Caesarea ruins
Photo by: heartkernel, Creative Commons

Caesarea is an ancient port city in Israel. It is also the place where the King Herod ruled from 23 to 13 BC. The city was built atop the Strotonospyrgos (Straton’s Tower) and is believed to have been an agricultural storehouse in earlier times.

The city saw major changes during the reign of Herod the Great, who had renamed the city to honor the emperor. Around 22 BC the city featured a number of constructions that included the deep sea harbor, storerooms, markets, roads, baths, and temples to Augustus and Rome. Every five years, the city hosted a number of major events that included the gladiator games, sports competitions, and theatre.

At the time of Byzantine period the city flourished. In the year 1251 the city was fortified by the Emperor Louis IX, and a number of massive walls bounded by a moat have been constructed. But these walls were destroyed by Baybar, the Sultan of Egypt when he attacked the Caesarea city.

In the 19th century the city was in ruinous state due to the Qisarya settlements. A fishing village and a railway line were also built here in the year 1948. In the year 1948, Caesarea was destroyed as a part of Arab-Israeli War and the people had moved to the nearby places for their livelihood.

In the present day, Caesarea has developed to a large extent. A number of industrial parks are located here and also it consists of 170 companies with 6000 employees. Also the city features several museums, theatres, open universities, golf clubs and hotels. It is also a major tourist attraction and is mostly famous its ancient ruins which include:

Herod’s Harbor
It was built by Herod the Great. The harbor was built using concrete and it covers an area of about 40 acres. The harbor has a capacity of accommodating 300 ships which is also larger than the present day harbors.

The Amphitheatre
A theatre, with a 3500 seating capacity, was built overlooking the Mediterranean. It is also the place where Herod the Great died.

The Aqueduct
One of the massive bridges was the main water source for the city.

Promontory Palace
It is considered as one of the beautiful palaces of that time. The pool here is located close to the sea and it featured an ancient statue.

Towers of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Photo by: hoyasmeg, Creative Commons

The Holy Sepulchre Church is a sacred Christian church located in the Jerusalem Old City. The church rests on Golgotha and it is also the place where Christ was crucified. It also features the burial place of Christ. The church is also the major pilgrimage place from the start of 4th century and it is administered by the Church of Jerusalem.

The first building in this site was constructed by Constantine the Great in the year 335. At this site the True Cross where Christ was crucified was discovered by St. Helen the mother of Constantine. Later, on the site of Christ’s crucifixion the Holy Sepulchre Church was built and also three more churches were built close to it. These churches also featured the caves of St. Macarius, St. Helen and the church’s dome was completed in the 4th century.

A major part of the building was destroyed by the Persians in the year 614. During the Muslim rule the Holy Sepulchre Church remained as a Christian church, whereas majority of the churches were converted into mosques. Also the church was preserved by the Muslim rulers and protected it from destruction.

The major sites in the church are

Exterior courtyard
The massive courtyard at the Holy Sepulchre Church features two main doors and a number of small chapels. It is a sacred place and a number of pilgrimages gather here to view the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and feet washing as an honor of the apostle’s feet being washed by Christ before crucifixion.

The Holy Entrance
It is the main entry to the church and it also features a small door in the main entrance. The doors are bounded by marble columns and the left column was ragged when the Holy Light had come from it.

The Holy Anointing
It is the place where Christ’s body was taken and wrapped with linen clothes and spices. At present the site features an ancient church and it is also the place where Christ was buried.

The church features a limestone marble belonging to the year 1208 and the marble slab also features massive opulent lamps. Outside the church’s wall there is a large mosaic that describes about Christ’s burial.

Latin Calvary
It is the place where Jesus Christ was nailed on the cross. At present the site features a Catholic Franciscan altar.

The Rock of Golgotha
It is the place where Christ was crucified and it is also known as Station 12. The rock is covered by a glass and the pilgrims can touch the rock by a small opening located below the altar.

The Chapel of the Crowning of the Thorns
It is situated at the starting point of Golgotha and it is also the place where the crown of thorns was put on Christ by the soldiers.

The Chapel of St. Helen
It is a massive area situated at the beginning of the stairs. It features the throne of St. Helen and the church’s original mosaic.

The Chapel of the Finding of the Cross
This chapel was built on the site where the True Cross (on which Christ was crucified) had discovered here by St. Helen.

The Chapel of the Division of the Robe
This Chapel was built on the site where the soldiers casted lots for Christ’s clothes.

The Prison of Christ
It is the place where Christ was kept before crucifixion.

The Syrian Chapel
It is the burial place at the time of Christ.

The Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene
It is the place where Christ was accompanied by Mary in between the way to the cross.

The Catholicon
It is the main church that faces the Tomb of Christ. The church looks similar to a rectangle with a massive doom. The church also features the “Navel of the Earth” in the middle which represents the earth’s spiritual center.

The Chapel of the Angel
It features a small piece of stone which is a part of the massive stone that was rolled at Christ’s tomb. The stone also features a hand imprint which is also considered as the angel’s hand that sat here and guarded the Tomb of Christ.

The Holy Sepulchre Chapel
It features the Tomb of Christ and it is also known as the Station 14. It features a massive marble slab on the place where Christ was laid; also it features a vase with candles that marks the area where Christ’s head was rested.

One of the major attractions here is the Holy Light that has been occurring here from the 14th century. This event takes place one day before Easter and prayers are held here, later a holy light appears and two candles are lit from it.

Dome of the Rock in the ancient city of Jerusalem
Photo by: Or Hiltch, Creative Commons

The Dome of the Rock is a famous and one of the oldest Islamic shrines in the world. It was built in the year 691 and houses the Foundation Stone which is considered as a sacred spot in Judaism. It is located in the Temple Mount and called, “The Noble Sanctuary” by the Muslims.

The Foundation Stone is sacred to both Jews and Muslims for different reasons.

The sacred rock located at the Dome of the Rock is believed to have been there even before the arrival of Islam. It is also the place where Abraham brought Isaac as a sacrifice. During the Middle Ages the Dome of the Rock was considered as the Temple of Solomon by the Christians and Muslims. The exterior mosaics were damaged during the winters and later repair works were done during the Mamluk period and in the year 1545 Suleiman the Magnificent replaced the mosaics with tiles.

The golden dome was first made of gold and was later replaced with copper, then again replaced with aluminum. Again the aluminum dome is wrapped with a golden leaf which can be seen in the present day. The dome features a full moon on the top and it represents Islam’s moon symbol. It is also said that a person who looks at this moon will be looking straight to Mecca.

The Dome of the Rock features multicolored Turkish tiles on the exterior. The octagonal part features Quran verses and a number of Arabic inscriptions. These inscriptions are a fine example of modifications at the time of Suleiman.

The golden domes interior features a number of flower ornamentations in gold and several other inscriptions. These mosaics can also be seen at the shrines garden which resembles a paradise.

The sacred rock is the most important site to be seen here. It is the place where the prophet Muhammad supposedly ascended to heaven accompanied by Angel Gabriel.

The Dome of the Rock is a major shrine. It opens at 8:30 am and closes and 3 pm. It is closed to visitors on Friday and Muslim holidays.

Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
Photo by: nagillum, Creative Commons

The Wailing Wall, also known as Western Wall, is in Jerusalem’s Old City. The wall was built by around 516 BCE and renovated later by Herod the Great around 20 BC.

The Wall measures 18 meters high and it consists of 24 lines of stones belonging to the different ages. Also in the year 1867, 19 lines were discovered in the underground where the lowest line featured the rocks from the Tyropoeon Valley. In the year 1968 two more lines were discovered and it featured seven layers of stone belonging to the Byzantine and Roman periods.

Prayers are held here since 132 CE and is one of the most sacred places for the Jews. The Foundation Stone, the most scared place is easily accessible.

The famous sites here are

Western Wall Plaza
It is the major sacred place for the Jews built by Herod the Great at the complex of Temple Mount. The area here was converted into a place for prayer in the year 1967 when Israel captured the city. At this period the local people offered prayers here and it is still continued to the present day.

Barclay’s Gate
It is a massive gate located to the right and on the top of fillstones. The original gateway is still preserved and it can be easily accessed to the present days.

Largest Stone
It is the largest path of stones that is visible from the southern and western sides of the wall. The west side features four massive stones where the largest stone measures 44 feet long and weighs about 570 tons.

Wilson’s Arch
It is the prayer area for the men that continue from the outdoors. It features a massive arch built by Herod the Great and it is about 75 feet high at the time of construction and in the present days it measures only 25 feet high.

It is the most holy place for the Jews and the Jewish people offers prayers thrice in a day. The prayers are held on mornings, afternoons and evenings and the people tie their forehead with phylacteries and cover themselves with white shawls.

Davos, Switzerland
Photo by: Leo-seta, Creative Commons

Davos city is in the Prattigau District, of Graubunden State, Switzerland. Located close to the Landwasser River at an altitude of 1560 meters, it is considered Europe’s highest city. It is site of the World Economic Forum, conducted annually.

Founded in the 13th century, a number of Walser (German speaking people) settlers called this home, Davos became the major area for Walser settlement.

The 19th century was the era of natural ice winter sports, and a number of international championships were held here. Davos is also home for Switzerland’s largest ski resort that attracts a number of tourists from the Netherlands and United Kingdom. In the 1970s Davos emerged as one of the major destination for winter sports.
Havens for skiing in Davos are:

Parsenn
Parsenn, largest among the mountains in Davos. It covers an area of about 1100 meters and the major attractions here are the night skiing, and the cable car that runs about 17 kilometers starting from the Prattigau valley.

Jakobshorn
Jakobshorn is a famous skiing region. It can re reached by cable car starting from Davos Platz. Also on the top of the mountain there are chair lifts and a small cable car. Snowboarding is one of the major attractions here and the season for the winter sports is in between July to October.

Pischahorn
A major skiing attraction with an elevation of about 2979 meters.

Madrisahorn
It is one of the highest skiing regions with an elevation of about 2826 meters.

Old town Fribourg, Switzerland
Photo by: Robert Thomson, Creative Commons

Fribourg is the capital city of Fribourg state, Switzerland. It is located close to the River Saane, the longest river in Switzerland. It is an administrative, educational, and economic center. Fribourg boasts as being Switzerland’s best maintained cities.

It has an elevation of about 581 meters and the Old City is located on the top of a hill that measures about 40 meters high. The city covers an area of about 9.3 square kilometers and the population is about 34,208. Majority of the people speak French and the rest of the people speak Italian and German. The main religion here is Christianity.

Fribourg is famous for its architectural buildings and these structures are major tourist destinations. People come the visit these sites:

Town Hall
The Town Hall is located in the Middle of the city. It was built by Gylian and Hans Felder in between the years 1501-1522. It features two gorgeous wall paintings and a clock tower in the front. The interiors were done in Gothic style in the 16th century by Louis XVI.

St Nicholas Cathedral
The cathedral is located in the middle of the city. It was built in Gothic Style in between 14th and 15th centuries. The choir stalls, choir screen, and stained glass from the 15th century are major attractions here.

Notre-Dame Church
This church was built in the 12th century and it is also Fribourg’s oldest church. Built in a Baroque style, it was first built as a museum and later converted to a church.

Arts and History Museum
One of the famous museums in the world, it houses a collection of coins, decorative objects and paintings starting from the 11th century to 20th century. Also it features several artifacts belonging to Medieval and Roman Ages.

St Bartholome Chapel
This chapel is one of the world’s major Christian sites in the world. It was built in the 16th century and features a fine stained glass inside the cathedral.

Gstaad on a sunny day
Photo by: matinarsavsky, Creative Commons

Gstaad is a quaint village situated in Berne, southwest of Switzerland. The village has a population of about 2897 and is 1050 meters above sea level. This German speaking village in the Berne state, Gstaad is a major tourist spot with a reputation of exclusivity and expensive ski resorts. In the winter, it is the site for the Institut Le Rosey, Switzerlands oldest private boarding school.

Gstaad is one of the major tourist destination in Switzerland. It is famous for its nightlife, fine dining, shopping and luxurious hotels. It is one of the best places for skiing and it is also the biggest ski regions in the Alps.

In the 1960s the Time Magazine named Gstaad as “The Place” for its services. Every year Gstaad attracts a number of celebrities and executives all over the world. Among them the famous visitors are Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Andrews, Michael Jackson, Kofi Annan, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Paris Hilton, Roman Polanski, Richard White, King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia, Peter Sellers, David Niven and many more.

Gstaad is one of the best locations for adventure sports and a number of events are held here. These include a beach volley ball tournament, polo tournament, Allianz Suisse Open Gstaad(a tennis tournament), and Menuhin festival that is held during the summer. Also, Maserati and Ferrari auctions are held at the Gstaad Palace Hotel in the month of December that attracts the richest and the famous from around the world.

Interlaken, Switzerland
Photo by: Dave-F, Creative Commons

Interlaken is in the Bern State, of Switzerland and is one of the best tourist spots in the world. Up to the year 1891 Interlaken was named “Aarmuhle”. A convent of the Augustinian Canons was located here up to the year 1528. In those days printing, watch making and textiles was the main occupation. Interlaken’s main source of revenue is tourism, and the city is one of many major attractions in Switzerland.

Interlaken covers an area of about 4.4 square kilometers. A major part of the land gives way to roads and buildings, while the remainder of the land are forests, agricultural lands, and mountains. The population is 6286, 24% are foreigners, and the unemployment rate is at 3.86%.

Interlaken is the one of the best spots in the world for outdoor sports. It is home for a number of companies that provide the best service in skiing, skydiving, hang gliding, canyoning, and paragliding. In addition, mountain climbing at the Jungfrau is a major attractions here. The hotels located in Interlaken offer stunning views of the town and the mountains.

The major events in the town are the Jungfrau Marathon, held in the month of September and the Unspunnenfest Festival, held every twelve years which displays the Swiss culture. Other major events include wrestling competitions, Greenfield Music Festival, and Red Bull Air Race World Series, an air race that is celebrated on July 15th.

Jungfrau
Photo by: Dan Gugger, Creative Commons

Jungfrau is one of Switzerland’s highest peaks located in between the states of Berne and Valais. Along with Monch and Eiger peaks, Jungfrau forms one of many stunning sites in the Swiss Alps.

The railway line on Jungfraujoch had traveling more easy to Jungfrau. Jungfrau is one of the most visited sites and the Aletsch Glacier here was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2001.

The highest point of Jungfrau is the 10 km wall, which, along with the Eiger and Monch peaks located to the north, are the symbolic of the Swiss Alps. Jungfrau is about 6 km and 3.5 km from the Eiger and Monch Peaks, respectively. The scenic beauty of the Aletsch Glacier is a highlight. This area is Europe’s and Alps largest glaciated area.

The train route here is one of the major attractions. It starts at the lowest point and the final halt is at Jungfraujoch railway station that is situated at a height of 3454 meters high. In between, there are buildings, a hotel, two restaurants and a number of tunnels which is one of the major attractions.

Mountain climbing is the main draw here. The first person to ascend this peak is J.R. Meyer on August 3rd, 1811. The starting point is the Monchsjoch Hut and fit takes about several hours to reach the final point which is a 3,885 meter climb.

Winter Sunset in Bern, Switzerland
Photo by: GenevaLife, Creative Commons

A medieval fog rolls in, and find yourself in the Old City of Bern. The Old City rises above a narrow hill encomapassed about on three sides by the Aare River. From its construction in the 12th to 15th century, time stands still in this place. The Old city features Switzerland’s tallest cathedral, bridges, churches, and Renaissance fountains. Many old buildings stand as a fine example of Swiss architecture. In 1983, UNESCO recognized the Old City as a World Heritage Site because of how the Swiss blended the old and the new. And because of this, many of its buildings have been tagged as Swiss Cultural Properties of National Significance, among them are:

The Munster of Bern
A Gothic cathedral located to the south. The construction of the building started in the year 1421 but the bell tower was finished in the year 1893. The bell tower is Switzerland’s tallest tower and it measures 100 meters high. The tower features a massive bell that weighs about 10 tons.

Zytglogge
The Zytglogge is a major landmark and features a medieval clock tower, Switzerlands third oldest clock. This tower was built in between the years 1218-1220.

Nydegg Church
The Nydegg Church was built on the site of ruined castle in between the years 1341-1346. A clock tower was added in the year 1483 and the central nave was added again in the year 1504. In 1529 the church was converted to a warehouse, and again in the year 1566 it reverted back to a church.

The Old City of Bern has 100 fountains that are crowned with statues. These fountains were built in the 16th century and served as the main water source for the people of that period. The major fountains are:
• Gerechtigkteitsbrunnen
• Mosesbrunnen
• Venerrunnen
• Simsonbrunnen
• Lauferbrunnen
• Anna Seiler Brunnen
• Kindlifresserbrunnen

League of Nations
Photo by: Eugene Regis, Creative Commons

The Palace of Nations is the headquarters for the League of Nations. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, built between the years 1929-1938. Since the 1950s it serves as the office for the United Nations in Geneva, though Switzerland did not become a member to the UN until 2002.

In the 1920s, an architectural competition was held for the final design of the building. A total of 377 designs were received, but there was no clear winner. Five architects were chosen to collaborate in the final design, these were: Joseph Vago, Carlo Broggi, Henri-Paul Nenot, Camille Lefevre, and Julien Flegenheimer.

When the building was transferred to the United Nations, two structures were added. In the 1950s, three floors were built into the “K” building, in addition, a new building was constructed that housed the World Health Organization. In the year 1973 the “E” block was built and in the present day, the Palace of Nations features 2800 offices and 34 conference rooms.

The Palace of Nations is in Ariana Park, which was willed to the City of Geneva by a prominent family. Peacocks roam freely on the grounds, this was condition the family imposed when it was given to the city. In the park, a wooden house built in 1668 still stands. Buried under the foundation stone of the Palace is a time capsule. The capsule contains a listing of member states of the League of nations, covenant of the league, and specimen coins that help commemorate the leagues Tenth assembly.

Pamalican Island Aerial View
Photo by: Ortmann, Creative Commons

Pamalican Island is paradise on Earth. Surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, it is easy to get seduced with the island’s charms. It is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, or even just simply basking under the sun.

Pamalican Island is a small island dotted with lush coconut trees and five kilometers of white sand beach. The crystal clear turquoise waters are flanked by coral reefs just 50 to 300 meters from the sea shore. The island is home to the Amanpulo Resort, a secluded luxury resort for relaxation and peace. True to its name, Amanpulo means ‘peaceful island’ which it really is.

The island is located southwest of Manila, east of Palawan. You can get there via a small 19-passenger charter plane, the plane ride lasts about an hour. The island is privately owned, exclusive only to the Amanpulo Resort guests. The Amanpulo resort has plenty of cottages, and you can stay by the hillside, on the treetop, or on a villa, whichever you want. The weather is tropical, so the perfect time to go is from November to May when the season is hot and dry.

Amanpulo resort’s main building is the Clubhouse. The resort boasts of many wood sculptures and rattan chairs proudly made in the Philippines. While on the island, you can participate in many leisure and recreational activities. Aside from the usual diving, swimming and snorkeling, you can also do sailing, windsurfing, sunset cruises, picnicking, fishing and more. The resort has a hundred foot long pool! Apart from sea and beach activities, you can take a hike along the island nature trails, explore, and even play golf.

Cape Town from Robben Island
Photo by: aprillyn77, Creative Commons

If you are planning to visit South Africa, you must make sure to check all good spots that you can find and will surely make the trip a truly memorable one. One of the places that you must include on your agenda is Cape Town, the most popular tourist destination in Africa. The City of Cape Town is known as the most populous in the country. This is known for the natural setting of the floral kingdom in Cape, its harbour and other known landmarks like the Cape Point and Table Mountain.

This tourist destination can be found at the shore of Table Bay. Its early development can be attributed to the Dutch East India Company, which was a supply station for the Dutch ships that were sailing to Eastern Africa, Far East and India. The Cape Town was originally created as the first European outpost on the Castle of Good Hope. This has become a cultural hub as well as the economic post of the Cape Colony. This used to be the largest city in South Africa before the development of Witwatersrand Gold Rush and Johannesburg.

People like the place because of its good climate, well-developed structure and natural setting. There are many beaches that can be found on the place that are well-loved by both tourists and local residents. You can actually visit several beaches in a day. This is possible because of the unique geography of this city. You should also include on your tour the places that make it possible for Cape Town to be known for its cultural attractions like the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Flats among many other places.

While at the tour, you might as well enjoy the view. The place is also notable for its architectural heritage. This actually has the highest density of the buildings with the Cape Dutch style. The latter is a combination of the architectural forms of countries such as Germany, Netherlands and France.

Taal Volcano – Tagaytay, Philippines
Photo by: Sir Mervs, Creative Commons

Taal Volcano is a complex volcano located 50 kilometers from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Once upon a time, the Taal Volcano was a large volcano, in fact was one of the largest volcanoes in the world, towering 18,000 feet up in the sky. Now, it is the world’s smallest active volcano, only about 700 meters high.

Since 1572, the volcano has 33 recorded eruptions, the most devastating eruption occurred in the year 1911. The most recent volcanic activity happened in 1977, although the volcano has remained quiet since. It is still not safe, for signs of increased activity appeared in 1991, 1992, 1994, and most recently, in June of 2009.

When you visit Taal Volcano, make sure to bring water, hats and plenty of sun screen lotion. Wear light clothes for it can get very hot, it being located in a tropical country. It is most recommended you get a head start early in the morning. You can either take a hike or ride on horseback to go up the ridge and see the beautiful Crater Lake.

From Manila, you can travel by land to Tagaytay, passing through panoramic views of the countryside. Afterwards, you take a zigzag road to the Town of Talisay. To get to Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, you can take a half hour boat ride in any town located on the shores of Taal Lake. The most popular point is in Talisay. However, if you prefer less crowded areas and cheaper rates, you can go to more remote towns like San Nicolas.

The locals are friendly. You do not have to worry about communication, most of them speak good Basic English.

Kapellbrucke in Lucerne
Photo by: edwin.11, Creative Commons

Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, is a massive structure that measures 204 meters long. The bridge is located on the Reuss River, Lucerne City Switzerland; it is a major tourist spot in Switzerland. It is also recognized as Europe’s oldest wooden bridge.

The Kapellbrucke Bridge was built in the year 1333 to protect the city of Lucerne from their enemies. The bridge housed a number of paintings dating back to the 17th century highlighting events in the city of Lucerne.

A major part of the bridge was destroyed by fire in 1993. A number of paintings were destroyed, the bridge has been rebuilt since.

Kapellbrücke features the 140 foot Wasserturm (Watch Tower), an eight sided citadel made of bricks. It functioned as a treasury, watch tower, torture chamber, and prison. Both the bridge and tower are major landmarks in the city and also the countries’ most photographed monuments.

Drakensberg Mountains
Photo by: mark.bold, Creative Commons

When visiting South Africa, treat yourself to visit the highest mountain range in the region, the Drakensberg Mountains. Its height is estimated at 3,482 meters(11,420 ft). This is actually referred to as uKhahlamba, which means, the barrier of spears, in Zulu. In Sesotho, this is referred to as Maluti that can also be spelled as Maloti. When you look at it from a geological perspective, you will see that the range resembles the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia.

You will find this range at the eastern part of South Africa. This runs about 1,000 kilometres or 620 mi from southwest direction to northeast. This divides the province of the KwaZulu-Natal from the Free State Province and it looms over the coast of Natal, which can be found nearby.

If you are the kind of person who has great appreciation for nature, make sure to visit this spot. These days, the tourism in this part of the region continues to grow. Through proper exposure and advertisements, many other people from all over the globe are becoming aware of the Drakensberg Mountains. Part of the development and growth for this tourist destination is the availability of several hotels and various resorts.

The parts of the range that can be found at the higher spots in South Africa have been assigned as areas for wilderness or as game reserves. The Drakensberg National Park or the uKhahlamba, found in KwaZulu-Natal has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in year 2000. It also made it on the list under the Ramsar Convention of what is known as List of Wetlands of International Importance. The park is adjacent to the Cathkin Estates Conservation and Wildlife Sanctuary.

The “Big Hole”, Kimberley, South Africa
Photo by: Irene2005, Creative Commons

Kimberley Diamond Mines is also known as the “Big Hole.” This is the largest diamond mine in the world. Kimberley is the capital city of Northern Cape in South Africa, which can be found near the convergence of Vaal and Orange Rivers. The town made its way into history books not only because of its past with regards to diamond mining but also a siege at the time of the Second Boer War. It is worth mentioning that famous people like Cecil John Rhodes made a fortune at this place. It was also during the early days of this mining town when the De Beers Corporation started its business at the location.

The Kimberley Diamond Mines is so big that it can actually be seen from space. The mine was dug by hand, and its pit has produced some of the largest diamonds in the world, and has made the De Beers famous all over the world. When you visit Kimberley, you will be entertained by a movie that talks about the location and a brief history of the diamond mining industry in Africa. The movie runs for about 17 minutes.

When you visit Kimberley, you will experience a walk on a high platform where you can view the Kimberley Diamond Mines or The Big Hole. Your guide will take you to a ride down to a reproduction of a mining shaft where you can enter into a locked vault. In here, you will see real diamonds in all colors. There is a small museum that chronicles the beginnings of Kimberley. Many people are enamored with the Bible that was hollowed out by the miners in the hopes of smuggling some of the diamonds from the bottom of the mines. This stopped when searches were organized in 1883.

Aside from the historical indulgence when visiting the Kimberley Diamond Mines, you can visit and have a jolly good time at the nearby café, jewelry shops, and, the gift stores.

Dogon Valley
Photo by: 300td.org, Creative Commons

The Dogon People can be found on central plateau area in Mali. The population at 800,000, these people are well known for their architecture, wooden sculpture, mask dances and mythology.

There are about 700 villages in Mali where the Dogon live. These villages measures 200 kilometers long and stretches towards the Bandiagara cliffs. The Dogon People are Animists; although some have converted to either Christianity or Islam.

The main occupation of the Dogon People is agriculture and they adopt different methods of farming. The major crops grown here are onions, rice, tobacco, millets, sorrel and beans. In addition flocks of sheep and goats are also seen here. The Dogon People comprises of three groups which are Ono, Domno, Arou and the Dyon.

A village feature a number of family groups with the father as head of the family. A man may marry more that one woman but not more than two.

The villages feature a number of communities and the people here gather at a place known as “Togu”. The people gather here and settle their disputes. The oldest living descendant here is known as “Gina Bana”. He conducts ceremonies and presides over the meetings here.

The oldest village founder is known as Hogon and he is also the main person in the village. He looks after the welfare of the village and dispenses justice amongst the people of the village. Majority of the Dogon are spiritual tribe and also they worship their dead ancestors for guidance.

The buildings in the villages are mainly constructed of mud. Their architecture is unique and the huts here feature flat roofs. Also a sequence of cemeteries is seen on the cliffs and the only way to reach here is through the ladders. For its cultural importance the Dogon region is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorge in Ronda, Spain
Photo by: tinou bao, Creative Commons

The Ronda city is in Malaga Province, Spain. The city is about 100 kilometers from Málaga with a population of 36,315. Ronda is one of the best tourist places in Spain with deep gorges and a peaceful atmosphere.

The city is located in a mountainous area that is 2,500 feet above the sea level. The River Guadalevin runs in between the city that divides the mountains.

Major Attractions

Plaza de Toros de Ronda
It is one of Spain’s oldest bullrings and the field has a diameter of about 220 ft. The ground features 68 arches and two levels of seating. In addition there is a museum here and the entry fee is about €5.

Puente Nuevo
One of Spains largest bridges measuring 120 meters. The bridge was built in 1751 and features a chamber below the arch that was used for a number of purposes, as a prison and museum.

Puente Viejo
Meaning “old bridge” measures 120 meters. The bridge was built in the year 1616, it carries pedestrian traffic.

Calle la Bola
It is the main street in the city. It features a number of shops, cafes, bar and restaurants.

La Alameda
This park is located close to the bullring and features shady trees and walking space.

La Ciudad
It is Ronda’s oldest district. It features a museum, Santa Maria Church and a mosque built in the period of Moorish rule.

Plaza Mayor de Madrid
Photo by: pablo.sanchez, Creative Commons

The Plaza Mayor is in the city of Madrid, Spain. Built at the time the Habsburgs were in power is not far from the Puerta del Sol plaza. The Plaza Mayor measures 394ft x 295ft, it contains three floored buildings that features about 237 balconies. The Plaza Mayor features 9 entranceways and it also used for public celebrations.

The Plaza Mayor was built on the site of a market place on the outskirts of the city. The Plaza Mayor was designed by Juan de Herrara and the first plans were laid in the year 1581 during the reign of Emperor Philip II.

The construction began during the reign of Emperor Philip II in the year 1617 and later the Plaza Mayor was destroyed in a fire accident. The Plaza Mayor was rebuilt and the designs were rendered by the Spanish architect Juan de Villanueva and the Plaza Mayor was up again by the year 1790.

Plaza Mayor is one of the major tourist attractions in the Madrid and attracts millions of tourists every year. It is the center for a number of events that includes the public executions, bull fights, markets and soccer games.

Ibiza in Spain
Photo by: pravin.premkumar, Creative Commons

Ibiza Island is in the Mediterranean Sea and is the third largest island of the Balearic Islands. The island is famous for the nightlife and summer club parties that attract tourists from all over the world. Though famous for the parties, Ibiza was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island was founded around 654 BC by Phoenician settlers and was known as “Iboshim”. The Greeks also settled here at the time of the Phoenicians and renamed the island to Ibiza.

The island covers an area of about 571 square kilometers with a population of 116,089 people. The climate is cool here and the summers are as expected, warm.

The island is a major tourist spot and the nightlife is the major attraction here. The island features Privilege nightclub which is also the world’s largest club. The other famous nightclubs here are DC10, Pacha, Space, Eden (Sant Antoni’s busiest nightclub), Amnesia (famous for the foam parties) and Es Paradis (famous for the water parties).

In the summers, DJs from all over the world gather here and present new songs with electronic dance music. The island also features a number of bars of restaurants where the best quality of food is available with fine quality of wine. Several parties with music concerts are held here, some parties start at 3 pm and closes at 4 am.

Alcazar de Toledo in Toledo, Spain
Photo by: tvquiero, Creative Commons

Toledo is 70 km from the city of Madrid. It is the capital of Toledo Province and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its monumental and cultural legacy.

Toledo’s history dates back to the Bronze Age. It also served as the capital of the Spanish Empire and the city is coexisted with the Moors, Christians, and Jewish culltures. Toledo was the birth place of Alfonso X, Eleanor of Toledo, El Greco and Al-Zarqali.

Major Attractions

The Cathedral of Toledo
It was built between the 1226-1493. This cathedral was modeled after the Bourges Cathedral and it features about five naves. The entire cathedral was built of white stone and features ornamented interiors and exteriors.

Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes
This monastery was built by the Emperor Ferdinand II to celebrate the victory over Portugal Emperor Afonso V. The monastery was designed by Juan Guas and the construction began in the year 1477 and ended in the year 1504. It was built in a Spanish-Gothic-Flemish style. The nave measures 30 meters high and the interiors are lavishly decorated.

The Alcazar
The Alcazar is a large square building located in the outskirts of the city. It was built in the 3rd century as a military fort. It also served as a palace, military academy and prison.

Zebras on the Road
Photo by: Mister E, Creative Commons

If you are planning to go on tour in South Africa, you must make sure that you research first about the places that you ought to visit. There are various resources that you can turn to. The easiest is by going through various websites about tips and other information about the must-see places in this country. You will be amazed at the information that you will get. This can help you create a worthwhile plan to make sure that you will experience nothing but the best on your trip to this place.

Among the spots and beautiful sights in South Africa that you must never miss on your trip is the Kruger National Park. This has been in existence since 1898, making it the oldest of all Africa’s established wildlife parks. This will give you with the most unforgettable safari experience that you will treasure all your life.

The Kruger National Park can be found at the north of Johannesburg. From this point, you have to allot five hours to get to the park by car. The trip will be worthwhile because you will see a variety of wildlife that can still be found in Africa. Among the animals that most tourists look forward to include the Big Five(lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and the black rhino), giraffe, crocodiles, hippos, cheetah and a lot more. You will enjoy the sight for sure because this place is among the best maintained and well-kept parks in Africa. This can be proven by the good quality of the roads in the area that you won’t need to rent a 4×4 vehicle.

You will find a variety of accommodations at the main rest camps at Kruger. Most lodges can be accessed even by people with mobile disabilities.
These camps come in complete package. Most of these have cottages, chalets, caravan, camp sites, bungalow tents and bushveld camps.

El Escorial, Spain
Photo by: Giramondo1, Creative Commons

The El Escorial is the official residence for the emperor of Spain. Found in the city of San Lorenzo de El Escorial which is 45 kilometers from Madrid. It was built in the 16th century and in the present day serves as a royal palace, monastery, school and museum.

The El Escorial is located at the bottom of the Mount Abantos. This site was selected by the emperor Philip II after he ordered the construction of the palace to celebrate his victory over France’s Emperor Henry II. The construction of the palace began in the year 1563 and completed in 1567.

Notable Structures

The Basilica
Built in a Gothic style and features a dome and highly ornamented altar. The basilica also features the bronze statues of Philip and Charles in a kneeling position.

Palace of Philip II
It is the official residence of the Emperor Philip II. It is located close to the Basilica’s main altar and it features a sequence of decorated rooms.

Hall of Battles
It features several paintings that displays the victories of the Spanish Military and a number of paintings that depict Philip’s battle against the French.

Pantheon of the Kings
Housing 26 marble tombs belonging to the Kings and their queens.

Pantheon of the Princess
It features the tombs of the queens, prince and princess who were not royalty. The notable tomb here is Prince John’s tomb that was made of white marble.

Architectural Museum
The architectural museum has 11 rooms that feature the collection of cranes, tools and several other materials used in the construction of the palace. In addition it also contains documents and blueprints of the palace.

Art Gallery
It features the works of Spanish, Italian, Lombard, German, Ligurian and Flemish schools belonging to the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

Photo by: individuo, Creative Commons

The Ávila’s Walls were built in the 11th century. The city was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its preserved walls and churches.

The city is located 3665 ft above the sea level. The main sites are built on the top of a hill. The city is surrounded by lofty mountains and the climate here is cool with short summers and long winters. The city covers an area of about 232 square kilometers and a population of 58,561.

The medieval walls measure about one kilometer long, the walls are well preserved. The walls measure 3 meters wide with 9 entrance gates and 90 towers. The Gothic cathedral here looks similar to a fort and it features two solid towers. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and features a collection of sculptures and paintings from the year 1571.

The other major attractions here are San Vicente Church, San Segundo Church and San Pedro Church built in Romanesque style in the 12th century