Travel Guides

The Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady is a masterpiece of lace work in stone. Begun in 1352, it is one of the finest Gothic buildings in Europe. The church, which became a cathedral in 1559 replaced a Romanesque church built in the 12th century. The last vestiges of that church were demolished in 1481. It contains a number of significant works by painter, Rubens. Its spire is 123 m high. This portal features statues which include the missionary Saint Willibrordus. He is thought to have spent time in Antwerp in the 7th century.The Church of Our Lady and St Philip was the gift of Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk. The architect was Joseph Hansom, widely known as the inventor of the Hansom Cab. The style of the Cathedral is French Gothic about 1400.

The Cathedral serves as a “model Church for all Parish Churches” in the style and content of its liturgical celebrations. In design, art and furnishings, the Cathedral is rich in cultural diversity in a city in which Sunday Mass is celebrated in 42 different languages. It also tells a story of glory and prosperity – and even more so one of sorrow and disaster. This is the story of people who built dreams, people who expressed their allegiance to God and their fellow men. For over a thousand years, Mary has been the patroness of this Cathedral and of the city of Antwerp; each year thousands of people come and express their love and sorrow to Mary. This church is much more than just a museum filled with valuable treasures, it is still an active place of worship.

A resort of exceptional quality and style set in mythical surroundings to sooth and inspire. Take pleasure in the dramatic views from your luxury bungalow, suite or villa; dive into the crystal clear blue waters of the Mediterranean; relax with a specialized treatment in our state-of-the-art The Elounda Spa & Thalasso therapy. And enjoy an impeccable service, which combined together with our celebrated Cretan hospitality, will make you feel right at home. Endless Blue Location If there is a reason to visit Blue Palace, Resort & Spa it must be its unparalleled location with breathtaking views Blue Palace, is situated just 3 km away from the village of Elounda and within a few hundred meters of the fishing village of Plaka, where life still moves along

to the rhythm of another era.

The resort overlooks the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and sits opposite the isle of Spinalonga with its medieval fortress. Spinalonga’s story dates back to the Venetians and Turks, conquerors of Crete, and is nowadays a unique historical attraction protected by the Greek Society of Byzantine Antiquities. The natural beauty of the area is enhanced by the hotels stylish design and by its gardens built as attribute to the local vegetation. The resort unfolds in small units of bungalows that merge harmoniously with the serene and sensuous ambiance. Nestled on a small cliff, the resort leads down to a 200-meter long beach. A panoramic lift has been built to ensure effortless access to the beach from all levels of the hotel, while a number of electric cars are also available. The impeccably furnished rooms are decorated in an understated neutral colour scheme that contrasts with the view of stunning blue skies and sea offered by every room. Infinity pools flowing seamlessly into the sea are available in most room types and all rooms feature a private terrace or veranda. Perfect for pampering in a spectacular location.

Nearby, on the Bolivian side of the lake, arose the population and ceremonial center of Tiahuanaco, capital of one of the most important civilizations of South America. Tiahuanaco ceremonial sites were built along the lake’s shores, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2,000 years ago. More than 25 rivers empty into Titicaca, and the lake has 41 islands, some of which are densely populated. The lake is 196 km long with an average width of 56 km. The lake has waves, testament to its size and not surprising the waters are cold.

Lake Titicaca, at 12,530 feet, is the highest navigable lake and the center of a regionwhere thousands of subsistence farmers make a living fishing in its icy waters, growing potatoes in the rocky land at is edge or herding llama and alpaca at altitudes that leave travelers gasping for air. The Uros of today, still live as the original inhabitants did as they continue to use the totora reeds to build their huts and rafts. The Uros are singular people and even though they keep to themselves very quietly, they do allow people to visit with them. They have always been quiet happy to participate with us when we perform our ceremonies or meditations on their island.
It boasts up to 300 different types of traditional dances, many of which are performed in the streets during annual festivals. A good one to catch in early November is Puno week, which celebrates the legendary birth of the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his sister – Mama Ocllo. According to legend the pair rose up out of the Lake Titicaca in search of a place to establish the Inca empire. This scenic place has enormous significance in the ancient culture of the Inca. The creation myth of the Inca is rooted in these deep blue waters.
Lake Titicaca is the center for archaeological and cultural studies as well as a favored tourist destination. If you go plan to visit in the summer months but take warm clothing. The days may be pleasantly sunny but the nights can be very cold. The lake is still sacred to the Aymara people who live there.

Whilst on your city break holiday in Hungary, we invite you to experience the magic aura surrounding the Budapest opera & ballet and enjoy the enthralling voices of our favourite operatic singers and the vibrant performances of world class ballet dancers. Almost every evening the curtains rise to transfer the spectators to the surprising world created on the stage by talents of the performers, composer and conductor.

The established concert season in Budapest is from late September to early June, but some of the best opera and ballet can be seen at the height of the season, in the Summer Opera and Ballet Festival. The fabulous State Opera House is the showpiece venue where the Hungarian State Opera perform. There are also outdoor concerts at Hilton Dominican Court and the Basilica of St Stephan. The various music, opera and ballet events take place under the umbrella title of BudaFest Summer Festival, and keynote events at the Opera House are usually programmed for August.

The building probably featured on more postcards than any other contemporary building. Even the whole area, the Flatiron district, was named after the building. Originally the Flatiron building featured an observatory on the top floor, but taller buildings have taken over this function. It is still however a popular tourist attraction, and one of the most photographed landmarks in New York.The Flatiron Building was constructed between 1901 and 1903 at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue, at the time one of the most prominent sites. It is located near Madison Square at the end of the Ladies Mile, one of Manhattan’s most important shopping districts at the turn of the 19th century.The Flatiron Building was designed by Chicago’s Daniel Burnham as a steel-frame skyscraper clad in Flatiron Buildingwhite terra-cotta. At 21 stories and 307 ft (93 meter), it was one of the city’s tallest buildings. It was not – as is often incorrectly thought – the tallest building in the world or even the tallest building in New York (these titles belonged to the Park Row building, built in 1899), but its singular shape and prominent location soon made it one of New York City’s most famous landmarks.

For millions of people, not only in New York but around the world, Madison Square Garden is more than an arena. It symbolizes the very best in sports and entertainment, earning the Garden the moniker, “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” Madison Square Garden occupy nearly 1,000,000 square feet in the heart of New York City and play host to more than 600 events. On February 11, 1968, the current Madison Square Garden opened its doors and has been creating irreplacable memories ever since.In addition to sports and special events, Madison Square Garden provides convention and office facilities. The facility can seat 20,000 for meetings, conventions or product launches.