University of Salamanca Patio Portal
Photo by: Vic Lic, Creative Commons

The Old City of Salamanca is situated in the Salamanca Province, Spain. The city is located on the top of a mountain next to the Tormes River which can be crossed by a bridge measuring 150 meters long with 26 arches where 15 arches were built in the Roman period and the remaining arches were built in the 16th century.

The City was founded by Vacceos before the Roman era. The Romans occupied the city and was later ruled by the Moors up to the 11th century. The city prospered in the 13th century during the reign of the Emperor Alfonso IX. He built the University of Salamanca which is one of Europe’s prestigious academies.

Salamanca is one of Europe’s impressive Renaissance cities. The city features a number of sandstone buildings that emit a golden glow. Because of this feature Salamanca has been labeled “the golden city”.

The Plaza Mayor is one of the major attractions in the city. It was built in the 18th century and is considered as one of Europe’s best squares. At the time of its construction it was the main site for bullfights and has a seating capacity of 20,000. In the present day the Plaza Mayor is an administrative building with a number of offices, shops and restaurants.

The University of Salamanca is one of the important architectural feats in the city. The university building was built by the Emperor Alfonso IX in the year 1218. It is also Spain’s oldest university and has about 36,000 students.

Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
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Pamplona is the capital on the Navarre Province, Spain. Pamplona is well known for the San Fermin fiesta that happens every year from July 6th to 14th.

The city was founded around 74 BC by Pompey the Roman general. Also at this period the Pamplona City the city was prospered and a number of constructions took place. The Roman rule came to an end in the mid 4th century and the Visigoth period started in the 5th century and ended in the 8th century. Also at this period the city was controlled by the Franks and Moors.

In between 11th to 15th centuries the city featured a number of changes. The city was enlarged with cultural exchanges from the French and Europe. In the 15th century castles and forts were built during the reign of the Emperor Ferdinand V. In addition the city also prospered in between 16th to 18th centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries a number of industries were built and the city emerged as one a major tourist destination.

Pamplona City is a valley that connects with the Ebro valley with a mountainous expanse to the north. The city is located in the middle of the Navarre Province and as a result the city is the main link for other cities in Navarre. Pamplona covers an area of about 8516 square kilometers and the population is about 198,697.

The San Fermin festival is the major attraction in Pamplona and features the running of the bulls. Thousands of people carry the Saint Fermin statue on the streets during a procession. The festival is also celebrated in conjunction with other folkloric and traditional events.

Casa Colgadas in Cuenca, Spain
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Cuenca is the capital city of Cuenca Province, central Spain. The city covers an area of about 17,061 square kilometers and the population here is about 54,600. Cuenca features a number of monuments and rivers with clear waters. Cuenca is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its monuments.

Main Monuments

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral
This cathedral was built in between 1182-1270. Built in gothic style and several structures were added to the cathedral over the centuries. The arch was built in the 16th century, the main altar was modified in the 18th century and in the year 1902 the front wall was rebuilt.

Saint Peter Church
It was rebuilt in the 18th century by Jose Martin de la Aldehuela. The exterior of the church looks octagonal and the interiors are bedecked.

Saint Michael Church
The church was built in the 13th century with a single courtyard. Also a second nave was added in the 15th century. The dome was added in the 16th century and the wooden ceilings for the outside were added in the 18th century. The church holds classical music concerts.

The Savior Church
It was built in the 18th century in a neogothic style. It features a courtyard, tower and it displays fine architecture of the 19th century.

Saint Paul Bridge
The bridge was built in between the years 1533-1589. The bridge was collapsed and the present structure was rebuilt in the year 1902 with steel, wood and it measures 60 meters high.

Bishop’s Palace
The Bishop’s Palace was designed by Gustavo Torner and Fernando Bajra Noguerol. The palace features three museums, paintings and silver works belonging to the 14th century.

Holy Heart of Jesus
It is one of the important monuments in the city dedicated to the Holy Heart of Jesus. It was built in the mid 20th century and from here the entire city can be viewed.

Mirador del Río, Lanzarote
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The Canary Islands is a chain of Spanish Islands situated to the northwest coast of Africa and it is about 100 km for the borders of Western Sahara and Morocco. The islands are volcanic and there are about seven islands, one minor island and a number of smaller islands.

Seven major islands

Gran Canaria

It is the third largest among the seven islands. It is also considered as “continent in miniature” for its natural beauty. This island is famous for its white sandy beaches. The longest beach here is the “Playa del Ingles” that measures 4km long. In addition scuba diving and nightlife are other major attractions.

Fuerteventura

It is a volcanic island and it is one of the major tourist spots. The island is famous for kite surfing and wind surfing and it is also considered as “Windsurfers Mecca”.

Lanzarote

The Lanzarote Island offers stunning volcanic landscapes and it also features an airport. The island is famous for its museums, beaches and the major attractions here are parasailing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. In addition the island also serves the delicious Italian food and one of the fine qualities of beer that comes at a cheaper price.

Tenerife

It is the largest island and the best tourist spot. The island is famous for its parks, beaches, water sports and nightlife.

El Hierro

It is the smallest among the seven other islands. The environment here is very calm and this region is also the best place to relax. This island was also listed by the UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in the year 2000.

La Gomera

It is the second smallest island. The major attractions here are the Garajonay National Park and the waterfalls.

La Palma

This island is located close to the borders of Morocco and this island is also known as “La Isla Bonita”. The island features stunning volcanic landscapes and the highest point here is about 2464 meters.

Roman Columns in Sabratha, Libya
Photo by: Bryn Pinzgauer, Creative Commons

Sabratha city is located to the north of Libya and is one of the three cities in Tripolis. Sabratha city is about 65 km from the Mediterranean coast and serve as the capital for Sabratha Wa Surman region. It is an archaeological site and it was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1982.

The city was founded around 500 BC and it was part of the Numidian Empire. The major buildings were built during the time of Emperor Septimus. In the 4th century a massive earthquake hit the city and a major part of the city was destroyed.

The major attractions here are the ruins of 3rd century theatre with three storeys that stand as a fine example of architecture of those days. The other attractions include the Isis and Serapis temples devoted to Liber Pater.

In addition there is a Christian basilica here with mosaic floors. Nearby there is a museum that features the collection of the Sabratha city and the other collections of the city can be seen in Tripoli National Museum.

Jebel Akhdar Uplands, site of Old Cyrene
Photo by: doctoroflaws, Creative Commons

Cyrene is an ancient Greek city founded in 630 BC by Battus I. It is present day Shahhat, Libya and it is also the important and oldest among the other five Greek cities of this region. The Cyrene city is also the home for Cyrenaics, a philosophy school founded by Aristippus around 3rd century BC.

Cyrene was founded in the year 630 and it became of the one of the major cities in ancient Libya. The city prospered during the reign of Emperor Battus IV and in 460 BC the city became a Republic.

Around 96 BC the Romans took control over the city and served as the main state for the Romans for about 18 years. The city also prospered for some years but in the year 115 AD a major part of the city was destroyed as a part of Jewish revolt. The city again prospered during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, but in the 365 AD an earthquake struck the city destroying temples and buildings.

Cyrene is referred to in the Bible in the New Testament referencing a man named Simon who was chosen to help carry the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is also referred in the book of 2 Maccabees where Jason, a Hellenistic Jew had resided here around 100 BC.

In the present days the Cyrene city is one of the major archaeological sites and also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous ruins here are the Temple of Apollo built around 7th century BC, Sanctuary, Agora, House of Jason Magnus, Temple of Zeus, Stoa of Hermes and Nine Muses.

Road to Ghadamis
Photo by: snotch, Creative Commons

Old Town Ghadamis is located to the west of Libya. It is an oasis city and is also considered as “the pearl of the desert”. It is about 549 km from Tripoli southwest and it also shares its borders with Tunisia and Algeria.

The Ghadamis is also one of pre-Saharan oldest cities and has a fine example of art and architecture. The town has its history from the Roman period and during this period the town was known as “Cydamus”.

In the 6th century, a Bishop had resided here and the Byzantine missionaries had converted majority of the people to Christianity. In the 7th century the area fell into the hands of Muslim Arabs and the majority of the people were converted to Islam.

In the present day the Ghadamis is a major tourist and archaeological site. The city is bordered by a massive wall and has a population of 7000. The architecture of the homes in the city is a major attraction; it features passageways and open-air terraces that provide better cooling during the summers. Also the Ghadamis Old Town is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its constructions and ancient history.

Panoramic View of Medina, site of Red Castle Museum
Photo by: riverac, Creative Commons

The Red Castle Museum is located in the Medina District. It is an archaeological museum and also Libya’s national museum. In addition the Red Castle Museum is one of the world’s richest and important museums.

The Red Castle Museum was founded in the year 1919 where the Italians had converted a major part of the Red Castle into a museum. During this period the museum featured the collection of artifacts, jewelry and pottery.

At the time of the Second World War, Libya was captured by the British and the museum was considered as “The Libyan Museum” of the time. In 1988 the museum was reopened and renamed as “Red Castle Museum”.

The museum is one of the major tourist spots in Libya, it houses the collection of jewelry, artifacts and pottery belonging to the Roman period and a number of weapons belonging to the World War II. The museum is opens on all the days, but closed on national holidays. The museum is open from 10am-6pm.

Tadrart Acacus ART
Photo by: roberdan, Creative Commons

Tadrart Acacus is a desert site located to the west of Ghat city, Libya. The word Tadrart means ‘mountain’, the area features a number of mountains with prehistoric Rock Arts.

The mountain ranges in the Tadrart Acacus features a number of paintings, engravings and galleries dating back between 12,000 BC and 100 AD. The site is believed the first site visited by Libyan settlers. The Rock Arts here are also considered as the fine arts all over the world.

The Tadrart Acacus has stunning sceneries with a number of gorges, arches, mountains and rocks. The major places here are Tin Khlega and Afzejare arches. The land here has immense vegetation and the callotropis plant is seen mainly here.

The area is mainly famous for the Rock Arts belonging, because of this the area was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These paintings stand as a fine example of Tadrart Acacus natural and cultural changes. These paintings feature the animal carvings such as camels, giraffes, ostriches, horses and elephants. In addition these paintings also display the life style of the men in those days such as dancing and making music.

Tripoli Street Corner
Photo by: martijnmunneke, Creative Commons

Tripoli is Libya’s capital city and also the largest city located to the edge of rocky lands of the Mediterranean Sea. The city features a natural sea port and is Libya’s largest commercial centre. The city has a population of about 1.8 million. The climate here is typical of any city along the Mediterranean, hot during the summers and cool winters.

The city has its history from the 14th century BC, but the city prospered in the 9th century BC when the Phoenicians started trading from here. At the time of Alexander the Great, the city featured a massive shipyard. Around 64-63 BC, at the time of Roman Rule the city was captured by Pompey and a number of Roman buildings were constructed.

The city was also a major ship building center during the reign of Omayyad Empire. In the 12th century the major constructions of the city were destroyed by the crusaders. The city was prospered at the time of Turkish Ottoman rule in between the years 1516-1918, also a number of buildings were constructed at this period.

The major attractions in the city are

St. Johns Church
The ruins of this church were discovered at the Maronite Cemetery as a part of the archaeological excavations conducted here. The church measures about 200 meters linked with two chapels and bounded by a cemetery.

Al-Muallaq Mosque
This mosque was built in the 16th century and it features a massive garden and the interiors are whitewashed.

Burtasiyat Madrassa-Mosque
It was built in the 14th century and it is considered as one of the attractive mosques. It features a square minaret at the main entrance decorated with windows.

Lions Tower
The Lions Tower was built in the 15th century and it is one of the best preserved towers. The tower features domed ceilings, two stories and a number of statues.

Offshore Islands
These Islands feature one of the best palm trees which are also a reserve for birds and green turtles. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tripoli International Fair
This international fair features a number of works of Oscar Niemeyer, a Brazilian architect. The fair also includes exhibitions and music concerts.

Malbork Castle
Photo by: MrSco, Creative Commons

If you are in the city of Gdansk for a few days, it is worth taking a side trip to Malbork. It might be an hour by train, but it’s definitely worth the trip. Malbork Castle is like one of the castles that many childhood dreams come from. From the banks of the river Nogat, you have an unobstructed view so you can stare at the castle in all its medieval glory.

Malbork Castle was built in Prussia in 1274 by the Teutonic Order as an Ordensburg, or a fortress. It was originally called Marienburg,, literally meaning “Mary’s Castle” and was named after the Virgin Mary, the Order’s patron saint. It is the largest medieval fortress in Europe, consisting of three sections: the High, Middle and Lower Castles Each castle is separated by moats and towers. After many years of battle and unrest, the castle was turned over to Poland, where it really belonged.

In the fifties, the castle was under the care of the Polish Tourist and Country Lovers Society. Now, the castle has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and a huge tourist attraction. It’s best to visit Malbork in the early fall, when most of the tourists have gone. A tour of the castle is like a trip back in time, and you’d almost wish you were in costume so you could totally immerse yourself and appreciate the lifestyle of the Teutonic knights. You will learn about how the fortress was built, and take a look around the exterior of the castle where the guard towers are. The interior of the castle, in true medieval fashion, is a maze of tunnels and hallways, towers and rooms. Taking a complete tour of Malbork Castle takes about four hours, and that’s just for the interior alone. Spend an entire day at the castle for an experience to remember.

How to get there:

It’s an 82-kilometer drive from Gdansk. Take the international road E77 then turn right to national road 55 and continue for 24 kilometers from there. If you want to take the train at Gdansk, it’s 60 kilometers away.

Where to stay:

Zamek – If you want a medieval feel even when you sleep, this is the place to go. Zamek is inside the old Teutonic hospital, and furnished in true medieval style. It has 42 rooms.

Grot – A business hotel featuring 18 rooms, it has modern amenities like en-suite bathrooms, cable TV, and free wireless Internet. Rooms range from single to quadruple sharing.

Hotels Parkowy – Located inside the town’s most beautiful park, the hotels amenities are basic but clean. There are 19 rooms total.

Bolotwas, South Africa
Photo by: Randy OHC, Creative Commons

Creating a plan is very important when you are going on a vacation trip, especially in places that you haven’t visited before. You must also set an agenda, depending on the people whom you will be going with on the trip. If it is going to be a family activity with children, you must make sure that you include on the list of the must-see places the kinds of sights that your kids will like or the places that offer activities that they will enjoy. If you are planning to go to South Africa, you must first find all the information that you can gather about the place and decide which sights and sites you would opt to include on your plan.

Your plan will be greatly affected by the number of days that you will be spending at the place. While doing your research, you must talk to your companions about the places that captured your interest so that they can give their thoughts about these. The best way to enjoy most of the sights when you have already arrived at your destination is to find the most accessible way that you can get to be able to see the panoramic route.

The best option that you have in this regard is to rent or hire a car. This way, touring the places can be done with more flexibility. This is where your research will come into the picture. You will need the information that you have gathered to make sure that you will be able to make the most out of this vacation. You have to take note that when you rent a car, the company will agree to give you unlimited kilometers as well as air conditioning.

If the company offers any brochures about the panoramic route that you can take depending on the length of your stay, you might as well grab these and use the tips to have a fun and enjoyable vacation.

Old Town Krakow viewed from Market Square
Photo by: Lar K. Jensen, Creative Commons

If you are looking for Old World charm with a touch of the modern thrown in, Krakow is the city for you to visit.

Located on the Vistula River in a valley at the foot of the Carpathian Plateau, Krakow, Poland used to be the country’s seat of power in the 11th – 17th centuries. It was a fortfied city, its walls with 55 towers offering safety and security to the people. Its rare cultural heritage, connecting tradition to modern times, embody all things Polish. Krakow was the center of knowledge during the Renaissance. Scholars and artists from all over the world flocked to the city to try out new ideas and study different cultures.

There are lots of architectural monuments around Krakow, housing more than 2 million artifacts. You can still see some preserved parts of the old wall to this day. Due to this huge collection of historical and cultural wealth, the city became one of the 12 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Walking down the streets of Krakow Old Town will show you all that you need to escape the stresses of everyday life. Get your cultural fill from the art galleries and local exhibits. If you are a foodie, you can go on a gastronomic trip at the many cafes, pubs and restaurants around town. Polish cuisine is known for being a hodgepodge of Armenian, Hungarian and Jewish cuisines, to name a few. Try some kielbasa or borscht, topped of with some pączki for dessert.

The climate in Krakow is temperate. The frequent changes in weather is due to the friction of the humid air from the Atlantic Ocean and the dry air from the east. The average temperature is 6º – 10º C all year long. If you choose to go during summer, July is the warmest month. January is the coldest month of the year.

Places to see in Krakow:

Main Market Square – The largest medieval town square in Europe. It was designed to attract traveling merchants to sell their goods in Krakow.

St. Mary’s Basilica – A Gothic church built in the 14th century known for its wooden altar carved by Veit Stoss. Every hour, a trumpet signal is sounded from the top of the taller of the two towers to commemorate a 13th-century trumpet player who was shot in the throat while signaling the Mongols’ attack on the city.

Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) – A Renaissance trading hall, it was the source of exotic products from the East such as silk, wax, leather and spices.

Where to stay:

Krakow Bed & Breakfast – A 15-minute from the railway station and 15 meters from the Market Square, this B&B offers affordable and clean accommodations. You can choose from 33 rooms, with or without bathrooms, single, double and triple, breakfast included. Extra beds are available if needed. Maximum capacity is 70 persons. No curfew, guests have their own keys, and there is someone at the front desk 24 hours. There is free Internet access. You can arrange for trips to the salt mines, Auschwitz and other destinations. If you are traveling in July, avail of their 10% discount on all rates.

Angel House – A combination of a B&B and a boutique hotel, Angel House has five uniquely designed rooms. It has all the modern amenities: king-size bed, en suite bathrooms, TV, and high-speed Internet connections. Overnight rates vary in seasons.

Hotel Copernicus – Touted as Krakow’s premiere hotel, it boasts of a world-class restaurant and top-notch service. Staying here does not come cheap. You have to send an online request for a price quote to get an idea about the rates. It’s right beside the Wawel Royal Castle, and that’s why it’s worth spending a good sum here.

Table Mountain Panorama
Photo by: coda, Creative Commons

Many people who are planning to go on a trip to South Africa do not forget to include the Table Mountain National Park on their list. This place used to be called as the Cape Peninsula National Park. This national park that is located at Cape Town, South Africa was proclaimed on the 29th day of May, 1998 to be able to protect that natural environment of the surroundings and whole Table Mountain Chain. This also protects and houses the rare fynbos vegetation. The South African National Parks manage and maintain the whole site. There are two landmarks that this site is known for. One must-see spot at the park is the Table Mountain where it got its name and south-westernmost extremity in all Africa, which is the Cape of Good Hope.

The main tourist attractions of the Table Mountain National Park include the Table Mountain Cableway that carries the tourists from the Lower Cable Station situated at the Kloof Nek Road to the mountain’s top. This is such a good treat for visitors because they no longer have to walk up just to be able to see the sights. Another attraction at this place is the Boulders Beach that is located at the south of Simon’s Town. A large colony of the African Penguins can be found in here. If you love to view breathtaking sceneries, you’ll have a good time at Cape of Good Hope and the Cape Point.

Although there have been controversies that this park has faced, this still remains to be a must-see for people who simply love pretty sights. This is located north-south along the mountains range of the Cape Peninsula mountainous spine. This starts at north in Signal Hill, along through the Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, then the Constantiaberg, down to the Silvermine, headed to the mountains located at the southern Peninsula and ending at Cape Point.

Panoramic view of Torun
Photo by: Polska Zielona Siec’s, Creative Commons

Located north of Poland on the Vistula river, Torun has a laid-back, country-style feel. Its Old Town has avoided the commercialism and tourist chatter, making it seem like time had forgotten this place. But it’s not as quiet as it seems. The city square has a number of bars, restaurants and performing areas for concerts. But these entertainment venues are nothing compared to the city’s cultural and historical wealth.

Torun Old Town is best known as the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus. He’s like a local celebrity there. You can find his name everywhere, and there’s even gingerbread shaped in his likeness. Speaking of gingerbread, pierniki is baked in many shapes and is famous all over Poland.

The city has numerous theaters, for children and adults alike. So if you’re a big theater-goer, you might be interested in checking out the international theater festival “Kontakt,” held annually in May.

It might not be as famous as Krakow or Gdansk or Warsaw, but Torun certainly deserves a spot on a tourist’s must-see list.

Places to see in Torun:

A 15th century Gothic house where Copernicus was presumably born.

Cathedral of Ss. John the Evangelist and John the Baptist – Built in the 14th century and extended in the 15th, it houses Gothic sculptures and paintings, plus the gravestone of Copernicus himself.

The Old Town Hall – Built in 1274, extended and rebuilt in 1391 and 1399, it was one of the monumental town halls in all of Europe.

“House of Kopernik” – Has a museum partnered with it which commemorates Nicolas Copernicus and his works.

The Center of Contemporary Art – Opened on June 2008, it is is one of the most important cultural centers of its kind in Poland. The building is located in the heart of the city just adjacent to the Old Town.

Where to stay:

Hotel Petite Fleur – A lovely hotel in Torun Old Town, it has 16 rooms.

Gromada – Also in Torun Old Town, this hotel has 43-rooms

Wawel Royal Castle
Photo by: Metaphox, Creative Commons

If you’re interested in castles, visit Wawel Royal Castle and take in its story, and its history.

Located in Krakow, Wawel Royal Castle was the center of Poland’s culture and politics until the 16th century. It started out as a small residence built by King Boleslaw Chrobry. Later, it was turned into a Gothic castle by King Kazimierz Weilki, but it burned down in 1499. King Zygmunt Stary then took over. In a span of 30 years, Italian architects built a magnificent Renaissance palace. The castle has managed to avoid further destruction and is preserved to this day. It is known for its beautiful arcaded courtyard, which has a rather impressive layout.

The castle was recovered by the Polish after the first World War and immediately began restoration until World War II. Restoration resumed after the war and the people were able to recover a good part of the castle’s earlier exterior and its interior decoration.

Like many other castles, Wawel Royal Castle is now a museum. Separated into five sections, each section requiring a different ticket, valid for a specific time of the day only. The sections include the State Rooms, the Royal Private Apartments and the Crown Treasury and Armory. There is a daily quota on the number of visitors in some sections, so arrive early if you want to see everything or call for reservations. There are certain periods throughout the year where individual visitors can take the tour free, but they have to have “free admission” tickets to get in. The castle is closed on New Year’s Day, the Easter weekend, November 1st and the 11th, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Random Fact:
A chunk from one of the castle’s columns was incorporated into the upper-left part of the Chicago Tribune Tower’s main entrance. It is a visual tribute to the Polish community in Chicago, which is the largest outside of Poland.

Old Town Warsaw
Photo by: futureshape, Creative Commons

Are you looking for a place rich in history to visit? Would you like to see a place that was preserved virtually exactly how it was before? If your answer is yes, then Warsaw Old Town Marketplace is the place for you.

Warsaw Old Town is the oldest historic district in the city. Situated along the bank of the Vistula River, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Poland’s capital. The Warsaw Old Town Marketplace is the heart of this area. It has traditional Polish restaurants, cafes, and shops, with the city walls, barbican and St. John’s Cathedral as the backdrop. This was the venue where guild representatives and merchants met, fairs were held, as well as an execution or two. The great fire of 1607 destroyed the market place and was then rebuilt in late-Renaissance style.

The four squares of the marketplace were named after famous Polish parliamentarians. Dekert’s Side is the square’s north side. Its entrance is in a building called “The Negro”. One of the preserved houses in this side includes the Barczyka House. To the east is Barss’ Side. The most damaged side, it now has pseudo-antique houses with old details. Kollataj’s Side is in the west. The facades here are Gothic in style. Due south is Zakrzewski’s Side. On this side you will find the Bazyliszek House and the tower to the Jesuits’s church.

Warsaw Old Town Marketplace was cited in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites as “an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.”

Where to stay:

Mercure Grand – Located 570 meters from Centrum rail station, this hotel offers very modern amenities. The fully-air conditioned, 299-room hotel has multilingual concierge service and a 24-hour front desk. Room service is available around the clock.

Hotel Metropol – If you don’t mind the noisy street where it’s on, then you might consider staying at this hotel. Its location allows you to visit both the Old Town and the New Town.

Wieliczka Salt Mine St. Kinga’s Chapel
Photo by: jhadow, Creative Commons

Ever wondered how salt is made? Have you ever wondered if it would be fun to go to a real salt mine? Check out Wieliczka Salt Mine, in southern Poland. Located within Krakow’s metropolitan area, the mine has been producing table salt since the 13th century until 2007.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour attracts some 1.5 million tourists per year. The tour includes a 3.5 kilometer route for visitors. That is less than 1% of the total length of the salt mine. Along the route are sculptures carved out of rock salt. These sculptures include historical and mythical figures. The oldest sculptures were done by the miners; the recent ones by contemporary artists. Even the mine’s chandeliers are made of rock salt.

Aside from the sodium figures, there is also a huge chamber with walls resembling those of a chapel’s built by miners centuries ago. There is also an underground lake, plus an exhibit on the history of salt mining.

Taking photos is very much encouraged inside the mines. So if you’re quite the shutterbug, this is a good place to capture new, interesting subjects. Take pictures of the carvings of the Last Supper, or of a statue of Pope John Paul II.

Notable people who have visited the mine include Nicolas Copernicus, Johann Wolfgang van Goethe, Pope John Paul II, and former US President Bill Clinton, to name a few. During the Second World War, the occupying Germans used the mine for war-related industries.

To reach the 64-meter depth of the mine, tourists go down a wooden stairway. The tour goes along the 3-kilometer trail, chapel, statues and lake. At the end of the tour, tourists ride an elevator back up to the surface. Back on the streets, you might feel as if you have just been to a different world, 135 meters underground.

Colors of Zamość
Photo by: jurek d., Creative Commons

If you are looking for a Renaissance town in Poland, visit Zamość.

Zamość Old Town is located in southeastern Poland. It is the perfect example of a Renaissance town from the 16th century. Walled cities were common in those days, and Zamość was no exception. There are seven fortifications along the walls that helped the military defend the city from invaders. These walls were built to last; 12 meters high and 2.5 meters thick. Three gates give access to the city, each with a drawbridge. Imagine walking through those gates to get to the city, and you may feel you’ve been transported back in time.

This town was the product of superb 16th century urban planning. In 1528, Jan Zamoyski wanted to build a “country within a country” and Bernardo Morando knew how to make it happen. It took them 25 years to design the town, and thanks to their careful planning, we can admire it to this day. The layout was rather simple; just three squares, right-angles streets, large plots for buildings and temples for all religions. In 1992, Zamość was included in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Places to see:

The Great Market Square – A perfect square in the heart of the town, it has eight tenement buildings with arcades along each side. These structures used to be shops and wineries. Today, they have been transformed into al fresco cafés where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee and watch the busy-ness go by.

The Town Hall – If you’re looking for a taste of history, this is the place to visit. Up in its tower, a trumpeter dressed in proper 16th century garb, plays the Zamość signal at noon.

Arsenal – If weaponry is more your thing, then visit the Zamość Old Town Arsenal. This is where Zamoyski’s trophies from earlier battles are kept, along with the military gifts he received. Cannons, firearms, swords, various types of armor and even a contemporary tank are on permanent exhibit.

Kwazulu-Natal
Photo by: Mister E, Creative Commons

In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, you will be able to find a private game reserve known as the Phinda Game Reserve. This is situated in between two other good spots in the region, the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and the Mkuze Game Reserve. The place was built in 1991. The name means return to the wild. And that is exactly what you will experience upon visiting the site because you will find here seven diverse ecosystems that have palm savannah. This also has mountain bush, dense thornveld and unusual sand forest.

This has various lodges that you can choose from according to your budget and preference. The Rock Lodge has six chalets which were built in the rock face and you will be able to view the Leopard Rock from here. The Mountain Lodge has twenty chalets. This contains conference facilities that can be found at the top of a bountiful bushveld world. You will be treated with the panoramas of the Lake St. Lucia coastal plains and the Lebombo Mountains. The Vlei Lodge has six stilted suites of thatch, glass and teak. From this location, you will be able to overlook the unique wetland system at Phinda over at the edge of the forest. The last one is the Forest Lodge with its sixteen stilted glass chalets. The latter were hand built by local people at Zulu to be able to minimize the impact on the exceptional Sand Forest. The appearance looks as if these are floating between the towering torchwood trees and forest floor.

The Phinda Game Reserve is known to be unique for seven distinct habitats, an overflow of wildlife such as more than 380 bird species and Africa’s Big Five. This place has gathered so much success and garnered various local and international awards through the years. The site is also known for the massive amount of nearby safari attractions and activities in Africa.