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Travel Destinations in Malta

The Maltese Islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) have a fascinating history and are surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily. Because of its proximity to Tunisia, there is a strong North African influence. The Maltese language is a hybrid of Arabic and Italian. The legendary Knights of Malta, who fought off the Turks and launched the Crusades, are also fiercely revered in the country.

Malta’s palm-tree fringed landscape is dotted with picturesque hilltop towns, peaceful seaports, colourful old fishing villages, and natural attractions under the scorching sun. Valletta, Malta’s capital, is an excellent starting point for exploring the island. Valletta’s hotels, restaurants, historical sites, and cultural events will appeal to visitors.

Sliema, across the harbour, has less culture but more entertainment options and caters to students on vacation. The Island of Gozo is ideal for relaxing beach vacations.

In the spring and autumn, the weather in Malta is ideal. Villages come alive during the hot summer months with religious festivals and outdoor concerts. With our list of the top tourist attractions in Malta, you can plan your trip to these enchanting islands.
Many of these locations are recommended as “top destinations” by our friends over at https://reallifechiro.com/.

1. Valletta: Malta’s Elegant Capital

Valletta, the elegant capital of the Republic of Malta, is a strategically important seaport. The entire city bears witness to the splendour of the Knights of Malta, European noblemen who were granted the Maltese Islands by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1530.

The knights built a capital worthy of their aristocratic status, comparable to other great European capitals. The regular grid plan of Valletta and the orderly public squares reveal the knights’ logical 16th-century urban planning.

Tourists will find it easy to navigate this small city, which is bounded by two harbours: the Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor. Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century church built by various Orders of the Knights from France, Spain, and Italy, is located in the city’s heart. The lavish interior with its opulent gilded decor astounds visitors.

The massive Grandmaster’s Palace, once the residence of the Knights of Malta, is nearby. This palace has magnificent paintings and an armoury that tell the story of the knights’ military victories.

Valletta is one of the best places to visit on the Maltese Islands for tourists who appreciate culture and historic monuments. Valletta, Malta’s most modern city, is packed with tourist attractions and is a convenient location for visitors who want to explore the island of Malta without a car. The bus system on the island is efficient, with Valletta serving as its hub.

2. The Idyllic Island of Gozo

The Maltese Islands’ most idyllic destination is the Island of Gozo. With its quiet towns and pristine beaches, this small island is ideal for a relaxing vacation lasting several days or even a week.

Although Gozo is less developed than Malta, it has many cultural attractions, including Victoria, a fortified mediaeval city; Marsalforn, a bustling seaside resort; and Ggantija Temples, the Maltese Islands’ most important archaeological site, dating back to around 3500 BC.

Visitors enjoy the island’s countryside, which provides a relaxing escape from the modern world. The valleys and rolling hills of the island are covered in a patchwork of small farms. Traditional villages rise above the landscape, while the hillsides lead down to protected beaches and charming old fishing villages. Even the smallest towns have magnificent Baroque churches.

Ramla Bay is a popular beach with a wide, sandy shore and calm, swimming-safe waters. This well-equipped beach welcomes visitors with excellent amenities such as rental lounge chairs and umbrellas, showers, restrooms, changing areas, and snack bars.

Gozo is a short ferry ride away from Cirkewwa on the island of Malta.

3. The Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina, Island of Malta

Mdina provides a trip to a fairy-tale city. This enchanting mediaeval hilltop town is steeped in history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To enter the city, tourists must pass through the dramatic Main Gate, which gives the impression of walking back in time. A delightful world of car-free streets and beautiful old sandstone buildings exists within the city’s vast, ancient ramparts.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque structure designed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa, is one of Mdina’s top attractions. The ornately decorated sanctuary includes a magnificent dome, marble columns, gilded details, and stunning ceiling paintings. The cathedral houses a valuable 12th-century Madonna icon as well as renowned works of art by celebrated Maltese painter Mattia Preti.

Tourists should visit the historic palaces to get a sense of Mdina’s former glory. The Palazzo Vilhena (Saint Publius Square) is a stately 18th-century Magisterial Palace with a facade inspired by the Neoclassical architecture of the Château de Versailles. It now houses Malta’s superb National Museum of Natural History, which displays exhibits such as fossils, birds’ eggs, and bird nests.

The Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum (Villegaignon Street) provides visitors with the opportunity to view an authentic mediaeval palace that has been decorated in the original style. The Palazzo Falson also houses exquisite art, antiques, and Oriental carpets, as well as an ancient coin collection.

4. Historical Attractions in Rabat, Island of Malta

Rabat, a neighbouring town, is located just outside the Mdina ramparts. Tourists can visit both cities in a single day; Mdina and Rabat are sometimes considered a single urban area.

The word “Rabat” in Maltese means “suburb.” Rabat is less touristy and more modern than Mdina, but it has some interesting historical sites.

The Casa Bernard, a grand 16th-century house that belonged to a noble Maltese family of French origins, is one of the hidden gems. Although the Casa Bernard is still a private residence, guided tours are available. The house is furnished with antique furniture, painting masterpieces, and notable objets d’art.

The Domvs Romana Museum depicts everyday life in ancient Rome through exhibits on fashion, entertainment, and cuisine. The museum is built on the ruins of a Roman aristocratic townhouse and houses some of the world’s finest 1st-century BC Roman mosaics. Artifacts discovered at the site and antiquities discovered elsewhere on the island of Malta are also on display.

The 17th-century Parish Church of St. Paul’s, a key landmark associated with Malta’s Christian heritage, stands above St. Paul’s Grotto, where Saint Paul is said to have sought refuge during his stay in Malta. The Wignacourt Museum, located next to the church, houses an extensive collection of ancient Roman artefacts as well as impressive paintings by Mattia Preti and other renowned European artists.

St. Dominic’s Convent, which dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, is a popular pilgrimage site because it houses a miraculous marble statue of the Virgin Mary. The convent, which was rebuilt in the early 17th century, has a beautiful courtyard garden.

See the Natural Wonders of Uganda and Rwanda

You could take a vacation and relax – or you could travel to an exotic location and live. Uganda and Rwanda are not the standard, run-of-the-mill destinations; they each offer incredible opportunities and experiences. From tracking gorillas to trekking through volcanoes, you will find these proud nations to be rich, diverse, unique, and unforgettable.

What can you expect from Uganda and Rwanda? Excitement, lush color, spectacular scenery – and gorillas! One of the biggest attractions to this African country is its large population of rare gorillas. At several areas of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, for instance, there are “habituated” families of these “gentle giants.” The Mubare group, for instance, was the first to be habituated to visitors; they have been accustomed to seeing humans for almost 20 years. While there is never a guarantee with wild animals, these are used to humans and allow a fascinating glimpse into their lifestyle.

Uganda and Rwanda are home to 75 percent of the Mountain Gorillas in the world – but there is so much more to see. This is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, and you will have the opportunity to look for chimpanzees, golden monkeys, lions, leopards, water buffalo, elephants, and much more.

While most people visit places like the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the gorillas, they will find much more to enchant them. There are over 120 species of animal, including the rare forest elephant, 350 bird species, and acres of lush, dense forest.

Rwanda is no one’s second choice for biodiversity and incredible natural attractions. The Nyungwe Forest, for instance, protects the biggest tract of montane forest in East or Central Africa. With 75 mammal species, 120 butterfly species, 275 bird species, and over 100 different varieties of orchid, Nyungwe is a treat for any adventure traveler or nature lover. Another must for visitors is the Musanze Cave. It stretches about 2 kilometers in length and has an entrance that is the size of a cathedral. It is home to a large colony of bats and features a natural bridge formed from lava. As impressive as it is, the Musanze Cave also plays a role in Rwanda’s past and is a somber, quiet place, fit for reflection – on nature, on Rwanda, on your adventure.…

Rwanda Safaris And Tours

Despite the 1994 genocide, the physical beauty of Rwanda has remained unique among the African countries. This country, which is also referred to as the country of a thousand hills, has an area of 26,338 square kilometers and a population of 8 million people. Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. It is bordered by Burundi in the South, Uganda to the North, Tanzania to the East, and Congo to the West. The natural beauty and various tourist destinations in this country have continued to attract many visitors all year-round. The climate of this country is friendly and you can visit the country any time of the year.

The top tourist destination in this country is the tracking of the rare mountain Gorilla. Tracking of these rare primates is done within Nyungwe forest and the Park National Des Volcanoes. Gorilla tracking can take up to eight hours because you will have to walk through dense forest, swamps, and hills. There are forty permits issued each day for tracking the primates. Apart from tracking the Gorilla, you will also see other wild animals such as the elephant, buffalo, hyena, bush pig, bush buck, and giant forest hog. There are over 180 species of birds recorded in the park.

Nyungwe National Park receives abundant rainfall averaging 2,000mm annually. This rain forest is the oldest in Africa and it boasts a high level of diversity. The forest is also the top destination for bird watchers in the whole country. Today, this park is a home to over 280 different types of birds. About 500 chimpanzees live in this forest. One thing you should know about these mammals is that, male chimpanzees live within their community in which they were born, unlike the females who migrate into another community after reaching adolescence. Thirteen species of primates have been recorded in this park, the Ruwenzori colobus monkeys being the most famous. These monkeys move in troops of 400 (the largest recorded troop of primates in Africa).

The long dry season between June to September is the best time to go on Gorilla tracking safari. During this time, the ground is dry allowing easy walking in the dense forest. It is also fun to drive on rocky roads during the dry season when there is no mud. The risk of malaria is also lowest during the dry season. Other top destinations include; Lake Kivu and the genocide memorial sites. It would also be interesting if one would include a cultural tour on the itinerary.…

Rwanda’s Pleasure – Gorilla Trekking!

Gorillas play an essential role in contributing to the positive image of Rwanda and act as ambassadors on the international scene by raising the profile of the country. These gentle giants also contribute greatly to Rwanda’s tourism industry.

The industry is a fundamental engine for the growth of the national economy and is driven by the mountain gorillas which have been, and remain, the main attraction in Rwanda, bringing in over 20,000 visitors to the country each year.

Rwanda has enthusiastically received thousands of international visitors and appreciates the revenues generated through gorilla tourism. This has enabled the country to earn $80 million from Tourism in half a year, surpassing its $68 million target.

The strong performance was attributed to the increase in tourists visiting the country.

Rwanda experiences unprecedented interest in its primates by wildlife lovers from across the globe. It is home to around one third of the 700 mountain gorillas left in the world and for several decades now, the country has been at the forefront of gorilla conservation. The endangered mountain gorilla still survives in the Virunga Mountains, a mountain chain linking Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

In its mid-term evaluation report, the Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) says that a total of 408,482 tourists have been registered so far, which is a 3.4% increase compared to the same period last year.

Tourism is a pillar for rapid economic growth within Rwanda and in many other countries like Uganda. Therefore, there is a need to combine forces and cooperation in the protection and conservation of Natural assets, and communal participation in promoting tourism and its linked conservation issues.…

Tourist Attractions in Gyeongju, South Korea

Korea has many tourist destinations, and Gyeongju has a vast number in a small area. I have listed the main tourist destinations as specified by the official tourist map of Gyeongju. As you can see, there are many locations to visit and many things to see. If you are in a certain area (i.e. Downtown Gyeongju) you could quite easily see most of the major attractions if you wanted to, as they are often quite near to each other. All of the downtown attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.

If you go to either downtown Gyeongju or to Bomun Lake (where you will find the best international hotels) in spring – early to mid April – you can witness the blooming of Gyeongjus’ cherry trees. They are absolutely beautiful and should definitely be on your itinerary if you want to visit Korea. Gyeongju is a tourist friendly town, and assistance in English is often available. Many American and British travellers make their way through Gyeongju, and foreigners are often seen cycling through the streets, and especially alongside the river.

Once you are in town, you can get assistance from the tourist information center, in English, by dialing 1330 from a local phone. They have assisted me on occasion by providing me with local bus times and costs, among other things.

As a fresh addition to the population of Gyeongju, I would highly recommend visiting us, and seeing why they call it “Beautiful Gyeongju”

Recommended Tourist Destinations.

The downtown of Gyeongju City

Daereungwon Royal Tombs

Wolseong Fortress

Imhaejeon Site (Anapji Pond)

Gyerim Forest

Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory

Gyeongju National Museum

Bunhwangsa Temple

Hwangnyongsa site

Mt. Namsam area

Oreung Royal Tombs

Najeong Well

Poseokjeong site

Samneungol Valley

Yongjangsa site

Namsan Buseok Rock…

Jeju Island South Korea – Island of the Gods

Dubbed the island of the Gods, Jeju Island (locally called Jejudo) is a premier vacation destination not only for Koreans but for international tourists. In many ways, Jeju has been groomed to be a tourism hub so it offers something for everyone, families, honeymooners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

There are two major cities on Jeju that lie on the central northern and southern region of the island respectively; and these are the capital Jeju City and Seogwipo. Most visitors land at the airport in Jeju City. As expected, it has a plethora of accommodation options, bars, shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments. But it is interesting to note that the most prominent attractions on the island are outside Jeju City. From here you have options to either book tours to the attractions or rent transport and drive yourself. Seogwipo is an excellent alternative base for people exploring the island. This is the home of many attractions including the Jungmun Tourist Resort Complex and the Jeju World Cup Stadium.

However, if you do not like staying in the urban areas, you can also opt to stay in one of the smaller yet charming villages, situated along the island’s coastline or in the island’s interior. Some of the most popular villages include Gimyeong, Seongsan, Daecheong and Hallim. While there are many 4-5 star hotels on the island, staying at more affordable locally-own lodgings in villages supports the community.

Beaches like Iho, Hamdeok, Hyeopjae, and Geumneung are some of the main attractions on the island. In the sandy stretches, you can swim, sunbathe, play watersports and watch the dramatic setting of the sun. Hiking is one of the perfect adventure-seeking activities you can do on Jeju. A must-conquer hiking landmark is the Halla-san, the highest mountain in South Korea. The island also boasts a system of hiking routes called Olle-gil, which leads you to many very scenic places. The most popular sites that you to consider visiting on Jeju include the Cheonjaeyeon Waterfall, the Seongsan Ilchubong and Manjangul Lava-tube in the northern coast.

Families are attracted to Jeju because of its quirky theme parks like the Jeju Glass Castle and bizarre themed museums like the Jeju Trick Art and the Teddy Bear Museum. Besides the commercial tourism success of Jeju Island, its local traditional culture has been maintained and is quite fascinating. This island is traditionally matriarchal, which is quite opposite to what is practiced on the mainland. The local women here have played a significant role, including the gathering of seafood as a way of living. Women divers are called haenyo, and you can usually see them on the coastline. Everywhere on the island, you will notice the iconic grandfather statues made of volcanic rock called Hareubang.…

Madrid

The beautiful capital city of Spain! Madrid is one of the most visited cities in Europe and for very good reasons. A summary of all these is that it is a city full of life.

The city of Madrid is one with a vibrant lifestyle and youthful air. The youths and elderly ones all enjoy spending their time having fun. For those more introverted visitors, there are tens of Museums, galleries, and art centers located throughout the city. Not to mention some of the most remarkable landmark palaces in the world. The Royal Palace of Madrid is the most magnificent. 

Then for thrillseekers and night owls, Madrid is referred to by some as a city where the music never stops. There is always a party to be had. If they had their way, every day would be a festival. But the music never really stops in the hundreds of bars around the city. The Huertas district is particularly popular among tourists and students (especially foreigners).

Additionally, the culinary culture is an adventure of its own. Madrid as the Spanish capital has all the flavor of the world-renown Spanish cuisine. From the delicate Paella Valenciana to the more famous churros and tortillas. 

Spain has so much to offer that the ideal duration is 4-6 days. These will barely be enough to enjoy all that the city has to offer. But if properly planned, your trip to Madrid might just be the most memorable one yet.…

Is Greece Worth Visiting?

Greece is one of the countries with the highest number of UNESCO heritage sites. The Greek people are a proud one with a rich culture and vibrant traditions. Tens of heritage sites are distributed throughout the Greek island. They are a “must-see” for every tourist.

If you are worried about the language barrier, don’t be. Of course, it exists, but the Greeks are generally friendly and accommodating people. They take every opportunity they get to entertain tourists to the best of their abilities. As a tourist, you could enjoy the local tales, learn a few island dances and traditions, and generally revel in the luxury of being on the Greek Islands. 

The Greeks are also popular for their refined art of fine dining. From delicate kinds of seafood to unique mountain dishes and exquisite fruits, the Greek cuisine is one that will leave you wanting more. 

To go with their excellent culinary skills, the typical Greek wine is nothing short of excellent! They have honed the practice of making exquisite wines over hundreds of years. A bottle of fine wine to accompany mouthwatering dishes, a food enthusiast’s paradise.

Their spectacular beaches and picturesque views are also a major attraction. Simply put, a visit to Greece will definitely be worth it.…

Is Dubai Worth Visiting?

The answer without any hesitation whatsoever is “yes!”. If for nothing else, the adventure involved in learning about this awesome city wills be worth your time? Did you know that Dubai was once a little fishing village? Seems unlikely right? But it’s true. As a people they have preserved some of their original heritage by way of certain landmarks and buildings. These can be found in the Al Shindagha neighborhood.

Dubai also has some really fun activities lined up for every member of the family. While in the city, taking two or more days to enjoy the thrill of Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah will leave you smiling from ear to ear. The extensive water park theming with various sea creatures is fun for all. Zip lines for thrill-seekers and shark-infested water for divers. 

We have not even gotten to the indoor ski center, Ski Dubai. How fun is that? Ski lovers get to do their thing while vacationing in peak luxury, in the middle of the desert. 

Palm Jumeirah island is popular for its top-notch apartment buildings, exquisite restaurants and, luxurious hotels. This island is one of the reasons Dubai is considered the luxury center of the world. 

If you love shopping, Dubai has the largest mall in the world. In fact, this mega city is equipped to make sure you never have a dull moment.

Why you Should Visit Marrakesh

Simply put, it’s a vibrant city with a rich culture, interesting people, and exciting heritage. We will outline some reasons for you to visit Marrakesh.

  1. Unique Cuisine 

The Marrakesh cuisine is one that is diverse and peculiar. They have so many spices with many more unique flavors that will leave every food enthusiast munching on one thing or the other throughout the stay there.

  1. Intriguing Sights

Resting perfectly between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, the city allows you to get some really great landscape shots for your vacation picture collection. 

The experience of seeing the snow capped peeks of the Atlas Mountains on one hand, and the seeming endless sands of the Sahara on the other is a thrill only available in Marrakesh.

  1. Vibrant Market Scene

The markets or souks in Marrakesh offer some of the most popular tourist items in the world. No one goes to Marrakesh’s souks without buying one or two items as memorabilias. 

Quick advice while shopping, be sure to watch out for pickpockets though. It makes shopping something of a thrill!!!

  1. Fun Loving People

The entire vibe of the city is fun and exciting. The people of Marrakesh love having a good time. They go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. 

You would absolutely enjoy your visit.…

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Dubai

This magnificent megacity is the perfect picture of what a modern city should be. It is safe, fun and the very definition of luxurious living. The 4 outlined features are some of the most influential ones that make Dubai the tourist hub it is today.

  1. Safe City Neighborhoods: Unlike a lot of other major tourist cities, Dubai is safe. The various neighborhoods, markets, malls, and tourist attractions are quite safe. This makes the city especially popular among those planning family vacations. 
  2. Huge Malls: The Dubai Mall is every shopping lover’s “dream come true”. As the largest shopping mall in the world, it is home to various stores selling just about everything you can think of. Window shopping in Dubai’s various malls can be considered a tourist-favored event. Of course actually shopping in them is more exciting. 
  3. Numerous Fun Activities to Engage in: The water park is particularly favored by tourists. A day in a well outfitted water park will put a smile on every face at the end of the day.

Additionally, you could decide to check out their diverse aquarium and other fun water events. 

  1. Luxurious Services: Dubai offers some of the most sought after luxurious services in the world. From their detailed hotel care and management services to cool helicopter rides and other “VIP services”.