Albacete became a stopover on several cross-country railroads in the mid-1800s. During the following decades, Albacete supported the crown and the republic. As a result, the town served as the headquarters and training site for foreign individuals, known as the International Brigades, who came to fight against Fascist Franco. Albacete has a reputation as a manufacturing center for knives, scissors and fine daggers. It’s this reputation that resulted in Eurocopter opening a manufacturing facility here in 2007. The town has one of Spain’s largest industrial parks and is striving to become the logistics center for the southeastern part of the country.

Visitors will experience hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters when touring the city’s many cultural landmarks. The focal point is the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Because it took over four hundred years to construct, the building displays many architectural styles. While the main chapel is Gothic, the building has Baroque and Neogothic influences as well as Renaissance columns. Guests can view the art works on display in what was a 16th century monastery or tour the exhibits of the Albacete Museum. You can walk down Tejares Street which is lined with many traditional homes or visit the Montel Fields archeological excavations. If you’re fortunate to be here in September, you can enjoy the festival that honors the town’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Plains.

Eco-tourists can use Albacete as a starting point on a journey to the source of the Mundo River, the Sierra de Alcaraz or hike through Lagundas de Ruidera Nature Reserve. You will also enjoy the oak groves and cultivated fields of the Jucar Valley.

After a day of sightseeing and before heading back to your apartments in Valencia, make sure you visit the area around Ancha Street and see shops dedicated to the region’s cutlery, knives and swords, or stop by the Lodares Passage shopping mall and experience its modernist flair. When you’ve finished shopping, you can stroll through Fiesta del Arbol Park or relax under the shade trees of Abelardo Sanchez Park.

The best way to conclude your stay is to spend time in the Plaza de Altozano. Here you will find cafes and restaurants where you can sample the fine local cuisine.

One of the coolest looking monuments in Rome, Italy is Castel Sant’ Angelo, located close to the Vatican in the heart of Rome. This ancient monument was actually a tomb for the Roman emperor Hadrian but since 1925 it has been a museum which is open to the public.

History

Originally built as a tomb for the emperor in the second century Castel Sant’ Angelo has also been used during the Middle Ages as a fortress and a prison, complete with a torture chamber. In the 14th century it became a papal refuge and residence and even today an underground passageway connects Castel Sant’ Angelo to the Vatican.

There are a total of five floors in Castel Sant’ Angelo and on the top of the building is a statue of Michael the Archangel. Panorama views of the city are awesome from the terrace. The name of the monument supposedly comes from a story in which the archangel made an appearance on the building coinciding with the end of the plague in the sixth century. Today Castel Sant’ Angelo is a museum and one of the most visited places in Rome.

Location

Easily seen from a distance along the Tiber River, Castel Sant ‘Angelo is directly across the Ponte Sant’ Angelo bridge, which is the one decorated with statues of Saints peter and Paul as well as ten angels. During the recent beatification of Pope John Paul II large TV screens were set up just outside Castel Sant ‘Angelo to handle the overflow crowds from St Peter’s Square.

Hours and Fees

Open every day except Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Mondays, The National Museum of Castel Sant ‘Angelo charges an entrance fee of €8.50 to tour the museum. Daytime hours are 9am to 7:30pm.

Not publicized or well known, the museum also has special nighttime tours on request. The Summer Nights program runs from July to September and features programs starting at 8:30pm till past midnight. These special programs can include tours to areas not usually accessible during the day. It also includes on various nights musical performances, readings, theater performances and tours to the top of the museum where panorama nighttime views are spectacular. A bar and restaurant are also available for refreshments at this level.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Out of all the wonderful attractions in Treviso, churches play a prominent part. The church of San Francesco (built in the 1200s), is a testament to the history of this region. Several frescoes can be found in this church, done by such artists as Tommaso de Modena. Also noteworthy is the tomb of Pietro Alighieri, the son of Dante. The church of San Nicolo also houses frescoes from Tommaso de Modena. At this church, visitors can marvel at the most ancient depiction in glass in Europe: a picture of St. Christopher which can be found on the east side of the church. Dedicated to St. Peter, the Cathedral in Treviso now includes seven domes. When it was first built in the late Roman era, the building was much smaller; the original gate remains, however. The Loggia dei Cavalieri, with its Romanesque and Byzantine influences, was once a meeting place for the upper class. The Palazzo dei Trecento (built in the 13th and 14th centuries) and the Piazza Rinaldi–the site of three palaces built by the Rinaldi family beginning in the 12th century–offer a couple more options for travelers to see.

Clearly, with so much to see and do, this is an exciting city to visit when staying in apartmens in Venice. Many more buildings of significance can be found along its streets, which means visitors can expect to spend quite a bit of time wandering through town and marveling at the history that permeates the city. Fall captive to the magical spell cast by Treviso, and enjoy all it has to offer.

The fascinating history of the Incas, and the ruins to be found in the Sacred Valley make this a remarkable place to visit. Couple the ancient ruins with the present day people and their rich culture, their hauntingly beautiful music, their gorgeous woven blankets, and one will have a never-to-be forgotten experience.

Probably the greatest legacy the Incas left to posterity is the ruins of their amazing architecture. Today, many visitors are awed by the majesty of the ruins of Machu Picchu, which translates into “Old Peak.”

Machu Picchu is 50 miles northwest of Cusco and the start of the Inca Trail. It had been completely forgotten for hundreds of years after the Spanish conquered the Incas, until Hiram Bingham discovered it on July 24, 1911. It became a popular tourist destination after The National Geographic Society devoted the April 1913 edition of the magazine entirely to Machu Picchu.

In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, described as “an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony to the Inca civilization.”

The architecture of Machu Picchu is constructed of polished dry-stone walls with the technique referred to as ashlar. Blocks of stone are placed on atop one another then cut to fit the stone below. This technique results in stones that are so tightly fitted that they do not need mortar. A knife cannot even be slipped between the stones.

Cuzco, the capital city of the Cusco region, is a beautiful red-roofed city of approximately 360,000 people. The name of the city originated from the phrase "qusqu wanka" meaning “rock of the owl.” This came from the myth of Ayyr Auca who, it is said, grew wings and flew to the site of the city, turning himself to a rock owl to lay claim to the area for his people.

Cuzco is a major destination for travelers to Peru. Many visitors will start their Inca Tours in Cusco. The beautiful red-roofed city is a welcoming sight as one flies into the airport. The arts and food are lauded by visitors. Not to be missed is the ChocoMuseo – the Chocolate Museum, where the artistry of creating with chocolate is taken to an inspiring level.

Manila, Philippines is a truly fascinating and unique city, it is home to Spanish colonial landmarks, modern high-rises, world-class museums and cultural institutions and a plethora of other landmarks worth exploring. Its vast history and importance in Philippine culture makes it one of the top cities in Asia to visit. Whether you go to Manila to take in its pulsing nightlife scene, discover its wealth of museums or just to see its historic landmarks, you’re sure to find something memorable.

Manila is home to a host of unique and historical landmarks to see. Chinatown offers exotic sights and sounds as well as a wealth of authentic Chinese restaurants, trinket shops and unique galleries. Baywalk, a beautiful park that runs along Manila Bay, is a great place to relax and catch some truly breathtaking views. History abounds at Fort Santiago and Intramuros, two of the most historically significant and interesting landmarks in the city. Nearby cultural attractions worth a visit include the Bonifacio Shrine, the Quezon Memorial and the Mabini Shrine. Manila is also home to a number of beautiful churches and cathedrals like the Manila Cathedral, the Basilica of San Sebastian and Santa Cruz Church.

The city plays host to many renowned museums, galleries and cultural institutions as well. The National Museum of the Philippines is the country’s premier historical and cultural museum while splendorous artwork can be found at the National Art Gallery. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila ranks among the elite of Asia’s art museums and is definitely worth a visit. Another fascinating museum is the Museum of Philippine Political History which showcases the country’s vast and complex political history and heritage. Other top museums in Manila worth a visit include Museo Pambata, the Ayala Museum and the Vargas Museum.

Manila offers many beautiful place to relax and spend some leisure time. Rizal Park features idyllic gardens and an aquarium while Arroceros Park is known for its unspoiled beauty and serenity. Another great attraction is the Manila Zoo, one of the top zoos in the Philippines.

Travelers to Manila Philippines will find numerous quality hotels available for every budget. With its diverse blend of culture, history and significance, Manila always excites and offers something interesting to see. From its world-class museums to its historical colonial landmarks, this city has something for everyone to enjoy.

Szentendre is easily accessible from Budapest apartments and hotels by railroad, bus, boat and bicycle. The city is not on the railways run by the states so visitors can travel on the HEV Metro Red line, suburban railway of Budapest from Batthyany ter. The HEV leaves frequently, and the trip takes 40 minutes. Buses leave frequently from Upjest-Varoskapu with the trip lasting approximately 30 minutes. Visitors will find bus links with various towns on the Danube. Visegrad is a 45-minute drive, and Esztergom is approximately one hour. During the summer, from May until September, tourists can journey daily by riverboat from Budapest from either the Batthyany or Vigado square. During April and September, boat trips run on Saturday and Sunday. Bicycle rides are 25 km from the center of Budapest. Riders will find little traffic and a variety of topography.

Visitors to Szentendre can spend their time strolling the streets, taking in the homes and art galleries and visiting the historical sites. Some of these attractions include the Blagovestenska Church that has rococo windows and complex icons and the Memorial Cross, dedicated to the town saved from a plague.

Szentendre has a lengthy list of galleries and museums. The Hungarian Open-Air Museum is a large expanse of land displaying old buildings moved in from the country. These include entire villages with buildings with thatched roofs, homes, farm buildings and churches. Many have been restored and have exhibits. Visitors should get the English guidebooks. The Marzipan Museum is a display made entirely out of marzipan. Some exhibits take in Hungarian relics, the Hungarian royal crown and cartoon figures. Other museums in the city are the Kocacs Margit Collection, Kmetty Museum, Ferenczy Museum and Roman Lapidarium Castrum, among many others.

Travelers will enjoy walking on the streets that wind up to the hill that looks out over the town. Visitors can see the roofs of red slate and the blue angel on top of one of the local churches.

The town hosts a variety of shops to visit. Three shops are worthy of a visit. The Belle Epoque or the Family Run Folk Art Shop sells interior home decorations and genuine works of art of local artisans. These include linens and hand woven towels, old crocheted laces and traditional Hungarian folk clothing. The Music shops advertises local music. Szamos Marzipan Edessegbolt sells marzipan.

Travelers wanting to sample local Hungarian fare before returning to thier apartments in Budapest will find three restaurants. Rab Raby, a favorite tourist stop, with the appearance of a Hungarian farmhouse, is famous for its Gulyas soup. Two other local cafes are Uj Muvesz and Langos.

On the fringes of Kerala in close quarters to Alleppey, for those of you who would like the stillness of backwaters, Marari, India is the place to be. It is still being developed and isn’t as crowded as other beaches are, hence a reason why tourists flock to this sleepy beach, which is actually a fisherman’s society.

Not much as a tourist beach as of now, but because of its tranquility and peace, many come over here to unwind and chill out. It is a very laid back beach, slow and serene, with large sandy beaches for you to laze and roll around in. You could have daytrips or jeep safaris organized to visit the famous “Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary”. Don’t miss out on learning the art of coir making by visiting the coir making units at Marari. And to indulge in breathtaking flora and fauna around the backwaters of Marari, one doesn’t need an invitation. Finally, we must also mention the famous “Snake Boat Races”.

The Silent Yet Well Known Marari

Location: Kerala, and to reach this place from Cochin it would take 37 miles driving.

How to get there: By train you can get to Alleppey and by flight you would have to touchdown at Cochin.

What about the weather: Humid and warm throughout the year, with rains lashing in with great intensity, thanks to the southwest and even the northeast monsoons. Monsoons hit in June, July, October, November and December.

Best time to visit: mid December to late March would be the best times to visit. The weather is perfect, sunny and dry. Heat and humidity kicks in when April and May comes, and the temperature can go above thirty six degrees Celsius.

Nightlife: It isn’t a spot where parties happen on a commercial basis, since it is still a spot untouched.

Come join the fun and enjoy what the beaches of India have in store for you, if you need more help get in touch with Thrillophilia – Adventure Travel India!

Location: North Goa, from Mausam it is around 6 miles, and from Panaji it is around 10 miles. Baga sits on the border of Anjuna and Calangute.

How to get there: Thivim would be your best option by railways, since it is the closest to Baga. If you touch down at Dabolim, which is the airport in Goa, you would have to drive down 31 miles.

What about the weather: throughout the year it is warm and humid, but it never too hot. Maximum temperature at Baga would be thirty three degrees Celsius. The nights in winters from mid December to early February can be chilly, so carry warm clothes if you are there at that time. Rainfalls are worst during June to August and the beaches close at this time, but nightspots till remain open for business.

Best time to visit: from mid October to early March

Attractions: water sports, plenty of it at Baga beach to quench your adventurous soul.

1. Para sailing
2. Wake boarding
3. Windsurfing
4. Kite surfing
5. Jet skiing
6. Dolphin spotting
7. Island trips
8. The Wednesday flea market for shopping

Nightlife: get to Tito’s Lane for all the fun at the well known “Club Tito and Café Mambo”. You could also be a part of the DJ wars, cocktail wars, shooter wars, juggling bartenders performances, live music, dances, rock n roll fiestas etc.

Come join the fun and enjoy what the beaches of India have in store for you, if you need more help get in touch with Thrillophilia – Adventure Travel India!