Newsletter Hotel & Tours Group Archive 2006

Indonesia spans more than 13,000 islands, dotting Sumatra in the west to Irian Jaya in the east. With generally dry weather, the country beckons holidaymakers to enjoy the breathtaking backdrop of beaches, rice paddies, rainforests and volcanoes.
The capital Jakarta is the gateway to the country. Trek around the wildlife reserves in Sumatra or head for a cultural retreat in Bandung where indigenous arts thrive. Lombok is not as developed as other popular resort towns thus providing a more peaceful respite. In Manado, Bunaken Marine Park is a diving mecca....

Vietnam is a country of sublime natural beauty from the Red River Delta in the north, to the Mekong Delta in the south. This is complimented by divine coastal beaches and with soaring mountains inland.

The capital Hanoi boasts a charming French Quarter as well as the exquisite Presidential Palace. The conservative city offers an excellent combination of history and cuisine, as well as a more gentle insight into Vietnam. ...

Hungary is captivating with its majestic castles, wonderful lakes, relaxing spas, fabulous cuisine and amazing cultural highlights.
Firstly, take in the delightful baroque architecture of Budapest’s Castle district or sink into spa heaven with hundreds of hot springs in sight. The city’s beauty is enhanced by the River Danube.
Catch a train to Eger, a baroque town known for its local red wine, turkish baths and more fine samples of architecture. If it’s more of the glorious Ottoman regime you want to see, remnants of Turkish architecture can be found at Pecs, the fourth largest city in the Hungary. In Sopron, near the Austrian border, the medieval sights are all reminders of the Roman empire - with some touches of the Jewish heritage still intact.
The towns along Lake Balaton offer beautiful vistas as well. Some of the popular attractions include Balatonfured, a natural healing spa in Veszprem and the Benedictine Abbey in Tihany.

China offers magnificent attractions and a myriad of cultural adventures to feed any traveller’s wanderlust.  Shanghai is a modern city with a cosmopolitan feel. Experience the European vibe as you walk along the Bund and enjoy the vibrance of the restaurants, bars and clubs that light up the night.
Beijing, now in the thick of Olympic preparations, has temples, palaces and, of course, the Great Wall. You can also enjoy the quaint little hutong villages in the capital. For some nostalgia, head to Xian to see the amazing display of Imperial troops made of terracotta.
Hangzhou and Suzhou have the most number of lakes in the country which possess heaven-like qualities. West Lake is the most picturesque, inspiring artists for centuries.
If you’re looking for a bit of sunshine, Sanya has beaches and fabulous resorts complementing its lovely weather!

The Pacific is an archipelago of hundreds of islands. Blessed with exclusive hideaways, deep blue waters, coral reefs, golden beaches, tropical forests and year-round warm weather, each group of islands possess their own unique environment, unspoiled beauty and tranquility.
Fiji is as popular with holiday makers as it is newlyweds! Comprising of 330 islands, Nadi and Suva serve as major gateways. Enjoy the Coral Coast, or head to Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Explore Beqa (pronounced Ben-ga) which is home to legendary firewalkers and renowned diving and fishing locations, Denarau Island or Taveuni.
Vanuatu is a blend of tribal communities, beaches and geography ranging from volcanoes to clear crystal waters. Espiritu Santo and Efate Islands offer resorts, villas and bungalows. Efate’s rugged coastline, rolling countryside, fast flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls and a lush inland rain forest are a must.
The beautiful island of Aitutaki is a Cook Islands highlight. The view from Maungapu peak is awe-inspiring, overlooking the spectacular lagoon abundant with sea-life, its perimeter sprinkled with many small, accessible, uninhabited islands. Rarotonga is the vibrant centre of the Cook Islands, dominated by mountain peaks that cascade to a palm-fringed shore. Be sure to take a day trip island cruise.

Malaysia is one of Asia’s richly exotic destinations with a wealth of attractions.
Kuala Lumpur (KL) boasts the Petronas Towers, affording a bird’s eye view of the capital dominated by mosques, colonial buildings and street markets. Or, escape to the Cameron Highlands where the climate and scenery is a welcome alternative to the city bustle.
A glaring contrast is the coastal city of Melacca, just a few hours south of KL where visitors are drawn to the well-preserved Portuguese and Dutch architecture. The Western part of Malaysia offers popular leisure spots such as Langkawi and Penang.
For an interesting road trip, take a drive along the east coast passing by the towns of Kuantan, Perhentian and Redang (s. Islands and Beaches of Pahang) . There are some great diving options to be found in the scenic Tioman Islands just a ferry ride off Mersing.
Setting your sights on greater heights? Mount Kinabalu near the resorts of Kota Kinabalu is a gently rising climb, its height almost at par with the Himalayas.

Malaysia’s islands - Hotels Malaysia - Sightseeing Tours Malaysia - Tourist Attractions Malaysia

Japan serves a feast for the senses with its amazing urban-scapes, serene natural beauty and contrast between traditional and modern.
The capital Tokyo is a dizzying sprawl of streets, pedestrians, skyscrapers and neon signs! Watch funky teens at Harajuku, go crazy over gadgets at Akihabara or shop upmarket at Ginza. On a clear day, you can get a glimpse of Mt Fuji’s perfect cone.
Equally exhilarating is Kyoto, with its myriad of temples, shrines and geishas. Nagoya boasts a grand castle as the major draw for tourists - especially when cherry blossoms bloom in spring.
If you’re in bustling Osaka, check out the popular nightly hub of Dotombori with its restaurants and bars. Nearby is Kobe, which introduces you to some interesting highlights such as sake breweries, the fantastic Rokko Mountain ranges, ancient hot springs and the best beef in the world!
Hiroshima is just a ferry away from one of the best scenic spots in Japan, Miyajima island. Then further south, indulge in snorkeling and diving at any of the fabulous beaches of Okinawa Island.
Hotels Japan - Last Minute Hotels Japan - » Japan Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions

Newsletter #13, Netherlands  21.6.2006

The Netherlands promises many surprises…there’s more than just windmills, wooden clogs, tulips and castles!
The capital Amsterdam has two of the world’s best museums - the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. Walk around this compact city and enjoy the canals, cobblestone streets and nightlife. There is more art to devour in Rotterdam, the bustling port city where you can also see Monet and Kandinsky. The glittering elegance that persists in the royal city by the sea, The Hague, should not be missed. More so, as its prime beach destination of Scheveningen presents the perfect summer holiday. more...

Newsletter #12, United Kingdom  15.5.2006

The United Kingdom offers dramatic changes regionally…from charming countryside to an eclectic mix of dynamic cities. See both castles and cottages spread across an historical and cultural landscape.

Your passport to fun and adventure starts in London. Take in all the famed attractions such as the Eye, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Then set yourself up for more relaxing sights in Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford Upon Avon which is near Birmingham, in the heart of England. Or perhaps hit the beach at Brighton. For more heavenly pursuits, explore the wondrous Lake District. To catch sporting fever, be part of the football frenzy that envelopes Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Looking for a fabulous road trip? Drive to Cardiff in Wales via Bristol. If the arts are more your cup of tea, head to Edinburgh. If you want to experience the magic of Narnia, get away from Belfast and head for the more idyllic sceneries of the mountains and lush countryside of Northern Ireland.

Turkey gives you the best of both worlds. East and West combine to create a colorful mixture of historical sites.

Once the capital of the Roman Empire, Istanbul offers palaces, mosques and exciting bazaars. At night, trendy bars and dance clubs sizzle. The capital Ankara is the second largest city in Turkey, its hilltop location breathtaking.

For archaeological wonders, the Aegean coast is home to most of Turkey’s greatest attractions. Base yourself in Cannakale/Gallipoli to get to the ancient city of Troy. Then make Kusadasi your jump-off point to Ephesus. For a more laid-back holiday, head to Bodrum with its long stretches of beaches and Pamukkale, known for its mineral springs. Caves and awesome rock formations can be found at Cappadocia.

Unspoilt beaches and ancient ruins await you at Fethiye on the Mediterranean coast. Bigger and more cosmopolitan is Marmaris. Finally, for a smaller beach town, make Antalya your base.

With the weather warming up in the Mediterranean, there’s no better time to visit Greece. Conditions are perfect from Easter through to August.
Greece is picture postcard perfect - whitewashed walls, deep blue skies and dramatic landscapes. Mountainside monasteries, unspoilt villages, ancient olive groves and white beaches with emerald green waters abound.
Its capital Athens is a vibrant city. Cafes and gardens sit amongst major landmarks, overlooked by the amazing Acropolis. The city is also the perfect base for visiting the mainland or its diverse Island groups.
The mainland is steeped in history. The Peloponnese is headlined by the fresco-adorned city of Mystras and ancient Olympia. Meteora in the North should not be missed, the monasteries are an extraordinary sight, built on top of huge pinnacles of rock.
Travelling to the Cyclades by ferry and Island hopping is easy. Mykonos and Santorini have long been renowned for their beaches, great scenery and night-life.
Santorini is arguably the most spectacular Greek Island. Its blue-domed roofs and black-sand beaches are only outdone by the breathtaking views of the Caldera.
Crete – the southernmost island in Europe has “everything”! Its bountiful variety of features includes mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rocky bays, beach-bar-boogie & nightlife. Bathed in clear sunlight much of the year, the climate is one of the best in Europe.
Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands which nestle off the West side of the Greek mainland. Covered with over 3 million evergreen olive trees, watered by winter rains, Corfu, even during the hot dry summers remains one of the greenest of the Mediterranean islands.

Italy is renowned for romance, art, history and currently…the Winter Olympics. However, it has so much more to offer - from historical sites to ultra modern fashions, not to mention great culture and cuisine! Rome delivers a dramatic history, Venice holds the magic of Carnivale and the canals, Pisa offers the leaning tower, Naples the birthplace of pizza, Milan serves as the fashion capital, and here’s not forgetting the enchanting architecture of Florence - also home of Dante and Michelangelo.

For a more regional, some say a ‘real Italian experience’, try the Sicilian Coast. Fly into Palermo or Siracusa and then visit many coastal towns. Step back-in-time in Apulia, or fly into Brindisi and trek to nearby vineyards on the Wines Road.

Campania features the breathtaking and world famous Amalfi Coast, the eerie ancient city of Pompeii and Capri Island. Be sure to also capture the legendary Tuscany landscape with its rich culture, excellent cuisine and Chianta.

Click here for hotel deals in Italy

Dubai is one of the seven states which make up the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai has a long-standing trading tradition that has brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighboring regions.
Today, Dubai plays host to an increasing number of visitors from the West and the Far East. The city attracts travellers seeking something new and different, offering international facilities combined with the adventure of the Middle East, and exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Dubai is also the undisputed "sports capital of the Middle East", hosting world class international events that attract some of the biggest names in their respective sports, whether in golf, tennis, horse racing, rallying powerboating, rugby, or sailing.
Historically speaking Dubai began as a small fishing settlement. Around 1830 the settlement was taken over by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the Emirate today.
The Burj al Arab is an impressive hotel that is built on a man made island. It can be seen as you enter the city from the West and its unmistakable sail like shape cannot be missed. Another place to visit is the gold souq where you can see storefronts lined up one after the other with gold jewelry everywhere.
Four wheeling on the dunes and "wadi bashing" are some other things visitors can enjoy. These activities involve driving up huge sand dunes and through springs called "wadis" in 4WD vehicles, mainly Toyota Land Cruisers. It is a great way to experience the desert from within the comfort of a luxury vehicle. You can even opt to spend the night in traditional bedouin tents in the desert. (see Desert Wonder Safari and Private Safari - 1001 Arabian Stars)
The city is geared towards tourism and it offers a large number of activities and sights. The rules are quite relaxed and it is probably the best city to visit in the Middle East.

Singapore is an island city located at the southernmost tip of the Malaysian Peninsula in South East Asia. It is well-known for being one of the richest, most well organised, efficient countries in the world with a very high standard of living and an excellent skyline by the water. Singapore is an island with "1000 shopping malls" or so they say. Despite the hot climate, it is a tropical paradise for most tourists. This great diversity of lifestyles, cultures and religions thrives within the framework of a regulated society. Singapore's "FINE" city reputation is well-earned, and in fact, many will admire at once the clean, modern metropolis. Surrounded by artificially 'ordered' parks, its tall housing projects are populated by more than 80% of the population - whose smiling native charms often belie underlying tensions of the way the island is progressing after 30 years of development.

Highlights of Singapore include some of the ethnic parts of town: Arab street, Chinatown, Colonial District, Orchard road and Little India.
>> find here more about the attractions of Singapore