What Is Special About Madeira Portugal? (Getting Into The Mood With Madeira Wine And More)

BY  Abdul Aziz Jul 12, 2023

Welcome to Marseille, the enchanting gateway to the South of France! Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean Sea, this captivating city is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As you step into Marseille, prepare to be swept away by its irresistible charms and the myriad of experiences that await. Marseille boasts a fascinating past that dates back over 2,600 years, making it one of the oldest cities in France. Explore the Vieux Port, the iconic heart of the city, and witness a tapestry of colorful fishing boats bobbing in the sparkling azure waters. For history enthusiasts, visiting the historic neighborhood of Le Panier is an absolute must. Hidden gems await around every corner, from ancient churches like the Cathédrale de la Major to the intriguing MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. Whether you're captivated by its ancient history, tantalized by its culinary delights, or mesmerized by its natural beauty, Marseille has something to offer every traveler. So, pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be embraced by the joie de vivre that permeates every corner of this remarkable city. Marseille invites you to create unforgettable memories. Embrace the Mediterranean spirit and embark on a journey of discovery unlike any other. The enchanting city of Marseille awaits—let the adventure begin! Unveiling The Magic Of Marseille: A Must-Do Guide Marseille offers an array of attractions that will captivate every traveler.  It has a rich historical heritage and diverse cultural scene, its breathtaking natural beauty and culinary delights, Join us as we embark on a journey through the enchanting streets of Marseille. In this article, we are going to uncover the top things to do and see in this Mediterranean gem. Explore The Vieux Port Begin your Marseille adventure at the iconic Vieux Port, the city's beating heart. Marvel at the picturesque view of fishing boats and luxury yachts, and take a leisurely stroll along the walk. Indulge in some people-watching while sipping a café au lait at one of the charming cafés or sample fresh seafood at the lively fish market. Discover Le Panier Step back in time as you wander through the historic neighborhood of Le Panier. Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets lined with colorful buildings adorned with vibrant street art. Explore hidden squares, visit charming boutiques and galleries, and don't miss the opportunity to admire the stunning Cathédrale de la Major. It is one of the modern architecture of the MuCEM. Ascend To Basilique Notre-Dame De La Garde Make your way up the hill to the majestic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, an iconic symbol of Marseille. Take in the panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from the basilica's terrace. Admire the interior adorned with intricate mosaics and religious artifacts, and soak in the serene ambiance of this spiritual sanctuary. Delight In The Culinary Delights Marseille's gastronomy is a feast for the senses. Indulge in the world-renowned bouillabaisse, a flavorful seafood stew, and savor the delicate flavors of local dishes such as aioli, panisse, and pieds paquets. Visit the lively Marché du Vieux Port to explore the vibrant food stalls. Grab some Provençal specialties from the seafood restaurant in Marseille. Discover The Calanques The Calanques, a series of stunning limestone cliffs and hidden coves along the coastline, will enthrall nature enthusiasts. Embark on a boat tour or hike through the rugged trails to witness the pristine beauty of these natural wonders. Remember your swimsuit, as you'll have the opportunity to take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Immerse Yourself In Culture Marseille boasts a thriving cultural scene that caters to all tastes. Visit the Musée d'Histoire de Marseille to delve into the city's fascinating past or explore contemporary art at the MAC. You could try catching a performance at the world-renowned Opéra de Marseille. The neighborhood of La Plaine comes alive with street performers, artists, and musicians who offer a vibrance. Soak Up The Sun At The Beaches With its Mediterranean climate, Marseille is blessed with many beautiful beaches. Relax on the sandy shores of Prado Beach and indulge in water sports at Plage des Catalans. Escape to the beautiful beaches of Calanque de Sormiou and Calanque de Morgiou. Unwind, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the refreshing Mediterranean waters. Conclusion With its captivating blend of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy, Marseille promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor. From exploring its ancient streets and absorbing the vibrant atmosphere of its markets to savoring delicious cuisine and immersing yourself in its natural wonders, Marseille offers a wealth of activities and attractions that will leave you enchanted. So, pack your bags, embrace the Mediterranean spirit, and get ready to embark on a journey through the magic of Marseille. Read also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India Looking For Your Next Fun-Filled Family Vacation: Head To Aquaventuras Park 15 Best Places For Adventure Dates With Your Loved One

BY  Joy Majhi Jul 19, 2022

Are you familiar with the terms “photography tourism” and “photography tours?” With many iconic hotspots like Westminster Bridge & Big Ben, Notting Hill, etc, you will find many places to take pictures in London.  Now, taking snaps at these places is beyond capturing the moments or creating souvenirs for posterity. For the longest time, photography has been a crucial part of tourism.  Along with being the most beautiful documentation of personal memories, photography has also been an important tool for marketing or promotion.  However, recently, the “Photography” part has taken center stage with the rise of “Phototourism.” In Photography tourism or photographic tourism, a traveler visits a place with the primary interest of clicking pictures of the unique landscapes or subjects.  In fact, I was exploring Instagram, and I found 337k posts with #phototour and #19.9k posts with #phototourism. In fact, photography tourism is cool in this age of social media, with pictures and videos being the primary elements in travelogues, reels, and vlogs.  Further, editing photographs has now become easier with photo editor tools. Click a good snap and make it great with simple tricks! So, are you ready to explore photography tourism in London? These are the places you can visit.  Places To Take Pictures In London: 11+ Places You Cannot Miss With the rise of photography tourism in London, you can now be a part of various photography tours. The tours include “Private Landmark Photo Tours,” “Night Photography Tour, “Exploring the Iconic Landscapes of London,” etc.  The cost of these photography tours in London will be between £150 to £265. You can even join a street photography workshop in London, and that will cost you around £515.  Having said that, these are the best places to take pictures in London. 1. The Houses of Parliament  The Houses of Parliament tops our list of best places to take pictures in London. When you are on a tour of the UK Parliament, you take photographs for personal or non-commercial use.  To be more specific, you can take photographs in St. Stephen’s Hall and Westminster Hall. Further, photography is allowed at New Palace Yard’s visitor area. From the Visitor Area, you will get an excellent view of the Elizabeth Tower.  Tour And Travel Note  If you want to take photos or videos for wider publication, you need permission in advance. You can email the Media and Communications Team. Moreover, if you want to take photographs at the House of Lords, you can call Black Rod’s Office at 020 7219 3099.  2. Big Ben/ The Elizabeth Tower Usually, people take the snap of the Big Ben or the Elizabeth Tower from the Westminster Bridge. However, if you want to try a different spot and capture a better frame of Big Ben, you must go under the bridge. Take the staircase and take the walkway that stretches along the River Thames. Find your spot with the River Thames creating the barrier between Big Ben and you.  Tour And Travel Tips If you want the best snap of the Big Ben, you must be under the Westminster Bridge at around 7-8 AM. The light is soft in those hours and the rush is less.  3. St Paul’s Cathedral  St Paul’s Cathedral, the beautiful building and the seat of the Bishop of London, is best photographed from Millennium Bridge. You can also take photographs inside St. Paul’s Cathedral when you are on a sightseeing tour. The common places for photography inside the church are the Golden Galleries, the Crypt, or the Stone.  4. Tower Bridge You can head to More London or London Bridge City to get the best shot of this iconic landmark. The Tower Bridge is probably the most popular landmark appearing in the photo postcards of England.  Along with More London, some other places to Take photographs of the Tower Bridge include,  Butler’s Wharf London Bridge Tavolino Bar & Kitchen Thames Path So, it’s your turn to capture this Victorian structure and an engineering marvel.  5. The Tower  While you are at More London, swivel slightly and get a long-distance snap of The Tower, to get the best snap of The Tower. Of late, The Tower of London has become a great place of interest for photography enthusiasts.  2024 has been the 130th birthday of this London Landmark and an open-air exhibition held earlier this year to mark the occasion had some rarest photographs of the London Tower.  These unseen photographs were from the opening week of The Tower in 1894.  6. Westminster Bridge The Westminster Bridge, with its Gothic architecture, is one of the best places to take pictures in London. Its distinct architecture complements the structure of Big Ben and the UK Parliament.  You can take a panoramic snap of the Westminster Bridge, and you know why this landmark has inspired William Wordsworth and many other noble minds for their creations.  Further, for the best snaps, visit the bridge during sunrise or sunset.  7. Notting Hill Notting Hill in West London exudes a casual and bohemian vibe with its quaint cafes. Further, the annual Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest draw for tourists. You can explore the best chances of street photography here.  8. Covent Garden Covent Garden is a popular shopping and tourist attraction in London. The highlight of this district is the Royal Opera House, which is often called the “Covent Garden.”  Now, Covent Garden is one of the best places to take photos in London with the following areas.  The Covent Garden Infinity Chamber Neal's Yard The Dial  Ave Mario The Royal Opera House Flower Barrows British Phone Booths Floral Court Covent Garden becomes the ideal place for photography tourism during Christmas. The festive spirit is high and tangible here, with themed decor and the best delicacies served.  9. Greenwich Park  Greenwich Park is the home of the Greenwich Observatory and the Prime Meridian, and it also has panoramic views of London. So, it is the perfect place to get fantastic snaps. This YT video highlights three great photography spots within Greenwich Park and explains how to take the perfect photograph of each one of them. 10. Holland Park This park is the most heavily wooded in London, so if you want shots of avenues of trees, it is the place to head to.  When you are at Holland Park, don´t forget to take a few shots of its beautiful waterfall and interesting statues. 11. King Henry VII´s Mound In Richmond Park If you love history and photography, King Henry VII´s Mound In Richmond Park will be an ideal destination. This burial ground from the Bronze Age became famous after King Henry VIII stood here once for hunting. Further, it was a popular viewpoint for falconry and hunting.  12. Parliament Hill At Hampstead Heath Parliament Hill At Hampstead Heath is the best place to capture the London skyline. Further, Parliament Hill itself can be a subject of photography thanks to its association with the English Civil War.  Restaurants That Have The Wow Factor! Great Places To Take Pictures In London In London, there is no shortage of places to eat. According to the latest data from  The Office of National Statistics, the city has 9,505 full-service restaurants and clubs.  It also has thousands of bars serving food, street stalls, and food trucks. So, it is not hard to find somewhere to enjoy a nice meal. As you can see from this list of most Instagrammable restaurants in London, many of them have invested a lot into transporting their diners to another world.  When you eat in these restaurants, don’t miss your chance to take pictures. Here are the details of our few favorite favorites. If it is the food you want to take pictures of, head to Heston Blumenthal´s Dinner at 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA. Call them at +44 20 7201 3833.  For snaps of you dining in unique restaurant settings, head to Sketch at 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG (Contact No: +44 20 7659 4500).  The dining area is divided into four zones making it easy to get the interesting shots you are after. For more inspiration, click the link above. If you want the sunlight beaming through the window arches to be the hero of your photography, 65a in London will be your go-to place. Visit this restaurant and bar at 65a Brushfield Street, E1 6AA. You can reach out to them at +44 20 7846 6548. Read Also: 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall 10 Best Days Out In London For Football Fans 10 Best Places To Travel In June – Travel Guide 2022

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 20, 2021

Europe is a jewel of a continent. From the west to the east, no country is the same as the last, with each nation having its own unique customs, architecture, and must-see attractions. Traveling across Europe is fairly easy thanks to the fact the vast majority of it is landlocked, meaning it’s common for people to travel across the continent on an extended break rather than simply visiting one country and then coming back to visit another the following year. Whilst traveling from country to the country might seem effortless, there are a number of things you need to be aware of. When traveling to somewhere in Europe such as Ireland, make sure to book a reputable airport transfer company in advance. If you’re thinking of traveling across Europe, make sure you keep these 10 tips in mind before your trip commences. 1. Currency Changes: Time zone changes are a given, but currency changes aren’t. You’d be forgiven for thinking that most European countries use the Euro, but they don’t. Not every country on the continent of Europe is in the EU (such as the UK, Norway, and Turkey). Regardless of whether a country is the European Union, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to use the Euro. Such countries include: Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Hungary Poland Romania Sweden It’s always worth keeping Euro with you as some countries that don’t normally use the Euro will accept it as a form of payment, but you should be mindful of the currency of the countries you’re going to be visiting and make a note of the exchange rates. For instance, if you are visiting Romania for business purposes or are willing to start a business in Romania, you should be aware of the currency factors. Also, it's better to understand what form of registration is more applicable in that geographic area. As far as Romania businessmen are concerned, they always go for the PFA registration process instead of SA or SRL. Why? PFA is simple and low-cost! 2. Opening Hours (Siestas) Depending on where you’re from and where you’re going, you’ll likely encounter different opening hours to what you’re used to. This mainly applies to hot countries like Spain where it’s traditional for the locals to take a siesta during the hottest part of the day. This results in many businesses closing at noon for two hours. In tourist hotspots and resort areas, this might not be the case as businesses attempt to maximize profits, but in hidden gem areas that are off the beaten track, it’s more likely that this long-term tradition will be adhered to. So, you need to make sure you’re aware of closing times and societal opening hours before you’re caught short and in need of urgent supplies but can’t get any. 3. Temperature Changes: Europe is a very varied continent that spans over 1,339 miles from the east to the west and 2,076 miles from north to south. Whilst it’s one of the smallest continents on Earth, it encompasses sub-arctic and desert landscapes all in one. If you’re planning on traveling from the west to the east, or the north to the south, you’re likely to experience all of these temperatures during your trip, so you need to pack accordingly. Whilst you might be okay wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals in Rome, you will most definitely want sturdy boots, wooly mittens, and a big parka coat by the time you get to Russia. The last thing you want is to freeze (or melt) and have to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe for every country you visit. 4. Pack Light: We’ve just said to pack for every eventuality, but in the same breath, pack light. Europe is full of narrow streets, winding roads, and dainty amenities, and that can make lugging two 20kg suitcases extremely difficult. You’re more than likely going to be taking several types of transport and constantly be moving from place to place, so the last thing you want is to pack up your entire life every other week and drag it along some impractically small cobbled streets. Instead, take two of everything, with enough fresh underwear to last a week. That means two jumpers, two pairs of jeans, two skirts/shorts, two dresses, etc. There will be plenty of launderettes around to wash your clothes for you, and whilst going to the launderette every week might not sound too pleasant, neither does dragging your whole wardrobe down the winding, single file, cobbled streets of Greece. 5. Travel By Ground: Europe is – mostly – a landlocked mass (with the exception of some islands and parts of Scandinavia). Europeans also rely heavily on trains to get to and from places, and this means the countries are typically well connected by railway lines. If you’re planning to travel across Europe, do so by train as much as you can. It’s cheap, it’s fast and it gives you the chance to take in much more of the natural beauty the continent is home to. If you’re going to be traveling to islands like the UK and those in the Mediterranean, ferries are an option that is still often cheaper than flying. When it comes to getting to hard-to-reach locations, taxis are your friend. Whether you opt for Uber or an independent company like Place2Place, taxis are rife in Europe and easy enough to hail down. Once you get to your destination, you may wish to rent a car with the help of a site like StressFreeCarRental to give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and go exactly where it is you would like to. 6. Comfortable Shoes: As mentioned, Europe is home to many narrow streets, cobbled roads, and elevated inclinations. There’s a LOT of walking to be done, so make sure you pack a comfy pair of trainers or flats because this is one continent where – no matter where you are – you won’t be able to appreciate it in a pair of heels. 7. Reservations: Most of Europe is flooded by tourists at any given time of the year which results in almost every restaurant being rammed almost all of the time. If you’re a spontaneous diner, you’ll need to change your ways – and fast. Europeans work on a basis of reservations. You might even need to reserve a seat in a bar because it gets so busy! Make sure to call up a day in advance to book your place, otherwise, you’ll find yourself eating a McDonald’s instead of a traditional local delicacy, and that would be a complete waste of a trip. 8. Tap Water: Depending on where you go, tap water in Europe varies, so it’s best to stay away from it. Bottled water is incredibly destructive to the environment, but tap water in Europe could be incredibly destructive to your digestive system, so it’s all about weighing up the risks. By this, we mean the number of minerals in the water can change drastically which could cause nausea or diarrhea. It’s important to remember the tap water in Europe is perfectly safe to drink and is strictly monitored, but it can vary from place to place which means your stomach could get a little upset by it. This is something to keep in mind. 9. Food Tourist Traps: Earlier we mentioned making reservations, but it’s also important to note to avoid food tourist traps. Major attractions will be dotted with eateries and coffee shops, and whilst they’re practical, they’re also double the price and half the quality of other local places. Venture just a bit further out and you’ll find some beautiful places full of local delicacies that are much better prepared and much more reasonably priced. 10. Flight Compensation (EC 261): In the event you do travel by air across Europe, the good news is, you’re covered by EC 261 which is a flight compensation scheme. If your flight is delayed by three hours or more, is canceled or if you’re denied boarding, you’re entitled to compensation and the airline must provide accommodation where necessary. This applies to all flights taking off or landing in European countries, regardless of if the airline does not belong to an EU member state. This is a nice little bit of protection should things take a turn for the worst. If you are looking for great day tour options, then booking someone like Collins Day Tours is a great idea. These are just 10 tips for traveling across Europe, but the biggest tip of all is to HAVE FUN! Read Also: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks 5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism Top 3 Party Destinations For Safety-Conscious Tourists