Friday, March 28, 2014

7 Must See Historic Sites & Museums of Venice

Few countries can claim as extensive a heritage of artistic expression as Italy. To experience Italy's art firsthand is to touch the soul of the country. From archeological sites to architecture, museums and galleries, you will discover the many ways Italy's craftsmen and artists have articulated their passion for thousands of years. Venice is home to a stunning array of museums and historic sites.

Accademia

An incomparable collection of paintings spanning five centuries through the Byzantine, Baroque, Renaissance and International Gothic periods.

Ca' d'Oro
Sitting on the Grand Canal, the "House of Gold" is a public gallery boasting an ornate gold-leaf Gothic facade.

Basilica di San Marco

The most famous church in Venice, set in St. Mark's Square, famous for its elaborate Byzantine exterior, facade mosaics and the four bronze horses that sit atop the entrance.

Museo Correr
The heart of this museum comprises the magnificent collection of Theodoro Correr, donated to the city of Venice.

Doge's Palace
A Gothic work of art on the Grand Canal, founded in the 9th century, this is the official residence of each ruler "doge" of Venice, with offices of several political institutions within.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection
A small museum in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, home of the art collection of the niece of Solomon R Guggenheim

Museo Vetrario (Murano)
This breathtaking museum showcases wonderful antique pieces of glass from the 16th and 17th centuries, when Murano was the main glass-producing center in Europe.

Start planning your Italy vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Thursday, March 27, 2014

9 Museums and Historic Sites of Rome

Founded in 754 BC by orphaned brothers Romulous and Remus, a walk through Rome is a walk through time. From the Colosseum to the Pantheon to the immaculate aqueducts and roads, the Roman Empire influenced design, engineering and architecture for centuries to come. The Vatican offers the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, housing enormous collectiong of art and the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine chapel by Michelangelo. From Bernini to Bramante, Raphael and Caravaggio, marvel at the masterpieces that embellish and define the Eternal city: paintings, sculptures, palaces and ever-flowing fountains.

Capitoline Museums
Two palaces designed by Michelangelo. The Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, containing numerous paintings and classical sculptures.

The Palantine
One of the city's premier ancient sites of Rome, displaying ruins ranging from the simple to the very luxurious.


Palazzo Corsini and the National Gallery of Antique Art
Originally the Palace of the Corsini Family who, upon the state's acquisition, donated their many paintings, essentially founding the national art collection.

Museo Nazionale
One of the world's leading museums of Classical art housing many antiquities. It have five branches: Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian, the Aula Ottagona, the Crypta Balbi and the Palazzo Massimo.

Vatican Museums
Residence of the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, including many of the most important and unique art collections on earth.

Roman Forum
The central area around which the commerce of ancient Rome developed in the 2nd century BC. Its vivid remains demonstrate the use of municipal places during the era.

The Pantheon
Complete in 27 BC this circular temple, dedicated to "all the giods," is Rome's most well-preserved ancient building.

The Colosseum
Rome's greatest amphitheater, capable of seating 55,000 spectators. It was used for deadly gladiatorial combats and ferocious animal fights staged by the emperors and wealthy citizens.

MACRO
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome, built at the beginning of the 20th century on a large industrial complex, is now a dynamic center of cultural activity.


Start planning your Italy vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations.



Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Hotel Spotlight: Westin Hotel, Zagreb

Westin Hotel
Izidora Kršnjavoga 1 : Zegreb 10000 : CROATIA : Phone 385 1 489 2000

The Westin Zagreb is a 5 Star landmark hotel centrally located in the very heart of Zagreb. The hotel is situated in a leafy green area adjacent to the Mimara Museum and world famous National Theater and Opera House, and is within easy walking distance to central square, markets, the many trendy cafes, restaurants, designer boutiques, rich cultural attractions and capital city business destinations.

Start planning your European Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Best of Russia, Baltic, and Warsaw - Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Included Features

  • First class hotels, rooms with private facilities
  • Service charges and hotel taxes
  • Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Airport transfers
  • Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Professional Tour Director throughout
  • Luggage handling
  • Headsets will be provided for included sightseeing tours, so you can easily hear your guide's commentary

Sightseeing

  • Moscow
  • Novgorod
  • St. Petersburg
  • Tallinn
  • Riga
  • Vilnius
  • Warsaw

Hotels

Travel to Europe with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Monday, March 24, 2014

10 Artsy Must Sees of Florence

Built by the Romans and immortalized by the Renaissance, Florence affords an unforgettable voyage through timeless art and architecture. Savor the contrast between the Boboli Garden's green, groomed perfection, Brunelleschi's bold red-tiled Duomo and Giotto's 14th century Campanile in red, white and green marble. Gothic and Romanesque facades joust for attention on the churches of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella. Priceless works by Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo and Da Vinci fill the halls of the Uffizzi Gallery, Within the Brancacci Chappel Masaccio's Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden, their shame and despair palapable. Meanwhile, on the Ponte Vecchio, the latest generation of craftsmen fashion unique art one can wear. It's as if the Renaissance never ceased: Florence's enlightment continues to enchant the world. Be enlightened by these 10 artsy must sees in Florence:

Galleria dell'Accademia
Founded in 1563, the first school in Europe to teach the methods of painting, drawing and sculpture.

Bargello Museum

Formerly a town hall and prison, this houses Italy's finest collection of Renaissance sculpture.

Archeological Museum
Home to a vast collection of Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Features works, carvings and tools by Donatello, Brunelleschi and Luca della Robbia, plus a section dedicated to the history of the Duomo.

Museum of the History of Science
Dedicated to astronomy, mathematics and navigation

Pitti Palace
Built by Brunelleschi for banker Luca Pitti, later purchased by the Medici, contains several museums including the Palatine Gallery, the Royal Apartments, the Silverware Museum, the Modern Art Gallery and the Boboli Gardens

Uffizi Gallery
Italy's supreme art gallery, created by architect Vasari, contains an unparalleled collection of paintings from Italy's best known masters.

San Lorenzo
The Medici family parish church contains the Medici Chapels and mausoleum, as well as works by Donatello, Michelangelo and Brunelleschi.

Brancacci Chapel

Built inside the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, famous for the frescoes on the Life of St. Peter started by Masolino and his pupil Masaccio and competed by Filippino Lippi.

Santa Croce
A Gothic church containing the tombs of famous Florentines, such as Michelangelo, Machiavello and Galileo. Alongside is the Pazzi Chapel designed by Brunelleschi.

Start planning your vacation to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Carlow Garden Trail


With Spring in the air, now is the time to hit the Carlow Garden Trail, a collection of 18 different gardening attractions including great old gardens that have been lovingly restored and maintained throughout the years, and smaller gardens which are maturing beautifully with time. Award winning garden centers and forest parks compliment the joy of a visit here. The Garden Trail ranges from small to very large gardens, garden centers and forest parks; and from old to new, so there is something to stimulate both the novice and the experienced gardener.

Visitors have the opportunity to follow Ireland's first ever dedicated gardening trail which features identifiable road signs linking all 18 attractions. The trail can be driven in a day if so desired but naturally visitors are encouraged to relax and enjoy the remarkable beauty of these gardens, garden centers and forest parks at a more leisurely pace! the trail can be joined at any gardening attrcation and driven in either direction while large map boards are located in the grounds of each participating center providing further information. Visit www.carlowgardentrail.com for more details on the trail and each gardening attraction. Please check with each gardening attraction regarding opening times and admission rates.

Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow t: 059- 9159444
Widely respected as the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown, Altamont Gardens are an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens with riverside walks covering over 40 acres (16 hectares). Altamont is a great experience at any time of year starting in spring with the wonderful snowdrop collection, one of the largest in Ireland and moving on to daffodils and other spring bulbs. Rhododendrons, azaleas and later on the rose collection is in full bloom in mid-summer, followed by contrasting autumnal colours and the beautiful silhouettes of the mighty trees in mid-winter.

Altamont Plant Sales - The Walled Garden @ Altamont, Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow t: 087-9822135
An unmissable highlight of a visit to Altamont Gardens is the Walled Garden situated within the grounds of the estate and run privately by gardener and nursery man Robert Miller. The area consists primarily of the Corona North Commemorative Border planted to honour the late Corona and Altamont Plant Sales and Nursery. Always renowned for its extensive range of herbaceous perennials, Altamont Plant Sales can boast of having one of the largest collections of old shrub roses available for sale to the gardening public year round.


Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre & Arboretum Inspirational Gardens, Kilkenny Road (N9), Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow t: 059-9721558
Commitment to excellent customer service, quality products, unbeatable choice and value for money has earned the Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven the coveted title of Bord Bia Garden Centre of the Year and Best Customer Service Award on numerous occasions. Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven is far more than a place for the gardening enthusiast. Spacious and well laid out, the centre guides visitors through elegant displays of garden furnishings, pot plants, outdoor plants, an extensive gift section, hand crafted furniture and lots more.

Helping visitors to create their own dreams, the Arboretum Inspirational Gardens allows people to see that gardening can be enjoyed in any busy lifestyle. The concept behind this design was to create a garden that is easy to care for, demands low maintenance and delivers endless enjoyment. The gardens feature a children’s maze which is a maximum height of 1 metre while families can also pay a visit to the fun mud hut or visit the friendly koi who live in the pond.

 


Ashlawn Garden Centre, Donore, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow t: 059-9721175
Conveniently situated close to the town of Bagenalstown in an open country setting,  Ashlawn Garden Centre is a family-run business where excellent service and advice is on hand in a friendly and informative manner. Ashlawn Garden Centre offers a wide range of healthy trees, shrubs, roses and perennials at outstandingly good value while the new 3,000 square feet shop stocks a large selection of sprays, sprayers, terracotta and glazed pots, tools, pet accessories,  fountains, lights and bird baths, seasonal bulbs and seeds.

Delta Sensory Gardens and Garden Centre, Strawhall Estate, Carlow t: 059-9143527
Delta Sensory Gardens consist of a series of interconnecting gardens of a multi-sensory nature covering 2.5 acres (1 hectare). The gardens offer something for every season from thousands of daffodils and tulips in spring to the abundant double flowering gorse in summer and the rustic colour of the many trees and beech hedges in autumn and into winter. The amazing water features will take your breath away, with splashing fountains, cascading waterfalls and the kugal, one ton of pink marble floating on a cushion of water.


Duckett’s Grove Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, Duckett’s Grove, Carlow
t: Carlow Tourist Office 059-9131554

Duckett’s Grove, the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth-century home of the Duckett family, was formerly at the centre of a 20,000 acre estate that has dominated the Carlow landscape for over 300 years. Even in ruin, the surviving towers and turrets of Duckett’s Grove form a romantic profile making it one of the most photogenic historic buildings in the country. The revival of two old walled gardens has been completed by Carlow County Council, the old paths revealed and the beds and borders reinstated. Stylistically the new planting schemes echo the past yet reflect changing fashions, utilising plants and planting patterns that may have evolved over time.

 



Hardymount Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow. t: 059-9151769
One of the largest Spanish chestnuts in the country greets you on arrival to 2.5 acres (1 hectare) of lawns and shrubs surrounded by magnificent beech and oak trees. A wonderful walled garden behind the house contains many unusual plants and flowers in the herbaceous border. The grass paths take you past the pond with lilies and fish to espaliered apple trees, a pergola clothed with wisteria and underplanted with hollyhocks and foxgloves and on to a vegetable garden.  A summer house at the end of the garden in a sheltered corner provides a quiet area for rest and relaxation.

Herb Gardens at Kilgraney House, Borris Road, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow t: 059-9775283
This gardening attraction features an enclosed kitchen garden consisting of gravel paths and eleven raised timber beds of varying sizes grouped to form a modern rectangular ‘’potager’’. Next to the kitchen garden is the tea walk, a short gravel path lined on one side with plants suitable for infusions and herbal teas. The medicinal garden, set in a granite courtyard, consists of nine raised beds in Irish oak timber.  In a lower courtyard is an aromatic garden planted with herbs for fragrance and also for their usefulness in cosmetic preparations. A medieval monastic herb garden and a circular cosmic garden also form part of the attraction.

 


Huntington Castle and Gardens, Clonegal, Co. Carlow t: 053-9377160
These gardens were mainly laid out in the seventeenth-century and include the French limes on the Avenue, the “parterre” or lawns to the side of the house, the fish ponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness and the Yew Tree Walk. A lake at the bottom of the wilderness was built for ornamental purposes but next to it is one of the earliest water turbine houses in Ireland, providing Huntington with its own electricity as early as 1888.

Leighlinbridge: The Garden Village, t: Mary Meaney, Secretary, Leighlinbridge Improvement Group 086-6027751
Leighlinbridge enjoys a range of gardens, built and designed by the local community to commemorate various aspects of village life over the years. These include the Millennium Garden, seven small individual gardens, each with its own theme represented by trees, shrubs and Carlow stone. The Vivaldi Garden is based on Vivaldi’s musical concerto The Four  Seasons while the Garden of Remembrance commemorates important occasions in the history of the village. The Sculpture Garden is dedicated to three of Leighlinbridge’s most famous sons – Cardinal Patrick Francis Moran, John Tyndall, the mountaineer and scientist and Captain Myles Keogh, second in command to General Custer.

Morgan’s Garden Centre, Green Road, Carlow t: 059-9143092
Morgan’s Garden Centre was established in 1988 on the outskirts of Carlow Town. It has since become known as a retailer of plants of the highest standard including many Irish varieties and plants grown and nurtured on site. They carry a range of garden accessories and gardening solution products to deal with your growing pains!



Oak Park Forest Park, outskirts of Carlow town t: Carlow Tourist Office, College Street, Carlow 059-9131554
Ideal for leisurely strolls and walks, a visit here is a relaxing and pleasurable experience and a must for any visitor to Co. Carlow. Colour coded circular walkways of varying lengths with excellent accessible surfaces and easy gradients make this an enjoyable experience for young and old alike. The park is a mature, mixed species woodland of over 120 acres with a predominance of beech, oak, scots pine, silver fir, larch and sycamore. Boasting a rich diversity of wildlife, the lakes and their surrounds provide a habitat for swans and ducks, while the islands shelter many wild and game birds.

Rathvilly Garden Centre, Rathvilly (on N81), Co. Carlow  t: 059-9161594/087-8344582
Rathvilly Garden Centre is a family-run business offering a comprehensive range of home grown bedding plants and shrubs for the gardening enthusiast. This country garden centre is set on 5 acres (2 hectares) with a 1 acre (.5 hectare) amenity garden with picnic and children’s play area.  A large covered plant area also includes a fine gift shop while the garden centre features a range of bulbs, seeds, garden tools and a large selection of trees, shrubs, container pots, fruit trees, patio slabs, outdoor pots, moss peat, trellis and fencing.

Rathwood, Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow t: 059-9156285
Rathwood is a multi-award winning family owned centre with a fashionable gift and garden shop, elite furniture and interiors shop, a bright, busy restaurant with home baking and a Mediterranean style garden centre and courtyard. It is simply a treasure chest of interesting and unusual ideas, displayed in room-by-room style to help you create the home and garden of your dreams. 

 


Rath Wood Forest Walks, Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow t: 059-9156285
The Forest Walks, extending over 4 kilometres, have been carefully planned to include a short leisurely wheelchair accessible walk to the pond and a longer looped “Molloy Walk”. This working forest is a valuable and rewarding educational tool, given the vast ecological resources of flora, wildlife and tree species contained within its 185 acre (75 hectares) boundaries. Expect to see deer, rabbits, mink, foxes, pheasants and dragonflies among others. The forest contains a great variety of tree species including beech, oak, sitka spruce, norway spruce, birch, douglas fir and alder.



Whether visiting Ireland in Spring, Summer or Fall follow the Carlow Garden Trail for enchanting gardens, spectacular vistas and historic houses. Start planning your Ireland vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Hotel Spotlight: Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Warsaw

Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel
Grzybowska 24 : 00-132 Warsaw : POLAND : Phone 48-22-321-8888

Radisson SAS Hotel is located in the city center, close to the Palace of Science and Culture and within walking distance to the Old Town and most of the tourist highlights of Warsaw. The distance to the Warsaw International Airport is 12 km and to the main railway station 0,5 km. The capital of Poland is a meeting place for politicians, economists, artists and tourists of all nationalities. Warsaw's 1.7 million inhabitants are known for their sense of humor and hard working habits.

Start planning your European Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Northern Croatia - Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Included Features

  • First class hotels, rooms with private facilities
  • Service charges and hotel taxes
  • Breakfast daily and 4 dinners
  • 1 wine tasting as per itinerary
  • Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Professional English speaking Tour Director throughout
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Luggage handling
  • Headsets will be provided for included sightseeing tours, so you can easily hear your guide's commentary

Sightseeing

  • Zagreb
  • Osijek
  • Vukovar
  • Varazdin

Hotels

Travel to Europe with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Friday, March 14, 2014

St. Patrick's Day Resources for Little Elves

Ireland is a huge draw for family friendly vacations. You will find plenty of outdoor activities from hiking and horseback riding to sailing and surfing, magical locales such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giants Causeway, cooking classes, leisure centers, children's museums and even a Leprechaun Museum! From myths and legends to ancient history and scenic beauty, Ireland abounds with opportunities for your family getaway.

Planning a family getaway to Ireland? These great activities are sure to get your children's imagination running wild with thoughts of Ireland this St. Patrick's Day!

Make a Leprechaun Trap: The lore of the leprechaun has been passed down for centuries, and these magical elves are especially notorious for causing mischief the night before St. Patrick's Day. Fortunately, there's a way to fight back. Our simple-to-create leprechaun trap will help you and your family capture the troublemakers -- or at the very least, receive a few gold chocolate coins for your trouble. Check it out!

St. Patrick's Day Recipes and Activities for Kids: From a gold coin hunt to a fresh take on the age-old game "Hot Potato", these activities are sure to get you thinking green. Check it out!



Irish Archeological Game: This fun game teaches children about the ancient history of Ireland. Check it out!

Irish Folklore and Mythology: The myths and legends of Ireland overflow with giants and heroes, maidens, battles and brave deeds. In addition to what you may experience at the museum, this site will give an insight into the many adventures in Irish imagination. Check it out!




Now that you and your family are excited about traveling to Ireland, start planning your trip with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Carlow County Museum - a Snapshot of Ireland's History and Heritage

From ancient archeological treasures and industrial history to notable personalities, transportation and sporting memorabilia; Carlow County Museum is a treasure trove for the history buff, genealogical researcher and tourist alike.

With over 5000 artifacts, the Museum's collection spans a wide range of periods and  topics including natural history specimens, stone and bronze age archaeological objects, coins, medals, stamps, religious objects, military and police artifacts and memorabilia, agricultural implements, trade, craft and industrial items, sporting memorabilia and a large collection of photographs and archival material. Just over an hour outside of Dublin city, the Carlow County Museum gives a snapshot of the wonderful history and heritage of the county.

Among the items on display is the famous and magnificent 19th century hand carved pulpit from Carlow Cathedral. The pulpit has been included in the book ‘A History of Ireland in 100 Objects’ by Fintan O’Toole, winner of the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2013 ‘Best Irish-published Book of the Year’. The pulpit is over 20ft tall and is made entirely of oak. Also on view is the original gallows trapdoor from the Carlow Gaol which was used during the 19th century for public executions. See the wooden smoking pipe of Captain Myles Keogh, who was killed at the infamous Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. Myles was among the last to be killed in the battle and his horse Comanche survived the battle. Find out about the great 19th century scientist John Tyndall who was the first person to discover the greenhouse effect and has a peak in the Alps named after him. The Museum is home to the remains of the last cigarette smoked by Kevin Barry, a medical student from Co. Carlow was executed in 1920 in Mountjoy Gaol, Dublin at the age of 18 for his role in the Irish War of Independence.


Carlow County Museum is located in the former Presentation Convent on College Street, just off Tullow Street, the main street of Carlow Town. The building is part of a complex that also houses the Tourist Office, the County Library and Archive.

Visit Carlow County Museum and see what you are missing, admission is free. Start planning your self-drive tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

Carlow County Museum & Carlow Tourist Office,
College Street,
Carlow Town,
Co. Carlow,
Ireland 

GPS coordinates: 52.836559, -6.928314

Tel:        00353 – 59 - 9131554
Fax:        00353 - 59 - 9142249
Email:        museum@carlowcoco.ie
Web:         www.carlowcountymuseum.com

Museum Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 4.30pm September to May
Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm June - August
Sundays & Banks Holidays 2.00pm - 4.30pm June – August
Free Admission. (Last admission half hour before closing)
For groups pre-book a Free Guided Tour (10 people +)
Wheelchair Access.

Hotel Spotlight: Lacroma Hotel, Dubrovnik

Lacroma Hotel
Iva Dulcica 34 : Dubrovnik 20000 : CROATIA : Phone 385 52 465 400

Nestled in glorious seclusion amidst the lush greenery of the Babin Kuk peninsula, the ultra-modern resort sets the standard for Croatian hospitality. Spectacular sea views and stylish interiors are just the foundations of what is truly an awe-inspiring resort.

Start planning your European Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Hotel Spotlight: Hilton Stadtpark, Vienna

Hilton Stadtpark
Am Stadtpark 1, A - 1030 : Vienna : AUSTRIA : Phone 43-1-717000

Home to Vienna's premier conference center, the Hilton Vienna hotel features meeting space for two to 840 delegates across a choice of 17 flexible meeting rooms and a business center. Set in the heart of Vienna,

Rooms: Enjoy thoughtful amenities in each of the 579 guest rooms at Hilton Vienna. Each guest room is decorated in bright shades of beige and honey. Comfortable desks, cozy armchairs, wool carpets and carefully-designed lighting all contribute to the experience.
Location: The Hilton Vienna hotel is situated just 16 minutes from Vienna International Airport by the city airport train.
Restaurants: Try modern Austrian cuisine on the alfresco terrace of S'PARKS restaurant or enjoy Austrian wines and Viennese coffees at the Lobby Bar & Lounge at this Vienna hotel.


Start planning your European Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Zagreb to Venice - Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Included Features

  • First class hotels, rooms with private facilities
  • Service charges and hotel taxes
  • Breakfast daily and 8 dinners
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Professional Tour Director throughout
  • Luggage handling
  • Headsets will be provided for included sightseeing tours, so you can easily hear your guide's commentary

Sightseeing

  • Zagreb
  • Sarajevo
  • Dubrovnik
  • Split
  • Plitvice Lakes
  • Opatija
  • Ljubljana
  • Bled
  • Postojna Cave
  • Venice

Hotels

Travel to Europe with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Monday, March 10, 2014

5 Must See Museums and Historic Sites in Naples

Few countries can claim as extensive a heritage of artistic expression as Italy. To experience Italy's art firsthand is to touch the soul of the country. From archeological sites to architecture, museums and galleries, you will discover the many ways Italy's craftsmen and artists have articulated their passion over thousands of years. Naples is home to some of Italy's great art.

Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte
The museum holds the works of Raphael, Perugino, Titian and Botticelli.

National Archeological Museum

One of the world's most important archeological museums, rebuilt in the late 1600's as the core of Naples University.

The Royal Palace
Behind its beautiful facade are great halls of furniture and paintings, the Biblioteca Nazionale and a small private theater.

Filagieri Museum
Built within the Renaissance Palazzo Cuomo this museum offers collections of porcelain, paintings, archeological fins, manuscripts and embroidery.

Duomo di San Gennaro
Within the Duomo is the very lavish San Gennaro Chapel housing the relics of the patron Saint of Naples.

To experience Italy's art firsthand is to touch the soul of the country. Start planning your vacation to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations



Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Angelo, Prague

Hotel Angelo
Radlicka 1-G - Praha 5 : Prague 150 00 : CZECH REPUBLIC : Phone 420 234 801 111

From Prague’s Andel neighbourhood – “andel” means “angel” in Czech – in the hip and trendy Smíchov quarter, the city’s most interesting sights and attractions are just minutes away. Conveniently located near the most important motorways, the hotel is also easily accessible by car and from the airport

Start planning your European Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Croatia Express - Escorted Tour

Included Features

  • First class hotels, rooms with private facilities
  • Service charges and hotel taxes
  • Breakfast daily and 4 dinners
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Touring by modern air-conditioned motor coach as per itinerary
  • Professional English speaking Tour Director
  • Luggage handling
  • Headsets will be provided for included sightseeing tours, so you can easily hear your guide's commentary

Sightseeing

  • Zagreb
  • Plitvice
  • Split
  • Island Hvar
  • Dubrovnik
  • Montenegro

Hotels

Start planning your European Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Monday, March 3, 2014

6 Museums and Historic Sites of Turin, Italy

Few countries can claim as extensive a heritage of artistic expression. To experience Italy's art firsthand is to touch the soul of the country. From archeological sites to architecture, museums and galleries, you will discover the many ways Italy's craftsmen and artists have articulated their passion over thousands of years. Here are a few of the must-see museums and historic sites of Turin, Italy.

Palazzo Reale
The seat of the royal Savoy family until the 1861 unification of Italy took place, displaying ornately decorated apartments, and splendid ceilings painted by Seyter, Miel and Morelly.

Armeria Reale
A wing of the Palazzo Reale, opened in 1837 containing one of the richest collections of arms and armory.

Mole Antonelliana
One of Turin's foremost symbols of architecture, it now houses the National Museum of Cinema.

Museo Egizio
The Egyptian Museum of Turin was establishing in 1824, with antiquities from about 4000BC to 639 AD.

Museo dell'Auto
One of the largest auto museums in the world and the only one of its kind in Italy, this stylistically modern building houses a collection of 170 cars.

Pinacoteca Agnelli
Architect Renzo Piano built this structure atop the Fiat building, featuring the private collection of Giovanni and Marella Agnelli, including works from Canaletto, Canola and Matisse.

Start planning your vacation to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

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