Sabtu, 10 November 2007

Shanghai

Shanghai, located along the coast of the East China Sea and the southern banks of the mouth of the Yangtze River, is a city under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government. It is the largest metropolis in China and one of the most historically significant cities. It is a flourishing international metropolis, known worldwide for its highly developed industrial, commercial and financial components.

Its has convenient land, air and sea transportation, rich tourist resources, a vast variety of foods and recreational facilities. vIts total area is 2,448 square miles, of which the Pudong New Area occupies 202 square miles. It has a population of over 13 million people.

Shanghai is an ideal "shopping paradise." Nanjing Road, known as "China's No.1 Street", the reconstructed Huaihai Road, Jinling Road, East and North Sichuan Road, the Yuyuan Garden shopping and tourist area, the Ever Bright City Commercial Center, Xujiahui Commercial Center, and Zhangyang Road Commercial Center in Pudong are all packed with rows of shops. Shanghai is also a paradise for gourmets. There are over a thousand restaurants serving the famous 16 styles of Chinese food, such as Beijing, Sichuan, Guangdong, Yangzhou, Fujian. There is also French, Russian, Italian, English, German, Japanese, Indian and many other tantalizing types of foreign cuisine, genuine Muslim food and vegetarian food. In Shanghai you have the world at your fingertips.

source by www.cnto.org

Ningxia


Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
Ningxia, situated in the northwest of China, is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. The ancient Silk Road passes through this region; a place filled with beautiful mountains and rivers. There are many places of interest such as the Western Xia Tombs, the scenic Liupan Mountain, Shapotou Sand Control Project Tourist Area (which has been chosen as one of "the Five Hundred Best Projects of the Global Ecology" by United Nations), and a variety of other sites. Today, Ningxia has rich varieties of culture including Islamic cultures and relics of the Western Xia culture.

source by www.cnto.org

Silk Road


The Silk Road has more than 2,000 years of history. It began in Chang'an (present Xi'an, Shaanxi Province) in the east and stretched to Rome, Italy in the west. The route crosses Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai provinces, Ningxia Hui and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions and then passes over the Pamirs, to extend to Central and West Asia and finally reaches the east bank of the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Europe. The total length of the Silk Road is more than 2,485 miles, over half of the width of China.

The Silk Road was the main artery for business and trade between China and the West. It has played an important role in the exchanges of cultural and trade-goods. As many people already know, China's four major contributions to civilization are papermaking, printing, compass and gunpowder. They were introduced to Western countries via the Silk Road. In return, many aspects of Western civilization that influenced Chinese society made their way back along this road. The Silk Road has been an indispensable instrument in the opening up and developing of cross-cultural friendship. Although modern society is no longer dependent upon this ancient and time consuming method of interaction, the history and spirit of the Silk Road are still a dream sought by tourists either from the East or the West. Along the Chinese section of the Silk Road, there are numerous famous historic and cultural sites. The best known is in Xi'an, where the life-sized Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses were excavated from sites near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, known as the eighth wonder of the world. Of the countless other attractions, there are also Dunhuang's Mogao Grottoes, sometimes called an "Oriental Art Treasure".

Loulan was an ancient state in the desert and houses the Ruins of the Ancient City of Gaochang. The road also goes through unique and magnificent natural surroundings, such as Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley in Turpan City, Yadan Landform in Lop Nor, Birds Island in Qinghai Lake and Tianchi Lake on Tianshan Mountain. These places are very attractive to visitors.
In some areas along the Silk Road, there are many ethnic minorities, including Uygur, Hazak and Tajik people. They have great hospitality and unique traditional cultures, life styles, religious beliefs, songs and dances. They add another dimension to the charm of the Silk Road.

When the central government began developing West China, they realized the tourist resources in these regions were endless. The various tourist facilities in the locality are improving day by day, and there have been significant advances in communications. As a result, the Silk Road has become one of the most attractive theme routes for tourists.


source by www.cnto.org

Yinchuan



Yinchuan, also called Phoenix City, is the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. An ancient and well-known city in the west, it was once the capital of the Western Xia Dynasty. Today, Yinchuan is listed by the state as one of the 100 famous historical and cultural cities.

There are many historical and cultural sites in Yinchuan. It is the center of the Hui culture. The city also features a variety of unique Islamic architecture. Yinchuan's beautiful deserts, historical sites and local customs are the instrumental in making Yinchuan one of the most attractive places in China.

Mt. Sumeru Grottoes
Located on the eastern foot of Xumi Mountain, the grottoes were constructed over many dynasties, starting during the South and North Dynasties (420-589). There are 20 well-preserved grottoes, winding along 1.2 miles. Amongst these grottoes are a few examples of the important existing grotto art under the state protection.

The Western Xia Tombs
The Western Xia Tombs are located at the eastern foot of the Helan Mountain, 18.6 miles west of Yinchuan. The tombs extend 6.2 miles from north to south and 2.4 miles from east to west. There are nine tombs of kings and over 20 funerary tombs, which were built to fit in with the topography. Before the Ming Dynasty, the kings' tombs were robbed, but many cultural vestiges remain.


source by www.cnto.org

Yangtze River


he Yangtze, China's longest river and the third longest waterway in the world, originates on the Qinghai-Tihet Plateau. Hundreds of rivers and streams join the Yangtze, which flows like a torrent eastward to empty into the East China Sea.

The Three Gorges in the Yangtze River Valley comprise Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. The Three Gorges area starts at Baidicheng (White Emperor Town), Fengjie in Sichuan Province and extends to Nanjin Pass, Yichang in Hubei Province. It stretches over a total of 120 miles. Qutang Gorge is renowned for its majestic appearance. The peaks tower above the river and the waters tumble down in torrents. Wu Gorge is splendid, intertwined and secluded, housing the famous Twelve Peaks.

source by www.cnto.org

Huangshan


The city of Huangshan, founded in 1983, is located in southern Anhui Province. t has three districts and four counties. Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, is 194 kilometers from the city of Huangshan. The Huangshan Airport has opened a dozen flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Huangshan also has convenient land transportation. Taking the train, tourists from Shanghai can get off at Wuhu Railway Station, while those from Nanjing and Nanchang can get off at Tunxi Railway Station before taking the bus to Mt. Huangshan.

source by www.cnto.org

Harbin,

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is located in the middle reaches of the Songhua River in the south of the province. The urban area is composed of seven districts: Daoli, Daowai, Nangang, Taiping, Xiangfang, Dongli and Pingfang. The whole city covers an area of 632 square miles, with a population of 2.54 million
source by www.cnto.org

Hangzhou


Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province. It is located along the banks of the Qiantang River, at the southern end of the Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal.One of the seven capitals of ancient China, Hangzhou is an ancient cultural city and a well-known tourist city. It is most famous for the beautiful scenery of the West Lake. With an area of 6,047 square miles inhabited by a population of 5.2 million, it embraces six urban districts and seven suburban counties, namely Yuhang, Xiaoshan, Fuyang, Tonglu, Lin'an, Jiande and Chun'an. The Fuchun and Xin'an rivers and Thousand Island Lake are national scenic areas. In the 13th century, Marco Polo praised Hangzhou as the most beautiful city in the world. Hangzhou is also famous for its silk and tea products.

source by www.cnto.org

Guiyang


Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou Province, located at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the very center of the southwest province. It is dominated by mist-shrouded hills that surround the Wujiang Valley.

The climate is mild throughout the year, much like that in Kunming, the capital of neighboring Yunnan Province.The most interesting scenic spot in the city is the Southern Cave, or the "Underground Park" as the locals call it. About half a mile in length, the cave contains spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

A three-hour journey west from Guiyang will take you to the Huangguoshu waterfall. It is one of the biggest falls in China, reaching 316 feet in height and spanning 346 feet in width. Water pours down the cliff into the Xiniu Pool and as sunlight is diffracted through the drops of water, glorious rainbows are produced. There is a natural cave behind the waterfall, 131 feet above Xiniu Pool. Standing inside and watching the water pouring down is an unforgettable sight. Around Huangguoshu are 18 smaller falls and 30 karst caves.

source by www.cnto.org

Jumat, 09 November 2007

Guilin


Guilin is an ancient city on the shore of the mesmerizing Lijiang River in northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.The serene mountains, sparkling waters, and exotic rocks typical of karst landmasses in the Lijiang River basin have inspired the saying, "The landscape of Guilin is unmatched under Heaven." Guilin was originally a vast expanse of sea until about one hundred and ninety million years ago, when, owing to the movement of the earth crust, the whole area rose and became land. The limestone bedrock, weathered and eroded by water, became today's fantastic stone forests, peaks, underground streams and caves, thus adding truly unique features to Guilin's already beautiful scenery.


source by www.cnto.org

Guangzhou


Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is set along the coast of the South China Sea. Guangzhou covers approximately 2,900 square miles and has a population of 6.6 million people. It is a city famous for its history, as well as its being a port city for foreign trade, and the largest industrial and commercial city in southern China.
Guangzhou has a humid climate, flowers bloom there all year round and it is therefore also know as the "City of Flowers."

There are as many as 150 historical sites in addition to the many modern facilities for recreation in Guangzhou. The city is also famous for embroidery, local opera, and food. Guangzhou also has a convenient transportation system. The Beijing-Guangzhou and the Beijing-Kowloon (Hong Kong) railways, airlines, and water transportation provide easy access to all parts of the country and the world.


source by www.cnto.org

Dunhuang


Dunhuang used to be called Shazhou and is at the western end of the Hexi Corridor. Dunhuang adjoins Anxi to the east, and borders Aksay all the way to the neighboring Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest. There are many tourist attractions in Dunhuang, which is listed as a state historic and cultural city.

Mogao Grottoes
The Mogao Grottoes, also known as "1000 Buddha Cave", are located 15.5 miles southeast of Dunhuang City. With a total length of 1 mile, the Grottoes wind their way through the broken cliff at the eastern foot of Mingsba Hill. There are five layers of caves built into the mountain. According to historical records, the Mogao Grottoes were constructed in 366 BC. Today there are 492 caves in which murals and sculptures representing different dynasties have been well preserved. The Mogao Grottoes are listed in the World Cultural Heritage and are rated as key relics under state protection.

Ruins of Yumenguan Pass
Yumenguan Pass is located in the Gobi Desert 54 miles northwest of Dunhuang City. It was built during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Its name came from the fact that jade from Hotan in Xinjiang entered Central China through this pass. At that time, the pass provided the only access to the north route of the Silk Road.


Yueya (Crescent Moon) Spring
Yueya Spring is near the northern foot of Mingsha Hill in the southern suburbs of Dunhuang City. It is shaped like a crescent moon, and its clear water is surrounded by grass. The Dragon Boat Festival is usually celebrated the 5th day of the fifth lunar month and people usually climb up onto Mingsha Hill to view Yueya Spring. This has become a local custom.

Ruins of Yangguan Pass
The Yangguan Pass was constructed in the period of Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty on the Gudong River Bed, 43.5 miles west of Dunhuang. It's named Yangguan because it borders the southern part of Yumenguan Pass. As a center of communication to areas beyond China's interior, it was the only strategic pass on the south route of the Silk Road.




Mingsha Hill
Mingsha Hill, also called Shensha Hill, is 3.7 miles south of Dunhuang City. The hill is as high and steep as a cliff. People can hear a roaring sound of the moving sand as the sand is blown down from the top of the hill.
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Tianshui
In east Gansu, known as the "Small South of the Yangtze River," Tianshui is one of the major cities that offer itineraries for travel eastward. Its weather is pleasant with four distinct seasons. The city used to be a hub of the Silk Road, and is recognized as a national historical and cultural center. There are many interesting places, including some holy sites of the Silk Road, and scenic spots, such as Maljishan Grottoes, Fuxi Temple and Yuquan Taoist Temple.

Maijishan Grottoes
They are situated 18.6 miles southeast of Tianshui. Due to the conical shape, like a stack of wheat, they were given the name Maijishan Grottoes. During the year 713-741, the central part of the cliff collapsed in an earthquake. As a result, it was divided into two parts. Within the 194 caves of the two parts, 7,200 clay sculptures and stone carvings have been preserved, along with more than one third of an acre of frescos.




Maijishan Mountain is a strange peak in the western Qinling Mountains. In autumn it is subjected to continual, fine rain, which creates the wonderful sight of "Maijishan Mountain shrouded by misty rain." It is rated as the best of the eight beautiful scenes in Tianshui.

Wuwei
Wuwei, which was called Liangzhou in the past, is located at the eastern edge of the Hexi Corridor and borders Qilian Mountain to the southwest and Tenggeli Desert in the north. It is an important stop on the way west from Lanzhou. Ancient Liangzhou was a large city; Monk Xuanzang preached Buddhist doctrines here. Wuwei has many places of interest, such as the Eastern Han Tomb in Leitai Temple, Haizang Temple and Tiantishan Grottoes.

The Eastern Han Tomb in Leitai Temple
The Eastern Han Tomb was also named "The Tomb of General Zhang" after a general of the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). He was buried in Leitai Temple after his death. A rare piece of art, a model of the "galloping horse stepping on a sparrow," was unearthed from this tomb.


The Tomb of Princess Hong Hua
The Tomb of the Princess of the Tang Dynasty is 9.3 miles south of Wuwei City. It contains well-preserved colored wooden figurines, camels and horses, as well as silk fabrics. They serve as samples for research in regards to the history of Silk Road.

Zhangye
Zhangye, in the central part of the Hexi Corridor, was known as Ganzhou in the past and is regarded as a granary in this area. Visitors can visit the sleeping Buddha in the Giant Buddha Temple. Visitors can get the feel of the prairie in south Gansu, riding horses and tame deer on the grasslands with the hospitable Yugur people. There are also opportunities to sing and dance with the Yugur people. Mati Temple is near Zhangye in the Sunan area.

source by www.cnto.org

Datong


Datong, the second largest city in Shanxi Province, is located at the northern border near Inner Mongolia. It is an ancient cultural city dating back 2,000 years and known both in China and abroad for its many places of interest, such as the Yungang Grottoes and the Overhanging Monastery on Mt. Hengshan, one of the five holy mountains of Taoism.

Datong is a very interesting city resplendent with architectural treasures, spectacular carvings, exquisite embroidery, intriguing paper cuttings, and oodles of old furniture and pottery. You can get to Datong and surrounding scenic spots from Beijing, Taiyuan, Qinhuangdao and other cities by convenient highways or trains.


source by www.cnto.org

Dalian


Dalian, located at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, is an important port and industrial and tourist city. Dalian has a long coastline. Dalian covers an area of 4,826 square miles with a population of 5,370,000. It has a pleasant climate with clearly demarcated seasons. Cool summers and warm winters make the city an ideal holiday resort. Dalian abounds with natural resources. It is an important base of fruit and water production in China. Dalian is also known as the "home of track and fields" and the famous "soccer city." The port has many factories, which produce handicrafts such as glassware and shell mosaics. The flourishing coastal city of Dalian is the major port for this northeastern province and is a magnet for foreign investors. Every year, Dalian attracts many regular international events and activities such as the Chinese Scholar Tree, International Fashion Festival, Export Commodity Fair, and International Marathon Competition.

source by www.cnto.org

Kamis, 08 November 2007

Dali



The Dali Scenic Region lies in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture located in the northwest of Yunnan Province. Yunnan is made up of one municipality and eleven counties. Dali covers a total area of 11,380 square miles with a total population of 3,063,000, of which minority nationalities make up 1,553,000. The Bai people make up 33.2 percent of the total population and the Yi, Hui, Naxi, Miao and
ther minority nationalities account for a total of 16 percent.

Dali is the major region where the Bais live in compact communities. The capital of the Prefecture, Dali Municipality, is 247 miles away from Kunming. It is located at the center of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Within and around the city, there are many relics and places of historical interest. It was the political, economical and cultural center for 500 years during the Tang and Song Dynasties. The annual average temperature is 59 degree Fahrenheit. The climate is pleasantly spring-like all the year round. The beautiful scenery, varied traditions and the culture of minority nationalities make Dali a well-known place of interest.
source by www.cnto.org

Chongqing


Chongqing is located in the southeastern section of the Sichuan Basin where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. It is the largest industrial and commercial city in southwestern China and the economic center of the upper reaches of the
Yangtze River. It is a metropolis under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government. Chongqing, also known as Yu, was established some 3,000 years ago. Renowned for its romantic mountains, rivers, and fog, Chongqing is an ideal spot for relaxation. The majority of the buildings in Chongqing are located on the hillsides and mountains surrounding the city. The climate in Chongqing is often cloudy and misty with an average annual precipitation of about l, 000 millimeters. As a consequence, it is also called the "City of Fog."

Chongqing has many places of interest in both its urban and rural regions. Traveling eastward along the Yangtze River, one can enjoy the magnificent Three Gorges. Every year from May through June, the Three Gorges International Travel Festival is held in Chongqing.

source by www.cnto.org

Chengdu


Chengdu, located in the western Sichuan Plain, is the capital of Sichuan Province. It covers an area of approximately 3 million acres, and it comprises 5 districts, 12 counties with a total population of 9.6 million. It is a well-known city with a longstanding history and civilization. Among other interesting facts about the city, Chengdu is also known as the City of Brocade and the City of Hibiscus. Chengdu, as early as 500,000 years, was a major transportation hub for telecommunications in southwestern China.
Chengdu has many places of interest and is famous for its traditional arts and crafts, ethnic folklore, and beautiful landscapes.

Chengdu sports an advantageous geographical location, as well as the Shuangliu International Airport, one of the six largest airports in China. The Chengdu Railway Station is also the largest transportation center in southwestern China and is the meeting point of the Baoji-Chengdu, Chengdu-Chongqing, and Chengdu-Kunming railway lines.

It has easy access to the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River; to Tibet, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong Temple, to the Terra-cotta Warriors of Xi'an, and to Mt. Emei and the Giant Buddha of Leshan.

source by www.cnto.org

chengde


The city of Chengde is approximately 143 miles from Beijing. In addition to being one of the first ancient cities to be recorded by the government, it is also one of the ten esteemed national-class scenic spots. There are many places of interest in and around Chengde, such as the magnificent Mountain Resort and the Eight Outer Monasteries. Chengde has convenient transportation, and easily accessible by either train or long-distance bus. Tourist trains and regular buses shuttle between Chengde and Beijing on a daily basis.Also named the Temporary Imperial Dwelling Palace in Rehe, the Mountain Resort was built during the reigns of Emperors Kang Xi and Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty in 1703. The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal Chinese dynasty in existence and this palace served as the second political center of the Qing imperial court. The entire construction took place over a period of 90 years. It covers an area of approximately 1400 acres, double the size of the Summer Palace and eight times that of Beihai Park in Beijing. The estate has a total of 120 ancient buildings, including many pavilions, towers, and temples. Geographically, the Mountain Resort can be divided into two parts: the palace and the gardens. In the southern part of the Mountain Resort are the palace buildings where the Qing emperors lived. The emperors of the early Qing Dynasty often spent their summers at the Mountain Resort, conducting state affairs and engaging in political activities. In 1994, UNESCO listed the Mountain Resort and its surrounding temples as a World Cultural Heritage Site

source by www.cnto.org

Beijing


As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's center of government, economy, culture, and international activities, as well as serving as a transportation hub to the entire country. With a population of 11 million people, Beijing contains 18 districts and counties covering an area of 10,450 square miles. The suburbs contain: Dongcheng, Xicheng, Xuanwu, Chongwen, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai, and Shijingshan. An outer suburban area consists of: Fangshan, Mengtougou, Changping, Tongxian, Shunyi, Daxing, Huairou, Miyun, Pinggu, and Yianqing.

Beijing City is an independently administered municipal district located in the northeastern part of China at an elevation of 143 feet above sea level. Beijing has a continental climate. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit. At an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, July is the warmest. The best time to visit Beijing is May, September and October.Beijing has a long history. As early as 500,000 years ago, ancient "Peking Man" lived at Zhoukoudian 30 miles southwest of Beijing. King Wu was the first to declare Beijing the capital city in 1057 B.C. Established in 1045 B.C., Beijing is an ancient cultural city, serving for 800 years as the capital of the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Beijing was also known as Peking by the Western world before 1949. In the early nineteen twenties, Beijing became the cradle of China's new democratic revolution. The May Fourth Movement against imperialism and feudalism began in 1919. On October 1st, 1949, Chairman Mao announced to the world the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Beijing is also known as a tourist city for its many places of interest, including ancient architecture, royal gardens, mansions, towers, temples, palaces, and modern structures. It is a gathering place of artists and other talented people.

Airlines connect Beijing to more than 110 cities at home and abroad while the city boasts a fine railroad and highway system for local travelers. Urban construction has brought new changes to Beijing, building a unique combination of ancient civilization and modern metropolis.

source by www.cnto.org

Minggu, 04 November 2007

South America Holidays - Brazil Holidays

The largest country in Latin America and in fact the fifth largest in the world, Brazil was named by the Portuguese settlers after pau-brasil (Brazil wood), which was a hugely important commodity due to the red dye that was extracted from it.
Today, Brazilian culture and spirit is forged from its unique blend of European, African and indigenous people. This has resulted in a truly Brazilian ethos on life and an excellent fusion of food and drink from around the world. Brazil has many areas well worthy of exploration and an ideal starting place must be the marvellous city of Rio de Janeiro, overlooked by Christ the Redeemer since 1931. Brazil also shares the glory of IguaƧu Falls with Argentina. The power and beauty of these waterfalls are immense to say the least and are an unforgettable experience. The Amazon river curls through northern Brazil on its way to the Atlantic and a stay in the Amazon rainforest region can be extremely rewarding with its array of unique animal and plant life.
Join in at Titan Travellers Forum

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Chile

A testament to nature's beauty and power; a country of startling contrasts from the salt deserts of the north to the south's spectacular glaciers and lakes. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the mighty Andes to the east, this uniquely shaped country never exceeds 150 miles in width and its dramatic forests, deep ravines and snow-capped volcanoes support a wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife.
Its capital Santiago is a bustling, vibrant metropolis and is a fascinating city to explore with its wonderful museums and intriguing architecture. It is also an ideal place to sample the hearty Chilean cuisine and of course, their excellent wines. Further south is the city of Puerto Montt with its middle-European architecture and is also the gateway to the stunning Lakes District. Punta Arenas is the country's southernmost city and is located in one of Chile's most famous parts, Chilean Patagonia. This region, which leads to lands end at Cape Horn, is a dazzling explosion of icebergs, fjords, islands and mountains and is truly breathtaking.
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Argentina

Flanked by the Andes mountain range to the west and the Atlantic ocean to the east, Argentina contains great lands that are home to the famous Gaucho and is, of course, birthplace of the Tango.
Inimitable Buenos Aires is a true melting pot of the European and indigenous people, creating the "Paris of South America", where wide avenues lead you to magnificent buildings. When it comes to sheer natural spectacle, Argentina has a great reputation.

In the north the spectacular sights and sounds at Iguazu Falls close to the border with Brazil are a not to be missed attraction and further south the Valdes Penninsula offers great opportunities for wildlife spotting. For unspoilt beauty, the Immense Perito Moreno Glacier is a sight to behold and the southern tip of the country provides crystalline lakes, forests and awesome glacier

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Antartica

Until 30 years ago only the most adventurous of explorers set foot on this vast continent of snow, ice and unquestionable beauty. Once the ultimate survival challenge as the highest, coldest and windiest continent in the world, today Antarctica is an intellectual challenge to the scientists who inhabit it and presents a wilderness like no other to the modern visitor.Awe-inspiring landscapes, dazzling starlit skies and clean crisp air are certainly part of Antarctica's attraction but the wildlife will also captivate you; chinstrap and gentoo penguins gather on rocky beaches, whilst leopard and elephant seals and humpback, minke and killer whales can be seen amongst the immense ice-bergs. Whilst the perception is often of an uncomfortably cold environment, travelling in the summer months of December to February to the Antarctic Peninsula means temperatures similar to those of a UK winter. A visit to Antarctica presents much more than just a holiday; it is a journey of discovery, enlightenment and life-long memories.


source by www.titanhitours.co.uk

Latin America


Latin America is as diverse as it is vast, stretching from the arid deserts of Northern Mexico to the unspoilt southern Patagonia region of Chile
Titan's ever-growing portfolio of holidays to Latin America gives you the opportunity to see the New World for yourself with its myriad of natural, cultural, historical, and architectural attractions. From the condor of the mighty Andes mountain range and the piranha of the sinuous Amazon River to the unique wildlife contained on the Archipelago of the Galapagos and the glorious glaciers of the Beagle Channel, Latin America never fails to impress.

Latin America epitomises a true melting pot of cultures. The indigenous people, many descended from powerful ancient empires grasp both the old and the new ways of life and intermingled with this, the European settler and the legacy of the Spanish and Portuguese conquests; the result is a truly cosmopolitan society.

No empire, except the ancient Egyptians, has left us such treasures as the Incas and their mountaintop ruins at Machu Picchu and the Mayans with vast temples at Chichen Itza and Palenque. It is hard to believe the massive scale of these empires and how they could collapse and be forgotten, only to be re-discovered and explored in the last hundred years. Now ripe for exploration - let us be your host on a journey of discovery to beautiful Latin America.

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Africa


The intoxicating countries of Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana conjure up an image of colonial grandeur, unparalleled adventure, elegant style and for most, the anticipation of an exhilarating experience. All with their own distinct characteristics, they share in common the vast expanse of African skies, far reaching horizons and outstanding wildlife. The hustle and bustle of city life gives way to the bushveld-savannah where the Lion is King and to the sophistication of the winelands and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean that make Africa an all-encompassing revelation. This is a continent full of adventure, offering the discerning traveller the chance to discover a world beyond their wildest dreams.
White buildings topped by golden minarets shimmering in the heat, and the terracotta and ochre hues of expansive deserts, all the more vivid beneath constant blue skies, is the image we associate with North Africa.

Take a magic carpet ride to Morocco and experience the classic picture postcard images of Imperial Cities, endless palmeries, golden sand dunes as well as the blend of bustling souks and markets that surround Djema El Fna square in the Red City of Marrakech and the tropical Todgha Gorge (Todra Gorge), nestling in the snow-capped Atlas mountains.

Egypt needs no introduction, more than living up to expectations and, for many of our clients, experiencing it is a lifetime's dream come true. Entering dynamic Cairo is the beginning of a journey into an ancient world of familiar stories peopled by kings and commoners from a hedonistic, yet sometimes cruel, age, now woven into bustling modern day life. In stark contrast to the mysterious and awesome Pyramids and Sphinx, the cruise ships glide leisurely along the banks of the majestic Nile, passing cameos of simple riverside life, still unchanged by modern influences.

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New zeland


New Zealand has its so-English greenness, breathtaking mountains and lakes, forests dominated by vividly plumaged birds, waterfalls and geysers.
Even if you have seen the Lord of the Rings trilogy you will only have touched the surface of Aotearoa – Land of the Long White Cloud, so named because as you approach New Zealand by sea the first sighting of the country is the dramatic snow-capped Southern Alps, which appear like a ‘long white cloud'. When travelling from one island to the other you may be forgiven for feeling that you have experienced two different parts of the world, as the diverse sequence of landscape is like no other country in the world. New Zealand lies on the southern rim of the Pacific Ocean, where a rich tapestry of Maori, Polynesian and European influences has created a wonderful blend of cultures.

North Island

Northland and the Bay of Islands
This is where it all began, the birthplace of the Nation and cradle of the country, which is steeped in historical association. This is a region over-endowed with pristine beaches, rugged headlands, dense Kauri forests and enchanting deserted islands, dotted through the sheltered turquoise waters.

Big Cities
Auckland, the country's largest city, has an enviable harbour setting over which spans the stunning harbour bridge linking the cosmopolitan downtown area to the north shore. This is the 'City of Sails', where the three 'b's', boats, beaches and barbecues, conjure up an enviable aquatic lifestyle and where time can be spent watching the crystal clear waters as the yachts display their colourful spinnakers. Wellington lies at the southern most tip of the north island where the blue bowl of its natural harbour and the bush-clad hillside makes this a perfect setting for the nation's sophisticated capital. Soaring glass skyscrapers glisten in the first light of morning before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. This is the political and financial heart of the country and gateway to the south island.

The Natural Elements
Magical lakes teeming with brown and rainbow trout can be found in Rotorua and Taupo, the latter covering an area of 230 square miles and thought to have been created by one of the largest volcanic eruptions on earth. The sacred peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu combine to create the Tongariro National Park, formed only 15 years after Yellowstone in the USA, the first National Park in the world. Soaring geysers, bubbling mud pools, tinted silica terraces and mineral spas can all be found in this geo-thermal wonderland of the north island.
South Island

A Flavour of the Cities
Christchurch is a very English garden city full of charm, bedecked with blossoming flowers whilst the gently flowing Avon River gives rise to a quiet and relaxing way of life. The undulating Port Hills give magnificent views over the city and Southern Alps where extensive walking tracks can be found and beyond these on the Banks Peninsula, a real gem can be found in Akaroa, which still has a distinct style of a former French settlement.

Dunedin has an elegant and convivial atmosphere. This compact city with its fine Victorian and Edwardian architecture and striking stone structured railway station is favourably enhanced by its proud historical traditions and strong Scottish influence.

National Parks and Coastal Features
The overwhelming beauty of the west coast, a UNESCO World Heritage area, with its rugged alpine peaks mantled by thick blankets of snow, a colossus of tumbling glaciers and dramatic coastline leads to the Southern Alps and some of the most impressive and rewarding scenery the country has to offer. Absorb the splendour of the lakeside towns of Wanaka and Te Anau before seeing the natural paradise of the Fiordland National Park with its tangled labyrinth of rainforest, still largely unexplored. Stunning isolated beaches, fascinating wildlife and interesting geological features all make this an island of ineffable charm

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Australia Holidays - Northern Territory Australia Holidays

The Northern Territory is commonly referred to as Australia's Outback and encompasses the ‘Top End' and the ‘Red Centre'. Here you can experience the ‘real' Outback, breathtaking National Parks, images of early Australia, the culture of the indigenous people, together with vibrant and modern towns.


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australia

So you think of heading Down Under for a holiday? Once visited, these paradises are never likely to fade from the memory. Australia has its desert, the famous ‘Red Centre’, a refuge of awesome tranquillity, its rainforests in the north, the Great Barrier Reef off semi-tropical Queensland and, in the south, vast sandy bays and the cliff-dominated shoreline of the Great Ocean Road. New Zealand has its so-English greenness, breathtaking mountains and lakes, forests dominated by vividly plumaged birds, waterfalls and geysers.

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