Gift From The Gods

May 4th, 2009

Travelers who expect to be greeted by lone standing relics of ancient Greece will be awestruck by the sprawling urban metropolis of today's Athens. The capital city is an explorer's paradise as historic gems are embedded within the modern day melee and cultural nuances of a turbulent past are written between the lines of concrete and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. Everywhere in Athens is a testament to why this mythic peninsula is considered the cradle of Western civilization and modern democracy.

Of particular interest, Athens received a much needed facelift in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Notorious for its nefos (smog) resulting from rapid growth and congestion following World War II and the Cold War, Athens realized the need to clean up its act when it became clear that historic monuments were eroding at an alarming rate due to acid rain from air pollution. Due to this Olympic makeover, it is extremely easy to navigate around the well marked streets in English and Greek and transportation has never been more streamlined.

Mythological Mythos
Ancient Greece reached its societal peak in the 1st century BC when magnificent monuments like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike were constructed on the fortified Acropolis and Socrates and Plato developed their Western thinking schools of thought. While most of the major attractions from the time period are in the center of the city, travel in the outskirts of Athens will bring encounters with many significant locations from this time period. Marathon, of the famous battle (and today's 26.22 mile race), is just northeast of Athens and the ancient Mycenaean excavation site at Velatouri is to the south, boasting the unearthed Thorikos theatre. While the Grecian period is omnipresent, Greece has fascinating Turkish and Persian cultural influences as a result of many wars and takeovers until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century.

Club Hopping or Island Hopping?
In the spring and summer evenings, enjoy the cafйs and restaurants as they begin to spill into the streets and squares. Greece, and particularly Athens, is notorious for its boisterous and tireless nightlife. The Port of Piraeus comes to life as many vacationers head out for their island excursions from this historic cove. Athens is the perfect place to become immersed in Greek culture and life before taking a ferry ride to one of the surrounding tranquil, historic or party islands - the choice is yours. The port itself is also of particular historic interest. One of the oldest in the world, the port was heavily used during the Peloponnesian Wars in the 4th century BC and remnants of the long Themistoclean Walls, which fortified the port and Athens together during this time period, still survive today.

A trip to Athens is not only a journey of history, but one of modernity and progress. After Greece's golden age, Athens' grandeur was squandered to nearly nothing by invaders and the sweeping tides of history. Today, the free and booming capital city is again a testament to its historic commitment to forward thinking civilization. Experience the rebirth of the foundations of the western world in Athens!

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.