Florida Villas in Orlando

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Looking for Florida Villas that are convenient for Disneyland?

Florida Villas in Disney

There’s never been a better time to go to America. It’s the most popular destination for the British and the States attracts over 4.1 million visitors from the UK a year. And right now, the exchange rate is great – almost $2 to the pound. So if your kids have always dreamed of Disneyland, now is the time to check out Florida villas for rent in Orlando.

Theme park Florida

If you thought Disney World was just Mickey Mouse you’d be surprised. It’s more than just one theme park; it’s a world of theme parks. There is so much to see, you will need a map and compass – all the more reason to rent one of the Florida villas, camp down for a few weeks and get ready for some serious fun.

Walt Disney World Resort comprises four monorail-linked theme parks:

  • Magic Kingdom
  • Epcot
  • MGM Studios
  • The Animal Kingdom

Epcot

Even if you’re a seasoned visitor to Disney, there are always new rides to enjoy. It’s worth staying in Florida villas near the resort to make the most of the thrills and spills. At Epcot, the new attraction is Soarin’. Riders are suspended in the air and swept over coastline, desert canyons and ski resorts, inhaling different smells as they go. It’s a masterpiece of a ride. Staying in Florida villas near to the resorts means you can get up early and fight for a front row seat.

Magic Kingdom

If you’re staying in Florida villas nearby the Magic Kingdom, chances are you have younger children. Here they can indulge in fairytales and magic and witness ‘Cinderellabration’ – an extravagant coronation ceremony of Prince Charming, staged several times daily outside the towering spires of centrepiece Cinderella’s castle.

MGM Studios

Renting out Florida villas in Orlando means you can choose which theme park to visit to suit you – MGM Studios has a new high-octane Lights, Camera, Action stunt show featuring racing cars, speedboats and motorbikes.

Animal Kingdom

Ever wanted to meet a Yeti while travelling on the Expedition Everest high-speed train? Well you can at Animal Kingdom.

Florida Villas in Orlando

And there’s so much more. You’d have to rent out Florida villas for months if you wanted to take in all the theme parks on offer in Orlando. There’s also SeaWorld, which boasts one of the largest, highest and fastest roller coasters in Florida. And you can fulfil your lifelong ambition to swim with dolphins.

Choosing rental villas in Protaras

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If you’re planning a holiday in Cyprus, then look at the range of rental villas in Protaras, and what the resort has to offer.

Protaras is a popular family resort, with one of the finest stretches of golden sands in Cyprus, and restaurants, shops and nightlife to suit everyone. From a small local destination, it has seen incredible growth and holidaymakers can choose activities from simple sunbathing to wild water sports, all within easy reach of your hotel or rental villa.

If you’re opting for a rental villa in Protaras, then here are some things to consider before you commit yourself:

Location

Protaras covers a big area, so you should make sure that you’re choosing a rental villa that’s in a suitable location. If you are interested in large beaches and even larger nightlife, then you will want a villa that’s as close to the action as you can get. There are plenty of villas that are within easy walking distance of the most developed part of Protaras, or just a 5 minute bus ride away. Alternatively, you may want a little more peace and quiet, which means looking for a villa further up or down the coast from the central area. Here, you can find villas with private pools, quiet locations and wonderful sea views.

Price

Most people set a budget for their holiday that has to include flights, food, drink and other spending money as well as villa rental. Protaras is a shopper’s paradise and the restaurants and nightlife can eat into that holiday spending money. Choosing a villa that’s the right price can leave you with enough extra cash to really enjoy your time in Cyprus. Rental villas in Protaras can start from as little as £50 per night, although larger villas command a higher rate. You can typically expect to spend around £400-£600 for a week in a good villa. Take a look at the villas on offer from Oceanview to see the types of villas that are in your price range.

Access

Cyprus is a beautiful island and whether you’re a first time visitor, or you’re returning for another idyllic holiday, you’ll want to explore what the island has to offer. Make sure that your villa is easily accessible by car or public transport so that you can get about and see the landscape, culture and spectacular coastline that have made Cyprus attractive to tourists for so long.

Appeal

In the end, you’ll pick a rental villa that looks right. Whether you like minimal interiors or all the creature comforts; or you just want somewhere with a good pool and plenty of space to sunbathe, the only way to find your perfect rental villa is to look through the available properties until you find the one that appeals to you most.

Rental villas in Greece

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Greece is the party capital of the Med and there’s no better way to enjoy it than by staying in a rental villa while you’re there.

Greece is now the tourist hub of the Med, filled with sunbathers, shoppers, water sports enthusiasts and late-night clubbers. It is probably the busiest resort on the island, and its popularity is reflected in the range of restaurants, shops, clubs and accommodation available for visitors.

Treat yourself to a Greek villa for your next visit. Villas in Greece are available close to the centre of things so you are within easy reach of the fantastic beaches and famous night spots, but you also get a private home and usually a private pool where you can hang out or recover during the day, ready for the evening ahead. Just some of the fittings and features you’ll find when you rent a villa in Greece are:

  • Fully fitted kitchen
  • Private pool with sunbathing areas
  • Patios with furniture for outdoor dining
  • Great sea views
  • CD players, TVs and DVD players
  • Linen provided, including beach towels
  • Welcome pack including bread, milk, coffee, tea & wine

Enjoy the independence of your own private villa whilst making the most of the entertainments that Greece has to offer. Out of the main July/August summer season, the resorts are filled with sophisticated holidaymakers, sampling the beaches, the local food and the nearby history of the area. With many beautiful beaches within a short drive, you’re not restricted to a single area and you can make your rental villa the perfect base for exploring all the wonders that Greece has to offer.

Food and Drink in Russia

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Delicious food and drinks are a big part of your Russian holiday. What should you expect to encounter in Russia?

International eating options are increasingly available in Russia, but the more adventurous visitors may decide to take pot luck in a local café. This can result in grisly unidentifiable meat and lumpy potatoes, or you could find yourself tucking into delicious pancakes or caviar, washed down with vodka or strong Russian tea.

If you’re vegetarian, Georgian restaurants are probably your best bet as they have similarities to Turkish or Lebanese cuisine. And if visitors prefer a good bottle of wine with dinner, Georgia is home to some fine wines. Fertile growing conditions and a favourable climate produce over 500 varieties of aboriginal Georgian vine. Try one of the following – Saperavi, Odjaleshi, Rkatsiteli, Usakhelouri, Mtsvane, Tsolikauri, Krakhuna, or Tsitska.

Visitors will find that spicy vegetables are widely used in Russian cuisine. Bulbs, roots, leaves and seeds are common ingredients, and the vegetables can be boiled, fried, blanched or stewed. Garlic is used in meat, vegetable, egg dishes, soups, salads and preserves but never for fish dishes, as it is considered to spoil the taste of the dish. Caraway seeds are added to soups (cabbage, onion, potato), sauces, sauerkraut, pickles, bread, buns, tvorog, cheese, beer and kvas.

‘Bliny’ is a Russian traditional dish that visitors will be offered for breakfast. Bliny-making was traditionally a mystery. People told fortunes on the dough, kept their recipes of Bliny a secret, and the first blinys were put on window-sills for poor people and pilgrims. The most popular blinys are made from buckwheat flour, and the thinner the bliny the better.

Main courses that visitors may expect to be offered include Cheboureki (a Caucasian dish of small fried pies with a meat filling that goes down well with a bottle of beer), Buckwheat Kasha with Liver (always washed down with vodka!), and of course Beef Stroganoff. This dish was named after Russian Count Grigory Stroganove who was a rich noblemen who always had the best chefs. One of them invented the original dish from meat scrapings, and today varieties on the recipe are eaten throughout the world.

Ponchiki are the Russian equivalent of doughnuts, so visitors with a sweet tooth will probably want to sample many of these during the trip! Other sweet specialities include butter cake, Sochen (a folded flat cake with a filling made from cottage cheese), chuk chuk, and thin, crispy khvorost (fried cookies).

And no meal in Russia would be complete without traditional soup – visitors should try bozbash (made with lamb fat), Belorussian borsch (beef cooked with pork bones), cold sweet borsch (beetroot and potatoes) or chicken broth.

St Petersburg – the Russian Icon

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Visitors to St Petersburg can view some of the best collections of Icons in the Russian Museum

The Russian Museum is the premier state museum of Russian fine art in the country. It was established in 1895 by decree of the Emperor Nicholas II.Visitors to the Russian Museum today will discover a unique depository of artistic treasures, including a fine collection of Icons.

Visitors with a special interest in art won’t want to miss a visit to examine the Icons. The tradition of icon painting was inherited by the Russians from Byzantium, where it began as an offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition of early Byzantine churches. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclasm controversy in the Orthodox Church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry.

Icons are painted as an aid to contemplative prayer rather than as a representation of physical space or a realistic scene. Typically painted on wood, visitors will see that the icons are not designed to be charming, but to inspire reflection and self-examination. The Russian Museum houses over 6000 icons including a twelfth century St Gabriel, an Entombment Epitaphious of 1565, and Descent into Hell from the Pskov School.

As the visitor to the museum will learn, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries the market for icons expanded to include those collecting them as examples of Russian traditional art and culture. Until this time they had only been of interest as Orthodox religious icons. During the same period, the market for forgeries became big business too. Many original icons were destroyed during the communist era, and others smuggled out of the country or hidden for safe-keeping.

Some fake icons still turn up on the market today, and a good forgery will be aged and can be hard to distinguish from the real thing. Contemporary icons sold today retain some characteristics of earlier painting but are nonetheless obviously modern. Visitors should be aware that there are strict rules about the export of many arts and antique items, and an official export permit is required for the export of Icons, Paintings, Carpets and Rugs, Musical Instruments and Samovars (except for the electrical variety)

Visitors should take care not to follow in the footsteps American businessman Gordon Lankton. He was walking through Moscow in 1989 when he came across a minor piece of art that would start an obsession. In an outdoor flea market Lankton picked up a painted icon of St. Nicholas and paid $20 for it. Last month he opened the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton Massachusetts, displaying 110 of the 270 icons he owns.

Tips on visiting Russia

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Russia has modernised beyond recognition since the fall of communism, but some things might not be quite what you expect

Tourists on Russian holidays should take note of some of the following points:

Visas. Travel in Russia is easier than ever but visitors will still require a visa. Your travel company will explain the details to you, but you are likely to need more than 6 months left on your passport to gain entry.

Money. The currency in Russia is the rouble. Visitors can convert currency at banks, hotel or authorised kiosks – don’t exchange money with street traders. Tipping is increasingly expected in restaurants, 10% to 15% being the usual gratuity. Phoning home can be expensive as the telecommunications infrastructure isn’t great. You’ll need to pre-purchase tokens to use public phones.

Getting around. St Petersburg has a rational layout and is easy to navigate. Buying a good dual-language map is essential, since the street names and metro signs are posted in Cyrillic only. There is a public transport system but visitors may prefer to use taxis, which are inexpensive. Always negotiate the fee before taking the journey and don’t share a cab with a stranger.

Water. It is not recommended that visitors drink the water as the quality varies widely throughout the country. Also be careful to avoid ice, and raw fruits and vegetables.

Time. Visitors will find themselves three hours ahead of GMT in St Petersburg.
Crime. Getting around in St Petersburg is generally safe. Tourists are unlikely to be victims of crime, apart from petty theft. Always carry your passport with you for identification and immediately report any incident to police. Try to avoid groups of beggars and guard your valuables. Women shouldn’t take a cab or private ride alone, especially at night. As in any country, tourists should use common sense and avoid wandering alone in deserted places.

Climate. St Petersburg is much milder than its extreme northern latitude would suggest. January temperatures average -8°C (17°F); a really cold day will get down to -15°C (5°F). It’s a windy city though and in some areas the wind chill is quite fierce, so bring a good warm hat and scarf.

Photography. Taking photographs of any military installations is banned. Tourists should expect to have films confiscated if they break this rule.

Medication/drugs. Russian law is very harsh on drugs, including the possession of small amounts of drugs that may be considered legal in other European countries, and severe penalties are imposed. Britons are entitled to free healthcare in Russia, but this may be limited so it’s wise to take any ample supplies of any vital medication with you.

Boutique Hotels, Italy – Umbria Places to Visit

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Staying in boutique hotels? Italy’s the place if you love art, history, culture and food.

Boutique hotels, Italy

 

For a European holiday with style and flair, staying in one of the boutique hotels in Italy would be the first choice. Italy is famous for its style, beauty and sexy sophistication, and you know the old saying, ‘When in Rome…’ There are static caravans for sale in the Italy region, but also some stunning hotels. The boutique hotels in Italy’s Umbria region are a great way to indulge for the ultimate romantic break.

 

Umbria – Places to Visit

 

Even if you have a four-poster bed, a private swimming pool or marble bath, you’ll still have to leave your boutique hotel now and again. And you’d be mad not to – Umbria is a fascinating region in Italy full of ancient settlements, including:

 

  • Perugia
  • Gubbio
  • Spoleto
  • Orvieto
  • Assisi
  • Norcia

 

Boutique hotels – Italy

 

Staying in one of the boutique hotels Italy is renowned for is one way of setting up in style for the ultimate pilgrimage for art lovers and culture vultures. Hilltop medieval towns, museums, churches and galleries are in abundance featuring traces of the Etruscans and Romans.

 

Top Towns

 

If you’re staying in one of the boutique hotels in Italy’s ‘green heart’ – Umbria – there are a number of towns you should put on you itinerary.

 

  • Assisi

A religious Mecca for many, the city is host to the Basilica of St Francis – perhaps the most famous of churches in the Christian world, painted by Giotto. Its simple elegance reflects the saint it is dedicated to – St Francis advocated that money and wealth were not of importance.

 

  • Perugia

Perugia has a number of stunning boutique hotels in Italy – perfect if you want to make the most of this chic town. Founded by the Etruscans, the architecture is stunning. On the Piazza San Francesco the 13th century church of San Francesco al Prato can be seen.

 

  • Todi

Todi developed over three successive epochs – Etruscan, Roman and Medieval – all of which have left a fascinating legacy to explore in the city.

 

  • Orvieto

With archaeological clues back to the Bronze and Iron Ages – the town’s history is long and intriguing.

 

Green and spiritual heart

 

Umbria has been dubbed Italy’s ‘green heart’ because of its luscious countryside. And it is also considered by Italians to be their ‘spiritual heart’ because of the rich religious culture. Wherever you decide to stay in Umbria, if you book one of the boutique hotels in Italy’s green and spiritual heart, you will have a unique holiday experience.

Caravan holidays – Why people Go Mobile

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Many people return year after year to holiday in Great Yarmouth.

 

There must be something magnetic about caravan holidays in Great Yarmouth, because people return year after year to enjoy another week or fortnight near the beach and the attractions that the area has to offer. If you’re considering visiting Great Yarmouth for the first time, here are some of the reasons you might return:

 

Britannia Pier

 

The traditional pier is the mainstay of many British seaside resorts and Great Yarmouth is no exception. The pier has always been a central place to meet and have fun and the Britannia Pier has extended its range of leisure activities and amusements to cater for the whole family. These include:

 

  • Live shows
  • Restaurants
  • Amusements
  • Rides
  • Bars

 

The Britannia Pier has a full programme of summer entertainment, featuring some of the theatre circuit’s best loved performers.

 

The beaches

 

Great Yarmouth is famed for its beaches, which cover 15 miles of the local coastline. The mix of wide, sandy beaches, sand dunes and cliffs makes the coast one of the main reasons that people choose to return to Great Yarmouth for their caravan holiday. In 2004, the main beaches came third in a national survey of the best sandcastle-building beaches and the tide doesn’t go out too far, so little ones don’t have to run for a mile to find the sea. Great Yarmouth is one of the UK’s most popular beach locations.

 

Heritage

 

Like many east-coast areas, Great Yarmouth has a proud history as a fishing town – in this case, herring – and there is much left in the town that reminds today’s visitor of Great Yarmouth’s history. Museums and transformed properties help visitors to understand what life was like for the residents of Great Yarmouth during this prosperous period and the historic South Quay is a popular destination for first time and return visitors alike http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/.

Caravan holidays in Great Yarmouth – find out more

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Whether you’ve holidayed in caravans before, or you’re thinking of hiring a caravan for the first time, get the low down here.

For many people, a static caravan holiday is the best way to explore a new area, and Great Yarmouth is no exception. Whilst the rental caravans of old were sparse, unheated and had no bathroom facilities, today’s static caravans are luxurious, spacious and fully-fitted, giving you the perfect holiday base. In addition, many caravans are situated in dedicated holiday parks, which means you have a wealth of facilities and entertainment within a short walk – you can be as independent or as involved as you choose.

 

Caravan holidays in Great Yarmouth – the caravan

 

Choosing a caravan for your holiday is simple – websites like Sherwood Caravans have details of all of the caravans available, together with lists of facilities and layout plans so that you can see exactly how the space works. If you’ve never had a static caravan holiday before, you’ll be surprised at how spacious they are – they are ideal family accommodation and come with the following features as standard:

 

  • Full bathroom facilities
  • Mains drainage
  • Mains refrigerators
  • Electric lighting
  • Full cooking and kitchen facilities
  • Bedrooms with built-in storage

 

A modern static caravan is a great holiday base and the perfect way to provide affordable family holiday accommodation.

 

Caravan holidays in Great Yarmouth – the area

 

By choosing a caravan holiday in Great Yarmouth, you’re choosing a holiday that can keep everyone in your family happy, no matter what their interests are. From playing on the beach to visiting historical monuments; challenging walks to water sports, Great Yarmouth has all the facilities of a traditional seaside resort, mixed with access to great landscapes and attractions. Or for a holiday elsewhere in the UK consider holiday cottages in Cornwall.

Coach holiday tours Newcastle

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If you are thinking of taking a coach holiday tour in Newcastle or further afield, but are not quite convinced that this is the right sort of holiday for you, why not take a moment to take a look at some of the advantages

 

Convenience

A coach holiday tour allows you to sit back and relax. On a mini break or holiday you want to forget about the daily grind and everyday stresses and a coach holiday tour allows you to do just that. You don’t have to do the driving and read the road maps; that’s all taken car of. Here at Chris Cooper Drive in Newcastle you can enjoy 4, 5 and 8 day holidays with all your accommodation and excursions included in the price.

 

You don’t even have to worry about joining the coach in time, as we will come and pick you up from a convenient point in our local area. If you live outside our local area we have set pick-up points. We tailor pick-ups for each individual tour to those booked on it and so that we can get you on your way as quickly as possible these are usually restricted to an hour.

 

Great destinations

A coach holiday tour means you can take in some spectacular tourist attractions, or places of interest in a short amount of time, but in a leisurely manner. You don’t have to worry about spending time on planning the best things to see and do because that is all sorted out for you as part of the package. Some of the highlights at Chris Cooper Drive for 2006 include:

 

  • Llandudno
  • Isle of Wight
  • Oban
  • Grange over Sands

 

Fun and camaraderie

A coach holiday tour is a great way to meet other like-minded people. Whether you travel on your own or with a friend, you are bound to make some more friends on the way. We all know how enjoyment is doubled when other people with you enjoy something too and a coaching holiday is no different.

 

Shorter trips

If you don’t fancy a week’s holiday, but want something for a shorter length of time, you could try a day trip. This has all the fun of longer holiday but it’s packed into one day. We offer an extensive range of day excursions throughout the year with local pick up points for your convenience. Some example destinations include:

 

  • Ripon
  • Harrogate Flower Show
  • Lake District
  • Edinburgh
  • Yorkshire Dales

http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/