Lake Garda, Italy

This post is dedicated to all of you who have liked my facebook page on Lake Garda. The resort is situated in the north of Italy, between Milan and Venice. The Lake spans across provinces such as Verona, Brescia and Trento. You can access the lake from the north via the Brenner Pass and from the south via the A4 autostrade. 

Located at the northernly end of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is one of the lake’s most visited holiday destinations. The stunning little town has a fantastic harbour and a no vehicle zoned 'old town', dominated by the 13th Century clock tower, 'Torre Apponale'. 

Towns and villages of beauty are located along the shore line but the lake’s southern shores are where the population reside. This section is the broadest section of the lake, and a base for all examples of watersports.

Sirmione is a must see at the southern section of the lake. This is located on a four kilometre long promontory jutting into the lake, Sirmione is over shadowed by Scaligeri Castle. Built in the 13th Century, it has an expected moat to serve as a protector from invaders to the villages, the castle sets a formidable sight.

Paris, France.

You can't imagine Paris without first considering it's signature landmark the Eiffel Tower. First constructed in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, it stands at 320m at that time the worlds largest construction only to be ousted out by the Chrysler building 40 years later.

Other must see attractions are The Musee Du Louvre where you can see famous paintings such as the Mona Lisa and another 35,000 paintings and objects if you have the time but some say it would take 9 months to see everything. You can also see MichelAngelo the Dying Slave, Raphael and Bottecelli at this magnificent venue.

I remember as a boy visiting the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and thinking wow even at the age of 11, work started in 1876 but it wasn't consecrated until 1919. It has one of Paris's most astonishing panoramic views if you can climb it's 234 steps to the basilica dome, up to 30km on a very clear day.

Others places to visit in Paris are the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris which boasts 14 million visitors every year and is a masterpiece of french gothic art.

Ice Hotel, Sweden.  An ice hotel is completely made out of snow, you will see amazing sculptures made out of ice in various wonderful shapes and sizes. Some of the many locations for such hotels cater for all different types of travellers, those who like novelties and unusual environments.

The main entrance hall will contain many sculptures with the wow factor, food and drinks are at a plenty catering for all your needs. All the ice hotels are re built each year because of the seasonal temperature changes after winter. Compacted show is used to build the walls, fixtures and fittings and the time taken depends on the sub-zero temperatures.

The hotel is entirely made up of snow and blocks of ice taken from the Torne River, you will find that the glasses provided are also made of ice blocks. To give you some idea of the work involved, the hotel boasts 10,000 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow which is harvested in March and kept nearby. The ice is used to construct the bar area and sculptures inside and out.  

Guests At the acclaimed Ice Hotel can take their pick from the 50 rooms that are constructed every year, examples of the accommodation are Snow Rooms to Art Suites. The location has plenty of breath taking ice sculptures and  subtle lighting. Walking through its reindeer-skin clad doors you'll face an amazing ice pillared hallway.

Santorini, Greece. This is truly a wonderful and angelic place located in Greece and the Aegean sea, the picture says a thousand words and you can't help but be amazed at such beauty. The white houses and terraces boast panoramic sea views and beautiful sunsets, what a back drop for a romantic holiday or even a wedding. This place has history and stories of lost civilisations discovered in the volcanic ash.

The best way to approach Santorini is by sea, when you arrive through the midnight blue sea of the caldera you suddenly set eyes on the white buildings as if they have had a light dusting of snow.  The lava cliffs are a prominent part of the landscape and are covered in volcanic rock forming a lip over the village, breath taking scenery adorn the whole area.

 

I have produced this page on my blog because of the interest I have with the island but also what others have said about it. I want people to enjoy the experiences of others and if I can bring a little happiness to some then my daughter who helps me with this site have accomplished what we set out to do.