Monterey Bay Aquarium California, World’s Best Aquariums

Located in California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world within itself with as many as 35000 different colorful ocean creatures. A visit to the Monterey Bay would overwhelm a person with the beauty that exists beneath the blue waters as well as a vast amount of knowledge that is there for the taking through the exhibits and guides.

A usual trip is of 3 hours, but one can plan a quick one hour tour through the aquarium as well. However, given the variety at display, a single tour would never be enough to appreciate the various forms of ocean creatures preserved at this aquarium. One can also take membership of this aquarium for a small fees which would be paid off in as less as two trips to the aquarium with the family. Members get special trips, behind the scene sessions and a beautiful and informative newsletter.

The best part about the aquarium is their planned itinerary which takes the tourists through a range of informative programs, ranging from knowing more about the albatross, to quiz on sea otters, and short and informative films on jellies, tuna, sharks and sea turtles. One could also take a trip through the deep dark waters of Monterey canyon in special submersibles. One could also go through an interactive session where they see experts feeding sharks, penguins and sea otters, and watch the Outer bay feeding of barracuda, tuna and bonito, learning about the conservation efforts ongoing for these underwater creatures.

The aquarium also has other interesting activities planned for tourists. Students can go for a trip of the cannery and the history of fishing. Family activities are planned over nights letting them sleep over next to their favorite exhibits. Students can go for adventurous sails at sunrise and sunset in a sailboat and conduct some research along with the Aquarium naturalists. Students can also go for a trip to interact with the sea creatures on exhibition in the mornings. Underwater exploring is also planned for kids between 8 and 13 who can scuba dive and get a fish eye view of the life under the water. One can also learn a lot about the staff of the Aquarium in a 50 minute behind the scene tour.

The cost of the tickets is around $18 for children and around $30 for adults. In this Aquarium, one could learn a lot about life on a sandy shore, or a rocky shore, in the deep waters or in the Outer bay about the most mysterious to most beautiful of animals. The Aquarium staff also share their knowledge about the habitat of the animals, the conservation efforts to preserve the rare species etc. through well captured videos.

Aquarium Adventures Programs;
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Family Seashore Sleepover
Youth Group Seashore Sleepovers
Morning Rounds
Fishing for History: A Cannery Row Tour
Sailing Adventures: Day Sails
Sailing Adventures: Sunset Sails
Underwater Explorers

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located in Monterey at the west end of historic Cannery Row, just minutes from Carmel and Pebble Beach. Monterey is approximately 125 miles (208 km) south of San Francisco and 360 miles (600 km) north of Los Angeles.

You can get detailed information at http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/.

Vienna River Cruises, European River Cruises

A European river cruise down the Danube would not be complete without a visit to the historic and romantic city of Vienna, the capital of Austria. An even better cruise down the Danube starts in this historic city. Several cruise ship sail from Vienna and have packages that feature two or three day stays in the city at the start of the trip.

Avalalon Waterways has a fabulous 14-day cruise sailing from Vienna that includes a 2 ½ day stay in Vienna to allow for visiting the city and its sites. This cruise goes from the Blue Danube to the Black Sea, departing in Vienna and arriving in Bucharest.

Arrival
After arriving in Vienna by plane the City is open to exploration for the next 2 ½ days before embarking on the cruise. Vienna offers a vast array of culture, music, arts, and architecture to enjoy.

 

Tour the City

While in the City there are numerous sights that should be considered a must see. The Anchor Clock is one. The Anchor Clock is located in the oldest square of the Vienna “Hoher Markt’. The clock was built between 1911 and 1917 based on the plans of painter Franz von Matsch.

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Italy Travel Guide, Best Italian Vacations, Top Vacation Destinations in Italy

First, the dry facts; Italy covers 116,303 square miles and has a population of almost 57,000,000. You probably already know that Rome is the capital, with a population of 2,775,000. Milan and Naples also have populations of over 1 million.

The Alps and the Apennines are two mountain chains that dominate the geography of Italy. The foothills of the Alps are where world famous lakes such as Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are located. Though the Alps run east to west across the northern part of Italy, the Apennines trace the “backbone” of the Italian peninsula.

Off the southwest coast of Italy are the principal islands of Sardinia and Sicily, home to the great volcanic Mt. Etna, which rises 10,860 feet. Additional island chains include the Tremiti Islands, the Tuscan Archipelago, and the Pontine Islands, among others.

If you go shopping in Italy, look for men’s and women’s clothing, particularly shoes, gloves, and ties. Additional specialties include lace, jewels, leather handbags and luggage, gold and silver, glass and crystal.

One of the biggest “problems” in visiting Italy is having to choose among a huge array of cultural offerings. Not only the big cities, but most provincial cities and even small towns have museums that are well worth your time. How could you go wrong in a country that produced Raffaello, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio? Read more

10 Experiences to Savor in Monte Carlo, Best Europe Vacations, Europe Tourist Destinations

Monte Carlo is perhaps the most famous of Monaco’s administrative areas. With a permanent population of only 3,000, this tiny geographical gem is known as a jet setters’ and gamblers’ paradise. The best way to explore this affluent and chic city is on foot. You’ll experience not only the best of city living, but also beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean. Here are 10 things any trip to Monte Carlo should include. Monte Carlo is known for its casinos, gambling, glamour, and for sightings of famous people.

1. Monte Carlo Casino
Charles Garnier designed the magnificent gold and marble atrium in this famous casino, which was built in 1863. Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Monte Carlo Casino also includes an opera and ballet house called the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, and is the headquarters of the Ballets de Monte Carlo.

2. Cafe de Paris
A visit to Monte Carlo should definitely include a meal at the famous Cafe de Paris. Opened in 1962, the cafe features both indoor and outdoor seating areas, and is conveniently located in Casino Square.

3. Old Town
This is the more traditional part of Monte Carlo, and it features numerous classy bars and restaurants. The traditional Monegasque cuisine you’ll find here includes dishes like Stocafi, which is dried cod cooked in rich tomato sauce, and Fougasse, a pastry decorated with nuts and aniseed.

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10 Best Things You Must Not Miss in Dublin, Dublin Best Destinations, Europe Best Destiantions

Dublin, Ireland is known for its hospitality, its proud heritage, and its many modern amenities as well. Here are ten great things to do and see when in Dublin.

1.    Dublin Castle
The Normans, who invaded Dublin in 1169, first made their own fortifications on the site of Dublin Castle. King John of England expanded the structure in 1204. Dublin Castle features crystal chandeliers and elaborate painted ceilings.

2.    Christ Church Cathedral
This building, dating to 1038, was built by King Sitric Silkenbeard, the Danish Viking King of Dublin. Christ Church Cathedral is one of two medieval cathedrals in Dublin, the other being St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

3.    Trinity College
Trinity College is Dublin’s oldest university, built in 1592. Besides producing alumni including Jonathon Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett, it is also home to the famous Book of Kells which is an illuminated edition of the Christian Gospels that dates to the 9th century. Originally featuring a valuable jeweled cover, the book’s manuscript was left behind by invading Vikings in 1007.

4.    Guinness Storehouse
This top tourist attraction was reopened in 2000 and features tours, history of the famous beverage, and even a pod cast of an audio tour of the facility. Read more

Paris Best Destinations, Paris Vacations, Singles European Vacation, Best Europe Destinations

Talk of Singles European Vacation and there will be only one city that will be on top, and it will be none other than Paris, the city of romance! It is also called The City of Lights or The Light City. The origins of these titles are not clear. But it could have been from the time the city adopted the street lighting, and also it being the city of ideas and education. Paris is now more popular also for romance and love because it is a popular destination and home to honeymooners and lovers. Paris, most certainly, offers the most romantic flavor among all the European cities, and possibly all the world cities.

Paris, the capital of France, is a growing power in economic and global business. Paris also presents nature’s some of the best landscapes and amazingly beautiful places. These places are made more beautiful by the best architectures and world-famous buildings, museums, and parks. France and Paris both presents fashion, trends, glamour, and unique culture to the world. The beauty of the land and the romance in the air has made one of the best travel destinations for the global tourists. It is impossible not to fall in love with this fabulous city and its romantic people! The city of Paris is host to more than 25 million tourists every year.

Paris is a natural European vacation gateway for singles. Discard your discomforts and daily-life tensions and enter this beautiful land of romance and love. Paris presents you infinite moments of leisure and romance. Visit this city for its glorious music, exotic arts, and wonderful entertainment. Visit the place for enlightening philosophies and rich literature. The abundant riches of its culture is the foundation of its overall progress. Some of the greatest names that associate with Paris are Racine, Watteau, Rameau, Molière, and Boucher. Paris has preserved its glorious past even after going through the turbulences of two major world wars. It has grown abundantly while preserving that unique past cultural heritage. Read more

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