Jerusalem, the capital and biggest city in Israel is one of the most popular destinations for tourism and vacation. Without a doubt, the city is among the most beautiful in the world. Interestingly, Jerusalem is also among the most extraordinary tourism sites because it is able to harmonize a unique mixture of colorful culture, ancient history and spiritual sanctity. It is the only city in the world that is considered holy by the three greatest monotheistic faiths, namely, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

The fact that three major religions have designated much significance to the solitary Jerusalem brings about makes the city truly the most fascinating and amazing place you could ever visit. It is in this land where you could find Christians praying quietly in the Holy Sepulcher Church while Muslims prostrate in front of Al-Aqsa Mosque not from afar, and Jews dance by the Western Wall. Regardless of anyone’s credence, it could be hard to resist being swept up by the emotional tide pulsating through the city’s ancient streets.

Founded about 3,000 years ago by the Bible’s King David, Jerusalem is more than a fascinating city as it is beaming with diversities and contrasts. It is a unique city where the holy and the secular, the old and the new and the pure nature and pretty architecture mix with balance to produce a wonderful and enchanting harmony of sights, sounds and smells.

The city defies warfare and time. Its architecture is remaining in a very remarkable shape. You could actually spend days, weeks or months being lost in the labyrinth of bustling bazaars and alleys, and mind you, you certainly will not give much damn. Jerusalem, to some tourists, is also providing an influence for breeding religious fanaticism, political activism and a better appreciation of the human history. If you want to make the most out of any vacation or tour in Jerusalem, it will be better if you will plan to stay for a long while to see how the city could instill a change in you. A quick tour of the popular sights and destinations definitely will not do any justice.

Geography

The Israeli city sits comfortably at the southern portion of a plateau within the Judean Mountains. The entire city is surrounded by dry riverbeds and valleys. During the biblical times, the area was surrounded by thick forests full of olive, pine and almond trees. However, because of centuries of negligence and destructive warfare, those forests were ruined and flattened. Stone terraces were then built by farmers to prevent soil erosion, which later influenced the city landscape.

To the west of Jerusalem could be found the Mediterranean Sea and another Israeli city, Tel Aviv. On the opposite site could be found the Dead Sea, which is noted as the lowest water-body in the world. Surrounding towns and cities include Beir Jala and Bethlehem in the south, Mevaseret Zion in the west and Abu Dis in the east.

A Mediterranean climate prevails over Jerusalem. It has dry and hot summers and surprisingly wet and cool winter. Occasionally, snow could fall lightly during winter season. January is often the coldest month, when average temperature could drop to as low as 8°C. On the contrary, July to August are the peak summer months, when the heat scorches. Vehicular traffic and congestion mainly accounts for much of the air pollution.

History

The Canaanites lived in the site of the city as way back as 2,500 BC. King David made Jerusalem a city capital of his great kingdom. His son and successor King Solomon made the first ever Temple that housed the Ark of the Covenant. In 586, the Babylonians conquered and destroyed the city along with the Temple and then exiled Jews to Babylonia. Persia’s Cyrus the Great freed the Jews 50 years later, enabling the people to rebuild their sacred Temple.

In the 4th century, when Catholicism was legalized and spread by the Roman Empire, the city was instantly turned into a Christian pilgrimage center. Many Christian shrines, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, were constructed. In 638, when the Turks controlled Jerusalem, the Temple was replaced by a Dome of Rock mosque. Crusaders took back and held Jerusalem in 1099.

Great Britain occupied the city in 1917, making it the capital city of Palestine in 1923 until 1948. The conflicts between Arabs and Jews started in the period. The United Nations in 1948 called for an internalization of Jerusalem, which was rejected by Muslims. In 1949, the city was divided into a Jordanian and Israeli sectors.

Tourism

Tourism is obviously an important industry in the city. Religious pilgrims and attractions to religious landmarks remain the driving force that activates the inflow of tourists from all over the world. The Old City is particularly popular among vacationers. It is here where there are shops that sell interesting foodstuffs, novelty souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. Most of the important religious and cultural landmarks are concentrated in the Old City.

Palestinian East Jerusalem is where tourists could find museums, consulates and of course, the Garden Tomb, which is believed to be the actual crucifixion site of Christ. The west of the city contains the capital building of Israel, as well as numerous religious and secular neighborhoods.

Most of Jerusalem is composed of archaeological sites. Every structure reflects history and cultural or religious importance. The varied and distinct architectural styles blend numerous cultures and historic eras. There could be no dull moment in this Israeli place.

Jerusalem is more than a venue where you could travel back in time. More importantly, it is also a vibrant and thriving modern city. Jerusalem is exciting and energetic with its lively commercial malls. Cultural activities remain interesting at theaters and museums.

For thrill seekers, the city is also teaming with entertainment. Daily, tourists and locals could interact in the numerous restaurants, pubs and night clubs. There is a unique ambiance even in hangouts made from renovated old quarters. Tourists from all walks of life, religion and status certainly could relate to what Jerusalem has to offer.

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Kavala is a large city in Northern Greece, featuring a long and rich history of more than 2,500 years. It is the capital and administrative center of the homonym prefecture, a place where sea and mountains, modernity and tradition coexist.

The city’s names were various throughout the centuries; it was called Neapolis during the 7th century BC and was a part of the great Athenian Alliance. Later on, it became part of the Macedonian Reign under Phillip 2nd and later Alexander the Great. It served Macedonia as a port, being one of the best appointed harbors in the region. During that time it gained its prosperity and bloomed, becoming the trading hub of northern Greece. Later, St Paul came there to preach Christianity; at that point Neapolis became Christoupolis (the city of Christ).

The prefecture of Kavala, part of East Macedonia, is an important pole of attraction for tourists who travel to Northern Greece; it features a large number of ancient theatres and odeons, and of course the large archaeological site of Filippi. It is also the main port and starting point for boat excursions to lovely nearby islands, such as Thassos. It is situated between two important rivers, Nestos and Strymonas, bordering the Aegean Sea as well. The mainland covers 1,720,000 acres and the islands approximately 380,000 acres.

Kavala features numerous sandy and clean beaches that bear the Blue Flag, awarded by the European Union to the safest and cleanest beaches in Europe. Most of the beaches are organized, featuring all conveniences required to modern travelers. The city and seaside resort also features a large number of hotels and other accommodation outlets for all needs and budgets. Local restaurants and tavernas offer fresh fish and seafood that exist in abundance, as well as tsipouro, a local fiery drink that puts consumers in the best mood right away.

Minsk is the capital of Belarus, an ancient country sandwiched between Russia and the Ukraine. Belarus’ largest city, it lies on two rivers, the Svislach and the Niamiha. During the sixteenth century, the Grand Duchy and the Kingdom of Poland were combined into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and a Polish community, including craftsmen, military officers, and government clerks, settled in Minsk. Thanks to this influx, the city became a cultural and economic center for the Commonwealth. Re-settled by the Russians in 1793, the city enjoyed substantial growth in the 1800s, opening its first public library, a fire brigade, a local newspaper, and its first theater. By 1844, this city was a large trading city. This led to a construction boom during which many large brick houses were built, some of which still stand today.

Thanks in part to the railway links (between Moscow and Warsaw, and between Romny and Liepaja), by 1900, 58 factories were in operation, employing some 3000 workers. This led to an economic boom during which many churches, theaters, schools, colleges, newspapers, and more were established. Minsk remains the largest transportation hub of Belarus, with the railways, a subway system, and two international airports. The city now has 12 national universities, 11 theaters, 20 cinemas, 16 museums, and 139 libraries. Some of its oldest churches include the Cathedral of St. Virgin Mary, established in 1700; the Cathedral of St. Joseph, which dates to 1644; and the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which is the former church of the Bernardine convent, built in 1642. Major theaters include the National Academic Big Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus and the Maxim Gorky National Drama Theater. Four national museums are in Minsk, including the Great Patriotic War Museum, the National Arts Museum, and the Old Belarusian History Museum.

Kanuhura is a tiny coral island situated in a rather remote atoll amidst the Indian Ocean. It is considered an impressive and romantic hideaway, known for the exquisite beauty of the natural habitat and the state of art services offered at the resort hotel.

Visitors, who travel to the Maldives, arrive at the hotel by seaplane. Kanuhura is located at the eastern rim of the Lhabiyani Atoll, on a private island featured in every travel guide. The island is almost one thousand meters long and 200 meters wide; the hotel situated here occupies a large part of the available land and offers access to the white sandy beaches and the clear turquoise waters of the island.

The hotel features five different categories of villas and suites that can satisfy all needs and requirements of the numerous visitors that travel to this place. There are 68 beach villas, of 62sq meters each, 5 duplex beach villas of 132sq meters each, 2 large Beach villas of 188sq meters, 18 water villas of 125sq meters and two Grand Water Villas of 135sq meters. Each villa and suite has a private garden that offers direct view to the sea, while the beach or water villas feature decks that allow guests to sit by the water or enjoy an intimate dinner in such a mesmerizing ambience.

The island of Kanuhura features a large number of bars and restaurants for those who wish to leave their villas for a while; dress code is island chic and casual, while the flavors catered are of unimaginable variety. For the most active ones, there is also a vast array of water activities, including snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, sailing and much more. The hotel also offers fitness and spa facilities and amenities on site, for those who want to enjoy everything at the privacy of their villa.

Matanzas is one of the most known cities of Cuba. It is situated at the northern shore of Cuba on the Matanzas Bay, 90 km away from the capital city of Havana and 32 kilometres away from Varadero, the biggest resort of Cuba.

Matanzas is mostly known as a resort town, due to the wonderful Bay. It is also referred to as the city of bridges, as it features 17 bridges that cross the three rivers of the city, called San Juan, Canimar and Rio Yumuri. The city can be found as Venice of Cuba due to the numerous crossings featured. Another name of the city is Atenas, as the city boasts a large number of poets and novelists.

The natural beauty and convenient location of Matanzas are its main advantages that make it so popular among tourists. Variety of its topography makes it unique and special. Rolling hills and plains, large fields of sugar crops and a deep bay are the main characteristics of this city.

Cuba is anyway known for its sandy beaches, the crystal clear waters and the lovely architecture. Same applies to this Bay and the homonym city; friendly and hospitable people, reasonable prices and Afro-Cuban culture make the city stand out as a tourist resort and destination. There are numerous resort hotels and guest houses in the area, known for their services, but mostly for the welcoming way they treat the tourists who travel to the city.

Matanzas features a large number of attractions except for the Bay; the Pharmaceutical Museum is one of the most well preserved pharmacy and chemist shops in the world, the Cathedral of San Carlos, the Bella-mar Cavern, the Provencal Historical Museum and many more. The scenic province promises its tourists a wonderful experience and an unforgettable experience in a place unspoilt from tourism, as we know it in the richer Western countries.

Exquisite beaches, numerous activities and spectacular architecture is to be expected if you decide to travel to Curacao, the island of the Caribbean sea known all over the world due to its exotic ambience and beauty. It is one of the five islands that compound the Netherlands Antilles and belongs to the Dutch Kingdom.

The capital city Willemstad was founded in mid 1600s and is considered to be one of the most diverse capitals in the world. The Dutch influences are more than obvious in this city, as the striking architecture and the cultural activities and events remind everyone that Curacao is a patchwork of civilizations and cultures. Especially when it comes to the architectural design and style of the capital city, many people think that it reminds them of Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, mostly due to the distinctive colonial buildings.

The island features a rather dry and breezy climate which is pleasant all year long. This is why in every house you can see balconies, porches and verandas which allow the guests and residents to enjoy the lovely weather of the island.

The origin of the name Curacao is not yet determined. There are numerous explanations about it. One is that it comes from the Portuguese word that stands for ‘heart’, since the shape of the island reminds of a heart; however, it seems that the prevailing explanation refers to the name of the natives of the island that used to call themselves Indios Curacaos. The languages spoken in the island are Dutch, English and Spanish, as well as a native language called Papiamentu.

Curacao is one of the major tourist destinations in the Atlantic Ocean and one of the top choices for people from all over the world. If you look at a travel guide about the Caribbean Islands, you will be amazed by the popularity of this little island.

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Dominica is a renowned island of the Caribbean Sea, lying at the eastern part of the archipelago, between Guadeloupe and Martinique. It covers an area of 290 sq miles and its population hardly reaches the 72,000 people. Although most of the residents live in the capital city of Roseau, the island is sparsely populated. However, as all the islands of the Caribbean archipelago, this one is also one of the most touristic islands in the world, as thousands of tourists travel there every year, all year long.

The official name of the island is the Commonwealth of Dominica; the name has caused quite many misunderstandings though, as many people tend to confuse it with another island of the archipelago, the Dominican Republic. The original name of the island was Waitukubuli, given by the native Indians who lived on the island. The word means tall body in the local language.

The main characteristic of this island are the lush greenery and the tropical forests that cover the biggest part of the island; flora and fauna on the island are rich and diverse and according to studies, more than 1,300 different species of plants and animals live there.

Nature is splendid in Dominica and the environment is more than impressive: ponds, lakes, rivers and waterfalls compose a lovely habitat, not only for the numerous animals, but also for the locals and the visitors of the island. Trafalgar Falls are among the most known attractions on the island and definitely a recommended spot in every travel guide. There are also a few sandy beaches, although the rocky ones are considered to be much more beautiful and gripping.

Dominica is a volcano island, therefore the shape and structure of the island is quite interesting. It is shows high geo-thermal activity, though, since the volcano is active.

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Tobago Cays are an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea that consists of five small islands lie on the sea uninhabited. Their names are Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradol, Petit Tobac and Jamesby. They are the islands of the South Grenadines and they are known all over the world due to their exquisite beauty and unique natural elements. The Tobago Cays operate today as a Marine Park, administrated by the governments of the Grenadines and St. Vincent.

The Marine Park covers a sand lagoon of 1,500 acres and includes the Horseshoe Reef – one of the longest reefs in the world (4km). There are, though, two small animals, the Canouan and the Maureau, where most tourists stay when they travel to this area, to admire the natural environment or to scuba-dive.

Sea sports and activities are the main themes here; scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing are among the top choices of the tourists. Most of them come to these islands just to see the famous reefs and enjoy the sapphire waters of the Grenadines. Fishing enthusiasts also visit the area, as fishing is free and there are daily or even weekly cruises, organised just for those who want to experience fishing in the Atlantic.

The Tobago Cays are impressive and feature also the smallest island in the world, called Morpion; it is an island made of sand. The ecosystem though is considered to be in danger, as tourism has started spoiling the area. Ecologists are mostly concerned about the reef, as there are numerous physical impacts and wastes that threaten the reef and the waters. However, until today, the Tobago Cays are considered to be the best place to dive or snorkel.

There is a vast array of restaurants and bars on the small islands of the Grenadines, surrounding the Cays. There is also a Bob Marley bar, dedicated to the Jamaican singer.

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Bequia is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean Archipelago. Despite is small size it attracts all visitors who travel there to unwind and relax. It is a charming and lovely island, full of friendly people and numerous natural attractions. The island is unique and it’s not accidental that the slogan used by their tourist promotion is ‘ The Natural Place to be’.

Bequia is one of the islnands of the Grenadines- some people call it the jewel of the Grenadines. It covers an area of six miles wide and its population is approximately 5,500 people. The vast majority of them is of African origin, while some of them come from European countries or Britain. It is an island known to sailors who used to stop there for water and food – although everyone thinks that ships stopped there due to the beauty of the island.

The great advantage of Bequia is that it is such a small place, that all visitors feel like home from the very first moment they set foot on the island. This is indeed true; friendliness is the main motto there, as everyone is very relaxed, friendly, hospitable and easy going. Although the island is not very rich, people are very open and have created tourist facilities that offer state of art services. There are numerous hotels and resorts that blend harmoniously the modern elements with the traditions of the island. There are also restaurants and bars, as well as few clubs for those who do not want to miss nightlife.

The main attraction of Bequia, though, is the sandy beaches and the sapphire blue waters. Lush green hills and small villages beguile the tourists and travellers. The island offers numerous activities for those who are into sea and water sports; sailing and diving are the top activities on the island.

Jakar is a small town situated at the eastern part of Bhutan. The town is mostly known as a Buddhist hub in the country, featuring some of the most important sites in the area. There are more than 110 monasteries and temples of Buddha in the area, among which the Lhakhang, a temple that was supposedly constructed by the King overnight. The monastery houses the body print of the Buddhist Guru Rinpoche.

The town of Jakar is situated amidst a valley featuring lush woodland and rich plantation. The valley is considered to be a major tourist destination for Bhutan, as many people travel there to admire both the monasteries and the gorgeous natural environment. The valley is vast and spacious and is surrounded by impressive and imposing mountains. It is not surprising that this region is considered to be among the most beautiful ones in Asia. It is also refered to as Little Switzerland.

Jakar consists of several settlements and villages and the overall population is approximately 5000 people. It is a market town featuring a very well appointed bazaar. It also boasts a wonderful Fort, the Dzong, which was built in 1668. It is considered to be the largest dzong in the country and one of the most important administrative centres in the borough. In the same area lies the Palace of Wangdicholing, which used to be the summer residence of the Kings of the country. It is now a museum open to the public all year long.

Jakar features also numerous hotels and hostels, as well as great quality restaurants, catering mostly the local cuisine. There are numerous craft shops and art shops, selling items related to the local religion, as the religious tourism holds the first position among visitors. The area boasts several religious festivals throughout the year.