Lisbon, a colorful and vibrant city, known for its wonderful year-round weather, beautiful Manueline architecture and Fado music. It is an incredible destination where hill top vistas, waterfront promenades and historic monuments compete for attention. Meet the friendly people and embrace the true cafe culture to experience Lisbon as it was meant to be experienced.
Lisbon, a colorful and vibrant city, known for its wonderful year-round weather, beautiful Manueline architecture and Fado music. It is an incredible destination where hill top vistas, waterfront promenades and historic monuments compete for attention. Meet the friendly people and embrace the true cafe culture to experience Lisbon as it was meant to be experienced.
Housed in 15th century Madre de Deus convent, the National Tile Museum showcases the magnificent ancient art of decorative tiles aka azulejos. The spectacular tile panels follow this art form through the centuries as the line up begins with the most ancient ones from the 15th century with Moorish motives and continues through the years showcasing the development of various techniques in craftsmanship. The setting of the museum, the former convent of Madre de Deus, is a great place to explore as well with its absolutely gorgeous interior.
The most elegant, old-time charm, cultural and shopping mecca of Lisbon is Rua Garrett. Its beautiful vintage facades are now housing world's top designer houses and trendy boutiques along with wonderful restaurants, pastry shops and cafes. Don't miss out on visiting the most famous of all, A Brasileira Cafe.
This modern urban park of Lisbon features fantastic gardens, picturesque waterfront promenade, contemporary architecture and even a casino. Parque das Nacoes is a place to be enjoyed by everyone who visits the city to admire the beauty of modern versus classic. It is also a favorite hang out for locals.
A ride on the public line Tram 28 is an attraction in itself. Board this bright yellow vintage tram and set off on a journey among the most picturesque areas of Lisbon, passing by Alfama, Baixa, St. George's Castle, Se Cathedral and numerous other breathtaking places.
Right at the Belem port where exploration missions started they voyage at sea during the Age of Discoveries, it is only appropriate that the Monument to the Discoveries would stand proudly as a celebration of that glorious time for Portugal. The monument itself is in a shape of a caravel with numerous figures from that time on board. The main one is of Henry the Navigator, the king who supported the expansion overseas along side are great explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Ferdinand Magellan and other notable people who supported the expansion. Inside the monument, there is a great museum and various exhibition halls while at the top, is a terrace with extraordinary view of Tagus river and Belem area.
The elaborate and massive Rua Augusta Arch was built to celebrate the rebuilding of Lisbon after the devastating earthquake of 1755. The beautiful arch features an observation terrace at the top from where visitors can admire the artfully done sculptures and statues of Glory, Bravery and Genius decorating the arch along with some of the greatest national heroes such as Vasco da Gama. The panoramic views over the city are also incredibly spectacular! On one side, you can admire the vast riverfront square - Praça do Comércio and over the Tagus River while on the other side, the sight stretches over the entire Baixa neighborhood.
An emblem of Lisbon, the Belem Tower signifies Portugal's sea power during the Age of Discovery. Its beautiful Manueline architectural design features maritime elements carved out of stone like twisted rope and military spheres. Climb to the top and go out on the tower terrace for a picturesque panorama of the area.
Spread over the southeastern slope of the hill, the picturesque neighborhood of Alfama is the oldest and most charming one in Lisbon. Narrow streets, winding alleyways, and steep flights of steps among the small houses with cobbled terraces and archways reminiscent of a medina... No wonder this is the case, as Alfama was the old Arab neighborhood shaped up by the Moorish until it was inhabited by the Portuguese. St. George's Castle rises above the red roofs of Alfama while the impressive cathedral and old churches create a distinct atmosphere. Visit Alfama at night when the restaurants and cafes are bustling with people. Grab some bonhomie and enjoy the traditional Fado music in its original rustic and romantic surroundings.
The most recognizable landmark of Lisbon is, without a doubt, St. George's Castle. Built on a steep hill and overlooking the entire city, the castle stands majestically with its battlements and towers reminding of the heritage of the place starting from the Iron Age and spanning through the original builders of the castle - the Moors to the conquerors - the Christian Portuguese. The steep climb to St. George's Castle is absolutely worth it especially after you see the breathtaking views over Alfama, Tagus River and even the ocean. Visit the wonderful archaeological museum to get the full perspective of the castle's story.
A stunning monument of immense historic and cultural significance, the 16th century Jerónimos Monastery, was commissioned by King Manuel I and as such, it was built in the highly ornate and innovative Manueline architectural style. The monastery was built for the Heironymite monks and it honors Vasco da Gama whose expeditions to India were so important for Portugal. His tomb still lies just inside the entrance to Santa Maria church.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Known for being one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is surprisingly lesser known for its beaches... That means, now is the time to visit them! Enjoy the sand dunes, blue warm waters, palm trees and spectacular vistas before they become overcrowded. Here are the absolute best beaches to escape, relax and forget about everything else!
Known for being one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is surprisingly lesser known for its beaches... That means, now is the time to visit them! Enjoy the sand dunes, blue warm waters, palm trees and spectacular vistas before they become overcrowded. Here are the absolute best beaches to escape, relax and forget about everything else!
Let's be honest, The Midwest is not precisely the first destination that comes to mind when thinking "where to go next?"... We will however prove the opposite! There is so much to see and do in the US Midwest, that will blow your mind - from incredible architecture to mesmerizing nature, history, shopping and wonderful warm people who will make your travel escape a wonderful experience. Here are the top 10 places to visit while there.
Let's be honest, The Midwest is not precisely the first destination that comes to mind when thinking "where to go next?"... We will however prove the opposite! There is so much to see and do in the US Midwest, that will blow your mind - from incredible architecture to mesmerizing nature, history, shopping and wonderful warm people who will make your travel escape a wonderful experience. Here are the top 10 places to visit while there.
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!
Situated along the Danube River, Budapest is an architectural treasure of a city where Neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings shape the mesmerizing outlook of Hungary's capital. Not by accident is it called "Paris of the East"! The outstanding cuisine, hipster ruin pubs, chic cafes and trendy restaurants welcome visitors and provide a place to sit back, enjoy and take in the unique atmosphere of Budapest. Famous for its thermal baths, Budapest has been a favorite healing and pleasurable soaking place ever since the Romans. The rich history of the country is also concentrated and commemorated throughout the capital where traces of World War II, communism and turmoil can still be seen but they are overshadowed by the new beginnings, symbols of liberty and prosperity.
Situated along the Danube River, Budapest is an architectural treasure of a city where Neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings shape the mesmerizing outlook of Hungary's capital. Not by accident is it called "Paris of the East"! The outstanding cuisine, hipster ruin pubs, chic cafes and trendy restaurants welcome visitors and provide a place to sit back, enjoy and take in the unique atmosphere of Budapest. Famous for its thermal baths, Budapest has been a favorite healing and pleasurable soaking place ever since the Romans. The rich history of the country is also concentrated and commemorated throughout the capital where traces of World War II, communism and turmoil can still be seen but they are overshadowed by the new beginnings, symbols of liberty and prosperity.
Paris, the city of love & city of light, famous for its breathtaking architecture, decadent food, high fashion and exquisite art! The city itself is inspiring! Just walk along its streets and feel the romance, elegance and sophistication. The grandeur of its iconic monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arch de Triumph, the breathtaking Champs Elysees and the petite alleys, the famous baguettes and pastries, the astonishing museums and overall cultural and historic heritage make Paris the ultimate destination and create an experience of a lifetime.
Paris, the city of love & city of light, famous for its breathtaking architecture, decadent food, high fashion and exquisite art! The city itself is inspiring! Just walk along its streets and feel the romance, elegance and sophistication. The grandeur of its iconic monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arch de Triumph, the breathtaking Champs Elysees and the petite alleys, the famous baguettes and pastries, the astonishing museums and overall cultural and historic heritage make Paris the ultimate destination and create an experience of a lifetime.