Showing posts with label Travel to Syria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel to Syria. Show all posts

Fun Things to do in Morocco

Fun Things to do in Morocco
Morocco, home to the imperial cites of Fez, Meknes, Rabbat and Marrakech, is home to a fascinating culture, friendly locals and a wealth of ancient landmarks and districts such as the Medinas found in the mentioned imperial cities.

Apart from the many fun things to do in Morocco, the country is an ideal base for exploring tourist attractions in Spain. In fact, one of the most popular ways to get to Spain is by speed-ferry which takes just half-hour.

Those of you looking to explore the cities in the south of Spain such as Malaga, Seville and Cadiz can take a ferry from Tangier (Morocco) to Algeciras (Spain).

There are also companies in Tangier (Morocco) that offer a ferry service to Barcelona, so for those of you who would love to explore the north of Spain, the south of France and the rest of Europe from Morocco, the ferry is fun and cost-effective way to go about it.

Fun Things to do in Morocco: Fun Outdoor Activities

Sahara Camel Tour


Taking a camel tour ride on the Sahara desert is one of the most popular fun things to do in Morocco. A typical camel tour through the Sahara desert can last for a few days and visitors spend the nights in desert camps.

Berber Village

One of the most popular fun things to do in Morocco is to explore one of the Berber villages located in the Atlas Mountains.

The best way to go about exploring a Berber village is to hire a local tour guide which can also arrange for you to spend the night with the Berber family.

Horse-drawn Carriage Tour

Exploring Morocco on a horse-drawn carriage is another popular fun thing to do for first time visitors. A typical horse carriage tour lasts around an hour and you get to visit the popular attractions from the comfort of the carriage.

Cities such as Meknes and Marrakech have some of the most beautiful attractions and these cities offer some of the most stunning scenery for a horse-drawn carriage tour.

Beach Activities

Those of you looking to enjoy a relaxing time at the beach as well as water activities such windsurfing, para-sailing and Dolphin boat trips, the resort of Agadir offers all of these and more.

Fun Things to do in Morocco: Cities of Interest

Marrakech

The city of Marrakech, located in the heart of Morocco, is perhaps one of the most popular of the Imperial Cities in Morocco, as the city is home to Morocco’s finest palaces that include the Bahia Palace and the Dar El Said, which are now turned into walking museums.

The Medina ( or Old Town) is where Marrakesh main attractions are found and they include the Koutoubia tower and the Saadian tombs.

Fes

One of the highlights of a trip to Morocco is to experience a Medina district. The city of Fes is home to Fes El Bali, which is the largest Medina in the whole of Morocco and it is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Popular things to do in Fes include taking a walking tour of the city’s main tourist attractions such as the Madrasa Bou Inania, the Aben Danan the Synagogue and the Dar Al-Magana.

Meknes

The city of Meknes, located north of Morocco, is one of the smallest cities in Morocco but one of the most prestigious of the Imperial cities.

The main point of interest in the town of Meknes is also the Medina district, which is where you’ll find the famed Jewish Quarter, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and El-Hdim square/ market place where you can enjoy some shopping, as well as some live entertainment.

Fun Things to do in Morocco: Shopping

Haggling at a souk (street market) is one of the most memorable fun things to do in Morocco. Souks are the best places to buy gifts and souvenirs and they are found all across Morocco.

The city of Marrakech is undoubtedly home to one of the most flamboyant souks in Morocco.

The Djemaa El Fna market place and square is the heart and soul of the shopping and dining scene in Marrakech. At the square, you’ll find the famed snake-charmers, Chleuh dancing-boys, story-tellers and magicians.

Fun Things to do in Morocco: Food & Drink

Enjoying the Moroccan cuisine is one of the best things to do in Morocco, and their cuisine has a mixture of Berber, Moorish, Mediterranean, Arab, and African influences.

One of the most popular Moroccan dishes to try out it’s Tagine, which is a delicious stew traditionally slow-cooked in a Tagine pot.

The most popular Moroccan drink is green tea with mint, which is considered an important ritual, and locals enjoy it throughout the day with friends and colleagues.

Fun Things to do in Morocco: Nightlife & Entertainment

The nightlife in Morocco has a vibrant and unique flavor, and ranges across the country from small bars to traditional belly dancing clubs.

For instance, the nightlife in Marrakech consists of local bars and street entertainment such as street performers and live music.

The resort of Agadir also has a vibrant nightlife and it is one of the places in Morocco where you’ll hotel-discos. In fact, those of you looking for a western-like night scene should consider staying at the resort of Agadir.

Fun Things to do in Morocco: Events & Festivals

The Marrakech Arts festival

The Marrakech Art festival, held in late June, is an international event that brings performers, from as far as China, to Marrakech. Apart from street performers, the event hosts fun theatrical plays.

Ramadan

Just like Dubai, Syria and Egypt, Ramadan month, held on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is also one of the holiest months of the year in Morocco.

If you intend to travel to Morocco during this time, it’s important to remember that is a holy and sensitive time and most places are closed during the day.

World Sacred Music Festival

The World Sacred Music Festival, held in late May in Fes, is an annual music event where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan and international music in one venue.

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Fun Things to do in Cyprus

Fun Things to do in Cyprus
Hi there,

The Island of Cyprus is located east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt, and it is a country blessed with beautiful beaches and natural scenery, as well as a wealth of historic landmarks such as the Villa of Theseus found in the town of Paphos.

Fun Things to do in Cyprus: Fun Outdoor Activities

Hiking

Apart from the amazing beaches, one of the most popular fun things to do in Cyprus is to explore the island’s natural scenery.

One of the best places to enjoy hiking is on the Troodos Mountains. The mountains offer many walking trails that lead up to old villages, monasteries and churches that were built here during the Byzantine era.

Another popular trail in Cyprus is the Aphrodite Trail located near the town of Polis in the Akamas Peninsula. The Aphrodite Trail is a five mile trek and offers stunning views of the Akamas coast.

Skiing

Between January and March it snows on the peaks of the Troodos Mountains, so those of you traveling to Cyprus can also enjoy skiing.

The highest point in the Troodos Mountains is Mount Olympus, which is where you’ll find the ski resorts. The Mount Olympus Ski resort, Sun Valley and North Face, has three T bars, one chairlift, and seven runs.

Wild Flower Picking

If you are interested in wild flowers, one of the most popular fun things to do in Cyprus in early spring is to go wild flower picking.

The spring wild flowers in Cyprus are simply beautiful and you can find rare types of wild orchids only found in Cyprus.

Snorkeling and Turtle watching

If you interested in wildlife spotting, Lara Bay (located north of Paphos) is home to crystal clear beaches where you can enjoying swimming and snorkeling. Also, along the bay, you can explore the protected turtle sanctuary of loggerhead turtles.

Fun Things to do in Cyprus: Cities of Interest

Paphos

If you are interested in history, (more specifically Greek mythology) you will enjoy a visit to the town of Paphos.

A visit to the town of Paphos is one of the most popular fun things to do in Cyprus, as the town is home to an archeological site where you’ll find the famed remains of the Villa of Theseus, as well as an impressive mosaic still intact.

Larnaka

The town of Larnaka, located in southeast Cyprus, is another popular tourist attraction and another great place to catch a glimpse of ancient Cyprus.

In Larnaka town, you can find the Larnaka Archeological Museum and the 17th century Larnaka Fort.

Limassol

The town of Limassol, located in the south of Cyprus, is one of the biggest cities in the Island and it is home to a number of museums and archaeological sites.

For instance, the medieval castle of Limassol is a great place to see 18th century cannons, paintings, art-crafts and tombstones.

Nicosia

The town of Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and the place where you’ll find some of the finest museums in Cyprus.

On of the most popular tourist attraction in Nicosia is the Liberty Monument, which is located in Eleftheria (Freedom) Square. The monument consists of bronze statues which commemorates the release of the EOKA freedom fighters.

Fun Things to do in Cyprus: Shopping 

One of the most popular fun things to do in Cyprus is to shop for traditional Cypriot goods.

Apart from charming traditional shops, the island is also home to boutiques and shopping malls where you can enjoy some retail shopping. If you intend to do upscale shopping, the capital city of Nicosia is where you’ll find the trendiest shops.

For retail shopping, all the major cities in Cyprus have at least a shopping mall. For instance, Nicosia and Limassol are home to the Mall of Cyprus and the Tiffany shopping mall respectively.

If you are buying souvenirs and gifts to take home, Cyprus villages are the best place to shop for local goods such as handmade woven goods, ceramics and wines. For instance, the village of Lefkara is a great place where you can get all sorts of handmade goods.

Alternatively, the capital city of Nicosia is home the Cyprus Handicraft Centre which sells official local arts and craft.

Fun Things to do in Cyprus: Dining

If you are traveling to the island for the first time, one of the most popular fun things to do in Cyprus is to enjoy a Cyprus meze meal at a local village.

Cyprus meze consists of different bite-size meals prepared in ceramic dishes that can range from salads, grilled haloumi, smoked pork, beef and rabbit.

Fun Things to do in Cyprus: Nightlife & Entertainment

The vibrant nightlife in Cyprus is what brings many visitors to this charming island.

Ayia Napa is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to find discos and nightclubs such as the famed Club Emporio. Ayia Napa is also known as a ‘clubbing capital’ similar to Ibiza Spain, and if you enjoy UK grime, garage and house music, Ayia Napa is the place to be.

The town of Paphos also has a fantastic young nightlife with many of the bars and clubs located along bar street.

Those of you looking for a more relaxed night scene, the Protaras area in the Paralimni district is home to many resorts which are couple and family orientated.

Fun Things to do in Cyprus: Events & Festivals

The Limassol Carnival

The Limassol Carnival, held in Limassol in August, features flamboyant street parades reminiscing of the Sao Paulo carnival in Brazil. The carnival is also a great event for the whole family to attend as there are fun children competitions.

Wine Festival of Cyprus

The Wine Festival of Cyprus, held in September in Limassol, is a great and fun event where you can sample some of the finest wines in Cyprus.

Limassol Beer Festival

The Limassol Beer Festival, a three-day event held in July in Limassol, is another fun event where you can enjoy a variety of Cypriot beers and imported beers, as well as live music.

Cyprus International Fair

The Cyprus International Fair, held in May in Nicosia, is home to an amazing variety of exhibits and exhibitors from the USA, Romania, Spain and others.



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Fun Things to do in Dubai UAE

Fun Things to do in Dubai UAE
Must see sights in Dubai
The city of Dubai UAE is one of the most popular holiday destinations, along with Saudi Arabia.

If you are planning a trip to Dubai UAE for the first time, the city of Dubai (also known as the city of Gold) is an exciting and vibrant cosmopolitan city home to famed Dubai Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in the World.


In fact, the city is known as a shopper’s paradise and, apart from retail shopping, one of the most popular fun things to do in Dubai UAE is to shop in one of the many souks (markets).

Dubai UAE is a great holiday destination all year-round but June through July are the hottest months of the year with average temperatures between 40°C (105°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the day.

Fun Things to do in Dubai UAE: Fun Activities

Sand dune jeep ride

A sand dune jeep ride on the Arabian Desert is perhaps one of the most popular fun things to do in Dubai UAE. There are many companies that offer a sand dune ride, but the Jeep ride typically is done on a 4WD and lasts around an hour.

Indoor Skiing

Enjoying a few runs on the indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, is another of the most popular fun things to do in Dubai UAE. Ski Dubai is located on the Mall of Emirates and has five slopes with different difficulty to suit everyone.

Helicopter and Hot Air Balloon Tour

For a different perspective of the city of Dubai, a helicopter or hot air balloon tour will allow you to get magnificent views of Dubai's landmarks such as Dubai Creek, Burj Dubai Tower and Dubai Marina among others.

Cruise

Exploring the city by sea is another of the most popular fun things to do in Dubai UAE. A typical Dubai cruise will take you along ‘The Palms’ and ‘The World’ famed landmarks.

Fun Things to do in Dubai UAE: Places of Interest

Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque, located near the Ruler's Court, features one of the tallest minarets in the Dubai UAE, and one of the biggest mosques in the United Arab Emirates.

Visiting the Grand Mosque are night is perhaps the best time to admire this beautiful structure, as the mosque is lit up at night.

Heritage and Diving Village

Those of you interested in soaking in ancient Dubai can do so at the Heritage and Diving Village.

The village, located next to the Grand Mosque, is a magnificent Bedouin Village replica which features people dressed in traditional clothing, as well as period artifacts and more.

Dubai Museum

The Dubai Museum (which is actually the Al Fahidi Fort) is another excellent place where you can see more period artifacts and learn more about Dubai’s earlier way of life through dioramas.

Dubai Creek Abra ride

Taking an Abra ride or taxi ride along the creek is another fun way to explore Dubai’s natural outdoors, and see Dubai’s famed dhows.

Fun Things to do in Dubai UAE: Shopping

As mentioned earlier, shopping is one of the most popular fun things to do in Dubai UAE, and the Dubai shopping scene encompasses over fifty shopping malls and a variety of traditional markets, where you can shop for bargain items.

One of the most popular fun things to do in Dubai UAE is shop for gold souvenirs and gift items to take home. For instance, Deira Gold Souk (located on the Old district of Deira) is one of the best places to shop for gold goods.

Those of you interested in up-scale shopping and a trendier dining scene, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, located alongside Sheikh Zayed Road, are a great place to hang-out, and enjoy some great shopping at the famed ‘The Boulevard’.

Fun Things to do in Dubai UAE: Nightlife & Entertainment

Dubai UAE has a lively and buzzing night scene, as well as strict laws regarding alcohol. In fact, most of the clubs that serve alcohol in Dubai UAE are located in hotels so, it is worth checking with your hotel regarding their alcoholic drink policy.

Also note that you have to be over 21 years of age to drink alcohol and over 25 years of age to get into a club.

Fun Things to do in Dubai UAE: Festivals & Events

The Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival, held in late January, is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular events in Dubai, and one of the best times to travel to Dubai to grab some bargains.

During the festival, visitors can grab absolute bargains as shop owners offer their merchandise at a much discounted price.

Dubai Summer Surprises

The Dubai Summer Surprises, held from June through August, is a popular event geared towards families, where kids can enjoy a multitude of fun activities such as bouncy castles and face painting competitions.

Ramadan

Ramadan month, held on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the holiest months of the year in every Islamic country.

Countries such as Egypt and Syria also celebrate Ramadan, and if you intend to travel to Dubai UAE during this time, it’s important to remember that is holy and sensitive time.

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Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt

Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt
The city of Cairo, home to the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in North Africa, attracting tourists from all over the world.

If you are visiting Cairo Egypt for the first time, the capital city is home to a wealth of historic landmarks and friendly locals.

If you are coming to the capital on a day trip, one of the most popular fun things to do in Cairo Egypt, it’s to take a walking tour of Old Cairo and explore Egypt’s most ancient districts and markets.

Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt: Fun Activities

Camel Ride Tour

Riding on the back of a camel in the desert is a life-time experience and it is certainly one of the most popular fun things to do in Cairo Egypt for first time visitors.

Nile River cruise

If you want to experience Egypt’s ancient landmarks in a different way, a Nile River cruise is one of the most popular fun things to do in Cairo Egypt. During a typical river cruise, you can see temples and statues such as those of Ramses II.

Smoking Shisha

Another popular fun thing to do in Cairo Egypt is to go to a local Shisha cafe and smoke a Shisha pipe with the locals. Smokers or not smokers will enjoy the Shisha pipe, as you can enjoy just tobacco Shisha or flavored fruit ones.

Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt: Places of Interest

The Citadel

If you are visiting the capital for the first time, one of the most popular fun things to do in Cairo Egypt is to visit the Citadel. Touring the Citadel allows you to get an insight into Egyptian life in the 12th century.

Apart from seeing this glorious fortification, the citadel is home to many other attractions such as the Well of Joseph, the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, Al-Gawhara Palace, the National Military Museum and the Police Museum.

Egyptian Museum

Another popular attraction, the Egyptian Museum is a must-see attraction for those of you interested into Egyptian history.

The museum, located in Midan Tahrir square, is home to the treasures of Tutankhamen, as well as Egyptian artifacts and royal mummies.

The Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower, located on Gezira Island, is famed TV tower, which is home to a rotating restaurant and observation deck where you can get marvel views of the city.

Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo, located in Old Cairo, is another popular place in Cairo for those of you interested in a historical walking tour. The area is home to the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum where you can see Egyptian paintings and artifacts.

Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are the highlight of a visit to the capital, and they are, undoubtedly, one of the most popular fun things to do in Cairo Egypt.

There over ten pyramids on the Giza plateu and three of the most popular ones include the pyramid of Khufu, the pyramid of Kafre and the pyramid of Menkaure.

Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt: Shopping

Souvenir shopping in the capital is one of the most popular fun things to do in Cairo Egypt, and Bulaq district is perhaps one of the best places in Cairo where you’ll find a variety of markets selling local craft, rugs and more.

If you enjoy retail shopping, the capital city is home to many shopping malls to choose from such as Arkadia Mall which is also located in the Boulaq district.

Those of you interested in real Egyptian jewelry, crystals and figurines can purchase these, as well as souvenirs at the Asfour Crystal factory which is located in Shobra.

Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt: Dining

There are many places to dine out in Cairo Egypt, but if you are traveling with kids and looking to enjoy a quite drink and a nice meal, the Al Azhar Park offers the perfect scenery.

The park has a kid’s play area and a restaurant sitting on a hilltop which offers amazing views of the Citadel.

Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt: Nightlife & Entertainment

The capital city of Cairo has a buzzing nightlife that ranges from international bars, discos and Egyptian clubs where you can see traditional belly dancers.

Those of you looking to soak in some traditional Egyptian entertainment, the Cairo Opera House offers daily, weekly and monthly events that range from ballet performances and symphony orchestras.

Fun Things to do in Cairo Egypt: Events & Festivals

Ramadan Month

The Ramadan month is one of the holiest times in the Arab world, where Muslims fast all day. It is advised not to travel during Ramadan month as most shops and attractions will be closed.

Cairo International Song Festival

The Cairo International Song Festival, held in August, is one of the most popular events in Egypt as visitors can see an array of local artists and performers such as belly dancers and singers.

Cairo Arab Music Festival

The Cairo Arab Music Festival, held in August at the Cairo Opera House, is another important festival and one of the best festivals to attend in Cairo to soak Arabic culture. At the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of singers and performers from the Arab world.



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