The region is one of the most culturally-rich areas in the world thanks to the achievements of countries such as Spain, Italy, Croatia, Monaco, Malta, Portugal and Morocco.

These same locations are also ideally situated to make the most of the Mediterranean’s excellent weather and are home to some of the finest beaches you can find anywhere around the globe.

Each country has something unique to offer to cruise-goers, whether it’s Spain’s popular beach culture and intriguing city architecture or Monaco’s atmosphere of wealth and exclusivity.

Croatia is one of those countries that have been heavily influenced by surrounding nations and previous rulers, and as such you’ll likely find elements of Italian, Hungarian and Austrian culture in its own.

In Malta, prehistoric temples, grand palaces and medieval attractions are the order of the day when it comes to educational sightseeing, although the island is home to its fair share of sumptuous beaches for when you’re feeling too lazy to stroll around its streets.

Italy, meanwhile, has ports such as Rome, Venice, Naples and Florence, each of which are world-renowned for their arts, architecture and restaurants, as well as for being particularly romantic destinations for couples.

Elsewhere, Portugal’s mix of popular tourist hotspots and unspoiled countryside and beaches make it a great cruise stop for travellers of all tastes, with Lisbon, the main port, offering a unique destination for a mini city break with a difference if you choose a cruise and stay holiday there.

If you’re considering a cruise package that includes a stop in Morocco, make sure you snap it up. The country will offer an unforgettable holiday experience that is vastly different to anything you will find elsewhere in the western Mediterranean, thanks to its exotic food, spectacular mosques and other Islamic architecture, and markets that bustle day and night.

Wherever you choose to stop, a western Mediterranean cruise could well have everything you could possibly want from the holiday of a lifetime.

About the Author

Virgin Holidays Cruises is the place to book Mediterranean cruises, through a range of operators including P&O.

Post from: Global Blog.com - Travel and Global Vacations-Guide - Cruising Tips. Tourist-Information.

Have it all on a western Mediterranean cruise

The main points if interest are Puerto del Sol, Gran Via, The Plaza Mayor with its great square and market stalls. The Prado Museum is a must for its great art collection and the adjacent Retiro Gardens. However these are just a few of the long list of things to do. There are very many squares and each has its own character plus restaurants and bars/cafes a plenty.

Main shopping street is Serrano (like a long Grafton St) but for everyday things the best department Store is El Corte Ingles. Great value in all sorts of leather goods particularly in shoes.

I visited the three hotels that Peter and Louise are featuring -

Hotel Petit Palace DUCAL. (Watch it because there are a group of Petit Palace hotels)

This one is just off the very busy street Gran Via and so it’s less noisy. Small reception area and tiny sitting area with a separate high tech coffee shop and bar. However there is no real lounge or any public space to talk about. Rooms are very smart black and white décor -completely modern with all the facilities you would expect including in room safe. There are 58 rooms including a number that have four beds. In all – a great hotel for city centre but with limited public areas – but everything is available in the vicinity.

Hotel Catalonia les Cortes.

This hotel is slightly off the Gran Via – but nearby the Spanish National Theatre and Plaza Santa Anna. Lovely square had lunch here in the sunshine…!! Hotel is just around the corner and is a real gem. The building is 18 century palace but was re modelled as an hotel and only opened January 2006. They have preserved a lot of the old palaces features including wonderful painted ceilings and original staircase etc. All of the 65 rooms are spacious with good high ceilings so it’s very airy. Super honeymoon suite. Plenty of space on ground floor with good bar and restaurant. It’s a real find (unless you clients are seeking the ultra modern)

Hotel Gaudi

After the other two this hotel is a bit dull. It is facing onto the Grand Via and has 185 rooms. There is nothing at all wrong with the place however its décor is 1950′s style dark timber panelling which give it a sombre appearance. The rooms I saw were facing the Gran Via and had very effective double glazing so little street noise. The rooms on top floor (7th ) are more spacious and with some good views. However if you have a group and they want to be central this will be perfect. It has a street level restaurant and coffee bar with a good reception area. In the basement they have a fitness room and plunge pool but no swimming pool. The young man that took me around is Joaquin Cruz and he trained for some months in Mount Clare Hotel in Dublin – he was very helpful.

Getting Around

Aer Lingus fly into the new Terminal 4 – This is a VAST building with a satellite building and connecting monorail. Be sure to warn you clients that they will need plenty of time to get to the gates. Lots of shops here before and after security. To get into Madrid if there is 3 or 4 of you the taxi is best about €30.00. If using public transport you will need to transfer to the old Terminals 1/3 about 5 kms away and get the metro there. Bit messy until they extend the metro to T4.

In Madrid city centre.

We used the metro. Its safe fast and efficient. You need to know the various lines but once you master this – its very good and great value. Taxis are plentiful and are all cream coloured cars. The couple we took were very helpful and seem to understand some English.

The prices overall were good value and the people without exception really welcomed you.

There are a number of Irish Pubs. I didn’t try them all!! – but from what I did try found they are a bit mixed like in most major capitals.

This is a good choice for somebody wanting a”New ” Short break destination – with EI featuring it now ex Cork.

Search www.travelnet.ie for the best deals on Flights and Hotels in Madrid.

About the Author

Hi

I alina Thomas

Post from: Global Blog.com - Travel and Global Vacations-Guide - Cruising Tips. Tourist-Information.

Holiday in Madrid

Spain is famous world wide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights. The architecture reflects the Moroccan style. Cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring, fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot.

Culture

Spanish is the regional language of Spain. English is also widely spoken here. Over the period of time, Spanish people have become modern in order to gel with the changing times and are no longer conservative. But that hasn’t changed the values, traditions, manners and customs of the locals. People here have two surnames; the first surname can be used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do the job. Take a small gift along when visiting someone’s house. Save the flowers for special occasions. Dinner is generally taken very late in the night. People wear casuals most of the time. Men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuits should be confined to the pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied on smoking in public places.

Shopping

Shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the evening. In the afternoon, they are closed for lunch or siesta. Porcelain and leather goods are famous and they will be good gifts for friends and family members back home. Bills are to be paid along with the service charges, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.

Electricity

Voltage is 220 volts and frequency is 50 Hz

Getting There

IBERIA is the national airline of Spain. Many other low-cost airlines offer services in the country. There are nearly thirty international airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga are famous. Madrid located at 13km away from the city has a good bus service every fifteen minutes. Underground service also works to transport passengers to their destinations. Other facilities offered at this airport are duty free shops, bank, restaurant, tourism information, and hotel reservations.

Barcelona is very close to the city, situated at a distance of 3 km only. Buses are available every 15 minutes and trains are available every 20 minutes. Taxis are available throughout the day. Duty free shops, restaurants, bank, car hire and tourism information are available here.

There is a good network of roads connecting Spain north to south. Toll booths are installed in some parts of the country. Carrying few Euros will help smooth sailing at the toll booths. If driving one’s private car, it would be better if the travel insurance covers medical costs too. Carrying a medical kit can prove to be of some help.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 70 cigars and 400g of tobacco for EU nationals) 2. 1litre of spirits if exceeding 22 per cent volume or 2 litres of alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22 per cent volume and 2 litres of wine (1.5 litre exceeding 22 per cent and 3 litres of up to 22 per cent and 5 litres of wine for EU nationals) 3. 250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume 4. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (1000g of coffee and 4000g of coffee extract for EU nationals) 5. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract 6. Gifts up to the value of approximately €37.26.

About the Author

I am a 26 year old from the Atlanta/Austell area. I am looking to really get my current online businesses running! I am the owner of three sites:

http://1dollarebooks.yolasite.com

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Spain – Travel Tips to European Countries: Spain

One of the most noted construct is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena, which was built between 1394 and 1465. Most of the succeeding religious buildings were instead done throughout the 15th and 18th century. Thus one may see why there are some designs inspired by Baroque, Renaissance and others.

Getting there

Reaching the province of Murcia is easy, as it has two main access points via airplane. The primary entry point is its own Murcia-San Javier Airport, and the alternative is airport in the neighboring province of Alicante.

Once in the city, moving around will be quite convenient with the many transportation methods such as Buses, Trams, Trains and Taxicabs.

Even if Murcia has already been urbanized, it still is a major producer of agricultural food. It supplies neighboring provinces and technically the whole of Spain with fresh produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, lemons and oranges.

Latest Tourism Trend

With a blossoming tourism rate, Murcia has directed its economic drive to the propagation of its “residential tourism”. Wherein real estate is made quite affordable and accessible for travelers and tourists. Europeans and other foreigners who wish to have a second home in this peaceful urbanized province may do so, as it is an ideal place of relaxation and meditation.

Festivities to look out for in Murcia

Anyone who wishes to take part of the festivities in Murcia may opt to best fly in during the Holy Week celebration where in such processions are numerous. During this week, residents take out life-sized holy figurines and parade these around the city which attracts more people to attend.

Another festivity worth seeing is the Bando de la huerta, usually celebrated after Holy Week celebrations. In this, participants dress up in the usual huertano clothing and parade around the city.

Murcia also boasts one of the best made wines from the rich, fertile soil that the city is located.

Since Spain has been a melting pot of different races who have influenced the citizenry and the different established religions, the Three Cultures International Festival is celebrated in May. Its main objective is to unite the Muslims, Jews, and Christians in the celebration of national identity.

Be sure to properly set up hotel reservations and an itinerary of the schedule of events to be done when visiting Murcia to avoid waiting and delays.

About the Author

The scriptwriter Peter Mason is really interested in information related to sightseeing in murcia spain. You can come across his articles on murcia map at other sources for murcia map information.

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A Guide for tourists who Enjoys Sightseeing in Murcia Spain

Anyone that’s ever traveled will tell you that Europe is one of the most beautiful countries, with Spain being a very popular vacation and tourist destination. People from all over the world tour to Spain to see the sites. While there are many activities to do and things to see in Spain, there are some special highlights you can’t miss. Whether you’re walking, renting a car or part of a bicycle tour, make the most of the sites here.

Barcelona

Travelers that have already been on a tour of Spain all agree that every tour should include a trip to Barcelona. You won’t want to miss walking down La Rambla, the mile-long boulevard, known as the center of the city. It’s like an outdoor street festival with vendors, shops, restaurants and street performers. Whether you’re enjoying tapas while you walk or getting a snack from the Boqueria food market, you’ll love this section of town. The beautiful architecture in the buildings is every one’s dream. Speaking of architecture, some of their most eye-catching landmarks are the Cathedral La Sagrada Familia or the Paseo de Gracia’s house, Manzana del la Discordia. This is also the home of the 1992 Olympic stadium.

Madrid

Madrid is another amazing and gorgeous city you won’t want to miss on your tour in Spain. Some of the best museums in the world can be found in Madrid. If you are an art lover, you won’t want to miss seeing this city and all it has to offer. Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Museo del Prado and the Museuo Thyssen-Bornemisza are all places you must insist on seeing while in Madrid. The Plaza Mayor, which is the square located on the center of Madrid, was the life of the city in the 17th century. Today you will find this section full of cafes, shops and festivals. You’ll also get to see the Royal Palace, which was build for King Philip V in 1724.

Besides The Major Cities…

Besides the main cities of Madrid and Barcelona, you’ll find other interesting sections of Spain. Pamplona, home of the famous Running of the Bulls is worth seeing. You can actually watch the running as well as participate in the yearly festival if you make it there in July. If there is one important thing you can’t miss while in Spain, it’s the Spanish food. Many of the locals go from café to café sampling as they go, which is known as “tapas crawl”. You’ll find plenty to do while touring Spain, whether it’s eating, strolling down the boulevard or soaking up the sun and learning the language and culture.

Walking tours and bicycle tours are very popular in Italy, Spain and Europe. Cycling tours are a great way to spend family time while on vacation as well as getting some sightseeing in at the same time.

Interested on tours of Spain? Alison Addy is the author of more resources published online. Read additional info about bicycle tours or   cycling tours at http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/index.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Addy http://EzineArticles.com/?Cycling-Tours-While-in-Spain&id=1865931

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Cycling Tours While in Spain

Well it’s on this island that these same Phoenicians ran their lead, wine, and marble trade in 654 BCE. At that time, the island was known as ‘Ibossim’, and then later called ‘Ebusus’ by the early Romans. Later, the island was known for producing salt, wool, die, and fish sauce. By forming a treating with Romans, Ibiza was spared destruction and later became one of Roman’s official cities.

As you can guess, this historical tidbit makes Ibiza a fascinating place to visit and it’s current night-life seemingly attracts tourists from all over the world. International tourists visit this island to check out its most lively clubs: The Privilege, the Es Paradis, Te Amnesia, the Space, and the Pacha. All of these clubs are known for their active parties – some opening as early as eight in the morning! (Note that most shops and banks here are closed between the hours of two and four p.m. – known as the ‘siesta’.)

But that’s not all – Ibiza is the mother of ‘trance music’ – a style of music that is euphoric and melodic and that fuses the sounds of string instruments, mandolins, and soft vocals. You may have even heard some of this hypnotizing sound by artists like Solar Stone, Paul Oakenfold, Chicane, or DJ Tiesto. Lisa Lashes is a widely recognized artist within this genre too.

Traveling to this island, you’ll want to remember that you’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful beach spots in the world. And that’ll demand very light clothing – especially in the summer. At the most, you’ll want to bring along a light sweater for trips up into the mountain areas or at night along the island’s coasts. Either way, you’ll definitely want to dress to impress if you want to blend within the cultural trend that exists here.

Not only is this corner of the world known for it’s rich history and its high entertainment, it’s also known for its high fashion. Bright colors and prints are in!

Since you’ll spend the majority of your time here walking and enjoying the sights, pack the most comfortable pair of walking shoes that you own. Fancy dance shoes might be fine for evening fun, but most of the locals and other tourists you’ll see will stride in sandal-type footwear. Some of the streets on this island are still cobbled so if you tour the sights in anything that isn’t a flat-sole support, you might have a little trouble getting around – especially in shoes with a high heel.

But if you’re ready to hit the beaches, soaking up the sun on one of Ibiza’s many beaches unquestionably demands ultraviolet ray protection. So don’t forget the sunscreen, sunshades, or hat! If you travel during the winter months (November through February), bring your rain gear. We’re not talking about a full raincoat and boots set up – something simple like an umbrella will suffice!

Other things that you might find handy aren’t items that you’ll wear, but instead, items that you’ll use. For example, you might want to bring a camera along so that you can photograph the marvelous sights you’ll see including those party events that no one will believe happened unless you’ve captured them on film! When packing your camera, you’ll of course want to make sure that you bring along plenty of film, batteries, and repair parts in case these items are not available on the island.

Be careful though that when you do take photographs, you don’t violate any local laws or politically sensitive areas. Ask first – especially when you tour the religious sites of this land. Some belief systems don’t allow photographs and although the reasoning may not make sense to you, they make sense to the locals and you should respect the wishes of whatever rules are set in place.

In addition to a camera, you might appreciate bringing along a language translation book or an electronic language translator, as the native tongue spoken in Ibiza is Spanish. Speaking the same language as what your local hosts speak will help you in other activities available here like shopping, touring, or just speaking to a friendly passer-by. You could learn to say, “Que pasa?” for example, which means ‘what’s going on?’ or ‘what’s happening?’

You really want to bring along anything and everything that will enable you to enjoy your time here because as previously mentioned, Ibiza is a place to have fun, relax, and vacation as though you’ve never vacationed before.

Travel in Ibiza by Taxi

Traveling by taxi provides an extremely convenient way to move about. Like traveling by taxi in the United States, minimum charges accompany metered mileage plus a small additional fee for baggage and evening – night – or holiday drives.

Ibiza Driving Advice

European Union citizens (18 years or older) must own a national driving license to drive in Ibiza, however non-European Union citizens (18 years or older) also need an International Driving Permit as well. Both types of citizens must have car insurance and identification (license, passport, etc.) by law, is required at all times. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and travelers under the age of 14 must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle. When driving, remember that driving positions are reversed to American drivers. You must yield to on-coming traffic from junctures and traffic circles.

Special care should be taken to restrict your driving to the main routes outlined on the most recent maps of this area as other routes may not be appropriate for driving (dirt roads, mountain passes, etc.).

Traveling in Ibiza by Car / Car Rental

Because Ibiza’s city centers are so popular, you are cautioned to avoid driving in these areas – especially since the narrow roads in these places can accommodate traffic traveling in one direction only. In addition, parked automobiles make driving extremely difficult. Traveling by car rental is best accomplished by following a current map of its roads – which offer views that are nothing short of amazing.

Author Bio
Every Car Hire in association with Auto Europe provides discounted car rental with leading rental companies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget and Europcar.  For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Ibiza.

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Packing For A trip Through Ibiza