Top 16-Things to Do on Istanbul Holiday : East Meets West and Ancient meet Modern

Spreading over 2-continents and with a vivid cultural scene, there is nowhere on Earth like Istanbul for a city break……and it now trendier than ever, with lots of captivating sights to explore.

 So, you are planning to go on a holiday in Istanbul, but have no idea what all places to see and things to do there. That is totally understandable, since the city is astronomic and has so much to offer in form of museums, mosques, foreign culinary delights and markets.  Istanbul has become a year-round holiday destination.  And every year, millions of tourists from backpackers to families take flights to Istanbul.

Istanbul in Turkey is extremely modern place; however, it traces its roots back in 660 B.C. It is the former seat of magnificent Ottoman and Byzantine empires and is bifurcated into Asian and European sides by the Bosporus Strait, providing a wealth of history and splendid scenery. 

Istanbul is magical and a treat to the beholder’s eyes. Just wandering around the Grand Bazaar, with its vibrant colors, aromas and bustle, is an astonishing marvel for the tourists. At luxurious Four Season Hotel Istanbul located at the Bosphorus, you will feel like a Prince of the palace. If you are going along with your family including kids, do take out time for a traditional Hammam (or Turkish bath”, at the hotel, a ritual local immensely relish with their families. 

Image credit - whereis-istanbul.com/

Here we are presenting the sweet 16 -must do things on your Istanbul Holiday, which will actually make your trip worth it.

Watch out a Whirling Dervish Show

Istanbul is native place of the Mevlevi Order of Sufi whirling dervishes. The Sufi dervishes whirl themselves into a trance- like state, which is believed that this brings them closer to the Lord, and it is an unusual religious ceremony to check out.

Image credit - .travelshopturkey.com

Go to the Spice Market

Spice market is the second largest after the Grand Bazaar. In the spice market, you can buy spices (of course), Turkish coffee, dried fruit, nuts, Turkish delight and loose leaf tea.

Ride and Drive the Beauty “Red Street Car”

Another must do thing on Istanbul Holiday is ride a Red Street Car. One excellent method to explore Istiklal Avenue without having to pass through the crowds is to ride on the street car from one end of the lane to another. The street car provides a vintage feel and it makes for a pleasant journey via Istanbul’s shopping hub. 

Image Credit - reportinglivefromistanbul.wordpress.com

Listen to the Divinely Call to Prayer between the Majestic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

One of the most beautiful ‘Call to prayer’ you will ever listen takes place between the Hagia Sophia (no longer a mosque; however, it still has a prayer room) and Blue Mosque. One muezzin would hum a part of the prayer and then the other muezzin would respond from other turret. 

It is certainly a magical thing to experience; therefore, if you find yourself wandering in the place during the prayer session, we recommend you to take a seat at one of the park benches and simply listen. 

Image credit - secondglobe.com

Enjoy a Boat Tour down the Bosphorus

In case, you have are on a holiday to Istanbul only for a few days and you know you would not be able to see all the main attractions, taking a cruise to Bosphorus is a brilliant way to have a glimpse of Istanbul’s main attractions. You will ride past the Rumeli Ruins, numerous gardens, mosques and museums, the Maiden’s Tower and Dolmabahçe Palace.

Image Credit - gallipoli-tours.com

Walk across the Famous Galata Bridge

Yes, you can of course ride the light rail across; however, if you choose to walk, you will be able to catch up the locals fishing out from the bridge, boats carrying passengers down the Bosphorus and vendors selling sesame covered pretzels. 

Image Credit - istanbul.for91days.com

Eat a Yummy Kumpir

When on a holiday to Istanbul, do take a bite of the Kumpir, a loaded baked potato. The vendor will mix the baked potato with butter and cheese till it is fluffy and light, and then you can select from an array of toppings including hot dogs, bulgur, olives, peas, corn and more. It is a perfect snack to have in the evening. 

Sip the Tasty Turkish Tea

In Istanbul, you will have to drink tea out of a tulip-shaped cup. Turkish tea is made in a rather inimitable manner utilizing a teapot that has 2-levels: one to boil the water and other one to brew the tea. You pour the tea into the cup and then dilute it with hot water so it is made as per your taste. 

Relish a Glass of Ayran

This is one of those drinks that you will either desperately love or hate. Aryan is cold yoghurt mixed with salt and it is the National drink of Turkey. It is excessively consumed during the summer months.

Go Underground at Basilica Water Cistern

The next on our list must do things on Istanbul Holiday is to explore the humungous Basilica Water Cistern. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of the ancient underground cisterns found across the massive Istanbul.

Most of the columns in the water cistern look to have been recycled from the ruins and remains of other buildings, and among them you will see 2-carvings of Medusa’s head utilized as column bases and column with tear-shaped engravings deemed to have the power to make all wishes come true.

Haggling at the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is an ultimate place for shoppers. With over 3,000 shops and spanning across 61 streets, the market is dizzying yet so definitely worth a visit. You will see that some streets specialize in certain products like leather, carpets, spices, silverware and ceramics.

There will be loads of shimmery items to appeal your eye, so come prepared to spend money.

Relish an Excellent View from Galata Tower

Situated in Beyoglu, the tower appears like it would be best suited as Rapunzel’s home in the “Tangled” fairy tale. There is something mysterious about the piked cylindrical roof and the views from the outer terrace are breathtaking.

Enjoy a Belly-Dance Show

This one is one of our favorite among all the must do things on your Istanbul Holiday. In case, you want to see a performance with high amounts of entertainment factor, then you are in loads of luck, as Hodjapasha Dance Theater shows belly-dancing and folkloric performances. Be prepared to be whisked back into the popular 1001 Arabian Nights.

Pay a Visit to Chora Church

The Church of Chora might not be the largest of the Byzantine churches; however, it is widely known for being one of the most charming. The highlight of the church is the several mosaic panels that recreate biblical scenes and still shine centuries later.

Explore Istanbul Archaeological Museums

This is the must do things on your Istanbul Holiday when your kids are along with you. The museum consists of three different museums that are located near the Topkapi Palace. The 3 museums are the Museum of the Ancient Orient, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Archaeological Museum. If you relish getting up close with the ancient history, you will certainly enjoy a visit here.

Explore the Valens Aqueducts

When the Romans passed via Istanbul, they commenced construction of the water system that will supply to the growing needs for the fresh water of the city. The water that moves down these aqueducts was stored in underground cisterns and open reservoirs across the city. Presently, the surviving portion of the Valens Aqueduct is 921- meters long.

Amazing contrasts are all a vital part of Istanbul’s magnetic appeal. Enchanting Byzantine frescoes and impressive architecture blends with shinning skyscrapers and state-of-art museums. Relish Turkish delicacies and wander around bustling historic markets at Istanbul.

At Hoodaki.com you can take advantage of booking flights to Istanbul, with an agency that is known within the industry for enterprise quality service to holiday seekers. To book your flights contact Hoodaki.com.

  

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20 Places to See before You Die in the World, A Perfect Bucket List

We get reminded often that life is too short and time flies by so fast and of the waning days we have left on the planet earth. Sooner or later, we become too busy with work, too married to live the kind of life we always desired or too old to do the things that we should have done years ago. 

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Yes, definitely, now is the time to start living and stop dreaming. To help you accomplish this, we have compiled a list of unbelievable places around the world to see before you die. Yes, so many other-worldly places are there right on the earth, and we never even knew about it. Here we are providing you 20-landmarks that appear like scenes and paintings from Sci-fi movies and you must take time to visit them once in your lifetime.

We know that life is short and funds are limited; therefore, we have narrowed down are selection. We have picked 20- landmarks, but as you know “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.”

Now without any further ado, we bring to you 20 places to see before you die – the global bucket list

Skaftafell Ice Cave, Iceland

The ice-cave nestles on the frozen lagoon of the Svinafellsjokun glacier in Skaftafell in Iceland. The ice caves are known to fall easily; therefore, the safest time for you to explore this incredible place is winters when it has hardened. Well, duh…yes it is an ice cave.

The glacier ice soaks almost all the visible light except from the blue fraction, which you will see. It looks amazing from inside, we cannot literarily wait to get there with our tripods and spoil someone else’s photos. 

Antelope Canyon, USA

Another place on our list of 20 places to see before you die is Antelope Canyon, USA. It is one of the most visited and most-photographed slot canyons in USA. It is situated on Navajo land close to Page, Arizona. The place includes 2-separate, absolutely photogenic slot canyon segments; individually referred to as the Upper Antelope Canyon/ The Crack, and the Lower Antelope Canyon/The Corkscrew.

The Canyon was created by erosion of Navajo Sandstone, mainly because of flash flooding and other sub-aerial processes. Rainwater, particularly during monsoon season, flows in the extensive basin over the slot canyon sections, picking up sand and speed as it runs into the narrow passageways.

Over time, the narrow passageways have eroded away, smoothing the hard edges and making the corridors deeper in such a manner as to create characteristic “flowing” shapes in the rock. 

Santorini, Greece

The place is perhaps the most charming and most adored island of Greece in the Aegean. The name of the island is more than enough to unleash in mind volcanic landscape, dazzling white houses, heart-melting sunsets, red and gray beaches, pleasurable connotations, wild fun and terraces with phenomenal sea views.

Image Courtesy - Wikipedia

All this, tagged with remnants of lost civilizations explored in the volcanic ash clearly justify the epithets with which most visitors identify Santorini and is rightly called – indescribable, magical and incredible. 

Bora Bora Island, France

The next place on our list of 20 places to see before you die is Bora Bora Island, France. Wow, Bora Bora, the most renowned of all French Polynesia Leeward Islands. It is so pretty that they has to name it twice (Bora-Bora). 

The tropical paradise offers a plethora of activities like snorkeling and scuba-diving for a fun-filled time with a family, and it is one of the most loved romantic getaways as well.

image courtesy -tahiti-tourisme.com

With a spectacular view of the ocean, you would not mind spending moths unleashing here. 

The Great Wall of China

One of the greatest wonder of worlds, the Great Wall of China, became the World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. Just like the colossal monster, the Great Wall of China winds up and down across the mountains, plateaus, desserts and grasslands, spanning around 8,851.8 kilometers from east to west of China.

 With a history of over 2,000 years, some of the parts of the wonder are now in ruins or have disappeared. Nevertheless, it is still one of the most impressive attractions all around the world because of its historical significance and architectural grandeur. 

image courtesy - wikipedia

Mount Fuji, Japan

The tallest mountain of Japan, which though dormant since 1707, remains an active volcano, finally became listed in UNESCO’s illustrious World Heritage list in 2013 after years mysteriously absent. Home to eight Shinto shrines, five prominent lakes and Shiraito Shrine, reverence of this towering icon appears only in some of the earliest recorded literature of Japan when Fuji-san, as it is known locally, was stated to puff clouds of smoke across Honshu.

Today, it is one of the most visited attractions of Japan, with thousands of tourists enduring the tough climb to the apex each year for a moment of tranquility and peace as they look back over the most populous island of Japan. 

Image courtesy - wikipedia

Fields of Lavender, Provence, France

Another place to see before you die is Fields of Lavender, Provence, France. The beauty of Provence is well- encapsulated by the texture, fragrance and color of lavender. Lavenders bloom at full swing in early July, thus, if you wish to capture an amazing panorama of lavender fields in Provence, France than come here at that time. Je t’adore!

Image Courtesy - wikipedia

The Caves of Crystal in Naica Mine, Mexico

The Naica Mine of Chihuahua in Mexico is a working mine that is widely known for its outstanding selenite crystals. The astonishing Cave of Crystals is a cave around 1,000 feet underneath the surface in the limestone host rock of the Naica mine.

The chamber includes huge selenite crystals – some of the largest natural crystals found ever. The giant selenite crystals were formed by hydrothermal liquids discharged from the magma chambers underneath the surface. 

Image courtesy - revue-technique.lu

Berlin Wall, Germany

The Berlin Wall was the establishment for one of the most defining times of living memory, when on November 9, 1989, it fell off after around 3-decades dividing Germany into 2 parts –West and East. At least 136-people died when trying to cross it between 1961 and 1989, and the fence is remembered today more for what it was than what it is today.

Currently, only 2-sizeable sections remain as memorials: The East Side Gallery – loaded with vivid murals, including the popular “Fraternal Kiss”, showing Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev smooching his East German Counterpart Erich Honecker, and the Bernauer Strasse division in the city’s north, which acts like an exhibition about the city’s life during the times of Berlin Wall. 

Image Courtesy - soggiornilinguistici.wordpress.com

The Wave in Arizona, USA

Another place on our list of 20 places to see before you die is the Wave in Arizona, USA. The Wave is a sandstone hard rock formation situated in the US near the Arizona and Utah border on the Coyote Buttes’ slopes located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness situated on the Colorado Plateau.

 Around 200-million years ago, the area was a sandy dessert, where giant dunes migrated across the landscape moved by the seasonal winds. Prevailing winds of the ancient Jurassic times can be ascertained by identifying the layers (cross-bedding) in the sandstone rock.

image credit - tp-photoart.com

What we see now are some of the original layered dunes shaped into impressive landforms and disclosed by erosion from eons of runoff. The stunning ribbons of various hues known as Liesegang Bands were created by precipitation and movement of oxidizing materials like manganese and iron by ground water. The fins/veins of calcite cut across the rock sandstone, adding another element to the landscape. 

The Sistine Chapel, Vatican City

Full four years in the making, Michelangelo’s translation of some of the Old Testament’s most influential tales – the tale of Noah, three each from the creation and the fall of Adam and Eve – has turned out to be one of the iconic images in the Western art.

While it was surely the talk of the town in 1512, around 501 years later – the Sistine Chapel is so popular that it allures as many as 20,000 tourists daily, who line up to explore the world’s most visited room. 

Image Courtesy - famouswonders.com/sistine-chapel

Taj Mahal, India

 If ever there was a more enchanting monument of love than Taj Mahal in India, it has long since vanished to dust. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this amazing marble- white mausoleum in the memory of his beautiful third wife, Mumtaz Mahal in the year 1632.

The resulting structure, conceptualized by Afgan Ustad Ahmed Lahori has been titled as the jewel of Muslin Art in India, and architectural masterpiece and one of the incredibly romantic buildings in the world. 

Image Credit - Wikipedia

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Another place on our list of 20 places to see before you die is Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Charles Darwin called this island “a small world within itself.” The renowned naturalist developed his theory of evolution via the natural selection not long post his visit to the quixotic Isles in the year 1835, and now almost 2-centuries later it is still possible to get a glimpse of the extremely oddball creatures that startled him.

The island is the melting pot of enticing marine life, thanks to its location at the conflux of 3-ocean currents. Atop the crystalline waters, this astonishing 19-island archipelago is home to a plethora of colorful species, many endemic, like blue-footed booby, giant green tortoise (can live for more than 170-years, meaning some of the tortoise roaming in the island today may have been born at the time of Darwin’s visit) and pink iguana. 

Image courtesy - getty images

Canals of Venice, Italy

If there was a more romantic place on the face of earth than Venice Canals, definitely we would see that place simulated in every casino worldwide. However, since there are arguably more Roman statues and fake canals in casinos worldwide than anything else, it is absolutely true to say that the real Venice is the Romantic Winner.

 And hey why would not it be?  Who on earth does not wish to transport themselves into a gondola for a lethargic ride around the “beautiful floating city” past its popular Byzantine and Gothic palazzos, enticing cafes and bohemian shops?

 The astounding city is a marble masterpiece, the engineering marvel and a sight tha would not be around forever. 

Image courtesy - hoodaki.com

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu stands tall at 2,430 meters above the sea-level in the heart of the tropical mountain forest, in an outstandingly charming setting. It was likely the most astonishing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its giant walls, height, ramps and terraces appear as if there have been naturally cut in the persistent rock escarpments.

The natural setting, especially on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encircles the upper Amazon basin with its wide diversity of flora and fauna. 

Image courtesy - hoodaki.com

Sydney Opera House, Australia

Another place on our list of 20 places to see before you die is Sydney Opera House, Australia. The Sydney Opera house is a world-famous landmark of the city skyline, a projection screen for Sydney’s numerous festivals, barometer of international talent and a lighthouse for ferries entering the harbor. It is an architectural wonder that was constructed well ahead of time, one that changes the picture of the whole country and far ahead of the available technology. 

image courtesy - wikipedia

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Spent your whole life just by looking and fantasizing at the pictures of Great Pyramids of Egypt and figured them to be in the nitty-gritty of the desert? 

The proximity to contemporary Cairo may startle you; however, somewhat modern setting does not take away from the core reality that these giant limestone beacons, the Great Sphinx and their guard cats are more than 4,500 years old and still standing solid as the sole surviving marvels of the ancient civilization.

For modern, high-tech day time travel, it definitely does not become much better than this. 

Image courtesy - famouswonders.com

Stonehenge, UK

Stonehenge symbolizes one of the most remarkable prehistoric megalithic monuments worldwide on account of sheer sophistication of its concentric plan and size of its megaliths. Constructed between 3,000 BC and 2,000 BC, this impeccable complex is now a spiritual site of pilgrimage in Neo-druidry, as well as one of the most iconic attractions of UK.  Just what precisely Britons built it for; however, Stonehenge remains one of the great mysteries of archeology.

 Was it a sacrificial burial ground or a celestial timepiece? The answers can be found any day now. 

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Another place on our list of 20 places to see before you die is Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia.  The sizzling Plitvice National Park is situated in the Lika region of Croatia. The beautiful park is surrounded by the mountains Mala Kapela, Medvedak and Pijesevica, which are parts of the famous Dinaric Alps.

The 16-blue-green Plitvice lakes that were separated by the natural dams of travertine are located on the Plitvice Plateau. The lakes are famous for their unique colors, ranging from azure to gray and green. The colors change regularly based on the angle of sunlight and quantity of organisms and minerals in the water. 

We humans have transformed and exploited the Planet Earth beyond recovery; however, fortunately not everything gifted to us by the Lord is lost yet. Blue water lakes, stunning mountains, opulent oceans with sizzling islands – our planet has innumerable breathtaking vistas and amazing places, just waiting for you to visit and explore them.

We hope you will visit the above-mentioned 20 incredible places in at least once in your lifetime and see the beauty the Lord has bestowed us humans with….yes there is a Paradise on every nook and cranny the Earth.

We would recommend you to book flights to these stunning places at Hoodaki.com, an agency that is known within the industry for enterprise quality service to holiday seekers. To book your flights and plan your holidays contact Hoodaki.com. 

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Visit the World’s Most Romantic Holiday Destinations

 A new research sponsored by The United State Travel association states, “a travelling couple is the happiest couple.”

“ Couples who take out time from their busy lives to go on a holiday together at least once a year report happier, healthier companionship as opposed to those who do not travel much as couples.”

According to the survey, around 63% of couples stated a weekend getaway is indeed more likely to kindle romance than gifts. And 77% of couple who travel together frequently to romantic getaway destinations reported that they have a good intimate bonding than the couples who do not travel together for a holiday.  59% of couples stated that being more intimate is a vital reason to go on a holiday to a romantic destination as deux.

image courtesy - dailymail.co.uk

Many of our readers ask us often “Which are the top most romantic destinations?”

 So if you are planning to rekindle the spark of love and intimacy with a romantic escape, here we have rustled up seven super romantic destinations around the world for a romance-inspired trip.

Image credit - couplesresorts.co.uk

From Maldives’ secluded golden beaches to Savannah’s captivating B&Bs, these romantic holiday destinations are ideal for woo-ing your better half. 

World’s No#1 Romantic Destination…….its Paris for Sure

“Everything seems sexy and poetic in Paris – the enchanting buildings, the grand Eiffel Tower, the sweet language, the delicious food and the pretty Parisians,” charms every couple who goes for a holiday in the City of Light. Just walking around the city makes you want to be in love!

Paris seems to be irresistible to couples who want to go on a romantic holiday, and has again been rated as No#1 for romance in the World’s Best Awards survey 2014.

 For both the art freaks and love birds, ranking Paris as the best romantic city in the world may appear cliché, but this mad heart wants what the heart wants (and we all know heart is always right, irrespective of the fact that it is located on the left in our body).

Walks along the Seine, cobbled lanes and tree-packed boulevards, a simple glass of red wine in a serene bistro, candle light dinner at the front of Eiffel Tower or a romantic stop at the Musee Rodin all add to the l’amour Parisienne. Paris certainly exudes romance. 

 Do Not Miss – Des Vosges, a picnic-perfect spot, one of Paris most charming and oldest squares, surrounded by exquisite 17^th-century mansions in the Marais Quarter.

Visit World’s No#1 Romantic Holiday Destination Paris

Setting Stage for Love appears to be the City’s Second Nature….. It is Venice, Of course

The city of water rises on the top of the list of Best cities in the World, when it comes to love and romance – and it is easy to understand why.  Its cobblestoned alleys, iconic canals and veiled bridges are ideal for getting lost in with the love of your life.

Check out the ancient architecture; walk through the palaces & piazzas and while away the day in art galleries, canal-side cafes and chic boutiques.

Do not Miss – The legendary glory of Hotel Cipriani on calm Giudecca Island, rendering amazing balcony views of St. Mark’s Square and a private wooden boat for crossing the lagoon.

When Romance is all You Need, Visit Venice 

Most Romantic Archipelago on the Planet……The Maldives, certainly

Maldives is a sizzling romantic holiday destination; it feels like you are in your private paradise with a stay in one of the exotic overwater bungalows along the pristine turquoise sea.  Love and Maldives go together like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy and Romeo and Juliet…..okay you got the idea.

Bask on the private golden beaches and feel like you and your spouse are in your own beautiful, blessed world.  To wind up the day in paradise, what can be more romantic and sizzling than a candle lit dinner on the beach, indulging in grilled lobster and king prawns?  Absolutely nothing!

image credit - wow-maldives.com

Do Not Miss – Go to Vilamendhoo Resort and Spa, as you will not find a more idyllic setting for romance. It is home to beaches so pure and waters so clear, you will definitely pinch yourself to ensure you are wake. If some romantic alone time with your spouse is on your mind, we recommend a Jacuzzi Water Villa, with a sun terrace and stairs directly towards the bath-like lagoon.

Visit Maldives, The Most Romantic Archipelago on the Planet 

Eternal City for Love…….Yes it is Rome

When in Rome, romance like Romans, passionately and deeply. Romance is certainly an essential part of Rome’s heritage – it is not dubbed as the Eternal city just for nothing – with its baroque churches, medieval ruins and epic monuments vying with enchanting trattorias for your attention.

Indulge into pleasure by taking a table for two by a millennia-old fountain, drinking yum cappuccino and soaking the fresh breeze all in.

image courtesy - accunet.org

Do Not Miss - A romantic stroll over cobblestones on the 2300-years old Appian Way, past ancient statues, royal palaces and Roman countryside.

Visit the Eternal City of Love, Rome 

Love the idea of cozying up by fire in splendid B&B, then visit Savannah, GA

Inviting B&Bs in Flowering squares and tree-canopied streets, there are myriad classic romantic tropes in beautiful Savannah. And with all its thought ghostly haunts, it is an ideal romantic holiday destination to cling tight to your spouse.

Wander hand-in-hand via the historic districts, halting to see local artisans knit palm fronds into charming roses. Or simply relish peaceful time together watching the boats float steadily down the river.

im

Image credit - flickr

Do not Miss - Cozying up and getting intimate on a four-poster canopy bed or fireplace in the luxurious century Hamilton Turner Inn, offering afternoon wine in the saloon and park views.

A City Synonymous with Romance, it is surely Florence, Italy

With its sparkling red-roofed buildings near the Arno backdrop by rolling hills, it is no stupor this Renaissance city leaves tourists love-struck. Nothing speaks romance more than watching the divine sunset from the Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo.

Image courtesy - wikipedia

After a day gawking frescos in the museums in Florence and sipping Chianti in cafes, you would have to be dead not to experience a little erotic in the city of passion.

Do Not Miss - Mind-sweeping skyline panoramas from the Giardini Bardini, or necessary souvenir shopping in the captivating Oltrarno quarter, with its chic boutiques and artisan workshops.

Rekindle the Fire of Love and Passion in Florence, Italy

Where the Romance Fever Soars High…. It is definitely Carmel, CA

Art galleries, inviting eateries, quaint shops and storybook cottages in the amusing seaside village adjacent to one of northern California’s most splendid swaths of sand!

Wander along the cypress-fringed road overlooking the rocky coast or cuddle and kiss on the Pacific and watch the Pacific.   

Hop in your car for an ultimate romantic road trip down the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway to this popular beach hideaway.  Formerly known as an artists’ colony, Carmel is today a romantic refuge for those who yearn for a slow paced beach escape.

Take a Romantic Road Trip to Carmel, CA

Image courtesy - wikipedia

Be it a spectacular cityscape, cup of coffee to make your sing or an overflow of culture, the world’s most romantic holiday destinations offer a lot to love; these destinations will certainly let the sparks fly. 

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Go on Holidays to New Zealand - Explore Scenic wonders, Magical Culture and Adrenaline Adventures

So, you are planning to go on holidays to New Zealand! You have made the right choice.

A couple of Facts about New Zealand:

New Zealand has been crowned as both the “The Most Peaceful Place on Earth” and the “Adventure Capital of the World”

People in this country are outnumbered 10:1 by sheep

New Zealand…Aaahhh! It is the country that has brought to us Lord of the Rings, Keas, Flight of the Concords, Meat pies, All Blacks, Maoris, Hockey Pockey, kiwis (not to be confused with a fruit named kiwi) and Meat pies. With all that in our minds, we took a little trip Down under to see the beauty of the country with our own eyes…. Sweet As!

New Zealand

 Whether you prefer a romantic honeymoon in serenity, action packed days, indoor/outdoor pursuits or sedate travels; whatever may be the choice of your vacation – New Zealand has something from everyone.

Read on to know the Top-5 places you must visit when on a Holiday in New Zealand.

Auckland – One of the best places to trigger your holiday in New Zealand is undoubtedly Auckland. The place is also popularly known as the “City of Sails”. Whether you arrive or depart from Auckland; the gateway city to magnificent New Zealand, you will certainly desire to spend a few days sightseeing and checking out some of the most famous attractions on offer as part of your vacation in New Zealand.

Straddling a nape between Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, Auckland is surrounded by 60- quaint islands and 50 extinct volcanic cones dotting the shimmering Hauraki Gulf.  Tourists can relish myriad Water based sports here; a distinctive feature of the city.

 You will certainly be spoilt for choice, when it comes to deciding on checking out attractions and activities – there is a plethora of organized exhibitions, concerts, theatres, shows and sporting opportunities.  

Did you know that the Auckland’s Sky Tower is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere? You must hitch the lift to go to the top for 360 degrees view of the charming cosmopolitan city and in case, after all this, you still are in the mood for heights, then  you can climb the Auckland bridge! 

Auckland Sky Tower

New Zealand Skyline Auckland Sky Tower Tower

The city has an incredible gamut of boats and yachts of all hues, sizes and shapes in its harbor, shops galore and restaurants, and so the name “The City of Sails”.

Christchurch- Travel in the Garden City – This is South Island’s Largest City.  When on a vacation in New Zealand, Plan out Christchurch tour; a city that is now ready for tourists and visitors after devastating earthquake on 22^nd February 2011.

The airport is now open…. while the recovery of architecture is still in progress, the city is waiting for visitors and explorers.

The brainchild of a Japanese designer (Shigeru Ban) a new church “Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral” built entirely of containers has been built and unveiled in August 2013. The Sydney Morning Herald listed it in the top-10 new international attractions for 2014. 

The very first of its type in New Zealand and with forecasted lifetime of approx.50 years, this incredible church is certainly to emerge as a fixture on any trip to New Zealand’s gateway on the South Island. Christchurch was and still is, the English City! 

Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral Church

Cardboard Cathedral, 2013, Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo by Stephen Goodenough

Additionally, go punting on Avon, bargain-hunting and sightseeing in Cathedral Square prior to soaking in some art in the Cultural Precinct. Also pay a visit to International Antarctic Centre, where you can catch a ride on Haggalund (more fun than a roller-coaster ride) and enjoy a real snow storm in the simulator room.

 The Coromandel – With its native forests, charming beaches and laid-back vibe, Coromandel is one of the New Zealand’s most loved holiday places. Coromandel is everything that a big-metropolitan city is not.

 Nestled in native rainforest with sparkling white sand beaches, it is unspoiled, relaxed and rustic. Attractions and activities are ample; you may choose a guided sea kayak trip around the coast or skydiving in Whitianga.

Furthermore, you can take a walk in the calmness of the lush bush – Coromandel is known as a walker’s paradise or you can simply sit and unwind in a warm bubbling pool at Hot Water Beach. Moreover, Coromandel is a home to numerous craftspeople and artists. Visit their studios and pick up an inimitable piece of pottery or art to take home along. 

image credit - www.thecoromandel.com

Queenstown – The place was voted as “A Top 1O World Destination in 2008’, and then again in 2010. Once you visit Queenstown, you will truly understand why this town has gained so many accolades and laurels. Known as “the adventure capital of the world”, not just it is startlingly picturesque, it offers a wide range of adventure activities to enjoy.

The place lies back into the foothills of The Remarkables and bends around the end of Lake Wakatipu. It is loved by all age groups and meets all interests. In recent years, most visitors are keen to see the Lord of the Rings sites, while skiers and snowboarders utilized it as a base for nearby Coronet Peak in winter season. 

Tourists eager to try out adrenaline induced adventure sports are right in their choice. You can experience the original bungee jumping at the place where AUJ Hackett built the world’s foremost bungee jump.

Moreover, you can relish down the Kawarau River in a Jet Boat or accept the challenge of white river rafting.

Wellington – When on New Zealand Holiday, you must plan out your walking tour to Wellington city and beyond. It is the capital city of New Zealand, and is located at the southern most end of the North Island. You can plan a series of walking tours in this city….it is that compact.

It is a beautiful city that has undergone some revitalization in recent years. Small together with a compact city center, it is a nicest city to explore; where you can walk to do your sightseeing. Home to Parliamentarians and numerous government services, there is an excellent entertainment and shopping places, cafes, restaurants and bistros catering to a reasonably well-off population. 

Activities that will give Your Adrenaline Rush

·         Hang gliding

image credit - handglinding.com

·         Four wheel drive

·         The Luge

·         Black and white water rafting

·         Quad bikes

image credit - wikimedia.org

·         Parasailing

·         The Auckland harbor bridge walk

·         Hot air ballooning

·         Jet Boating

·         Hanging from the rope off the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere “Auckland Sky Tower”

image credit www.auckland2017wmg.com/

…………..Hope you got the picture!

Wine and Food

Oh, so you are a wine maniac? Relish a wine themed holiday in New Zealand – sampling at a lot of wineries throughout the nation. Moreover, this often goes together with sampling some of the country’s fresh and yummy food. New Zealand is a foodie’s paradise… with their own special and delicious Kiwi fusion style. 

Great New Zealand Culture

New Zealand has a lot to offer to culture vultures. The country has variety of marvelous museums, including the national museum found in Wellington, Te Papa (meaning “our place”).

 Art galleries, film making, design and crafts, New Zealanders are too good at these. From fashion design to film making, the country is recognized globally.

Not to mention, Maori culture is enticing. For a true cultural experience of New Zealand, Rotorua has a distinct Maori flavor, both cultural and scenic. Your vacation in New Zealand is not complete, if you do not catch up a little of Maori culture. 

 For most of you, both independent explorers and who visit with family, vacations in New Zealand will surely include a perfect mix of sightseeing, culture, dining and adventure activities. Have Fun!

Call Hoodaki and talk to one of its experienced agents for everything you want to know about holidays in New Zealand. Book your flight at the cheapest possible price and also enjoy great discounts on hotel booking. Feel free to call us for the latest updates on airfares.

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