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Action-packed:Italy’s top adrenaline rushes!

December 12, 2011 By 4 Comments

Blessed with hills, mountains, lakes and more than 8000km of coastline, Italy offers much more than Roman ruins and Renaissance art. Adrenaline addicts can get their fix in any number of ways: there’s mountain biking, climbing and skiing in the Alps, hardcore hiking in the Dolomites and horse riding in the Apennines; you can climb active volcanoes in Sicily and shoot whitewater rapids in Calabria. Less daunting, Tuscany’s rolling landscape offers tasty cycling.

On the coast, sport goes beyond posing on packed beaches. The precipitous peaks of the Amalfi Coast harbour a hidden network of ancient paths, while further north Sardinia’s cobalt waters boast some of Italy’s best diving. Windsurfers flock to the northern lakes to pit themselves against fierce local winds.

Looking for a buzz even stronger than that lethal Sicilian espresso that just blew your head off? Allow us to offer a few suggestions…
Wild off-piste skiing on the slopes of the Matterhorn

Some of Europe’s highest-altitude skiing is possible year-round in the Valtournenche Valley, dominated by the 4478m Matterhorn – described by English poet Byron as ‘Europe’s noble rock’. Not for the faint of heart.
Traversing the Dolomites along Alto Via No 1

One of four alte vie (high routes) through these spectacular peaks, the Alto Via No 1 takes you from north to south, and can be tackled in sections or in its entirety.
Peering into Stromboli volcano‘s explosive crater

Towering dramatically over the island of the same name, Stromboli’s permanently smouldering cone attracts amateur and expert volcano fans like moths to a flame.
Canyoning down the Sesia river in the Piemontese Alps

From May to September, the Sesia’s wild rapids are a magnet for action-junkies who like to make a splash!
Windsurfing among the champions on Lago di Garda

Could there possibly be a more picturesque setting to test your board skills than this dazzling lake?
Snowboarding the half pipe at Madonna di Campiglio

With its pretty village square, glamorous après-ski scene and formidable slopes, Madonna di Campiglio has a justifiable reputation as one of the Alps’ most desirable resorts.
Shooting the Lao river rapids in deepest Calabria

The most beautiful way to experience Italy’s largest national park, the Parco Nazionale del Pollino, is to go white-water rafting down the glorious Lao river.
Climbing the Apennines’ highest peak, Corno Grande

A surprisingly straightforward climb, this 2912m peak is popular with trekkers of all experience levels.
Diving in the spectacular waters off Ustica

Not all of Italy’s natural attractions are above-ground. Bring your waterproof camera, because Ustica’s underwater delights are impossibly photogenic.

 

Filed Under: Canyoning, climbing, Diving, Italy, mountain biking, skiing, Snowboarding, Travel, white water rafting

Old Town San Diego

December 8, 2011 By 7 Comments

f_01311444519_traveling.jpgThe Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate
life in both the early American and early Mexican era
of 1821 – 1872. Perfectly situated in San Diego, the
park helps to recreate what was once San Diego. No
matter how you look at it, a trip to California isn’t
complete without a visit to the Old Town.

Around the five adobes of the main complex, there are
shops, a museum, and several restaurants. Around the
garden courtyard, the La Casa mansion helps to bring
back a taste of the Old Town. Just a short hop from
there, the museum is full of artifacts that help to
reflect on the life that was once the Old Town.

The Old Town also has a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse,
and several other historic buildings, including the
first newspaper office in San Diego. This is truly
a place to visit, especially for those who are wanting
to learn more about the history of San Diego.

The city of San Diego was the first Spanish settlement
in California. This occurred when a fort and mission
were established in 1769. Back in 1769, California
was just beginning to get established, therefore it
wasn’t near the state nor the size that it is today.

When visiting the Old Town Park, you should make sure
to visit the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Center. This
center is reconstructed now and displays a model of
Old Town and the way it looked back in 1872. The model
that is on display was created by Joseph Toigo.

The Old Town Park also offers exhibits of the way things
used to be, programs, and even guided tours. You can
get a personal tour of the park, with a guide who
will show you around and even explain things to you.

During your visit to the park, you can also enjoy a
picnic at one of the picnic areas or get something to
eat from one of many vendors. There are supplies here
as well, including restrooms.

Those living in San Diego can find the Old Town Park
on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. Being close to
the main city, visiting the Park is easier than you may
think. If you live in the city but have never been to
the park, you should stop by and take a look.

On a vacation or a visit from town, the Old Town San
Diego helps to bring back a taste of the past. There
is a lot to see here and a lot of historical value. All
you need to do is stop by the park and see what you
think about the way things used to be.

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San Diego Harbor Bay Tour

December 7, 2011 By 1 Comment

f_21310653010_8b63.jpgAs vast as the San Diego harbor is, a simple walk
around it doesn’t do it justice! To partake in the
beauty that is San Diego Harbor, you need to take a
tour of the bay. San Diego Harbor Excursion can
help you do that, as they are the most established
tour company throughout the bay.

As a guest, they will treat you with as one of them,
helping to bring your cruise to life. There are
a few parts to the tour, ensuring that you get the
most out of your time on the cruise.

Tour of the North Bay
On your tour of the North Bay, you’ll see the North
Island Naval Air Station, Shelter Islands, and even
the Naval Sub Base. If you look closely, you’ll
also be able see the Cabrillo National Monument as
well.

The tour of the North Bay is around 12 miles in length
and lasts about an hour. This is a fine tour for
anyone interested in the Navy as well. During your
tour the guides will explain everything to you as
you see it. This way, you’ll always know what’s going
on.

Tour of the South Bay
Your tour of the South Bay consists of the Star of
India, the Naval surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge,
and the shipyards. This is a very busy and hectic
area, which makes a tour excellent to see everything
that this area has to offer.

The tour of South Bay is roughly 12 miles in length
and also lasts around an hour. The guides will explain
things here to you as well, ensuring that you know
exactly what you are seeing.

Tour of the Bay
Those of you who are looking to see it all should go
for the deluxe tour of the entire bay. You’ll see
everything covered in the North and South Bay, along
with everything else the bay has to offer. The tour
is around 25 miles in length and lasts around 2 hours.

To get started on your tour, all you need to do is
contact the Harbor Excursion. The price for the tour
is very reasonable, considering everything you’ll be
seeing.

If you happen to live in San Diego, taking the tour is
easier than ever. Those of you who are visiting or on
vacation should give the tour a shot as well. This way
you’ll get to experience everything that San Diego Bay
has to offer you without having to walk around. And
best of all – tour guides will explain the sights to
you – so you’ll never miss a second.

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St. Thomas: A Popular Cruise Ship Port of Call

December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

f_11310652950_view2-deck6-b.jpgCruise ships are increasing in popularity. They are becoming one of the most popular ways to for individuals, couples, and families to spend their vacations. If you are interesting in taking a vacation cruise, you will likely see that you have an unlimited number of options to choose from.

When selecting a cruise ship to vacation on, you will want to examine where that ship will be going. Almost all vacation cruises, in the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean offer stops at various ports along the way. These stops are often referred to by the cruise ship industry as ports of call. With cruise ships operating all around the world, you may be wondering which ports of call are the best.

If you are taking a Caribbean cruise, you will want to look for cruises that make a stop in St. Thomas. St. Thomas is located in the Virgin Islands. This Caribbean island is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. St. Thomas is most famous for its beautiful, relaxing, and tropical beaches. Whether you are on a family cruise or a romantic cruise, you may find enjoyment aboard a cruise ship that docks in St. Thomas.

When selecting a cruise ship that offers a stop in St. Thomas, you are also encouraged to determine how long you will be there. Each cruise ship is likely to vary. To determine the exact amount of time, you are encouraged to closely examine the cruise ships that you are mostly likely to make reservations for. The amount of time you will spend in St. Thomas is important because it will determine what you will be able to do and see.

If you find a cruise ship that docks in St. Thomas for an extended period of time, you may want to considered familiarizing yourself with everything that St. Thomas to offer. The island is full of activities, services, and facilities that are designed for individuals of all ages. In fact, you will find so much in St. Thomas that it is likely that you will not have time to do everything that you want to do.

To familiarize yourself with the island of St. Thomas, you can easily find information online. A large number of travel websites offer ideas and activities that could be completed while staying in St. Thomas. You may find that many of these activities are rated by past vacationers. Viewing feedback from previously vacationers is one of the best ways to narrow down your choices. In away, feedback will provide you insight as to which places and activities are worth your time.

In addition to researching St. Thomas online, you should be able to obtain more information for your local travel agent. Many travel agents have St. Thomas travel brochures or vacations packets. If your local travel agent does not have brochures on visiting St. Thomas, they should be able to order them for your or give you instructions on how to order your own.

When researching St. Thomas and all that the island has to offer, it is likely you will see that there are an unlimited number of on and offshore activities for tourists. Popular activities include swimming, boating, horseback riding, sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The foresaid activities are just a few of the many that can be found on the island. Whether you prefer the water, the sand, or dry land, you will always find something for you to do in St. Thomas.

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