Mar 10

Charter a snorkeling trip to Dry Tortugas from Key West

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So where is Dry Tortugas anyway, and how did such a spectactular national treasure get such a bizarre name? About 70 statute miles off the coast of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a group of tiny islands known for the abundant sea life, including sea turtles. Tortugas is Spanish for turtles, and that explains a portion of its odd name.

But what makes it dry, given that Dry Tortugas National Park is surrounded by the waters of the crystal clear blue Caribbean? The name comes from when the Spanish settled the group of islands, and they soon figured out that no fresh water springs existed there. So the islands came eventually to be called the Dry Tortugas, or “dry turtles.” Even now, because the islets are a popular tourist destination, visitors must bring their own water.

First named a National Monument in 1935 by FDR, Dry Tortugas was designated a national park in 1992 at the end of George H. W. Bush’s term right before Clinton won the November election. The home of the previously unfinished Civil War era Fort Jefferson, a brick structure later used as a prison to house accused conspirators in President Lincoln’s assassination, the strip of sandy beaches and shallow, colorful reefs has become a destination for 80,000 tourists each year. Everyone leaves in amazement at the fascinating history of the former fort originally thought of as a defense against the real pirates of the Caribbean.

Visitors can now enjoy all sorts of fascinating and recreational activities at Dry Tortugas park, from a historical tour of Fort Jefferson, to relaxation on the sandy beaches, to an absolutely memorable snorkel expedition to see the amazing sea life.

Of course, visitors can only arrive by chartered boat of sea plane. So if you want to book a trip, a Dry Tortugas charter will be necessary. There are some great discounts available on Dry Tortugas charters, Key West hotels, Key West snorkeling, and other recreation packages at Gold Card Key West.

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Feb 08

Things To See In The Australian Outback

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The easiest way to see the top tourist attractions in the Australian Outback is to drive thorough the Stuart Highway, the 3000 km road that dissects Australia from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. Halfway between Adelaide and Darwin, there is Alice Springs: the Outback capital.

Because of the great distances, there is no way to explore the Outback in a few days. However, those who don’t have much time should start their trip in Alice Springs, as there are many well-known tourist attractions near this city. If you want to see more than the famous Uluru, you should make time to visit the whole national park where Uluru can be found, Alice Springs Desert Park.

Undoubtedly the greatest tourist attraction on the Australian continent is Uluru (Ayers Rock), and Alice Springs sees so many tourists because Uluru is relatively close to it. However, many tourists fail to make a correct estimate about the distances in the Australian Outback: ‘close’ means Uluru is 450 km away from Alice Springs.

Those who make the trip from Alice Springs to Uluru should visit the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta is really close to Uluru: one must drive only 50 km. The third important tourist attraction is Wattarka – Kings Canyon. This is a national park little bit further away, at 300 km from Uluru.

Besides the top three tourist attractions, there are a lot more to see. One place to visit is the West MacDonnell Ranges, and the East MacDonnell Ranges. Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, Chambers Pillar are also beautiful places in the Alice Springs area.

Those who choose to drive all the way from Alice Spring to Darwin must prepare for a really long journey. Those who find inspiring the endless horizon, great open space and ever changing landscape will enjoy the trip. However, a lot of people are unhappy about the journey, saying that the drive is too monotonous, with few tourist attractions on the way.

One beautiful place on the way to Darwin is Devils Marbles, 393 km north of Alice Springs. 600 km from Devils Marbles there is Mataranka, and from here it is only 105 km to Katherine George, one of the greatest places in Australia. Darwin itself is a tourist attraction, and there are several national parks in the north of Australia: Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park are the favorite.

Those who choose to drive south from Alice Springs to Adelaide, will reach an opal mining town called Coober Pedy. This town is very different from other Australian tourist attractions: some people love it, others hate it.

For those who are looking for real adventure, there is the Outback of the Australian Outback, the Kimberley region in the remote north-west territory. This is the place where most of time 4WD jeeps are the only means of transportation. Among the must see thing there is the Great Northern Highway from Broome to Kununura, the Gibb River Road, and countless waterfalls, rock pools, secret fishing spots, national parks and one of the world’s top 5 beaches.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car rental Montenegro, or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com

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Feb 02

In Chyulu Hills National Park

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Before booking a Kenya Safari vacation, maybe even a honeymoon in Kenya, you have to do your homework. 

It is possible you may never have heard of Campi Ya Kanzi which is in the Chyulu Hills state Park, but this would be the perfect place for a luxury African safari. 

Campi Ya Kanzi means ‘Camp of The concealed Treasure’, but effectively for you the hidden treasure is the sheer quality of this luxury tented safari camp in Southern Kenya, which is sort of in the shadow of Mt.  Kilimanjaro which is only 35 miles away, and it lies within a 400 square mile non-public ranch. 

There are superb features concerning Campi Ya Kanzi making it an excellent base for a luxury African safari and some of them are. 

The maximum number of guests is restricted to 14 in six thatched roof tented cottages, and the two suites called Hemingway and Simba.  Each tented cottage is formed of stones fabric and wood. 

The tented cottages all have different perspectives and are extremely private, only one reason that Campi Ya Kanzi is a complete must visit on a honeymoon in Kenya. 

The apartments all feature a king size bed, a dressing room, and the bathrooms have double wash hand basins. 

The cottages have either twin or king size beds, and have like the apartments a fullsize bath, shower, bidet, flush toilet and cold and warm running water.  Electricity is supplied by a solar system to each cottage. 

style is added to by the proven fact that the plumbing fixtures are brass, and fresh flowers are replaced each day. 

Each cottage as Camp Ya Kanzi has a wide veranda with superb views of Mt.  Kilimanjaro and the Tsavo Hills. 

Each guesthouse has a designated Maasai attendant, and at night the camp is patrolled by guards so you can feel safe and totally secure at Campi Ya Kanzi. 

The meals are all served at Tembo House which is the clubhouse at the epicentre of the camp.  Like the cottages it is created of local materials and thatch.  It is open to the outside and the views of Kilimanjaro from the patio are to put it softly spectacular.  It also has a huge lounge for relaxing reading and having a quiet drink. 

Tembo House is more like being a guest in a friend’s home than an hotel.  Even dining is at a large wooden family dining table, set with expensive china, silverware and crystal to further this impression, and food which has an Italian theme, and is naturally home cooked by specifically trained cooks is amazing, but stands alongside local and international dishes, and veggies from the plant garden, local fresh milk and eggs from the chickens. 

Campi Ya Kanzi has 2 goals, the first of which is to help the Maasai preserve their wildlife heritage.  The second is to give you the most memorable vacation of your life. 

Your safari day will commence with tea or coffee brought to your cottage by your Maasai attendant, and then after enjoying the view from the verandah you may have a morning game drive, or if you would like a walk.  Breakfast follows with fresh local fruit, then doubtless an escorted safari on foot.  Campi Ya Kanzi is famous and correctly so for its foot safaris.  The Maasai game trackers will go out first, then you’ll follow in your own auto, getting close enough to whatever game you have indicated you need to see.  It is then on foot, with your armed pro guide and the trackers.  In this manner you will get close and personal, whilst remaining safe at all times. 

All of this is as far as you can get from the mass car pursuit of animals in the Masai Mara, and indeed you’ll never need it another way in the future. 

all of the activity in the bush is what you want and not part of a rigid program.  You will almost surely see all the big 5, but on foot, and what could be more exciting than that. 

if you’d like to take a luxury African safari, or have your honeymoon in Kenya, then Campi Ya Kanzi might be the best solution and the fact each buck you spend helps the Maasai preserve their wildlife heritage.

Journey around the world by visiting famouswonders.com and while you’re at it, also check out Mount Kenya National Park.

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Jan 06

A picture of Alnmouth

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Video of beach and estuary at Alnmouth

First impressions of Alnmouth are usually those from the railway line or parallel road when approaching from the south.  Green meadows and ripe corn fields flow down to its broad river estuary, the other side of which lies a cheery terrace of colourful painted Victorian cottages. Each ebb tide strands the fleet of small boats moored in the estuary on the sand where they lie until the water rushes back in again from the sea. The sky and the sea act as a sapphire canvas for the picture of the brightly painted houses.In any circumstances almost no one passes who does not comment on the view.  Legend has it that when Queen Victoria was on her way to Balmoral she would have the engine driver slow down the train when they reached Alnmouth so she could enjoy the vista.
Alnmouth owes its almost unique geographic situation equally to the sea and the River Aln, as both have shaped the surrounding land leaving it sitting on a narrow peninsula of land parallel with the coastline.Alnmouth is more than a mere village and would be boasting to call itself a town but it does contain all the best bits of Northumberland coastal ‘life’.Traditional coastal architecture, without the usual tacky seaside add-ons, all bounded by white sand and in a pretty rural setting.   It only lacks its own castle but there are plenty of world-beating ones in very close proximity – Warkworth, Alnwick, Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh to name but a few.  Add to this mix a handful of cosy pubs, couple of interesting shops and some eating places proudly serving local fresh produce and you have the recipe for a wonderful holiday or short break.
Located on the main east coast railway and just off the A1 between Newcastle and Berwick, Alnmouth can be used as the perfect base for the whole of Northumberland and Scottish Borders.  Alnwick with its world famous castle and gardens is just three miles away, where you will also find the amazing Barter Book Store in the old railway station.You can a few likely looking books and then retire to the ‘waiting room’ to sample a few pages whilst enjoying a fresh coffee in front of the open fire.

Holiday accommodation in Alnmouth is mainly B&Bs or self catering cottages, of which there are plenty but they are also pretty busy even in winter and so advance booking is advisable. Visitors looking for a more active holiday can join in inland and offshore sailing, diving, surfing, mountain biking, shooting, fishing and golf!

By car Alnmouth is five miles off the A1, it has its own station on the East Coast mainline railway and North sea ferries arrive from Norway & Holland into Newcastle, which also has its own airport.  Car hire is available at all these points of arrival.

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Dec 05

Amazing Vacations In York

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Many folk are deciding to take vacations closer to home this year. For the majority of us it is to cut costs but is this a wise decision or a terrible mistake? Frequently many of us fail to see the many local tourist attractions but they are frequently brilliant and far better than those we see somewhere else. Folk resident in the UK have a mindblowing list of vacation destinations each of which has a massive selection of top class visitor attractions to visit. In the following article I introduce the English city of York and hotels in York.

York is situated in the English county of Yorkshire and was, hundreds of years ago, the capital city of a huge kingdom covering most of northern England. In such an ancient city it will not be an enormous surprise to discover a large collection of incredibly old buildings, but you might not expect the astounding sight of the 12th century Gothic York Minster.

The earliest incarnation of York Minster was a humble church of wood in which the Northumbrian King Edwin was baptised in 627. It wasn’t until the time of the Norman Conquest that the earliest sunstantial construction made from stone appeared on the site. Constructed by Thomas of Bayeux, a Norman Archbishop it was extended by Archbishop Roger who constructed a north transept and a south transept. Following many more alterations it was declared complete and consecrated in 1472. Inside has the biggest medieval stained glass window in the world. York has other places to visit including; the National Railway Museum, the Jorvik Viking Centre, Barley Hall, The Shambles, York Castle Museum and York Dungeon.

On top of all of the incredible historic and ancient tourist attractions introduced above, York is an exciting place to go out partying in or experience live music, the opera or theatre. It that doesn’t thrill you then you could visit a pub instead there are certainly plenty to choose from, including; Old Star Inn, Oscars Wine Bar, The Bluebell Inn, the Slug and Lettuce and The Royal Oak, and, lastly, the Black Swan. Of all of them the Black Swan is probably the finest with a superb atmosphere and sometimes having live music.

B&B Accommodation In York

Like many other UK cities you will find a massive variety of York bed and breakfast accommodation ranging from cheap and cheerful guest houses to first class hotels. The Middlethorpe Hall hotel is just two miles from the city centre of York but provides superb accommodation with it’s own private gardens, gym, sauna and steam room, and it also offers massages. Other top York hotels include; Marriott on Tadcaster Road, Hotel du Vin and Bistro, Parsonage Country House Hotel and Bishops at 135 Holgate Road and one of the best guest houses is Crossways on Wigginto Road, or if you are looking for something different why not consider Marmadukes Boutique Hotel.

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Nov 23

Spending Time In Birmingham, England and Things You Need To Know

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Currently increasing numbers folk are seeking new holiday destinations which have something completely different or, at the very least something rather than the common vacation on a sunny beach. During this, so called, credit crunch the majority of us are, unfortunately coming to the inevitable conclusion that they have dramatically less cash for investing in a vacation and are, frustratingly, having to making cutbacks to stretch their cash further. A way of meeting this requirement is to search out a less expensive resort. The article below introduces readers to Birmingham,  a city in England. With the English pound so weak against the dollar and euro guest houses and hotels in Birmingham are a bargain.

You will find Birmingham in the county of England called the West Midlands  and the inhabitants of the city are referred to as being “Brummies”. The accent of Birmingham sounds like many other northern English dialects and it is rather tricky to understand fully what is being spoken a struggle which is exaggerated if if you are new to such accents. Thankfully the vast majority of Brummies are extremely polite, helpful and kind and do their utmost to help you understand so if the need arises don’t be afraid to approach folk about directions and help or guidance in locating  bed & breakfast in Birmingham.

The city has  a superb collection of places to visit and things to do including some interesting and informative galleries and museums, for example the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the new museum in the Eastside called Thinktank. The city of Birmingham also features an impressive number of hectares of woodland and parks, Sutton Park being the largest with 2,400 acres making it the very largest urban nature reserve in the whole of Europe.

The city features a varied and vibrant nightlife with many restaurants, cafes, wine bars, bars and nightclubs. You will find most in one of the city’s squares, Victoria Square, Centenary Square, St Martin’s Square, Chamberlain Square, the historic Old Square at Corporation Street, Rotunda Square and the Gas Street Basin. Gas Street Basin is the central hub of the city’s canal system. Birmingham has about 32 miles of canals with between eight canals which were built in the 18th century and continued being used until the late twentieth century. Today the Gas Street Basin has been renovated and regenerated and is now a rather nice tourist attraction.

As an alternative to a hotel why not think about apartments in Birmingham. If you If you are considering a Birmingham vacation you will need to know that the closest airport is approximately eight miles east of the the city center just off the A45 and near the M42 (junction 6). You will find there is a useful number of guest houses and hotels close to the airport.

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Nov 13

Idyllic destinations – Australia’s Tamborine Mountain

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Located approximately 60 kilometres south of Queensland’s capital city of Brisbane, Tamborine Mountain is a volcanic plateau set within Australia’s Gold Coast hinterland.

An outpouring of lava from nearby Mount Warning – many millenia ago – created Tamborine Mountain’s lush, forested plateau which is approximately 8 km long by 5 km wide and now sits 600 metres above sea level.

The many attractions of Mount Tamborine and its charming villages include craft and antique shops, cafes and restaurants and numerous galleries which attract thousands of tourists every season.

The area is also known for its award-winning wineries with many offering tours, free tastings and affordable meals in beautiful surroundings. If you enjoy walking, nine National Parks within the Tamborine Mountain region await you. Shady walking tracks lead through magnificent subtropical rainforest and past breathtaking waterfalls, natural swimming holes and rock pools. Sun dappled picnic, BBQ and rest areas pepper the way and spectacular lookouts offer stunning views towards the ocean as well as to the West over the hinterland.

The Rainforest Discovery Skywalk is one of the latest Tamborine Mountain attractions and was completed in early 2009. Set on 30-acres of awe-inspiring rainforest and alongside a tumbling creek, the Skywalk consists of an eco walking trail that leads to a 40m-long platform set 30m above the rainforest canopy. A short drive away, another popular attraction are the Glow-worm Caves that offer guided underground sightseeing tours through two spectacular man made caves filled with thousands of glow worms.

The rich volcanic soil of the area supports a diversity of horticulture which can be enjoyed on nature walks as well as by visiting the local Botanic Gardens. The bounty of many Tamborine Mountain residents’ gardens is also on display at several roadside stalls that abound with kiwi fruit, rhubarb, avocados and macadamia nuts quaintly displayed around an ‘Honesty Box’.

This small plateau also thrives with animal and bird life. Platypus, green tree frogs, scrub turkeys, wallabies and of course koalas form part of the Mountain’s varied range of wildlife and in the morning, the calls of lorikeets, kookaburras and lyrebirds can be heard.

The state of Queensland is known as Australia’s Sunshine State and on Tamborine Mountain, you can enjoy abundant sunshine year-round but without the heat and humidity that the more northerly parts of Queensland often endure.

The surfing beaches, shopping malls, theme parks (including Warner Brothers and Sea World) plus many other Gold Coast attractions are a comfortable 40-minute drive from Mount Tamborine while Brisbane is one hour away, making the Mountain the ideal ‘base-camp’ location from which to explore south-east Queensland.

The nearest international airport is Brisbane’s, however national travellers often opt for Coolangatta (Gold Coast) airport, a mere 45-minute drive from Tamborine Mountain.

Whether you are parents-to-be seeking a tranquil Babymoon destination, a newly engaged couple looking for that perfect Honeymoon location or if you are simply looking for the best Tamborine retreat you will delight in the serene privacy of Mount Tamborine’s Witches Falls Cottages.

Witches Falls Cottages offer an idyllic retreat to nature and consist of very private cottages tucked away along rainforest pathways in one of Tamborine Mountain’s and perhaps even Australia’s most secluded and peaceful locations.

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Oct 18

Safari in Zambia – Elephants invade the Hotel

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The hotel was built on the elephants migration route and the same herds of elephants continue to walk the same route even though there is a building in the path.

The hotel guests are thrilled to be part of this fabulous event.

The hosts of the hotel make sure that everyone is safe because not much will stop the elephants nor will they divert not that any one wants them too! So they just strole straight through every so often much to the delight and safety of guests.

If you would like to experience this for yourself
we can book your safari contact us today so that you can migrate to the wonderful elephant safari

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Oct 14

Plymouth Weekend City Breaks and Visitor Attractions to Visit

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Vacations in the UK appear to be increasingly popular at the moment, most probably due to the economic downturn and the low value of the pound Sterling. The United Kingdom has many top vacation destinations including London (the capital city of England) and other fascinating cities plus a fine collection of seaside resorts such as; Blackpool, Bognor Regis, Bournemouth and Brighton. One town commonly overlooked is Plymouth in the south of England.

When you first arrive Plymouth appears a little plain and primarily modern, but investigating a little deeper and you will very quickly find that the city of Plymouth has a rich history and a deep association with the sea. As far back as the 16th C the town has had a busy port. In fifteen eighty eight Francis Drake embarked from the port to successfully defend the English from the Spanish Armada. Another historic moment occurred in sixteen twenty when the Pilgrim Fathers embarked from the port.

It is possible to enjoy inexpensive Plymouth weekend city breaks by booking Plymouth bed and breakfast rather than booking rooms in a overpriced hotel. A simple online search will reveal that rooms are available from as little as £29 a night and many guest houses have reasonably priced dinners also, commonly equal to, or less costly than local restaurants.

Tourist Attractions In Plymouth

There are a great many interesting places in the town which are worth a visit. Popular visitor attractions include; Smeaton’s Tower and Plymouth Dome, the Barbican district, the Elizabethan House and the Royal Citadel. A boat cruise around the waters of the port is an interesting way to spend some time but if you find that you have more time why not take a day out to places outside Plymouth, such as; Saltram House, Mount Edgcumbe or Buckland Abbey.

Saltram House is a lovely Tudor Mansion which is situated 2m east of the town of Plymouth, Mount Edgcumbe is another Tudor house with parklands, coastal paths and landscaped gardens, and Buckland Abbey, approximately 6 miles from Plymouth, is a Cistercian abbey which was at one time by Francis Drake and was at a later date converted into a family home.

If you and your family are currently considering spending a few weeks in the city of  Plymouth it is crucial that you book your  lodgings at the earliest opportunity because, sadly hotels in Plymouth tend to be surprisingly busy and are commonly fully booked well in advance. If you are travelling in a group you may find that Plymouth apartments are a reasonable option to Plymouth bed and breakfast accommodation. If you are visiting the United Kingdom from abroad then you could consider making a reservation for a room in hotels in London to take in the attractions of the English capital too.

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Oct 04

Travel to London you will never forget

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London Song

London is a major city in the southeast of England.Along with New York and Toyko, it is to this day, one of the largest cities on the planet. The House of Parliment is located in London, the capital of England. Because of its immense size, it has turned into one of the world’s most frequent tourist destinations. There are so many wonderful attractions in London that a visitor can spend anywhere from seven to seventy days in the city without feeling as though they’re “seen it all”. There are several events, monuments, and attractions to view. Some come with hefty fees, while others can be nearly free.

Finding suitable accommodations in London is a top priority. If you are looking for comfort without breaking your pocketbook, try London’s The Pavilion hotel. The Aster House has long been considered one the best places to stay if you are looking for a B&B in London. It’s inevitable that many people will want to influence your choice of a holiday.

If London is on your list of places to visit, you will more than likely need to go by plane. There are many airports that will provide transportation to London. it becomes quite a hassle if you would need to re-book a flight one-way of another plane, instead try the round-trip because that would be the best choice. London Heathrow is one of many airports in London

Upon arrival in London, hail a black taxi cab. You’ll find it’s the easiest way to get to your hotel from the terminal. Transportation is provided from every major airport by exceptionally well-trained drivers. Another route to take is through car rentals. You can discover London in your own way and time by hiring a car from Auto Europe, a top place for car rental You can rent a car in London,but, the tube which is a name referring to the London Underground,will get you where you want to go almost as easily. Since it has a comparatively low cost, this type of transportation can save a lot of money.

In London, there are many legendary houses of art and museums When it comes to fine art, the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern are among the best galleries in the world. Modern art, dating from the early 20th century through the present, is featured at the Tate Modern display. The Tate Britain has a wider array of art, that dates back as far as the 17th Century, and contemporary work. Among the great locations for experiencing the artistic side of London is the National Portrait Gallery.

London-based museum buffs would do well to check out the Museum of London – an excellent resource for information on London’s history. This showcase begins in the Roman times and ultimately finishes in the present day and age. Other museums that must be paid a visit are the Science Museum, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Geffrye Museum, the Horniman Museum, and the V&A.

The loudness, and insanity of the busy streets leaves a person yearning to get a way for some peace and quiet. Rest and relaxation can be found at these times in a local park. To see breathtaking sights, fantastic views, and feel comfortable, there is no place better than the Royal Parks. Regents Park and Hyde Park are two of the loveliest places you are sure to find in London. There are guided walking tours offered for those who would like to make a slower, commentated journey through this glorious collection of Mother Nature’s finest treasures.

A beautiful and extravagant building is the Houses of Parliament. This is the place where all the laws that are argued and enacted originate. Seen here is Big Ben, the ornate and lovely clock tower. Another popular attraction is Buckingham Palace. Containing more than 660 rooms, this permanent residence for the Monarch is considered to be the largest privately-owned home in the entire expanse of London.

Rounding out the places to see is the Millennium Wheel at the London Eye. This dazzling spectacle is sure to be memorable when you visit and it is close to Waterloo Station. The largest wheel of observation in the world is the Millennium Wheel. While you are given the tour, the most spectacular sights of London may be viewed. The length of the attraction is only 30 minutes, allowing for plenty of time for pictures.

Whether its delving into the latest news in the paper on a park bench, or musing upon a particular piece of art, London is full of events and attractions that are sure to make anyone’s visit worthwhile and memorable.

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