Travel To Menorca

Welcome to Menorca, the island of the sea breeze.

Smaller and quieter than its neighboring Mallorca, Menorca is the second largest island in the Balearic archipelago. At just 34 km from Mallorca, Menorca has many tourist areas, hotels and almost as many beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined.

The south of Menorca is full of quiet resorts, perfect for family holidays, while on the steep shores of the north are the quiet fishing villages. There are a number of tourism offices in Menorca, spread over several villages and towns of the island, where you can find all necessary information about tourist attractions in the area, the main beaches in Menorca, museums and festivals local, the best places for sightseeing, as well as other practical information to manage on Menorca.

Attractions

There are so many interesting things to do in Menorca sure everyone can find something to see or do. Menorca offers visitors a wide range of places and interesting activities. So whether you're looking for thrills, or prefer to soak in the history of Menorca and discover their cultural heritage, Menorca will captivate you.

Menorca Ports

The impressive port of Mahon has many points of interest in which is well worth spending a few rolls of film or, more modern version, a few memory cards. Locals are advised to take snapshots from the sea to capture the best views. From Menorca ports can also be seen fishing boats Balearic Islands, with traditional Arabic design, and other typical aspects of the culture of the island. The boat trips through the port are very nice and not take more than an hour.

Tickets are sold near the distillery Xoriguer.

It Freginal Park

Freginal The park is located in the heart of Mahon, the capital of Menorca. In this park there are several areas prepared to sit and relax or have a picnic while enjoying the beautiful flower beds. It is also a meeting point in which many cultural events. Musicians from around the world come to Menorca to play in the park, especially during the Jazz Festival.

Xoriguer Distillery

The distillery Xoriguer is very typical of Menorca. It was built in the eighteenth century and is located at the Moll de Ponent the port. The distillery has imposing copper stills, which are essential for the production of better gin. Visitors can sample and buy different types of liquor at the distillery shop. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 19:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00.

Placa Alfons III

The extraordinary Plaça Alfons III is situated on the outskirts of Mahon, near Constitution Avenue. In the north of the square are a number of interesting restaurants and cafes that are well worth a visit. The most interesting monument is the old mill area, which now occupies the tourist office

Sant Francesc Church

Located in the Plaça de Mones, in Mahon, the church of Sant Francesc houses a magnificent Gothic altar, an octagonal chapel and an interesting collection of articles Baroque.

Ciutadella Cathedral.

Ciutadella Cathedral is a magnificent XIII century temple located in the Plaza de la Catedral. The building was built on an ancient mosque in the style characteristic of contemporary Christian churches. The imposing structure consists of complex-shaped stone sculptures of mythical creatures, while the altar is decorated with carvings of Gothic.

Santa Clara Church

The church of Santa Clara is located in Ciutadella and was built in 1287. Over the centuries the church has suffered numerous breakdowns and had to be restored on several occasions. The main element is the dark temple carved wooden altarpiece representing the "Adoration of the Shepherds. " The altarpiece was stolen several years ago but, fortunately, was recovered a few years later. Currently still living in the convent a small community of nuns.

San Antonio Church

The church of Sant Antoni was built in the seventeenth century Cart Vassollo and, like many other churches in Menorca, was virtually destroyed during the Spanish civil war. For this reason remained closed for many years, while carrying out reconstruction work. It has now regained its prominent position among the most important places of worship on the island.

Weather

Menorca has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Also known as the island of the sea breeze due to northerly winds blowing across the island quite frequently and which are known from the north. For many tourists this breeze may be missed during your stay, however, the locals are accustomed to the scourge of the north wind, especially during the month of March. Both wind does on the island which the natives have been baptized every one of them in the direction of blowing. During the months of July and August Menorca enjoys about 11 hours of sun a day and it is precisely at this time when more tourists come to enjoy the pleasures of good weather in the Balearic archipelago. During the months of November, December and January the weather is a little less sunny, while the rainy season usually starts in October and stretches during the winter months, plunging the island into a more relaxed and off.

Excursions

A wide range of routes available to explore the island of Menorca. Excursions can be arranged through a travel agency in the area and the itineraries can be tailored to the available time. If youyou travel with a large group of people ( withfamily or friends )and I like adventure ,rent a car can be the best way to discover the island freely . Just do not forget to procure a good map of Menorca before you go. Menorca links to some that show you the island can also be a good choice. In this case, not only can visit all historical places of the island, but you can also discover the stories of each place.

Museums

venOver the years the island of Menorca has known times of great splendor, who have given numerous reforms that have enabled the restoration of many of its most characteristic monuments. The many churches and religious buildings are tangible evidence of those glorious moments that have marked the history of Menorca. Similarly, Menorca museums house interesting collections of art in which you can find a wide range of works of art, from traditional crafts to contemporary art.

Source: http://www.menorca-turismo.es

Travel To Hong Kong

Once this first sensory wave has rolled over you, though, take a deep breath and start swimming with the current, because you’ll find Hong Kong is a place to delight in. Utterly safe and fantastically well organised, it offers little moments of perfection. You may find them on a plastic stool enjoying a bargain bowl of beef brisket soup or simply gazing at the thrilling harbour vistas. You’ll find them taking afternoon tea in the cool of a five-star hotel lobby or enjoying balmy open-air beers in the party zones.

Hong Kong can nudge you out of your comfort zone but usually rewards you for it, so try the stinky beancurd, sample the shredded jellyfish, brave the hordes at the city centre horseracing and join in the dawn tai chi. Escape the city limits and other experiences await – watching the sun rise from a remote mountain peak, hiking surf-beaten beaches or exploring deserted islands.

If it’s pampering you’re after, money can buy the ultimate luxuries in a city well used to serving its tiny, moneyed elite. Yet Hong Kong is also a city of simple pleasures. Most often it’s the least pricey experiences – a $2 tram or ferry ride, a whiff of incense curling from temple rafters, savouring fishing-village sundowners and seafood – that are the stuff of priceless memories.

Valued throughout Asia for its beauty and elegance, jade is an especially desired keepsake for visitors to Taipei, which has hundreds of stores specializing in jade as well as the colossal weekend Jade Market. As a long-time resident of Taiwan, I’ve been asked on more than one occasion to accompany visiting friends to purchase jade, always declining due to my lack of anything even approaching expertise. So it was good fortune indeed to be invited to take a brief course in jade identification given by the gracious Roxanne Tu, Senior Gemologist at Taipei’s Museum of Jade Art.

Roxanne brings out a velvet lined box of nine jade bracelets and announces that we’ll be starting with a test. ‘Only three of these are real jade. The others are fake. Can you tell them apart?’ The bracelets passes from hand to hand, and are h

eld to the light, examined by five pairs of eyes. When we have separated them, using nothing more than beginners instinct (disqualifying ones that look too real to be true, for example), Roxanne smiles. She does not tell us whether we’d chosen wisely or not. Instead, she asks us if we are ready to learn about jade.

Chinese New Year is celebrated around much of the world – where there’s a Chinatown there’s invariably a Chinese New Year party – but there’s something special about being in one of China’s major cities for the the high point of the Chinese year. You can expect colourful decorations but not a whole lot of public merrymaking; for the most part, this is a family festival.

Throughout the country, the weeks in the build-up to the festival are an explosion of colour, with chūnlián (spring couplets) pasted on door posts, door gods brightening up alleys and streets, and shops glistening with red and gold decorations. Work colleagues and relatives present each other with red envelopes of money and the streets ring with cries of ‘congratulations, make money’.

In Beijing, the White Cloud Temple, the Lama Temple and other temples stage entertaining miàohuì (temple fairs). Celebrations are also held in parks such as Ditan Park. At night the city echoes to the sound of continuous fireworks.

in Shanghai there’s an explosion of fireworks at midnight to welcome in the New Year and ward off bad spirits, and special services are held at Longhua Temple an

d Jing’an Temple. Top restaurants are booked out well in advance for niányèfàn (New Year’s Eve dinner). Another explosion of firecrackers on the fifth day of the New Year heralds the arrival of the God of Wealth.

Essentials: This is China’s biggest holiday and all transport and hotels are booked solid. Demand for accommodation skyrockets and prices rise steeply. Many businesses shut up shop for a week. Local

Attractions: Beijing’s major sights are clustered around the huge concrete block of Tiananmen Sq, while sections of the Great Wall of China are within day-trip range of the city. Cosmopolitan Shanghai has fast become an eastern Milan, and shoppers will feel right at home on 5km-long Nanjing Rd. Take in the best Hong Kong vista from atop 552m Victoria Peak, with views across Kowloon, the business district and Victoria Harbour.

Nothing quite matches Hong Kong from above but, then, it’s difficult to get things wrong with mountains on one side, water on

the other and skyscrapers in the middle to provide the platform. And it’s not just for thrill-seekers; fantastic views of the harbour form the backdrop of some excellent restaurants and a fair number of bars and clubs as well.

Remember, too, that it’s not just about Hong Kong from the top down. Some of the most dramatic sights in the territory are those of Hong Kong from the ground up. Just stand at the water’s edge on the promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui and you’ll understand. Views on the move are another good way to soak up Hong Kong’s uniquely energetic vistas, whether it means boarding a Star Ferry or watching an urban panorama scroll by aboard a clanking, ancient tram.

The rush of energy you get from taking in this futuristic megacity’s outline and the amazing natural topography on which it’s built is immense. You need distance and perspective to do this properly and getting as high as you can (we mean physically) is one good way to enjoy this simple thrill. Head for the Bank of China Tower designed by China-born American architect IM Pei in 1990. Take the express lift to the 43rd floor from where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view over Hong Kong.

From here you are about the same height as the Hongkong & Shanghai Bank to the northwest. It’s a pity that you aren’t allowed to go any higher, as it’s exciting swaying with the wind at the top. Even higher (though arguably not as dramatic) is the view from the windows of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Information Centre on the 55th floor of the Two International Finance Centre.

Weather

Both Hong Kong and Macau have a subtropical climate characterised by hot, humid summers and cool, relatively dry winters.

October, November and most of December are the best months to visit. Temperatures are moderate, the skies are clear and the sun shines. January and February are cloudy and cold but dry. It’s warmer from March to May, but the humidity is high, and the fog and drizzle can make getting around difficult. The sweltering heat and humidity from June to August can make sightseeing a sweaty proposition, and it is also the rainy season. September is a grand month if you like drama; the threat of a typhoon seems to loom every other day.

When to go

Hong Kong’s subtropical climate can make it a punishingly hot and humid destination during the summer months. June to mid-September is the hottest time when humidity soars. Summer is also typhoon season, when tropical storms sweep rain and high winds off the South China Sea.

Even in late spring and early autumn, wandering Hong Kong’s streets can be warm work. The best time to go climate-wise is in early spring (March and April) or late autumn (October and November), when the days are generally warm, fresh and (wind direction and mainland smoke stacks permitting) the air often clearer.Things can cool down a good deal in winter, when it can often be overcast (as opposed to merely smoggy) and temperatures may even feel chilly enough to don warmer layers.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/hong-kong

Travel To Bonaire

Bonaire is the second-largest island in the former Dutch Antilles, and has desert-like terrain offset by inviting turquoise waters. Beneath the water's surface, rainbow-hued fish drift in between coral, and many believe argue that the diving and snorkelling here is the best in the Caribbean; Bonaire's relative lack of tourism means much of its coral has gone undisturbed. For those seeking sailing or windsurfing, the characteristic windswept postures of the divi divi trees show that Bonaire's warm, dry and breezy climate is ideal for these sorts of activities.

Bonaire is highly eco-friendly and keen not to impair the fragile infrastructure of the coral, nor unsettle the island's serenity with heavy development and glitzy nightlife. Consequently, Bonaire's beautiful beaches and safe waters have remained intact. Flamingos wander the landscape of multi-hued salt plains, and multitudes of birds enjoy this paradisiacal sanctuary.

Food and Drink in Bonaire

The restaurants serve predominantly Creole cooking, particularly seafood dishes, including conch shell meat, grilled spicy fish and lobster. A variety of Chinese, French, Indonesian, Italian and international cooking can also be found. There are several hotels, restaurants and bars in Kralendijk to choose from.

Regional specialities:

• Iguana soup.
• Kabrito stoba (goat stew).
• Pika Siboyo (a popular sauce made with onions marinated in vinegar and hot peppers).
• Pastechis (plump pastries filled with spicy meat, shrimp or fish).
• Cocada (sweet cocunut candy).

Things to know:
Restaurants and bars are usually closed by midnight.

Tipping:
There is typically a 10% service charge in restaurants and a 6% tax.

Hotels in Bonaire

Hotels: There are excellent hotels and resorts on the island with good facilities for the holidaymaker, particularly in the provision of watersports equipment etc. Rates for accommodation will be approximately 20 to 40% cheaper in the off-peak season (mid April-mid December). A small room tax is added to the bill. An additional service charge of 10 to 15% may also be levied.

Bonaire History and Culture

Although 'discovered' by the Spanish explorer Amerigo Vespucci in 1499, rock inscriptions in the north of the island indicate a much earlier Amerindian presence. Spanish colonisation, which started in 1527, lasted little more than a century. By 1634, the Dutch had settled and, within two years, had consolidated their position as colonial rulers, by conquering and occupying the neighbouring islands. The Dutch West Indies Company introduced economic development schemes for which they imported hundreds of slave workers. The abolition of slavery and the end of the plantations which depended on slave labour heralded a long period of economic depression, during which the principal source of income for the bulk of the island's population were the remittances sent home by migrant workers. An indigenous economy began to emerge in the 1950s and Bonaire entered its current phase of comparative prosperity (see Business Profile).

After the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, Bonaire became a 'special municipality' or public body of The Netherlands and is under the direct administration of the European country.

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic with a Protestant minority. There are many evangelical churches of different denominations, and a new mosque has also been erected on the island.

Social conventions: Dutch customs are still prevalent throughout the islands, although they are increasingly subject to US influence. Dress is casual and lightweight cottons are advised. Bathing suits should be confined to beach and poolside areas only. Nudity is prohibited on beaches except at Sorobon Beach Resort, a privately owned nudist resort.

Source: http://www.worldtravelguide.net

Travel to Venice

Do you know why you never like to get out of the bathtub? It's because you wish you were in Venice, that's why.

Take one hundred and eighteen salt-marsh islands in the northern Adriatic. Combine them with Roman refugees and a liberal stinking of Visigoth invaders. Shake until well-mixed. Season with Crusaders, international silk trading and seamen of naval warfare. Glaze thickly with castrated Baroque sopranos and finish with a garnish of bridges. Serve on boats.

Venice is divided into six districts called "Sistieri" in Italian; that word will come in handy when you're floating hither and yon. They are Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Marco, and Castello.

Beyond these, there's Lido and Mestre. Lido is a sandbar to the east of Venice with 20,000 permanent residents and 65 tranzillion summer people. In the beginning of the 12th century, thousands of Crusaders were stuck here in Lido when they could not afford to pay transport rates for Venetian ships! See, location really IS everything.

On the west side of the Lagoon is Mestre, which has the airport, the buses, the traffic and basically everything else from modern life that you come to Venice to ignore. To be fair, for centuries now Mestre has borne the brunt of the international shipping traffic coming into Porto Marghera, while "Venice" takes all the credit. Typical older sibling.

How did it get here? Venice used its location at the top of the Adriatic to become a massive naval and commercial power. By the end of the thirteenth century, trading among the Byzantine Empire and the Muslim countries to the south had made Venice the wealthiest city in Europe.

Venice declined in stature from the 15th century. First they lost a war against the Ottoman Empire and then lost a lot of business when a sea route to India bypassed their port. The Plague came in next and wiped out a third of the citizens

But nevermind that! Venice was the center of the musical universe during Opera season. Composers, musicians and mask makers would prepare all year for the orgy of productions that came to Venice during Carnival.

Real quick -- opera was an Italian invention for combining Greek tragedies with music, theater and spectacle. It broke out of private royal courts and became a public event as of 1637, supported by a season of ticket sales before Lent. Hence opera season.

Pow, zing, wow and instant popularity. Masks were permitted to be worn in public, European dignitaries arrived from everywhere, and this was THE PLACE to be. I mean, like, imagine Louis XIV getting up on stage to prance while the orchestra freaks out and plays the ritornello a few more times until he wants to sit down again. (Orchestras don't really improvise so well).

Ever been to the movies? Thank Venice. In fact, to this day a vestige of the operatic tradition remains -- Lido hosts the Venice Film Festival in September of every year. Hint hint, late summer visit, hint hint.

Getting There

Venice is served by the The Marco Polo Airport. Here's an overview of where the airport is in relation to the city.

Now it's time to look at that map and start cheering because you can take a BOAT to and from the airport!! Traffic jams do not exist on boats. Maybe some kind of docking delay once in a while, but who's going to complain about that?

Thus Venice is yours for the taking (plus ten Euros to the boat operator).

The airport is also connected to the city by buses, which regularly run to railway stations Venice-Santa Lucia and Mestre-Venice.

You can buy bus tickets at the local tobacco shop or news stand.

Transportation

Public transportation in Venice transcends all other people-moving devices on earth. This is how city life should be, enjoyable and relaxed during every instant of the day or night.

Where on earth is the metro a primary reason for visiting? Nowhere. Usually it's the primary reason for LEAVING. Let me wipe the sweat of ugly metro-memories from my brow before we go on to this placid paradise.

Buses cross the Lagoon Bridge (Ponte della Liberta) and connect to Piazzale Roma, Venice's bus terminal.

Vaporetti are the crowded and cheap water buses that connect the canals of the city to the different islands and the lagoon. The Grand Canal is the main thoroughfare in Venice.

The Number One vaporetto goes up and down the Grand Canal, making stops in all six Sestieri.

Rialto Bridge is one of the three bridges that cross the Grand Canal - the others two are the Accademia Bridge and the Scalzi Bridge. It is dated 1591, a masterpiece of Antonio Da Ponte, after a long story of failures, disappointments, and falling wooden bridges...

Calatrava Bridge will be the fourth one.

It costs 6.5 Euro for a one hour ticket, so if you're planning to move around a bit it's probably better to get a travelcard. Ride unlimited distance for 12 hours and only pay 14Euros unless you're a dolphin.

People and Culture

Venice has a rich history and it's all slowly sinking into the sea. By pumping water for industrial uses, Venetians unintentionally removed some of the city's geological foundation. Soft mud, islands and tides did the rest.

There are a few plans to remedy this problem, including floating pontoons, pumping water back into the soil around the lagoon, or "moving upstairs."

Let's see a few details waiting to be found in Venice.

Liuteria Veneziana, creates and repairs violins, guitars and the like.

St. Giacometto one of the oldest churches in Venice.

Floating fruit market at Ponte dei Pugni

Rialto Side "narrow road means good food."

Night in Venice is for lovers. Look at that sky!

Things to do & Recommendations

Venice has restaurant night life but not disco and club night life. Young people go over to the mainland for that.

Requirement: as always, get up as high as you can and have a look around. In Venice, you'll want to go up the San Marco tower.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com; http://wikitravel.org

Traveling Hawaii

Travel to Oahu Island including Honolulu & Waikiki, Hawaii

The most populated island. On Oahu you will find the city of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and the famous North Shore known for its big wave surfing. While the island is the most populated, most of the people are concentrated in the city of Honolulu on the south shore. But on this island, you'll find rainforests, deep canyons, valleys and waterfalls, a nearly mile-high mountain range, coral reefs, and gold-sand beaches. The city proper of Honolulu -- where most of Oahu's residents live -- is approximately 12 miles wide and 26 miles long, running east to west, roughly between Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Within the city are seven hills laced by seven streams that run to Mamala Bay.

Waikiki is the main hotel zone on the island. Almost all hotels on Oahu are in Waikiki. There are 4 (mostly luxury) hotels that are outside of Waikiki. These are the Marriott Ihilani, Kahala Mandarin, Turtle Bay Resort, and the New Otani Hotel.

 Surrounding the central area is a plethora of neighborhoods, ranging from the quiet suburbs of Hawaii Kai to kamaaina (old-timer) neighborhoods like Manoa. These areas are generally quieter and more residential than Waikiki, but they're still within minutes of beaches, shopping, and all the activities Oahu has to offer.

The windward side is the opposite side of the island from Waikiki. On this coast, trade winds blow cooling breezes over gorgeous beaches; rainsqualls inspire lush, tropical vegetation; and miles of subdivisions dot the landscape. Bed-and-breakfasts, ranging from oceanfront estates to tiny cottages on quiet residential streets, are everywhere. Vacations here are spent enjoying ocean activities and exploring the surrounding areas. Waikiki is just a quick 15-minute drive away.

The North Shore is the Hawaii of Hollywood -- giant waves, surfers galore, tropical jungles, waterfalls, and mysterious Hawaiian temples. If you're looking for a quieter vacation, closer to nature, and filled with swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or just plain hanging out on some of the world's most beautiful beaches, the North Shore is your place. The artsy little beach town of Haleiwa and the surrounding shoreline seem a world away from Waikiki. The North Shore boasts good restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities -- but here they come with the quiet of country living. Bed-and-breakfasts are the most common accommodations, but there's one first-class hotel and some vacation rentals as well. Be forewarned: It's a long trip -- nearly an hour's drive -- to Honolulu and Waikiki, and it's about twice as rainy on the North Shore as in Honolulu.

 Oahu is the 3rd largest island at 604 square miles. Waikiki is only 2 square miles of the island. Many people assume that they do not need a car in Oahu. This is generally a major misconception. If you are content to only see Waikiki and not the other 98% of the island, then no car may be an option. The bus system on Oahu is OK, but do you want to waste your valuable vacation time sitting on a bus for hours at a time? Also keep in mind that a taxi is approximately $30 each way to/from Waikiki and the airport.

Travel to Maui Island, Hawaii

Maui Hawaii is the second largest island in both size and population. Maui has great beaches, shopping and attractions. The dormant volcano Haleakala is on Maui. Maui is not as busy as Oahu but much busier than Kauai or Big Island. Maui is growing very quickly and traffic is starting to become an issue as well. Lahaina is the town with the most things to do on Maui. There are great restaurants, bars, shopping, and art galleries. Maui is the most expensive island to visit. 

 Like the rest of Hawaii, dress is usually quite casual. Sports clothing or beachwear is appropriate for almost all daily activities. If you plan to do anything at higher elevations, like enjoying one of the 20-mile-long bicycle runs down Haleakala or hiking the crater, use layers and be prepared for rain or drizzle. Tropical weight evening attire (casual) will be okay for all but the fanciest nightspots.

 Winter and Spring (mid-December through mid-April) is high season for Maui when most travelers plan their trip to the island. This also means that fewer travel bargains are available and that room rates at this time will average 10%-15% higher than the rest of the year.

 Due to the prevailing trade winds, most rainfall hits the north- or northeast-facing shores, leaving the south and southwest areas relatively dry. As you make your way to various sections of Maui, it is interesting to note the differences in terrain brought about by rainfall differentials. Besides the trade winds, elevation also plays a role in determining an area's microclimate. You will encounter everything from barren lunar-like desert with cactus bunch grass to lush tropical creepers and wild ginger to a bamboo forest to stands of eucalyptus and pines. 

 There are several different hotel zones. On West Maui there is Kaanapali which has many nice hotels, a good beach, and the large Whaler Shopping Center.

 To the north of Kaanapali there is Honokowai which has mainly condominiums. The beaches are not a nice as in Kaanapali. They are sandy beaches but tend to have some coral in the water near the beach.

 Further north is Kahana, which is a stretch of mostly condominiums. The beaches there are not very good. They tend to be rocky and often only have a sandy beach at low tide.

 Next is Napili, a very nice bay and beach surrounded by condominiums. Napili Bay is great for swimming and snorkeling.

 Kapalua is the most northern development, and has only upscale properties. Kapalua Bay is very nice but the water has some coral in it. 

 In South Maui there is Wailea, which is a high-end development. Many of the best resorts on the island are located there and The beaches are very nice. The resorts tend to be more separated by distance and landscaping than the resorts on other parts of the island. This gives them a quieter, more intimate feel than the Kaanapali hotels. 

Kihei is also in South Maui. This area is mainly populated with condominiums that tend to be on the budget to moderate side. Most of the properties are across the street from the beach. Kihei has nice beaches and has a strip of small shops and restaurants across the street from the beach.  

Source: wikitravel.org; gohawaii.com

Travel to Hong Kong

Touring in Hong Kong

You can find tours to meet your every need and interest. Go sightseeing and experience our living culture and heritage. Take a day or night tour, cruise the harbour or visit outlying islands to enjoy nature at its best.

Living Culture Tours

Experience Hong Kong's rich Chinese culture and ancient traditions that live on harmoniously amid modern society. Wander through the streets of Hong Kong and discover its amazing history, culture, people and soul. Learn the secrets of feng shui or try your luck at the horseracing events. See heritage sites and traditional lifestyles up close.

• Horseracing Tour: Experience one of Hong Kong's most popular activities in style on the Come Horseracing Tour. This tour gives visitors the chance to spend either a day of racing at Sha Tin or an evening at Happy Valley in the plush comfort of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Members' Enclosure enjoying all of the heart-stopping action. Nothing sets Hong Kong abuzz with excitement quite like the thrill of horseracing. The atmosphere is exhilarating, betting is feverish and there are potentially huge rewards.
• Feng Shui Tour: Literally translated as "wind and water", feng shui is the principle of man living in harmony with nature. On the tour, you can learn about the principles of this ancient philosophy and see how it has influenced the landscape of major commercial areas.  The tour stops at Lung Cheung Road Lookout. From here, you will be shown the dragon's den, or the place with the highest concentration of the dragon energy that is reputed to have created the city's prosperity.

Hong Kong Wetland Park Tour

The Hong Kong Wetland Park is a world-class ecotourism facility and home to a stunning array of wildlife including birds, dragonflies, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and fish. The tour begins with a guided walk around the mangrove boardwalks and bird hides to get close up to some of the inhabitants. At the Visitor Centre, enjoy more splendid views of migratory birds in the surrounding Mai Po Marshes, designated as Wetlands of International Importance.

Time permitting, check out the Centre's interactive exhibits and learn more about nature, ecology and conservation. The tour also goes to the village of Lau Fau Shan at Deep Bay, which is very popular with seafood lovers. On the main street, a number of stalls offer a range of live seafood and preserved oysters ready for cooking in nearby seafood restaurants. Along the waterfront, you can see oyster farmers at work tending to their oyster beds. This is a nice spot to enjoy some of Hong Kong's coastal scenery.

Touring Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour is one of the world's busiest and most impressive natural harbours. Hong Kong's striking coastline and the countless container vessels, junks, sampans and pleasure craft gliding around the harbour create an exciting view. The spectacular backdrop of Hong Kong Island's stunning skyline will fire your imagination as darkness falls and a dazzling neon cityscape emerges. Cruises set sail from piers on either side of Victoria Harbour. Mountains on almost all sides act as a windbreaker, protecting the harbour and making it a natural shelter from the typhoons that sometimes hit the region during summer months.

• Afternoon Harbour Cruise: Enjoy a leisurely harbour cruise by stepping aboard a Chinese-style tour boat. Sail around the Harbour and take in the spectacular skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, formerly the British Royal Naval Base, HSBC Main Building, the Victoria Peak and more. The cruise takes in one of Hong Kong's oldest typhoon shelter in Yau Ma Tei, and on to the Tsing Ma Bridge, the world's longest road and rail suspension bridge which links the rest Hong Kong to the airport. The world's busiest container terminal is also nearby.

• Sunset Cruise: Join a leisurely cruise on a Chinese-style tour boat around Victoria Harbour while enjoying a magnificent sunset view and Hong Kong's magnificent harbour and city views. Comprising some of Hong Kong's most dramatic vistas, this cruise takes you on a circuit of the harbour and sails to Lei Yue Mun on the eastern tip of Kowloon Peninsula. Relax with the unlimited free drinks served on board.
  
  
  Sources: www.discoverhongkong.com; www.wikitravel.org