Limerick, the third largest capital of Ireland, is among the best places to learn Irish history. Situated on the bank of River Shannon, the largest river of country Limerick has very beautiful natural sceneries and geographical structure.  It is also known as the sports capital of Ireland and is the home of Munster rugby team. Blessed with varied natural beauty, this county offers many hot spots and tourists’ attractions.

Some of the famous spots of county include The Hunt Museum, The Limerick City Gallery of Arts, the King John’s Castle and many more.

The Hunt Museum is the collection of greatest Irish arts and antiquities made by some of the most famous Irish artists for years. Being near the city center, the museum attracts many visitors coming in the city and gives them unique experience as it’s hard to find such a marvelous work anywhere else.

The Limerick City Gallery of Arts is another destination for art lovers and for those who want to enjoy ancient Irish art work by famous artists like Jack Yeats and Sean Keating.

Also the collection in gallery is decades old and was preserved by the community for years. This is also a nice place to learn about Irish history and culture as theses art works depict very good picture of that era.

Another good place to learn and experience ancient Irish culture and architecture is King John’s Castle situated on the bank of River Shannon. You will love the beautiful view of river Shannon and surrounding area from the castle. It also offers many activities and games like golf, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. Limerick can really provide you with vast knowledge about Irish history and culture.

There are some more areas in Limerick that you’ll like to discover like the towns in the countryside that still have houses and market place build in the same ancient style that attracts your sight at the first glance.

Getting to Limerick has become relatively easy as there are many international flights to Shannon Airport, connecting it with other parts of Ireland and Europe. You can also enjoy your journey in train to the county from other counties of Ireland. Due to major destination of tourists, county has many fine hotels ranging from 1 star to 5 stars, hostels, guesthouses and B&B’s. Limerick hotels are known for their services as these are well maintained with trained staff and all modern amenities. Book a room in hotels in Limerick and come for memorable vacations.

Volkswagen is the biggest European car brand that has made successful inroads into the Indian car market. The Indian group is just a small part of Volkswagen AG that has a global presence represented by nine huge car players in the market. The nine brands that make the entire group are Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Scania, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge and Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Amongst these, Skoda, Audi, and Volkswagen are three big names representing the renowned Volkswagen AG in India.

The journey of this car brand in India began with the entry of Skoda in the year 2001, followed by Volkswagen and Audi in the year 2007. The brand has carved its own niche in the market with the perfect harmony of captivating design and high-end technologies it offers in its range of premium cars.

To start with, Volkswagen first introduced its globally successful car Passat in the year 2007 that was further followed by the launch Jetta in 2008.

Since its introduction, both the luxury cars are doing wonders on Indian roads. The perfect blend of design, comfort, technological features, and high-end safety technologies make these cars a perfect choice for the affluent class. To expand the portfolio, the manufacturer also drove in the legendary Beetle and the Touareg in 2009.

Apart from the expanding the car portfolio, the company is also expanding its operations in terms of local assembly, dealer network, and after sales service.

The company is looking for a strong and long term presence in the country. With this vision, Volkswagen invested a huge sum of around INR 3,800 crore to start a production facility near Pune in the Chakan Industrial Park in the year 2009. The Pune facility rolled out the Indian Polo that was first unveiled at the Auto Expo in 2010. Polo redefined the Indian passenger car segment with high sales volume.

Furthermore, the brand also worked to increase the dealerships across the stretches of Indian boundaries. Having a tie up with Skoda and Audi, the brand is working wonders in India by substantially increasing car sales with first-class all-round service. This not only improves the credibility of the company but also helps improve customer satisfaction.

Volkswagen has put dedicated efforts to make the existing presence in Indian market. In return of all the dedication and efforts the company has also been honored by the ‘Automotive Company of the Year 2010’ award at the Inaugural Golden Steering Wheel Awards India.

To know more about Volkswagen cars check the site of Volkswagen Vento.

If you are a tourist or visitor interested in European history, whatever you do, don’t miss seeing the two places named by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites: Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

In 1755 an estimated 85% of Lisbon was destroyed by a massive earthquake, followed by fires and a tsunami. The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery were two of the old buildings that survived.

The ‘Torre de Belém’ is a building of the Portuguese Late Gothic style. It is built on a small island on the edge of the shore of the Tagus River. It stands over 30 meters or 4 storeys in height. It is built out of limestone and gleams whitely as a proud symbol of Lisbon to people approaching from the sea.

The building was completed in 1521 and was originally intended as a defense against hostile invaders from the sea coming into the port. Today it serves as an impressive gateway into Portugal’s capital. Its other name is the ‘Tower of St Vincent’ in honour of the patron saint of Lisbon.

Most tourists find the freguesia of Belém an irresistible attraction. This bairro or neighbourhood of the city is rich with history and beautiful old buildings; well worth spending some time there.

One of the greatest eras of Portugal’s past was the ‘Age of Discovery’; the age of Prince Henry the Navigator, Bartholomeu Diaz, Ferdinand Magellan, and Vasco da Gama. This is the part of the city where you will re-discover them.

Jerónimos Monastery is, if anything, even more famous than the tower. It is another example of the same highly valued ‘Manueline’ style of architecture.

In the middle of the 15th century, Henry the Navigator had a hermitage ‘Ermida do Restelo’ built on this site, and this is where the great seamen used to come to pray before sailing. This is where Vasco da Gama and his men prayed all night before starting their famous voyage to India via the Cape of Good Hope in 1497.

However, when he returned, it was to find construction beginning on a new monastery to commemorate his success. With various interruptions along the way, the building took 50 years to complete.

It is an exquisite limestone building and houses

Magnificently ornate portals.

The Monastery of St Jeronimo.

The Church of Santa Maria.

The tombs and sarcophagi of several members of royalty and Vasco da Gama. The National Archaeological Museum, or ‘Museu Nacional de Arqueologia’.

If the famous voyages have caught your imagination, you must not miss the ‘Maritime Museum’, also housed in the Monastery. It holds an incredible 17,000 items to take you back to the times of the great explorers. You will even see replicas and models of the memorable ships that carried them.

Among the relics and memorabilia, you will also be able to see other notable events in history as well as one of the world’s largest collection of 16th century maps and replicas of maps, showing the world as it was known in those days.

A short way from Jeronimos Monastery you will find the ‘Discoveries Monument’. This was built to commemorate the death of Prince Henry the Navigator more than 500 years ago. It is built in the shape of a ship and is full of information, a film, and memorials to the great navigators, explorers and others involved with the voyages of discoveries.

While visiting these sites of historical interest you do need a Lisbon cheap hotel where you can relax. Finding an accommodation in Lisbon city center is recommended so that you are close to the reliable transport system that you need to reach all the popular tourist sights in the city.

Karnataka state is rich in heritage and historical monuments. The north of the state is particularly better endowed in this regard, what with iconic places like Hampi, Pattadakal and Aihole. Also of equal significance and importance is Bijapur, near the Maharashtra border.

Bijapur is best known, probably, for the Gol Gumbaz, the second largest dome in the world. The history of Bijapur goes back to the 10th century AD during the reign of the Chalukyas who established it as Vijayapura. Translated, the name stands for the city of victory, and the town saw its control shift to the Khilji Sultanate and, later, to the Bahmani rulers and then to the Adil Shahi kings. Finally, the Mughals came and, under Aurangzeb, they conquered it only to have to concede Bijapur to the British by the 19th century AD.

Besides the Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur’s sightseeing options are many.

One of the most beautiful of sights is that of the Ibrahim Rauza, the twin identical structures that can be visually as appealing as the Taj Mahal.

Also not to be missed is the Malik-e-Maidan, the pride of Bijapur and the Bahmani kings.
Other Bijapur attractions include the Upli Buruj, the Chand Bawdi and the Asar and Gagan Mahals. For those who have more time, the Barakaman and the Saat Khabar can also be taken in.

Travelling within Bijapur can be an interesting affair. Highly recommended is hiring a tonga and negotiating with the cart driver for a tour package of all the attractions of the city.

Reaching Bijapur is quite comfortable, what with excellent rail connectivity. From Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, the line to Solapur serves the rail traveler well enough. For those who prefer air travel, the nearest airport to Bijapur is at Belgaum, about 200 km away. Tourists who are covering Badami, Pattadakkal and Aihole could do well to take in stay over at Badami and pay a visit to Bijapur by the day train and come back the same evening. There are also buses that ply to Bijapur from all these nearby tourist destinations as there are from the main metros.

If you are headed for Bijapur, you would do well to time your visit in the cooler months, probably from October to March. Summers can be quite hot and dusty and that’s not the best time to visit Bijapur.

Given the historical prominence of the city, there are several hotels in Bijapur. These are conveniently located near the railway station or around the city centre and the main market places. There are not too many luxury accommodation options, though.For those who want to take in heritage, Bijapur offers a fascinating insight into the grand history of the region.
 

city which boosts itself about its cultural heritage has a lot of unique cultural and art programs to submit to the visitors. Along with the eye catching events it offers its own mouth watering dishes too to the tourists. Single origin chocolate , which is manufactured using the same variety of cocoa, is one special item which Satander offers to the visitors.

The taste, color and the quality of cocoa differs depending on the soil it grows. The climate also has an important role in deciding the nature of the cocoa. As chocolates are manufactured from the cocoa, the taste of chocolates differs as the quality of the cocoa varies. So, many companies are developed a practice of purchasing cocoa from the same source for their use.

This will help them to keep the standard taste in all the lots they manufacture. Schladerer chocolate also practices the same.

In Satander, along with their unique culture and heritage you can experience the unique taste of chocolates too. This certainly will make your holidays sweeter. They are also using the same variety of cocoa grown in the same area to manufacture this unique chocolate. Thus this single origin chocolate will give you the same taste all the time. That is how, the people of Satander makes you to keep the memories sweet.

Apart from its rich heritage and culture, it has a lot of beautiful places also to visit. Calm and quite water sides and the pleasant climate will definitely arouse the love in you.

Your companion will always love to remember those days which he or she spent with you.

True to their heritage the people of Satander are very friendly and their hospitality is world famous. Though the main source of income is through tourism and related activities, they have not taken it as a full profession. Still you can see a touch of humanity there, which is not to be seen in many tourist centers. Though they are doing business, they are not so interested in making money at any cost. So, the things are so cheap and affordable to all class of people.

It is quite sure that you will certainly enjoy the trip to Satander. The delicious taste of single origin chocolate will always be there in your memories. The taste will haunt you all your life and tempt you to visit the place again and again. Do not forget to have a special schladerer chocolate too.

Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is the most populous country located entirely in Europe with 81.8 million inhabitants. Recognized as a scientific and technological leader in several fields, Germany also has its own World Heritage Sites that are worth watching and discovering some day for any travel enthusiasts.

Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces in Bruhl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany was known to be the UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Two castles are situated in the same area on the Rhine River. Built at the beginning of the 18th century, the palace of Augustusburg is connected with Falkenlust by the spacious gardens and trees of the Schlosspark.

The palace of Augustusburg

The palace of Falkenlust

The Hufeisensiedlung which means “Horseshoe Estate” has been a part of the UNESCO Berlin Modernism Housing Estates World Heritage Site since 2008

The Dresden Elbe Valley was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005

The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is an industrial zone in the city of Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia. It has been inscribed into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since December 14, 2001.

The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

The Church of St. Michael is located in Hildesheim City. It has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list since 1985.

The Abbey of Lorsch is one of the most renowned monasteries of the Carolingian Empire in the suburb of Lorsch City, southern Hessen. Founded in 764, it had existed independently for 468 years until it was merged into the territory of archbishop Mainz in 1232.

In 1991, the abbey was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Maulbronn Abbey situated in Maulbronn City is considered to be the best preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex in Europe.

The Muskau Park is the largest and one of the most famous English-style gardens

Museum Island is situated on an island in the Spree River in Berlin. It comprises the Lustgarten Park and the Berlin Cathedral. In 1999, the museum was listed as the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The art and archaeological collection of the museum became public property after 1918

The Völklinger Hütte as ironworks in Saarland was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994

Wartburg Castle on a 410 m precipice to the southwest of Thuringia State was added in World Heritage List in 1999

Related links:

World Heritage Sites in England

The Ming Tombs: a World Heritage Site

Must-see European cities for summer vacation

England is famous for its universities and learning institutions, engineering and innovation and culture as well. There are many ancient standing stone monuments and architectural buildings which were erected even during the prehistoric period. Many sites have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.

The Tower of London, or Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, is a historic castle on the north ban of the River Thames in central London, England. The Tower was founded nearly a millennium ago and was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage in 1988.

The Tower of London with a view of the water-gate called “Traitors’ Gate”

The original entrance to the White Tower was at first-floor level

Stonehenge is located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 13 kilometres north of Salisbury. It is one of the most famous sites in the world, composing of earthworks surrounding a circular setting of large standing stones. It became UNESCO World Heritage in 1986.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Severn Valley Railway in Shropshire and Worcestershire is one of the most popular heritage railways in England. The railway hosts many special events throughout the year. The Severn Valley line was built between 1858 and 1862.

Kew Gardens, probably the most famous botanical gardens in the world, has some interesting buildings including large glasshouses and a royal palace. It is situated nearly 10 miles from central London, in the historically fascinating London borough of Richmond upon-Thames.

Kew is one of the world’s leading botanic gardens

Westminster Palace was rebuilt from the year 1840 on the site of important medieval remains. The site is of great historic and symbolic significance.

The Pontcysyllte Aquesduct carries the Llangollen Canal over the valley of the River Dee. It is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage Site. 

The group of Neolithic monuments on Orkney comprises of a large chambered tomb, two ceremonial stone circles and a settlement, which constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape. They have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage since 1999.

Beaumaris Castle, which is situated in Beaumaris, Anglesey, Wales, was built along with Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech as a part of King Edward I’s campaign to conquer the north of Wales. Beaumaris has been designated as a World Heritage site.

Beaumaris Castle was the last and largest of the castles to be built by King Edward I in Wales.

The castle moat

Conwy, a town in North Wales, is renowned for its medieval Castle and town walls.

Caernarfon is a royal town in Gwynedd, northwest Wales.

Unfinished Church in St George’s, Bermuda has recognized as the world’s heritage by UNESCO since 2000.

Derwent Valley Mills, is a World Heritage Site along the River Derwent in Derbyshire, England. The modern factory was built in the 18 century.

Related links:

The Ming Tombs: a World Heritage Site

The Town of Warminster, Wiltshire

Stonehenge, England

Shimla is one of the oldest and most popular hill stations in India. During the colonial times many British officers built stunning bungalows with sprawling gardens. Many of these old bungalows have been converted into heritage hotels and they offer some guests a glimpse into the life of the past. These Shimla Resortsare quite spectacular and have retained their old world charm quite well.

Chapslee is a famous and well renowned heritage hotel located in Shimla. It is situated around 24 kilometers from the Shimla airport and around half a kilometer from the railway station. Getting to the hotel is quite easy and most locals will be able to direct travelers on the right path. The hotel is conveniently located near the Lakkar Bazzar as well.

The building was built in 1835 and it still retains its colonial architecture. The interiors are also furnished in a traditional style. The hotel is a good mix of old and new. The rooms have all the modern facilities, which are necessary for the new age traveler. The resort is quite small and it contains only six suites. Due to the constant demand the rooms get booked out very well. The suites are decorated with a blend of modern and traditional style.

The Chapslee has one restaurant and this serves some of the most mouth watering traditional Indian dishes in the region. The hotel is located with a backdrop of a cliff face as well. Guests who are interested in Shimla Tourismmay be able to arrange trips through the hotel.

The hotel will arrange taxi services for its guests on demand as well. The hotel has a well stocked bar as well.

The hotel also offers services such as money changer facilities, travel desk facilities, satellite television, internet facilities and library. The hotel also has a games room where guests can interact and play with each other. The Chapslee also offers conference facilities and fax on demand. Guests who need to conduct some urgent business can make use of these facilities. Depending on the weather, guests can also engage in a game of lawn tennis. Himachal Tourismbrochures may be available at the front desk as well. Ample parking facilities and 24 hour hot and cold water services are also offered at the Chapslee. For those who are looking to experience an era gone by, the Chapslee is the place to be, but guests are never far away from modern life either.

Sun, sea and sand are not the only attractions of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. It also boasts a history stretching back to the earliest known settlers in 200 BC.

Protecting natural and cultural heritage is an important priority for many countries around the world and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are designated to help make this possible. Territories which have been identified as such are unique in that it is considered they belong to the people of the world, ensuring they are conserved for generations to come.

World Heritage Sites may not be an obvious association with Tenerife but there are two which you can explore during a stay on the island. The first of these was Teide National Park, which contains the highest peak in Spain – Teide-Pico Viejo – standing at 3,718 m. Also considered the third tallest volcanic structure in the world, you can witness a spectacular landscape.

Geology enthusiasts will love identifying the volcanic features and the atmosphere is also constantly changing so that a ‘sea of clouds’ is sometimes present, giving it a visual impact not seen on many islands. International research is carried out here regularly.

Reach the highest point of the peak by cable car and enjoy breathtaking views towards Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera, or if you are feeling adventurous why not enjoy the climb?
 
San Cristobal de La Laguna is the second World Heritage Site in Tenerife, regarded as a religious and cultural capital on the island. Buildings here date as far back as the 16th century and you can stroll the wide avenues to admire some amazing architecture. This town provided the model for many colonial towns in the Americas and you can visit both the Upper Town and the Lower Town. The first church is a real point of interest since it reflects the varied influences over time, with a mixture of styles which blend together. One of the finest 18th century buildings is the Casa de Montañés, an elegant house which today provides a seat for the Consultative Council of the Autonomous Government of the Canaries.
 
Discover a world where you will truly feel as if you have stepped back in time, from the wooden balconies to the homes of former noblemen.
 
Tenerife might just surprise you whether you are interested in exploring the beautiful natural terrain or you want to experience the wonderful architecture. A visit to the Canaries doesn’t have to be expensive and you can easily climb aboard a plane in 2012 to experience some of the free wonders.

Rajasthan is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. It mesmerizes the world with its rich cultural heritage, deep rooted history and an array of forts and palaces and some other magnificent monuments.Vivid and colorful fairs & festivals, exotic wildlife national parks & sanctuaries are some of the featured attractions of state – the land of rajas and maharajas. You will have a sensational experience of Rajasthan Tours that you can cherish forever. Culturally and historically rich state of Rajasthan has many epics of kings and queens dedicated to their gallantry and royalty. A variety of archaic memorials in form of majestic palaces, impressive fortresses and some other historical structures leave an unforgettable impression in your mind and heart. This multicolored state in comprising vast stretches of sand dunes is a must visit. The pastoral folk culture of the state add to the marvelous aura of the place and a sense of it can be well experienced by a visit to the various fairs and festivals.

Capturing the hearts of travelers who come here from every nook and corners of the world, Rajasthan attractions can suitably adorn your holidays with fun, luxury and adventure.

No other state in India is considered as rich as Rajasthan when it comes to heritage. These cities of the state have an amazing attractions, which offer a distinct experience to tourists. The superlative palaces such as Lake Palace, City Palace, Jaipur; and City Palace, Udaipur are the architectural wonders built by the kings of the  era that was.

There are some remarkable heritage hotels in the state where you can experience luxury at its best such as Hotel Umaid Bhawan, Hotel Ajit hawan, Hotel Fort Rajwada, Hotel Shiv Niwas and Hotel Rambagh Palace. The flawlessly niched arches, mesmerizing paintings, crystal, mirror work and ivory work are the notable characteristics of these heritage structures.

You also get to experience the ancient charm of Rajasthan in its luxurious Train, ‘Palace on Wheels’. It is one of the most luxurious trains in the world, which takes passengers to a one of a kind journey .It covers various popular destinations of Rajasthan and its neighboring states. Once the private coaches of the kings, the train offers a mind boggling travel experience. It covers major destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, the National Park Ranthambhor, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur National Park and Agra.

Besides the monumental attractions, Rajasthan has a lot to offer to the adventure lovers. There are several wildlife parks and sanctuaries such as Sariska tiger reserve, Ranthambore National Park and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary that make for a rime wildlife attractions. It is visited by tourist and nature enthusiasts and vacationers from all the nook and corner of the country. Jeep safari and elephant safari in these famous wildlife and national parks provide you with a thrilling experience of Rajasthan India tours to the visitors.