2012/02/20

(Turkey) - Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris

Marmaris is just one of those places that can boast about anything, fine beaches, excellent sailing, adventure sports, top class restaurants, intense nightlife with world class discos & nightclubs, sumptuous local wines and Mediterranean sunshine. Not to mention the history. There can be few places on earth with such historic beauty.

(Turkey) –Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris
(Turkey) –Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris

Below are the Top 10 Best Attractions & Things to Do in your Marmaris holidays.

(Turkey) –Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris
(Turkey) –Top 10 Attractions in Marmaris

1. A day out at the Icmeler Beach

Icmeler is a beautiful beach resort only 8 kilometers from the large and vibrant resort of Marmaris. This pine forested heaven is infused with all the atmosphere of both the Mediterranean and the Aegean Seas and is truly picturesque against the backdrop of magnificent Taurus Mountains. Drifting away amongst palm trees and Eucalyptus on the stunning Icmeler beach may well be your idea of the perfect holiday, but if that’s not enough, a wide range of sporting and cultural activities and excursions will ensure that there’s always plenty to do.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Icmeler Beach
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Icmeler Beach

This olive and honey farming community is home to the best plant for producing oxygen in the world, the Sigla (or Gunnuk), which only found here and in California. This plant and the pristine forests and the beach (which has been given the Blue Flag eco-award) create one of the most revitalizing surroundings for a beach holiday. Icmeler’s exemplary tourist facilities, which include a great many water sports, are harmoniously incorporated into the natural habitat of the area. The nightlife is vibrant and there are plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to choose from, and just down the road, the many Marmaris nightclubs provide nights not far off those found in Ibiza.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Icmeler Beach
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Icmeler Beach

2. Daily Boat Trip to Dalyan, Caunos

Dalyan is a popular resort located on the 80 kilometers southeast of Marmaris. Dalyan can be considered as a wonder of nature where the sea and the lake come together. The region is famous with the golden beach of Iztuzu, the sea turtles (CarettaCaretta), healthy mud bath and the ancient city of Kaunos. A must see place for the holiday makers.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan
(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan


Dalyan has variety of beautiful lakes. The labyrinthine canals and natural beaches fascinate the visitors. A road shaded with aromatic frankincense trees leads to the village of Dalyan on the inland waterway. The maze of channels are easily explored by small boats. The Dalyan Delta, with a long and golden sandy Iztuzu Beach at its mouth, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for the sea turtles (CarettaCaretta) and the blue crabs. Besides the CarettaCarettas, the Nile Turtles (TrionyxTringulus) also live in the region by the lake.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan
(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan

Dalyan's very famous mud bath is another great attraction for the visitors. Dalyan's hot springs and mud bath is very healthy for the patients having the diseases such as rheumatism, sciatica and calcinosis.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan
(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan

High on the cliff face, at a bend in the river, above the fascinating ancient harbour city of Kaunos and the magnificent tombs are carved into the rock. Kaunos is located nearby the Candir Village, on the west side of the Dalyan Creek. Dalyan is a great tourist area with its history, turtle beach and thermal mud. Kaunos is inside the region and worth seeing. Kaunos was a Caria city in the 4th century BC. The area is very huge with terrace Temple, seaport Agora, theatres, rock tombs and bath. The remnants are from the eras of the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and the Byzantium. The rock tombs really worth seeing.

(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan
(Turkey) - Marmaris- Dalyan

3. A visit to the Sedir Island - Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island-Cedrae) is located on the 18 km. north of Marmaris. Cleopatra Island is also known as Sedir Island or City Island. Cleopatra Island is famous with its golden sandy beach known as Cleopatra Beach and the ancient city of Cedrae. The remnants of the city walls can be seen. It is famous with its huge beach and ancient theatre ruins. There is an interesting beach on the small bay on the northwest of the island where it is believed that Cleopatra swimmed here.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Cleopatra Island
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Cleopatra Island

According to the legend, Cleopatra and Antonius swimmed here and the sands have been brought by the ships from North Africa. It's been said that this type of the sand can only be seen in Egypt.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Sedir Island
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Sedir Island

The ruins on the east part of the island stands for the era of Romans. Theatre area is in good condition. On the east part of the island there is an Agora. According to some epigraphs, athletics festivals have been organized in this area for the honor of Apollon.

4. Marmaris Aqua Parks

If you’re on a family holiday in Marmaris, take a day out to visit the Marmaris Water & Aqua Parks, which is packed with enough thrilling water-rides, chutes and bumper boats to make both kids and adults want to come back another day for more.

Water parks in Marmaris are very popular with its fascinating environment; it takes the attraction of the most teenagers and children.

There are two big water parks in Marmaris. One of them, also the biggest and the most popular one is Aqua Dream Water Park and the other one is Atlantis Water Park.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Aqua Parks
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Aqua Parks

Also most resorts and hotels also have their own small aqua parks.
               
 If it’s more slippery and exciting adventure you want, then try the Marmaris Aqua Parks & Water Parks, this is a must for the both adults and the kids.

The aqua parks have loads of different kinds of water slides, bumper boats, the zipping kamikaze ride, and the terrifying black hole, etc. An excursion to the Marmaris Water Parks in your Marmaris holidays is a must.

5. Jeep Safari Tour

Marmaris Jeep Safari Tour is one of the most popular attractions and daily excursions in Marmaris. You may experience the travelling on dirt, dust and stone paved roads, having the adventure of safari in the company of the heaven nature and tracks on a Jeep Safari in Marmaris. Jeep Safari is organized by 4 to 8 people (in one jeep) with the 4x4 terrain vehicles.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour

If you want to take as much advantage as possible of the incredible countryside views, Marmaris surroundings and nearby villages, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking scenery, than head out on a Marmaris jeep safari.

The tours generally start early in the mornings and go on with the forest, village and stream tracks. You are having great lunch in the local villages.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour

The jeeps follow a thrilling route up and down narrow roads which wind around the pine forested mountains, and also through wide mountain rivers to find the most breath-taking views of the surrounding rolling hills.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Jeep Safari Tour

Along the dusty trail, get out of the jeeps to have a refreshing dip in waterfalls hidden deep in the forest. Jeep Safari Tours mostly take place in the Bozburun Peninsula and the shores of Gokova Gulf, Orhaniye-Kizkumu, Hisaronu, Bozburun, Ciftlik, Turunc, Akyaka and Akbuk regions.

6. Marmaris Castle & Museum

Marmaris Castle
It is believed that Marmaris Castle was first built by the Ionians (1044 BC) and later on repaired during the era of the Alexander the Great. The Castle was rebuilt and widened by Suleyman the Magnificent during his campaign for the Greek island of Rhodes in 1522. Suleyman the Magnificent used the castle as a military base for his troops. During World War I, the castle was cannon fired by the French Fleet and had a huge damage. Till 1970s, the castle has been an accommodation area. There are 18 houses, a fountain and an arc inside the castle area. Finally, the castle was restored during the years 1980-1990 and became a museum in 1991. Marmaris Castle has seven indoor areas; two of them are organized as an archaeology lounge and one of them is organized as an ethnography lounge. Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Castle
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Castle

Marmaris Castle has an outstanding landscape. Highly recommended for a daily trip and see the Marmaris panorama both during the day and night.
Marmaris Museum
Marmaris Museum is located in the Marmaris Castle on the hills behind the marina. After the restoration at the castle during the years 1980-1990, the area started to serve as a museum in 1991. Marmaris Castle & Museum has seven indoor areas; two of them is organized as an archeology lounge and one of them is organized as an ethnography lounge. Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage.


(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Museum
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Marmaris Museum

In the archaeology lounge; amphoras belonging to the Helenistic, Roman and Byzantium era and earthenware, glassware works, coins and ornaments from the diggings of Knidos, Hisaronu and Burgaz region are exhibited. In the ethnography lounge; weaving works, carpets, furnitures, copper kitchen pieces, weapons and ornaments belonging to the Ottoman era are exhibited. Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage. Marmaris Castle has an outstanding landscape. Highly recommended for a daily trip and see the Marmaris panorama both during the day and night.

Marmaris Castle & Museum is open for visitors every day except Monday from 08.30-12.00 and 13.00-17.00 LMT.

7. A Visit to the Turunc Village & Resort
               
The Turunc village is a gorgeous and picturesque beach resort of Marmaris hidden away in a wonderful bay on the southern coast of Marmaris. A must see destination. 20 km. south of the large tourist resort of Marmaris and 120 km. from the airport of Dalaman, this village has steadily grown to accommodate holidaymakers, but has somehow still kept it’s relaxed and charming atmosphere of the small fishing village it once was. It has a superb Blue Flag (ecologically sound) beach nestled in between rolling forested hills and mountains and has an azure and calm sea, over which more hills can be seen on the other side of the bay.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village
(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village

The crooked road with ramps and downhills to Turunc is very exciting with the forest area, hills and beautiful landscape along the Marmaris Gulf. After an half an hour trip you will suddenly see Turunc behind the hills by the seaside with a wonderful view. The sea has all variations of the blue color. The hills behind the village are covered with pine trees. The region also has a huge variety of fruits and covered with pomegranate, berry, fig, plum, locust and sour orange trees. "Turunc" is the Turkish name for "Sour Orange" and the village's name comes from its quality of sour oranges.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village
(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village

Being an old fisherman village, Turunc, is also a very popular pit-stop for the yachts and blue voyagers. You may see lots of anchored yachts and boats in the night and the restaurants are full of visitors. The Turunc Cove has a blue flag which means the beaches and the sea are in great condition, has infrastructure for the yachts and clean.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village
(Turkey) - Marmaris - The Turunc village

8. Scuba Diving

Marmaris is an important town for the diving tourism in Turkey. There are 52 diving locations in and around Marmaris.

Daily diving tours for diving in Marmaris are being organized for the professionals and for the beginners from the central Marmaris port. Boats are full equipped with quality licensed instructors.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Scuba Diving
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Scuba Diving

If you want to take as much advantage as possible of discovering the crystal clear underwater world of the Aegean & Mediterranean Seas, than we recommend you to experience the diving adventure in the beautiful Marmaris bays and underwater environment.

Below are the popular diving locations in Marmaris.

Baca (The Chimney) Cave
Baca (Chimney) Cave is the most famous diving point in Marmaris. Baca Cave is mostly interesting for the underwater photographers. There is a depth of 5 to 50 meters and very suitable for both beginners and professionals. On the cape, there is a conical shaped cave looking like a chimney. The depth is 14 meters at the point you enter the cave but on the exit the depth decreases to 4 meters and that is why the region is interesting and named as "the Chimney Cave". It is possible to see lots of red and white striped cardinal fishes and little shrimps.

Sari Mehmet Cape
Sari Mehmet Cape is located between Turunc and Icmeler. The cape and the bay is a nice diving point for both the professionals and the beginners. There is a depth of 5 to 21 meters and the environment is rocky. The area is very popular for the diving tour operators. It is possible to see octobus, moray, sea bream and melanur in every diving. Theare is also very convenient for night diving. There is no stream in the region and underwater environment is outstanding with high peaks standing perpendicular to each other. There is also a cove named "Cathedral Cave" in the area.

KeciAdasi (Goat Island) Lighthouse
KeciAdasi (Goat Island) Lighthouse is located by the lighthouse leading to the open seas. There is a depth of 8 to 38 meters and area is very exciting for the professional divers. It is possible to see variety of big fishes including octobus, moray and the red cardinal fishes. Plenty of amphorae pieces are exciting to see. There happens a soft and changing stream during the beginnings of the moon periods.

Hayitli Cape
Hayitli Cape is located on the opposite side of the Keci (Goat) Island Lighthouse. The area is easy for anchoring so that named as "the reef" by the divers. The area is mostly used for beginners' diving practices and also by the professionals as well. There is a depth of 5 to 38 meters and the environment is rocky. It is possible to see large fishes if you go deeper to 30 meters. You may also see few pieces of amphorae.

Ince Cape Lighthouse
Ince Cape Lighthouse is located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through Marmaris. Visibility underwater is not so clear regarding to the other open sea diving locations. There is depth of 3 to 40 meters and the underwater environment is like the real tropical underwater with lots of peaks. It is very interesting for the underwater photographers especially at the end of summer with variety of fishes and sponges. It is possible to see the sea rabbits with variety of colors and sizes of 1 to 4 cm.

Abdi Reis Cove
Abdi Reis Cove is located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through the open seas. The area is very popular with its bright waters. So that the area is named as "Aquarium" by the divers. The area is very convenient for the beginners and also very enjoyable for the professionals. There is depth of 0 to 33 meters. Due to its being close to the Phosphorus Caves, sea traffic is high in the area.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Scuba Diving
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Scuba Diving

Yazih Rock
Yazih Rock is also located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through the open seas. The area is very suitable for the morning diving. There is a depth of 3 to 32 meters. There are big rocks and walls around the region so that it makes shadow in the afternoon times. It is possible to see lots of sea bream and blacktaill.

Aksu Cove
Aksu Cove is again located by the Yildiz (Star) Island heading through the open seas. It is exciting to see the change of the color into deep blue while you go deeper and deeper. The Cove is suitable for all beginners, professional and yacht or boat swimmers. On the cape, there is a big wall of 40 meters and there is a Byzantium amphorae with a circular hole on the heart.

Kutuk Cape
There is a depth of 0 to 52 meters and the underwater environment is very fascinating. Divers should keep their limits as the underwater environment mesmerizes them. There happens a changing stream during the beginnings of the moon periods.

Kadirga (Galleon) Cove
Kadirga (Galleon) Cove is located on the farthest point to Marmaris nearby the rocky area on the opposite side of the Kadirga Lighthouse. There is depth of 0 to 40 meters. It is a unique point for both the beginners and the professionals. In front of the lighthouse building, there is a field of amphorae and a remnant of a sunk ship belonging to the Hellenistic ages. Hundreds of amphorae are stuck to the rocks as the region is very rocky. The area is also very interesting for the underwater photographers.

9. Marmaris Grand Bazaar - Carsi Market

In between lying in the sun, falling off a banana boat and enjoying the thrills and spills of your Marmaris holidays, take some time to do some shopping and find some souvenirs, as there are markets and shopping facilities right behind the beach.

Bargaining is rife here, so be prepared to haggle. You can find a range of traditional Turkish items here to take back as souvenirs, such as onyx vases, bowls and ashtrays, mosaic lanterns, Turkish clothes, metal wares, leather, carpets, shoes, bags and jewellery.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Carsi Market
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Carsi Market

Marmaris offers wide range of products for the holiday makers. The biggest public shopping centre, Marmaris Grand Bazaar (Carsi Market) is located by the centre square and every kind of products is offered.

There are lots of shopping centres in Marmaris. Jewelry, leather, carpets, clothing, local food and drinks, fishing equipments and souvenirs are the most popular quality shopping items in Marmaris.

World class jewelry, leather and carpet shops worth visiting in your Marmaris holidays.

Also you may find every kind of embroidery traditional handicrafts made by the women in the area.

Marmaris is also popular with its local jam and honey.

You're also able to attend to a shopping tour made to theIcmeler Market (Wednesday); Marmaris Market (Thursday) and Armutalan Market (Tuesday).

10. Gulet Cruising - Blue Voyage

Marmaris is the best blue voyage centre of Turkey. In Marmaris, you are able to find a good one way charter trips to Karacasögüt (Gulf of Gökova, Bodrum, Göcek and Finike. There are a lot of opportunities for a Blue Voyage trip with different sailing routes.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Blue Voyage
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Blue Voyage


What is Blue Voyage?
Blue Voyage is a type of tourism and holiday particular to Turkey made by the traditional Gulets (Schooners) unique to Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean turquoise coasts. The very long coastline is a surprise of nature in the company of isolated bays, wonderful beaches, historic scenes and wonders of nature. Most travelers thinking of a different type of vacation rather than staying in their hotels and enjoying the sun and the sea prefer to take a blue voyage trip in their vacation plans. You are able to find quality Yacht and Cabin Charters in your Marmaris holidays.

(Turkey) - Marmaris - Blue Voyage
(Turkey) - Marmaris - Blue Voyage

The Mediterranean and Aegean coastline of Turkey is a treasure-chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches. The yachtsmen may easily find a anchoring or mooring area for every night. Blue voyages also offers activities such as swimming in the crystal clear waters, fishing, water-skiing, wind-surfing and diving for the true sea lovers. The ancient cities of Knidos, Kaunos, Telmessos, Antiphellos, Myra, Olympos, Phaselis and the rock-tombs in the Lycian cities await you for a wonderful experience. As a summary, travelers are attending to a one to seven days (or more) trips with gullet yachts and are enjoying the turquoise waters, beaches, bays and coasts.
(Marmaris town)

2012/02/19

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris

Marmaris is a coastal town, a port city and a tourist destination on the southwest Mediterranean coast of Turkey, in the Mugla Province. Marmaris is one of the Turkey's most popular holiday towns and largest resorts on the Aegean coast.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris

With its surroundings, long coastline, outstanding landscape of pine-covered hills, isolated bays and inlets, wonderful beaches, ancient cities, marinas and every kind of attractions; Marmaris welcomes about 400,000 people during the tourism season. Marmaris can be considered as the Mediterranean paradise. Marmaris is also a major center for yacht tourism and blue voyage. Marmaris has easy and well built connections to the nearby airport in Dalaman, and on the road to Mugla, Datca and Fethiye. Transportation in the town is very well organized.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris

Marmaris offers a great opportunities for the holiday makers with its luxury Marmaris hotels and Marmaris apartments, restaurants, nightclubs and shopping centres. Marmaris is a beach holiday resort teeming with a wide range of hotels, so you’ll most likely find a hotel which suits your budget. It’s really no surprise Marmaris has grown in popularity with its sandy beaches, lively nightlife and great facilities for families, couples and groups alike. Holidays in Marmaris can be as active or relaxed as you like, the beaches provide several water sport activities as well as the close by aqua park which provide affordable entertainment for all ages.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris

Icmeler is a beautiful beach resort only 8 kilometres from the large and vibrant resort of Marmaris and mostly considered together. This pine forested heaven is infused with all the atmosphere of both the Mediterranean and the Aegean Seas and is truly picturesque against the backdrop of magnificent mountains.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris

There are many fine sandy beaches and spectacular bays in and around Marmaris. Daily boat trips are organized for the isolated bays and for Dalyan. The yacht marina is one of the biggest one in Turkey and there are regular ferry services to the Greek island of Rhodes.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Icmeler
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Icmeler

Most places for accommodation are located at the seashore. Hundreds of seashore and luxury restaurants, world class discos and bars attracts thousands of travellers. For some traditional Turkish food, the wide selection of mezes (starters), olive oil drizzled kebabs and dough based deserts such as "baklava" and "kunefe", all which are infused with a mixture of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian influences are available from the many Turkish restaurants, grills and taverns.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris

Eating out in Marmaris is also fantastic. Marmaris is full of quality restaurants and cafes. Most Marmaris restaurants and cafes are located beside the seaside and the Marmaris Castle area. You are able to find every kind of food & beverage & world cuisine for your taste. Netsel Marina region is very ideal for a romantic dinner with its calm scenery and luxury restaurants. There are live music and cafe-bar opportunities for the couples or groups after dinner as well.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris

Nightlife in Marmaris is vibrant and there are plenty of bars, discos and nightclubs to choose from. The many Marmaris nightclubs provide nights not far off those found in Ibiza. You may find every kind of music for your taste. Crazy and wild nights of Marmaris are centered on the Bar Street and Uzunyali Beach. There are also many quality small cafes & bars along the waterfront.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris nightlife
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris nightlife

Shopping areas are well built and offer great brands and opportunities to their guests. Leather, jewelry, brand clothing, carpets, handicrafts, Turkish delight and souvenir shops are the main interests in Marmaris shopping.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris Castle
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris Castle

Marmaris Castle, located in the center is worth seeing. There are a lot of historic places and ancient cities to see as well. Marmaris has always been an important coastal town and trade center for centuries, due to its location on the intersection point of Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. History of Marmaris starts when the first settlement begun with the arrival of a tribe to the region in from 3400 BC. Although it is not certain when Marmaris was founded but in the 6th century BC the city was known as Physkos and it was part of the Caria.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris Castle
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris Castle

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris Castle
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Marmaris Castle

Marmaris has a typical Aegean & Mediterranean climate. Summer is hot and winter is rainy. The hottest months are July and August. Marmaris takes so much rain in fall and winter.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Dalyan
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris - Dalyan

Marmaris provides a myriad of fun and exciting activities for groups, couples and families. A calm or an adventurous kind of a holiday, crazy or calm nightlife, accommodation in luxury resorts or budget apart hotels, yacht tourism, sports tourism, ecological tourism or diving tourism... Marmaris holidays are a perfect choice especially for holidaymakers from UK, Scandinavia, Netherlands and Russia.

(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Turkey) – Getting to Marmaris
(Marmaris town)

2012/02/18

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts – a unique blend of old and new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley.

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
In the commercial heart of the city, ultra-modern buildings, hotels, smart restaurants, art galleries and boutiques rub shoulders comfortably with traditional coffee shops and tiny artisans' workshops. Everywhere there is evidence of the city’s much older past.

Jordan map
Jordan map


(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

Due to the city’s modern-day prosperity and temperate climate, almost half of Jordan’s population is concentrated in the Amman area. The residential suburbs consist of mainly tree-lined streets and avenues flanked by elegant, almost uniformly white houses in accordance with a municipal law, which states that all buildings must be faced with local stone.

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

The downtown area is much older and more traditional with smaller businesses producing and selling everything from fabulous jewellery to everyday household items.

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

The people of Amman are multi-cultural, multi-denominational, well-educated and extremely hospitable. They welcome visitors and take pride in showing them around their fascinating and vibrant city.

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time

(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Jordan) – Amman – A modern city built on the sands of time
(Visit Jordan)

2012/02/17

(Philippines) – Discover Tagaytay

The City of Tagaytay (Filipino: Lungsod ng Tagaytay) is a second class city in the province of Cavite, Philippines. Only 55 km (34 mi) away from Manila via Aguinaldo Highway, it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tagaytay City provides a good view of the Taal Volcano. The city is a popular summer tourist destination because of its cool climate due to its high altitude.

(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay
(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay

Tagaytay is a city of scenic contrasts .Wildflowers line paved winding roads, panoramic views of the Taal Volcano nestled in Taal Lake, and orchards of fresh home grown fruits, all amidst modern convenient facilities and amenities including the Casino Filipino Tagaytay.

Tagaytay is home to Taal Volcano, which is reputed to be the world's smallest and yet most active. It stands on its own island amid a landscape of ash and cinder. The breathtaking views of Taal volcano and Lake is a MUST SEE for everyone visiting Asia. It is truly a once in a life time experience and we recommend a visit in the strongest possible way.

(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay
(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay

Tagaytay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. At nightfall, one sees the lake sparkle with the pinpoint lights of fishing boats. It is a perfect picnic spot. Here, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority built Picnic Groove, a public park in the city which generates public patronage through user fees and the sale of low priced goods, thus contributing to the industrial growth of Tagaytay.

Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation, that is earned yet another title for being the "Center of Spiritual Retreat."

(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay
(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay

Thus, the masterpiece of nature that is Tagaytay is a not to be missed item in a tourist itinerary. It should always include a visit to the Volcano Island, and its enumerable side spots.

Tagaytay City, located 2,500 feet above sea level enjoys a cool and invigorating climate characterized by a relatively low temperature, low humidity, and abundant rainfall. Average temperature is 22.7 degrees Celsius. For this reason, Tagaytay with its cool weather, balmy winds and foggy mists is called the "second summer capital" of the country after Baguio City.

(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay
(Philippines) - Discover Tagaytay

How to get there
 By bus or auto - 1 hour drive from Manila. You can hire what's called an "FX" (a taxi like van with air-con as the locals call air conditioners,) for an all day trip for about Pesos 2,500 plus gas and tolls (around US$50 in total) if you're a good haggler. This way you can check into your Tagaytay hotel, then have your FX or automobile driver take you around to as many of the local sights that you can handle in one day.

(Philippines) - Tagaytay - Taal Volcano
(Philippines) - Tagaytay - Taal Volcano
(Wiki & Tagaytay)