FRANCE

Beautiful by name, beautiful by nature, la belle France is still turning heads. 

Whether it's gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavour or cultural cachet you're looking for, there's no doubt that France still sits right at the top of the European heap. France is the country for which the word chic was invented - seductive and aloof, old-fashioned and forward-looking, but always characterised by a certain je ne sais quoi.

Getting to France

Air France and scores of other airlines link Paris with every section of the globe. 

Other French cities with international air links (mainly to places within Europe) include Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Strasbourg and Toulouse. 

In France, inexpensive flights offered by discount airlines and charter clearing houses can be booked through many regular travel agents. If you are doing a lot of travel around Europe, look for discount bus and train passes, which can be combined with discount airfares.

When to go to France

Spring offers the best weather to visitors, with beach tourism picking up in May. 

Temperatures aren't too bad in autumn, although the short days mean limited sunlight and the cold starts to make itself felt towards the end of the season, even along the Côte d'Azur. 

Winter means playing in the snow in France's Alps and Pyrenees, though the Christmas school holidays send hordes of tadpoles in uniform scurrying for the slopes. 

Mid-July through to the end of August is when most city dwellers take their annual five weeks' vacation to the coasts and mountains, and the half-desolate cities tend to shut down a bit accordingly. The same happens during February and March.

Major Attractions of France:

1)The Eiffel Tower Visit:

The Eiffel Tower's specially designed Altitude 95 Restaurant on the tower's first floor takes visitors back to the days of airship travel. You'll watch Paris light up from the restaurant's large picture windows, with views over the Seine to the Trocadero, plus you'll see glimpses of the famous Eiffel Tower's inner structure.

After dinner, you'll cruise along the Seine River and see the illuminated buildings and bridges of Paris. The perfect way to end your Paris evening.

With 2 million visitors the first year and almost 6 million people a year today, the Eiffel Tower is a real crowd pleaser. At the crossroads of the entire world, 180 million visitors have come since its construction. It's not surprising when you consider the Eiffel Tower is the monument that best symbolizes Europe. It's also the one tourists prefer. 

2)Cours Saleya Flower Market
Nice's famous Flower Market is one of the best attractions in the whole city. The edges are lined with cafés and souvenir shops, and the stands themselves are packed with amazing produce and myriad flowers. It operates six days a week, replaced on Mondays by a flea and antiques market.

3. Matisse Museum

The lovely and innovative art of Henri Matisse was inspired by the fresh colors and lines of Nice. There are also some of his personal effects here. The museum gift shop features prints of the artist's works.

Adress : 164, av. des Arènes de Cimiez 06000 Nice.
Tel : (+33) (0)4 93 81 08 08 (informations)

Two Matisse paintings, created in Vence in 1947, Nature morte aux grenades (Matisse museum collection, Nice) and Intérieur rouge, nature morte sur table bleue (Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen collection, Düsseldorf) are the centre pieces for pictorial and graphic ranges around the themes of « the interior » and « the pomegranate ».

4. Le Chateau
The best reason to visit the chateau is for the spectacular panoramic view of the city and sea. You won't actually see much of a castle (only a few sections of it remain). You can take the elevator up for a nominal price or hike up the stairs for free to the park atop the hill. Be sure to bring your camera.The hill is covered by a shady park full of Mediterranean essences, with an ornamental waterfall, and offers an exceptional panorama over Nice and its surroundings. Little remains of the old fortress except the relics of the Cathédrale Santa Maria de l'Assompta.

5)Russian Cathedral:(Avenue Nicolas 2)
The Emperor Nicolas 2 was partly responsible for financing its construction.
Inaugurated in 1912, the cathédrale Saint Nicolas presents a superb harmony of pink bricks, light grey marble and brightly coloured ceramic. Crowned by six "onion-shaped" domes, it contains superb treasures : icons, woodwork and frescoes.. 
in the cathedral gardens, admire the commemorative chapel of tzarevitch Nicolas Alexandrovitch

6)Fine art Meuseum:
33 avenue des Baumettes
The museum is housed in the residence of the Ukrainian princess Kotschoubey, built in 1878 in the italian style of the early 17th century. The art collections include the Paris school, the 17th century Italian school, Dutch landscapes, 18th century French and Italian, impressionists and postimpressionists. Modern art is also represented with Raoul Dufy and Van Dongen.

Liverpool

Welcome to Liverpool:
As a city, Liverpool is diverse, energetic and exciting: from celebrating Liverpool's 800th birthday in 2007 to being the European Capital of Culture this year; football to festivals; music to maritime; clubs to cuisine. We really think there's something for everyone here!

Music and Events Tickets For Sale:


To buy tickets for some concerts and events coming up in the Liverpool City Region, click on the months below to find out what's on and book your tickets on-line. We have an array of events on offer so book now to avoid dissapointment.

Liverpool Hotels and Accommodation:

Looking for a Liverpool B&B to round off a sporting or clubbing 
trip? Or are you more the swanky hotel type? Whatever your 
budget and pampering demands, it's easy to find perfect Liverpool accommodation if you book through us!

"Liverpool City Region offers a wide range of hotels and accommodation to suit all budgets " 

Because we have a accommodation database covering the whole of Liverpool, apartments and all types of overnight rooms are just a few clicks - or a phone call - away. Let our team of experienced advisors show you just what Liverpool accommodation offers. This is a complimentary service offered by the Official Tourist Board for the 
Liverpool City Region

Eating Out in the Liverpool City Region"

Liverpool City Region has been undergoing a renaissance in its restaurant and bar scene and offers a cosmopolitan range of restaurants with something for everyone's tastebuds.

In Liverpool's year of European Capital of Culture 2008 you can indulge in cuisines from around the world.

Liverpool city centre is full of life and offers a great variety of dining and eating out experiences. Hope Street Hotel won Bar of the Year for its residents lounge and its restaurant The London Carriage Works, in the Georgian quarter of Liverpool, was awarded Restaurant of the Year at the Northern Hospitality Awards.

Egypt

Tourists can spend weeks, months, years exploring coral reefs, the Sinai, the Red Sea, fortresses and dunes of the eastern and western deserts.

Time of visit:

Egypt has only two seasons. The country receives the least rainfall in the world. The mild winter that lasts from November to April is the best time to visit. Throughout Egypt, days are warm or hot and nights are cool.

Exclusive Nile River Cruise:

• Eight-day River Nile cruise from Luxor
• Scheduled private tours include Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temples, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple in Aswan 
  
• Tour the sites with your own private guide
  
• Optional tours available, including Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon flight over Luxor and Aswan sound and light show 
  
• Evening entertainment including Nubian music and dancers, a Galabayeh night and belly dancing 
  

• All meals included, featuring a mix of Egyptian and Western food 
  
• Enjoy privileged, personalized attention from your expert Egyptologist guide on this cruise 
  
• Pick-up and drop-off from Luxor hotels, airport or port
  
  

Cairo:

Cairo, the Triumphant City, is wonderful capital of Egypt’s wonderful capital. It is the largest city in both the Middle East and Africa and lies at the centre of all routes leading to, and from Asia, Africa and Europe.
The city extends on the banks of the River Nile to the south of its delta.
Cairo is the administrative capital and, close by, is almost every Egypt Pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Ancient Egyptian City of Memphis and Capital of the Old Kingdom, on the very edge of the city.
Cairo provides great and well organized culture, including art galleries and music halls, such as the Cairo Opera House. 
The city also provides some of the best accommodations and restaurants in the world, such as the Cairo Marriott and the Four Seasons.
Great part of the incredible and unbelievable charm of the capital of Egypt is the result of 2000 years mixture of Islamic, Christian Coptic and Jewish culture. An incredible and unique mixture that still keeps on flourishing to this day.

The Sinai

This desert region is dotted with resort towns on its red sea coast, Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh being two of the most popular for cheap holidays in Egypt. 

If you want a beach holiday included in your Egyptian vacation package, then The Sinai is a must-visit. The region boasts good beaches and good swimming. A magnificent coral reef also gives diving and snorkeling that aficionados consider second only to the barrier reef, and not a distant second at that. 

Luxor 

South of Cairo on the banks of the Nile, this quietish city holds several attractions including Nile boat trips and a tour to both the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. 

As you’d imagine this is where the bodies of ancient Kings and Queens were buried and are impressively large sites. I liked Luxor and had a peaceful hassle-free few days there.

Aswan

Aswan, in southern Egypt, stands on the east bank of the Nile. It is one of the driest inhabited areas in the world and is home to approximately 200,000 people.

One of the driest inhabitable spots of earth this is a popular destination for both overseas and homegrown tourists alike. Its attraction lies in its easygoing atmosphere, stunning setting on the banks of the Nile, palm groves, Elephantine Island and huge dam.

Aswan is a popular Egyptian winter resort; the summer months of May-October are hot with highs of 41C; the winter months of November-April are mild with temperatures dipping to 10C.

Dakhla Oasis:

Dakhla Oasis is one of the oases in the Western Desert region of Egypt. It is situated more than 100 m above sea level and numerous springs and ponds form a part of its topography.

Western Desert enjoys a fairly moderate climate with very chilly winters, while summer temperatures may rise as high as 50°C.

More than 4,000 years ago, this was a flourishing region having access to three important caravan routes linking it to various parts of Egypt. 

Dakhla is at quite a distance from the main settlements of the country and thus has remained vastly unknown till the nineteenth century. It is made up of 14 settlements with a total population of approximately 75,000 inhabitants.

Alexandria:

Alexandria is in northern Egypt and is its second largest city. Also the largest seaport in the region, it has a population of 4 million inhabitants.

A summer resort city, it enjoys temperate climate. Winters average 45F and summers are warmer at 90F.
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city was the capital of Greco - Roman Egypt. Today, because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from the Suez Canal, it is an important industrial centre, as well as a centre of maritime archaeology. 

A city draped in history and culture, it is Egypt’s most multi-ethnic city.

Noteable Hotels:

1. The Pharaoh Egypt hotel: It is situated in the heart of the city centre of Cairo, within walking distance of the residential and diplomatic districts Giza and Mohandesseen and not far from the main shopping streets of the city and other famous attractions as the Giza pyramids or the Egyptian museum. A number of relaxing leisure facilities are located within the complex, as a fully equipped gym, offering a beautiful view of the Giza Pyramids, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a jacuzzi tub.
2. Domina Prestige:The elegancy of the European tradition along with the unbelievable charm of Egypt have given birth to Domina Prestige; an exclusive resort where you can have unique atmospheres and emotions, cuddled and dandled by the most modern and refined comforts and by the deep blue of the sea of Sharm El Sheikh.
3. The Tobya Boutique hotel:It is a family-run property, situated only 2 km from the Egyptian-Israeli border, overlooking the famous Gulf of Aqaba and 4 different countries- Eqypt, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The resort was built within a natural crevasse of the Sinai mountains, the outstanding architecture and interior blends in with the greenery and tranqillity of its surroundings, making it a unique experience.

Italy:FLORENCE

Florence holiday guide

If you've got your airline tickets to Italy and plan travel to the northern Tuscany capital of Florence, you'll enjoy a holiday in a city regarded for centuries to be the most beautiful in the country.

You'll also be visiting a city regarded as the art capital of Europe, if not the world.

History:

Florence was founded by Julius Ceasar in 59BC but was of little consequence till the 12th century when it became a rich merchant city dominated by the dynasty of the Medici family. In the 1500s, this city was the centre of the Renaissance movement that gripped Europe.

Sunset is a great time to admire postcard views of Florence from the elevated position of the Plaza Michelangelo. 

Weather:

Florence weather can be very hot during summer. Evenings are cold to cool most of the year and many tourists consider it best to travel to Florence during the mild Mediterranean winter when there are less foreigners in town.

The crowds and traffic can be overwhelming during the peak holiday tourist season, particularly in July and August.

Florence travel tips:

If you travel to Florence by train, the most convenient tourist office upon arrival is just outside the train station at Piazza della Stazione 4.

The domestic airport at Florence about five kilometres north-west of the city is called Amerigo Vespucci Airport (also known as Peretola).

Various European airlines fly tickets direct to Florence.

A host of international airlines have mostly European ticket connections to America.

After your flight to Florence, catch Bus 62 for a 30 minute trip to Piazza della Stazione in the central city - if you're on a budget holiday to Italy and can't afford the more expensive taxis.

The nearest major international airport is Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport, almost 100km west of Florence, with two to three connecting trains per hour.

The Stazione Santa Maria Novella in Florence has an Air Terminal where you can check in your holiday luggage and catch a train direct to your flight.

Communication within Florence:

Most bus stations in Florence are near the train station, servicing all

Tuscany towns, much of Umbria and most major cities in Italy such as Rome.

ATAF city buses travel to destinations all over the city from 6am to 1am.

Walking is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel through Florence so you can see the city's numerous holiday tourist attractions, despite ancient, narrow and sometimes cramped sidewalks.

If you catch a train to Florence and are looking for cheap nearby holiday accommodation as soon as you arrive, check out the many budget hotels just east of the train station around Via Faenza and Via Fiume.

Accomodation:

1)Minerva--This fourth-floor apartment provides spectacular views of historic Florence.
While the apartment is found in the center of the city, guests will enjoy its peace and comfort.

The living and dining room are spacious and light, with structure and columns from the Renaissance period. There are two bedrooms and bathrooms, to accomodate up to four people. For additional guests, there are several other apartments available for rent in the same building. There is a complete, built-in kitchen with a dishwasher and washing machine.

2)Mario Apartment--If you are planning to visit Florence in grand style, Mario Apartment, located in a landmark Renaissance building in the historic Plazza Santa Croce, is the perfect choice. The apartment has been tastefully decorated and is fully-equipped with many modern amenities.

Inside Mario, there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms to accomodate up to seven. The living/dining room area is elegant and spacious. A kitchen with dishwasher and refrigerator, along with pots and pans and dinnerware, provides for all of your dining needs.

3)Villa San Casciano--Staying at this spectacular 15th century Tuscan villa, only 20 minutes from Florence and right in the heart of the countryside among olive groves, vineyards and cypresses, is a truly ideal experience. Villa San Casciano is very private even though it is situated in a village where guests can walk to a café or restaurant. A private garden and parking area are at the front of the property facing the road, while the back of the villa has views of the beautiful Tuscan countryside.

4)Veduta di Montagna--Dating from the 13th century and located in a prime position for visiting Florence, Siena and the heart of Chianti, Veduta di Montagna has been cleverly restored to offer a very well-equipped family home. The 14 acres of private, landscaped gardens slope gently down to a large swimming pool nestling in the olive groves, set amidst extensive lawns bordered with flowers and the views to the Appenines and Apuan Alps are spectacular.

**The cheapest hotel accommodation we could find through a scan of several hundred Florence hotels in June 2004 was US$36. Prices were considerably higher in most other hotels.

Italy:FLORENCE

Architectuaral Views :

Florence is a fairly small city laced with alleyways and squares, its skyline dominated by the majestic Duomo cathedral dome built by architect Brunelleschi and consecrated in 1436.

The picturesque waters of the River Arno meander through a cityscape of superb architecture, the exquisite detail of buildings dating back to medieval times and the Renaissance.

The Duomo is a massive cathedral of Romanesque and Gothic styles built between 1334 and 1887, and the building dominates the skyline of Florence. For six euros (2006), tourists can climb inside the cathedral's cupola to see the artwork of Donatello and his contemporaries, or simply look down upon Florence.

The Uffizi Gallery houses one of the most important art collections in the world and is a labyrinth of galleries, private rooms and breathtaking masterpieces.

The Duomo and the Uffizi are just a few minutes stroll from each other and a half hour walking tour will usually get you to or from most of the other major tourist venues such as the Pitti Palace and the Galleria del'Accademia where the recently restored Michelangelo statue of David can be found.

If you don't pre-book to see David, you'll find yourself waiting for an hour or two in a queue. Tourists can also be stuck in queues to the Uffizi if they don't buy tickets in advance.

Journey:

Your holiday travel to Florence is certain to lead you north of the Arno River, where most of the city and its historic sites are located.

South of the river, the Palazzo Pitti district is a living museum of great museums.

Five bridges stretch across the Arno River from central Florence to the southern district called Oltrarno. Grey cobbled stone is the dominant building and street material.

The grandest of the bridges is Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), a three-arched span built in 1345 and lined with shops such as jewellers and goldsmiths.
The main tourist office in Florence is about three blocks north of the Duomo at Via Cavour 1r.

Environment:

There are dozens of internet cafes and web access locations throughout Florence, although prices are high.

Travel to Florence and you should protect yourself against pickpockets.

Otherwise, the city is safe to walk at night in most but not all areas.

Attractive Arts:

Perhaps the most famous art centre in Florence is the Palazzo degli Uffizi.

Better known simply as the Uffizi, this fortress building constructed in the late 16th century houses the Uffizi Gallery collection of masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Botticelli and Titian.

The Uffizi has more great art per square centimetre than any other museum in the world, holding about 1,600 paintings in 45 rooms.

Another popular tourist attraction is, of course, the Duomo cathedral whose massive dome is the signature icon of Florence.

Travel tip ... get to the Duomo as early as possible as only limited numbers of tourists are allowed inside and long queues are common.

Expect to devote several days to exploring just a few of the city's many churches, museums and palaces. Note that there are often long entry queues of tourists waiting outside the city's numerous treasures. The crowds can be discouraging and it's wise to pick a quiet time of year for travel if you want to conveniently enjoy the city's many religious and artistic icons.

The outer fringe of Florence is a combination of suburbs, light industry and olive-bearing hills. Florence is an excellent base for tours to the Chianti wine-growing district and the city is centrally located by train within three hours of cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice and Pisa.

Tuscany is exceptionally rich and the region boasts a magnificent rolling landscape.

The best times to travel through Tuscany are April-June and September to mid-October.