Peles Castle from Sinaia (Romania), is nested at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, in the Prahova Valley and is one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe and in the world.

Short history of Peles Castle

The magnificent Peles Castles, with its fairytale turrets and pointed towers rising above acres of green meadows sprinkled with haystacks, was built as a summer residence by Romania’s longest serving monarch, King Carol I, who died and was buried here in 1914, just months after the castle’s completion.

The building of the Peles Castle began in 1873 under the direct order of the Viennese architect Wilhem Doderer and was continued in 1876 by his assistant, Johann Schultz de Lemberg. During 1877-1879 because of the war they abandoned work. The castle was inaugurated on October 7, 1883. The location for the Peles Castle was chosen by the prince Carol I de Hohenzollern, who was to become a king and it draws its name from the neighboring brooks which passes through the courtyard.

Peles Castle was the first castle in Europe to have central heating and electricity. During Ceausescu’s era, its 160 rooms, each furnished to reflect a different European country, were used as a private retreat for leading communists and statesmen from around the globe as US president Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi and PLO leader Yasser Arafat.

Peles Castle´s architecture and design

Inaugurated in 1883, Peles Castle is not only a pleasant place during the summer day; it has been conceived to be also a national monument, meant to keep the trophies of the Plevna victory, which explains the castle´s majestic style.

Peles Castle was built in wood, stone, bricks and marble and comprises more than 160 rooms. The representative style used is German Renaissance, but one can easily discover elements belonging to the Italian Renaissance, Gothic, German Baroque and French Rococo style.

Peles Castle is surrounded by seven terraces decorated with statues (sculptured by the Italian, Romanelli), stone-made-wells, ornamental vases and Carara marble. The architects used an abundance of wooden decoration, both for the exterior and for the interior of the castle, which confers a very special quality to the building.

Peles Castle´s courtyard in Bramantes style with a fountain in the middle, in the most accurate Renaissance style, pleasantly surprises the visitor. The courtyard has a merry decoration, made out of plants and flowers; all round, the building’s facades are animated by elegant drawings. The interior of the castle is a true wonder, due to the beauty and richness of the sculpted wood and the stained glass windows. As you get in the vestibule, you are on the Honor Staircase, in front of the most important rulers of old Romania: Holy Stephen the Great, and Michael the Brave.

Peles Castle’s interiors are an opulent display of elegant design and historical artifact. Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows, walls covered with Cordoba leather, Meissen and Sevres porcelains, ebony and ivory sculptures.

Peles Castle most outstanding rooms are the Big Armory Room, the small Armory Room, the Florentine Room, the Reception Room (where paintings and wooden sculptures depicting 16 castles of the Hohenzollerns are exhibited), the Moresque Room, The French Room, the Turkish Room, the Council Room, the Concert Room as well as the Imperial Suite.

Other exquisite attractions at Peles Castle are the statues, the ceramics, the gold and silver plates, the Meissen and Sevres porcelain, as well as the extensive weapon collections are worth mentioning. It is also important to know that Peles Castle shelters one of the most important and most valuable painting collections in Europe, almost 2.000 pieces.

Rembrandt reproductions line the walls of the king’s office at Peles Castle while rows of books in the library conceals a secret passage leading to the 2nd floor of the castle. There is a gallery of mirrors and the dining room has a leather clad ceiling. Scenes from age old Romanian fairytales adorn the stained glass windows in the poetry room.

In the Florence hall, Michelangelo’s reproductions hang below a ceiling carved from glide linden wood. The Venetian room is equally impressive.

Several other buildings, annexed to Peles Castle, were built simultaneously: The Guard’s Chambers, The Economat Building, The Foisor Hunting House with 42 rooms designed in Swiss style, The Royal Stables, and the Electrical Power Plant. The Sipot Villa was constructed later. This would serve as the work site of architect Karel Liman. Liman would later supervise the building of Pelisor (1889-1903, the future residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Mary of Romania). as well as of the King’s Ferdinand Vila in the Royal Sheepfold Meadow

Almost adjacent to Peles Castle is Pelisor (“Little Peles”). King Ferdinand, who succeeded Carol I, intended to use Peles Castle as a summer residence. Supposedly he found Peles too big and overwhelming, so he commissioned the smaller, art-nouveau style, Pelisor Castle. Pelisor’s 70 rooms feature a unique collection of turn-of-the century Viennese furniture and Tiffany and Lalique glassware.

Isla Canas, Los Santos: This small island just south of Pedasi in Panama’s Azuero Peninsula is a gem waiting to be discovered. It is the home to a thriving native population, some of the most secluded beaches in the country, and the nesting location of giant leatherback turtles. Bring a tent as few, if any, accommodations exist.

Lago Bayano, Darien: This giant lake sits in the province of Darien which, on paper, is a dangerous place due to its proximity to the border with Columbia. However, this region is far north enough to void you of harm; its pristine good looks enough to impress even the most seasoned eco-traveler. Explore the caves surrounding the rim of the lake, or discover hidden waterfalls on perhaps on of Panama’s most far-flung paradises.

Boca Brava, Chiriqui: An island, lying just off the coast of Boca Chica in the Chiriqui province, Boca Brava boasts white sand beaches and that great jungle-to-sea contrast. Hire a local boatman for the day (no commercial tours do this yet) and explore the surrounding coastal areas where, chances are, you’ll be the only one in sight. The sport fishing is world-class, the indigenous Indians are culturally rich, and it’s only an hour from the capital city of David!

Playa Chiquita, Colon: The Caribbean coast in Panama is developing at a slower rate than the Pacific, but there are still wonderfully quaint towns to enjoy. Drive up to Colon and head past Portobello to find this lovely beach area identified by a small fishing village and a tiny hotel. It’s about 25 minutes by boat from the nearest docking area and sports that wonderful Caribbean calm; clear waters, rustling palm trees, and a beer on the beach are in order.

Torio, Veraguas: Veraguas in the only province in the world that coasts two different oceans. Wander down the Azuero Peninsula to the sleepy town of Torio for surfing, hiking, or simple beach relaxation. It’s an easy drive from the hub town of Santiago on a finely-paved road. Stop at one of the roadside shacks for fried fish or enjoy some of the last remaining textarea.25 beers in the Republic.

It’s best to explore these unknown paradises by car seeing as though most tour groups don’t offer trips there. Also one can find easily panama real estate for sale. You will find locals to be friendly and the atmosphere to be far off the radar of traditional tourism crowds. They provide the perfect match against a night or two in cosmopolitan Panama City; showing how Panama, the hub of the Americas, is truly destined for tourism stardom.

In addition, you can also be able to find many other apartments in many areas and you can get the information about the rate and the quality of the apartment. There will be various designs of apartment that you can find out. The website can provide information about apartment with various capacity of the room. There will be available apartment with one bedroom, two bedrooms, three bedrooms, and so on. In addition, you will also be capable of revealing apartments with elegant style that you can have for your family living.

Moreover, the apartments that are provided in the website can be found to have luxurious furniture with high comfort so that you can get good quality of living. Find better place for living at the website now.

Gaining respectful popularity throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada, the beautiful Frost Fire Mountain Alpine Ski Resort in northeast North Dakota. Frost Fire Ski Resort is a popular 25-acre alpine ski area for individuals and families, developing into one of the future generations of ski towns. Although this is not a large alpine ski resort, it is a great deal of fun, and perfect for family ski and snowboarding vacations. Located near Walhalla, the second oldest town in the state, picturesque present-day Pembina River Gorge gently winds its way from north of La Riviere, Manitoba, Canada, on downward to Langdon, North Dakota. Traveling by auto or bus, Frost Fire is seven miles west of Walhalla ND on Highway 55.

Considered a day-area ski slope, area statistics show that Frost Fire Mountain has an elevation of 1,346 feet and a vertical drop of 345 feet, with an annual snowfall of 240 inches. With a total availability of 3 lifts, the ski resort has two lifts consisting of 1 double and 1 triple chair, with one surface lift – a rope tow/T-bar; and has a 1,500 person lift capacity per hour. Ten ski trails are available for beginners, intermediates, and experts, while skiing and snowboarding guests each have separate terrain areas. Complete outfitting for all guests can be found for skiing, tubing, or snowboarding activities, with the option of private and group lessons available per hour, or a snowboarding lesson.

When the day is over, a pool and a hot tub can be found at the Super 8 in Morden MB, or a cozy Eagles Nest Bed & Breakfast can be found at Cavalier, ND. Either way, there are a number of motel accommodations in the surrounding areas, including the Walhalla Forestwood in Walhalla ND. There are many restaurants to choose from or you can eat at the Frost Fire Daylodge Cafeteria at the resort.

Several Canadian reviews refer to its low prices and excellent half-pipe. Almost all of the skiing visitors felt it was a wonderful place to learn how to ski, especially if you brought your family. The staff was friendly and was quick to wait on the, so they didn’t have to wait very long. You can buy your food and drinks there OR brown bag it with an excellent place to eat it at. Very few reviews on it were unfavorable, and everyone liked it for family.

If you are not too busy on the slopes, there are area antique shops to visit, or historical sites to see as well. To provide ski maintenance, Frost Fire Mountain Resort has precision stone grinding and base repair, along with ski tuning and waxing available overnight, or while you wait. This resort may be small, but based on skier ability, has everything a person can ask for. Why wait?

Would you like a peaceful and quiet outing after a visit to the bustling theme parks of Orlando? Do you love gardens and the scent of fresh roses and flowers? If you answered yes to these two questions then a visit to the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando should be put on your must see items when you are in Orlando the next time.

At the Leu Gardens you can wander through three miles of paved walkways that make their way through the fifty acre park. You can see the largest Camellia collection outside of California, the largest rose garden in Florida, “idea gardens” for weekend do it yourself projects, a tropical stream garden and lots more.

Leu Gardens is a tropical botanical paradise where you can view palms, cycads, azaleas, vines, bromeliads as well as enjoy the beauty of roses, camellias and colorful annual flowers of many varieties. Towering trees on the grounds include elms, oaks and camphor trees. The flowers, trees and exotic plants create an environment that will transport you beyond the troubles and cares of your normal day to day life.

Mary Jane’s Rose Garden is a must see feature of the Leu Gardens. This is the largest formal rose garden in the state of Florida and it is arranged in a traditional European manner. An Italian stone fountain and four gazebos provide a center point for the rose garden.

In April you can enjoy a peak spring display at the rose garden. There is also an autumn peak in October and November. There are also more than 1,000 roses of many types which are in bloom throughout the year. Varieties on display here include climbing roses, hybrid tea, floribunda, Bermuda Mystery and many more. If you love roses then you will be absolutely delighted at Mary Jane’s Rose Garden.

Equally stunning is the Camellia collection on display at Leu Gardens. It is said to be among the largest outdoor Camellia collections in the United States and includes varieties such as the common camellia, Sasanquas and up to twenty five species representing various locations around the world. October through March is the best season to enjoy the beauty of the Camellias.

If you want to learn more about the plants on display at Leu Gardens or improve your gardening skills the facility offers educational activities, tours and special events on a regular basis. Group and school tours can be arranged and the per visitor cost is only $ 9.00. Contact the educational department of the Gardens if you are interested in this option.

During the year you can also take part in classes on organic gardening, winter gardening, Spring gardening, landscaping and other popular topics.

Leu Gardens is open daily from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, except on Christmas. The Museum tours take place every 30 minutes from 10 am to 3:30 pm. During the month of July the Museum is closed for repair and inventories.

This is a low cost outing and admission for adults is $ 7.00 and $ 2.00 for children in grades K 12. On Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, admission is free of charge. The address of Leu Gardens is 1920 N. Forest Ave, Orlando Florida 32803 1537.

Do yourself a favor and be sure to visit the Leu Gardens the next time you are in Orlando.

The town of Torrevieja is not lacking in terms of beaches as just recently, the main beach walkway was renovated to give a pleasant soothing stroll or an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding as one sips a cup of coffee from a beachfront café. There are lots of beaches to choose from, and if you are a dare devil, you can always go to the water parks. Along the beach promenade, most of the days you will find a small market equipped with collectibles and souvenirs while every Friday, there is a large open air market that sells all kinds of goods at unimaginable bargains.

Holiday accommodation in this part of Costa Blanca is not a problem as there is everything for everyone, from luxurious golf courses villas and beachfront villas, to apartments and townhouses.

Alicante
If you are like many people, you know the city of Alicante by your view through the window of an airplane as you arrive in the international airport in Costa Blanca, or through the windows of a rental car as you make your way to other destinations in Costa Blanca. However, if you took some little time in Alicante, you will be amazed by how much it really has in store for tourists.

Alicante is the capital city of Costa Blanca, dating back to the Roman times. As you make your way from the airport towards the town, you will be forgiven to think that it is a boring city as the first impressions are quite poor. However, just past the urban sprawl you will be greeted by a palm lined walkway on the front part of the town. Alicante further boasts a buzzing nightlife, irresistible restaurants serving mouthwatering delicacies and a great shopping avenue for an irresistible shopping experience. Southwards from the town the city’s coastline stretches for miles of stunning golden sandy beaches.

La Manga
La Manga del Mar Menor (Little Sea) is a resort town located near Murcia and boasts of beaches in a 40km stretch and various golf courses. The Little Sea is a covered salt water lake that forms part of the Costa Calida, a perfect resort for water sport activities. There are lots of coastal strips hotels, rental holiday apartments, houses, bars, and restaurants stretched along the Mar Menor. If time is on your side, you can always visit the nearby coastal towns of San Javier and Murcia and Cartagena or San Pedro del Pinatar, or if you are a fishing enthusiast, the old fishing village known as Los Alcazeras. Football fanatics will find the famous La Manga Club that is located close by irresistible, particularly during the winter months.

If you haven’t been to Turkey for a summer holiday you should actually be ashamed of yourself. Whether you are interested into culture, sunshine, shopping or having fun, Turkey gives you what you want. The same goes for Istanbul. Turkey is famous for being sizzling hot in the summer months, and some parts of the country can experience uncomfortable cold during winter, so when is the best time to book that trip to Istanbul? Read on and find out.

October to March is rather cold, although that’s nothing compared to the east of Turkey. Snow can fall from January to March, but it actually never lasts long. If it does, the children get snow free! How cool is that? But either way, there are times when you sit outside in a T Shirt in December and the next day the wind totally blows you over. So take along a warm coat, cap and umbrella, ´cause if it does rain in this city, you think the world comes to an end. Temperature: 0ºC to 14ºC.

Spring usually starts in May and attracts the first waves of tourists. Although you won’t be able to – let’s say – make a little bathing trip to the Prince Islands, you will have all the advantages of the summer long days, warm nights, sitting outside, having those great views without the likelihood of a surprising rain shower – and without the crazy heat. Temperature: 12ºC to 25ºC.

If it is summer in this city it is best to leave. Combine the traffic, all those people and the heat and you get CHAOS. Please, please don’t visit Istanbul in July or August as you will hop from one air conditioner to another, probably getting a cold in the end. If you want to travel to Turkey in summertime, stick to the traditional holiday cities like Antalya, Side, Kemer etc. where you can retrieve from the heat by jumping in the pool. Leave Istanbul to the few people who didn’t had the chance to get away. Temperature: 25ºC to 30ºC.

Fall (September / October) is a splendid time in Istanbul. Being not too hot or too cold it is actually the better summer. But still be prepared for both hot and freezing days, as fall also is the time of surprises. Watch the fisherman on the Galata Bridge, make your boat trip and join all the cheerful people on the streets, terraces and Cafés. Temperature: 15ºC to 25ºC.

Rainfall in Istanbul can be both short lived and very ugly, depending on the season. If you’re unlucky enough to come into heavy rain, take your time to watch the water floating down the streets, drowning the sidewalks, coastal streets and some basements.

When to book that holiday in Istanbul?

If you want to see the city at its best, book your flights from May to June or September to October. Avoid the summer! The best choice based on price/weather is a trip in early May or late October.

The Gallura, is a land full of charm, a perfect place to spend an unforgettable holiday in Sardinia, to be fascinated by the scents of the Mediterranean maquis, the colors of the rocks and the crystal clear waters.

With its name (perhaps in Hebrew Galil, a country of heights) indicates the north eastern region of Sardinia.

The boundaries towards the interior of the island are the river Coghinas to the west and to the south an imaginary line joining the Limbara mountain with the small town of San Teodoro, famous for its beautiful beaches, on the Thyrrenean coast.

Gallura is a fabulous mix of sea, plains, hills, mountains, cultivated and desert areas. The territory has a strong tourism vocation and offers excellent reception and entertainment services.

If you decide to arrange an itinerary to discover the nature and culture of Gallura, an excellent solution is to find in this area of Sardinia residences or houses for rent, accommodations that ensure high standards of comfort and a lot of independence. In this environmental diversity you can find old testimonies of the territory: from the presence of numerous buildings, such as the tomb of giants Li Lolghi and the necropolis of Li Muri, consisting of stone circles vertically buried in the ground, the nuragic temple of Malchittu or the nuraghe Albucciu.

The landscape is characterized by granite rocks and the harshness of their relieves. Even if not particularly tall (Mount Limbara reaches the 1350 meters above sea level) they have been for thousands of years a barrier between this region and the neighboring territories of Baronie and Montalbo. Granite rocks, shaped by wind and rain, take in some areas the form of small mountains or extraordinary natural sculptures.

Another characteristic of Gallura is the presence of oaks from which cork is extracted, vital to the economy of the area together with granite extraction.

The fields of the hinterland (municipalities of Arzachena, Luogosanto, Aggius, Tempio Pausania) are not densely populated and it is still possible, in some places, to recognize the organization of the territory in Stazzi , another characteristic of Gallura. These are rural settlements scattered, agro pastoral farms, usually self sufficient single house units originally built by pastors, many of whom from the nearby Corsica, between the seventh and eighteenth century. There were numerous and almost everywhere until a few years ago, today many have been abandoned because of the transfer in the city.

The coast is jagged and divided into a continuous series of small fjords, bays and islets that form the archipelago of La Maddalena, with its wondrefull islands, a natural bridge towards the nearby Corsica, where there is also the island of Caprera, last shelter of Giuseppe Garibaldi and the place where you can find his remains.

While on one side this territory is home to the famous Costa Smeralda, with Porto Cervo with its well know harbour, holiday paradise for many people, on the other hand it is not difficult to find lonely places where to freely enjoy beautiful natural sceneries.

An example of a place where kids and adults can enjoy their day is at Babcock Wilderness Adventures. It can be toured for a total of 90 minutes inside their 900,000 acre Ranch. You can go and see animals such as birds, cracker cattle and panthers face to face! If you are lucky enough, you can catch a glimpse of a white tailed wild deer. The ambiance here will surely bring the best of your moods. Professional tour guides are available to help you brush up on information that will most likely excite you even more. Visitors are also allowed to bring food and have a picnic. You can also have a bite with the lunch fares located at Gator Shack.

For those who wish to stay in Fort Myers longer, suggested inns and hotels are Comfort Inn & Suites Fort Myers, Best Western Airport Inn and the Rock Lake Resort. All of these are certified top quality accommodations.

Comfort Inn and Suites
This hotel is located very near the Southwest Florida International Airport. Comfort Inn and Suites hotel is only a few minutes drive from the airport. Aside from easy access from the airport, the hotel is only a few minutes away from famed attractions such as Sanibel Island, Imaginarium Hands on Museum and Sun Splash Family Waterpark. Recreational activities are also accessible such as golfing and fishing. Restaurants and lounges are situated around the area as well.

Guests are given complimentary airport shuttle services, local calls, deluxe continental breakfast, coffee and wireless Internet connection. Even after a day’s sightseeing, the fun doesn’t stop at the hotel. They also provide fitness facilities, a hot tub as well as an indoor heated pool. A business center is also available, especially for the working guests. Their fee is an average of $ 150.

Best Western Airport Inn
Best Western Airport Inn is located at 8955 Daniels Parkway Fort Myers, Florida 33912 0821, US. Also an Airport Inn, the hotel is the closest one to Interstate 75 as well as the Southwest Florida International Airport.
The hotel also has a unique location that can access the famed Gulf of Mexico and the stunning sunny beaches of Florida. It provides complimentary shuttle services that travel to the airport and back as well as Continental breakfasts, fitness facilities and an outdoor pool. Guestrooms also have an in room safe for added security.

Best Western Airport Inn has an average fee of $ 142 year round. Booking in the Best Western Airport Inn is a remarkable experience to the guests.

Rock Lake Resort
Getting closer to nature is what Rock Lake Resort can offer its guests. The resort is actually surrounded by many trees with literally a lake located at the center. You can also view it right by your door. It is most definitely a peaceful vacation resort.

They have a total of 9 cottages with 18 units and all are circular, having access to the lake. Just behind the cottages, a canoe and kayak experience as well as a motor boat can be experienced through Billy Creek. The place is truly relaxing and stress free.

This famous resort is located at 2930 Palm Beach Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33916. Their nightly rate starts at $ 65.